Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to swings and, more particularly, to a swing powered by a spring motor, but which permits of relatively increased accessibility to the swing seat.
Heretofore, various spring powered swings have been known, but the same have consistently incorporated extensive over-head structure requiring at least two pair of legs or supports at opposite ends of such structure and with the swing being located between the leg pairs. Exemplary of these prior art structures are those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,807,309 and 3,420,523. With swings of the heretofore known type, the baby or child could only be placed in the swing, and removed therefrom, from the front of the swing by appropriate manipulation within the confining zone limited by the legs. Also, such earlier structures, supported the swing seat at four points, as by chains, tension straps, or the like so that an attendant would have but limited space within which to handle the child by virtue of the obstructions caused by the four legs and the four seat supports.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spring powered swing having a unique support structure comprehending, in essence, but three supports in lieu of the eight supports heretofore known, so that wide and easy access is available to the swing seat whereby the child or baby may be placed therein, or removed therefrom either in a vertical, side, front, or rear direction.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a swing of the character stated wherein spring motor means are located upwardly of the swing seat, but substantially to one side thereof so as to provide substantially no over-head obstruction; and with which there is incorporated a novel J-shaped swing support.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a swing of the character stated incorporating an unusual support structure allowing wide accessibility to the seat while being readily collapsible into a compact state for ease of transfer and storage of minimum space; and which support structure may be easily adapted for mobility without diminution of its collapsible qualities.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a swing of the character stated which embodies a swing seat of simple, sturdy construction which is uniquely foldable into a compact state when in disuse.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a spring powered swing of the character stated which embodies a spring motor of the constant force type having a storage drum to which the spring need not be attached.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a swing of the character stated which incorporates unique means for arresting the spring winding movement so as to prevent the development of undue stress and to maintain spring for longevity of usage.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a spring powered swing having a marked simplicity of components which latter are sturdy, and hence, wear resistant; which is designed for high volume, low cost production; which is easily moved from and to operative condition by the average individual without resort to extrinsic tools; and which is extremely durable and effecient in usage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spring powered swing constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view.
FIG. 3 is a rear view.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side view taken on the line 4--4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side view taken on the line 5--5 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 6--6 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 7--7 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 8--8 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken on the line 9--9 of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary side view taken on the line 10--10 of FIG. 6 illustrating the crank arm in partially rotated position.
FIG. 11 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 11--11 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mobile spring powered swing constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a rear view of the swing illustrated in FIG. 12 but showing same in collapsed condition.
FIG. 14 is a fragmentary view partially in section taken on the line 14--14 of FIG. 12.
FIG. 15 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 15--15 of FIG. 12.
FIG. 16 is a side elevational view taken on the line 16--16 of FIG. 12 illustrating the seat in open condition.
FIG. 17 is a side elevational view taken substantially on the line 16--16 of FIG. 12 illustrating the seat in collapsed condition.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICAL EMBODIMENTS
Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate practical embodiments of the present invention, A designates a swing of the type designed primarily for infant usage and which incorporates a novel support structure broadly referred to as B which, as will be shown, permits of access to a swing seat s in a more open and less restricted manner than heretofore obtainable by currently known devices. Said support structure comprises a single pair of elongated legs 1,1' as fabricated of lightweight, tubular stock, which substantially intermediate their length are respectively, pivotally engaged, as by pins 2,2', to the outer ends of toggle links 3,3'; which latter are pivotally interconnected at their inner ends, as at 4, and carry cooperative locking components, as indicated generally at 5, for maintaining said links 3,3' in coaxial relationship (see FIG. 5) when in operative position; in which condition said legs 1,1' mutually converge at their upper ends and correspondingly diverge at their lower ends; thus forming an A-shape with said extended toggle links 3,3'. As will be shown more fully hereinbelow, upon "breaking" of the toggle joint, links 3,3' serve to interconnect legs 1,1' as the latter are brought toward each other into axial parallel relationship for compact collapsing of swing A. At their lower extremities each leg 1,1' is cut away in opposite wall portions to define a clevis-type foot, as at 6,6', respectively, for pivotally engaging, as by a pin 7,7', a base member 8,8', respectively. The pins 7,7' eccentrically engage the respective base members 8,8' so that the major portion of the latter, as indicated at a, are presented on the same side of the related legs 1,1', as seat s. The minor portion, as designated b, of each leg 1,1' projects in the opposite direction laterally a short distance beyond the associated legs 1,1'. Each base member 8,8' proximate the free end of its major portion a may be slightly bent upwardly, as at 9,9', for developing a limited arch for the purpose of causing the opposite ends of each base member 8,8' to constitute a foot which may be rubber capped, as suggested at 10. Interconnecting each base member 8,8' and its related leg 1,1' is a brace member 11,11' , respectively, which latter are pivotally engaged to the respective base member and leg and serve to stabilize support structure B in operative condition. It is to be noted that pivot pins 7,7' are adapted for facile removal so that upon withdrawing same base members 8,8' may be freely swung by reason of the swingable character of bases 11,11' into contiguous, axially parallel relationship to the associated leg 1,1'.
