GB2585931A

GB2585931A - Playground equipment

Info

Publication number: GB2585931A
Application number: GB1910633.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Walmsley Roger
Original assignee: FIRST CENTRAL DEVELOPMENTS Ltd
Current assignee: FIRST CENTRAL DEVELOPMENTS Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-25
Filing date: 2019-07-25
Publication date: 2021-01-27
Also published as: GB201910633D0

Abstract

A playground roundabout which includes a lower support structure (12, figure 1) and a bearing 16a mounted to the lower support structure. An upper support structure (14) is mounted to the bearing 16a such that the upper support structure is rotatable by means of the bearing with respect to the lower support structure. The upper support structure and/or lower support structure comprises a plurality of beams 18,20a; and one or more of the plurality of beams of the upper support structure or lower support structure comprise a notch 44 in a surface thereof. The notch 44 defines a recess in which at least a portion of the bearing 16a is received.

Description

Playground Equipment

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to playground equipment and in particular to a playground roundabout. The present invention extends to a kit of parts for constructing a playground roundabout and a method for constructing a playground roundabout. Background to the Invention Roundabouts are common forms of playground equipment. Generally, roundabouts comprise a platform rotatably mounted on a support structure via a bearing. The support structure and platform are typically constructed as assemblies of metal beams which may be welded or otherwise connected together.

More recently, it has been made a requirement for new playground equipment to be inclusive for people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. Accordingly, such roundabouts may be provided with the platform substantially level with the ground allowing wheelchair access. Typically, for such roundabouts, the support structure, bearing and any other component of the roundabout mechanism is recessed within a hole in the ground, such that the uppermost surface of the platform can be provided substantially level with the ground.

It is a further requirement for any gaps between adjacent parts which are moveable relative to each other -e.g. between the edge of the rotatable platform and the adjacent ground or a static skirt plate or outer ring provided about the roundabout -to be as small as possible, specifically less than 8mm to avoid trapping of fingers. To ensure a roughly constant gap around the entire perimeter of the rotatable platform, the platform must be mounted near perfectly central on the bearing to prevent/minimise eccentric rotation of the platform. If this is too great, a gap of more than 8mm may be present at points about the perimeter of the rotatable platform. In more extreme cases, the rotatable platform may contact the outer ring leading to excessive wear and likely malfunction of the roundabout.

Accordingly, acceptable tolerances for components of the roundabout can be relatively small, especially when compared with the size of the equipment as a whole which may in some instances span up to and possibly more than 2 metres in diameter.

Due to manufacturing problems, or issues with storage and/or transport of the equipment prior to installation, components of the roundabout can often fall outside of the acceptable tolerances. Accordingly, corrective action must be taken either onsite or back at a manufacturing facility leading to delays in, or in some instances incomplete installation resulting in increased costs.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a roundabout which may be constructed more quickly and with less complexity than prior art roundabouts (e.g. without requiring specialist assembly skills).

It would also be advantageous to provide a roundabout which may be transported economically as a kit of parts to be assembled on site or at a destination depot.

It is an aim of an embodiment or embodiments of the invention to overcome or at least partially mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a playground roundabout, comprising: a lower support structure; a bearing mounted to the lower support structure; and an upper support structure mounted to the bearing such that the upper support structure is rotatable by means of the bearing with respect to the lower support structure; wherein the upper support structure and/or lower support structure comprises a plurality of beams; and wherein one or more of the plurality of beams of the upper support structure or lower support structure comprise a notch in a surface thereof, the notch defining a recess in which at least a portion of the bearing is received.

Advantageously, the notch may ensure the beam is correctly positioned with respect to the bearing during construction of the roundabout. In this way, the configuration ensures that the upper and lower support structures are correctly positioned with respect to one another -e.g. they are positioned such that they are arranged coaxially about a common central axis, with the upper support structure rotatable about that central axis. This reduces the likelihood of the platform being mounted off-axis leading to the associated problems discussed above.

