EP0942776A1

EP0942776A1 - Play house made of prefabricated parts

Info

Publication number: EP0942776A1
Application number: EP97949980A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hartmut Eichinger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-12-05
Filing date: 1997-11-29
Publication date: 1999-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2017-11-29
Also published as: JP2001505457A; TR199901007T2; WO1998024528A1; ATE199063T1; DE19650467A1; CN1239900A; DE59702990D1; EP0942776B1; PL186430B1

Abstract

A play house made of prefabricated parts has supporting pillars and a roof secured to the supporting pillars. The roof is a self-bearing panel (1) directly placed on the supporting pillars (2). The supporting pillars (2) are provided with stops or locking elements upon which the panel (1) is supported in the horizontal direction.

Description

Playhouse made of prefabricated components

The invention relates to a playhouse made of prefabricated components with support posts and a roof which is attached to the support posts.

Playhouses are very popular with children because on the one hand they offer a variety of different play options and are therefore highly attractive over long periods of time and on the other hand the enclosed interior provides a retreat for individual or smaller groups with the possibility of undisturbed play. Even in educational

In this respect, playhouses have proven to be extremely advantageous, since they promote children's creativity and their social group behavior, train planning and spatial thinking during assembly and dismantling, and also allow active movement games in closed rooms. Therefore, they are widely used in various designs in private households, kindergartens and playgrounds.

For example, utility model DE 85 22 689 shows a playhouse made of prefabricated components, in which a horizontal roof is fastened to several vertical support posts. Due to the fact that the roof can be walked on, which can be reached via a ladder, for example, the number of possible game variations is increased considerably. In order to ensure sufficient resilience, that is The roof runs all the way around on supporting frame parts that connect the support posts to each other in the horizontal direction, while the thickness of the roof panels is constant and their span between the supporting frame parts is therefore limited.

A disadvantage of this configuration is the lengthy and complex structure, which is due to the fact that the necessary stability of the house is achieved by means of the frame elements. Not only do they make construction more difficult, they also significantly restrict the possible variations. Accordingly, a permanent construction is usually carried out, which considerably limits the usability of the respective room indoors. In addition, children have only limited opportunities to carry out conversions and additions that promote their constructive and planning skills in an excellent way.

Against this background, the invention has set itself the task of developing a playhouse from prefabricated components, which can be assembled easily and quickly and whose elements are flexible and can be assembled in different ways.

This object is achieved in that the roof is a self-supporting plate, the plate rests directly on the support post and the support posts are provided with stops or locking elements on which the plate in horizontal zonal direction.

The basic idea of the proposed playhouse is to dispense with the frame components that are common in the state of the art. For this purpose, the roof consists of a self-supporting plate, for example a layer-glued plate of sufficient thickness, in which a flat or edge support by beams or frame parts is unnecessary. As a result, the plate rests directly on the support post, for example on the upper end face of the post or edge-side projections, an underlay, for example for height compensation or shock absorption, is not excluded. However, the posts preferably have a device for height adjustment in the lower region, e.g. B. spindle feet on. In order to prevent the horizontal displacement of the plate with subsequent sliding off the support posts, stops or locking elements are required, for example hooks or bolts that rest against the edge, engage in recesses in the plate, or reach through openings and thus fix it in the horizontal direction. If a bolt is designed as a threaded rod, it can be secured by a nut. In many cases, sufficient stability can already be achieved if each support post merely ensures fixation in one spatial direction, with the structure having good stability in the interaction of the elements.

The play house according to the invention is characterized by the possibility of easy and quick assembly, since a small number of components are used and correspondingly few connections have to be made. Three or more support posts guarantee excellent mechanical stability, making the roof accessible. In this case, use as a stage is conceivable, the climbing of which expediently enables a ladder or a support post with steps or openings. The easy handling of the components as well as the possibility of their flexible combination allows constant modifications to be made to the playhouse and, if necessary, to be disassembled in a space-saving manner.

In an advantageous development of the invention, a particularly light and stable self-supporting plate consists of a cover plate, which rests in parallel alignment on a flat truss. There is a continuous connection between the plate and the truss, for example by gluing, or a large number of individual connections at a short distance, e.g. B. by screwing or tack nails. This means that both tensile and compressive forces are transmitted to the truss. In particular when the individual columns of the framework are at a comparatively small distance from one another, it is possible to use a cover plate of low thickness, so that the overall weight of the plate is reduced.

