US20250339721A1

US20250339721A1 - Playground structure

Info

Publication number: US20250339721A1
Application number: US18/652,462
Authority: US
Inventors: Jonathan Clark, Jr.
Original assignee: Skywalker Holdings LLC
Current assignee: Skywalker Holdings LLC
Priority date: 2024-05-01
Filing date: 2024-05-01
Publication date: 2025-11-06

Abstract

A playground frame includes upright support posts with respective through-holes configured to accept passthrough crossbars to connect the passthrough crossbars to the upright support posts. The playground frame further includes a plurality of non-passthrough crossbars to connect to the upright support posts at an elevation corresponding to the through-holes, where a first subset of the passthrough crossbars are oriented parallel to a first horizontal axis when passed through through-holes of the upright support posts, a second subset of the passthrough crossbars are oriented parallel to a second horizontal axis when passed through through-holes of the upright support posts.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates in general to the field of recreational equipment, and more specifically, to an improved playground structure.
Jungle gyms emerged in the early 20th century as a means to encourage physical activity, imaginative play, and outdoor interactive play. Over the years, jungle gyms and other playground equipment have evolved in design and materials, from utilitarian metal structures to more complex and colorful configurations made of wood, plastic, and other materials. While a wide variety of jungle gyms and playground equipment have been built and imagined over the past century, the basic concept remains generally the same: to provide children with a fun, safe, yet challenging environment where they can climb, swing, and explore, all while developing their physical strength, coordination, and social skills.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example playground support structure.

FIG. 2 illustrates details of an upright support, passthrough crossbar, and non-passthrough crossbars used in the assembly of an example playground support structure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a connection of a passthrough crossbar and non-passthrough crossbars to an upright support of an example playground support structure.

FIG. 4 illustrates example non-passthrough crossbars and a portion of an upright support of an example playground support structure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of an assembly of an example playground support structure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial assembly of an example playground support structure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example playground assembly including a playground support structure and an attached playground module.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrates an example playground assembly with various example playground modules.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrates an example platform module configured to attach to an example playground support structure.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrates two example platform modules.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate example wall modules configured to attach to an example playground support structure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example ramp modules configured to attach to an example playground support structure.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example climbing module configured to attach to an example playground support structure.

FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate example modular accessories to attach to an example playground support structure.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example water table module configured to attach to an example playground support structure.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example swing set module configured to attach to an example playground support structure.

FIGS. 17A-17G illustrate an example assembly of an example playground support structure.

FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate example implementations of a waterfall panel module.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Playground equipment, including jungle gyms, swing sets, playhouse sets, and other apparatus have played an important role in the recreation and development of children for over 100 years. While beginning as a fixture in parks, playgrounds, and schoolyards, playground equipment have also become a popular addition to private backyards, homes, and businesses, with playgrounds even being added to indoor play environments. In many instances, high quality jungle gyms and playground equipment have required specialized installers to install the playground equipment at a site. While simplified playground equipment has also been developed for assembly by laypersons, such playground structures are often simplified and offered in standardized “out-of-the-box” designs, which limit customizations including the footprint of the equipment, features of the equipment, and aesthetics of the equipment, among other example issues.
In an improved implementation, a modular playground system is provided, which is configured for ease of shipping, warehousing, and assembly, while enabling wide-ranging customization of the overall playground design. The modular playground system may be based on a playground base structure 105, such as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 . The base structure 105 may include an assembly of upright poles, or upright supports, interconnected by various horizontal bars or crossbars. The upright poles may be anchored to the ground via in-ground concrete bases, bolts, or other mechanisms and may be fixedly assembled in either outdoor or indoor environments. The crossbars may be adapted to bear the weight of multiple human users when coupled to the upright supports and may serve as “monkey bars” or ladder rungs, allowing users to climb, hang, and swing from the upright supports, among other example uses.
The playground base structure 105 is assembled through a number of crossbar-to-upright support connections. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , a portion 200 of an example playground base structure 105 is shown, which includes a first pass-through crossbar 215, which is to pass through an opening provided in an upright support 210 at a joint region 205 to connect to the upright support 210. The pass-through crossbar 215 is oriented in a first axis parallel to the ground. Additional crossbar elements may be provided at the joint 205. For instance, a second crossbar element 220 and a third crossbar element 225 may also be attached at the joint to form orthogonally oriented crossbar elements, which are perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the ground.
In some implementations, the axis formed by the second crossbar element 220 and the third crossbar element 225 is coplanar with and perpendicular to the first axis of the pass-through crossbar element 215. Rather than connecting to the upright support 210 via a pass-through hole, the second and third crossbar elements (e.g., 220, 225) are connected at the upright support using screws and/or a receptacle or recess (e.g., 235) provided on the upright support 210 and do not pass completely through the upright support 210. Other connection points (e.g., 240) may be provided to couple playground modules (such as discussed below) to the upright support and/or crossbar members.
Multiple horizontal layers or rungs of crossbar elements may be included in the playground base structure 105. In some implementations, consecutive (descending from top to bottom) horizontal layers of crossbars may connect to a given upright support in alternating orientations and the upright support (e.g., 210) may be configured for such connections. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2 , a top layer (e.g., including pass-through crossbar element 215, second crossbar element 220, and third crossbar element 225) may be oriented such that a pass-through crossbar element (e.g., 215) connects to the upright support (e.g., 210) via a through-hole that allows the pass-through crossbar 220 to pass completely through the upright support and be oriented along a first horizontal axis (or an axis parallel with a level ground). One or two other crossbar elements (e.g., 220, 225) connect at the same joint to form crossbars perpendicular to the pass-through crossbar element 215. In some implementations, a pass-through crossbar is to connect to multiple vertically parallel upright supports along the first axis via respective through-holes and thereby forms a unitary crossbar spanning three or more upright supports. A next (e.g., lower) layer of rungs may connect in an orthogonal manner. For instance, another pass-through crossbar element (not shown in FIG. 2 ) may be received through through-hole 230 to connect the other pass-through cross-bar element to the upright support 210. However, given the orientation of through-hole 230, the other pass-through crossbar would be oriented along a horizontal axis perpendicular to the first axis (and passthrough crossbar 215). Other crossbar elements may also be joined to the upright support 210 corresponding to through-hole 230, but connecting to the upright support 210 without passing through the upright support and oriented parallel to the first axis (and passthrough crossbar 215). In this manner, layers of crossbars are connected to an upright support in alternating orientations, such that each passthrough crossbar is connected to the upright support in orthogonally alternating directions or orientations.
While some of the examples shown herein show passthrough crossbars that alternate between two orthogonal axes, it should be appreciated that the principles discussed and described herein may apply equally to other implementations, such as implementations with upright support through-holes that are oriented so that consecutive descending through-holes orient corresponding passthrough crossbars along different non-orthogonal axes (e.g., three different axes that diverge 60 degrees from the others to allow a triangular support structure to be formed), among other example alternatives.
Turning to FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional view 300 is provided showing the connection of an example pass-through crossbar element 215 and second and third orthogonal crossbar elements (e.g., 220, 225) at a joint 205 of an upright support pole 210. In some implementations, horizontal support sleeve members (e.g., 310, 315) may be provided on (e.g., welded to or integrally formed with) an upright support 210 to couple to the non-passthrough crossbar members at a join 205. In the case of orthogonally oriented crossbars at a joint (e.g., as in the examples of FIGS. 2-3 ), a single through-hole 305 is provided to accept and support the passthrough crossbar 215, with two support sleeves 310, 315 oriented perpendicular to the orientation of the through-hole 305. In one example, crossbar elements 220, 225 may be configured to be inserted into respective support sleeves 310, 315. In one example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the ends of the crossbar elements 220, 225 may have narrower diameters to correspond to the diameters of the openings of the support sleeves and allow the ends of the crossbar elements 220, 225 to be inserted into the support sleeves 310, 315 up to a defined length (e.g., where the diameter of the crossbar elements 220, 225 increases beyond what can be accepted by the opening of the corresponding support sleeve.
