MULTI-AXIS SPINNING PLAYGROUND DEVICE

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/703,672, filed on Oct. 4, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Conventional playground equipment includes various playground spinning devices, typically known as spinners or whirls. Conventional spinners, however, are typically either designed for a single person to ride alone or for a large group of children to ride together. Spinners designed for large groups, however, provide only a single axis of rotation. The present disclosure is directed to a spinning playground device that provides a group of children with a shared rotation experience while also providing one or more of those children with a multi-axis spinning experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003]The present disclosure is directed to a spinning playground device that provides children with a shared rotation experience due to rotation of a base element about a support structure while also providing each child with his/her own individual rotation experience due to rotation of a bowl in which the child sits relative to the base element. This “multi-axis” spinning experience provides children with the socially interactive experience of a conventional whirl device while also providing one or more of the children, and in some embodiments each child, with an additional and typically more intense spinning experience that would more generally associated with an individual playground spinner device.

[0004]In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a multi-axis spinning playground device that includes a base having a top surface and a plurality of openings in the top surface, and a plurality of bowls, each of which is sized and configured for a child to sit securely therein and at least one, and in some embodiments each, of which is rotatably mounted to the base.

[0005]In some embodiments, for instance, at least one, and in some embodiments each, bowl may be partially received by one of the plurality of openings in the top surface of the base and may include a flange that is attached to a rotatable bearing element positioned within an interior of the base, such that the bowl rotates relative to the base with the bearing elements are concealed within an interior of the base.

[0006]In some embodiments, the interior of the base may include an outer bearing element on which an inner bearing elements rotates. The flange of the bowl may be affixed to the inner bearing element by one or more, and desirably a plurality of, fasteners extending through the flange and into the inner bearing element. By having the outer bearing element and the inner bearing element fully enclosed within an interior of the base, they may be concealed from a user during use, so that a child cannot interfere with the rotating movement of the bearing assembly. Moreover, by providing a secure connection between the flange and the inner bearing element at all locations around the perimeter of the flange, the flange may be consistently positioned directly against the top surface of the base such that a child (or adult) cannot have a finger pinched between the flange (or any other part of the bowl) and the top surface.

[0007]In other embodiments, at least one, and in some embodiments each, of the plurality of bowls comprises a bearing element extending from an underside of the bowl. The bearing element may, in some instances, be an inner bearing element, which is rotatably mounted on an outer bearing element positioned within the base to provide rotation of the bowl relative to the base. In other instances, the bearing element may be an outer bearing element, which is rotatably mounted on an inner bearing element positioned within the base to provide rotation of the bowl relative to the base. The outer bearing element and the inner bearing element may be fully enclosed within the interior of the base, thereby concealing them from a user during use, so that a child cannot interfere with the rotating movement of the bearing assembly. The bowl may also include a flange, which may be positioned immediately adjacent the top surface of the base such that a child (or adult) cannot have a finger pinched between the flange (or any other part of the bowl) and the top surface.

[0008]In other embodiments, a different bearing assembly may be utilized, including for instance one in which the bearing element associated with the bowl is an upper bearing element that is rotatably mounted on a lower bearing element associated with the base, the bearing element associated with the bowl is a lower bearing element that is rotatably mounted on an upper bearing element associated with the base, etc. The exact configuration of the bearing assembly is not important, so long as it provides for a smooth and reliable rotation of the bowl relative to the base, particularly as the bearing assembly is desirably concealed within an interior compartment of the base.

[0009]In some embodiments, each bowl may be configured to rotate at least 120° relative to the base, alternatively at least 180° relative to the base, alternatively a full 360° relative to the base. The base is also rotatably mounted to a support structure, such that the base rotates 360° relative to the support structure.

[0010]In some embodiments, the axis of rotation of the base may be offset from a vertical axis. By providing a vertically offset rotation axis, the base may be caused to spin for an extended period of time due to the shifting weight of the base and its occupants. For instance, the base may be mounted to the support structure such that the top surface of the base is not parallel to a ground surface onto (or into) which the support structure is installed. In some embodiments, the base may be angled between about 5° and about 25° relative to the ground surface, alternatively between about 10° and about 20° relative to the ground surface. In other, non-illustrated embodiments, the axis of rotation of the base may be aligned with a vertical axis and the top surface of the base may be substantially parallel with the ground surface.

