AU2005201025A1 - Post for playground structure - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant: PLAYNATION PTY LTD Invention Title: POST FOR PLAYGROUND STRUCTURE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 2 POST FOR PLAYGROUND STRUCTURE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to playground structures and posts therefore.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Construction of playground structures involves shipping the components of the structures from the manufacturer to the site where the playground structure is to be erected. Currently, shipment of the components for playground structures presents many difficulties and is time consuming and costly to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a post for a playground structure, the post having a length, a width and a thickness and wherein the width of the post is at least three times its thickness.

Preferably, the post has a width of at least fo times its thickness.

Preferably, the post has a width of no more tha approximately ten times its thickness.

Preferably, the post has a width no more than approximately eight times its thickness.

Preferably, the post has a width of no more tha approximately six times its thickness.

Preferably, the post has a width of approximate five times its thickness.

Preferably, the post is constructed of plywood.

Preferably, the post is cut from a sheet of plywood.

The post may be constructed of plywood coated with a non-slip polymer.

The post may be constructed of a hard plastic material.

ur n n ly HT\IsabelH\Speci\55790.doc 8/03/05 3 o Preferably, the post is substantially rectangular in cross section across its width and tthickness.

Preferably, the post is approximately 2400mm (8 00 5 feet) in length. This facilitates manufacture from a standard sheet of material such as plywood.

Preferably, the post is provided with a plurality ci of apertures along its length for engaging various members 0with the post.

S 10 Preferably, the post is provided with first and ci In second apertures.

oPreferably, the first and second apertures are located towards respective ends of the post to enable the post to be attached to other members at or adjacent the respective ends of the post.

Preferably, the post is also provided with a third aperture.

Preferably, the third aperture is located between the first and second apertures.

Preferably, the third aperture enables the post to support a platform at a point of the post intermediate the ends.

Preferably, the post is also provided with a fourth aperture. Preferably, the fourth aperture is located between the first and second apertures.

Preferably, the fourth aperture enables the post to support a platform at a different height to the third aperture.

Preferably, the post is provided with one or more additional apertures located between the first and second apertures.

Preferably, the additional apertures comprise at least fifth, sixth and seventh apertures.

Preferably, the further apertures enable the post to support one or more protective rails at least partially around the platform. The protective rails are adapted to protect against children falling off the platform, and/or H:\IsabelH\Speci\55790.doc 8/03/05 4 o to provide bracing between posts of a playground C structure.

tPreferably, the post is also provided with an apparatus aperture. The apparatus aperture is preferably 00 5 located between the first and second apertures.

Preferably, the apparatus aperture enables the post to support playground apparatus such as monkey bars.

SPreferably, the axial spacing between adjacent apertures is at least 100mm (4 inches).

S 10 Preferably, the axial spacing between axially V' adjacent apertures is 100 to 350 millimetres (4 to 14 Sinches).

Preferably, each of the plurality of apertures is axially elongate.

Preferably, each of the plurality of apertures is substantially rectangular in shape.

Preferably, the length of each one of a given number of the plurality of apertures is between approximately five and seven times the width of that aperture.

Preferably, the width of at least some of the plurality of apertures is substantially the same as the thickness of the post.

Preferably, the width of each of the plurality of apertures is between approximately 19 and 26 millimetres (0.75 and 1.0 inches).

Preferably, the length of each of the plurality of apertures is approximately 126mm (5 inches).

Preferably, the width of most of the apertures, and preferably the first to seventh apertures, is approximately 19mm (0.75 inches). This facilitates connection of a member with a thickness of about 19mm (0.75 inches) (which is a standard sheet thickness) to the post.

Preferably, the width of the apparatus aperture is approximately 26 millimetres (1 inch). The larger width enables a thicker member to be supported by the post when H:\IsabeL1H\Speci\55790.doc 8/03/05 5 o it is required, such as in the case of support rails for C monkey bars.

tPreferably, each of the plurality of apertures is located on a central longitudinal axis of the post.

00 5 Preferably, each of the plurality of apertures is orientated so that its axial length is parallel to the axial length of the post.

C According to a second aspect of the present 0invention, there is provided a playground structure, comprising a plurality of posts, each said post having a f length, a width and a thickness and wherein the width of o each post is at least three times its thickness.

CPreferably, each post of the plurality of posts is manufactured from a sheet of plywood.

Preferably, the playground structure comprises at least six said posts.

Preferably, the six posts are cut from a single sheet of plywood.

Preferably, each post is provided with a plurality of apertures along its length.

