US20180093135A1

US20180093135A1 - Playground and workout system

Info

Publication number: US20180093135A1
Application number: US15/283,801
Authority: US
Inventors: Shane Bruce Roberts; Colin Derek Burdle
Original assignee: Funky Monkey Bars Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Funky Monkey Bars Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-03
Filing date: 2016-10-03
Publication date: 2018-04-05

Abstract

A workout system 10 as well as playground systems 12 are disclosed. The system 10 and 12 are particularly advantageous because each system 10 or 12 may be secured to a particular terrain via adjustable support members 14 to permit the systems 10 and 12 to support themselves on the terrain without the need of installing cumbersome construction footings to support the systems 10 and 12 onto the ground. Furthermore, the systems 10 and 12 are adapted to adjust the height of the accessories such as horizontal lift up bars 16, parallel lift up bars 18, or monkey bars 20.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to workout and playground stations.
The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to workout and playground stations of modular construction.

BACKGROUND ART

The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.
The structures of workout and playground stations are typically cumbersome to assemble. This is particularly true due to the fact that these structures need to be properly secured to the ground due to the forces that will be applied to the structures during their use.
The fact that the structures of the workout and playground stations need to be properly secured to the ground makes these structure difficult to modify after their erection.
An example of a structure used for conducting recreational or workout activities are the horizontally mounted overhead ladders included in the monkey bar structures. Conventional monkey bar structures consist of two pair of pillars secured via construction footings to the ground to ensure proper stability of the overhead horizontal ladder (the monkey bar). The pair of pillars are joined together by permanently securing the monkey bar to the upper end of the pillars; the fact that the monkey bar is permanently attached to the pillars impedes adjustment of the height of the monkey bar—this is particularly true for monkey bar structures located outdoors.
Similarly, in workout stations located outdoors, the horizontal lift up bars or parallel bars do not allow adjustment of the height of the horizontal lift up bars or parallel bars.
The above mentioned recreational and workout structures, and in particular the monkey bar structures, are very popular among kids of relative small height; however, typically the monkey bar structures are designed so that older generations such as teens and even adults, of greater height when compared to kids, may also use them.
The fact that the monkey bars may be used also by older generations implies that the overhead of the monkey bar needs to be at a particular distance from the ground for the older generations to be able to use them; typically this particular distance makes it difficult (if not impossible) and unsafe for kids to utilise this particular playground equipment; thus, always an adult needs to be present to raise the kids so they may reach the overhead monkey bar. And, due to the monkey bar being located at a relative large height, the monkey bar represents a real safety risk for kids.
Further, as mentioned above, structures such as monkey bars are difficult to modify once they have been erected; thus, installation of a monkey bar structure at the backyard of a particular family group not necessarily will provide comfortable and safe playground equipment—in particular, for the smaller offsprings of the family group.
One option to avoid the above problem is to design and erect a monkey bar structure with their overhead horizontal ladder being located at a reduced distance when compared to conventional monkey bar structures; however, the disadvantage of these monkey bar structures of reduced height is that the younger generations will outgrow these monkey bar structures in a relative short period of time; thus making the monkey bar structures of reduced height obsolete and requiring the construction of another monkey bar structure that would suit the new height of the offsprings. Typically, this is a great challenge for families group having several offsprings of different age and height.
It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for conducting recreational or workout routines, the system comprising a plurality of first frame members joined together by at least one first bar to define a core structure, wherein the bar is attached to the first frame members via fastening means adapted to selectively secure and release ends of the first bar to the frame members to allow adjusting the location of the first bar with respect to the first frame members.
Preferably, the system further comprises a second frame member comprising two poles joined together by a horizontal bar, the second frame member being attached to the core structure and arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the core structure, wherein the horizontal bar defines a parallel bar assembly together with one bar of the core structure.
Preferably, the horizontal bar of the second frame member is attached to poles via fastening means adapted to allow adjustment of the height of the horizontal bar.
Preferably, at least one of the first frame members comprises a pair of second bars, the second bars being spaced apart with respect to each other and being attached to the poles via fastening means to allow adjustment of the distance between the bars to allow attachment of, for example, a boxing pear, having a first rope attached to an upper location and a second rope attached to a lower location. This arrangement is particularly useful because it permits tensioning the ropes of the boxing pear by varying the distance between the second bars.
Preferably, the frame members comprise at least one third bar for joining together lower portions of a plurality of poles.
