GB2591110A

GB2591110A - Play apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2591110A
Application number: GB2000622.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mann Miles; Baylis William; Isted Fiona
Original assignee: Robovision Ltd
Current assignee: Robovision Ltd
Priority date: 2020-01-15
Filing date: 2020-01-15
Publication date: 2021-07-21
Also published as: GB202000622D0

Abstract

A play apparatus comprises a first portion 11 and a second portion 12a,12b,17. The second portion is moveable relative to the first portion between a first position (figure 1) and a second position (figure 2) while attached to the first portion. The play apparatus comprises a first footprint when the second portion is in the first position and a second footprint when the second portion is in the second position. The second footprint is different from the first footprint. The second portion may be a slide 17, swing frame 12a or ladder 12b. The second portion may be pivotally and/or slidably attached to the first portion.

Description

PLAY APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a play apparatus, in particular a play apparatus for use outdoors such as an outdoor play apparatus for use in a domestic garden.

Outdoor play apparatuses such as climbing frames, swing sets sand pits, playhouses and raised platforms can occupy a substantial amount of space in a typical domestic garden. For instance, an outdoor play apparatus may occupy majority significant proportion of a domestic garden, leaving limited space for other activities. In addition, the large footprint and mass of some outdoor play apparatuses may cause damage to the surface, e.g. grass, on which they are located. Such a play apparatus may also present an obstacle to cutting the grass. These problems may be exacerbated when more than onc play apparatus, for example a raised platform and a swing set, arc present in a single garden. These outdoor play apparatuses are typically difficult to move and store, and so play apparatus(es) may be left in situ in a garden when only one or a subset of the apparatuses are in use.

A first aspect provides a play apparatus. The play apparatus comprises a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is moveable relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position while attached to the first portion. The play apparatus comprises a first footprint when the second portion is in the first position and a second footprint when the second portion is in the second position. The second footprint is different from the first footprint.

The play apparatus has a variable footprint. Consequently, the play apparatus may enable more flexible use of a space in which the play apparatus is located, for instance a domestic garden.

The term play setting may be understood to mean a local environment or framework on or in which a user plays. Thus, a user may play on or in the play apparatus when the play apparatus is in the first configuration In some example implementations, a user may play on or in the play apparatus when the play apparatus is in other configurations, e.g. the second configuration.

For example, play apparatuses such as play houses, climbing frames, swing frames, sandpits and the like may each provide a play setting. Such play apparatuses may be relatively large in scale and/or may constitute a permanent or semi-permanent feature of the environment, e.g. domestic garden, in which they are installed.

With the second portion in the first position, the play apparatus may adopt an expanded configuration. With the second portion in the second position, the play apparatus may adopt a compact configuration or a collapsed configuration. The compact configuration or the collapsed configuration may have a smaller footprint than the expanded configuration. The expanded configuration may provide a first play setting. The compact configuration may provide a second play setting. Alternatively, the compact configuration may constitute an arrangement for storing the play apparatus between uses.

IS in an example implementation, the play apparatus may provide a first play setting when the second portion is in the first position, and the play apparatus may provide a second, different play setting when the second portion is in the second position. The play apparatus may therefore be multifunctional and/or may be reconfigurable to provide a variable play setting. In some embodiments, the play apparatus can be used when the second portion is in the first position, as well as when the second portion is in the second position.

The play apparatus may adopt a storage configuration when the second portion is in the second position. This enables the play apparatus to be stored when not in use, thereby making the space occupied by the play apparatus when the second portion is in the second position available for other uses.

The play apparatus may comprise one or more further portions, e.g. a third portion, a fourth portion, a fifth portion, a sixth portion, attached to the first portion. Each of the further portions may be moveable relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position while attached to the first portion. The play apparatus may comprise a different footprint when a first subset of the second and further portions are in their respective second positions than when a second, different subset of the second and further portions are in their respective second positions or when all of the second and further portions are in their respective first positions.

The provision of such further portions may further increase the flexibility of the play apparatus.

One or more of the second and further portions may be releasably attached to the first portion. This allows for the one or more of the second and further portions to be removed completely from the first portion, for example for storage purposes.