Preferably, in use, at least some of the apertures are used for connecting one post to another post by connecting spaced apart portions of a member to the respective posts.

Preferably, the connection of the member to an aperture of the post is an interlocking connection.

Preferably the member includes a connection portion comprising a projecting portion, adapted to pass through an aperture in a post, a main body portion, and a recess, between the projecting portion and the main body portion.

Preferably, in use the post is located and retained in the recess.

Preferably, the recess is similar in width to the thickness of the post, so that in use the post is restricted by the sides of the recess against substantial movement in the axial direction of the member.

6/03/05 o Preferably, the projecting portion is smaller in width than the main body portion.

tThe member may include a hook portion at one end at least part of which is adapted, in use, to pass through 00 5 the aperture of the post to form the interlocking connection.

Preferably, in use, the post is held between the e hook portion and a main portion of the member.

0Preferably, the interlocking of the connection 10 member and the post restricts movement of the post and the ci I member relative to each other in the direction along the o axial length of the member.

Preferably, the playground structure is substantially rectangular with a post at each corner.

Preferably, the playground structure comprises cross members and side members.

Preferably, the cross members are arranged, in use, with axial lengths perpendicular to the width of the plurality of posts.

Preferably, the side members are arranged, in use, with axial lengths perpendicular to the axial length of the cross members.

Preferably, where a cross member and a side member connect to the same aperture, the connection between the aperture, the cross member and the side member is an interlocking connection.

Preferably, the cross member includes a projecting portion at one end.

Preferably, the side member includes a slot.

Preferably, the slot is located towards one end of the side member.

Preferably, the slot is approximately the same width as the aperture to which the side and cross members connect.

Preferably, the projecting portion extends through or past the aperture and the slot to form the interlocking connection.

H:;\IsabelH\Speci\SS790 doc 8/03/05 -7r i Preferably, the post and the side member are retained between the projecting portion and a main body tportion of the cross member.

Preferably, the interlocking connection of the 00 5 cross member through the aperture and the slot prevents movement of the post, the side member and the cross member relative to each other in the directions along the axial e length of the cross member and the side member.

0Preferably, the cross member has a width at least 10 three times its thickness.

ci Preferably, the side member has a width at least othree times its thickness.

Preferably, the playground structure also comprises at least one platform.

Preferably, the or each platform is supported by at least two cross members and/or at least two side members.

Preferably, the plurality of axially spaced apart apertures in the posts allows each platform to be secured to posts at a selected one of two or more height options.

Preferably, two platforms are supported at different heights by substantially identical posts of the playground structure.

Preferably, the playground structure is reconfigurable after initial construction.

Preferably, the load imparted on the playground structure is carried through the interlocking connections.

Preferably, at least some of the interlocking connections are arranged so that in use forces are transferred directly between connected members and posts.

The relative positions of interlocking components of the playground structure may be secured by fixings which are not adapted to transfer substantial structural forces, but which need only retain the components in their interlocked positions.

Preferably, the relative positions of interlocking components of the playground structure are H sabelH\Speci\55790. doc 8/01/05 8 Ssecured by metal fixing devices.

CA The metal fixing devices are preferably selft tapping screws.

SPreferably, the playground structure includes a 00 5 ladder comprising two side beams, and a plurality of rungs 0 located between the two side beams, wherein each rung includes a substantially flat connection portion at or C adjacent at least one end thereof and wherein each rung is 0attached by insertion of the or each flat connection portion into a corresponding slot in a side beam.

VPreferably, the ladder is configured as a set of o monkey bars.

C The playground structure may be provided in kit form, as a kit of parts which comprises at least two posts, each having a length a width and a thickness and wherein the width of each of said posts is at least three times its thickness.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for a playground structure comprising at least two posts, each in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the kit of parts comprises at least four posts.

Preferably, the kit of parts comprises at least six posts.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a ladder for a playground structure, the ladder comprising two side beams, and a plurality of rungs located between the two side beams, wherein each rung includes a substantially flat connection portion at or adjacent at least one end thereof and wherein each rung is attached by insertion of the or each flat connection portion into a corresponding slot in a side beam.

Preferably, each rung is formed from a tubular member and each flat connection portion is formed by a H:\IsabelH\Speci\55790.doc 8/0S/5 9 o flattened portion of said tubular member.

C Preferably, each rung has an axial length and teach flat connection portion terminates in a location Sportion which is dimensioned to be unable to pass through 00 5 the slot in the beam.