Preferably, the system comprises fastening means that permit releasably attaching the first, second and third bars and poles to each other for defining the core structure.
Preferably, the first bar comprises an overhead horizontal ladder (referred herein as monkey bar).
Preferably, each first frame member comprises a pair of spaced apart poles.
Preferably, the ends of the monkey bars are attached to an upper portion of the poles.
Preferably, each first frame member further comprises at least one third bar joining together lower portions of the poles for defining a ladder to provide access to the monkey bar.
Preferably, the third bars are attached to the poles via fastening means adapted to selectively secure and release ends of the third bar to the frame members to permit adjustment of the location of the third bar.
Preferably, there are a plurality of third bars joining together the lower ends of the poles, each third bar being attached to the poles via fastening means adapted to selectively secure and release ends of the first bar to the frame members to allow adjusting the location of the third bars with respect to the ground and to allow adjusting the distance between the third bars.
Preferably, the poles of at least one first frame member comprise upper ends adapted to receive a fourth bar for defining one or more additional second frame members to allow attachment of recreational and/or workout equipment such as flying foxes, cargo nets, swings, gymnastic rings, and boxing pears or bags.
Preferably, the fourth bar extends beyond the first frame members to define sections that by joining to one more poles located adjacent the core structure define the second frame members.
Preferably, the system further comprises a plurality of support members having first ends adapted for attachment to the poles and second ends for attachment to the ground onto which the system is mounted, wherein the first end is attached via a fastening means adapted for selectively providing (1) a sliding condition in which the first end may slide along the pole to change the location of the support member with respect to the ground and a pivoting condition permitting the support member to pivot around the longitudinal axis of the pole and (2) a secured condition in which the first ends are fastened to the poles impeding movement of the support member.
Preferably, each support member comprises a support pole and a support bar, the support pole comprising a base adapted to rest onto the ground, and an upper end for attachment to the support bar, the support bar comprises a first end for attachment to the support pole and a second end attached to one of the poles, wherein the first end is attached via a fastening means adapted for selectively providing (1) a sliding condition in which the first end of the support bar may slide along the pole to change the location of the support member with respect to the ground and pivot around the longitudinal axis of the pole, and (2) a secured condition in which the first ends of the support bar are fastened to the poles impeding movement of the support member.
Preferably, there are provided a plurality of support members for each frame member.
In a particular arrangement the system comprises a core structure comprising a plurality of frame members joined together by an overhead horizontal ladder wherein the support members of reach frame member are oriented perpendicularly with respect to each other.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a recreational and workout system comprising a plurality of systems in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
Preferably, each first bar of each system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention comprises a monkey bar.
Preferably, the plurality of systems are arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other.
Preferably, the recreational and workout system further comprises second frame members attached to the sides of the first frame members, the second frame members being adapted to attach recreational and/or workout equipment such as flying foxes, cargo nets, swings, gymnastic rings and boxing pears or bags.
Preferably, the plurality of systems are arranged side by side and spaced apart with respect to each other, wherein each adjacent system are joined together by second frame members
Preferably, the second frame members are adapted to attach recreational and/or workout equipment such as flying foxes, cargo nets, swings, gymnastic rings and boxing pears or bags.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a flat-pack comprising the system in accordance with either the first aspect of the invention or the second aspect of the invention in disassembled condition and a plurality of fastening means for assembling the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of a playground and workout system in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of a playground and workout system in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of a playground and workout system in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the system shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the system shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the system shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of a playground and workout system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the system shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the system shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the system shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of a playground and workout system in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the system shown in FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a top view of the system shown in FIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a particular arrangement of a workout system 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5 to 16 show particular arrangements of playground systems 12 in accordance with the second to fourth embodiments of the present.