[0011]Each of the plurality of bowls may extend a height above the top surface of the base to account for a child occupant's limbs extending at least partially out of the bowl during rotation. In some embodiments for instance, each of the plurality of bowls may extend at least 150 mm above the top surface of the base, optionally at least 160 mm, optionally at least 170 mm. Relatedly, in some embodiments, greater than 50% of the height of the bowl may be positioned above the top surface of the base, optionally at least 55% of the height of the bowl, optionally at least 60% of the height of the bowl.

[0012]In some embodiments, the plurality of bowls may include at least three bowls. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the device includes three bowls. The plurality of bowls may be separated from one another by a distance sufficient to avoid an occupant of any one of the plurality of bowls from contacting an occupant of any other of the plurality of bowls. In some embodiments, for instance, the center of each of the plurality of bowls may be positioned at least 900 mm from the center of each other of the plurality of bowls, optionally at least 950 mm, optionally at least 100 mm. Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of bowls may be substantially equally spaced around the top surface of the base.

[0013]The bowls may each include one or more drainage holes at or near the bottom of the bowl. The one or more drainage holes allow water to drain out of the bowl, so that the bowls do not fill with water after precipitation. Relatedly, a bottom surface of the base may similarly include one or more drainage holes so that water that drains out of the bowl and into the base is then able to drain out of the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]A clear conception of the advantages and features of one or more embodiments will become more readily apparent by reference to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a multi-axis spinning playground device of a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a multi-axis spinning playground device of a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a multi-axis spinning playground device of a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-axis spinning playground device of a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view a portion of a multi-axis spinning playground device of a first embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the rotatable mounting between one of the plurality of bowls and the base.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base of a multi-axis spinning playground device of a first embodiment of the present disclosure, without the top or bottom surfaces.

[0021]FIG. 7 is perspective views of one of the plurality of bowls of a multi-axis spinning playground device of a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of one of the plurality of bowls of a multi-axis spinning playground device of a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a support structure of a multi-axis spinning playground device of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024]FIG. 10 is a top, perspective view of a multi-axis spinning playground device of a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-axis spinning playground device of a second embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the rotatable mounting between one of the plurality of bowls and the base.

[0026]FIG. 12 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 11, showing the rotatable mounting between one of the plurality of bowls and the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027]Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to playground spinners 100 that provide users with a multi-axis spinning experience. A first embodiment of a playground spinner 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-5. The playground spinner 100 comprises a base 10 comprising a top surface 11, a bottom surface 12, and a sidewall 13, which together define an interior compartment 15. The playground spinner further comprises a plurality of bowls 20, each of which is sized and configured for a child to sit securely therein. Each bowl 20 is partially received by an opening 14 in the top surface 11 of the base, with the bottom of the bowl desirably being positioned in the interior compartment 15 of the base 10.

[0028]The base 10 is rotatably mounted to a support structure 30, such that the base is configured to rotate relative to the support structure, e.g. about axis 101. Moreover, at least one of the bowls 20—and in the illustrated embodiment each of the bowls—is configured to rotate relative to the base 10, e.g. about axis 102. In this manner, a child occupant of at least one of the bowls 20—and in the illustrated embodiment each of the bowls—is capable of a multi-axis spinning experience: a first of which, rotation of the base 10 about the support structure 30, is shared with other occupants, and a second of which, rotation of the bowl 20 about the base 10, is independent.

[0029]The spinner 100 is configured so that a person may spin the base 10 such that it undergoes one or more, and typically multiple, 360-degree rotations about the central axis 101. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including for instance a non-occupant pushing or pulling the base 10 about a portion of the arc (e.g. by temporarily holding a portion of the base), an occupant pushing off from the ground before pulling his or her foot up onto the base, or both. In some embodiments, e.g. where the central rotation axis 101 is angled other than vertical, rotation of the spinner 100 may also be initiated by the occupant(s) shifting their weight. The number of rotations about the central axis 101 will depend on the amount of force used by the occupant(s) and/or non-occupant(s).

