DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] With reference to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. la- 8 thereof, an automatic swinging device constructed in accordance with the present invention, generally denoted by reference numeral 10 (see FIG. 1 b ), is shown. This automatic swing device of the present invention is designed and configured to be attached to a conventional seat apparatus, such as a bench or the like. This will provide for the device to support the seat apparatus in an elevated position so as to permit swinging to commence. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention can be located on the base of a conventional seat device designed to rock. This will provide for the present invention to rock the seat automatically when desired and also allow for the user to rock the chair manually when desired. This will provide for the seat to be located on the ground and not necessitate for the seat to be in an elevated position. Consequently rendering an apparatus that is versatile and one that can be secured to any type or style of seat apparatus so as to enabling rocking or swinging to commence as desired by the user.

[0040] The present invention, when coupled to the seat apparatus, will enable swinging to occur automatically when desired or, optionally, manually, if so desired. This will provide for a final product ideally suited for use with any style or type of seating apparatus, such as, but not limited to; benches, chairs, leisure furniture, swings, hammocks, lounge chairs, reclining furniture, therapeutic furniture, cribs, bassinet, beds, rope swings, tanning beds, sofas, park benches, rideable stuffed animals, bean bag, or the like, in which the user wishes to be swung automatically, if desired, and manually, when desired or the like. The use of such a device will enhance conventional seating apparatus by providing a final product that produces a natural rhythm of the swinging motion without the feel of any forced motion or any effort from the passenger. The unit is compact in size and dimension so as to provide for a final product that is non-obtrusive to the consumer and ultimately adding to the comfort but not diminishing the aesthetics of the conventional seat apparatus.

[0041] To allow for automatic swing to occur, the present invention, as seen in FIG. 1 a comprises a power unit that is coupled to a driven unit via an energy-connecting element. This driven unit is coupled to the conventional swinging apparatus (i.e. bench, chair or the like). An actuating unit is located between the driven unit and power unit, for initiating each swing cycle. The power unit is structured so as to produce a pushing or pulling force so as to enable the seat to swing (or rock). The energy-connecting element is a mechanical element that renders power to be transferred from the power unit to the driven unit. The driven unit dampens power so as to provide for a smoother motion and thus provide for a natural rhythm of the swinging motion. The actuating unit initiates the energy cycle so as to enable the user the option of swinging automatically or manually when desired. Optionally, to enhance the present invention, a swing angle adjustment can be provided. This will allow the user to adjust the angle of the swing. Innately providing the option of a high swing or low swing.

[0042] As seen in FIG. 1 b, the present invention 10 comprises a main frame 12 a and a floating unit 12 b . The main frame 12 a will support the power unit, energy connection element, driven unit and actuating unit of the present invention. In use, in the elevated mode, the main frame 12 a will be located above and on a first side of the conventional seat while the floating unit will be located above and on the opposite or second side of the conventional seat. It is noted that the main frame can be used alone to support and swing a seat and this configuration is shown in FIG. 7 a . As seen a singular unit, in combination with a support rod provides the support as well as the swing motion. Alternatively, this main frame can be secured to the base of a conventional seat designed for rocking, so as to provide for a unit that can rock, and thus need not be elevated, as shown in FIG. 8 .

[0043] When two units, the main frame 12 a and the floating unit 12 b are utilized each unit provides a means to fasten the hanging medium, which is used to suspend furniture. The members of the frame structure 12 a and 12 b can be conventional angle iron, which has been utilized to produce favorable results. However, it is noted that other material can be utilized so as to provide adequate and efficient support to the components used in the automatic swing device. As seen in FIG. 1 b, extending upwardly from each frame are frame mounts M. The frame mounts are used to attach each member to a desired support.

[0044] The use of two units, main frame 12 a and floating unit 12 b , renders an overall apparatus that can be coupled to any conventional seat apparatus, regardless of size and length. In addition, the use of main frame 12 a and floating unit 12 b will add to the versatility of the present invention by providing a swinging unit that can be attached to any desired support, such as ceiling beams, A-frame or any form of sound structure. The structure of the mainframe provides a unit that can be use independently, so as to provide for a unit that can be located above or to the base of a conventional seat apparatus; or optionally, the mainframe can be coupled to a floating unit for increasing its usability and attachability.