The playground and workout system 10 and 12 in accordance with the present embodiments of the invention are particularly advantageous because they are adapted to be adjustable (1) to the particular terrain onto which the system will be installed and (2) to the particular type of users to be utilising the systems 10 and 12.
For example, each system 10 or 12 may be secured to a particular terrain via adjustable support members 14 to permit the systems 10 and 12 to support themselves on the terrain without the need of installing cumbersome construction footings to support the systems 10 and 12 onto the ground.
In the particular arrangement shown in the figures, the adjustable support members 14 are adapted to be located at particular orientations and at particular heights with respect to the main structures of the systems 10 and 12; as will be described with reference to the method of assembly of the systems 10 and 12, this permits adjusting the system 10 and 12 to each particular terrain onto with the systems 10 or 12 are to be installed.
Furthermore, as will be described at a later stage; each system 10 and 12 may be adjusted in accordance with the particular use that the systems 10 or 12 will be given; for example, the system 10 may be used for adults to undertake workout routines or, alternatively, the system 10 may be used in children playgrounds or gyms of children schools. This is because the systems 10 and 12 are adapted to adjust the height of the accessories of each system 10 or 12; examples of the accessories that may be adjusted are bars such as horizontal lift up bars 16, parallel lift up bars 18, or monkey bars 20.
In particular, in accordance with present embodiments of the invention, the height of these bars 16, 18 or 20 may be adjusted to fit the particular users of the systems 10 and 12. For example, the height of the monkey bar 20 as shown in FIGS. 5 to 16 may be lowered to suit a child; subsequently as the kid grows the bars may be continuously adjusted to fit the particular height of the child.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIGS. 1 to 4 show a particular arrangement of a workout system 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present.
The particular arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 comprises a core structure 22 to which the support members 14 are attached. The core structure 22 comprises a plurality of poles 24 and bars 26. The poles 24 are arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other and joined together by the bars 26.
In the particular arrangement shown in the FIGS. 1 to 4 there are four poles 24 arranged to define two frame members 40 arranged opposite to each other and joined together by the bars 26 b and 26 c defining a cubicle of four sides. In alternative arrangements, the number of frame members and how they are arranged may vary to define other type of configurations.
Further, in the particular arrangement shown in the FIGS. 1 to 4, there are a single bar 26 a, 26 b and 26 c on each of three sides of the cubicle; the fourth side of the cubicle comprises a pair of bars 26 d and 26 d′. The bars 26 d and 26 d′ are arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other; in particular, the bar 26 d is located adjacent the ground onto which the system 10 rests; the other bar 26 d′ is located at the upper end of the poles 24.
Furthermore, each bar 26 extends between the poles 24 and each end of the bar 26 is attached to a pole 24. The ends of each bar 26 are attached to the poles 24 through fastening means 28. The fastening means 28 are adapted for selectively providing (1) a sliding condition in which the ends of the bars 26 may slide along the pole 24 to change the location of the bars 26 along the poles 24 and (2) a secured condition in which the ends of the bars 26 are fastened to the poles 24 not permitting sliding movement of the bars 26.
The fact that the bars 26 are attached via the above described fastening means 28 to the poles 24 is particularly advantageous because it permits varying the location of the bars 26 with respect to, for example, the ground onto which the system 10 rests; this permits adjusting the height at which the bars 26 are located to suit (1) particular users of the system 10 and (2) particular uses that may be given to the bars 26. For example, the bars 26 may define the horizontal lift bars 16 and the parallel lift bars 18. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the bars 26 a and 26 b may define two horizontal lift up bars 16. The bar 26 c define in conjunction with bar 26 e the parallel lift up bars 18.
Further, by being able to adjust the location of each bar 26 along the pole 24 it is possible to adjust the distance between the bars 26 d and 26 d′ that join together the same poles 24 and define the frame member 40 a shown in FIG. 1.
The bars 26 d and 26 d′ due to being spaced apart with respect to each other permit attachment between these bars 26 d and 26 d′ of, for example, a boxing pear, having a first rope attached to an upper location and a second rope attached to a lower location.
The fact that the bars 26 d and 26 d′ are adapted to slide along the poles 24 is particular advantageous because varying the distance between the bars 26 d and 26 d′ permits properly securing the boxing pear to both bars 26 d and 26 d′; this is because by varying the distance between the bars 26 d and 26 d′ it is possible to tension the ropes of the boxing pear and that are attached to the bars 26 d and 26 d′.
Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, bars 26 c and 26 e define the parallel lift up bars 18. As shown in FIG. 1, bar 26 c is fastened to poles 24 of the core structure 22 and bar 26 e is fastened to poles 24′. The poles 24′ are spaced apart from the core structure 22 define the spacing between the bars 26 c and 26 e. Each pole 24′ is fastened to the core structure 22 via lower bars 26′.
The particular arrangement of parallel bars 18 shown in FIG. 1, includes only one bar 26 (the bar 26 c) being adapted to adjusts its location along the poles 24; thus, this particular arrangement permits movement of only one bar 26 with respect to the poles 24 permitting defining a uneven parallel bar. However, in alternative arrangements, the bar 26 e may also be adapted to slide along the poles 24′ so as to permit adjustment of the height of the parallel lift up bars 18 so as to suit different users.