One or more of the second and further portions may be slidably attached to the first portion. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the second and further portions may be hingedly attached to the first portion. This allows for easy movement of the one or more of the second and further portions relative to the first portion.

One or more of the second and further portions may comprise a joining portion and a frame portion. The joining portion may be both slidably and hingedly attached to the first portion. The frame portion may be hingedly attached to the joining portion.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the second and further portions may comprise a joining portion and a frame portion, wherein the joining portion may be hingedly attached to the first portion and the frame portion may be hingedly attached to the joining portion. This allows for the one or more of the second and further portions to be folded relative to the first portion so as to reduce the footprint of the play apparatus. This may be particularly advantageous when the play apparatus is located somewhere with limited space. The footprint of the play apparatus can be reduced when the play apparatus, or part of the play apparatus, is not in use, thereby increasing the amount of usable space.

One or more of the second and further portions may comprise an arm for suspending a swing when the given portion(s) is/are in the second position. The arm may be slidably attached to the first portion. The one or more of the second and further portions may also comprise a frame attached to the arm to support the arm above the ground when the given portion(s) is/are in the second position. Such embodiments may provide a swing which can be moved out of the way when not in use The first portion may comprise a recess and an opening providing access to the recess. For example, the recess may provide, in use, a sand pit or a paddling pool. One or more of the second and further portions may comprise a raised platform. When the one or more of the second and further portions is in its respective first position the raised platform may cover the opening. When the one or more of the second and further portions is in its respective second position the opening may be exposed, thereby allowing access to the recess.

One or more of the second and further portions may comprise a panel. The panel may comprise an opening, and the panel may additionally comprise a closure to selectively close the opening. One or more of the second and further portions may comprise more than one panel to at least partially define an enclosure when the one or more of the second and further portions is in the second position.

In embodiments in which the second portion is slidable relative to the first portion, one or more sliding surfaces of the first portion and the second portion may be in contact with each other. To aid sliding of the second portion relative to the first IS portion, at least one sliding surface of the first portion and/or at least one sliding surface of the second portion may comprise one or more low friction portions. The or each low friction portion may comprise a polymer, e.g. polypropylene or acetal.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more rollers may be provided to aid sliding of the second portion relative to the first portion The first portion may comprise a play house and/or a climbing apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the first portion may comprise a recess for a sand pit or the like.

The first portion and one or more of the second and further portions may be at least partially formed of wood.

The play apparatus may further comprise one or more further play components, including for example a slide and/or a swing. The further play component(s) provide a user with addition& activities of interest. The play component(s) may be detachable from the play apparatus, which may help to reduce the footprint of the play apparatus when it is not in use.

In embodiments comprising a slide and the slidable arm described above, the slide may be attachable to the arm when the slidable arm is in the second position. The slidable arm may therefore provide a convenient storage means for the slide when the play apparatus is not in use.

The play apparatus may further comprise, or be provided with an attachment point for attachment to an anchor point arranged below a surface on which the play apparatus is disposed in use. The attachment point may comprise a plate for attachment to a hook of the anchor point. Attachment of the attachment point to the anchor point may ensure stability of the play apparatus in use. Arrangement of the anchor point below the surface may mean that the anchor point does not provide an obstruction on the surface when the anchor point is not in use.

Another aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts arranged to be assembled to form a play apparatus of any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features of the first aspect may be employed mutatis mutandis in any of the other aspects.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure I shows a play apparatus in a first configuration; Figure 2 shows the play apparatus of Figure I in a second configuration; Figures 3a and 3b show plan views of the play apparatus of Figure 1 in the first and second configurations respectively; Figure 4a shows another play apparatus in a first configuration; Figure 4b shows the play apparatus of Figure 4a in a second configuration; Figure 5 shows another play apparatus in a first configuration; Figure 6 shows the play apparatus of Figure 5 in a second configuration; Figure 7a shows a schematic plan view of the play apparatus of Figure 5; Figure 7b shows a schematic plan view of the play apparatus of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows another play apparatus in a first configuration; Figure 9 shows the play apparatus of Figure 8 in a second configuration; Figure 10 shows another play apparatus in a first configuration; Figure 11 shows the play apparatus of Figure 10 in a second configuration; Figure 12 shows another play apparatus in a first configuration: Figure 13 shows a plan view of the play apparatus of Figure 12 in the first configuration; and Figure 14 shows a close-up of a feature of the play apparatus of Figure 12.

