Given the ongoing thermonuclear patent war between Google (Samsung) and Apple over trivial things like pinch to zoom and rounded corners on icons, you gotta wonder if the patent system is prime for a rework. Here’s further proof.

A patent filed Steven Olson on November 17, 2000 for a “swing suspended by two chains from a substantially horizontal tree branch induces side to side motion by pulling alternately on one chain and then the other” was issued on April 9, 2002 by the Patent Office. You can view the patent here. In part, here’s what the patent says:

A method of swinging on a swing

Suspending a seat between two chains hung from a tree branch
Positioning the user on the seat so they are facing perpendicular to the tree branch
Having the user pull on alternately on one chain to induce movement
Repeat pulling chain to create a side-to-side swinging motion

So if you swing on a swing using the steps above, you may end up owing Mr. Olson a royalty or two. Be thankful he hasn’t patented air yet.