The notch may be provided at a position along the length of the relevant beam corresponding to the position of the bearing in the constructed roundabout. The notch may be sized to provide a sliding fit with the portion of the bearing received within the recess defined by the notch.

In embodiments, each of the plurality of beams of the upper support structure may comprise a notch in a surface thereof, each defining a respective recess in which a portion of the bearing is received. Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of beams of the lower support structure may comprise a notch in a surface thereof, each defining a respective recess in which a portion of the bearing is received.

In embodiments, the upper support structure comprises a plurality of inner ring segments. The inner ring segments may define an inner ring on which a platform may be mounted to define an upper surface of the roundabout.

The plurality of inner ring segments may be formed of a lightweight material. For example, the plurality of inner ring segments may be formed of a lightweight plastics material. The lightweight plastics material may comprise a lightweight recycled plastics 20 material.

In some embodiments the plurality of inner ring segments are formed of a structural foam. Advantageously, using a structural foam to form the plurality of inner ring segments may provide significant weight savings when compared with solid materials, such as other plastics materials and metal materials such as aluminium and steel as common in prior art systems. As an added benefit, using structural foam materials may provide sufficient strength (comparable to the heavier materials currently used) to support a platform mounted to the upper support structure. Further, using a plastics material such as a structural foam allows for the components formed from the material to be more easily shaped and configured during the manufacturing process to provide additional benefits as discussed herein.

The plurality of inner ring segments may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyphenylene oxide, polybutylene terephthalate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, for example. In presently preferred embodiments the plurality of inner ring segments may be formed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The HDPE may comprise recycled raw material, and may itself be recyclable.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of inner ring segments may comprise a lip at an outer edge thereof. When constructed, the lips provided on each of the plurality of inner ring segments may define a rim about an outer edge of the upper support structure. The rim may define a recess in an upper surface of the upper support structure into which at least a portion of a platform may be positioned. The height of the lips (e.g. the distance at which the lips project) may be chosen/manufactured in dependence on the depth of the platform to be mounted to the upper support structure. Advantageously, the rim may prevent or reduce the likelihood of gravel or other debris becoming lodged between rotatable and static structures (e.g. the inner and outer rings) which could cause malfunction of the roundabout.

The plurality of beams of the upper support structure may be welded, but preferably bolted or otherwise fixed together to form the upper support structure. In embodiments, one or more of the plurality of beams may be mounted to a central support plate. In embodiments, the plurality of inner ring segments may be secured to one or more of the plurality of beams via fixing means. In presently preferred embodiments the fixing means comprises a bolt, although other fixing means are equally suitable, as will be appreciated.

The plurality of beams may include a pair of primary cross beams. The cross beams may span substantially the entire width of the roundabout. The plurality of beams may also include secondary radial beams which span approximately half the width of the roundabout. In some embodiments, the primary cross beams may be mounted to a central support plate approximately half way along their length. The secondary cross beams may be mounted to a central support plate at an end of the beam.

The plurality of beams may comprise metal beams, preferably steel.

The plurality of beams may include means to mount a platform to an upper surface thereof. The means may be integrally formed with or fixed to the beams.

The plurality of beams of the lower support structure may be welded, but preferably bolted or otherwise fixed together to form the lower support structure. In embodiments, one or more of the plurality of beams may be mounted to a central support plate.

The plurality of beams may comprise metal beams, preferably steel.

The roundabout may comprise an outer ring fixed relative to the rotatable upper support structure. The outer ring may be provided about the perimeter of the upper and/or lower support structure.

The outer ring may comprise a plurality of outer ring segments. In embodiments, each of the plurality of outer ring segments may be mounted to the lower support structure.

Each of the plurality of outer ring segments may be mounted to the lower support structure via one or more brackets.

In some embodiments each of the plurality of outer ring segments comprise one or more mounting plates. The one or more mounting plates may be integrally formed or fixed to the outer ring segment(s). The mounting plates may provide means for mounting the outer ring segments to the lower support structure.