0Preferably each location portion is adapted to restrict lateral movement of the rungs relative to the e beams.

0Preferably, each location portion comprises a S 10 flattened portion of the tubular member which projects Cl f substantially perpendicular to the flat connection oportion.

C Preferably, the rungs are located between the beams.

Preferably, the location portions are located on the outside of the beams.

Preferably, each side beam has a width at least three times its thickness.

Preferably, the ladder is connected to a playground structure according to the second aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, in use the ladder is a set of monkey bars.

Preferably, the monkey bars are supported at one end by the playground structure and at the other end by at least two posts according to the first aspect, the posts being connected to a supporting base.

It is to be understood that features described as preferably included in the invention are included above to disclose features of certain embodiments and should not be used to limit any claim when the feature concerned is not explicitly recited in the claim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: H:\IsabelH\Speci\55790 doc 8/03/05 10 0 o Figure 1 is a perspective view from the side of a (N post according to a preferred embodiment of an aspect of tthe present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the post of Figure 1; 00 5 Figure 3 is a side view of the post of Figure 1 with cross members and side members connected thereto illustrated schematically; Figures 4(c) and 4(d) are perspective oviews of the post, cross members and side members of o 10 Figure 3, disconnected and connected together; ci f Figure 5 is a perspective view of a playground structure according to one embodiment of the present C invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a playground structure according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a playground structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a playground structure according to still another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a playground structure according to a further embodiment of the present invention, including monkey bars; Figure 10 is a top perspective view of the monkey bars shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a part side view of the monkey bars shown in Figure 9; and Figure 12 is a part top view of the monkey bars shown in Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, a post according to a preferred embodiment of an aspect of the present invention has a width at least three times its thickness. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, E:\IsabelH\Speci\5S790.doc 8/03/05 11 o the width of the post 10 is approximately five times the post's thickness. With this ratio, several posts t125mm in width, can be cut from a sheet of plywood which is 25mm thick. As a result, the manufacture of several 00 5 posts 10 is relatively economical.

0The plywood post 10 may be coated with a strong non-slip polymer. In an alternative embodiment, the post t 10 may be constructed entirely of a hard plastic material, ofor example by injection moulding.

o 10 The post 10 has a height of approximately 2400mm, f which allows for the construction of a two storey oplayground structure, and allows posts to be conveniently Scut from commercially available plywood sheets.

The post 10 is provided with a plurality of apertures 11 along the axial length of the post. The axial spacing of the apertures 11 in each post 10 of a single structure is consistent so that any members connected between two vertical posts 10 may be horizontal in use. (Of course, in use, it may be desirable to arrange some apertures 11 so that some members are sloped.) In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures i, 2 and 3, apertures 11 are provided in the post 10 so that the resulting structure may have platforms at 1200mm, 1450mm and 2300mm above the ground. Apertures 11 are also provided so that cross members 12 (see, eg. Figure 4) can be attached to provide a rigid structure and so that additional features, such as sandpits and monkey bars can be included as a part of the playground structure.

The post 10 of the preferred embodiment is provided with up to eight apertures 11 located on the central longitudinal axis of the post. The apertures 11 are substantially rectangular in shape, all but one having a width of 19mm and a length of approximately 126mm. The second aperture from the top has a width of 26mm to allow connection to thicker members. (Of course, alternative dimensions of aperture could be used as desired.) The apertures 11 are orientated so that their length is H:\ISabelH\SPeCi\55790 .doc 8/03/05 -12 o parallel to the length of the post (N The post 10 has an aperture 11 at each end so ct that the post 10 can be secured or braced about its top and bottom. The members which secure or brace the post 00 5 at its bottom end may form the boundary or part of a 0 boundary for a sandpit. Other apertures 11 are located between the apertures 11 at the ends of the post 10, which In enable the post 10 to support the platform at the o different heights above the ground. Alternatively, these other apertures 11 may support protective rails at least tfl partially around the platform to protect against children o falling off the platform.

Other apertures 11 also enable the post 10 to support additional features for the playground structure.

For some additional features, such as for example monkey bars, the aperture 11 is required to be wider (approximately 26mm). This is because the members of the monkey bars supported by the post 10 are required to be thicker because of the higher loads placed on them.

Using several posts 10, generally rectangular structures can be formed, having a post 10 at each corner.

Connecting each post 10 to other posts are various members, including cross members 12 and side members 13.

The cross members 12 are arranged perpendicular to the width of the post 10. The side members 13 are arranged perpendicular to the axial length of the cross members 12.