[0030]The spinner 100 is also configured to that an occupant of one of the rotatable bowls 20 may spin the bowl relative to the base 10. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable bowl 20 may be configured to rotate 360 degrees relative to the base. In such an embodiment, the bowl 20 may be caused to undergo one or more, and typically multiple, 360-degree rotations about axis 102. Rotation of the bowl 20 about axis 102 may be achieved in a number of ways. In some embodiments, an occupant of the bowl 20 may cause the bowl to rotate about axis 102 by shifting his or her weight within the bowl, by pushing off a portion of the base 10 with his or her hands and/or feet, or the like. Similarly, an occupant of the bowl 20 may be able to slow and/or stop rotation of the bowl about axis 102 by shifting his or her weight in the opposite direction, by placing his or her hands and/or feet on the top surface 11 of the base 10, or the like. As such, the speed and/or number of rotations of the bowl 20 about axis 102 can be controlled by the occupant.

[0031]Indeed, embodiments of the present spinner 100 may encourage a child occupant of a bowl 20 to experiment with different movements in order to see how each movement effects rotation of the bowl 20, which may differ depending for instance on the position of the base where the rotation axis 101 of the base is non-vertical. A child can then share his or her learnings with the occupants of other bowls 20, who can try them out, recommend other or additional movements, etc., further encouraging social play.

[0032]In other embodiments, one or more of the rotatable bowls 20 may be configured to rotate less than 360 degrees relative to the base in order to provide a less intense multi-axis spinning experience. In some embodiments, for instance, one or more of the bowls 20 may be configured to rotate about axis 102 between about 90 degrees and about 360 degrees, alternatively between about 180 degrees and about 360 degrees, alternatively between about 270 degrees and about 360 degrees, alternatively between about 90 degrees and about 270 degrees, alternatively between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees, alternatively between about 180 degrees and about 270 degrees, alternatively about 270 degrees, about 180 degrees, about 90 degrees, or the like. Each range of rotation offers distinct play opportunities.

[0033]The base 10 may be rotatably mounted to the support structure 30 in any of a variety of manners. One such manner is shown for instance in FIG. 4. In that embodiment, the base 10 may comprise a central column 16 that is rotatably mounted a central post 31 of the support structure 30.

[0034]In some embodiments, including that illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the base 10 may be configured to rotate about an axis 101 that is angled relative to vertical. In some embodiments, for instance, the axis 101 of rotation of the base 10 may be between about 5 degrees and about 20 degrees with respect to vertical, alternatively between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees with respect to vertical. In other, non-illustrated embodiments, the base 10 may be configured to rotate about a vertical or substantially vertical axis 101 that is perpendicular to a ground surface on which the support structure 30 is mounted.

[0035]A non-vertical rotation axis 101 may be provided in a variety of manners. In some embodiments, the base 10 and more particularly a central column 16 of the base may be rotatably mounted to an angled top surface of the central post 31 to provide the non-vertical rotation axis 101. For example, the central column 16 of the base may be attached to an outer bearing element 17 that is rotatably mounted to an angled inner bearing element 35 positioned at the top of the central post 31, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0036]In other embodiments, the support structure 30 may comprise a rotatable component 32 having an angled top surface 33 to which the base 10, and more particularly a central column 16 of the base, may be mounted. The rotatable component 32 may be rotatably attached to the central post 31 of the support structure via an internal bearing assembly. In this manner, the rotation axis of the rotatable component 32 about the central post 31 may be vertical or substantially vertical, but due to the attachment of the base 10 to an angled top surface 33, provide the base with an angled axis of rotation 101. An example of such a support structure 30 is shown for instance in FIG. 9.

[0037]The support structure 30 may, as in the illustrated embodiments, comprise a platform 34 that may be mounted to a ground surface. In other embodiments, however, the support structure 30 may have an in-ground mount that extends below the playground surface and which may be stabilized in place with concrete or the like. Other conventional mounting options would be understood by persons skilled in the art.

[0038]The bowl or bowls 20 may also be rotatably mounted to the base 10 in any of a variety of manners. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, for instance, each of the bowls 20 includes a flange 21 that is attached to a rotatable bearing element 41 that is rotatably mounted to the base 10. As best seen in FIG. 5, the rotatable bearing element 41 may be rotatably mounted to a fixed bearing element 42 positioned in the interior compartment 15 of the base 10. The rotatable bearing element 41 is also desirably positioned within the interior compartment 15 of the base, e.g. with the underside of flange 21 attached to a top surface of the rotatable bearing element 41. In some embodiments, for instance, the flange 21 of the bowl 20 is affixed to the rotatable bearing element 41 by a plurality of fasteners 43 extending through the flange and into the rotatable bearing element.