A gap may be provided between an outer edge of the upper support structure (e.g. an outer edge of the inner ring segments) and an inner edge of the outer ring (e.g. an inner edge of the outer ring segments). The gap may be no more than 8mm. In embodiments, the relative position of the upper support structure, or one or more components thereof (e.g. the inner ring segments) with respect to the outer ring may be adjustable to control the size of the gap. Additionally or alternatively, the relative position of the outer ring, or one or more components thereof (e.g. the outer ring segments) with respect to the upper support structure may be adjustable to control the size of the gap.

In some embodiments one or more of the plurality of inner ring segments comprise a lip at an outer edge thereof In some embodiments each of the plurality of inner ring segments comprise a lip at an outer edge thereof The lip(s) may project towards the outer ring (e.g. towards one or more outer ring segments) to reduce the gap between the upper support structure and the outer ring.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the plurality of outer ring segments may comprise a lip at an inner edge thereof. In some embodiments each of the plurality of outer ring segments may comprise a lip at an inner edge thereof. The lip(s) may project towards the upper support structure (e.g. towards one or more inner ring segments) to reduce the gap between the outer ring and the upper support structure.

In embodiments the roundabout comprises an equipment compartment. The equipment compartment may be defined in a space between adjacent components of the upper support structure. For example, in some embodiments the equipment compartment is defined in a space between adjacent beams and/or inner ring segments of the upper support structure.

In some embodiments the roundabout may comprise an openable section within a platform mounted to the upper support structure. The openable section may correspond to the location of the equipment compartment for providing access to the equipment compartment. The openable section may comprise a hatch or the like. In embodiments the openable section is lockable.

The bearing may comprise any bearing suitable for allowing the upper support structure (and hence mounted platform) to rotate with respect to the lower support structure. For example, in embodiments the bearing may comprise a roller bearing, or a ball bearing.

In embodiments the bearing may comprise a trailer bearing, or a slew bearing, for example.

The bearing may comprise an upper bearing component and a lower bearing component. The upper and lower bearing components may be rotatable with respect to each other. In embodiments, the upper support structure may be mounted to the upper bearing component. Similarly, the lower bearing component may be mounted to the lower support structure. In this way, the upper support structure may be made rotatable with respect to the lower support structure.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for constructing a roundabout in accordance with any preceding aspect of the invention, the kit of parts comprising: a plurality of beams for forming a lower support structure; a bearing; and a plurality of beams for forming at least part of an upper support structure; wherein one or more of the plurality of beams for the upper support structure or lower support structure comprise a notch in a surface thereof, the notch defining a recess in which at least a portion of the bearing may be received, in use.

Any and all components of the kit of parts according to this aspect of the invention may comprise any one or more of the features of the corresponding components as set out above in respect of the preceding aspects of the invention.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for constructing a roundabout from the kit of parts according to any aspect described herein, the method comprising: forming the lower support structure from the plurality of beams; mounting the bearing to the lower support structure; and mounting one or more of the beams of the upper support structure to the bearing; wherein mounting the bearing to the lower support structure and/or mounting one or more beams of the upper support structure to the bearing comprises, in part, positioning at least a portion of the bearing in one or more recesses defined by one or more notches in a surface of one or more of the plurality of beams of the upper support structure or lower support structure.

In embodiments, forming the lower support structure may comprise welding, but preferably bolting or otherwise fixing the plurality of beams together. In embodiments, one or more of the beams forming the lower support structure may be fixed to a central support plate.

In embodiments, mounting the bearing to the lower support structure may comprise mounting a lower bearing component to the lower support structure, preferably using fixing means such as a bolt to one or more of the beams of the lower support structure.

In embodiments, mounting the upper support structure to the bearing may comprise mounting one or more beams of the upper support structure to an upper bearing component of the bearing, preferably using fixing means such as a bolt.