The spacing of the apertures 11 is such that any cross members 12 or side members 13 attached to the post are spaced from each other to provide a safe structure for children to play on and in compliance with entrapment regulations. The spacing between each of the plurality of apertures 11 is 100-350mm.

Referring now also to Figures 4(a) to at least one end of each cross member 12 is provided with a projection 20. The projection 20 has a thickness and a width which is approximately the same as, or slightly less than, the width and length of the aperture 11, so that the H:\ISabelH\SPeCi\5579Q.dOC S/03/0S 13 o projection 20, in use, is able to pass through the Saperture 11.

tThe projection 20 is connected to the main Sportion of the cross member 12 by a bridging portion 21 00 5 which is smaller in width than the projection 20, thereby defining a slot 22 which extends upwards from the bottom edge of the cross member between the main portion and the ci projection 20. The width of the slot 22 is equal to the othickness of the post 10 plus the thickness of the side S 10 member 13, if there is a side member 13 connected to the f post 10 at the same point as the cross member 12.

oThe side member 13 has a slot 30 at at least one end of the side member 13, the width of the slot 30 is approximately equal to the width of the aperture 11.

Connection of a cross member 12 and a side member 13 to a post 10, involves placing the side member 13 against the post 10 so that the slot 30 is aligned with the aperture 11.

A means for preventing downward movement of the side member 13 must be provided. In the case of a sandpit side member 13a as in Figure this means is provided by the ground, upon which the side member 13a rests.

However, for the deck side member 13b in Figure a fastening means such as a self-tapping screw, bolt, clasp, or nail is required.

The side member 13 can be placed on either side of the post 10 as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b) The projection 20 of the cross member 12 is then passed through the aperture 11, and the slot 30 if a side member 13 is provided, until the end of the main portion of the cross member 12 abuts the post 10 and the slot 22 of the cross member 12 spaces across the aperture 11 and the slot 30 of the side member 13. The cross member 12 then moves downwards so that the bottom surface of the bridging portion 21 engages the aperture 11 and/or the slot 30 of the side member 13. This engagement is a friction fit with the aperture 11 and the slot 30, and H:\ISabelH\Speci\S579. doc 8/03/05 -14 o prevents any movement of the post 10, the cross member 12 Cl or the side member 13 relative to each other in either Ct direction along the axial lengths of the cross member 12 and the side member 13.

00 5 In some cases, such as for a side rail cross 0 member 12c and a monkey bar cross member 12d, no side member is involved, and the cross member 12c or 12d simply In slots through the aperture 11 with its slot 22 spacing 0 across the aperture 11. (See Figures 4(c) and Figure 4(b) shows the cross member 12b and the tfl side member 13b having an internal ledge 40 upon which a o rectangular member 57 (see Figure 5) can rest to create a Cl platform or deck in the playground structure.

Alternatively, this rectangular member could rest on the edges of the cross member 12b and the side member 13b.

Figures 5 to 9 show how the posts 10 can be used to form the basis of various playground structures 450, 550, 650, 750, 850 respectively, but referred to collectively as 50 for convenience, with various cross members 12 and side members 13 spaced between a number of posts 10. The playground structures 50 can be also provided with a number of other features including a roof canopy 51, a tube connector 52 to connect to another playground structure, a swing frame 53, a sleep-out extension 54 and monkey bars 55, as shown in Figures 4 to 8 respectively. The "slot-together" or "hook-on" construction allows additional elements to be purchased subsequently to the base structure and easily installed.

The playground structure 50 also comprises an apex beam 56 which extends across the apex of the structure 50. The apex beam 56 enables the suspension therefrom of climbing ropes,"ladders, slide poles and the like.

In general, all components of the playground structures 50 are formed from flat components, allowing for easy packaging of the individual components and shipment to the site where the playground structure is to H;\Isabel$A\Speci\S5790.dOC S/Q3 15 o be erected. This includes, for example, the swing frame C( 35 which comprises a swing suspension member 58 and a t supporting frame 59. The swing suspension member 58 is Sformed as a plywood box section, and has the swing 00 5 suspended therefrom. The swing suspension member is supported at one end by the supporting frame 59 and at the other end by the playground structure 50. Both the swing In suspension member 58 and the supporting frame 59 can be 0flat packed, before shipment and on-site assembly.

