GB2444707A

GB2444707A - Event generating playground apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2444707A
Application number: GB0622238A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Peter Caine; Philip Peter Hodgkins
Original assignee: PLAYDALE PLAYGROUNDS Ltd
Current assignee: PLAYDALE PLAYGROUNDS Ltd
Priority date: 2006-11-08
Filing date: 2006-11-08
Publication date: 2008-06-18
Also published as: GB0622238D0

Abstract

Playground apparatus comprising a frame on which is mounted at least two event generating means capable of generating sensorily perceptible events in a predetermined sequence and time period and having actuating means operable by a participant for responding to an event. The event generating playground apparatus may comprise three frame elements 12, 14, 16 mounted to and radially extending from a central hub 18 and mounted on each frame element 12, 14, 16 are event generating means 20, 22, 24. The event may comprise audible tones or flashing LED lights.

Description

DESCRIPTION

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO PLAYGROUND APPARATUS

The Present invention relates to playground apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to interactive playground equipment.

Childhood obesity is a major problem in Western society today. One in five UK children is overweight whilst one in twenty-five is clinically obese, and the number of obese children is rising according to figures published by the Information Centre for Health and Social Care.

The proportion of school children who are obese has increased from 11% to 19% in the period 1995 to 2004. In a statement from the British Medical Association (BMA), "the BMA agrees with the International Obesity Task Force that in order to halt the obesity epidemic, interbred inventions have a far more screen levels that need to be matched by changes in the social and cultural contact so that the benefits can be sustained and enhanced. Such prevention strategies will require a co-ordinated effort between the medical community, health administrators, teachers, parents, food producers and processors, retailers and caterers, advertisers and the media, recreation and sport planners, urban architects, city planners, politicians and legislators". Environments that encourage healthy eating and active living are vitally important and should ultimately lead to a reduction in costs to the NHS from obesity related ill health.

Obesity is the result of an energy imbalance (eating and physical activity). Time trends show a decline in physical activity, but no significant increase in the number of calories consumed.

As a consequence, any means by which children can be persuaded to increase the amount of physical activity undertaken must be encouraged.

In many communities and schools, one of the principal means by which children are encouraged to partake in physical activity is through the provision of playground apparatus, such as climbing frames, slides etc. A problem associated with existing playground apparatus is that it is competing for children's time and attention with non-physical activities such as television and video games which are perceived as being more stimulating. A paper by the University of Texas in the Journal of Adolescence states that video game play is displacing the time children spend in more physically demanding pursuits leading to the long standing view of the so called "couch-potato hypothesis".

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or eleviate one or more of the

problems associated with the prior art.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a playground apparatus comprising a frame structure upon which is mounted at least two event generating means for generating a sensorially perceptible event disposed a distance apart from one another on the frame structure, each event generating means capable of generating a sensorially perceptible event in a predetermined sequence and a predetermined time period and having actuating means operable by a participant for responding to the sensorially perceptible event.

The applicants surprisingly discovered that a participant's heart rate increased using the apparatus. The apparatus can thus be used in instances where participants, such as children, need to be coerced into partaking in physical activity.

Preferably, the playground apparatus comprises a frame structure having two or more frame elements. More preferably, the frame structure comprises three frame elements. The frame elements may comprise a base securable to the ground and a frame leg capable of being secured to a central hub.

In a preferred embodiment the frame structure comprises a central hub having three frame elements mounted thereto. In a more preferred embodiment, the frame elements are equidistantly disposed around the central hub, radially extending therefrom.

The apparatus may comprise at least one event generating means mounted on each frame element. More preferably, the apparatus comprises two or more event generating means mounted on each frame element.

Each event generating means may have a distinct sensorially perceptible event.

The sensorially perceptible event capable of being generated by the event generating means may comprise an audible and/or visually perceptible event.

The visual event may comprise a flashing light and the audible event may comprise a tone or combination of tones.

The event generating means may be controlled by a microprocessor to generate a sequence of tones and/or light. The microprocessor can be programmed to generate a random sequence of tones or lights, or both, in the event generating means which must be actuated sequentially by a participant by actuating the correct actuator.

The event generating means may comprise an LED and/or speaker for emitting an audible warning.

In a preferred embodiment, the event generating means comprises a housing having a speaker and light emitter disposed therein.

The apparatus may comprise a microprocessor for controlling the sensonally perceptive event. The microprocessor may be mounted in the event generating means or the central hub.