The method may also comprise securing one or more of the beams of the upper support structure to one or more further beams of the upper support structure. This may include welding, but preferably bolting or otherwise fixing beams of the upper support structure together. In embodiments, one or more of the beams forming the upper support structure may be fixed to a central support plate.

In embodiments the method comprises fixing each of a plurality of inner ring segments to one or more beams of the upper support structure to define an inner ring on which a platform may be mounted to define an upper surface of the roundabout. Fixing each of the plurality of inner ring segments to one or more beams of the upper support structure may be performed using bolts (or other fixing means).

The method may additionally comprise forming an outer ring about the perimeter of the roundabout. In such embodiments, the method may comprise mounting a plurality of outer ring segments onto one or more beams of the lower support structure.

The method may additionally comprise providing an outer cover about the outer ring.

The outer cover may define a skirt. The outer cover may be fixed in position using any suitable fixing means.

In embodiments, the method additionally comprises mounting a platform on the upper support structure.

Following construction of the roundabout as per the method of the present aspect of the invention, the roundabout may be installed in position -e.g. in a playground or the like.

Accordingly, the method may comprise positioning the constructed roundabout within a hole in the ground corresponding to the desired location of the roundabout. In embodiments, the method may include digging the hole, or may comprise utilising an existing hole for instance, where the roundabout is used a replacement for a previous piece of playground equipment.

Any and all components of the playground roundabouts according to the following aspects of the invention may comprise any one or more of the features of the corresponding components as set out above in respect of the preceding aspects of the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a playground roundabout, comprising: a lower support structure; a bearing mounted to the lower support structure; and an upper support structure mounted to the bearing such that the upper support structure is rotatable by means of the bearing with respect to the lower support structure; wherein the upper support structure comprises a plurality of inner ring segments the inner ring segments defining an inner ring on which a platform may be mounted to define an upper surface of the roundabout.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a playground roundabout, comprising a lower support structure; a bearing mounted to the lower support structure; and an upper support structure mounted to the bearing such that the upper support structure is rotatable by means of the bearing with respect to the lower support structure; wherein the upper support structure comprises an upwardly projecting rim about an outer edge of the upper support structure defining a recess in an upper surface of the upper support structure into which at least a portion of a platform is positioned.

In embodiments, the height of the rim (e.g. the height at which the rim projects from the upper support structure) may be chosen/manufactured based on the depth of the platform to be mounted to the upper support structure.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a playground roundabout, comprising a lower support structure; a bearing mounted to the lower support structure; an upper support structure mounted to the bearing such that the upper support structure is rotatable by means of the bearing with respect to the lower support structure; and an outer ring provided about the perimeter of the upper support structure; wherein a gap is provided between an outer edge of the upper support structure and an inner edge of the outer ring; and wherein the upper support structure and/or the outer ring comprises a lip at an edge thereof, the lip(s) projecting towards the other of the outer ring or upper support structure to reduce the gap therebetween.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a playground roundabout, comprising a lower support structure; a bearing mounted to the lower support structure; and an upper support structure mounted to the bearing such that the upper support structure is rotatable by means of the bearing with respect to the lower support structure; wherein the roundabout comprises an equipment compartment defined in a space between adjacent components of the upper support structure.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a roundabout in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of part of the roundabout shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of part of the roundabout shown in the preceding Figures; Figure 4 is a perspective view of part of the roundabout shown in the preceding Figures; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a variant of part of the roundabout shown in the preceding Figures; Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a variant of part of the roundabout shown in the preceding Figures; and Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method of installing a roundabout in accordance with the invention.

The Figures illustrate embodiments of a roundabout 10 and components thereof in accordance with the invention. In general, the roundabout 10 comprises a lower support structure 12 and upper support structure 14. The upper support structure 14 is rotatably mounted to the lower support structure 12 via a bearing 16, with the upper support structure suitably connected to an upper component 16a of the bearing 16 and the lower support structure 12 suitably connected to a lower component 16b of the bearing 16.