In some instances, to further support the connection of a crossbar element (e.g., 220, 225) to a support sleeve (e.g., 310, 315) of an upright support (e.g., 210), screws, bolts, pins, welds, adhesives, or other connectors may be used to fix the end of the crossbar element within the support sleeve. In some implementations, such as illustrated in FIG. 3 , collar elements (e.g., 320 a-d) may be provided at each connection between a crossbar element (e.g., 215-220, 225, etc.) and an upright support (e.g., 210). The collar elements may provide various functions and benefits, such as enclosing open ends of the sleeve supports and/or crossbar elements (e.g., in order to protect the elements from weather exposure, etc.), provide additional support to the connection, covering potential sharp corners or edges from contact by playground users, and aesthetic purposes. In one example, screws or other connectors may be used to fasten the collar to the upright support. Connectors (e.g., screws) may be used to couple the collar to the corresponding crossmember and further reinforce the coupling of the collar to the playground support base as well as the crossbars to the upright support. For instance, screws may be used to attach a collar (e.g., 320 b, 320 d) to a passthrough crossbar and additional screws may be used to couple the collar to the upright support to further reinforce the connection of the passthrough crossbar to the upright support and so on.
Turning to FIG. 4 , a side view 400 is shown of a portion of an upright support 210 with support sleeves 310, 315 configured to accept the ends 405, 410 of non-passthrough crossbar elements 220, 225. A through-hole 305 is also shown, through which a passthrough crossbar may be fed to couple the passthrough crossbar to the upright support 210. The end of a crossbar member (e.g., both passthrough crossmembers and non-passthrough crossbars) that are to terminate the length of the crossbar member may be provided with end sections (e.g., 405, 410, 415, 420, etc.) with narrower diameters to enable the end section to be inserted into upright support sleeves (e.g., 310, 315) and then fastened within the support sleeves to couple the crossmember ends to an upright support pole.
FIG. 5 , shows a partial assembly of an example playground support base. In this example, four parallel upright supports (e.g., 210, 210 a-c) are shown. A single passthrough crossbar 215 is coupled to the parallel upright supports 210, 210 a-c by passing the passthrough crossbar 215 through respective through-holes in upright supports 210 and 210 b and couple the ends of the passthrough crossbar 215 to upright supports 210 a, 210 d using support sleeves 550, 555. Non-passthrough crossbar elements 220, 220 a-c, 225, 225 a-c may also be coupled at or near the same elevation as the passthrough crossbar 215 on upright supports 210, 210 a-c using respective support sleeves, with the crossbar elements connected at a different (e.g., perpendicular) orientation to that of the passthrough crossbar 215.
FIG. 5 additionally shows the connection of extension uprights (e.g., 505, 510) to the tops of some of the upright supports (e.g., 210, 210 b), which may serve to extend the height of a corresponding upright support (e.g., 210, 210 b) in accordance with the custom design objectives of an owner/assembler of the corresponding modular playground system. In some implementations, additional crossbar members may be connected to the extension uprights. In one example, the bottom portion of the extension upright pieces (e.g., 505, 510) may have narrower cross-sections (e.g., outer diameters) allowing the bottom portions to be inserted into the top of the upright supports and then fastened to the upright supports. In cases where no upright support (or playground module) is to be connected to the top of an upright support (e.g., 210, 210 b), an end cap (e.g., 515, 520) may be attached to the top of the upright support, among other example features.
Assembly of an example playground support base may continue on a piece-wise or modular basis and involve securing additional upright supports to the ground (e.g., through below ground or ground level anchoring) and positioning these upright supports such that additional passthrough crossbars pass through through-holes 230, 230 a-c and connect to these additional upright supports. FIG. 6 is a view 600 showing the example progression of the assembly of the playground support base shown in FIG. 5 . Here, additional upright supports (e.g., 625-634) have been provided, as well as additional passthrough crossbars 215 a-c, 605, 610, 615, 620, In this example, passthrough crossbars 215, 215 a-c are connected to the additional upright supports through corresponding through-holes located at substantially the same elevation on the upright supports corresponding to a first, or highest, layer 650 of crossbars within the playground support structure. Additional passthrough crossbars 605, 610, 615, 620 provided for in the second, or immediately lower layer 655 of crossbars in the playground support base may pass through the upright supports 210, 210 a-c in an orientation (e.g., an axis parallel with a first horizontal axis 690) perpendicular to the orientation (e.g., an axis parallel with a second horizontal axis 695) of passthrough crossbars in the first layer 650 of crossbars (e.g., which includes passthrough crossbars 215, 215 a-c). The additional passthrough crossbars 605, 610, 615, 620 also pass through at least some of the additional upright supports (e.g., passthrough crossbar 605 passing through upright supports 210 and 628, etc.), with the ends of the passthrough crossbar terminating at upright supports (e.g., using corresponding support sleeves) positioned a distance substantially equal to the length of the passthrough crossbar (which may vary) (e.g., passthrough crossbar terminating at support sleeves at upright supports 625 and 630, etc.).
Continuing with the example of FIG. 6 , a third or more layers of crossbars may be available to a designer/assembler/owner of the playground system. In some implementations, one or more of the layers of crossbars may omit the use of any passthrough crossbars. This may be at the discretion of the designer/assembler/owner to customize the playground design and may be done without jeopardizing the overall structural stability of the playground system, given the use of passthrough crossbars in one or more of the other layers (e.g., 650, 655) of the playground support structure. Non-passthrough crossbar elements may be positioned in accordance with the wishes of the designer between potentially any two adjacent upright supports, for instance, to facilitate the attachment of various playground modules, to provide ladder rungs or monkey bars for users, among other considerations and features. The view 600 in FIG. 6 is shown without any non-passthrough crossbar elements to illustrate the flexibility with which these crossbar elements may be added and positioned within the playground support structure. For instance, collared support sleeves (e.g., 635, 640, 645) are shown representing potential connection points for non-passthrough crossbar elements. In cases where a support sleeve on an upright support is not used a collar or cap may be provided over the support sleeve to enhance the safety and weather resistant attributes of the playground system (and secondarily provide toe holds for users climbing on the playground structure).