At each of their upper ends legs 1,1' are bent through an angle of ninety degrees to form relatively short extensions 12,12' which are disposed on the same side of the related legs as the major portions a of base members 8,8' when swing A is in operative position (see FIG. 1). However, it will be observed that said extensions 12,12' are considerably shorter than said base member major portions a. As will presently be described more fully, extensions 12,12' are maintained in relatively close, axially parallel relationship by means of a bracket generally denoted 13, which though adapted to allow of limited axial rotation of said extensions 12,12', maintains same against movement toward and away from each other with the intervening spacing therebetween being markedly less than that between the lower ends of legs 1,1' when the latter are extended. Upon opening of toggle links 3,3', as above described, legs 1,1' can be brought into substantially axially parallel relationship by reason of the rotation of extensions 12,12'. Therefore, when swing A is in disuse the same may be brought into a most compact state for facilitating transfer and permitting of storage in a minimum space.
Bracket 13 is of two-part character having upper and lower coordinating components 14, 15 being fabricated as from sheet stock. Lower bracket component 15 is relatively elongate and opening upwardly; having arcuated lateral portions, 16,16' formed on a common center with extensions 12,12', respectively, for seated disposition of the latter against the inner faces of said lateral portions 16,16'. Extending between said lateral portions 16,16' is an intermediate, base portion 17 of predetermined extent. Bracket upper component 14 is of greater length than lower component 15 and incorporates lateral downwardly opening arcuated portions 18,18'; the same being similarly formed on common center with extensions 12,12', respectively, for retaining disposition upon the upper surfaces of said extensions 12,12'. Extending between arcuated portions 18,18' is a central section 19 which may be upwardly convex and which at one end, remote from the free ends of extensions 12,12' is continuous with a down-turned flange 20, which extends between said extensions 12,12'; there being a corresponding flange 21 formed at the opposite end of said central section 19 immediately beyond the free ends of said extensions 12,12' (see FIG. 6). Substantially intermediate its length central section 19 is provided with an opening 22, there being a tab 23 upstruck therefrom in planarwise parallel relation to flange 20 and located on the same side of opening 22 as flange 20. Upper bracket portions 18,18' are each provided with a relatively wide opening 24,24' for cooperation with like openings 25,25', respectively, provided in bracket lower component 15 for movement therein of the opposite projecting ends of rivets 26,26', respectively, fixed in extensions 12,12'. Secured on the end extremities of each rivet are enlarged heads, as at 27, for preventing undesired axially shifting of said rivets 26,26'. Thus, the opposite side edges of openings 24,24', 25,25' serve as limits for the axial rotation of extensions 12,12' by reason of the abutment thereagainst of rivets 26,26'. The extent of said openings determines the angle of rock of extensions 12,12'. Base portion 17 of bracket lower component 15 and central section 19 of upper bracket component 14, together with the confronting side surfaces of extensions 12,12' mutually define a compartment 28, which at one end is closed, as by flange 21, and with its other end 29 being open, communicating with a relatively enlarged spacing, as at 29' between flange 20 and the proximate end edge of bracket lower component 15 (see FIG. 6).