The microprocessor may be coupled to the internet by any suitable means known to the skilled person such that data may be exchanged therebetween.

The central hub may comprise a display screen for displaying data to a participant.

The apparatus may additionally comprise means for playing music and/or audible instructions to accompany a game or attract a participant's attention prior to a game.

The event generating means are preferably disposed a predetermined distance apart from one another.

The apparatus may comprise means for calculating the energy expenditure of a participant during a game.

The event generating means may additionally comprise actuating means.

Preferably the actuating means comprises a button, lever or a rotating wheel which a participant can actuate in response to the sound and/or Hght emitted by the event generating means.

The apparatus may further comprise a solar panel and/or wind turbine for generating the electricity required to power the apparatus.

In addition, means may be provided for increasing the speed of the game automatically.

If the participant actuates the correct event generating means within the predetermined time period, the apparatus randomly activates another event generating means re-setting the time period for actuating said means and in which a participant must react to the sound and/or light. The process is repeated to until the participant makes an error or, if desired, until the sequence reaches a predetermined length. The apparatus may then indicate whether the apparatus or the participant has won, and may be programmed to indicate the longest successfully attained period. The results may alternatively or additionally be represented as a points score. Furthermore, since the distance between event generating means is predetermined, the microprocessor can calculate the average energy expenditure of a participant during a game. For example, the participant's age, weight, height, resting heart rate, heart rate at game completion etc. may be entered by any suitable means into the microprocessor of the apparatus and based on calculations of distance moved and time taken to cover that distance together with any other necessary information the microprocessor can calculate the average energy expenditure and display this information on any suitable means for a participant to review.

Also, in the embodiment where each event generating means comprises means for emitting light and a tone, the tone generation or the light generation may be suppressed to provide a game playable in response to tone or light stimulation only. Also, controls may be provided for increasing the speed of the game either manually or automatically as the game progresses.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a playground apparatus as described hereinabove comprising a plurality frame elements and at least two event generating means mountable on said frame elements.

The kit may also comprise a solar panel and/or wind turbine.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an event generating means having a push button actuator in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an event generating means having a spinning wheel actuator in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 4 is a side elevation of an event generating means having a dongle or flick' switch actuator in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 5 is a side elevation of an event generating means having a lever actuator in accordance with the present invention.

With reference to Fig. 1, apparatus 10 comprises three frame elements 12, 14, 16 mounted to and radially extending from a central hub 18. Mounted on each frame element 12, 14, 16 are event generating means 20, 22, 24.

Each frame element 12, 14, 16 consists of an elongate cylindrical steel leg 26 having at one end a mounting plate 27 for mounting the leg on a suitable surface and at the other end means (not shown) for securing the leg to the central hub 18. Each frame element 12, 14, 16 has three event generating means 20, 22, 24 mounted thereto and disposed equidistantly along its length.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, each event generating means comprises a housing 30 and an actuator 35 operably connected to the housing 30 which is operated by a participant playing the game.

The housing 30 consists of two symmetrical substantially T-shaped' housing members 32, 34 which can mate with one another and which are substantially mirror images of one another. The housing members 32, 34 when mated define a cylindrical through passage 35 therebetween which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the cylindrical leg 26 of a frame element. The housing members 32, 34 have transverse bores 36 to accommodate a nut and bolt 38 to secure the two halves together, the nut and bolt 38 additionally securing the event generating means 20, 22, 24 to the frame elements 12, 14, 16. Each frame leg 26 upon which the event generating means 20, 22, 24 is mounted has apertures (not shown) shaped to accommodate the nut and bolt 38 used to secure the housing members 32, 34 together.

Referring to Figs. 2 -5, the actuating means 32 can be a push button 50, a spinning wheel 52, a dongle or flick' switch 54 or a lever 56 respectively. Fig.1 shows each frame element 12, 14, 16 having three event generating means 20, 22. 24. each having a different actuator 32. Each of the actuators 32 is associated with a particular tone that is sounded when a participant is required to operate the actuator 32. In addition, one of a plurality of indicator lights associated with that particular actuator may be illuminated at the same time.

Each housing 30 additionally has a first aperture 39 shaped to receive a speaker and second and third apertures 41, 41' shaped to receive an LED 42, 44.

