AU2015249100A1 - Modular play system - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular system for constructing a play structure, the system comprising a plurality of frames, a plurality of frame connectors, a plurality of panels and a plurality of panel connectors. Each frame is arranged in a closed loop of generally tubular elements, to at least partially define a panel aperture. The frame connectors are adapted to releasably attach adjacent frames to one another. Each panel has a complimentary profile to fit within a panel aperture. The panel connectors are adapted to releasably attach a panel to a frame.

Description

2 MODULAR PLAY SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a modular system for constructing a play structure comprising a kit of parts able to be configured in multiple arrangements and also to a method for joining elements of the system to form a play structure. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Children enjoy playing with toys and particularly those which encourage a child to exercise their imagination and are adaptable to allow a range of games or activities to be played. In addition to portable or individual toys, children also enjoy interacting with play structures such as tree houses, playground equipment and ad-hoc cubby houses or playhouses formed from household articles and furniture. Apart from ad-hoc playhouses, conventional play structures are usually fixed in form and arrangement. For example, once playground equipment or a tree house has been constructed, the resulting structure cannot readily be reconfigured or modified to have different features or dimensions to allow different games to be played. Furthermore, traditional playhouses cannot be constructed by a child, requiring the input of an adult and removing the potentially creative and educational step of allowing a child to construct its own play structure. Outdoor play structures have a further disadvantage where they are usually fixed outdoors and exposed to weather, becoming wet, dirty and cold. In such instances, the play structure is unattractive to children during and for some time after inclement weather. Their fixed structure also does not allow them to be easily dismantled for storage or to be repositioned.

3 Ad-hoc playhouses constructed inside a home provide a novel play environment for children, allowing a child to express imagination and build a bespoke setting for a game or activity. However, as such playhouses are usually made from household articles such as furniture and cushions, the playhouse will usually need to be deconstructed after a short period of time. Accordingly, it would be an advantage to provide a kit or system to allow the construction of a vast range of play structures which may be used both indoors and outdoors. It would prove beneficial to have a system constructed from a small number of different, simple modular parts which a child could quickly and easily connect together to form a range of structures. It would also be advantageous to provide a kit for building a playhouse that is lightweight and easily dismantled into a relatively small container so that it can be conveniently stowed or taken to other locations. Furthermore, a play system which incorporated a number of interactive or reconfigurable moving elements would also be an advantage over the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a modular system for constructing a play structure, the system comprising a plurality of frames, each frame arranged in a closed loop of generally tubular elements, to at least partially define a panel aperture, a plurality of frame connectors, adapted to releasably attach adjacent frames to one another, a plurality of panels, each panel having a complimentary profile to fit within a panel aperture and a plurality of panel connectors adapted to releasably attach a panel to a frame. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each panel connector and each frame connector is freely rotatable around a portion of the frame it is connected to. Furthermore, each panel connector and each frame connector preferably includes at least one deformable clip configured 4 to grip a frame. In particular, it is also preferable that each frame connector comprises at least one pair of deformable clips arranged on a plane and in a mirrored orientation to one another. According to another aspect of the invention, each panel connector is secured adjacent to the perimeter of a panel. Preferably, each panel connector is releasably attached to a panel. According to an alternative aspect of the invention, each panel has a front surface, an opposing rear surface and a plurality of side-walls connecting the front and rear surfaces, and a plurality of connector apertures arranged substantially perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces, adjacent to the perimeter of the panel. In such an embodiment, it is preferable that each panel connector includes a panel attachment portion arranged substantially perpendicular to a deformable clip, the portion having a planar section, an extrusion extending perpendicular thereto and lip around the perimeter of the extrusion, the extrusion having a cross section of substantially identical geometry to a connector aperture. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum size of a panel is limited to provide at least 3mm of clearance between a perimeter of the panel and an associated frame. According to another aspect of the invention, a panel is subdivided into a plurality of smaller panels. According to a further alternative embodiment, each frame is a sub assembly comprising a plurality of tubular sections and a plurality of junctions to affix the tubular sections together. In one embodiment, each frame is arranged to define a panel aperture having a shape selected from: a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, or an octagon.