Flanges 20,21 of bracket component 14 are provided with aligned bearings 30,31 for journalling therein of the ends of a shaft 32 which extends through compartment 28. Fixedly suspended from shaft 32 by means of collars 33,34 is a swing bracket 35 comprising a flat elongated body 36 for disposition below, and axially parallel to, shaft 32 and with said collars 33,34 being formed in upwardly turned ears 37,38 at its opposite ends; said ears being located immediately inwardly of bearings 30,31, respectively. Swing bracket 35 embodies in its end remote from the free ends of extensions 12,12', a relatively wide depending tongue 39 for free extension downwardly through spacing 29'. Tongue 39 is secured, as by bolts or the like, 40 within a substantially complementary socket 41 formed at the upper end of a seat support 42 fabricated preferably of tubular stock.
Seat support 42 is of generally J-shape having an inner vertical leg 43, which at its lower end, terminates spacedly above the lower ends of legs 1,1' and is bent to form a horizontal section 44 normally axially parallel to extensions 12,12'; there being a relatively short outer vertical leg 45 bent upwardly from the outer end section 44. Seat s is suspended upon support 42 by means of a preferably metallic frame 46 formed of rod stock and being of generally rectangular form having forward and rearward ends 47,47' and side components 48,48'; which latter, spacedly rearwardly of end 47 are pivotally connected to legs 43, 45, as by pins 49 which establish an axis about which frame 46 and hence seat s may swing. Immediately rearwardly of legs 43,45 side components 48,48' are each bent upwardly, as at 50, so as to dispose rearward end 47' in upwardly and rearwardly spaced relationship to forward end 47. The angle of bend is slightly greater than 90° to the horizontal as determined when seat s is in a position of rest. Interconnecting leg 45, downwardly of pivot 49 and the proximate rearward portion of side component 48 is a brace 51 for lending stability to seat s and for limiting the degree of rock thereof for safety purposes. Supported from frame 46 is a flexible member 52 as fabricated of canvas, plastic, or the like and having its edges stitched to form tubular passageways, indicated generally at 53, for extention therethrough of end and side components of frame 46. Said flexible member 52 is contoured and adapted to provide side panels 54, a front panel 55, a rearward portion 56, and a base section 57, which may, if desired, incorporate a firm plate member (not shown). Said front panel 55 is provided with a pair of openings 58,58' for extension therethrough of the legs of a baby, as indicated at m, disposed within seat s. Seat s is thus of relatively lightweight having a single frame component from which is suspended the flexible member 52 for holding the baby m during operation of swing A.
It will be seen that as carried upon seat support 42 seat s is substantially open for ease of accessibility in order to place the baby in seat s or to remove it therefrom. With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 it will be observed that leg extensions 12,12' extend but a short distance over the inner portion of seat s so that there is substantially no overhead structure whatever, allowing for a vertical lifting of the baby from seat s, as well as disposing it therein in a fully downward path. Legs 1,1' are removed laterally from seat s so that the latter may be approached from the opposite side, front or back, of swing A without restriction or impediment. Swing A is substantially devoid of the customary structural elements which have heretofore obstructed access to a swing seat so that a user has had to maneuver within confined areas for placing and removing the baby. By means of the present novel support structure a baby can be easily handled by one arm of the adult should such be necessary which could not have been effected with current swing constructions.
Additionally, the support structure of swing A is comprised of a minimum number of parts so as to conduce to overall lightness with concomitant facility of handling as well as to require less volume for operative disposition. Furthermore, the unique character of swing A brings about a collapsibility which permits of storage in minimum space.
Swing A, through mechanical means to be now described is adapted to cause a to and fro, back and forth rocking of seat support 42 and hence seat s over a substantial time interval so that an attendant is spared the necessity of effecting frequent rewinding. By means of the present invention a baby may be left in unattended state within swing A for a substantial period of time without requiring adult supervision and yet being subjected to a pacifying rocking movement.
