GB2607306A

GB2607306A - A modular childrens play structure

Info

Publication number: GB2607306A
Application number: GB2107812.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hughes Aidan; Hughes Roseanne
Original assignee: Sawdust & Rainbows Ltd
Current assignee: Sawdust & Rainbows Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-01
Filing date: 2021-06-01
Publication date: 2022-12-07
Also published as: GB202107812D0

Abstract

A modular children’s play structure comprises a plurality of panels 11, each panel comprising first and second planar surfaces 12. Each panel 11 comprises first interlocking features 14 along the first edge 15 thereof and second interlocking features 16 formed along the second edge 17 thereof opposing said first edge 15. The first and second edges 15, 17 are upper and lower edges 15, 17 of the panels respectively. The interlocking features 14, 16 being sized, shaped, and dimensioned to interlock with a corresponding interlocking feature 14, 16 of an adjacent panel to form an interlocked joint therebetween. The first interlocking feature 16 may be formed as a generally wedge-shaped slot 25 such that an opening of the slot is narrower than a base of the slot. The wedge-shaped slot 25 allows the first interlocking feature 14 of an adjacent panel to slide into the slot in an oblique fashion and thereafter to be rotated such that two adjacent panels are interlocked perpendicularly to each other.

Description

A MODULAR CHILDRENS PLAY STRUCTURE

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a modular children's play structure, and in particular to a modular children's play structure which benefits from ease of construction.

Background of the invention

Children's play structures of various forms are known. Most take the form of a structure which is designed to be constructed by an adult only and thereafter enjoyed by children for play. These structures generally use typical construction methods as would be employed on similar structures such as garden furniture, play sets or the like and involve many screws, bolts or other secondary fixings to construct. These structures would not be suitable for a child to construct themselves, even with the assistance of an adult and therefore may not allow a child to benefit from the educational experience of such construction. Many toys have simplified construction methods which are suitable for a child to participate in construction. However, many such toys do not meet safety requirements where the item to be constructed is a toy structure. Structures which are considered toys, namely those which may be constructed by a child (perhaps with the assistance and guidance of an adult) are still required to meet stringent standards in regards to safety, namely En71-8 standard which requires that components comprise self-locking mechanisms.

It is desirable to provide a modular children's play structure which benefits from a simplified construction process, meets required safety standards, and utilises minimal secondary fixings.

Summary of the Invention

A modular children's play structure comprising: a plurality of panels, wherein each panel comprises at least one first interlocking feature along the first edge thereof and at least one second interlocking feature formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the interlocking features being sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a corresponding interlocking feature of an adjacent panel to form an interlocked joint therebetween.

Advantageously the panels may be interlocked without the requirement for mechanical fasteners.

Ideally, each panel comprises first and second planar surfaces and a thickness dimension extending 35 between said first and second planar surfaces.

Preferably, interlocked joint is a perpendicular interlocked joint which locks a first panel and an adjacent panel in a perpendicular relationship.

Ideally, a first panel is slidable into an adjacent panel by sliding the at least one first interlocking feature of the first panel into the corresponding at least one second interlocking feature located on the adjacent panel.

Preferably, the at least one first interlocking feature comprises a slot formed for slidable engagement with the at least one second interlocking feature of an adjacent panel.

Ideally, the at least one second interlocking feature is shaped and dimensioned such that a first panel is slidable in an oblique fashion relative to an adjacent panel and into the second interlocking 10 feature thereof.

Preferably, once slid into an adjacent panel in an oblique fashion, thereafter the first panel is rotatable such that the first panel and adjacent panel are perpendicular relative to each other.

Ideally, the at least one second interlocking feature comprises a shaped slot formed in the second edge of the panels.

Preferably, the shaped slot forms an opening on said second edge and comprising a first wall which extends from the second edge and generally perpendicular to said second edge Ideally, the shaped slot comprises a sloped wall which extends from the second edge, generally obliquely relative to said second edge, and away from the first wall.

Preferably. the first and sloped walls comprise first ends locatable at the second edge of the panels, 25 said first ends of the first and sloped walls being spaced apart on said second edge to form an opening into the shaped slot.

Ideally, the first wall and sloped wall are joined by a base wall at their ends opposing the first ends thereof.

Optionally, the shaped slot forming a generally wedge shaped slot in the panels such that the opening thereof is narrower than the base thereof.

Advantageously the wider base of the shaped slot permits a panel to rotate therein from a position 35 proximal the sloped wall to a position proximal the first wall of the shaped slot.

Preferably, a first panel is slidable into an adjacent panel at an angle generally parallel to the sloped wall of the shaped slot of the adjacent panel, and the first panel is thereafter rotatable towards the first wall of said shaped slot whereat it is in an engaged position.

Ideally, the first wall of the second interlocking feature comprises a protrusion formed thereon.

Preferably, the protrusion extends from the first wall towards but not into contact with the sloped wall of the second interlocking feature.

