GB2520964A

GB2520964A - Play apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2520964A
Application number: GB1321405.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Miles Mann
Original assignee: Robovision Ltd
Current assignee: Robovision Ltd
Priority date: 2013-12-04
Filing date: 2013-12-04
Publication date: 2015-06-10
Also published as: GB201321405D0

Abstract

A seesaw 1 for providing up-and-down and rotational motion relative to the ground, comprising a beam 10 with seats 40a, 40b at either end to allow a user to sit on the beam. The beam is coupled to a pivot 14 to allow rotational 62a and pivotable 60a movement of the beam relative thereto. Associated with the one or more seats is a wheel 42 that is free to rotate 64a in a perpendicular direction to the beam. The wheel improves the rotational motion of the seesaw when in use by reducing the effort required to initiate and maintain rotational motion by reducing the retardation forces when the seat makes contact with the ground 50.

Description

PLAY APPARATIJS

The present invention relates to a play apparatus that provides rotational motion relative to the ground. In paflicuar, but not exclusively, the invention rdates to a S seesaw that provides up-and-down and rotational motion relative to the ground.

Seesaws also known as teeter totters, are well known children's recreational devices.

Typically seesaws provide up-and-down motion, from the perspective of the user.

This motion is generated as a beam pivots about a fulcrum mounted on a support post.

Alternative spinning or rotational seesaw designs such as that shown in WO 2007/080370 are also knosvn that allow for rotational motion. Such devices typically disdose a mount and a beam mounted thereon to provide up-and-down and rotational motion, Seats are provided at either end of the beam. Although not essential, absorption members are typically associated with the seats to lessen the effect of impact with the ground to a user. e.g. a child. Users can cause rotationa' movement of the beam rdative to the mount by either jumping at an angle relative to the beam or by lifting the seat clear of the ground and moving in a rotational direction.

Whilst the above devices provide entertainment, due to the rotational forces generated by such spinning seesaws, as each absorption member impacts the ground arge forces may be transmitted through the seat to the child. This is undesirable bccause it acts to dissipate the rotational motion and may cause discomfort. Additionally. the rotational motion typicafly must be imparted by the user jumping at an angk relative to the beam and/or may require the user to lift or hold the seat clear of the ground whilst moving perpendicularly to the beam, Once a seat is on the ground, the rotational motion may stop, since the seesaw cannot freely rotate while the seat is in contact with the ground.

This may reduce the enjoyment.

The present invention aims to aHeviate these problems by providing an improved play apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a play apparatus for providing rotationa' movement rdative to the ground, the play apparatus comprising: a mount; a beam coupled to the mount so as to allow rotational movement of the beam relative to the mount; one or more seats located on the beam a distance from the mount; and a wheel associated with the or each seat, the or each wheel being ocated at least partially S below the beam and being arranged such that the or each wheel can rotate, in use, relative to the seat and in a perpendicular direction relative to the beam, thereby enabling rotational movement of the beam relative to the mount when at least one wheel is in contact with the ground.

In an embodiment, the play apparatus may comprise a rotatable seesaw.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a seesaw for providing up-and-down and rotational movement relative to the ground, the seesaw comprising: a mount; a beam coupled to the mount so as to allow rotational and pivotaHe movement of the beam relative to the mount; one or more seats located on the beam a distance from the mount: and a wheel associated with the or each seat, the or each wheel being located at least partially below the beam and being arranged such that the or each wheel can rotate, in use. rdative to the seat and in a perpendicular direction relative to the beam.

Advantageously, the wheel may reduce retardation of the rotational movement of the seat r&ative to the ground upon contact with the ground. In this way, the rotational motion of the seesaw may be more easily maintained or generated. Additionally, the wheel may allow a user, e.g. a child, to impart rotational motion more easily, without the need to raise or hold the seat off the ground. The wheel may also allow the seesaw to be used as a merry-go-round.

Additionally, the whed may assist the rotational movement of the seat relative to the ground. As the wheel can rotate relative to the seat in a perpendicular direction relative to the beam. the user may easily apply a force transverse to the beam, which by virtue of the couphng of the beam to the mount causes rotational motion of the beam rdative to the pivot In an embodiment, the play apparatus, e.g. rotatable seesaw, may be configured to provide unlimited rotational movement of the beam relative to the mount, Thus, the play apparatus may be configured such that a user, e.g. a child, can repeatedly travel 3600 round the mount in either direction, i.e. anticlockwise or dockwise.