The support framework preferably has a cover plate on both sides, that is to say also on its underside that the result is a hollow box girder with an internal girder framework, i.e. a sandwich-like structure. The cavity between the two cover plates is expediently closed off at the side by a veneer, so that the external appearance advantageously corresponds to a solid component. The rigidity of the component is considerably improved by the lower cover plate, which is subjected to tensile stress when the plate is bent downwards.

Polygonal, in particular hexagonal, plates have proven to be expedient. In the case of large-scale playhouses which require a roof made up of several panels located next to one another, the hexagonal panels are placed with their edges like a honeycomb, so that a closed roof surface is created. In this case, the support is preferably provided under the plate corners, with one post supporting three adjacent plates at the same time. In order to allow the seamless connection of the playhouse roof to the straight wall of a room or building, in addition to hexagonal plates, such plates are also expedient which have the shape of a hexagon divided along an angle bisector. Also in the case of other plate shapes, plates of different shapes with mutually complementary edges are advantageous, which allow seamless connection to room walls and corners of buildings. Against the background of the pronounced childlike imagination, it is possible to build the playhouse largely without walls, so that supervisors have a clear view of its interior. In order to nevertheless seal off from the outside space, it is proposed in an advantageous embodiment of the invention to use plate-shaped support posts which stand on one end face. The side surfaces of the plate-shaped posts thus form a wall element which subdivides the interior or closes off from the outside. If the plate-shaped posts are set up at an angle to each other, the stability of the playhouse also improves considerably.

With the aim of further increasing the stability, a plate-shaped support post of angled, corrugated or curved cross section is preferred. The V, U, W or triangular base, for example, prevents the support post from falling over by light impact. In this way, the construction of the playhouse is made easier before the elements bring about mutual support by connecting them to one another. In addition, the bending stiffness of the posts and thus the stability of the play house in the assembled state is increased.

Specially V or triangular cross sections of the

Support posts are expediently produced by assembling two or more plate-shaped bodies. The mutual attachment of the plat- tenför igen body takes place z. B. by edge-side extensions, which are inserted into openings in the adjacent body, so that a toothing or a pin-like engagement occurs. This ensures a stable structure which, if the diameter is sufficient, is also suitable for supporting several adjacent panels of the roof.

Recesses in the support posts of the playhouse serve as windows and for hanging or placing objects. Advantageous recesses have, for example, a rectangular cross section corresponding to an ordinary window, which encourages children to replay domestic scenes. Recesses with rounded shapes of different shapes stimulate children's creativity.

In order to optimize the stability of the playhouse against forces acting from the side, support posts are proposed which are attached to the outer edge of the panel. They are longer than those posts that vertically support the slab, i.e. H. their length exceeds the distance of the roof from the footprint of the

Play house. Furthermore, they are provided with a lateral recess into which the plate is pushed in at the edge and the edge of which forms a lateral stop. Especially when the support posts have a slight inclination towards the center of the house or widen on the floor side, the effective support of horizontal forces is guaranteed. continuous

Cover plates and plate-shaped bodies made of pressed straw which have been solidified with a binder have proven to be particularly advantageous. This material is characterized by a good load-bearing capacity and, due to its absence of harmful substances and its attractive appearance, is particularly suitable for use by children.

If the playhouse is built inside or on the outside of a building, columns adjacent to a wall can be omitted if the panel rests on the edge of a rail that is attached to the building. In addition, the stability of the playhouse is significantly improved in this way, since building walls are generally suitable for absorbing lateral pressure loads, which cannot be achieved by a free-standing playhouse even when anchored in the ground.

Fastening devices on the underside or edge of the plate make it possible to attach curtains, bags, shelves, ribbons or toys that hang down. In particular, a closure of the interior and a considerable increase in the number of attractive play options for the children can be achieved in this way. Suitable fastening devices are, for example, eyelets or hooks.

However, the fastening device is preferably a rail in which curtains or toys and tapes are slidably attached. As a result, the side closure of the playhouse can be opened to the outside if necessary. A circumferential rail is expediently provided on the underside of the panel, which allows the interior to be completely enclosed with a curtain. Through openings in the curtain, which represent doors or windows, the attraction for playing children can be increased significantly.

