PLAY STRUCTURES

Abstract: A child activity play structure is assembled from uprights posts (1) and link units (2) mounted between the posts (1) in a fence-like construction which preferably extends around the perimeter of a play area to define a substantially enclosed play system. Some link units (2) may consist of plain panels, but others are adapted to incorporate or to form items of play equipment whereby the structure incorporates several operationally independent but structurally integrated play items.

Description: Play Structures This invention relates to playground structures and equipment, and it marks an entirely novel approach to the construction of such equipment. Most commonly, playgrounds consist of a number of individual apparatuses, e.g. swings, slides, climbing frames, etc. located within a common area, sometimes enclosed by conventional fencing, but separated from each other within that area. It is known also for different forms of play apparatus to be combined into a single unit, such as one structure incorporating a climbing frame and slide, but such units are still arranged individually within the play area. The present invention makes a significant departure from conventional practices in playground design and resides broadly in a play structure assembled from prefabricated posts and link units so as to define a fence-like arrangement, at least some of the link units incorporating or being formed as items of play equipment. Such a structure in accordance with the in- vention enables a variety of different play items to be assembled together in a common fence-like arrangement ■ which in a preferred construction serves also to enclose a play area, thereby forming a complete and self-contained play centre. The structure of the invention may be installed outdoors, but will also be suitable for indoor installations, such as in large stores or the like where there is a need for essentially enclosed play areas for small children. In a presently preferred play installation embodying the invention the link units are for the most part formed as prefabricated panels having ends adapted for engagement in sockets provided in the posts. It is possible for the posts to comprise extrusions, in which case the sockets can be defined by channels extending along the extrusions. Alternatively, the posts may comprise tubes and the sockets defined by holes in the tubes. -In an especially convenient construction the panels comprise rectangular frames having a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members , the horizontal members projecting beyond the vertical members at each end of the frame to provide protruding spigots for engagement in the post sockets. The protrusions can be fixed in the sockets by fixing means comprising bushes. A currently preferred form of bush has a snap t with both the post and the panel protrusion, whereby assembly of a link panel with a post is easily completed by pushing the protrusions into the bushes previously fitted into the post sockets. Also provided according to the invention is a combination of a pair of posts and a link unit for use in erecting a play structure as described above, the posts having socket means, and the link unit having mounting means at the ends thereof engageable in the socket means, securing means being provided for retaining said mounting means in said socket means and said link unit incorporating or being designed as an item of play equipment . According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a connection assembly for securing a link unit to a post in a play structure as described in the foregoing, the connection comprising a hole formed in the post, an insert element provided on the link unit and positionable in the hole with a clearance therebetween, and bush means located in said clearance around the insert element, the bush means having means for engaging the post and the insert element to retain the insert element securely against detachment from the post . The bush means is preferably of unitary con¬ struction and adapted for snap fit in the post hole. The bush means may also be adapted for snap-fit with the insert element. The play structure of the invention may incor- porate a wide variety of different items of play equipment provided by the link units interconnecting the posts, and these can be arranged relative to one another along the fence-like structure as desired at the time of assembling the structure from the prefabricated units . It is not necessary for all or even the majority of link units to incorporate play items. The remaining link units can be plain fencing units and can comprise panels or railings. In a complete structure one or more link units may be omitted or formed as openable hinged gates to allow access into and out of the play enclosure sur¬ rounded by the structure. Thus , a presently preferred play structure according to the invention comprises a series of posts each anchored firmly to the floor, the posts being spaced apart along the perimeter of a play area, and link units mounted between and interconnecting adjacent posts to form with the posts a fence-like assembly for enclosing the play area, at least some link units being constructed