Turning to FIG. 7 , an example playground support structure base 105 is shown, which has been assembled to include four layers of crossbars (e.g., 649, 650, 655, 660), two or more of which include passthrough cross bars which are oriented in alternating directions by layer. The playground support structure base 105, while at least partially customizable based on the non-passthrough crossbars provided on the playground support structure base 105, may be further customizable through the addition of various playground modules adapted to fixedly connect to the playground support structure. For instance, FIG. 7 shows a bridge module 705, which may attach to the playground support structure 105 to enhance the form and function of the overall playground apparatus. For instance, the bridge module 705 may include connectors sleeves (e.g., 710) adapted to fit over or within the top openings or ends (e.g., 715, 720) of two upright supports of the playground support structure 105. The sleeves of the bridge module may be fixed to the tops of the upright supports using a bolt, a weld, or other connection mechanisms.
A variety of other playground modules may be connected to a playground support structure base 105 and may connect at crossmember elements of the playground support structure, at the sides of upright supports of the playground support structure, at support sleeves on the upright supports, or at the top ends or opening of the upright supports of the playground support structure, among other examples. A wide variety of playground modules may be developed and adapted for use with the playground support structure 105 to customize a playground build to the space available and the activities desired by the owner, designer, and/or users. For instance, FIGS. 8A-8B show side 800 a and perspective 800 b views of an example playground build based upon and using a playground support structure 105 as a base. For instance, the playground build may be constructed first, through the assembly of a desired playground support structure base 105 (e.g., as discussed above) and the attachment of various playground modules (e.g., 805, 810, 815, 820, 825, etc.). For instance, in the example of FIGS. 8A-8B, the top ends of multiple upright supports of the playground support structure 105 are used to couple larger playground modules, such as a slide module 805, a swing set module 810, bridge module 705, monkey rings module 815, and monkey bars module 820. Various playground modules (e.g., 705, 805, 810, 815, 820, etc.) may be additionally secured to the ground at respective footings (e.g., 830 a-e) to further secure the playground build within its environment.
A number of platform module elements (e.g., 825) may also be coupled to the playground support structure 105 at two or more crossbar elements. For instance, where crossbars form a square or rectangular frame, a platform module element (e.g., 825) may be secured to the frame to form a raised floor or platform elements in the playground support structure. For instance, as shown in the views 900 a-b of FIGS. 9A-9B, a frame of crossbars (e.g., including crossbars 905, 910) is shown connected to upright supports (e.g., 915, 920, 925), which may include passthrough crossbars and/or non-passthrough crossbars. A platform module 825 may be provided which is configured to mate with crossbars of the frame and connect to the playground support structure. For instance, concavities, recesses, or other depressions (e.g., 930, 935, 940) may be provided on an underside of a platform module 825, which are adapted to accept and mate with at least a portion of the outer surface of a crossbar (e.g., 905, 910) to allow the platform module 825 to securely rest on the frame (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9B). Bolts, fasteners, adhesives, or other connector may be utilized to fixedly connect the platform module 825 to the crossbars and fasten the platform module to the playground support structure.
In some implementations, multiple crossbar frames may be included in the playground support structure assembly allowing for multiple platform modules to be connected to the playground support structure. In some cases, multiple adjacent crossbar frames may be provided in the same plane (or crossbar layer), which may allow for multiple adjacent platform modules to be connected to form a contiguous platform surface for the playground. In some implementations, the geometry of each platform module may be configured to mate with adjacent platform modules to form a contiguous platform surface as defined by the top surface area of each platform module. For instance, turning to the example shown by the views 1000 a-b in FIGS. 10A-10B, teeth or tongue and groove members (e.g., 1010, 1015, 1020, 1025) may be provided on platform modules (e.g., 825, 1005), which are adapted to fit, mate, or interlock with corresponding members of a neighboring platform module. Various geometries may be adopted in the interlocking members (e.g., 1010, 1015, 1020, 1025) such square tooth members, trapezoidal members (e.g., as in the examples of FIG. 10A-10B), half circle or round members, etc. As shown in FIG. 10B, when two opposing and corresponding sides of two platform members (e.g., 825, 1005) are brought into contact or in adjacent proximity to each other, a substantially contiguous platform surface is created for user to stand and play upon within an example playground assembly.
The principles and features of platform modules may be applied to other modular elements of the modular playground system utilizing the playground support structure base discussed herein. For instance, turning to the examples shown in views 1100 a-b of FIGS. 11A-11B, wall modules (e.g., 1105) may be provided with concavities or clips (e.g., 1110-1114) sized to correspond to and enable the connection of a wall module to upright support poles and/or crossmembers of a modular playground support structure. Screws or other fasteners may be used to secure or fix the connection points (e.g., 1110-1114) of the wall module 1105 to the upright supports and/or crossbars of the playground support structure. In some assemblies, multiple wall modules may be connected to the playground support structure 105 to form one or more contiguous walls formed by connecting multiple adjacent wall modules to the playground support structure 105. Such walls may be used to construct fort-like or treehouse-like play environments on the playground support structure, among other examples, to further customize the playground assembly. FIG. 11B shows an example where multiple wall modules (e.g., 1105 a-d) are connected to upright supports of an example playground support structure 105.
The customizability enabled by the playground support structure and playground system may allow for a variety of different configurations of platform and wall modules, among other playground modules (such as discussed herein). In some implementations, a wall module may include transparent window elements or door elements (e.g., with a frame that snaps or is otherwise attached to the playground support structure and pivoting surface within the frame that can be opened and closed (e.g., using a latch or locking mechanism)). In some implementations, themed module kits with stylized wall modules with patterns, surface treatments, windows, doors, etc. that, when assembled, result in a fort or playhouse assembly based on the theme (e . . . , pirate ship, spaceship, princess castle, etc.). Additional themed snap-on accessories (e.g., a turret for a castle, a canon for pirate ship, steering wheel for spaceship, etc.) may be provided in such kits, which are adapted to attach to upright supports and/or crossbars of the playground support structure and/or wall modules to enhance the design of the playground system, among other examples.