Figure 1 shows a play apparatus 10 in a first configuration. The play apparatus 10 is an outdoor play apparatus for use in a domestic garden. The play apparatus 10 may be considered to be a tower playhouse. The play apparatus comprises a six-sided tower 11 comprising a raised platform 111 suitable for supporting the weight of one or more users, e.g. children. During play, a user may play on the raised platform 111 or underneath the raised platform III. A slide 17 is connected to the tower 1 1 such that a user can access an upper end of the slide 17 from the raised platform 111. An end of an arm 13 of a swing frame 12a is attached to the tower 11. A swing (not shown) may be suspended from the arm 13. An end of a ladder 12b is attached to another side of the tower I I, the ladder providing user access to the raised platform Ill, The tower II constitutes a first portion of the play apparatus. The swing frame 12a constitutes a second portion of the play apparatus 10. The ladder 12b constitutes a third portion of the play apparatus 10. Alternatively, the ladder 12b may be considered to constitute a second portion of the play apparatus 10 and the swing frame 12a may be considered to constitute a third portion of the play apparatus 10. As will be described in more detail below, both the swing frame 12a and the ladder 12b are attached to the tower 11 and are movable relative to the tower II between a first position (shown in Figure 1) and a second position (shown in Figure 2) without being detached from the tower 11. A footprint of the play apparatus 10 can be varied by moving the swing frame 12a relative to the tower 11 while the swing frame 12a is attached to the tower 11 and/or by moving the ladder 12b relative to the tower 11 while the ladder 12b is attached to the tower 11.

In Figure I. each of the swing frame 12a and the ladder 12b are in a respective first position relative to the tower 11.

A first end 131 of the arm 13 of the swing frame 12a is attached to the tower 11. A second end 132 of the arm 13 of the swing frame I2a is attached an A-frame 14 configured to support the arm 13 above the ground in the position shown in Figure 1. The arm 13 may be considered a joining portion and the A-frame 14 may be considered a frame portion.

The first end 131 of the arm 13 is attached to a side of the tower 11 by a hinge (not shown) arranged to be slidable within a vertical track (not shown) on the side of the tower I I. The hinge allows the arm 13 to pivot, in use, about a point proximate the first end 131 of the arm 13 while attached to the tower II. The track allows the first end 131 of the arm 13 to slide in a vertical direction, e.g. including the positions shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, while attached to the tower 11.

The A-frame 14 is attached to the second end 132 of the arm 13 by a hinge (not shown). This hinge allows the arm 13 to pivot about a point proximate the second end 132 of the arm 13, e.g. including the positions shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

The ladder 12b comprises a joining portion in the form of a first ladder portion 15 attached to the first portion 11, and a frame portion in the form of a second ladder portion 16 attached to the joining portion 15. In the position shown in Figure 1, the ladder 12b provides access to the raised platform III of the tower 11. The first ladder portion 15 is attached to a side of the tower 11 by a hinge (not shown) at a first end 151 of the first ladder portion 15. This allows the first ladder portion 15 to pivot, in use, about a point proximate the first end 151 of the first ladder portion 15 while attached to the tower 11. The second ladder portion 16 is attached to the first ladder portion 15, at an end of the first ladder portion opposite the first end 15 I. by a hinge 152. The hinge 152 allows the second ladder portion 16 to pivot relative to the first ladder portion 15 while attached to the first ladder portion 15.

Figure 2 shows the play apparatus 10 in a second configuration. The ladder 12b is in a second position relative to the tower 11 and the swing frame 12a is in an intermediate position between the first position (as shown in Figure 1) and a second position relative to the tower 11.