[0039]Desirably, the fixed bearing element 42 and the rotatable bearing element 41 are both fully enclosed within the interior compartment 15 of the base 10. Also desirably, the flange 21 is immediately adjacent the top surface 11 of the base 10, such that a child cannot have a finger pinched between the flange and the top surface of the base during rotation of the bowl 20 about axis 102.

[0040]In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed bearing element 42 is an outer bearing element and the flange 21 is attached to a rotatable inner bearing element 41, with the inner bearing element being rotatably mounted to the outer bearing element. In other embodiments, however, the fixed bearing element may be an inner bearing element and the flange may be attached to an outer bearing element. Alternatively, the rotatable bearing element 41 may be rotatably mounted to the top of a fixed bearing element 42 or to the bottom of a fixed bearing element.

[0041]In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12, on the other hand, a bottom 22 of each of the bowls 20 may be attached to a rotatable bearing element 51, such that the rotatable bearing element extends substantially downward from an underside of the bowl. As best seen in FIG. 12, the rotatable bearing element 51 may be rotatably mounted to a fixed bearing element 52 positioned in the interior compartment 15 of the base 10. The rotatable bearing element 51 is also positioned within the interior compartment 15 of the base, e.g. with the underside of the bowl 20 attached to a top surface of the rotatable bearing element 51. In some embodiments, for instance, the bottom 22 of the bowl 20 is affixed to the rotatable bearing element 51 by a plurality of fasteners extending through the bottom of the bowl and into the rotatable bearing element.

[0042]In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed bearing element 52 is an outer bearing element and the bottom 22 of the bowl 20 is attached to a rotatable inner bearing element 51, with the inner bearing element being rotatably mounted to the outer bearing element. In other embodiments, however, the fixed bearing element may be an inner bearing element and the bottom of the bowl may be attached to a rotatable outer bearing element. Alternatively, the rotatable bearing element 51 may be rotatably mounted to the top of a fixed bearing element 52 or to the bottom of a fixed bearing element.

[0043]In this embodiment, as well, the bowl 20 may include a flange 21. Desirably, the flange 21 is immediately adjacent the top surface 11 of the base 10, such that a child cannot have a finger pinched between the flange and the top surface of the base during rotation of the bowl 20 about axis 102.

[0044]In some embodiments, each of the bowls 20 may have one or more drainage holes 23 by which water, e.g. from rain, snow, or the like, can exit the bowl. Where, as in the illustrated embodiments, the bottom 22 of the bowl 20 is positioned above the lower surface 12 of the base 10, the base too, e.g. the lower surface of the base, may include one or more drainage holes by which water exiting the bowls may exit the interior compartment 15 of the base.

[0045]Each of the plurality of bowls 20 may be configured for a child occupant to sit inside of the bowl 20 with his or her arms and legs extending outward. The bowls 20 may extend a desired height above the top surface 11 of the base 10 in order to give a child occupant of the bowl room for his or her arms and legs above the top surface of the base. In some embodiments, for instance, each of the plurality of bowls 20 may have a top surface 24 that extends at least 150 mm above the top surface of the base, alternatively at least 160 mm, alternatively at least 170 mm. Relatedly, in some embodiments, greater than 50% of a height of each bowl 20 may be positioned above the top surface 11 of the base 10, alternatively at least 55% of a height of the bowl, alternatively at least 60% of a height of the bowl.

[0046]The plurality of bowls 20 may also be separated from one another by a sufficient distance such that the arms or legs of child occupants of each of the bowls do not contact one another during rotation of the bowls about axes 102. In some embodiments, for instance, the center of each of the plurality of bowls 20 may be positioned at least 900 mm from the center of each other of the plurality of bowls, alternatively at least 950 mm, alternatively at least 1000 mm. In some embodiments, the playground spinner 100 may include three or more bowls 20. The three or more bowls 20 may be arranged about the top surface 11 of the base so as to be substantially equidistant from one another.

[0047]In some embodiments, the base 10 may comprise a framework 18 such as that shown in FIG. 6, which comprises the fixed bearing elements 42, 52. The top surface 11 of the base, the bottom surface of the base, or both may be made up of one or more, and optionally a plurality, of plates, each of the plates being affixed to framework 18. The plates can be made of any durable material, including for instance a metal or a rigid plastic. Each of the bowls can be made of a rigid plastic and may comprise rounded top edges.

[0048]It can be seen that the described embodiments provide unique and novel playground spinners 100 that have a number of advantages over those in the art. While there is shown and described herein certain specific structures embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.