5 According to another aspect of the invention, a portion of each panel connector attached to a panel has an aperture arranged substantially perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the attached panel. In the preferred embodiment, each panel is formed from a resilient material, preferably being soft foam. Furthermore, each panel preferably has graphics printed or affixed to at least one surface. The term 'modular' should be understood in the context of this specification to refer to a kit of a few discrete parts which may be connected together in a range of different configurations to construct a variety of structures. In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "comprising" has the non-exclusive meaning of the word, in the sense of "including at least" rather than the exclusive meaning in the sense of "consisting only of". The same applies with corresponding grammatical changes to other forms of the word such as "comprise", "comprises" and so on. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1A-5C show a number of different frame configurations; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a frame connector; Figure 7 shows a perspective and detail view of a square panel; Figures 8A-8F show a number of different panel configurations; Figures 9A-9C show different views of a panel connector; 6 Figure 9D shows a perspective view of a panel connector with a panel inserted into the connector; Figure 10A shows a perspective view of a frame joiner member; Figure 10B shows a plan view of the frame joiner member depicted in Figure 1OA; Figure 10C shows the frame connector of Figure 6 engaged with a portion of the frame joiner member of Figure 1OA; Figures 11A-11B show two perspective views of a configuration of the modular system to create a play structure during different stages of construction; Figure 11C shows a perspective view of a configuration of the modular system where some panels have been opened to form doors, windows, service counters etc; and Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the modular system to create a different play structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to a modular system for constructing a play structure and in particular, relates to a modular system comprising a kit of parts adapted to be reconfigurable in multiple arrangements to provide different structures to facilitate playing games or related activities. Reference in general throughout this specification will be made to the play structures provided by the invention being playhouses which are constructed by children - potentially with the assistance of adults, however it should be understood that due to the flexible and modular nature of the play system provided, other forms of play structure other than playhouses may be constructed which are in accordance with the present invention.