The workout system 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is adapted to rest on the ground. The particular arrangement shown in the FIGS. 1 to 4, comprises a plurality of bases 30 adapted to rest on the ground. The bases 30 may comprise apertures to permit fastening of the bases 30 to the ground.
Further, as mentioned before, the system 10 does not require construction footings to secure the system 10 into the ground; instead the system 10 comprises legs defined by support members 14 that permit the system 10 be a self-standing system that does not require constructions fittings to ensure proper stability during its use.
A particular arrangement of each support member 14 comprises a support pole 32 and a support bar 34. The support pole 32 comprises a lower end comprising a base 30 adapted to rest onto the ground and an upper end for attachment to the support bar 34. The support bar 34 comprises an end for attachment to the support pole 32 and another end attached to one of the poles 24 of the core structure 22.
The attachment between the support bar 34 and the pole 24 occurs via fastening means 36 adapted for selectively providing (1) a sliding condition in which the ends of the support bar 34 may slide along the pole 24 to change the location of the support member 14 with respect to the ground and (2) a secured condition in which the ends of the support bars 34 are fastened to the poles 24 impeding movement of the support member 14. Moreover, the fastening means 36 is also adapted to permit a particular support member 14 be located at any location around the longitudinal axis of the particular pole 24 to which the particular support member 14 is attached; in particular, the support member 14 may be oriented at any azimuthal angle around the longitudinal axis of pole 24.
Depending on the particular configuration of system 12 the support members 14 may be oriented at particular orientations with respect to each other. For example, the two support members 14 of each frame member 40 in the system depicted in FIG. 19 are oriented perpendicularly with respect to each other. In alternative configurations of the system 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 16, the support member 14 that are attached to the same frame members 40 are oriented parallel with respect to each other.
As will be described with respect to the method of installation of the system 10, the fact that the location of the support members 14 along the poles 24 and around the longitudinal axis of the poles 24 may be varied permits locating one or more support members 14 at particular locations for stabilizing the systems 10 to avoid tilting of the system 10. In particular, the height of the support members 14 may be adjusted and their orientation around the longitudinal axis to ensure that the system 12 is properly stabilised when mounted on the ground.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 16. FIGS. 5 to 16 show playground systems 12 in accordance with the second to the fourth embodiments of the invention. The playground systems 12 according to the second to the fourth embodiments comprises features that are similar according to the workout system 10 of the first embodiment and similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the playground systems 12 according to the second to the fourth embodiments comprises features that are similar according to the workout system 10 of the first embodiment. For example, these playground systems 12 comprises the support members 14 to permit the playground systems 12 to be systems that do not require construction footings for keeping the structures erected; instead, the systems 12 are self-standing structures due to having the support members 14 located at particular locations as described previously with reference to the first embodiment of the invention.
Further, the playground systems 12 according to the second to the fourth embodiments also may comprise bars 26 for defining, for example, horizontal lift up bars 16 and parallel lift up bars 18 described previously with reference to first embodiment of the invention
A particular arrangement of the playground systems 12 according to a particular embodiment of the present invention comprises a core structure 38 having a plurality of frame members 40 joined together by a horizontally mounted ladder 20 (referred to herein as monkey bar 20) wherein the system 12 is adapted to permit adjustment of the height of the monkey bar 20 with respect to the ground onto which the system 12 is mounted.
Each frame members 40 comprises poles 24 spaced apart with respect to each other and joined together by one end of the monkey bar 20. Each end of the monkey bar 20 comprises a pair or ends spaced apart with respect to each other for attachment to the poles 24 via fastening means 42—see FIG. 5.
Further, each frame member 40 may comprise one or more bars 44 joining together the lower ends of the poles 24. The bars 44 define a ladder 46 to permit access to the monkey bar 20. In a particular arrangement, the bars 44 may be attached to the poles via fastening means 28 (described previously in relation to the first embodiment of the invention) to allow adjusting the height of the bars 44 with respect to the ground and the distance between the bars 44.
Furthermore, the upper end of the poles 24 of each frame member 40 may be joined together by a bar 46. As will be described below, the bar 46 may extend beyond one or both ends of the poles 24 of the frame members 40 to define additional frame members 48 for attachment of playground equipment such as flying foxes 50, swings 52, gymnastic rings 54 and cargo nets 56 (see FIGS. 9 to 16)
The additional frame members 48 are defined by the sections 47 of the bars 46 that extend beyond the frame member 40. The sections 47 are attached to poles 24 located adjacent the core structure 38 to define the additional frame members 48.