The ladder 12b is moveable between the first position (shown in Figure 1) and the second position (shown in Figure 2) by pivoting the first ladder portion 15 about the point proximate the first end 151 of the first ladder portion 15 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1, and pivoting the second ladder portion 16 towards the first ladder portion 15 in an anticlockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1. In this way, the ladder 12b can be folded in to the second position as shown in Figure 2, The swing frame 12a is moveable between the first position (shown in Figure 1) and the second position by moving the A-frame 14 in a horizontal direction, as viewed in Figures 1 and 2, towards the tower 11. This causes the arm 13 to pivot in an anticlockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 1 and 2, by means of the hinge attaching the first end 131 of the arm 13 to the tower 11. This movement of the A-frame 14 also causes the first end 131 of the arm to slide downwardly in the track on the side of the tower 11, as viewed in Figures 1 and 2. In this way, the swing frame 12a can be folded in towards the tower 11.

With each of the swing frame 12a and the ladder 12b in their respective second positions, the play apparatus 10 adopts a storage configuration. The swing frame 12a and the ladder 12b can be secured in this configuration when the play apparatus 10 is not in use.

Figure 3a shows a schematic plan view of the play apparatus 10 in the configuration shown in Figure 1, i.e. with each of the swing frame 12a and the ladder 12b in their respective first positions and the slide 17 attached to the tower 11. The play apparatus 10 comprises a first footprint 18 when in the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 3a. Figure 3b shows a schematic plan view of the play apparatus 10 with the slide 17 detached from the tower and each of the swing frame 12a and the ladder 12b in their respective second positions. The play apparatus 10 comprises a second footprint 19 when in the configuration shown in Figure 3b. As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the first footprint 18 and the second footprint 19 are different from each other. The first footprint 18 occupies a larger surface area than the second footprint 19.

Although not shown in the Figures, it will be appreciated that the play apparatus 10 may be configurable to have at least two further different footprints when one of the swing frame 12a and the ladder 12b is in its second position and the other of the swing frame 12a and the ladder 12b is in its first position. In alternative embodiments, the play apparatus 10 may comprise further portions, each further portion being attached to the tower 11 and being moveable relative to the tower 11 between a first position and a second position while attached to the tower 11. In such embodiments, the play apparatus 10 may adopt different configurations depending on which of the swing frame, the ladder and/or the further portion(s) are in their respective first positions and which of the swing frame, the ladder and/or the further portion(s) are in their respective second positions. In each configuration, the play apparatus 10 would have a different footprint. Some of the possible configurations may provide a play setting. Others of the possible configurations may provide a storage configuration Figures 4a and 4b show another play apparatus 20, the play apparatus 20 having the form of a swing frame. The play apparatus 20 comprises a first swing frame portion 21 and a second swing frame portion 22. The first swing frame portion 21 comprises a first A-frame 23 and a first arm portion 25a attached to the first A-frame 23 by a first hinge 26a. The second swing frame portion 22 comprises a second A-frame 24 and a second arm portion 25b attached to the second A-frame 24 by a second hinge 26c.

The first arm portion 25a is attached to the second arm portion 25b by a third hinge 26b. Together, in the configuration shown in Figure 4a, the first arm portion 25a and the second arm portion 25b form an arm from which at least one swing (not shown) can be suspended. in the illustrated embodiment, the first swing frame portion 21 and the second swing frame portion 22 are mirror images of each other.

Figure 4a shows the second swing frame portion 22 in a first position relative to the first swing frame portion 21. In this configuration, the play apparatus 20 is configured to suspend one or more swings (not shown) from the first arm 25a and/or the second arm 25b. Figure 4b shows the second swing frame portion 22 in an intermediate position between the first position, shown in Figure 4a, and a second position relative to the first swing frame portion 21. When the second swing frame portion 22 is in the second position, the play apparatus 20 adopts a storage configuration with the first A-frame 23 and the second A-frame 24 arranged close to each another. This enables the play apparatus 20 to be stored when not in use. The arrangement of the arm portions 25a, 25b and hinges 26a, 26b, 26c enables the play apparatus 20 to be folded in to the storage configuration.