[0045] As seen in FIGS. 1 b, 2 and 3 , the main frame 12 a comprises a drive support 14 . The purpose of the drive support is to maintain the power unit. As seen in the drawings, the power unit is secured to this support via conventional means. The power unit comprises an energy source, such as the use of motor, 16 , as illustrated. It is noted that any conventional energy source can be utilized; however a fractional horsepower gear motor has been used to produce favorable results.

[0046] To reduce vibration generally associated with the power unit, dampening pads 18 can be utilized. Dampening pads 18 will dampen and absorb the vibrations of the power unit.

[0047] The energy source 16 , as shown in FIGS. 1 b, 2 and 3 is connected to a power shaft 20 via a coupling 22 . The power shaft 20 extends through a bearing assembly 24 (shown in FIG. 3 ). From the bearing assembly 24 , the power shaft 20 is inserted into a clutch 26 .

[0048] In this invention, the energy source, or motor, 16 runs continuously while the clutch 26 transfers power to a hanging arm 28 a , dependent upon the activation unit (manual or automatic). A hanging arm will be located on each unit, thus providing for a hanging arm to be located on the main frame as well as on the floating unit. The desired item to be supported and swung via the present invention will be secured to the hanging arm by way of a coupling unit, such as the use of a shaft, rope, chain or the like. This configuration is shown in FIG. 7 b , wherein one end of a chain is secured to the hanging arm and its second end is secured to the lounge chair. Innately providing for the movement of the swing arm to inherently cause the coupling unit to move; thus causing hung item to be swung. Accordingly, it is seen that the gear motor and clutch constitutes the power unit of the present invention. It is noted that other means can be utilized for the energy source, such as, but not limited to: the use of a motor-belt-pulley arrangement; the use of a solenoid; the use of a magnetic system; the use of a ratcheting system; or the like. Thereby providing for any combination for the power unit.

[0049] Secured to the output of the clutch 26 , shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a rotating arm 30 . Secured to the outer end of the rotating arm 30 is a bearing 50 .

[0050] During the operation mode, the clutch 26 is engaged and will cause the rotating arm 30 to rotate, innately causing activation of the swing unit. To enable or disable the clutch 26 , an activation unit is utilized. The activation unit comprising a clutch pedal 34 that maintains the clutch control point 36 . As seen in FIG. 3 , the clutch 26 includes a groove (partially illustrated, but not labeled) for receiving the control point 36 . When the control point 36 is located within the groove, the clutch does not rotate. Thus the swing device is in a rest position.

[0051] Movement of the clutch pedal 34 is achieved by the use of a horizontal linkage 38 . This horizontal linkage 38 is connected to the clutch pedal 34 on one end via a return spring 40 and an activation arm 42 (shown in FIG. 3 ) on the opposite end.

[0052] The activation arm 42 is secured to the hanging arm 28 a near the main shaft 44 a and is hinged at this point. Bumper 46 is secured to the top end of the activation arm 42 to provide a means of contact to the hanging arm 28 a so as to control the linkage movement. Thereby providing for the bumper 46 to dampen impact to the linkage assembly and control movement to the horizontal linkage 38 .

[0053] As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the clutch pedal is in contact with the control point or stop point 36 to provide for a non-operational mode. To enable operation, the clutch pedal 34 is pulled away by the movement of the main frame's hanging arm 28 a , thus disengaging contact with the stop point 36 and enabling the clutch 26 to rotate and initiate the transferring of power to maintain the swinging motion.

[0054] Initiation of the rotation of clutch 26 occurs when the top of the main frame's hanging arm 28 a is moving away from clutch 26 . This will provide for the hanging arm to strike bumper 46 that is secured to the activation arm 42 . Bumping this bumper 46 will provide for the horizontal linkage 38 to pull the clutch pedal 34 away from the stop point on the clutch 26 .

[0055] The linkage 38 constitutes the actuating unit and thus initiates the energy cycle. The linkage 38 is shown as a mechanical element, but it is noted that other linkage assemblies can be used, such as, but not limited to, the use of electronic sensors, switches or the like.

[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the energy-connecting element provides a means for conveying energy from the power unit to the main frame's hanging arm 28 a . Shown, as the energy-connecting element is a chain 48 . It is noted that other elements can be utilized, such as cable, bungee cords, chain, rope or the like. For illustrative purposes, a chain is shown. One end of the chain 48 is secured to bearing 50 on the rotating arm and its opposite end of the chain is secured to a torsion spring 52 . The torsion spring 52 is fitted over a mandrel 54 and acts as the driven unit. This torsion spring will dampen power to the main shaft. It is noted that other elements can be used to dampen the power to the main shaft. These elements include, but are not limited to compression spring, extension spring, pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder or the like.