S 10 Furthermore, because the structure involves ci I interlocking of the posts 10 with the various cross omembers 12 and side members 13, the playground structure only requires securing in place, for example by selftapping screws, to hold the posts 10 and members 12 and 13 in position. The load imparted on the playground structure is carried substantially through the interlocking connections so that the fixings need not bear structural forces. It is envisaged that alternatives to screws, such as nails or a suitable flexible adhesive, could be used.

This interlocking system provides flexibility and also allows for ready reconfiguration of the playground structures 50. For example a platform 57 may be moved up to accommodate taller children below the platform 57, and to provide safe fall heights for different ages by repositioning its supporting cross members 12 and side members 13. Reconfiguration of the playground structure may also be desirable in order to develop a sequence of skills (climbing, balance etc) at a pace consistent with the child's age, ability and development. Importantly, this can be done without needing to replace the entire structure 50, or rebuild a new structure from scratch.

In many prior art playground structures, posts, cross members and side members are bolted together, with the bolts carrying the load as well as holding the structure together. Furthermore, the posts are generally timber and similar in width and thickness, making them H:\IsabelH\Speci\55790.doC e/03/a5 -16o heavy and bulky.

CA In prior art playground structures, timber posts Ct are much thicker to help ensure that the posts do not deform or warp. The post 10 of the preferred embodiment 00 5 does not deform or warp because it is constructed of a suitable grade of plywood, even though its thickness is only a fifth of its width.

c-I Furthermore, because the posts 10 are generally 0thin and flat, they can be stacked easily and are generally light in weight (approximately 6 7 kgs for In posts 2400mm in length) and small in volume (approximately o0.007 5M 3 thereby enabling convenient shipment of the posts to a site where a playground structure is to be erected. Prior art posts for playground structures on the other hand can collectively weigh as much as 24Okgs and have a volume of one cubic metre, making them difficult and expensive to manufacture and transport, compared to the described embodiments.

Referring now to Figures 9 to 12, the monkey bars 55 are supported at one end by the playground structure and at the other end by two posts 10 connected to a supporting'base 60. The monkey bars 55 comprise two flat panels 61 and a plurality of rungs 53. The two panels 61 have projections 620 for attachment to posts 10. The panels 61 are provided with a series of opposing slots 62.

Each rung 63 comprises a tube 64 located, in use, between the side panels 61 and an L-shaped tag 65 at each end of the tube 64. The tags 65 are adapted, in use, to fit tightly into corresponding slots 62. The tags 65 are Lshaped so as to restrict lateral movement of the rails 63 relative to the panels 61. The tube 64 is a metal pipe, constructed of, for example, steel. The tags may be formed by crimping the metal pipe that makes up the tube 64.

Some prior art monkey bars are difficult to transport because the rungs and panels are assembled before shipment and hence are bulky and oddly shaped. In the preferred embodiment of the monkey bars 55, the panels HA\1sabelR\Speci\55790.doc B/03/05 17 0 o are compact and stackable, and the rungs may be placed in a bag for easy shipment. The monkey bars may thus be flat tpacked and easily transported.

Whilst this structure is described in the 00 5 preferred embodiment as being for use as monkey bars, it is apparent that it could be similarly used for other similar structures, such as for example a ladder, in a ci playground structure.

0If necessary, the rungs may be secured in place S 10 for example by a metal fixing passing through an aperture f in the tab and into the panel, or by blocking the openings oof the slots 62.

In the claim which follows and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FP\IsabelH\Speci\55790.doe 8/03/05

Claims (25)

1. A post for a playground structure, the post having a length, a width and a thickness, and wherein the 5 width of the post is at least three times its thickness. 00 S2. A post as claimed in claim 1 wherein the post has a width of approximately five times its t thickness. ci

3. A post as claimed in either preceding claim wherein the post is constructed of plywood. Ci 4. A post as claimed in either of claims 1 or S2 wherein the post is constructed of a hard plastic 0g material. A post as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the post is approximately 8 feet in length.

6. A post as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the post is provided with a plurality of apertures along its length for engaging various members with the post.

7. A post as claimed in claim 6 wherein the post is provided with first and second apertures which are located towards respective ends of the post, to enable the post to be attached to other members at or adjacent the respective ends of the post.

8. A post as claimed in claim 7 wherein the post is provided with a third aperture located between the first and second apertures, and wherein the third aperture is adapted to enable the post to support a platform at a point of the post, intermediate the ends.

9. A post as claimed in claim 8 wherein the post is provided with a fourth aperture, located between the first and second apertures to enable the post to support a platform at a different height to the third aperture.