The fact that the height of the monkey bar 20 may be adjusted is particularly advantageous because it permits adjusting the system 12 to particular users. For example, a family group with very young offsprings may adjust the height of the monkey bar 20 in accordance with the age and height of their offsprings. When the offsprings are relatively young and of reduced height, the monkey bar 20 may be located at a lowered condition to permit the young offsprings to use the monkey bar 20 in an easy and safe manner without being necessarily raised by an adult to reach the monkey bar 20. Also, reducing the height of the monkey bar 20 avoids having the young offsprings hanging at a relative large heights. As the offspring grows, the monkey bar 20 may be continuously adjusted to increase the height of the monkey bar 20 based on the growing rate of the offsprings.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIGS. 5 to 8 show a particular arrangement of the playground system in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention.
The playground system 12 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 comprises the core structure 38 comprising the pair of frame members 40 and being joined together by the monkey bar 20.
Further, the monkey bar 20 comprises ends that are attached to the frame members 40 via fastening means 42. The fastening means 42 are adapted for selectively providing (1) a sliding condition in which the ends of the monkey bar 20 may slide along the poles 24 of the frame members 40 to change the location of the monkey bar 20 along the poles 24 and (2) a secured condition in which the ends of the monkey bars 20 are fastened to the poles 24 impeding sliding movement of the monkey bars 20 along the poles 24 defining the frame members 40.
In a particular arrangement, the fastening means 42 may comprise the fastening means 28 that permit adjustment of the height of the bars 26 that define, for example, the horizontal or parallel lift up bars 16 and 18 discussed in relation to the first embodiment of the invention.
Further, the system 12 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 comprises a pair of the additional frame members 48. The additional frame member 48 are adjacent to the frame members 40 and opposite with respect to each other. In this particular arrangement, the upper ends of additional frame members 48 are joined together by a bar 58 to which a flying fox 50 is slideably attached.
Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 12. FIGS. 9 to 12 show a particular arrangement of the playground system in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention.
The playground system 12 shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 comprises two core structures 38 located in tandem arrangement with respect to each other. Each core structures 38 comprise one frame 40 a and both core structures 38 share a frame member 40 b located in the centre of the core structure 38 as is shown in FIGS. 9 to 12.
Further, each of the frame members 40 a and 40 b comprises two additional frame members 48 a and 48 b. These frame members 48 a and 48 b are defined by the sections 47 of the upper bars 46 that extend beyond both sides of the frame members 40—see for example FIG. 8.
As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 the additional frame members 48 a and 48 b allow attaching to the core structure 38 additional playground equipment; in particular, a flying fox 50, a swing 52, a pair of gymnastic rings 54 and a cargo net 56.
The fact that the system 12 shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 comprises two monkey bars 20 a and 20 b is particularly advantageous because it permits use of the playground system 12 by a family group having a multitude of offspring that differ in age. As the older offsprings grow the second monkey bar 20 b may be adjusted to fit the older offsprings while the younger offsprings may still use the first monkey bar 20 a. The particular arrangement of the system 12 shown in FIG. 9 illustrate this particular application of the system 12; as shown in FIG. 9, one of the monkey bars 20 is located at a higher position than the other monkey bar 20—the higher monkey bar 20 b to be used by the older offspring and the lower monkey bar 20 a to be used by the younger offspring.
The fourth embodiment of the invention to be described below also comprises a plurality of monkey bars 20 permitting selectively adjusting the height of each monkey bar 20 in accordance with the height of each member of the particular family group.
Referring now to FIGS. 13 to 16. FIGS. 13 to 16 show a particular arrangement of the playground system in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention.
The playground system 12 shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 comprises two core structures 38 a and 38 b located side by side and joined together by upper and lower bars 58 and 60.
In this particular arrangement, the upper and lower bars 58 and 60 together with the respective poles 24 define additional frame members 62 located between both core structures 38 a and 38 b. As shown in FIG. 13, the additional frame members 62 may be used for securing playground equipment such as a flying fox 50 and a cargo net 56.
Referring now to FIGS. 17 to 19. FIGS. 17 to 19 show a particular arrangement of the playground system in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the invention.
The playground system 12 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 comprises a single core structure 38 comprising support members 14 arranged in a particular arrangement for maintaining the core structure 38 erected. As shown in FIG. 19, the support members 14 are disposed at particular azimuthal angles around the poles 24; in particular, each frame member 40 comprises two support member 14 a and 14 b which are located at different azimuthal angles around the poles 24 with respect to each other. This particular configuration of support members 14 permit stabilising the playground system 12 comparing a single core structure 38 including a pair of frame members 40 joined together by a monkey bar 20.