as or including items of play equipment whereby the structure serves both as a perimeter fence for the play SUBSTITUTE SHEET area and as activity play apparatus. If fixing elements, such as bolts, are used to secure a post to the ground or other foundation, it may present a potential hazard if bolt heads or the like 5- remain exposed since they may cause injury to a child using th play apparatus of which the post forms part. It is proposed to avoid this problem by enclosing the fixing elements with an annular cover or collar arranged to surround the base of the post. By concealing these VCf elements the collar may also make a significant contribution to the aesthetic qualities of the play equipment» Thus, in accordance with yet another aspect the invention provides annular cover for surrounding a post, 15 such as in a play structure as previously described, comprising two semi-annular parts- of moulded construction and including integral coupling means enabling the parts to snap-fit together upon engagement around a post. In a preferred collar intended for mounting 20 around the base of a post, the two parts are of the same form and each includes an inner semi-cylindrical wall, an outer wall spaced from the inner wall and connected thereto by spaced reinforcing webs, an end wall interconnecting the inner and outer walls and including a 25. projection, and a recess at the other end, of complementary configuration to the projection, the projection and recess having undercut portions enabling the two parts to be engaged together with a snap-fit connection. 30 A better understanding of the invention will be had from the following detailed description which is given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a 35 play installation constructed in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is an elevation showing a structural play fence embodying the invention; Figures 3 to 12 are views illustrating different forms of link unit which can be mounted between pairs of adjacent posts of the structure; Figure 13 is an elevation showing a fence panel mounted between a pair of posts; Figure 14 is a vertical cross-section through a post having a surface mounting; Figure 15 shows in cross-section the lower end of a post having a ground embedded mounting; Figure 16 is a half sectioned top plan view of a preferred snap-connection bush; Figure 17 is a half section side view of the bush shown in Figure 16. Figures 18 and 19 are front and rear views of the bush of Figures 16 and 17; Figure ' 20 is a section through a blanking plug for use with the bush of Figures 16 and 19; Figures 21 and 22 are vertical and horizontal sectional views ,• respectively illustrating the bush of Figures 16 to 19 fitted to a post and link unit; Figure 23 is a top view of one half of a post base collar; Figure 24 is an underneath view of the half collar; Figure 25 is a front elevation of the half collar; Figure 26 is a side view of the half collar; and Figure 27 is a section taken along the line A-A in Figure 26. The play structure shown in Figure 1 defines an enclosed play area surrounded by perimeter fencing assembled from posts 1 and prefabricated link units 2. Many of the units are shown to consist of plain fence panels but others consist of activity play items. As shown the link units are curved although this is not essential and straight units can be used instead of in conjunction with curved ones. The shape of the fenced area is infinitely variable and is determined by the positioning of the posts 1 during installation of the structure. Of course, additional play apparatus can be provided within the enclosed area if desired, and can conveniently be constructed using similar posts and link units. In figure 2 a fence incorporating several different play units is shown, each unit being mounted between two adjacent posts 1 which are anchored securely to the ground. The play units are: a swing 4, a panel 5 carrying a picture of a lion or the like and including a hole for a child to insert his or her face, a play house 6 (shown in more detail in Figure 9), a polished metal mirror 7 and a slide 8. The swing 4 has a seat carried by chains or ropes attached to mounting elements which are inserted into sockets of the posts 1 in similar manner to the fence panel connections as described below. Figure 3 shows on a larger scale the picture play panel 5 of Figure 2. This, along with other play and fencing panels, preferably comprises a basic rectangular frame having upper and lower horizontal members 16, 17 and vertical members 18, 19. The frame members may be metal tubes welded together. The horizontal members 16, 17 project beyond the vertical members to define mounting spigots or protrusions 20 engageable with the posts in a manner to be explained below. The basic fence frame is shown mounted between two posts 1 in Figures 13. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate in elevation and horizontal cross-section a corrugated play panel 22 which can produce different visual effects or images according to the direction in which it is viewed. The panel 23 shown in elevation and vertical cross-section in Figures 5A and 5B, respectively is also adapted to create visual effects in that it is a polished metal wavy mirror. Figure 6 shows a link panel designed as an abacus, the basic frame being equipped with additional horizontal members 24, 25 and each horizontal member carrying a set of sliding spheres 26. A bench seat link panel 27 is shown in front elevation and vertical cross-section Figures 7A and 7B, the vertical frame members 18, 19 being shaped to provide a horizontal support for the sea slats 28. Figure 8 is a perspective view of an entrance to the fenced play enclosure with a guard barrier 30 formed by a fence panel 2 mounted between two posts 1. Two halves of a picture are applied to an end fence panel an barrier panel so that by viewing from the appropriate direction the two picture halves can be brought together, to complete the picture. The play house link unit 6 shown in Figure 2 is shown in greater detail in front elevation and vertical section in Figures 9A and 9B, respectively. It has a front wall 31 with a window opening 32 and a sloping roof 33. Figure 10 shows a climbing net 34 stretched over the basic fence frame to form another play item. In Figure 11 the frame is shown to support a set of different shaped elements 35, e.g. of metal for producing noise when struck. Figure 12 shows the basic frame carrying a padded panel 36 against which children can run without risk of injury. It will be appreciated that play units as described in the foregoing can be combined together and with plain fence units in an essentially continuous fence-like structure, and in a wide variety of different final constructions. Of course many other forms of play units are possible in addition to those described by way of example herein. It will be appreciated that each of the link units of Figures 3 to 2 can comprise the same form of basic frame adapted to correct with the two posts between which the panel is located. As already mentioned above, Figure 13 shows a basic fence frame mounted between two posts. The frame can be left, e.g. with additional vertical or horizontal bars to constitute a railing, or can be closed in by attaching for example a plain fence panel to provide a solid fence appearance, or a play panel such as those described above. Corner plates 10 can be welded to the basic frame for'mounting the panels. Each post 1 can be of the form shown in Figure 14 and comprise an upright metal tube 40 fitted at its lower end with a flange plate 41 provided with holes for bolts 42 which anchor the post to the ground. A collar 43 is fitted around the base of the tube 40 to enclose the mounting flange and bolts. The collar preferably takes the form described in more detail later with reference to Figures 23-27. The upper end of the tube 40 is closed off by a moulded cap 44 having a force fit in the tube end. The post is provided with upper and lower mounting sockets for the connection of the link units. Each socket consists of a circular hole drilled or punched in the tube and fitted with a plastics bush 45 into which the mounting spigots 20 of the link units are inserted to be fixed securely to the post. As shown the post is provided with four pairs of sockets, the sockets of each pair being spaced apart longitudinally of the tube 40, and the pairs being arranged around the tube at 90° intervals. It is not necessary for all the sockets to be used and those not required in a given play structure can be blanked off. By providing four pairs of sockets the same basic post can be used whether one, two, three or four link panels are to be mounted to it, although a range of posts with different numbers of socket pairs could be provided. Figure 15 shows an alternative method of mounting the post, it being secured by bolts 42 to a foundation membe 46 embedded in the ground and having fixed thereto units 47 for the bolts 42 In a play structure taller posts, e.g. of double height can be included and may be required for some play items, especially if raised decking of flooring is to be included, as may be seen in Figure 1. These posts of increased height can be provided with additional sets of sockets in the upwardly extended sections of the posts enabling upper link panels also to be connected between the posts. A bush connection is used for fixing the frame protrusions 20 in the post sockets as generally shown in Figures 14. The bush 45 is moulded from resilient plastics, e.g. nylon, and has a flange shaped to lie against the outer surface of the post tube 40, and a sleeve portion with an outer surface which tapers slightly towards its free end to facilitate insertion of the sleeve into the post and which includes means adjacent the flange for receiving the wall of the tube 40 so that the bush engages with a snap fit around the periphery of the hole. The bush and the protrusion 20 which fits into it may be provided with holes which are brought into register and receive a locking pin is inserted through the holes to secure the protrusion 20 firmly to the post, the pins being introduced down through the post tube before the top cap 44 is fitted. Alternatively, the bush can have an inclined hole extending through the flange for receiving a fixing screw which can tap into a hole drilled in the frame protrusion 20 inserted into the