The play apparatus 20 further comprises locking means (not shown) configured to selectively prevent the arm portions 25a, 25b pivoting at the hinges 26a, 26b, 26c when the play apparatus 20 is in the configuration shown in Figure 4a. To move the second swing frame portion 22 to the second position to adopt the storage configuration, the locking means are released to allow pivoting at the hinges 26a, 26b, 26c and one of the first A-frame 23 or the second A-frame 24 is moved towards the other of the first A-frame 23 or the second A-frame 24.

Figure 5 shows another play apparatus 30 in a first configuration. The play apparatus 30 is an outdoor play apparatus for use in a domestic garden. The play apparatus 30 may be considered to be a tower playhouse. The play apparatus comprises a four-sided tower 31 comprising a raised platform 311 suitable for supporting the weight of one or more users, e.g. children. During play, a user may play on the raised platform 311 or underneath the raised platform 311. A sand pit 312 is provided underneath the raised platform 311. A slide 37 is connected to the tower 31 such that a user can access an upper end of the slide 37 from the raised platform 311. A swing frame 32 is attached to the tower 31.

The tower 31 constitutes a first portion of the play apparatus 30. The swing frame 32 constitutes a second portion of the play apparatus 30. As will be described, the swing frame 32 is movable relative to the tower 31 between a first position (shown in Figure 5) and a second position (shown in Figure 6) while attached to the tower 31.

In Figure 5, the swing frame 32 is shown in a first position relative to the tower 31. The swing frame 32 comprises an arm 33 slidably attached to the tower 31 and an A-frame 34 attached to the arm 33. In the first position (Figure 5), the arm 33 is configured to support a swing 35 suspended therefrom, and the A-frame 34 is configured to support the arm 33 above the ground such that the swing frame 32 provides a usable swing apparatus In the configuration shown in Figure 5, the slide 37 is attached to the tower 31, Figure 6 shows the play apparatus 30 in a second configuration, with the swing frame 32 in a second position relative to the tower 31. The swing frame 32 is moveable from the first position, shown in Figure 5, to the second position by sliding the arm 33 in the direction of the arrow A shown in Figure 5. The arm 33 extends through one or more guide loops or sleeves (not shown) on the tower 31, which assist in guiding the arm 33 as a user slides it from the first position to the second position. A stop means (not shown) may also be provided to prevent, in use, the arm 33 being slid relative to the tower 31 to such an extent that the swing frame 32 becomes detached from the tower 31. To facilitate sliding of the swing frame 32 relative to the tower 31, at least one sliding surface of the arm 33 and/or the tower 31, guide loops or sleeves may comprise one or more low friction portions. The or each low friction portion may comprise a polymer, e.g. polypropylene or acctal.

In Figure 6, the slide 37 is detached from the tower 31. Conveniently (as shown in Figure 6), the slide 37 may be hung from the arm 33 when the swing frame 31 is in the second position such that the slide 37 can be stored out of the way when it is not in use.

The play apparatus 30 provides a first play setting when the swing frame 32 is in the first position relative to the tower 31. The first play setting includes the swing apparatus of the swing frame 32, and the raised platform 311 and sandpit 312 of the tower 31. When the second swing frame 32 is in the second position relative to the tower 31 and the slide 37 is attached to the tower 31 the play apparatus provides a different play setting. This play setting includes the tower 31, including the raised platform 311 and the sand pit 312, and the slide 37, but does not include the swing frame 32. it will be appreciated that the different play settings have different footprints.

Figure 7a shows a schematic plan view of the play apparatus 30 in the configuration shown in Figure 5, i.e. with the swing frame 32 in the first position and the slide 37 attached to the tower 31. The play apparatus 30 comprises a first footprint 36 when in the configuration shown in Figures 5 and 7a. Figure 7b shows a schematic plan view of the play apparatus 30 in the configuration shown in Figure 6, i.e. with the swing frame 32 in the second position and the slide 37 hung from the arm 33 The play apparatus 30 comprises a second footprint 37 when in the configuration shown in Figures 6 and 7b. The first and second footprints are different. The first footprint occupies a larger surface area than the second footprint. It will be appreciated that Figures 7a and 7b are schematic illustrations intended to demonstrate the difference between the first and second footprints, and that details of the play apparatus 30 are omitted from Figures 7a and 7b for clarity.