As discussed above, the system 10 and 12 comprises several advantages; one of them being the fact that the bars (for example, bars 16, 18, 20 and 26) may be adjusted to particular users and that the systems 10 and 12 may be stabilised onto a particular terrain by adjusting the location of support members 14. As was mentioned before adjustment of the bars (for example, bars 16, 18, 20 and 26) and the support members 14 is possible due to the fact that the system 10 and 12 are assembled via fastenings means that allow releasably attaching the components of the systems together; thus, the components may be manufactured at a particular location and shipped as flat packs to the consumers for assembly of the system 10 and 12.
Further, the playground and workout systems 12 and 10 in accordance with the present embodiments of the invention are composed of several modules.
As mentioned before, the workout system 10 comprises a core structure 22 onto which additional workout equipment (such as the parallel bars 18) may be added. Similarly, the playground system 12 also comprises core structure 38 onto which additional playground may be added at any stage of the life of the playground system 12; for example, at a first stage a particular family group may purchase and assembly only the core structure 38 (including the frame members 40 and the monkey bar 20); as the family group increases in numbers, the family group may decide to purchase a second core structure 38 to join it with the first core structure 38 to assemble any of the playground systems 12 shown in FIGS. 9 to 16.
This can be appreciated, for example, in FIG. 13. The playground system 12 shown in FIG. 13 comprises a plurality of core structure 38 located side by side and joined together by frame members 62. As can be appreciated, the outer poles 24 comprise free ends 64 that permit adding additional frame members so as to incorporate additional playground equipment such as a swing 52 or gymnastic rings 54.
Similarly, FIGS. 17 to 19 shows a single core structure having poles 24 with free ends 64 that permit adding additional frame members and additional core structures 38 for expanding the system 12 depicted in FIGS. 17 to 19. As frame members 40 and additional core structure 38 are attached to the original core structure 38 depicted in FIGS. 17 to 19 the particular orientation of the support members 14 may vary to the additions of frame members 40 and core structures 38.
Further, the fact that the components (such as the post 24, bars 26 and monkey bars 20) are attached to each other via fastening means that permit selectively releasing and securing for example the bars 26 and monkey bars 26 that conform the systems 10 and 12 allows assembly of the systems 10 and 12 at locations distal from the manufacturing place of the components.
Moreover, that the fact that the systems 10 and 12 may be presented in disassembled modules reduces the cargo footprint of the systems 10 and 12 when being delivered to the customers. This is particularly true because each of the modules that conform the systems 10 and 12 may be present in the form of a kit that may be packed as a flat-pack for shipping purposes.
At destination, the consumer may open the flat-pack(s) and proceed to assembly the particular module so as to erect a particular workout or playground system 10 and 12. Once the system 10 or 12 are erected they may be secured to the ground using bases 30 and the support members 34 may be located at the positons which provide the greatest stability to the systems 10 or 12. As mentioned before, the support member 34 are slideably attached (permitting adjusting the height of the support member along the longitudinal axis of the pole 24) and pivotally attached (permitting orienting the support member 34 at a particular azimuthal angle around the longitudinal axis of the pole 24) to the poles 24; this permits locating the support members at such locations to provide the greatest stability to the systems 10 and 12 permitting the systems 10 and 12 be self-standing structures
Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed.
Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. A system for conducting recreational or workout routines, the system comprising a plurality of first frame members joined together by at least one first bar to define a core structure, wherein the bar is attached to the first frame members via fastening means adapted to selectively secure and release ends of the first bar to the frame members to allow adjusting the location of the first bar with respect to the first frame members.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a second frame member comprising two poles joined together by a horizontal bar, the second frame member being attached to the core structure and arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the core structure, wherein the horizontal bar defines a parallel bar assembly together with one bar of the core structure.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the horizontal bar of the second frame member is attached to poles via fastening means adapted to allow adjustment of the height of the horizontal bar.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first frame members comprises a pair of second bars, the second bars being spaced apart with respect to each other and being attached to the poles via fastening means to allow adjustment of the distance between the second bars to allow attachment of a boxing pear, having a first rope attached to an upper location and a second rope attached to a lower location.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first frame members comprise at least one third bar for joining together lower portions of a plurality of poles.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the system further comprises fastening means that permit releasably attaching the first, second and third bars and poles to each other for defining the core structure.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first bar comprises an overhead horizontal ladder.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein each first frame member comprises a pair of spaced apart poles.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the ends of the overhead horizontal ladder are attached to an upper portion of the poles.