bush. In a further alternative bush connection the end of the frame protrusion is turned outwardly to form an end abutment against which the bush will engage to prevent the protrusion becoming detached from the post. In this case the bush is pushed into the hole of the tube 40 after the protrusion 20 has been inserted into the socket. The bush can be located on the protrusion before the end abutment is formed, or it can be split or divided to allow it to be located around the protrusion. Another possible form of bush 45 is formed with an integral inwardly projecting locking stud which engages in a hole provided in the frame protrusion. The bush is split to enable it to be located on the protrusion 20 and is pushed into the hole of the tube 40 along with the protrusion. Figures 16 to 22 illustrate the presently preferred form of connection bush. The bush has a flange 46 and sleeve 47. The inner end of the sleeve is closed by an integral end wall 56 formed with stiffening fins 57 and parallel grooves 58 which define resilient hinges for sleeve portions 59 forming locking tongues and separated from the remaining sleeve parts and end wall by slots 60. The outer surfaces of the tongues 59 taper rearwardly and the free ends of the tongues define with the flange 46 a slot for receiving the wall of the post tube 40 (Fig. 22). Locking studs 61 with inclined forward surfaces are moulded on the inner surfaces of the tongues 59 for engaging in holes 62 (figs. 21 and 22) drilled in the protrusion 20 of a link unit frame. The bushing is pushed into the hole in the post tube, the tongues 59 being cammed inwardly by their taper surfaces , and then springing out to snap behind the tube wall when the bush is fully inserted. When a link unit mounting element, i.e. frame spigot or protrusion, is inserted into the bush the tongues 59 are cammed outwardly, due to the inclined surfaces of studs 61 , and then spring inwardly to engage the studs into the holes 62 provided in the protrusion and hence lock the protrusion securely to th post. When the socket receiving the bush is not to be used it can be blanked off by the plug 64 shown in Figur 20. The plug is shaped as a disc with arms having opposed holes 65. The locking studs 61 engage in the holes 65 when the plug is inserted into the bush and in this position the outer surfaces of the disc and flange 46 are flush with each other. The bush connection of Figures 16 and 22 has the advantage of a simple push-fit snap connection with both the post and the frame protrusion. An alternative form of post (not illustrated) comprises a metal extrusion defining four channels with re-entrant openings and which constitute sockets for mounting link units interconnecting the posts. To secur the link units in the sockets there may be fastened to the connection spigots or protrusions 20 of the link frames mounting blocks which have enlarged heads of complementary shape to the extrusion channels and including fixing plates for bolts which tap into recesse formed in the inner end walls of the channels to fix the blocks in required position along the extrusion. Covers can be used to close off those channels not being used for mounting linking units the exposed channel portions above and below of the mounting blocks. During assembly the extrusion is fixed to the ground, the mounting block and covers are slid downwardly into position from the to of the extrusion, the bolts being inserted to fix the blocks at the required locations, and a top cap is fitte to the top of the extrusion. A preferred form of collar 43 for surrounding the base of a post to conceal the anchorage bolts, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15 will now be described with reference to Figs. 23 to 27 which show a half collar. The half collar is moulded in one piece from suitable plastics material, such as polypropylene, and has a semi-cylindrical inner wall 81 , and a outer wall 82 having the shape of a semi-frustum on a semi-cylindrical base. The inner and outer walls converge towards their upper edges and are connected at these edges to define an upper rim. The inner and outer walls are interconnected by five uniformly spaced radial webs 83. At one end the half ring is closed by an end wall which defines a projection 84 having lips 85 with chamfered faces, extending along the inner and outer edges of the projection. The lips are interrupted towards the top of the projection to avoid weakening the projection in this region. The projection is shaped to have parallel opposed edges over a substantial part of its height, which is provided by a triangular relief in the outer side edge of the projection. At the other end the half collar forms a recess 88 shaped to receive the projection 84, a triangular lug 89 of complementary shape to the relief of the projection extending inwardly from the outer wall 82, and a lip 90 with a chamfered face extending around the sides of the recess. A shallow groove 91 is also formed immediately behind the lip 90. An anchorage 92 for engagement in a location hole provided in the post to which the collar is to be fitted protrudes inwardly from the inner wall 81. In use two half collars as described are located on opposite sides of a post