In the case of a walk-in roof, i.e. H. sufficient load-bearing capacity of the slab, a slide or staircase proves to be expedient, which connects it to the stand area of the play house. The upper end is preferably on the edge of the

Plate on. Side railings on stairs or chutes reduce the risk of injury when climbing on and off the playhouse roof.

In the case of a walk-on roof, the panels are also preferably provided with a railing or parapet, which provide protection against falling over the edge. The attachment can be done both on the plate itself and on the posts. Even if the roof is not accessible, a parapet attached to the panels gives the impression of a solid and stable structure and is therefore advantageous for visual reasons as it increases the attractiveness of the playhouse.

A particularly simple assembly and disassembly of the playhouse results when the components are fastened to one another by plug connections respectively. The components are expediently provided with openings into which extensions of adjacent components are inserted. Advantageous extensions each consist of a shaft which extends through the opening and a hook attached to the end of the shaft and which surrounds the edge of the opening. Components of the playhouse can thus be connected to one another by inserting the extensions into the openings, tensile loads also being possible due to the hook behind them. On the other hand, if the components are moved parallel to each other parallel to their surface until the rear grip is removed by the hook, they can easily be pulled apart again.

In order to secure a connection made in this way and to avoid its accidental loosening, a locking element is proposed. It is placed on the surface of the component in such a way that it delimits the opening and its free diameter corresponds to the shaft diameter of the extension. The hook can thus not be pulled out of the opening when the locking element is attached. The fixing of two components to one another takes place in such a way that the hook of the extension is first passed through the opening and then fixed with the locking element. The connection is released in the reverse order. In the defined state, the hook can rest both on the surface of the component and on the locking element, with a double hook allowing both options to be implemented simultaneously. To prevent accidental loosening of the locking element prevent a U-shaped formation is advantageous, which engages around the fixed extension form-fitting. Furthermore, attachment to the component or extension, for example by means of screws, is proposed.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention can be found in the following description, in which an exemplary embodiment is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows a principle representation

FIG. 1: view of a play house according to the invention, FIG. 2: cut view of the plate which forms the roof of the play house, FIG. 3: elements of a support post,

FIG. 4: elements of an alternative support post, FIG. 5: stabilization element for a support post, FIG. 6: stabilization element for triangular support posts,

FIG. 7: elements of a railing,

Figure 8: View of a hook-shaped extension with locking element.

FIG. 1 shows the view of a playhouse according to the invention, which in its basic structure consists of a horizontal plate (1). stands, which is self-supporting and forms the roof of the playhouse, and is supported by support posts (2). The corners of the plate (1) are inserted into recesses (3) in the support posts (2), which have an edge stop (4) as a safeguard against horizontal displacement of the plate (1). As an alternative to a playhouse with three or more similar support posts (2), it is conceivable to place an edge of the plate (1) on a rail (5) which is attached to the wall (6) of a building. If the roof of the playhouse consists of several panels (1), support posts (2) whose length corresponds to the distance between the panel (1) and the base and which represent a vertical support are appropriate in the edge area of adjoining panels.

The support posts (2) are each composed of two plate-shaped bodies (7), the angle between the two being fixed by a stabilizing element (8). Recesses (9) in the posts represent windows, for example, and increase the children's play options. A curtain (10) is preferably used as the wall of the playhouse, which is slidably attached to a guide rail (11) by means of rings (12) and can likewise have windows or door openings. Above the level of the plate (1) there is a railing (13) fastened between the support posts (2) which, in the case of a walk-on plate (1), provides fall protection. The components are expediently connected to one another by screw connections or fastening, for example in the case of a plug connection, preferably by screws or the like. secured to prevent accidental loosening.

Figure 2 shows the inner structure of the plate (1), which consists of an upper cover plate (14), a lower cover plate (15) and an intermediate truss (16). For the cover plate (14, 15) and the edge strips (17) of the plate (1), pressed straw glued with a binder is a suitable material. The carrier framework (16), which is continuously glued to the cover plates (14, 15), is expediently formed by overlapping wooden slats which cross each other. Corner elements (18) connected to the truss (16) and edge strips (17) serve to stiffen the structure. In this way, a self-supporting plate (1) of high stability is created, which is characterized by a low weight.

Figures 3 - 7 show different components that are suitable for creating the playhouse according to the invention. The components are generally connected to one another by edge-side extensions (19) which are inserted into openings (20) of adjacent components.