Figure 8 shows another play apparatus 40 in a first configuration. The play apparatus is an outdoor play apparatus, e.g. for use in a domestic garden. As will be described, the play apparatus 40 can provide two different play settings. The play apparatus 40 comprises a first portion 41 comprising a sandpit 43, and a second portion 42 comprising a raised platform 421. The sandpit 43 comprises a recess 431 configured to receive sand, in use. An opening 432 provides access to the recess 431. In Figure 8, the second portion 42 is shown in a first position relative to the first portion 41. in this position, the opening 432 is exposed to allow play within the sandpit 43, and the play apparatus 40 provides a first play setting including both the sandpit 43 and the raised platform 421 The second portion 42 is slidably attached to the first portion 41. This allows the second portion 42 to be moved (slid) to a second position relative to the first portion 41, as shown in Figure 9. The second portion 42 is not otherwise coupled to the first portion 41, and the sliding contact between the second portion 42 and the first portion 41 provides the attachment between the second portion 42 and the first portion 41 in this embodiment. When the second portion 42 is in the second position, the raised platform 421 covers the opening 432, in this configuration, the play apparatus 40 provides a second play setting which includes the raised platform 421, but which does not include the sandpit 43. The play apparatus 40 comprises a first footprint when the second portion 42 is in the first position and a second footprint when the second portion 42 is in the second position. The first footprint is larger than the second footprint.

A stop means (not shown) may also be provided to prevent, in use, the second portion 42 being slid relative to the first portion 41 to such an extent that the second portion 42 becomes detached from the first portion 41. To facilitate sliding of the second portion 42 relative to the first portion 41, at least one sliding surface of the second portion 42 and/or the first portion 41 may comprise one or more low friction portions.

The or each low friction portion may comprise a polymer, e.g. polypropylene or acetal. For instance, one or more low friction portions may be provided on a downward-facing sliding surface of the second portion 42. Hence, the low friction portions may not be visible during use of the play apparatus 40.

The play apparatus 40 further comprises a sheet 44 formed from a flexible material. The sheet 44 is configured such that when the second portion 42 is in the first position, as shown in Figure 8, a first end 441 of the sheet 44 is attachable to the first portion 41 and a second end 442 is attachable to the second portion 42, such that the sheet 44 provides a cover with a suitable clearance between the sheet 44 and the raised platform 421. The clearance enables a child to stand upright on the raised platform 421 underneath the sheet 44. The first portion 41 comprises an upright support 45 and a horizontal beam 46 attached to the upright support 45. The first end 441 of the sheet 44 is attachable to the horizontal beam 46. The second portion 42 comprises first and second uprights 47a, b. The second end 442 of the sheet 44 is attachable to the first and second uprights 47a, b. In the first position, as shown in Figure 8, the sheet 44 may provide shade from the sun and/or shelter from rain.

When the second portion 42 is in the second position, as shown in Figure 9, the sheet 44 is attachable to the horizontal beam 46 of the first portion 41 The sheet 44 thus has the appearance of a sail.

In both the first configuration (Figure 8) and the second configuration (Figure 9), the play apparatus 40 has the general appearance of a ship. The first portion 41 provides the bow of the ship. The second portion 42 provides the stern of the ship. Forward of the sandpit 43 and rearward of the upright support 45, the first portion 41 houses a storage vessel 433, which may be used to store toys and other play accessories. The raised platform 421 is bounded on three sides by a handrail 48a, 48b, 48c. At a central point on a front edge of the raised platform 421 a steering wheel 49 is mounted on a support pole 422. A chalkboard 423 is provided extending between the support pole 422 and the handrail 48a.

Figure 10 shows another play apparatus 50 in a first configuration. The play apparatus 50 is an outdoor play apparatus for use in a domestic garden The play apparatus 50 may be considered to be a tower playhouse. The play apparatus comprises a four-sided tower 51 comprising a raised platform 511 suitable for supporting the weight of one or more users, e.g. children. During play, a user may play on the raised platform 511 or underneath the raised platform 511. A sand pit 512 is provided underneath the raised platform 511. A slide 57 is connected to the tower 51 such that a user can access an upper end of the slide 57 from the raised platform 511.