[0057] The mandrel 54 is secured to the main frame-hanging arm 28 a . The torsion spring 52 produces a dampening effect, thus cushioning the forces of the power unit, but allowing the required energy to be transferred to the hanging arm 28 a in order to maintain the natural swinging rhythm.

[0058] The main frame's hanging arm 28 a is permanently connected to the main shaft 44 a via conventional means such as welding or the like. This assembly is supported on the main frame 12 a by inserting each end of the main shaft 44 a into pillow block bearings 56 . This will provide for the main frame's hanging arm 28 a to be fixed and sandwiched between the bearings (see FIG. 3 ). The pillow block bearings 56 are secured to the main frame 12 a . This configuration will provide the main shaft to be supported on the main frame via the bearings, as well as enable the main shaft 44 a to rotate freely within the bearings. These bearings allow for a very smooth motion to the hanging structure as compared to conventional S-hooks. As seen in FIGS. 1 b - 3 , the main shaft extends beyond the bearings so as to enable a coupling to be secured thereto. This coupling is optional and will permit for an optional shaft 58 to be employed. This optional shaft will be used to couple the floating unit with the main frame.

[0059] To enhance the present invention, a means of changing the swing angle is provided. This means of adjusting is illustrated in FIGS. 1 b - 3 and 5 . As seen, to adjust the swing angle, the distance between the bearing 50 and the torsion spring 52 must be variable. The closer the distance, the smaller the swing angle. The greater the distance, the greater the swing angle. Fitting an adjusting arm 62 into one of the given slots at the bottom of the main frame hanging arm 28 a forces the spring positioner 60 to change the distance accordingly as shown. Thus, the hanging arm 28 will deviate from vertical center to a lower or higher degree.

[0060] When the adjusting arm 62 is set for maximum swing angle and the swing has reached the full distance (top of the main frame hanging arm 28 a further away from clutch 26 ) in the backward direction, there is very little slack in the chain 48 . Therefore, the main frame's hanging arm 28 a endures a longer duration of applied force produced by the rotating arms 30 cycle. Therefore, more energy is applied to keep up with the loss by friction over a greater swing angle. Conversely, if the adjusting arm 62 is set for minimum swing angle, there is more slack in the chain 48 and the main frame hanging arm 28 a endures a lesser duration of applied force produced by the rotating arm 30 resulting in a minimum swing angle. Thus, it is seen that the user controls the swing angle by merely sitting in the seat and swinging to the desired angle so as to set the swing angle and enable continuous swing at that particular chosen angle.

[0061] It is noted that a linkage assembly is used for the swing angle adjustment, however, other devices can be used in order to adjust the angle of the swing. These devices include, but are not limited to, CAMS, screws, multi-hole brackets or the like.

[0062] The floating unit 12 b can be seen in FIGS. 1 b and 4 and is used to secure the opposite end of the furniture from the main frame 12 a side. To configure this, a floating unit hanging arm 28 b is permanently connected to the floating shaft 44 b via conventional means, such as welding or the like. This assembly is supported to the floating frame (or floating unit 12 b ) by inserting each end of the floating shaft 44 b into the pillow block bearings 56 with the floating unit's hanging arm 28 b sandwiched therebetween. One end of the floating shaft 44 b extends out beyond the pillow block bearing 56 enough to accept a coupling in the event the optional shaft 58 is employed. This optional shaft will enable coupling between the main frame and the floating device. This configuration of utilization of the optional shaft 58 is shown in FIGS. 6 b and 6 c . Each pillow bock bearing 56 is secured to the floating frame 12 b . This configuration will enable the floating shaft 44 b to rotate freely about the pillow block bearings so as to allow for the hanging arm to pivot as desired. Mounting brackets M are a part of the floating frame 12 b and are used to secure the floating frame 12 b to a support structure. Thus, it is seen that the mounting brackets constitute the attaching assembly.

[0063] To illustrate the swing cycle, refer to FIGS. 1 b, 2 , and 3 . As the top of the main frame's hanging arm 28 a is rotating away from the clutch 26 , such as when an individual sits on the seat supported by the present invention, and pushes himself back, the clutch pedal 34 releases the clutch 26 through the movement of the horizontal linkage. This will cause for the rotation of the rotating arm 30 . The rotating arm 30 is now transferring energy through the chain 48 onto the torsion spring 52 , which is secured to the main frame's hanging arm 28 a.