The apparatus 10 utilizes a microprocessor (not shown) which may be mounted in the central hub 18, having an input/output section connecting the manually operable actuators 32 to a computing device having an arithmetic logic unit, a read-only memory, and a random-access memory. The arithmetic logic unit processes the inputs received from the various input devices in accordance with the game selected from the read-only memory by the selector switch and serves to operate the speakers and light indicators, each associated with a respective one of the actuators in accordance with the rules of the game selected. Thus, when one of the games stored in the read-only memory is selected, the arithmetic logic unit operates on the inputs from the actuators 32 to perform the necessary arithmetic logic steps and to store the necessary data, such as the length of time the game has been played into the random-access memory. The arithmetic logic unit also serves to provide the necessary responses to the participant by de-activating the actuated event generating means 20, 22, 24 and appropriately activating the next event generating means which a participant must actuate, lighting up the LEDs and sounding the appropriate tone through the speaker 40.

Upon depression of the start of game switch, which can be one of the actuating means 32 the microprocessor will cause one of the sounds or notes contained in its memory to be sounded, each sound associated with one of the actuating means 32. In addition, the LED lights 42, 44 associated with a particular sound and actuator 32 will be illuminated. The participant must now depress or spin one of the actuators 32 associated with the tone sounded, as indicated by the illumination of its associated LED lights 42, 44. If the participant depresses the correct actuator 32 within a predetermined time period the apparatus 10 will emit a new tone (and associated light) associated with a different actuator 32. The game continues with the participant and the apparatus 10 always effecting a different actuator 32 to the previous one. At the first occurrence of an incorrect entry, the microprocessor causes a distinctive error signal to be sounded. This concludes the game. Also, the microprocessor may be programmed to generate a distinctive "win" signal when the game reaches a predetermined length.

Alternatively, the microprocessor may only cause those effectors that can be reached by a participant to be activated, for example, where the participant is not physically able or agile to reach a particular actuator 32. The microprocessor will activate a particular effector 32 and, after a predetermined period of time, if the actuator is not depressed etc., for example where a participant is not sufficiently tall enough to reach a group of effectors 32 mounted on the frame, the microprocessor will only activate those effectors 32 below that group.

After the conclusion of the game, the participant has the option of starting a new game or reviewing the score, level, total time and/or calories expended for the completed game.

A multiplayer game is also envisaged, whereby participants take turns in depressing or spinning the actuators 32 associated with a tone sounded, as indicated by the illumination of its associated LED lights 42, 44.

The data generated for a given game can be stored in the microprocessor and sent via the internet to a suitable storage facility, whereby participants can subsequently review the data on-line via a web-site and track their progress over multiple games.

The apparatus may be Bluetooth and/or have Wi-fl enabled.

Different games can be downloaded remotely via the internet to the microprocessor.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the forgoing embodiment G: (ient*4 IO-420'.PAC64 6084!b\draft02.doc

Claims

1. A playground apparatus comprising a frame structure upon which is mounted at least two event generating means for generating a sensorially perceptible event disposed a distance apart from one another on the frame structure, each event generating means capable of generating a sensorially perceptible event in a predetermined sequence and a predetermined time period and having actuating means operable by a participant for responding to the sensorially perceptible event.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the playground apparatus comprises a frame structure having two or more frame elements.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the frame structure comprises three frame elements.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein each frame element comprises a base securable to the ground and a frame leg capable of being mounted to a central hub.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the previous claims for in at least one event generating means is mounted on each frame element.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein two or more event generating means are mounted on each frame element.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein each event generating means has a distinct sensorially perceptible event associated therewith.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the sensorially perceptible event comprises an audible and/or visual stimulus.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the sensorially perceptible event comprises an audible tone or combination of tones.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the sensorially perceptible event comprises a flashing light.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8-10 wherein the sensorially perceptible event is controlled by a microprocessor.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8-11 wherein the event generating means comprises an LED and a speaker for emitting an audible tone and/or combination of tones.

IS

13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the event generating means comprises an actuator operable by a participant in response to a sensorially perceptible event.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the actuator comprises any one or more selected from the group comprising a push button, a spinning wheel and a lever.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the event generating means are disposed a predetermined distance apart and the apparatus comprises a microprocessor capable of calculating the energy expenditure of a participant using the apparatus in a given period.

16. A kit of parts for a playground apparatus as claimed in any one of the previous claims comprising a plurality of frame elements and at least to event generating means mountable on set frame elements.

17. An apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.