Turning now primarily to FIGS. 6 through 11, there will be described the means for imparting a swinging movement to bracket 35 about shaft 32 which in turn causes the seat support 42 to rock. Disposed upwardly of extensions 12,12' is a hosuing 59 having parallel side walls 60,60' which are secured in their lower end portions, as by screws 61, to bracket flange 21 and tab 23, respectively (see FIG. 6). Said housing 59 incorporates front and rear walls 62,62', a top wall 63, and being normally opened at its lower end for closure in operative position by bracket upper component 14. Provided in side walls 60,60' at their upper portions, are aligned openings 64,64' forming bearings for a shaft 65 extending therethrough; said shaft being axially parallel to extensions 12,12'. Mounted on the end of shaft 65 outwardly of opening 64 is a crank arm 66, which at one end, carries a handle 67 and in its other end is bent upon itself to form an intermediate section 68 axially parallel to shaft 65 and a return section 69 incorporating an opening 70 for loosely receiving shaft 65; there being a spacer collar 71 affixed to the housing-remote side of said return section 69 disposed encirclingly about shaft 65 and for purposes presently appearing. Crank arm 66 is loosely engaged upon shaft 65 so that the same is normally movable axially thereof. In its zone between crank arm 66 and the confronting end of spacer collar 71 shaft 65 is provided with lateral milled surfaces, as at 72,72', for extension through an opening 73 formed in the web 74 of a cam 75 having upper and lower flanges 76,77, which are planarwise perpendicular to web 74, and which project toward crank arm 66. Web 74 is compressed in its central lateral portions, as by peening, for effecting snug engagement of cam 75 upon shaft 65 to assure of joint movement. Thus, crank arm 66 is normally freely rotatable about shaft 65 as well as being shiftable axially thereof as contradistinguished from the fixed disposition of cam 75 on shaft 65. Flanges 76, 77 on their leading edges are mutually reversely inclined (see FIG. 9) to form cam operating edges 78,79, respectively.
With crank arm 66 in the position shown in FIG. 6 the same may be freely turned without causing rotation of shaft 65. However, upon inward shifting of crank arm 66 toward cam 75 the inner face thereof upon turning will be brought into operative engagement with cam edges 78,79 to effect a coupling between crank arm 66 and shaft 65, whereby upon continued turning of same crank arm 66, shaft 65 will be rotated.
Carried upon shaft 65 within housing 59 is a power drum 80 as fabricated of suitable plastic and having a substantially slit-like, coextensive chord-wise extending recess 81 opening at one of its ends through the outer wall of drum 80 for receiving one end 82 of a spring motor 83; there being a pin 84 presented transversely of power drum 80 for anchoring spring motor free end 82 against displacement from drum 80. Spring motor 83 is of the self-coiling constant force, ribbon type and extends downwardly and slightly forwardly from power drum 80 to a storage coil 85 wound about a take-up or storage drum 86 mounted for rotation upon a shaft 87 journalled at its ends within aligned bearings 88,88' formed in housing walls 60,60', respectively. Carried upon shaft 87 within housing 59 in each of its end portion is a sleeve-spacer 89,89' for maintaining storage drum 86 in relative position upon shaft 87 for appropriate coordination with power drum 80 during movement of spring motor 83 to and from same. Storage drum 86 at its ends incorporates diametrically increased end plates 90,90' for maintaing spring motor 83 against displacement axially of drum 86. Spring motor 83 is so set and tempered as to be biased to form itself into a tight coil having a large number of turns relative to the length of the spring and having a very flat gradient so that the torque developed thereby is of substantially constant force. A spring of this general type is set forth and described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,899,193.