[0064] At this moment, the main frame's hanging arm 28 a is reversing direction naturally and the force produced on the torsion spring 52 produces the needed energy to maintain a natural swinging rhythm. Meanwhile, the rotating arm 30 will rotate 360 degrees. Full rotation will provide for the unit to complete a cycle. This will innately render for the clutch pedal 34 to be in position to disengage the clutch 26 . This is accomplished as the main frame's hanging arm 28 a passes vertical center and the return spring 40 positions the clutch pedal 34 to receive the stop point 36 on the clutch 26 . Thus, returning to the same position every time before the start of the next swing cycle. The RPM of the power unit is selected to be slightly faster than the natural rhythm. This process results in maintaining the correct timing of the invention thereby producing a natural swinging rhythm.

[0065] To initiate swinging, the user of the present invention would occupy the furniture coupled to the hanging arms 28 , give an initial push and the present invention will automatically maintain a natural swinging rhythm without any effort from the user.

[0066] It is noted that the main frame structure as well as the floating unit of the present invention are sized in order to be easily installed in standard building construction practices of ceiling joists on minimum 16 inches on centers. It is further noted that the frame structure can be mounted inside or onto a free standing frame member or any kind of conceivable sound structure.

[0067] Other features allow for conventional swinging (without the use the power unit) by eliminating any rigid mechanical connection between the rotating arm bearing 50 and the torsion spring 52 . This will provide for the chain to be loosely coupled between the rotating arm bearing and torsion spring. Such a configuration will provide for the chain 48 to move freely and drop down out of the way as the main frame's hanging arm oscillates back and forth. In addition, due to this novel design there is no wear and tear on any of the mechanical components when operating the invention as a conventional swing.

[0068] Yet another feature of the present invention allows for the insertion of an optional shaft 58 as shown in FIG. 1 b, the shaft 58 is fitted and connected to both the main shaft 44 a and the floating shaft 44 b by conventional coupling means. The optional shaft 58 will eliminate any wobbling which may be experienced due to the furniture in use would create by the inconsistencies in weight and size from one end to the other.

[0069] To further enhance the present invention and to accommodate clutches having backlash characteristics, an anti-backlash apparatus is secured in proximity to the clutch assembly 26 . This anti-backlash apparatus is illustrated in further detail in FIG. 6 . As seen in this drawing secured to the main frame is a torque limiter 72 having a slotted disc 75 attached thereto. The slots in the disc 75 will receive the bearing 50 . As the bearing 50 travels in the slotted disc, a backward force is applied to the rotating arm 30 . This applied force prevents the rotating arm from backlashing, and will inherently provide for a clutch system that is substantially noise free. A system that maintains quiet operation adds to the desirability of the final product.

[0070] Examples of the various elements that can be attached to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 7 a through 7 d . As seen FIG. 7 a the main frame 12 a is secured to a structure, in this case the ceiling, and a chain 64 is secured to hanging arm 28 . This provides for each end of the chain to be secured to each side of the seat 68 . To provide for the chains to be non-obtrusive to the user of the seat, a rigid cross member 66 is provided. This rigid cross member is located above the seat.

[0071] As seen in FIGS. 7 b and 7 c , the main frame 12 a and floating frame member is shown. Coupling the units together is the optional shaft 58 . FIG. 7 d illustrates a side view of the present invention attached to a chair. As seen, the main frame 12 a is located in the ceiling and a chain is secured to the hanging arm and to the arm of the seat being supported.

[0072] An example of a unit that utilizes the present invention in the base of conventional rocking seat is shown in FIG. 8 . As seen in this figure, the conventional rocking type furniture comprises a base 80 having a hinge point 83 on which the horizontal cross member of the chair chassis 84 , which supports the entire weight of the passenger, pivots. Spring 82 is one of four springs that is manufactured with the chair and keeps the chair level while not rocking. The present invention would be attached to the chair chassis. The lower portion of the hanging arm would be eliminated. A rigid mechanical link 81 would be attached from the upper area of the hanging arm to the base of the chair. The chair-to-hanging-arm link moves upward making the chair rock backwards and thus providing for the automatic rocking motion.

[0073] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.