and are pressed together so that their studs 92 enter respective location holes in the post, and the projection 84 of each half collar engages with a snap action into the recess 88 of the other half collar. The chamfers on the lips 85, 90 facilitate this engagement and upon completion of assembly the lips 85, 90 lock securely behind each other to prevent separation of the half collars. Because the projections and recesses have parallel side edges they cannot be separated by a small relative axial displacement between the two connected half collars. In addition the lug 89 can help to prevent detachment of the collar by means of a sharp instrument such as the blade of a screw driver forced into the joint between tw half collars. Thus, the collar provides a secure and permanent cover for enclosing mounting elements at the base of a post and can ensure a smooth surface transition between the post and a horizontal supporting surface. From the foregoing description it will be appreciated that the invention is based on a novel concept for the design and construction of play structures in which the play equipment is integrated int a fence structure delineating a play area. It is extremely versatile allowing a great number of different structures to be assembled form a limited range of basic units. Nevertheless, the assembly procedure is not complicated and does not command any special skills. The structures specifically described herein are aimed at use by young children, e.g. from the ages of about 3 to 10 years, and for such use a post height of approximately 0.8 to 1.0 metres is preferred, with taller posts as used for some items of equipment being 1.4 and 1.6 metres, these heights being measured from ground level. For use with such post fence panels with a height of about 0.6 metres and length of 0.9 to 1.0 are suitable. Whereas the invention has been described herein with reference to a fence-like structure in which individual link units are formed as play items or plain fence panels, it should be understood that link units of other forms are possible, such as forming parts associated with otherwise known pieces of play equipment. For example, a link unit could be designed to form part of a larger climbing frame, or to define access steps leading to a slide or other piece of play equipment assembled in juxtaposition to the fence structure. Additionally posts shorter than those illustrated in the drawings and having e.g. single sockets could be used in some cases and would be suitable such as for supporting the lower of a slide. Furthermore, posts taller than those illustrated and having additional sets of sockets in their upper region could be provided and used for mounting roof elements or panels, e.g. with one such panel being supported at its four corners by respective posts, such as for providing a roof over a raised floor or deck leading to a slide.

Claims: Clai s : 1. A child activity play apparatus comprising a variety play means incorporated in a common structure, characterised in that the structure is assembled using posts (1 ) and prefabricated link units (2) respectively mounted between pairs of said posts to define a fence¬ like arrangement, at least some of link units (2) incorporating or being adapted to form items of play equipment (e.g. 4, 5, 6, 7, etc). 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said fence-like arrangement of posts (1 ) and link units (-2) extends around the perimeter of a play area to define a substantially enclosed play system (Fig. 1 ). 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least some link units consist of panels having means (20) for engagement with sockets provided in the posts (1 ) for securing the panels between pairs of posts (1 ). 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sockets comprises holes in said posts. 5. An apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each panel comprises protruding spigots (20) at the ends thereof for engagement in the post sockets. 6. An apparatus comprising a pair of posts (1 ) in combination with a link unit (2) for use in erecting a play structure as defined in claim 1 or 2 , each post having socket means, and the link unit having mounting means (20) at the ends thereof engageable in the socket means, securing means (45) being provided for retaining said mounting means in said socket means, and said link unit (2) incorporating or being designed to form an item of play equipment. 7. An apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the panel has protruding spigots (20) formed by end portions of horizontal panel frame members (16,17) and arranged to locate in respective sockets. 8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the panel comprises a basic frame of rectangular configuration comprising a pair of horizontal frame members (16,17) and a pair of vertical frame members (18,19), the horizontal frame members projecting beyond said vertical frame members to define said spigots (20). 9. An apparatus according to claim 5, 7, or 8, wherein each socket receives a securing bush member (45) for cooperation with a panel spigot (20) to fix the spigot in said socket. 