It will be seen if power drum 80 is turned in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 7, by appropriate manipulation of crank arm 66 for effecting rotation of shaft 65, spring motor 83 will be backwound upon power drum 80 and thus be bent counter to it normal bias so that it will tend to unwind from power drum 80 for winding upon storage drum 86. The said two forces are combined to turn power drum 80 for the purposes set forth hereinbelow with a relatively high torque and maximum efficient use of the spring material. As backwound upon power drum 80, spring motor 83 will provide the energy or power for operation of swing A
Secured to the inner face of housing wall 60 above, but proximate to, shaft 87 is the lower end of an angle shaped shaft controller 91 being fabricated of flat spring stock having a vertical arm 92 and a substantially horizontal, follower arm 93 at its upper end which is presented in overlying relationship to power drum 80. The securement of arm 92 to housing wall 60 is effected by a pair of horizontally spaced-apart screws t so as to provide a two-point securement so as to prevent undesired swinging of arm 92 about its vertical axis. Controller 91 is sufficiently loosely engaged at its lower end so that arm 92 will be canted, that is, inclined normally away from housing wall 60 with follower arm 93 being correspondingly inclined downwardly into immediate adjacency to the upper end of power drum 80. As spring motor 83 is backwound upon drum 80, follower arm 93 will tend to be progressively lifted with consequent swinging of vertical arm 92 toward housing wall 60. Arm 92 incorporates an opening 94 through which shaft 65 freely extends and on opposite sides of opening 94 arm 92 carries a pair of fingers 95,95' which extend along either side of shaft 65 and project through opening 64 formed in housing wall 60. Said fingers are so spaced from shaft 65 that the same are in alignment with portions of return section 69 of crank arm 66 immediately adjacent opening 70. By virtue of the normal inward bias of controller 91 said fingers 95,95' will be spaced from said return section 69. However, as follower arm 93 is raised and vertical arm 92 is brought into abutment against housing wall 60 upon backwinding of spring motor 85, fingers 95,95' will be caused to exert a force against return section 69 sufficient to cause crank arm 66 to be shifted axially of shaft 65 toward its outer end and thereby remove crank arm 66 from coupling engagement with cam 75. Thereupon further rotation of crank arm 66 will be ineffective for rotating shaft 65. Thus, controller 91 is so constructed with respect to spring motor 83 that the same will cause a disengagement of crank arm 66 when the backwinding operation has reached its limit.
Integrally formed with power drum 80 at the end thereof proximate housing wall 69 is an enlarged, toothed ratchet wheel 97.
Presented for engagement with the lower teeth of ratchet wheel 97 is a driver pawl 98, pivotally engaged at its lower end upon a boss 99, which latter projects planarwise perpendicularly from a finger-like projection 100, provided substantially centrally of swing bracket 35 and being integral with body 36 thereof; said projection 100 passes upwardly through opening 22, and central section 19 of bracket upper component 14 (see FIG. 7). Laterally of driver pawl 98, between same and housing wall 62' is a keeper pawl 101 engagable with lower teeth of ratchet wheel 97 at a point slightly advanced clockwise with respect to the engagement therewith by driver pawl 98, and being intermediate inner and outer flat leaf springs 102,103, whice latter together with pawl 101, may be integrally formed of suitable plastic and with the integrated structure being mounted at its lower end as by a pin 104 secured in wall 60'. It will thus be seen that outer spring 103 is directed at its upper end toward wall 62' and that spring 102, being relatively shorter, is biased toward pawl 98.
In operation, the user by appropriate action of crank arm 66, as above described, will effect a backwinding of spring motor 83 upon power drum 80; during which operation seat support 42 will be stationary in its center position. In this condition, as illustrated in FIG. 7, driver pawl 98 will not be in engagement with the teeth of ratchet wheel 97, which latter may be assured by presenting projection 100 in slightly inclined relationship to the plane of tongue 39. Keeper pawl 101 will be in engagement with ratchet wheel 97 and restrain same against counterclockwise motor unwinding movement through bias of spring motor 83. With the backwinding completed, the operator will then give seat support 42 or seat s, as desired, a slight starting push as toward the right hand side of FIGS. 2 and 7, which will cause driver pawl 98 to be moved downwardly, away from ratchet wheel 97 retaining contact with spring 102, along the end edge portion of said pawl 98. As such forward action continues, keeper pawl 101 will maintain engagement with ratchet wheel 97 and thus hold same against escapement. As the seat support swings rearwardly under gravity, that is, in a direction toward the left hand side of FIG. 7, driver pawl 98 will be rocked upwardly into engagement with ratchet wheel 97, while stressing spring 102 as the same is forced in a direction toward housing wall 62'; with driver pawl 98 applying a clockwise directed force against ratchet wheel 97 causing a limited movement thereof. Such movement of ratchet wheel 97 is of adequate extent to cause keeper pawl 101 to loose engagement with ratchet wheel 97 and thereby free same for movement in counterclockwise direction under the releasing or unwinding force of spring motor 83. Thus, during the interval of such loss of engagement with keeper pawl 101 and upon the commencement of the forward course of swing of the swing seat support, ratchet wheel 97 will effect a driving force upon driver pawl 98 and thus give the same requisite impetus which translated to swing seat support will provide adequate energy for the next arc of swing. As driver pawl 98 looses contact with ratchet wheel 97, keeper pawl 101 under release of stress upon spring 103 will be biased returningly into engagement with ratchet wheel 97 for limiting the increment of movement thereof. The relationship of pawls 98 and 101 allows for controlled escapement of ratchet wheel 97 for release of a predetermined increment of energy or power from the backwound spring motor 83 to assure of continued swinging action. Thus, the swinging action will continue until spring motor is returned to fully stored condition upon drum 86 as illustrated in FIG. 7. By the unique pawl-ratchet arrangement, together with the character of spring 83, the swinging motion may be continued for extended periods of time without requriing spring backwinding.