7 Reference to the use of the invention by children to form playhouses in this specification should in no way be seen as limiting. The invention provides a system which comprises a standardised kit of a few, simple discrete parts which may be connected together by a user with low dexterity and mechanical understanding to rapidly design and construct a vast range of play structures. The system preferably does not require the use of tools to construct the structure, each part being releasably affixable to adjacent parts by hand and without the need for adult supervision. In particular, the present invention provides a kit comprising a number of frame components, panels which attach within or to the frames and an assortment of connectors for attaching frames to each other and to the panels. The frames are preferably tubular, having a substantially circular cross-section and at least partially enclose a region or area to form a panel aperture, within the boundaries of which a panel may be affixed. The connectors fall into two main categories; those configured to attach a frame to another frame and those configured to attach a panel to a frame. Each connector is preferably adapted to have a first portion configured to releasably attach to a frame or panel and a second portion configured to releasably attach to a frame, the second portion being freely rotatable in relation to the frame. This arrangement allows structures to be progressively built by connecting frames to form a generally rigid framework and attaching panels where required to provide a solid section of wall or ceiling or the function of doors, windows and the like. Each frame or panel may then be rotated to a desired orientation during or after construction, providing a highly adaptable system which may be modified to user requirements with ease. Accordingly, a wide range of structures may be built using the kit, allowing a user to express its imagination and creativity and facilitate many different games or activities. In an alternative embodiment the connectors may be adapted to be connected to a frame and positioned in a limited number of orientations with respect to the frame to simplify the construction of the structure 8 further. In a further alternative embodiment, the connectors may be adapted to firmly grip a frame or releasably grip a frame to be orientated to a desired position with respect to the frame and be temporarily fixed due to the relatively high frictional or compressive force exerted by the connector on the frame. As the components of the present invention are of a simple structure and adapted to be releasably engaged with each other, a play structure may be assembled and disassembled quickly, allowing the structure to be packed away when required and conveniently stored or transported to other locations, such as a friend's house or to a garden. The components are preferably formed from lightweight materials, such as plastics or in the case of the panels, soft foam, and may be packed into a carry case to further assist with the ease of transporting the system. Turning to the drawings, Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a frame 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The frame is shown as being formed from a sub-assembly having a number of parts including tubular members 2 and frame joiner members 3, preferably in the form of L-shaped joints, which are adapted to fix two tubular members at a right angle to one another. In some instances, the frame 1 may be provided to a user as a kit, including the constituent parts, which the user affixes to each other to form a frame. Alternatively, each frame may be assembled prior to delivery to a user in either a releasable or permanently fixed arrangement. The joints may be configured to releasably connect to the tubular members by an interference fit or by other conventional mechanical means or alternatively, may permanently connect to the tubular members by using adhesives, rivets, ultrasonic welds or other conventional permanent fixing methods. In an alternative preferred embodiment, each frame may be formed from a single-piece construction, being a single plastic moulding, extrusion, casting or other similar structure. The frame 1 shown in Figure 1A-1C is shown in a preferred arrangement having a substantially square shape and defining a panel aperture 4 within the tubular members 2 and joints 3, inside the boundaries 9 of which a panel may be affixed, each panel aperture preferably being of an appropriate dimension that a child can crawl through comfortably. Whilst it is preferred that a panel is attached to at least partially fill the area defined by the frame, it is within the scope of the invention that a panel may be attached to a front or rear face of a frame such that the panel extends beyond the panel apertures area. It is preferable that the frame is arranged in a continuous loop as shown to provide a relatively rigid structure and allow a panel to be connected at any position along the length of the loop. However it is within the scope of the invention that the frame provides a partial loop if required. It is also preferable that the frame is arranged to be a square in which each tubular member is substantially the same length to allow a user to affix the frame within a play structure regardless of its orientation and standardising the separation distance between adjacent frames, both of which simplifying the construction of the structure. Figure 1C shows a cross-section view of the frame 1 in which the tubular members 2 can be seen to have a circular cross-sectional profile. It is preferable that each tubular member is circular in cross-section to allow brackets, clamps, connectors or other joints to be attached to the frame and rotated around the frame to a desired orientation. Tubular members may also have other cross-sectional profiles such as square or hexagonal profiles to suit other user requirements, such as limiting the orientation a connector may be attached to a frame to simplify the construction of a structure. Figures 2A-5C show alternative preferred frame 1 embodiments in which the tubular members 2 are varied in length and used in conjunction with other joints to affix tubular members at different angles to each other. For example, Figures 2A-2C, show three tubular members attached to two different types of joint, a first being an L-shaped joint 3 and a second being a 45 degree joint 5, to form a triangular shaped frame. Figures 3A-3C show a rectangular shaped frame having two tubular members 2 having a greater length than the other two tubular members. Figures 4A-5C illustrate hexagonal and octagonal shaped frames, the hexagonal frame having six 10 tubular members affixed by 120 degree joints 6 and the octagonal frame having eight tubular members affixed by 135 degree joints 5. The modular kit may be provided with a plurality of frames 1 all of which having the same profile, for example, all being square frames or including a mixture of different frame profiles. Alternatively, the modular kit may comprise an assortment of tubular members 2 of different lengths and an assortment of joints 3, 5, 6 to allow a user to construct frames of a desired shape whilst building a play structure. Whilst five different frame embodiments are shown in the drawings it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other frame shapes are also possible to produce using this approach and are considered within the scope of the invention. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a frame connector 7, configured to releasably connect a frame to an adjacent frame. The connector is shown having two identical deformable clips 8 arranged on either side of the connector, each clip having a pair of opposable jaws 9 able to be resiliently deformed. The arrangement of each clip allows the jaws to be forced apart, for example as a user forces the jaws over a frame, the frame having a larger outside diameter than the separation of the mouth of the jaws, and subsequently returns to its original position, gripping an item, as the jaws reach around a tubular member. The space defined between the jaws is preferably of a complimentary shape to an associated frame to ensure a firm connection to a frame. It is preferable that the connector has at least one pair of clips, each pair arranged substantially on the same plane and in a mirrored orientation to each other to allow a user to install a clip regardless of its orientation and connect a frame to an adjacent frame. As each clip is preferably freely rotatable around an attached frame, the frame connector may be rotated to connect adjacent frames together regardless of their angular orientation in relation to each other. In figure 7, a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a panel 10 is shown, the panel having a front and rear surface being substantially larger than the side surfaces connecting these. The panel shown is configured in a preferred arrangement having a square front and rear 11 surface, the square having smaller dimensions than the panel aperture 4 of a square frame 1, as shown in Figures 1A-1C, to allow the panel to be affixed within the aperture and to the frame and provide clearance for a user to reach between a panel and a frame to grip and remove a panel when required. When connected to a frame, each panel provides a solid section of wall or ceiling within the play structure, removing the need to cover the structure with material, such as sheets, blankets or curtains, as is common with prior art approaches. Preferably the clearance between a panel and its associated frame is at least 3mm to enable convenient removal of a panel and to allow the user to apply pressure to the frames when attaching one frame to another. Furthermore, this clearance ensures that when a panel and associated panel connector is rotated around an associated frame, it may rotate freely without interfering with other panel or frame connectors connected to the same frame. Similarly, this clearance also allows a frame connector to be rotated around an associated frame without interfering with a panel connected to the same frame. The panel preferably has at least one connector aperture 11 arranged perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces and adjacent to the perimeter of these surfaces, through which a panel connector may be fastened. In the preferred embodiment as shown, four connector apertures are provided however it is within the scope of the invention that more or less apertures may be included to allow connectors to be affixed to the panel in different positions. It is preferable that each panel is formed from a resilient material, such as a soft foam, to absorb impacts during use and allow the side-walls of each aperture 11 to be deformed when assembling a panel connector to a panel. Figures 8A-8F show front views of alternative embodiments of panels 10, where each panel is sub-divided into a plurality of smaller panels. These smaller panels, or sub-panels, may be attached in a group substantially filling an entire panel aperture 4, at least some of which being rotatable around its associated frame to provide features such as windows, doors or other imaginary functions, or may be attached individually to only partially fill an aperture, to allow the remaining space in the aperture to be an open void. As it can be seen throughout Figures 8A-8F, the panels may be sub- 12 divided into a wide range of different arrangements to provide unusual and interesting shapes and encourage a user to explore its imagination. Other alternative arrangements (not shown) may include themed shapes, such as castellated portions, to provide the appearance of castle turrets when attached along a top edge of a play structure. Similarly panels may be coloured or have graphics printed on or affixed to the front and rear surfaces to further enhance the theme and provide a vivid, interesting and exciting appearance to a user. Figures 9A-9C show different views of a panel connector 12, having a first portion configured to attach to a frame, in this case being a deformable clip 13, having a pair of opposable and deformable jaws 14, the clip preferably being substantially identical to those provided on the frame connector 7 and configured to allow rotation of the clip around a frame, and a second portion configured to attach to a panel, the second portion affixed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clip. The panel attachment portion includes features to connect the connector through a panel connector aperture 11, the portion including a first planar section 15 connected to the clip and a second planar section 16 connected by a side wall 17. The side-wall is configured to have substantially the same dimensions as a panel connecting aperture and the second planar section having a perimeter geometry that is slightly larger than the side-wall to provide a lip to retain the panel connector when inserted through a panel connector aperture. The second portion also provides features to allow a user to interact with the panel, having an aperture 18 arranged at least partially through the planar sections 15, 16 and the side-wall 17 within which a user may insert one or more fingers to reposition the panel connector and associated panel by rotating both around an attached frame. This allows a user a means to grip and move a panel to reorientate a panel during construction or during play, utilising the arrangement as a door or window within the play structure. The aperture 18 also allows the user to insert one or more fingers to apply pressure to the panel connector when attaching it to the tubular member 2 of the frame. The portion also has a second lip 19, arranged adjacent to the clip and parallel to the first planar 13 section to retain and grip an edge of a panel. Whilst it is preferable that the panel connectors are configured to be releasably attached to a panel, the connectors may be permanently fixed to a panel by conventional fixing means such as adhesives or ultrasonic welding or may alternatively be integrally formed with a panel, by being over-moulded or moulded as part of the panel's structure. Figure 9D shows a perspective view of a panel 10 attached to a panel connector 12 in accordance with the previous figure. The figure clearly shows the retention features being the two lips 16 and 19 which secure the panel against the first planar section 15 following the insertion of the side wall 17 portion into a connector aperture 9. Figures 10A and 10B show detailed views of the frame joiner member 3, preferably in the form of an L-shaped joint, wherein the frame joiner has a first portion 20 configured to attach to the tubular members 2 and a second portion 21, which is configured to engage with the deformable clips 8 of the frame connector 7. Located at each end of the second portion 21 are abutment regions 22, which prevent lateral movement of the frame connector 7 when it is engaged with the frame joiner member 3. This ensures that adjacent frame joiner members remain substantially aligned with each other when connected together by a shared frame connector. Figure 10C shows a perspective view of an assembly of a frame connector 7 and tubular member 2 attached to a frame joiner member 3. The abutment regions 22 located at each end of the second portion 21 of the frame joiner member clearly be seen to restrict lateral movement of the frame connector. Figure 11A is a perspective view of the components of the kit as described with reference to the preceding figures, during a first stage of construction arranged in a cube structure, the cube having frames 1 attached by multiple frame connectors 7 in a 3 x 3 arrangement to form a wall and having five walls connected together to provide four upright walls and a roof.