Turning to FIG. 12 , principles other panel-type elements (e.g., similar to platform modules and wall modules) may be provided and configured to connect to and enhance an example playground support structure 105. For instance, a partial view 1200 of an example playground assembly is shown including a ramp module (e.g., 1205) configured to attach to crossbars of an example playground support structure 105 to form a ramp. The ramp may allow users of the playground to climb from one layer of crossbars to another. Other playground modules may also enhance the playground modules, such as a climbing module 1305 shown in the example playground assembly 1300 of FIG. 13 . In this example a large plastic or metal climbing surface may be implemented using the climbing module 1305 that attaches to a corner of the playground support structure base (e.g., at two cross bar members and/or an upright support). Other climbing modules may be provided, such a rock climbing wall module, rope wall module, among other examples.
FIGS. 14A-14B a portion (e.g., 1400 a-b) of an example playground assembly is shown including various playground module attachments (e.g., 1405, 1410, 1415, 1420, etc.) connected to upright supports (e.g., 1435) and/or crossbars of the playground support structure 105 through clamp elements (e.g., 1425, 1430). In this example, a snap-on track system includes multiple track modules, which may be easily attached and detached allowing designers or users to assemble custom courses for balls, water, sand, etc. Other attachments may be provided, which may be connectable to the playground support structure 105, for instance, to construct Rube Goldberg-like contraptions, among other examples. Other playground modules may include toys and contraptions, such as a play table (e.g., that attached to the outside of the playground support structure for playing kitchen, games, drawings, etc.), a sand pit enclosure (e.g., to implement a sand box), and a canopy or sunshade (e.g., supported by flex tubes that extend from the top ends of one or more upright supports of the playground support structure to shade all or a portion of the play areas corresponding to the playground assembly). Other snap-on accessory modules may include such examples as telescopes, steering wheels, flower boxes, among other examples. For instance, FIG. 15 a water table module 1500 is shown, configured to attach to crossbars and/or upright supports of an example playground support structure. The water table may be outside or within the frame of the playground supports structure and may hold an amount of water for use by a user to play with water-themed games and water toys, among other examples.
Turning to FIG. 16 , an example swing set module 810 is shown (e.g., similar to that shown in the example of FIG. 8 ), configured to attach to an example playground support structure. Attachment members (e.g., 1605, 1610) may be provided to connect the swing set module 810 to the tops of two upright supports of the playground support structure. The swing set module, in one example, may be configured to be expandable so as to allow one or more additional swing set frame elements (e.g., 1615, 1630) to be appended or stacked laterally to extend the length of the swing set frame. For instance, an opening 1620 may be provided at an end of the swing set module 810 configured to accept and fasten to an end 1625 of a swing set extended module 1615. Similarly, the swing set extender module 1615 may include a similar opening 1635 configured to accept additional attachments, such as attachment 1630 or another instance of the swing set extender modules. For instance, an end 1640 of swing module 1630 may be inserted into the opening 1635 and fastened within the opening 1635 to secure the swing module 1630 to the swing set module, which fixedly connected to upright supports of the playground support structure, among other examples.
Turning to the diagrams 1700 a-g of FIGS. 17A-17G, an example assembly of an example playground support structure is illustrated. In this example, four upright supports (e.g., 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704) are provided to construct a center portion of the playground support structure. The upright supports may be provided with respective through-holes (e.g., 1707, 1711, 1714, etc.) and support sleeves (e.g., 1708, 1709, 1710, 1712, 1713, etc.), which project radially from the upright supports 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704. In this particular example, as illustrated in FIG. 17A, passthrough crossbars (e.g., 1705, 1706) may be first attached to the upright supports, by first passing the passthrough crossbar (e.g., 1705) through one of the upright supports' (e.g., 1702) through-holes (e.g., 1714) and then connecting an end of the crossbar (e.g., 1705) to another one of the upright supports (e.g., 1701) at a support sleeve (e.g., 1709) of the upright supports. In some implementations, a number of collar elements (e.g., 1715, 1716) may be used and a crossbar (e.g., 1706) may be passed through the collar elements (e.g., 1715, 1716) as well, with the collar elements used to accept connectors (e.g., screws or bolts (e.g., 1717, 1718) to assist in facilitating connections of the crossbars to the upright supports.
FIG. 17B shows the center portion of the playground support structure with passthrough crossbars 1705, 1706 connected to upright supports used to form the center portion. Additionally passthrough crossbars (e.g., 1720, 1721) may be similarly coupled to the upright supports (e.g., crossbar 1720 to upright supports 1701 and 1704 and crossbar 1721 to upright supports 1702 and 1703) to interconnect and provide stability between the four central upright supports 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704. For instance, passthrough crossbar 1720 may be passed through the through-hole 1722 of upright supports 1701 and terminate at upright support 1704 by coupling the end of the crossbar 1720 to a sleeve support 1725 on the upright support 1704. Collar devices (e.g., 1723, 1726) may be used in concert with fasteners or connectors (e.g., 1724, 1727) to fasten the crossbar 1720 to the upright supports 1701, 1704.
As introduced above, layers of crossbar members may be provided in the playground support structure. Crossbars may alternatively passthrough a through-hole of an upright support (e.g., in one layer) in one axis or orientation in one crossbar layer and connect at support sleeves in this axis or orientation in a next (e.g., lower) crossbar layer. Accordingly, in this example, four additional passthrough crossbars (e.g., 1730, 1731, 1732, 1733) may be coupled to the upright supports (e.g., 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704) in a manner similar to the passthrough crossbars 1705, 1706, 1720, 1721 to form at least a portion of a second crossbar layer in the playground support structure. However, where a passthrough crossbar (e.g., 1705) in the first layer passes through a given upright support (e.g., 1704) in a first orientation, a passthrough crossbar (e.g., 1730) passes through the same upright support (e.g., 1704) in a different orientation (in a plane parallel to a plane in which an axis parallel to the first orientation lies), such as in an orientation orthogonal or perpendicular to the first orientation.
