US 3,981,500 A · Adjustable support apparatus

Abstract

A flexible support rod is formed with a longitudinal channel for receiving a support rope. The channel extends from the upper end of the support rod downwardly along the longitudinal axis thereof and out the side of the rod. A locking cleat that releasibly secures one end of the rope is connected to the rod adjacent the egress. The support rod and rope may function as an amusement device providing the whip-like swinging action to a seat attached to the lower free end of the rope. Anyone can easily adjust the length of the rope by: (1) releasing the rope from the locking cleat; (2) extending the rope to the desired length; and then (3) re-engaging the rope in the cleat. When a hook is connected to the end of the rope, the support rod and rope may function, among other things, as a boat mooring device and the elasticity of the rod provides gentle pulling forces against any movement of the boat due to water surface currents and waves. Other embodiments may include a therapy device for bed-ridden patients.

Claims15

Dependent claims

In combination:

an arcuate, flexible support rod, a channel being formed along the longitudinal axis of an upper portion of said rod;
a rope slidingly mounted in said channel, one end of said rope extending from an upper end of said rod, the upper end being substantially horizontal;
an opening in the upper portion of said rod adjacent a lower portion of said rod to allow the other end of said rope to extend from said rod;
a seat means connected to said one end of said rope;
and
a quick-release locking means connected to said support rod for releasably securing said other end of said rope, the length of said rope extending from the upper end of said rod depending on the portion of said other end of said rope secured to said locking means.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Adjustable support apparatus

Life of this patent

Adjustable support apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15