Alternatively, the play apparatus, e.g. rotatable seesaw. may be configured to provide limited rotational movement of the beam relative to the mount. For instance, the play apparatus may be configured such that a user, e.g. a child, can only travel back and forth through an arc of less than 360°, say 270° or less, 1800 or less, or 90° or less, Alternatively, the play apparatus may be configured to provide rotational movement of the beam relative to the mount in only one direction, i.e. clockwise or anticlockwise, In an embodiment, the or each wheel may be freely rotatable. Additionally or alternatively, the play apparatus may be provided with a brake operable to restrict or prevent rotation of the or each wheel. The provision of a brake may improve the safety and/or versatility and/or adaptability of the play apparatus.

In an embodiment, the play apparatus may be provided with a locking means operable to prevent or restrict rotational movement of the beam relative to the mount and/or pivotable movement of the beam relative to the mount.

The or each wheel may be substantially circular. In some embodiments, the or each wheel may be non-circular, e.g. elliptical or polygonal, and, optionally, irregularly shaped, The provision of a non-cicrular and, optionally, irregulady shaped wheel may provide additional or improved levels of enjoyment for a user.

The or each wheel may have the form of a ball.

The or each wheel may be fitted on an axle, which may have a fixed orientation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam, Alternatively, the or each wheel may have a variable orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the beam. For instance, the or each wheel may be provided in a caster, thereby providing an axle having a variable orientation.

In an embodiment, the or each seat may be located at or towards an end of the beam.

In embodiments, the wheel may comprise an impact absorption member to absorb impact with the ground during pivotabk movement of the beam, This may aid the safety of the seesaw and/or may increase enjoyment for the user.

S The impact absorption member may be provided by the wheel or at least a portion thereof. e.g. a peripheral portion of the wheel. For instance, the or each wheel may be fitted with a tyre which acts, in use, as an impact absorption member.

The impact absorption member may be made of a sponge or foam material.

The impact absorption member may be inflatable. Providing an impact absorption member that is inflatable may allow for the amount of impact absorption to be controfled by varying the level of inflation of the impact absorption member. Varying the level of inflation of the impact absorption member may also affect the ease with which the wheel can rotate when in contact with the ground.

The or each whed may be detachable from the apparatus. Mternatively or additionally, the or each tyre may be detachable, Fitting wheels or tyres comprising sponge or foam materials having different impact absorption characteristics, e.g. different densities, may allow for the amount of impact absorption to be controlled and/or i'nay affect the ease with which the wheel can rotate when in contact with the ground.

Typicafly, the mount may be capable of being attached to a surface, e.g. the ground. a wall or the ceiling. The mount may act as a base to provide a secure reference point about which the rotational movement (and pivotable movement in the case of a rotatable seesaw) of the beam can occur.

The mount may comprise at least one leg portion. The number of leg portions may be tailored according to the amount of stability assistance required. The leg portions may each comprise a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion, the horizontal portion comprising a generally radially extending inner length and, extending generafly perpendicular thereto, a generafly circumferentially extending outer length.

Conveniently. the beam may be capable of being coupled to the pivot at different positions along the length of the beam.

The play apparatus may comprise one or more of: handles for aiding the stability of a user during use; and a foot rest for receiving the feet of a user. The handles may aid the stability of thc user during use of any play apparatus associated with the seat.

Additionally, the foot rest may enable a user to raise/support their feet whilst the seat is moving. This may allow, for example, another person to spin the user faster than typically possible if their feet were hitting the ground, slowing motion, In an embodiment, the play apparatus may comprise suspension to absorb impact forces generated when the wheel comes into contact with the ground.

A third aspect of the invention provides a seat for a play apparatus comprising a seating area and a wheel located at least partially below the seating area, the wheel being rotatable relative to the seat in a plane at an angle to the seating area, The angle may be 45° or more, In an embodiment, the wheel may be rotatable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the seating area.

The orientation of the wheel may be fixed or variable, The seat may comprise a connector for connecting, permanently or releasably, the seat to a play apparatus. Alternatively at least a portion of the seat may be formed integrally with a portion of the play apparatus, The play apparatus may comprise a seesaw, a merry-go-round, a swing (single-person or multi-person) or a roundabout. In use, the wheel may contact the ground continuously, intermittently or occasionally, Alternatively or additionally, the seat and/or wheel may comprise further optional features as disclosed herein, e.g. as discussed in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a play apparatus comprising a seat according to the third aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a swing (single-person S or multi-person) comprising a seat according to the third aspect of the invention, the scat being connected to and suspended from a frame by at least one swing arm, In an embodiment, the or each swing arm may be extendable. For instance, the or each swing arm may be tekscopic.