Attached to the tower 51 is a play house section 52. The play house section 52 comprises a first panel 521a, an edge of which is hingedlv attached to the tower 51. An opposite edge of the first panel 521a is attached an edge of a second panel 521b, which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first panel 521a. A sheet 54 of flexible material extends between an upper edge of the second panel 521b and a side of the tower 51. The first panel 521a, the second panel 521b and the sheet 54 define an enclosure 522 that provides an expanded play house play setting. There is a window with a fold-down shelf 523 in the first panel 521a. There is a window 524 and a door 525 in the second panel 52 1 b.

The tower 51 constitutes a first portion of the play apparatus 50. The play house section 52 constitutes a second portion of the play apparatus 50. As will be described, the play house section 52 is movable relative to the tower 51 between a first position (shown in Figure 10) and a second position (shown in Figure 11) while attached to the tower 51.

In Figure 10, the play house section 52 is shown in a first position relative to the tower 51. In the configuration shown in Figure 10, the play apparatus 50 provides a first play setting including the raised platform 511, the sandpit 512, the enclosure 522, and the slide 57.

The first panel 521a is hingedly attached to the tower 51, which allows, after the slide 57 has been detached, the play house section 52 to be moved to a second position relative to the tower 51, as shown in Figure 11. When the play house section 52 is in the first position, the play apparatus 50 provides a first play setting including the raised platform 511, the sandpit 512 and the enclosure 522. When the play house section 52 is in the second position, the play apparatus 50 provides a second play setting including the raised platform 511 and the sandpit 512, but not the enclosure 522 or the slide 57. The play apparatus 50 has a first footprint when the second portion 52 is in the first position and a second footprint when the second portion 52 is in the second position. The first footprint is larger than the second footprint.

Figures 12 and 13 show another play apparatus 60 in a first configuration. Figure 13 shows a plan view of the play apparatus 60. When installed in a corner of a domestic garden, the play apparatus 60 provides a play house play setting. The play apparatus comprises a first panel 611 and a second panel 621. An edge of the first panel 611 is hingedly connected to an edge of the second panel 621. The first panel 611 provides a side of the play house play setting. A window with a fold-down shelf 68 is provided in the first panel 611. The second panel 621 provides a front of the play house play setting. An opening 64, a door 66 and a window 67 are provided in the second panel 621 The first panel 611 constitutes a first portion 61 of the play apparatus 60 The second panel 621 constitutes a second portion 62 of the play apparatus 60. As will be described, the second panel 621 is movable relative to the first panel 611 between a first position (shown in Figure 12) and a second position while attached to the first panel 611.

In the configuration shown in Figures 12 and 13, the play apparatus 60 is arranged such that the first panel 611 extends in parallel with a first section of fence 70a and the second panel 621 extends in parallel with a second section of fence 70b. The first panel 621 is adjacent to the first section of fence 70a the second panel 621 is adjacent to the second section of fence 70b. The first panel 621, the first section of fence 70a, the second panel 621 and the second section of fence 70b together define an enclosure 63.

Figures 12 and 13 show the second portion 62 in a first position relative to the first portion 61. The first panel 611 is hingedly attached to the second panel 621 such that the second portion 62 is moveable relative to the first portion 61 between the first position and a second position, in which the first and second panels 611, 621 are arranged in parallel. The play apparatus 60 adopts a storage configuration when the second portion 62 is in the second position. The play apparatus 60 can therefore be folded flat, from the configuration shown in Figures 12 and 13, and subsequently stored.

The play apparatus 60 further comprises the opening 64 arranged in the second panel 621, and a closure 65 configured to close the opening 64, in alternative embodiments, the opening 64 may be arranged in the first panel 621. The closure 65 comprises first and second sections 651, 652 which are hingedly attached to one another. The first section 651 is also hingedly attached to the second panel 621. In Figure 12, the closure 65 is shown in a first position in which the first section 651 provides a table supported above the ground by the second section 652.

Figure 14 shows the closure 65 in a second position in which the closure 65 doses the opening 64. The closure 65 is moveable between the first and second positions by pivoting the first section 651 relative to the second panel 621 towards the opening 64, and pivoting the second section 652 relative to the first section 651 towards the opening 64. The play apparatus 60 comprises a locking mechanism (not shown) configured to selectively fix the first section 651 to the second panel 621 to maintain the closure 65 in the second position.