If desired the swing of the present invention may be adapted for mobility as distinguished from the stationary disposition of the support structure B of swing A above described. Reference is made to FIGS. 12 to 17, inclusive, wherein A' indicates a mobile swing incorporating a support structure B' having a pair of elongated legs 111,111' having short axially perpendicular extensions 112,112' at their upper ends for receiving thereon a housing 59', all of which components are similar structurally to the corresponding components of swing A above described. At their lower ends each leg 111,111' is bent to form a base extension 113,113' in axial parallel relationship to extensions 112,112', respectively, but being of slightly relatively increased length. Said base extensions 113,113' are engaged upon the central portions of front and rear transverse members 114,114', respectively; the former mounting casters 115,116 at its outer ends and the latter supporting diametrically relatively increased wheels 117,118 at its ends. Said extensions 113,113' are secured to members 114,114' , as by bolts 119, which pass through opposite portions of surrounding brackets 120. As shown in FIG. 12 transverse member 114' is turned downward at its ends to provide legs 121,122, which are axially parallel to the major axis of leg 111' so as to, in effect, form an extension thereof for conducing to compact collapsing of swing A' when in disuse, as will be shown hereinbelow. Said rearward wheels 117, 118 are thus carried at the lower extremities of legs 121, 122, respectively.
Provided for maintaining legs 111,111' in extended condition and thus present swing A' in operative, mobile state, there is an elongated control bar 123 fabricated preferably of tubular stock, and located laterally of legs 111,111' on the side thereof remote from extensions 112,112' and normally extending in an upwardly and rearwardly inclined manner, terminating spacedly rearwardly and upwardly of rear transverse member 114, at which end said bar 123 is bent at a right angle to form a push rod portion 124. At its lower forward end control bar 123 is turned in parallel relationship to push rod 124 to form an extension 125 which is axially parallel to leg base extension 113 and front transverse member 114; being maintained in contiguity therewith by means of said brackets 120 and stop screws 126 which are fixed within bracket 120 for extension through an arcuate opening provided within wall of extension 125 so that said extension 125 may be turned within brackets 120 through an angle equivalent to the extent of opening 127 thereby allowing for commensurate swinging of bar 123 as swing A' is moved into collapsed inoperative condition (see FIG. 13). Bar 123 is slidably received at its generally rearward portion within a relatively elongated sleeve 128 which is of U-shape in cross section, opening downwardly, and being pivotally secured, as by a bolt 129, upon leg 111' upwardly of transverse member 114'. Thus, bar 123 will be slidably retained within sleeve 128 so that as legs 111 and 111' are moved toward and away from each other, from and into operative position, sleeve 128 will commensurately pivot about bolt 129, to accommodate the rocking of bar 123 as well as permit of requisite slidable movement with respect thereto. Mounted on the normally under side of bar 123 spacedly from push rod 124 is a latch arm 130 adapted for pivotal movement about a pin 131 extending through said bar 128 and aligned openings in ears 132 formed on said latch arm 130 for embracing said bar 123. Bearing against the end of latch arm 130 rearwardly of ears 132 is one end of a leaf spring 133 suitably mounted upon bar 123 and affixed at its other end thereto as by a screw 134. Thus, spring 133 will urge the forward end of latch arm 130 toward bar 123. At such forward end latch arm 130 is provided with a hook 135 which embodies an inclined cam surface 136 on its inner portion. With reference being made to FIG. 14, it will be seen that when legs 111,111' are in extended condition, latch hook 135 will engage the stem of bolt 129 and thereby serve to stablize support structure B' in operative condition. In order to release support structure B' for collapsing, pressure is applied as by the user's hand, upon the rearward end of latch arm 130 for stressing spring 133 and causing a rocking of hook 135 away from bolt 129 so that bar 123 is then freed to move with respect to sleeve 128. Correspondingly when legs 111,111' are swung away from each other into operative condition, bar 123 will be moved relatively with respect to bolt 129 until the same is brought into contact with cam surface 136 whereupon continued movement will exert an outward force upon latch arm 130 with concomitant stressing of spring 133 until hook 135 is engaged upon bolt 129.