14 Figure 11B shows the structure as described in the previous figure following the next stage of construction, having a plurality of panels 10 attached by panel connectors 12 within the panel aperture 4 defined by each frame 1. A number of the panels can be seen to be arranged having sub-panels. Figure 11C shows the structure as described in the previous two figures during use, having each of the sub-panels rotated around a frame 1 to which it is attached to at an alternative orientation, providing the functions of doors, windows, skylights, service counters and the like. As shown in Figure 11C it is preferable that the clip 13 of each panel connector 12 exerts sufficient force by its opposed jaws 14 on a tubular frame member 2 to grip the member and hold an attached panel 10 or sub panel firmly in a desired position. However, it is within the spirit of the invention that the clip of each connector does not exert such a force and may freely rotate around each frame 1, suspending a panel below a frame. Figure 12 illustrates an example of an alternative embodiment of the system, wherein the components of the system are deployed in a different configuration. The play structure shown also has a plurality of frames 1 connected by frame connectors 7, in this case many of the frames being arranged on a different plane to an adjacent frame by being rotated within the clip 8 of its associated connectors, and a plurality of panels 10 and sub panels connected by panel connectors 12 to the frames, many of the panels shown rotated around its associated frame into a different plane to that defined by its associated frame aperture 4. Figure 12 is merely a single example of the many different configurations the components of the present invention may be reconfigured into and is included to demonstrate the adaptability of the system and the scope for a user to construct many different play environments to exercise its creativity.