10. A system according to claim 7, wherein each first frame member further comprises one or more third bars joining together lower portions of the poles for defining a ladder to provide access to the overhead horizontal ladder.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein each third bar is attached to the poles via fastening means adapted to selectively secure and release ends of the first bar to the frame members to allow adjusting the location of the third bar with respect to the ground and to allow adjusting the distance between the third bars with respect to each other.

12. A system according to claim 1, wherein the poles of at least one first frame member comprise upper ends adapted to receive a fourth bar for defining one or more additional second frame members to allow attachment of recreational and/or workout equipment such as flying foxes, cargo nets, swings, gymnastic rings, and boxing pears or bags.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the fourth bar bar extends beyond the first frame members to define sections that by joining to one more poles located adjacent the core structure define second frame members.

14. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a plurality of support members having first ends adapted for attachment to the poles and second ends for attachment to the ground onto which the system is mounted, wherein the first end is attached via a fastening means adapted for selectively providing (1) a sliding condition in which the first end may slide along the pole to change the location of the support member with respect to the ground and a pivoting condition permitting the support member to pivot around the longitudinal axis of the pole and (2) a secured condition in which the first ends are fastened to the poles impeding movement of the support member.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the system comprises a core structure comprising a plurality of frame members joined together by an overhead horizontal ladder, wherein the support members of each frame member are oriented perpendicularly with respect to each other.

16. A recreational and workout system comprising a plurality of systems, each system comprising a plurality of first frame members joined together by at least one first bar to define a core structure, wherein the bar is attached to the first frame members via fastening means adapted to selectively secure and release ends of the first bar to the frame members to allow adjusting the location of the first bar with respect to the first frame members; wherein the first bar comprises an overhead horizontal ladder.

17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of systems are arranged in tandem relationship with respect to each other.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the system further comprises second frame members attached to the sides of the first frame members, the second frame members being adapted to attach recreational and/or workout equipment such as flying foxes, cargo nets, swings, gymnastic rings and boxing pears or bags.

19. A system according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of systems are arranged side by side and spaced apart with respect to each other, wherein each adjacent system are joined together by second frame members are adapted to attach recreational and/or workout equipment such as flying foxes, cargo nets, swings, gymnastic rings and boxing pears or bags.

20. A flat-pack comprising a system having a plurality of first frame members joined together by at least one first bar to define a core structure, wherein the bar is attached to the first frame members via fastening means adapted to selectively secure and release ends of the first bar to the frame members to allow adjusting the location of the first bar with respect to the first frame members; wherein the first bar comprises an overhead horizontal ladder.