Thus, from the foregoing, swing A' is easily manipulated for movement away from, and into, operating state.
Swing A' embodies a seat support identical with that described hereinabove in conjunction with swing A wherein like numerals are used to indicate like parts. Carried upon the seat support 42 in swing A' is a seat or baby support indicated generally s'.
Swing seat s' comprises a rectangular frame 137 fabricated as of suitable lightweight, sturdy rod stock, which frame is disposed between said support legs 43, 45 and pivotally engaged to each as by pins, indicated at 138, at points intermediate the sides of said frame 137' so that the latter will be swingable within a vertical plane about an axis passing through pins 138 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). Interconnecting support leg 45 proximate its lower end and the rearward end portion of the adjacent side of frame 137 are cooperating toggle links 139, 140; which latter are pivotally engaged at their mutually remote ends to said leg 45 and frame 137 and at their adjacent ends are pivotally connected, as at 141, and embody interengageable locking components 142 so that when in axial aligned relationship said toggle links 139, 140 will be securely maintained for presenting seat s' in operative, extended condition. Engaged about the opposite sides of said frame 137 are the upper tubular formed ends 143 of a flexible member 144 which extends downwardly of said frame 137 on opposite sides thereof and contains an interconnecting base panel 145 which latter has secred thereon, by any suitable means, a relatively rigid plate 146 made of cardboard and the like. Plate 146 is maintained in position as by reception within a pocket (not shown) provided in base panel 145 of flexible member 144, said plate 146 thus forming a support for the received baby. Along its forward central portion flexible member 144 incorporates a wing 147 which may be led upwardly about the forward end section of frame 137; there being snap fasteners or the like, as at 148, for detachably securing said wing in position. By its relative narrowness, wing 147 creates openings 149 on either of its sides through which the baby's legs may protrude. A back support 150 is provided for seat s' and comprises a relatively rigid, lightweight, panel 151, also made of cardboard or the like, which at its lower end may be continuous with plate 144 as along a line of folding at 152 or, if desired, may be independent thereof but secured to flexible member 144. Said panel 151 is unconnected to frame 137 merely resting against the rearward portion thereof when seat s' is in use; and in such latter position presents an upper portion 153 having a cushion-like member 154 affixed to its baby-confronting face.
By reference to FIG. 17 the novel construction of seat s' becomes most apparent in view of its unique capacity for collapsing. This latter condition is simply effected by "breaking" the latch between toggle links 139,140 permitting frame 137 to swing about its pivot axis with its normally forward end moving upwardly and its rearward end moving downwardly in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 16. Due to the flexibility of member 144 and the incorporation of but a single frame component, namely frame 137, said seat s' is brought closely within the plane passing through legs 43,45 of seat support 42. It is thus to be seen that the entire weight of the baby is supported from frame 137 and with flexible member 144 forming, in essence, a sling.
In view of the foregoing the uniqueness, as well as simplicity of construction, of swings A and A' should be apparent. In addition to providing the substantial accessibility to the swing seats s, s', said swing is also easily manipulated for extension into stable operative state as well as return to collapsed compact storable condition.
In connection with the controller 91, it is to be noted that the same obviates necessity of fixing spring motor 83 to storage drum 86 since the backwinding operation will be terminated prior to loss of connection between said spring motor 83 and drum 86. Accordingly, said controller 91 markedly reduces problems of assembly which have heretofore been encountered.
If desired, a music box may be easily attached to housing 59.