In an embodiment, the play apparatus, e.g. seesaw, roundabout, merry-go-round or swing, may comprise a brake element adapted to stop motion of the play apparatus shou'd a user dismount or fafl off the apparatus.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numeral s designate like elements.

Figure la is an overview of a seesaw according to the present invention; Figure lb is a schematic view of the seesaw of figlLrc lain use; Figure 2 is a close-up view of a scat and wheel as shown in figures la and ib; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the beam of figure Ia; Figure 4a is a perspective view of the mount; Figure 4b is a perspective view of the yoke and pin by which the beam can be attached to the mount; Figure 5 is a plan view of the seesaw of figure la; and Figure 6 is a close-up view of a seat and wheel according to an alternative embodiment of the seat and wheel of Figure 2, Reference to the term seesaw is intended to include other regional and colloquial terms including teeter totter, teeter, teeter beam, tflt, tilting beam, teedk beam, dandk beam and dandle, A seesaw is generally taken to mean a beam mounted on a pivot or fulcrum so that when a person is riding on each end, one end goes up as the other end S goes down.

Figure 1 shows a seesaw 1 comprising a beam 10 attached to a mount 12. The mount 12 is colLplcd to the beam 10 to allow rotational and pivotable movement of the beam relative thereto. In the example shown, the beam tO is a hollow tubular beam, formed of metal, such as aluminium or steel, although plastic alternatives may be used, particularly for indoor use. In some embodiments, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, square or hexagonal cross-sectional beams could be used.

The mount 12 connects to the beam 10 at a fulcrum 14. The mount 12 has a number of leg portions 16 that act to provide a stable base for the seesaw 1 and acts, in usc. to resist tipping motion when the seesaw I is in use. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, there are three leg portions 16 provided, although it may be appreciated that this number may be altered in order to provide the required stability. The lower part of the respective leg portions 16 arc bent substantially perpendicularly to the upper part of the respective leg portions 16. Hcncc each leg 16 comprises, in addition to a substantially vertical portion 18, a horizonta' portion 20 including a generafly radially extending inner length and. extcnding generally perpendicular thereto. a generally circumferentially extending outer length 22. The leg portions 1616 can be secured to the ground with stakes 24. The leg portions 16 each have a mouded foot 26, which caps the end of the leg portions 16 and also increases the area of the apparatus that meets the ground. The moulded feet 26 further comprise gripping oradhesive pads 28 on their undcrsidcs to increase stability particularly on smooth floors. Preferably, the gripping or adhesive pads may be made from foam. In addition, this may facilitate indoor use without the risk of marking the floors, However, the feet need not be provided with gripping or adhesive pads.

Each leg portion 16 attaches to a main mounting column 30 via a connector 32.

Attached to the connector 32 is a bearing 34. The bearing 34 allows rotational movement of the main mounting co'umn 30 and a yoke 38 that forms part of the fulcrum 14. Together, the bearing 34, yoke 38 and main tubular mounting column 30 allow rotational movement of the beam 10. The bearing 34 typically is a disc in the form of a cylindrical coflar and is nioulded, bolted or otherwise affixed to the tubular mounting column 30. This provides a main bearing surface. The bearing disc 34 may be preferably moulded from nylon 6.6, The connector 32 is a push fit over a bearing S bush 36 and the kg portions 16. The connector 32 caps the kg portions 16 and shields the end of the leg portions 16 whilst providing a smooth area for the lower annular bearing surface of the bearing disc 34 to rotate on. The connector 32 may be preferably madc from thc high density polyethylene (HDPE). which is self-llLbricating against the nylon 6,6 of the bearing disc 34, The beam 10 is provided with seats 40a. 40b at respective ends of the beam 10. In the shown embodiment, the seats 40a. 40b are provided as separate components that attach onto the main beam 10, although they cou'd be integra' with, e.g. moulded into, the beam, Each seat 40a, 40b provides a seating area and is provided with a wheel 42 located bcncath thc seating arca. Thc whccl 42 is mounted on an axlc substantially paraflel to the beam 10 and is free to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the Iongitudina axis of the beam 10, In a preferred embodiment, the wheel 42 also acts as an impact absorber when the seat reaches the ground 50 due to the resilience of the wheel allowing a degree of compression and expansion, The wheel 42 is designed to repeatedly and resiliently contact thc ground 50.