The upper and lower components 16a, 16b of the bearing 16 are rotatable with respect to one another such that the upper support structure 14 may be rotated with respect to the lower support structure 12. The upper support structure 14 is suitably configured to support a platform 42 (see Figure 3) which forms an "A" surface of the roundabout 10.

A static outer ring 24 is provided about the roundabout 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower support structure 12 comprises a plurality of beams 18 coupled to a central support plate 19b. The beams 18 include two primary cross beams 18a which span substantially the entire width of the roundabout 10, and four secondary radial beams 18b which span approximately half the width of the roundabout 10. Specifically, each of the primary cross beams 18a and secondary radial beams 18b terminate at an edge of the roundabout 10, but where the primary cross beams 18a are mounted to the central support plate 19b approximately half way along their length, the secondary cross beams 18b are mounted to the central support plate 19b at an end. Generally, the beams 18 comprise metal beams, preferably steel, although other materials may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, a lower component 16b of the bearing 16 is suitably mounted to each of the beams 18 using any suitable fixing means, as will be appreciated.

Similarly, the upper support structure 14 comprises a plurality of beams 20 coupled to a central support plate 19a. The beams 20 include two primary cross beams 20a which span substantially the entire width of the roundabout 10, and four secondary radial beams 20b which span approximately half the width of the roundabout 10. Specifically, each of the primary cross beams 20a and secondary radial beams 20b terminate at an edge of the roundabout 10, but where the primary cross beams 20a are mounted to the central support plate 19a approximately half way along their length, the secondary cross beams 20b are mounted to the central support plate 19a at an end. Generally, the beams comprise metal beams, preferably steel, although other materials may be used. Each of the beams 20 are suitably mounted to the upper component 16a of the bearing 16 using any suitable fixing means, as will be appreciated.

The upper support structure 14 additionally includes a plurality of inner ring segments 22 which may be suitably mounted to the beams 20 via fixing means in the form of bolts 36 (see Figure 2), although other fixing means may be used, as will be appreciated.

Each of the inner ring segments 22 span the distance between two adjacent beams 20 of the upper support structure 14 and together define an inner ring of the roundabout 10 upon which a platform 42 may be mounted.

Forming the inner ring from a plurality of inner ring segments 22 allows for greater control over the gap between the outer edge of rotatable part of the roundabout 10 (i.e. the upper support structure 14 and platform 42) and the outer ring 24 of the roundabout which, as discussed herein, must be kept below 8mm to prevent trapping of fingers within the gap. Specifically, the position each inner ring segment 22 may be controlled independently such that adjustment of the position of one inner ring segment 22 does not affect the position of other ring segments 22 forming the inner ring of the roundabout 10. This provides for greater tolerance in the mounting of the beams 20a, 20b of the upper support structure 14 to the bearing 16 when compared with prior art systems.

Each of the inner ring segments is formed of a lightweight material, preferably a plastics material, and even more preferably a structural foam material such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), although other plastics materials may be used. Advantageously, providing an inner ring which may be formed from a plurality of lightweight segments 22 provides advantageous in terms of size and weight for transporting the roundabout 10 pre-installation. Using a structural foam material additionally provides the advantage of the inner ring segments 22 greatly supplementing the support provided by the beams 20 -i.e. for the platform 42 -when the roundabout 10 is in use. Further, structural form materials may be more easily shaped during manufacture when compared with metals, e.g. steel, and can be easily fixed to the beams 20 without the need for welding thereby easing installation of the roundabout 10.

Figure 2 shows how a pair of ring segments 22 may be mounted to a beam 20a of the upper support structure 14. Specifically, and as mentioned above, each of the ring segments 22 may be mounted to a beam 20, here primary cross beam 20a using fixing means in the form of bolts 36 received in corresponding apertures (not shown) provided in each of the ring segments 22 and beams 20. Providing this configuration allows for the upper support structure 14 to be quickly and easily assembled from a kit of parts containing the beams 20 and the ring segments 22.