Optionally, the portion of the protrusion proximal the sloped wall is sloped or radiused or the like such that the space between the protrusion and the sloped wall is increased.

Advantageously, when a main panel is slid obliquely into the second interlocking feature, said main panel has greater clearance and as such the process of joining two panels is greatly improved.

Ideally, the first interlocking feature comprises an aperture formed therein for receiving the protrusion of the second interlocking feature of an adjacent panel.

Advantageously, the protrusion and aperture formed for receiving the same act to help position and 15 retain first and second main panels in an interlocked arrangement.

Preferably, the second interlocking feature comprises a locking pin aperture formed therein for receiving a locking pin.

Ideally, the locking pin is positioned to prevent or limit rotation of a first panel in the engaged position away from the first wall of the shaped slot of the second interlocking feature of an adjacent panel.

Preferably, the locking pin aperture is locatable a distance from the first wall of the second locking feature which is equal to or more than the thickness of a panel.

Ideally, the locking pin is an R-clip or the like.

Advantageously, a main panel may be held between the first wall of a second locking feature and the locking pin thereof Ideally, the interlocked joint is configured to retain panels in a staggered relationship.

Preferably, the staggered relationship is a vertically staggered relationship.

Ideally, the slot of the first interlocking feature and shaped slot of the second interlocking feature are sized such that when in the engaged position interlocked panels only partially overlap.

Preferably, when a first panel is interlocked with an adjacent panel, the first panel and adjacent panel partially overlap such that only a portion of each panel extends into the interlocked joint and the 40 panels adopt a staggered relationship.

Ideally, when a first panel is interlocked with an adjacent panel, the first panel has a portion thereof extending above the adjacent panel when the two are interlocked, and the adjacent panel having a portion extending below the first panel when the two are interlocked such that each of the first panel and adjacent panel may form additional interlocking arrangements with further panels.

Preferably, the plurality of panels comprise a plurality of main panels.

Ideally, the main panels comprise six first interlocking features locatable on their first edges and six second interlocking features locatable on their second edges.

Preferably, the first and second interlocking features form opposing sets of interlocking features.

Ideally the opposing sets of interlocking features include two outer opposing sets locatable proximal the longitudinal ends of the main panels.

Preferably, the opposing sets comprise four inner opposing sets locatable between the two outer opposing sets.

Ideally, the modular children's play structure further comprises at least one base panel element.

Preferably, the base panel element comprises a continuous first edge configured to rest upon a base surface and having no interlocking features, and a second edge opposing the first edge comprising at least one second interlocking feature therealong.

Preferably, the plurality of panels further comprise at least one reduced size main panel.

Optionally the reduced sized main panel comprises two first interlocking features along the first edge thereof and two second interlocking features formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the reduced size main panels being interlockable with adjacent panels via the interlocking 30 features.

Ideally, the modular children's play structure further comprises at least one decorative panel.

Preferably, the decorative panel comprises a first edge comprising at least one first interlocking feature and a second edge comprising a decorative feature such as a turret, moulding, or other such decorative feature, the second edge optionally comprising at least one second interlocking feature.

Ideally, the plurality of panels comprise one or more joining panels.

Ideally, the joining panels are sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to join two other panels in a generally co-planar arrangement.

10 15 20 Preferably, the joining panels comprise a first interlocking feature along the first edge thereof and a second interlocking feature formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge.

Ideally, the first interlocking feature of the joining panels is sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a second interlocking feature of a first panel and the second interlocking feature of the joining panels being sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a first interlocking feature of a second panel.

Preferably, the joining panel forms a perpendicular interlocking joint with first and second panels to retain said panels in a co-planar relationship relative to each other.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a panel for use in a modular children's play structure system, wherein the panel comprises at least one first interlocking feature along the first edge thereof and at least one second interlocking feature formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the interlocking features being sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a corresponding interlocking feature of an adjacent panel to form an interlocked joint therebetween.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for assembling a modular children's play structure comprising a plurality of panels, wherein each panel comprises at least one first interlocking feature along the first edge thereof and at least one second interlocking feature formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the interlocking features being sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a corresponding interlocking feature of an adjacent panel to form an interlocked joint therebetween.

Ideally, the kit of parts comprises one or more base panel elements comprising a continuous first edge configured to rest upon a base surface and having no interlocking features and a second edge opposing the first edge comprising at least one second interlocking feature therealong.

Preferably, the kit of parts comprises one or more reduced size main panels, optionally the reduced sized main panels comprising two first interlocking features along the first edge thereof and two second interlocking features formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the reduced size main panels being interlockable with adjacent panels via the interlocking features.

Ideally, the kit of parts comprises one or more decorative panels, the decorative panels comprising a first edge comprising at least one first interlocking feature and a second edge comprising a decorative feature such as a turret, moulding, or other such decorative feature, the second edge optionally comprising at least one second interlocking feature.