FIG. 3 shows a pair of plate-shaped bodies (7) which are V-shaped to form the support post (2) shown in FIG. 1 to let. The recess (3) serves to receive the plate (1). To reinforce the support post (2), the stabilizing elements (8) shown in FIG. 5 are inserted in a horizontal orientation into the angle between the plate-shaped bodies (7), their extensions (19) reaching through the horizontal openings (20).

Three similar plate-shaped bodies (7) shown in FIG. 4 can be put together in a triangle to form a support post (2) which supports a plate (1) on its underside. The connection of the plate-shaped body (7) is also carried out by engagement of the extensions (19) in the vertical openings (20) of an adjacent plate-shaped body (7). This support pillar (2) is also expediently reinforced by horizontal stabilizing elements (21), the extensions (19) of which engage in the horizontal openings (20) and are shown in FIG. 6. Recesses (9) make it possible to use the stabilizing elements (21) as shelves.

FIG. 7 finally shows components for a railing (13) of the play house, which are also connected to one another by means of extensions (19) and openings (20). The end extensions (19) of the railing (13) each serve for fastening in the openings (22) in the upper region of the plate-shaped body (7) shown in FIG. 3. Locking elements (23), which are shown in FIG. 8, serve to secure the extensions (19) in the openings (20, 22) against unintentional loosening of the connection. Lockable extensions (19) are provided at the end with a hook (24) which projects on one side from its shaft (25). After the hook (24) is pushed through the opening (20) of a component (26), the opening cross section is reduced by the plate-shaped locking element (23), so that the hook (24) can no longer be pulled out. The hook (24) can rest both on the locking element (23) and on the surface of the component (26). The locking element (23) is expediently fixed by screws (27) which are screwed into the component (26).

Compared to a direct attachment of the extension (19) to the component (26) by means of a screw connection, the mechanical resilience is considerably increased, since the forces are distributed over a large area over the entire contact surface of the locking element (23). Furthermore, a U-shaped recess (28) of the locking element (23) is advantageous, which encompasses the shaft (25) of the extension (19) in a form-fitting manner, so that good stability of the connection is ensured even before the screws (27) are inserted .

The result is an attractive playhouse for children, which can be easily and quickly set up and whose elements can be put together in different ways.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Playhouse from prefabricated components with support posts and a roof that is attached to the support posts, characterized in that

- the roof is a self-supporting plate (1),

- The plate (1) rests directly on the support post (2)

- And the support posts (2) are provided with stops or locking elements on which the plate (1) rests in the horizontal direction.

2. Playhouse according to claim 1, characterized in that the plate (1) comprises a cover plate (14) which rests in a parallel orientation on a flat truss (16) connected to it.

3. Playhouse according to claim 2, characterized in that the carrier framework (16) is provided on both sides with a cover plate (14, 15).

4. Playhouse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (1) the Has the shape of a regular hexagon or a halved, regular hexagon.

5. Playhouse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support posts (2) are standing on one end, plate-shaped body (7).

6. Playhouse according to claim 5, characterized in that the horizontal cross section of a support post (2) is angled or bent.

7. Playhouse according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a support post (2) consists of two or more plate-shaped bodies (7).

8. Playhouse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support posts (2) are provided with recesses (9).

9. Playhouse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that support posts (2) are present, the length of which exceeds the distance of the roof from the standing area of the playhouse and which have a recess (3) into which a plate (1) can be inserted on the edge is.

10. Playhouse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover plates (14, 15) and / or plate-shaped body (7) consist of pressed straw with a binder.

11. Playhouse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (1) rests on the edge on a rail (5) which is attached to a building.

12. Playhouse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (1) has fastening devices on its underside or edge.

13. Playhouse according to claim 12, characterized in that the fastening device is a guide rail (11).

14. Playhouse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a staircase or slide which connects the plate (1) to the stand area of the playhouse.

15. Playhouse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (1) has a railing (13) on its upper side.

16. Playhouse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that its components are connected to one another by plug connections.

17. Playhouse according to claim 16, characterized in that components of the playhouse are provided with openings (20, 22) into which extensions (19) of adjacent components can be inserted.

18. Playhouse according to claim 17, characterized in that the extensions (19) consist of a shaft (15) with an end hook (24).

19. Playhouse according to claim 18, characterized in that a locking element (23) is placed on the surface of a component (26) in such a way that it delimits the opening (20, 22) and its free diameter corresponds to the shaft diameter of the extension (19th ) corresponds.