Figure 2 also shows how the ring segments 22 may be manufactured to include a lip 38 at the outer edge thereof which, in use, projects upwardly from the upper support structure 14. When the roundabout is installed 10, the lips 38 provided on the ring segments 22 may define a rim about the outer edge of the upper support structure 14. In turn, this may define a recess in which a platform 42 may be at least partly positioned when mounted to the upper support structure 14. This may ease installation of the roundabout 10 as the platform 42 may simply be moved over the upper support structure 14 until at least a portion of the platform 42 drops into the recess to be at least partly retained therein. The platform 42 may then be secured to the upper support structure using any suitable fixing means as is required. The height at which the lip 38 may project from the ring segment 22 may be configurable during manufacture to account for differently sized platforms 42. Again, use of a structural foam material for the ring segments 22 allows for such adjustments to be made quickly and easily during the manufacturing process.

The beams 20, illustrated by beam 20a in Figure 2 may also include one or more fixing points in the form of apertures 40 in an upper surface thereof Such apertures 40 may be provided to allow for fixing of the platform 42 to the upper support structure 14 or one or more further components of the roundabout 10 such as a seat or rails.

Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a section of the roundabout 10, specifically showing the mounting of the upper and lower support structures 14, 12 to the bearing 16. As described herein, the bearing 16 comprises upper and lower components 16a, 16b which are rotatable with respect to one another. The lower component 16b of the bearing 16 is mounted to the beams 18 of the lower support structure 12, with the beams of the upper support structure 14 mounted to the upper component 16a of the bearing 16. In this way, the upper support structure 14 may be rotated, when installed, with respect to the lower support structure 12. Figure 3 additionally shows platform 42 mounted to an upper surface of the beam 20 of the upper support structure 14.

One or more of the beams 20 forming part of the upper support structure 14 of the roundabout 10, e.g. beam 20a shown in Figure 3, include a notch 44 in a lower surface of the beam 20a. This notch 44 is provided at a location along the length of the beam 20a corresponding to the position of the upper component 16a of the bearing 16 when the beam 20a is mounted thereto. Specifically, the notch 44 defines a recess into which at least a portion of the upper component 16a of the bearing 16 may be received during installation and subsequent use of the roundabout 10. The notch 44 therefore allows for the quick and easy positioning of the beam 20a with respect to the bearing 16 during installation of the equipment which, whilst simplifying the installation process, may also provide a means for controlling the gap between an outer edge of the upper support structure 14 and the outer ring 24 of the roundabout 10.

As shown in Figure 1, the outer ring 24 is provided about the perimeter of the roundabout 10. The outer ring is formed from a plurality, in this case four, outer ring segments 26 which together define a substantially circular outer ring 24. In the illustrated embodiment, a cover 28 is provided about the outer ring segments 26. As shown, the cover comprises a sheet of material, preferably a metal sheet wrapped around the outer ring segments 26 are fixed thereto using any suitable fixing means, as will be appreciated.

As with inner ring segments 22, the outer ring segments 26 segments may be formed of a lightweight material, preferably a plastics material, and even more preferably a structural foam material such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), although other plastics materials may be used. Advantageously, improvements in terms of size and weight for transporting the roundabout 10 pre-installation may be realised. Further, structural form materials may be more easily shaped during manufacture when compared with metals, e.g. steel, and can be easily fixed e.g. to brackets 30 as is described herein, without the need for welding thereby easing installation of the roundabout 10.

The outer ring segments 26 are mounted to beams 18 of the lower support structure 12 via brackets 30. Two separate variants are described herein with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

In Figure 4, the bracket 30 is provided at a distal end of beam 18 and consists of two, upright mounting plates 46 suitably fixed to the beam 18 via fixing means in the form of bolts 48. The mounting plates 46 include an upper portion 47 which is configured to be received within an outer ring segment 26 to fix the segment 26 to the lower support structure 12. In this embodiment, the mounting plates 46 may be received within corresponding apertures/recesses within a lower surface of the outer ring segment 26. The bracket 30 additionally includes a slot 50 into which a portion of the cover 28 may be positioned to retain the cover about the outer ring segments 26 when installed.