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said bush member (45) is engaged in said socket with a snap fit. 11. An apparatus for securing a link unit to a post in a play structure as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising bush means (45) insertable into a hole provided in the post for surrounding an insert element (20) provided on the link unit (2) and positionable in the hole with a clearance therebetween, said bush having means (59,61 ) for engaging the post and the insert element securely against detachment form the post. 12. An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the bush means is a unitary member (45) adapted for snap fit engagement in the post hole, and provided with means (61 ) to engage securely an insert element in the form of a cylindrical spigot (20). 13. An apparatus according to claim 10 or 12, wherei the bush member (45) engages the spigot (20) with a snap fit on insertion of the spigot into the bush member. 14. A apparatus according to any one of the precedin claims, wherein each post (1 ) comprises an upright tube (40). 15. An apparatus according to claims 13 and 14, wherein the bush member (45) has a flange (46) for engaging the outer surface of the post and" a sleeve (47) projecting from the flange to extend through a hole in the post tube (40), said sleeve including a hinged locking tongue (59) for engaging the inner surface of th post tube (40) to secure bush member to the post, and a projection (61 ) on the inner side of said tongue for engaging in a hole (62) provided in said spigot (20). 16. An apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherei the upper end of each tube (40) is closed by a cap (44) having a force fit in said end of the tube. 17. An apparatus according to any of claims 8, 9, 10 12, 13 or 15, wherein a plug (64) is provided and is engageable in the bush member (45) with a snap-fit to blank off the bush opening when said bush member is not required for attaching a link unit to a post in which th bush member is fitted. 18. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some posts are each are each provided with sockets distributed around said post at 90° intervals to enable a plurality of link unit (2) to be connected thereto and to extend from said post in orthogonal directions. 19. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, some posts (1 ) are of greater height than other posts for separate upper and lower link units (2) to be mounted between a pair of said greater height posts. 20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a collar (43) surrounds a lower end portion of at least one post for concealing anchorage means (42) fixing the post to the underlying support surface. 21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the collar consists of two parts engageable around the post with a snap fit connection. 22. An apparatus for forming an annular collar intended to surround a post, such as in a play structure as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising two semi annular parts of moulded construction and including integral coupling means (84,88) enabling the two parts to snap fit together upon engagement around a post. 23. An apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the two collar parts are substantially identical. 24. An apparatus according to claim 21 , 22 or 23, wherein each collar part includes an inner semi- cylindrical wall (81 ) an outer wall (82) spaced from the inner wall and connected thereto by spaced reinforcing webs (83), and end wall interconnecting the inner and outer walls and including a projection (84), and a recess (88) at the other end of complementary configuration to the projection, the projection and recess having undercut portions (85,89) enabling the two collar parts to engage with a snap fit. 25. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the projection (84) and recess (88) each have opposed parallel edges and said undercut portions (85,89) extend along said edges. 26. An apparatus according to claim 25 wherein each of the projection (84) and recess (88) is of approximately L-shape configuration. 27. An play structure for child activity, comprising a series of upright posts (1 ) each anchored firmly to th ground, the posts being spaced apart around the perimete of a play area, and link units (2) mounted between and interconnecting adjacent posts to form with the posts a fence like assembly for enclosing the play area, some link units being of generally planer panel-like form, and other link units being constructed as, or including or being adapted to form items of play equipment, whereby the structure serves both as a perimeter fence for the play area and as child activity play apparatus incorporating several operationally independent but structurally integrated play items. 28. A play apparatus according to claim 2 , or a play structure according to claim 27, wherein further posts (1 ) and link units (2) are located within said play area and serve to form partition fences and/or play equipment within said play area.

Inventors: GALE RONALD ARTHUR, PRIESTMAN PAUL, GALE, RONALD, ARTHUR, PRIESTMAN, PAUL
Applicants: SMP PLAYGROUNDS LTD, SMP (PLAYGROUNDS) LIMITED
Application year: 1988
Main classification: A63G31
IPC codes: A63G31