The seesaw 1 also includes a set of handlebars 46 for supporting each user. The handlebars 46 are similar to those known for conventional bicycles and are generally tubular. The base 48 of the handlebars 46 is attached to the beam 10 by one more pins 52, The handlebars 46 can include moulded handgrips 54, These are further shown in figure 2, The seesaw may be assembled and/or used without handlebars.

Figure lb is a stvlised view of the seesaw 1 whilst in intended use. For clarity, the users have been omitted, In this view, arrows represent the rdative motion of the components of the seesaw. Each seat 40a, 40b has an up-and-down motion component represented by the arrows 60a, 60b. This motion is caused by the beam 10 rotating about the fulcrum 14 allowing seats 40a and 40b to move vertically. In the example shown, seat 40a is hkey to begin moving in an upward vertical direction away from the ground 50, whilst seat 40b is hkely to begin moving in a downward vertical direction towards the ground 50 due to the relative weights of the users, In addition to the up-and-down motion, there is also a rotational motion represented by the arrows 62a and 62b, This rotational motion is caused by the beam 10 rotating about the main tubular mounting column 30 of the mount 12. Additionally, the rotational motion 62a, 62b is assisted by the rotational motion 64a and 64b of the wheels 42. Tn the exampk shown, the vhees 42 are free to rotate rdative to the seats 40a, 40b, A user may apply a force in a direction opposite to the rotational motion 62a. 62b, causing the wheels to rotate 64a, 64b. The rotation of the wheels reduces the resistance to motion between the seat and the ground 50, allowing easier rotational motion. Also, this allows the device to rotate whilst one seat is in contact with the ground. unhke traditional rotational seesaws.

Figure 2 shows a stylised view of one of the seat and wheel assemblies. In addition to the components described above, figure 2 highlights the arrangement between the wheel 42 seat 40a. The seat 40a is shown as a unitary moulded component that is attached to the main beam 10. In the embodiment shown, the seat has a main seating area 72, which may be padded and/or provided with other modifications to aflow for more comfortabk and/or safer use. For example, a raised rear lip 74 is provided for a more secure seat. The wheel 42. which may be fitted with a tyre made of rubber or moulded plastic, can be attached to the main seat assembly 48 by an axle 76. The axle 76 allows for free rotational movement of the wheel 42. It can be seen that due to the alignment of the ax'e with respect to the seat, the wheel provides motion perpendicular to the main axis of the scat and the beam 10. Accordingly, due to the constraint of the beam 10 relative to the mount 12, this imparts a rotational motion in use.

The beam 10 of figure 1 is shown in more detail in figure 3. The beam 10 has a plurality of paired opposed mounting holes 80 along its length. The beam 10 can therefore be attached to the mount 12 at any one of the mounting holes 80.

Figure 4a shows the fulcrum point 14 and mount 12 in more detail. As mentioned above, the mount 12 comprises a yoke 38 on which the beam 10 is pivotably mounted.

The yoke 38 is mounted to the tubular mounting column 30. Additionally, yoke mounting holes 82 are provided for alignment with the opposed mounting holes 80 on the beam 10. A pin 86 (see figure 4b), or other appropriate means, can extend through the yoke 38 and the pair of opposing mounting holes 82 in the beam 10, thus attaching the beam pivotaby to the mount 12 for up-and-down motion.

The yoke 38 is provided on a tubular mounting column 30 which can extend vertically S to aflow for repair of the bearing bushes 36. Each bearing bush 36 has a centra' tube 86 with a central aperture 88. through which the respective leg portions 16, which form the base of the mount 12, fit. Respective leg portions 16 are attached to the conncctor 32 in an appropriate manner.

According to the invention the seesaw is operable for rotational and up-and-down motion by the weight of a person at each end acting as a counter-balance.

Users can cause rotational motion themselves by pushing with part of their body. As the seats 40a and 40b move up and down, in use, the wheels 42 come into and go out of contact with. The wheel 42 absorbs the impact by the tyre compressing, and when the wheel 42 moves off the ground as the seat rises, the tyre fitted to the whe& 42 can re-expand.

If the participants are of unequal weights then the position at which the beam 10 is attached to the mount 12 can be adjusted to account for the unequal weight. The pin 86 used to attach the mount 12 to the beam 10 is easily removed and can be used to attach the mount 12 to the beam 10 at a different position in either direction, where there is a mounting hole 12 in the beam 10. down the length of the beam 10.