Each of the play apparatuses described above may further comprise, or be provided with, an attachment point (not shown) comprising a plate fixed to a ground-contacting part of the play apparatus. In use, an anchor point is arranged below the surface on which the play apparatus is located. The anchor point may comprise a hook which is pivotable about a fixed point below, or flush with, the surface. When not in use the hook may be pivoted to a position below the surface such that the hook does not protrude above the surface. In this position, the hook may be stored such that it does not, for example, provide an obstruction to machinery used to cut grass located on the surface. To secure the play apparatus to the anchor point, the play apparatus is first arranged such that the plate is adjacent the anchor point. The hook is then pivoted, such that it protrudes above the ground, and engaged with the plate. In other embodiments, the play apparatus may be configured to be secured to other types of anchor points.

Any of the above-described example embodiments may be made at least partially or predominantly out of wood. For instance, the first and second portions of each of the example embodiment may be made at least partially or predominantly out of wood.

It will be understood that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSA play apparatus, comprising: a first portion; and a second portion attached to the first portion, the second portion being moveable relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position while attached to the first portion; wherein the play apparatus comprises a first footprint when the second portion is in the first position and a second footprint when the second portion is in the second position, and the second footprint is different from the first footprint.
2. The play apparatus of claim I, wherein the play apparatus provides a first play setting when the second portion is in the first position and the play apparatus provides a second, different play setting when the second portion is in the second position.
3. The play apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the play apparatus adopts a storage configuration when the second portion is in the second position.
4. The play apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising one or more further portions attached to the first portion, each of the further portions being moveable relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position while attached to the first portion, wherein the play apparatus comprises a different footprint when a first subset of the second portions are in the respective second position than when a second, different subset of the second portions are in the respective second position or when all of the second portions are in the respective first position.
5. The play apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the second or further portion is releasablv attached to the first portion.
6. The play apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the second or further portions is slidably attached to the first portion
7. The play apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the second or further portions is hingedly attached to the first portion.
8 The play apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the second or further portions comprises: a joining portion, the joining portion being slidably and hingedly attached to the first portion; and a frame portion, the frame portion being hingedly attached to the joining portion.
9 The play apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the second or further portions comprises: a joining portion the joining portion being hingedly attached to the first portion; and a frame portion, the frame portion being hingedly attached to the joining portion.IS
10. The play apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the second or further portions comprises: an arm for suspending a swing therefrom when the one or more of the second portions is in the first position, the arm being slidably attached to the first portion and a frame attached to the arm to support the arm above the ground when the one or more of the second portions is in the first position.
I I. The play apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first portion comprises a recess and an opening providing access to the recess, and one or more of the second or further portions comprises a raised platform, wherein when the one or more of the second or further portions is in its/their respective second position the raised platform covers the opening, and when the one or more of the second or further portions is in the respective first position the opening is exposed.
12. The play apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the second or further portions comprises a panel.
13. The play apparatus of claim 12, wherein the panel comprises an opening.
14. The play apparatus of claim 13, wherein the panel comprises a closure to selectively close the opening.
15. The play apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein one or more of the second or further portions comprises more than one panel, and the more than one panel at least partially defines an enclosure when the one or more second portions is in the first position.
16. The play apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the first portion comprises a climbing apparatus and/or a play house.
17. The play apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the first portion comprises a recess for a sand pit.
IS. The play apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first portion and one or more of the second or further portions are at least partially formed of wood.
19. The play apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a slide and/or a swing.
20. The play apparatus of claim 19 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the slide is attachable to the arm when the one or more second portions is in the second position.
21. The play apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising or provided with an attachment point for attachment to an anchor point arranged below a surface on which the play apparatus is disposed in use.
22. The play apparatus of claim 21, wherein the attachment point comprises a plate for attachment to a hook of the anchor point.
23. A kit of parts arranged to be assembled to form a pav apparatus of any preceding claim.