In Figure 5, the mounting plates 46' are integrally formed with the outer ring segment 26. Accordingly, to mount the outer ring segment 26 to the lower support structure 12, the ring segment 26 may be brought proximal to the beam 18 with the mounting plates 46' positioned either side of the beam 20. The plates 46' are then secured in position using fixing means in the form of bolts 48'.

Figure 6 is a side cross sectional view of part of the roundabout 10 illustrating a further variant of the invention which utilises the bracket 30 shown in Figure 4. Specifically, in this embodiment, both the inner ring segment 22 of the upper support structure 14 and the outer ring segment 26 of the outer ring 24 are provided with lips 52, 54 which project inwardly (with respect to the gap between the inner ring segments 22 and the outer ring segments 26) reducing the gap between the rotatable inner ring segment 22 and the static outer ring segment 26. As discussed herein, both the inner ring segments 22 and the outer ring segments 26 may be formed from a structural foam material, such as HDPE, which allows for the shape and configuration of the component to be easily defined and adjusted during the manufacturing process. Advantageously, the gap between a rotatable component of the roundabout 10 and a static component (i.e. the outer ring 24) may be further controlled more easily to ensure compliance with the requirements detailed herein -e.g. be less than 8mm in use to prevent finger trapping. Referring back to Figure 1, the roundabout 10 is additionally be provided with an equipment compartment 34 built in to the upper support structure 14. The equipment compartment 34 comprises a region within the roundabout arrangement, primarily inaccessible to users of the roundabout 10, in which tooling and the like can be stored.

The equipment compartment is defined between adjacent beams 20a, 20b and an inner ring segment 22 of the upper support structure 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the equipment compartment 34 is formed from a mesh 33 forming a base of the compartment 34 and a beam 35 spanning the width between adjacent beams 20a, 20b.

The platform may be provided with an openable section, e.g. a lockable hatch or the like, for providing access to equipment compartment 34.

A method 100 of constructing and optionally installing the roundabout 10 is illustrated in Figure 7.

The method 100 comprises, at step 102, constructing the lower support structure 12. As discussed herein, the lower support structure comprises a plurality of beams 18 which include primary cross beams 18a and secondary radial beams 18b. The beams 18 may be welded, bolted or otherwise fixed together and/or to the lower support plate 19a to form the lower support structure 12.

At step 104, the bearing 16 is mounted on the lower support structure 12. Specifically, lower bearing component 16b is fixed (e.g. using suitable fixing means such as a bolt) to one or more of the beams 18 forming the lower support structure 12.

At step 106, beams 20 of the upper support structure 14 are mounted to the bearing 16 and secured in position. Specifically, one or more beams 20 of the upper support structure 14 are fixed (e.g. using suitable fixing means such as a bolt) to the upper bearing component 16a. Step 106 may also including securing one or more ofthe beams 20 to another of the beams 20 forming part of the upper support structure 14 and/or the upper support plate 19b. Securing the beams 20 in this manner may involve welding, bolting or otherwise fixing the components together.

At step 108, the plurality of inner ring segments 22 are positioned and secured to the beams 20 to form the upper support structure 14. In the illustrated embodiments securing of the inner ring segments 22 is performed using bolts 36 although other fixing means may be used, as will be appreciated.

At step 110, the outer ring 24 is formed by mounting the plurality of outer ring segments 26 onto beams 18 of the lower support structure 12 via brackets 30 as discussed herein with reference to Figure 4 or Figure 5.

As an extension to the method, the outer cover 28 may be provided about the outer ring 24 and fixed in position using any suitable fixing means, as will be appreciated.

Method 100 may also comprise the step of mounting the platform 42 on the upper support structure 14 as is discussed herein.