The beam 10, leg portion 16, yoke 38 and tubular mounting column 30, which form part of the mount 12 are preferably made from metal such as aluminium or steel.

The bearing bushes 34, 36 can be made of injection moulded material and/or hard plastic.

The seats 40a and 40b can be made of hard plastic and the wheel 42 can be made of injection moulded material that is inflatable.

The wheel 42 can be fitted with a resilient and/or inflatabk tyre. The tyre may be formed integrally with, or permanently bonded to, the wheel. Alternatively, the tyre

H

may be removable from the wheel. Hence. a worn Lyre may be replaced with a new tyre or one tyre may be replaced with another tyre having different impact absorption characteristics. The replacement of one tyre with another tyre having different impact absorption characteristics may improve safety and/or versatility and/or adaptability S and/or improve the useful life of the play apparatus, as wefl as providing increased intercst and enjoyment for the user.

Thc uppermost part of thc scat may optionally bcar a logo or motif It will be appreciated that any of the components can be made from any suitable matcrial, The present invention is easy to adjust to account for chfldren of varying weights. It is therefore possible for a heavier child to play with a lighter child and subsequently the scc saw can bc easily adjustcd for two lighter childrcn to play on thc scc saw, or any weight combination of child.

The present invention provides a seat 40a and 40b that has a number of advantages.

There is ease of manufacturing as the seat 40a and 40b is made up of two parts only.

In addition, the seat 40a and 40b may be made of injection moulded material, allowing the seats 40a and 40b to withstand outdoor conditions for considerable engths of time.

The arrangement of the leg portions 16 is such that the lower part is perpendicular to the upper part 18 and includes generally perpendicular inner 20 and outer parts 22 which results in a very stable apparatus and enables the apparatus to be used without stakcs and thereforc indoors. In addition, the moulded feet 22 at the distal end of the outer part increase the stability of the apparatus and the moulding allows the feet 22 to flex slightly to assist stability on uneven ground. The se'f adhesive pads 28 on the underside of the feet 22 stop the apparatus slipping on floors particu'arly smooth floor finishes such as polished wooden floors.

It is envisaged that the apparatus could consist of more than two seats 40a and 40b, such that any number of seats 40a and 40b could be arranged to counter-balance each other. It is also possible for there to be more than one beam 10 arranged on the mount 12.

The mount 12 may be attached to the beam 10 by any suitable means. Examples of attachment means include, but are not limited to, a dasp. catch, grip, clench, vice, S screw, axle, hinge, swivel or shaft.

The mount 12 may comprise any form of strengthening and equally may comprise no strengthening.

Additionally or alternatively, the mount 12, may connect to an overhanging beam or support (not shown) rather than directly to the ground 50, In other words, the mount 12 may support the seesaw 1 above the ground 50 from above the pivot point 14 rather than below. This may be advantageous in permanent instaflations where the seesaw I is likely to be maintained in one place because it may allow for easier provision of safety mats or flooring underneath the seesaw 1.

Figure 6 shows an alternative arrangement of the seat and wheel as shown in Figure 2.

The general arrangement of the seat and wheel is identical to that shown in Figure 2, with like features indicated by like reference numerals, however a foot rest 100 is also provided. The foot rest 100 is typically plank or wing shaped and projects away from and perpendicular to the beam 10. It can be appreciated that ahhough only one side of the foot rest 100 is visible in Figure 6, the foot rest extends an equal distance about both sides of the beam 10. The foot rest 100 may generally be attached to the beam 10 by any suitabk means, e.g. bohs (not shown). The foot rest IOU is also provided with a corrugated or raised surface 110 to aid traction between the users foot and the foot rest 100, The foot rest 100 allows the seesaw 1 to be spun by an additional person not sat on the seats 40a. 40b, allowing the seesav 1 to be spun faster without the feet of the users touching/hitting the floor, slowing the motion.

The present invention may provide an improved play apparatus. typicafly a seesaw, for providing rotational motion and, optionally, up-and-down motion, relative to the ground. The play apparatiLs, e.g. seesaw, may typically comprise a beam with seats at or towards either end to aflow a user, tvpicafly a child, to sit on the beam. The beam may be coupkd to a mount to aflow rotation& and. optionafly, pivotabk movement of the beam relative thereto, Associated with each of the one or more seats is a wheel that may be free to rotate (64a) relative to the seat. The wheel may improve the rotationa' motion of the play apparatus when in use by reducing the effort required to initiate and maintain rotational motion by reducing the retardation forces when the wheel makes contact with the ground.