Claims (17)

1. A modular system for constructing a play structure, the system comprising: a plurality of frames, each arranged in a closed loop of generally tubular elements, which at least partially define a panel aperture; a plurality of frame connectors, adapted to releasably attach adjacent frames together; a plurality of panels, each having a complimentary profile to fit within the panel aperture; and a plurality of panel connectors adapted to releasably attach the panel to the frame.

2. A modular system in accordance with claim 1 wherein each one of the panel connectors and the frame connectors when connected to the frame are freely rotatable around a portion thereof.

3. A modular system in accordance with claim 1 wherein each one of the panel connectors and frame connectors include at least one deformable clip configured to grip the frame.

4. A modular system in accordance with claim 3 wherein each frame connector comprises at least one pair of deformable clips arranged on a plane and in mirrored orientation to one another.

5. A modular system in accordance with claim 1 wherein each panel connector is secured to the panel at or near the perimeter thereof.

6. A modular system in accordance with claim 1 wherein each panel connector is releasably attached to the panel. 16

7. A modular system in accordance with claim 5 wherein each panel has a front surface, an opposing rear surface and a plurality of side-walls connecting the front and rear surfaces, and a plurality of connector apertures arranged substantially perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces, adjacent to the perimeter of the panel.

8. A modular system in accordance with claim 7 wherein each panel connector includes a panel attachment portion adapted to be retained in the connector aperture and being arranged substantially perpendicular to a deformable clip adapted to engaged with the frame; the panel attachment portion having a planar section, an extrusion extending perpendicular thereto and a lip around the perimeter of the extrusion, which abuts the front or rear surface of the panel when engaged therewith.

9. A modular system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the maximum size of the panel is such that when the panel is fitted within the panel aperture, there is at least 3mm of clearance between a perimeter of the panel and the frame.

10. A modular system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the panel is subdivided into a plurality of smaller panels.

11. A modular system in accordance with claim 1 wherein each frame is a sub-assembly comprising a plurality of tubular sections and a plurality of frame joiners connecting the tubular sections together.

12. A modular system in accordance with claim 11 wherein each one of the frame joiners has a first portion configured to engage with a portion of the tubular section, and a second portion configured to engage with the frame connector, whereby first and second abutment regions are located at each end of the second portion to prevent lateral movement of the frame connector when so engaged with the frame joiner member. 17

13. A modular system in accordance with claim 1 wherein each frame is arranged to define a panel aperture having a shape selected from: a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, or an octagon.

14. A modular system in accordance with claim 1 wherein a portion of each panel connector has an aperture therein which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces of the panel when the panel connector is attached thereto.

15. A modular system in accordance with claim 1 wherein each panel is formed from a resilient material.

16. A modular system in accordance with claim 15 wherein each panel is formed from soft foam.

17. A modular system in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least some of the panels have graphics printed or affixed to at least one surface.