Turning to FIG. 17D, in some example implementations, a top portion 1734 may be assembled and added to the top of upright supports 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704 (e.g., once there positioning has been arranged and set through the connection of crossbar elements interconnecting the upright supports (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 17A-17C)). For instance, the top portion 1734 may include upright extension supports (e.g., 1735, 1736, 1737, 1738) to raise the overall height of the playground support structure and allow various playground modules to connect to the playground support structure at this higher point. Close-up view 1740 shows the manner in which the upright extension supports (e.g., 1737) may be attached to an opening 1741 at the top of a upright support 1703. Fasteners (e.g., 1742, 1743, 1744, etc.) may be utilized to fasten the bottoms of the upright extension supports to the upright supports (e.g., 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704) when the bottoms of the upright extension supports to the upright supports are inserted into the openings (e.g., 1741) at the top of the upright supports.
Additional sections of the playground support structure may be added to the central portion of the playground support structure to build out and customize the dimensions of the overall playground support structure. In FIG. 17E, the assembly of an example portion of the playground support structure is shown. For instance, additional upright supports (e.g., 1745, 1746) may be used to form the basis of this section and passthrough crossbars (e.g., 1747, 1748) may be inserted through through-holes provided on the upright supports 1745, 1746. Fasteners (e.g., 1753, 1754, 1755, 1756, 1761, 1762, 1763, 1764) and collar elements (e.g., 1749, 1750, 1751, 1752, 1757, 1758, 1759, 1760) may be used to fasten these passthrough crossbars 1747, 1748 to the upright supports 1745, 1746. This section is attached to the central support section, as shown in FIG. 17F. For instance, support sleeves on upright supports 1745, 1746 may couple to the ends of a portion of the crossbars (e.g., 1765, 1767, 1768, etc.) on the central support section (or added (e.g., as non-passthrough crossbars) to the central support section). FIG. 17G shows a final section (e.g., including additional upright supports 1770, 1771, 1772, 1773) being added to other sections to complete the assembly of an example playground support structure (e.g., similar to that shown in other examples shown and discussed herein).
Turning to the examples shown in the diagrams 1800 a-d of FIGS. 18A-18D, additional playground module examples are shown which a user or designed may include to introduce waterplay options in an example playground. For instance, an example waterfall panels 1805 is shown which includes with concavities or clips (e.g., 1820, 1825) sized to correspond to and enable the connection of the waterfall panel to a frame of crossmembers of a modular playground support structure. The waterfall panel 1805 may be attached to the modular playground support structure to form a ceiling member in a fort or playspace formed (e.g., using wall and/or platform modules) in the playground support structure. A hose 1810 may be provided through a flexible tube coupled to the waterfall panel 1805 to allow water to be fed into a hollow chamber within the waterfall panel 1805. A ferrule or other hose coupling (e.g., 1815) may be provided at the end of the hose 1810 to couple a garden hose or other water source to the waterfall panel 1805 to feed water through the hose 1810 into the hollow chamber of the waterfall panel.
Turning to FIG. 18B, an underside view 1800 b of the waterfall panel 1805 is shown. A number of holes or openings (e.g., 1830-1835) may be provided on the underside of the waterfall panel through which water contained within or fed into the hollow chamber of the waterfall panel 1805 may exit the waterfall panel (e.g., as drips and/or streams of water) and create a rainfall or waterfall effect beneath the waterfall panel.
Turning to FIGS. 18C and 18D, in some implementations, a waterfall panel may be configured to enable the waterfall panel to be connected to or interconnected with one or more other (e.g., adjacent or nearby) waterfall panels (e.g., couple to a playground support structure or other support structure) to form a customizable area of waterfall features. For instance, an example waterfall panel may include multiple tap openings to (e.g., 1838, 1840) to which a hose or other water feedline (e.g., 1810) may be coupled. For instance, a hose (e.g., 1810) may be coupled to one of the tap openings (e.g., 1838) to receive water from a water source (e.g., a garden hose attached to a faucet). As shown in FIG. 18D, other hoses (e.g., 1860) may fluidically couple two waterfall panels (e.g., 1805, 1850 via respective tap openings 1840, 1855) to allow water fed into one waterfall panel 1805 (e.g., through hose 1810) to flow into the other waterfall panels (e.g., 1850) coupled to it. These additional waterfall panels (e.g., 1850) may be, in some implementations, coupled to other waterfall panels (e.g., via another hose attached to tap opening 1865) to extend the flow of water from the water source into the respective hollow cavities of the each interconnected waterfall panel to allow water to drop, spray, or flow down from the respective arrays of holes or apertures (e.g., 1851-1855) provided on the underside of each of the coupled waterfall panels (e.g., 1805, 1850). Tap openings (e.g., 1865) that are not to be used to introduce water or share water between waterfall panels may be capped or otherwise sealed. In some implementations, waterfall panels (e.g., 1805, 1850) may be structurally reinforced to allow the waterfall panels to both hold water (within their hollows) and serve as platform elements (e.g., similar to those shown and described in the examples of FIGS. 9A-12 ), allowing the module to serve both as a waterfall panel and platform panel, among other example features and implementations.
It should be appreciated that the particular examples illustrated and discussed above are provided merely to illustrate more general principles of this disclosure. Indeed, it should be appreciated that other features, changes, and alternative embodiments may be implemented without departing from the more general features proposed herein. Reference throughout this specification to “one implementation” or “an implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation is included in at least one implementation of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one implementation,” “in an implementation,” “in one example,” “in some examples,” “in some instances,” etc. in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more implementations.
The following examples pertain to embodiments in accordance with this disclosure. For instance, example 1 is an apparatus including: a playground frame including: a plurality of upright support posts, where at least a subset of the plurality of upright support posts include a respective plurality of through-holes configured to accept crossbar elements; a plurality of passthrough crossbars to be passed through the through-holes of the subset of upright support posts to couple the plurality of passthrough crossbars to the subset of upright support posts; and a plurality of non-passthrough crossbars to connect to the subset of plurality of upright support posts at an elevation corresponding to the through-holes, where a first subset of the plurality of passthrough crossbars are oriented parallel to a first horizontal axis when passed through through-holes of the subset of upright support posts, a second subset of the plurality of passthrough crossbars are oriented parallel to a second horizontal axis when passed through through-holes of the subset of upright support posts, and the first horizontal axis is not parallel with the second horizontal axis.