Following construction as per the method 100 shown in Figure 7, the roundabout 10 may be installed in position -e.g. in a playground or the like. Typically, the constructed roundabout 10 will be positioned within a hole in the ground corresponding to the desired location of the roundabout 10. In a variant of the method 100, the method may include digging the hole, or may comprise utilising an existing hole for instance, where the roundabout 10 is used a replacement for a previous piece of playground equipment. Further processing steps may be performed to correctly position and align the roundabout 10, including backfilling any gaps between the roundabout 10 and the ground, installing non-slip matting around the roundabout 10, etc. Providing a hole which is sufficiently deep such that the platform is substantially level with the ground allows for the roundabout 10 to be configured in a manner which is inclusive for people of all abilities.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A playground roundabout, comprising: a lower support structure; a bearing mounted to the lower support structure; and an upper support structure mounted to the bearing such that the upper support structure is rotatable by means of the bearing with respect to the lower support structure; wherein the upper support structure and/or lower support structure comprises a plurality of beams; and wherein one or more of the plurality of beams of the upper support structure or lower support structure comprise a notch in a surface thereof, the notch defining a recess in which at least a portion of the bearing is received.
2. A roundabout as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the notch is provided at a position along the length of the relevant beam corresponding to the position of the I5 bearing in the constructed roundabout.
3. A roundabout as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the notch is sized to provide a sliding fit with the portion of the bearing received within the recess defined by the notch.
4. A roundabout as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of beams of the upper support structure comprise a notch in a surface thereof each defining a respective recess in which a portion of the bearing is received.
5. A roundabout as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of beams of the lower support structure comprise a notch in a surface thereof each defining a respective recess in which a portion of the bearing is received.
6. A roundabout as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper support structure comprises a plurality of inner ring segments defining an inner ring on which a platform may be mounted to define an upper surface of the roundabout.
7. A roundabout as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the inner ring segments are formed of a lightweight plastics material.
8. A roundabout as claims in Claim 7, wherein the inner ring segments are formed of a structural foam.
9. A roundabout as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein the inner ring segments are formed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
10. A roundabout as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of inner ring segments comprise a lip at an outer edge thereof defining a rim about an outer edge of the upper support structure.
11. A roundabout as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an outer ring fixed relative to the rotatable upper support structure, and wherein the outer ring comprises a plurality of outer ring segments.
12. A roundabout as claimed in Claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of outer ring segments are mounted to the lower support structure via one or more brackets; or wherein each of the plurality of outer ring segments comprise one or more mounting plates integrally formed or fixed thereto for mounting the outer ring segments to the lower support structure.
13. A roundabout as claimed in Claim 11 or Claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of inner ring segments comprise a lip at an outer edge thereof, and wherein the lips project towards the outer ring to reduce the gap between the upper support structure and the outer ring.
14. A roundabout as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13, wherein each of the plurality of outer ring segments comprise a lip at an inner edge thereof, and wherein the lips project towards the upper support structure to reduce the gap between the outer ring and the upper support structure.
15. A roundabout as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an equipment compartment defined in a space between adjacent components of the upper support structure.
16. A roundabout as claimed in Claim 15, comprising an openable section within a platform mounted to the upper support structure for providing access to the equipment compartment.
17. A kit of parts for constructing a roundabout of any of claims 1 to 16, the kit of parts comprising: a plurality of beams for forming a lower support structure; a bearing; and a plurality of beams for forming at least part of an upper support structure; wherein one or more of the plurality of beams for the upper support structure or lower support structure comprise a notch in a surface thereof, the notch defining a recess in which at least a portion of the bearing may be received, in use.
18. A method for constructing a roundabout as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16, from the kit of parts of claim 17, the method comprising: forming the lower support structure from the plurality of beams; mounting the bearing to the lower support structure; and mounting one or more of the beams of the upper support structure to the bearing; wherein mounting the bearing to the lower support structure and/or mounting one or more beams of the upper support structure to the bearing comprises, in part, positioning at least a portion of the bearing in one or more recesses defined by one or more notches in a surface of one or more of the plurality of beams of the upper support structure or lower support structure.