It will also be appreciated that seats according to the invention may be incorporated in a wide range of play apparatuses, e.g. swings (single-person or multi-person).

seesaws, merry-go-rounds and roundabouts. Accordingly, the invention may comprise an improved play apparatus of any type which comprises a seat according to the invention.

The invention is to be understood as including any combination of components as described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1, A play apparatus for providing rotational movement relative to the ground, the play apparatus comprising: S a mount; a beam coupled to the mount so as to allow rotational movement of the beam relative to the mount; one or more seats located on the beam a distance from the mount; and a wheel associated with the or each seat, the or each wheel being located at least partially below the beam and being arranged such that the or each wheel can rotate, in use, relative to the seat and in a perpendicular direction relative to the beam, thereby enabling rotational movement of the beam relative to the mount when at least one wheel is in contact with the ground.
2. A play apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a rotatable seesaw.
3. A seesaw for providing up-and-down and rotational movement relative to the ground, the seesaw comprising: a mount; a beam coupled to the molLnt so as to allow rotational and pivotablc movement of the beam relative to the mount; one or more seats located on the beam a distance from the mount; and a wheel associated with the or each seat, the or each wheel being located at least partially below the beam and being arranged such that the or each wheel can rotate, in use. relative to the scat and in a perpendicular direction relative to the beam.
4. A play apparatus or seesaw according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3. which is configured to provide unlimited or limited rotational movement of the beam relative to the mount.
S. A play apparatus or seesaw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each wheel is freely rotatable.
6. A play apparatus or seesaw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the play apparatus or seesaw is provided with a brake operable to restrict or prevent rotation of the or each wheel.
7. A play apparatus or seesaw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the play apparatus or seesaw is provided with a locking means operable to prevent or restrict rotational movement of the beam relative to the mount and/or pivotable movement of the beam rclativc to the mount.
8, A play apparatus or seesaw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the or each wheel is substantially circular; or the or each wheel is non-circular and, optionally, irregularly shaped: or the or each wheel has the form of a ball.
9. A play apparatus or seesaw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each wheel is provided in a caster.

10, A play apparatus or seesaw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each seat is located at or towards an end of the beam.

11, A play apparatus or seesaw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each wheel comprises an impact absorption member to absorb impact with the ground during pivotable movement of the beam.

12, A play apparatus or seesaw according to claim 11. wherein the impact absorption member is provided by a peripheral portion of the wheel, 13. A play apparatus or seesaw according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein: the impact absorption member is made of a sponge or foam material; or the impact absorption member is inflatable.14. A play apparatus or seesaw according to claim 11. claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the or each wheel is fitted with a tyre which acts, in use, as an impact absorption member.15. A play apparatus or seesaw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mount is capabk of being attached to a surface.16. A play apparatus or seesaw according to claim 15, wherein the mount comprises at least one leg portion.17. A play apparatus or seesaw according to claim 16, wherein the or each leg portion compriscs a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion, the horizontal portion comprising a generally radiafly extending inner length and, extending generally perpendicular thereto, a generally circumferentially extending outer length.18. A play apparatus or seesaw according to daim 16 or claim 17, wherein the or each leg portion has a foot.19. A play apparatus or seesaw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam is capable of being coup'ed to the mount at different positions &ong the length of the beam.20. A play apparatus or sccsaw according to any onc of the prcceding claims further comprising a foot rest for receiving the feet of a user.21. A play apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising handles for aiding the stabihty of a user during use.22, A play apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising suspension to absorb impact forces generated when the wheel comes into contact with the ground.23, A play apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a brake element adapted to stop motion of the play apparatus should a user dismount or fall off the apparatus.24. A seat for a play apparatus comprising a seating area and a wheel located at least partiafly be'ow the seating area, the whed being rotatable relative to the seat in a plane at an angle to the seating area.25. A seat according to claim 24, wherein the angk is 45° or more.26. A seat according to claim 24 or claim 25. wherein the wheel is rotatable in a planc substantially pcrpcndicular to thc scating arca.27. A seat according to claim 24, claim 25 or claim 26 further comprising a conncctor for connecting, permanently or rclcasably. the scat to a play apparatus.orientation of the wheel may be fixed or variable.28, A play apparatus comprising a seat according to any one of claims 24 to 27, 29. A swing comprising a seat according to any one of claims 24 to 27, the seat being connected to and suspended from a frame by at least one swing arm.30, A play apparatus or seesaw substantially as describcd hcrcin with reference to thc drawings.