Example 2 includes the subject matter of example 1, where the plurality of passthrough crossbars includes a first set of passthrough crossbars and a second set of passthrough crossbars, the plurality of non-passthrough crossbars include a first set of non-passthrough crossbars and a second set of non-passthrough crossbars, where the first set of passthrough crossbars and the first set of non-passthrough crossbars are connected in a first layer of crossbars within the playground frame, and the second set of passthrough crossbars and the second set of non-passthrough crossbars are connected in a second layer of crossbars below the first layer of crossbars within the playground frame.
Example 3 includes the subject matter of example 2, where the playground frame includes at least three layers of crossbars.
Example 4 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 2-3, where the first horizontal axis is orthogonal to the second horizontal axis.
Example 5 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 2-3, where the first horizontal axis is less than 90 degrees askew from the second horizontal axis.
Example 6 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-5, where each upright support post in the subset of the plurality of upright support posts includes at least one support sleeve extending outward from the upright support post to connect to an end of a respective one of the plurality of non-passthrough crossbars or an end of a respective one of the plurality of passthrough crossbars.
Example 7 includes the subject matter of example 6, where the end of one of the non-passthrough crossbars is to fit within an opening of one of the support sleeves.
Example 8 includes the subject matter of example 6, where the end of one of the support sleeves is to fit within an opening at the end of one of the non-passthrough crossbars.
Example 9 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-8, where two of the plurality of non-passthrough crossbars and two of the plurality of passthrough crossbars form a rectangular crossbar frame within the playground frame, and the apparatus further includes a platform module to connect to the rectangular crossbar frame to form a platform within the playground frame.
Example 10 includes the subject matter of example 9, where at least one of the two of the plurality of non-passthrough crossbars and two of the plurality of passthrough crossbars is included in another rectangular crossbar from adjacent to the crossbar frame, and the apparatus further includes a second platform module to connect to the other rectangular crossbar frame to form a contiguous platform section with the platform module.
Example 11 includes the subject matter of example 10, where an edge of the platform module mates with an edge of the second platform module to form the contiguous platform section.
Example 12 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-11, where a top end of at least one of the plurality of upright support posts is to couple to a playground module and support the playground module.
Example 13 includes the subject matter of example 12, further including the playground module.
Example 14 includes the subject matter of example 13, further including a plurality of playground modules and the plurality of playground modules includes the playground module, where the plurality of playground modules are to connect to the playground frame.
Example 15 includes the subject matter of example 12, where the playground module includes a swing set module.
Example 16 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 12-15, where the playground module includes a slide module.
Example 17 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 12-16, where the playground module includes a monkey bars module.
Example 18 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 12-17, wherein the playground modules includes one or more waterfall panels.
Example 19 includes the subject matter of example 18, wherein the one or more waterfall panels includes a plurality of interconnected waterfall panels.
Example 20 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-19, where at least two of the plurality of upright support posts and two crossbars form a vertical frame, and a wall module is to couple to the vertical frame.
Example 21 is a method including: erecting a plurality of upright support poles, where each upright support pole in the plurality of upright support poles includes a first through-hole oriented in a first axial direction and a second through-hole oriented in a second axial direction different from the first axial direction; inserting a first passthrough crossbar through the first through-hole of two or more of the plurality of upright support poles; inserting a second passthrough crossbar through the second through-hole of two or more of the plurality of uprights support poles; connecting ends of a plurality of non-passthrough crossbars to the plurality of upright support poles, where the plurality of upright support poles, the first passthrough crossbar, the second passthrough crossbar, and the plurality of non-passthrough crossbars form at least a portion of a playground frame structure; and connecting one or more playground modules to the playground frame structure.
Example 22 includes the subject matter of example 21, where the playground frame structure includes the playground frame of any one of examples 1-20.
Example 23 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 21-22, where the playground frame structure is assembled according to the examples of FIGS. 17A-17G.
Example 24 is a system including: a playground frame including: a plurality of upright support posts, where at least a subset of the plurality of upright support posts include a respective plurality of through-holes configured to accept crossbar elements; a plurality of passthrough crossbars to be passed through the through-holes of the subset of upright support posts to couple the plurality of passthrough crossbars to the subset of upright support posts; and a plurality of non-passthrough crossbars to connect to the subset of plurality of upright support posts at an elevation corresponding to the through-holes, where a first subset of the plurality of passthrough crossbars are oriented parallel to a first horizontal axis when passed through through-holes of the subset of upright support posts, a second subset of the plurality of passthrough crossbars are oriented parallel to a second horizontal axis when passed through through-holes of the subset of upright support posts, and the first horizontal axis is not parallel with the second horizontal axis; and one or more playground modules to connect to and be supported by the playground frame.
Example 25 includes the subject matter of example 24, where the playground frame structure includes the playground frame of any one of examples 1-14 or 20.
Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the features, components, and actions recited in the claims can be arranged or performed in a different manner and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results.
A detailed description has been given with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. Furthermore, the foregoing use of embodiment and other exemplarily language does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or the same example, but may refer to different and distinct embodiments, as well as potentially the same embodiment.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a playground frame comprising:

a plurality of upright support posts, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of upright support posts comprise a respective plurality of through-holes configured to accept crossbar elements;

a plurality of passthrough crossbars to be passed through the through-holes of the subset of upright support posts to couple the plurality of passthrough crossbars to the subset of upright support posts; and

a plurality of non-passthrough crossbars to connect to the subset of plurality of upright support posts at an elevation corresponding to the through-holes,

wherein a first subset of the plurality of passthrough crossbars are oriented parallel to a first horizontal axis when passed through through-holes of the subset of upright support posts, a second subset of the plurality of passthrough crossbars are oriented parallel to a second horizontal axis when passed through through-holes of the subset of upright support posts, and the first horizontal axis is not parallel with the second horizontal axis.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of passthrough crossbars comprises a first set of passthrough crossbars and a second set of passthrough crossbars, the plurality of non-passthrough crossbars comprise a first set of non-passthrough crossbars and a second set of non-passthrough crossbars, wherein the first set of passthrough crossbars and the first set of non-passthrough crossbars are connected in a first layer of crossbars within the playground frame, and the second set of passthrough crossbars and the second set of non-passthrough crossbars are connected in a second layer of crossbars below the first layer of crossbars within the playground frame.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the playground frame comprises at least three layers of crossbars.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first horizontal axis is orthogonal to the second horizontal axis.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first horizontal axis is less than 90 degrees askew from the second horizontal axis.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each upright support post in the subset of the plurality of upright support posts comprises at least one support sleeve extending outward from the upright support post to connect to an end of a respective one of the plurality of non-passthrough crossbars or an end of a respective one of the plurality of passthrough crossbars.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the end of one of the non-passthrough crossbars is to fit within an opening of one of the support sleeves.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the end of one of the support sleeves is to fit within an opening at the end of one of the non-passthrough crossbars.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein two of the plurality of non-passthrough crossbars and two of the plurality of passthrough crossbars form a rectangular crossbar frame within the playground frame, and the apparatus further comprises a platform module to connect to the rectangular crossbar frame to form a platform within the playground frame.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one of the two of the plurality of non-passthrough crossbars and two of the plurality of passthrough crossbars is included in another rectangular crossbar from adjacent to the crossbar frame, and the apparatus further comprises a second platform module to connect to the other rectangular crossbar frame to form a contiguous platform section with the platform module.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein an edge of the platform module mates with an edge of the second platform module to form the contiguous platform section.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a top end of at least one of the plurality of upright support posts is to couple to a playground module and support the playground module.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising the playground module.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of playground modules and the plurality of playground modules comprises the playground module, wherein the plurality of playground modules are to connect to the playground frame.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the playground module comprises a swing set module.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the playground module comprises a slide module.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the playground module comprises a monkey bars module.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of upright support posts and two crossbars form a vertical frame, and a wall module is to couple to the vertical frame.

19. A method comprising:

erecting a plurality of upright support poles, wherein each upright support pole in the plurality of upright support poles comprises a first through-hole oriented in a first axial direction and a second through-hole oriented in a second axial direction different from the first axial direction;

inserting a first passthrough crossbar through the first through-hole of two or more of the plurality of upright support poles;

inserting a second passthrough crossbar through the second through-hole of two or more of the plurality of uprights support poles;

connecting ends of a plurality of non-passthrough crossbars to the plurality of upright support poles, wherein the plurality of upright support poles, the first passthrough crossbar, the second passthrough crossbar, and the plurality of non-passthrough crossbars form at least a portion of a playground frame structure; and

connecting one or more playground modules to the playground frame structure.

20. A system comprising:

a playground frame comprising:

a plurality of non-passthrough crossbars to connect to the subset of plurality of upright support posts at an elevation corresponding to the through-holes, wherein a first subset of the plurality of passthrough crossbars are oriented parallel to a first horizontal axis when passed through through-holes of the subset of upright support posts, a second subset of the plurality of passthrough crossbars are oriented parallel to a second horizontal axis when passed through through-holes of the subset of upright support posts, and the first horizontal axis is not parallel with the second horizontal axis; and

one or more playground modules to connect to and be supported by the playground frame.