10. A post as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9 wherein the post is provided with one or more additional apertures located between the first and second apertures. H:\IsabelH\Speci\5579Q.doc 61/03/05 19 0 o 11. A post as claimed in any of claims 6 to C wherein the axial spacing between axially adjacent t apertures is at least 100 mm.

12. A post as claimed in any of claims 6 to 11 00 5 wherein each of the plurality of apertures is substantially rectangular in shape and axially elongate.

13. A post as claimed in claim 12 wherein the C' length of each one of a given number of apertures is 0between approximately five and seven times the width of that aperture. V 14. A post as claimed in any of claims 6 to 13 o wherein the width of at least some of the plurality of Capertures is between approximately 19 and 26 mm. A post as claimed in claim 14 wherein the width of most of the apertures of the plurality of apertures is approximately 19 mm.

16. A post as claimed in either of claims 12 or 13 wherein each of the plurality of apertures is located substantially on the central longitudinal axis of the post and each of the plurality of apertures is orientated so that it has an axial length parallel to the axial length of the post.

17. A playground structure, comprising a plurality of posts, each said post having a length, a width and a thickness, and wherein the width of each of said posts is at least three times its thickness.

18. A playground structure as claimed in claim 17, wherein each post of the plurality of posts is manufactured from a sheet of plywood.

19. A playground structure as claimed in either of claims 17 or 18, wherein the playground structure comprises at least six said posts. A playground structure as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, wherein each post is provided with a plurality of apertures along its length.

21. A playground structure as claimed in claim wherein at least some of the apertures are used for H:\IsabelH\Speci\55790.doc B/03/05 20 0 o connecting one post to another post by connecting spaced Capart portions of a member to the respective posts.

22. A playground structure as claimed in claim 21, wherein the connection of the member to an aperture of 00 5 the post is an interlocking connection and wherein the member includes a connection portion comprising a projecting portion, adapted to pass through an aperture in C' a post, a main body portion, and a recess, between the 0 projecting portion and the main body portion.

23. A playground structure as claimed in claim V 22, wherein the recess is similar in width to the o thickness of the post, so that in use the post is restricted by the sides of the recess against substantial movement in the axial direction of the member.

24. A playground structure as claimed in any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the playground structure is substantially rectangular with a post at each corner. A playground structure as claimed in any of claims 17 to 24 wherein the playground structure comprises a plurality of cross members and a plurality of side members; wherein, the cross members are arranged, in use, with axial lengths substantially perpendicular to the width of the plurality of posts and the side members are arranged, in use, with axial lengths perpendicular to the axial lengths of the cross members.

26. A playground structure as claimed in claim wherein each cross member has a width at least three times its thickness, and wherein each side member has a width at least three times its thickness.

27. A playground structure as claimed in either of claims 25 or 26 wherein the playground structure also comprises at least two platforms, each supported by at least two cross members and/or at least two side members and wherein two platforms are supported at different heights by substantially identical posts of the playground structure. H:\IsabelH\Speci\55790 .doc 8/03/05 21 o 28. A playground structure as claimed in any of claims 17 to 27 wherein the playground structure is treconfigurable after initial construction.

29. A playground structure as claimed in any of 00 5 claims 17 to 28, wherein the playground structure includes a ladder comprising two side beams and a plurality of rungs located between the two side beams, wherein each ci rung includes a substantially flat connection portion at 0 or adjacent at least one end thereof and wherein each rung is attached by insertion of the or each flat connection f portion into a corresponding slot in a side beam. A playground structure as claimed in claim 29, wherein the ladder is configured as a set of monkey bars.

31. A playground structure as claimed in claim 17 when the playground structure is in kit form, comprising a kit of parts which comprises at least two posts, each having a length, a width and a thickness, and wherein the width of each of said posts is at least three times its thickness.

32. A ladder for a playground structure, comprising two side beams and a plurality of rungs located between the two side beams, wherein each rung includes a substantially flat connection portion at or adjacent at least one end thereof and wherein each rung is attached by insertion of the or each flat connection portion into a corresponding slot in a side beam.

33. A ladder for a playground structure, as claimed in claim 32, wherein in use the ladder is a set of monkey bars.

34. A post, for a playground structure, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figs. 1 to 3. A playground structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

36. A ladder or set of monkey bars Hi\IsabelH\Speci\55790.dC 8/03/05 22 o substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to CA and as shown in Figs. 9 to 12. Dated this 8th day of March 2005 00 5 PLAYNATION PTY LTD By its Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and STrade Mark Attorneys of Australia 0 oD oq H:VIsabelH\Speci\55790.doc a/03/05