Preferably, the kit of parts comprises one or more joining panels sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to join two panels in a generally co-planar arrangement.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a modular 5 children's play structure comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of panels, wherein each panel comprises at least one first interlocking feature along the first edge thereof and at least one second interlocking feature formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the interlocking features being sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a corresponding interlocking feature of an adjacent panel to form an interlocked joint therebetween, sliding the at least one first 10 interlocking feature of a first panel into the corresponding at least one second interlocking feature on a second panel in an oblique fashion, and rotating said first panel such that the first panel adopts a perpendicular relationship with the second panel, the interlocking features forming an interlocked joint therebetween.

Ideally, the method comprising the steps of repeating the interlocking of panels to construct a children's play structure of desired size or shape.

Preferably, the method comprising interlocking main panels, joining panels, reduced size main panels, base panels, and/or decorative panels to construct a children's play structure of desired size 20 and/or shape Optionally, the method comprising locking interlocked panels with a locking pin.

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary children's play structure; Figure 2 is a side view of a main panel of a children's play structure; Figure 3 is a side view of a joining panel of a children's play structure; Figure 4 is a side view of a reduced size main panel for a children's play structure; Figure 5 is a side view of a base panel for a children's play structure; Figure 6 is a side view of a decorative panel for a children's play structure; Figure 7 is a side view of a an alternative decorative panel for a children's play structure; Figure 8 is a side view of an alternative reduced sized main panel for a children's play structure; Figure 9 is a detail view of an opposing set of interlocking features of a panel of a children's play 5 structure; Figures 10a to 10c illustrate the process for joining main panels of a children's play structure; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a locking pin applied between two decorative panels of a children's 10 play structure Figure 12 is a perspective view of a locking pin applied between two main panels of a children's play structure; Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating joining panels being utilised to maintain main panels of a children's play structure in a co-planar relationship; and Figures 14a to 14j illustrate a process of constructing an exemplary children's play structure of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the drawings

The present teaching will now be described with reference to an exemplary modular children's play structure. It will be understood that the exemplarymodular children's play structure is provided to assist in an understanding of the present teaching and are not to be construed as limiting in any fashion. Furthermore, elements or components that are described with reference to any one Figure may be interchanged with those of other Figures or other equivalent elements without departing from the spirit of the present teaching.

Referring now to the Figures there is illustrated a modular children's play structure 10, hereafter in the description referred to as a play structure 10. The play structure 10 comprises a plurality of panels 11, 39, 40, 44, each panel comprising first and second planar surfaces 12 and a thickness 13 dimension extending between said first and second planar surfaces 12 to form essentially a thin panel 11, 39, 40, 44. Each panel 11, 39, 40, 44, comprises first interlocking features 14 along the first edge 15 thereof and second interlocking features 16 formed along the second edge 17 thereof opposing said first edge 15. The first and second edges 15, 17 are upper and lower edges 15, 17 of the panels respectively. The interlocking features 14, 16 being sized, shaped, and dimensioned to interlock with a corresponding interlocking feature 14, 16 of an adjacent panel to form an interlocked joint therebetween. More specifically, the first interlocking features 14 of a first panel interlock with the second interlocking features 16 of an adjacent panel to which the first panel is to be attached. In the preferred embodiment, as is best shown in Figure 2, the plurality of panels comprise a plurality of main panels 11. Each main panel 11comprises six first interlocking features 14 locatable on their first edges 15 and six second interlocking features 16 locatable on their second edges 17. The first and second interlocking features 14, 16 of the panels form opposing sets of interlocking features 18, 19 including two outer opposing sets 18 locatable proximal the longitudinal ends 20 of the main panels 11 and four inner opposing sets 20 locatable between the two outer opposing sets 18. The plurality of opposing sets of interlocking features 14, 16 provides for flexibility of construction as the main panels 11 may be joined to each other or to other panels as disclosed herein, in a variety of different ways in order to create play structures of different shapes and sizes. The main panels 11 may be interlocked via the interlocking features 14, 16 without the requirement for mechanical fasteners.

To aid conciseness, the interlocking of panels and the interlocking features will often be described herein generally in relation to the interlocking of two main panels 11 as this is represented in the drawings, however it should be understood that the interlocking features 14, 16 of other panel types disclosed herein and the process of interlocking panels together is essentially the same for the other panel types and therefore the discussion in relation to interlocking of main panels is equally applicable thereto. The interlocked joint 21 formed by the interlocking of the interlocking features 14, 16 is a perpendicular interlocked 21 joint which, as can be viewed in Figure 10c, locks a first main panel 22 and an adjacent panel 23 in a perpendicular relationship. As can be seen in Figures 10a to 10c, and in Figure 1, each interlocked joint 21 is configured to retain a first main panel 22 and adjacent main panel 23 in a staggered relationship. More specifically, when a first main panel 11 is interlocked with an adjacent main panel 23, the first main panel 22 and adjacent main panel 23 only partially overlap overlap such that only a portion of each panel extends into the interlocked joint 21, the first main panel 22 having a portion thereof extending above the adjacent main panel 23 when the two are interlocked, and the adjacent main panel 23 having a portion extending below the first main panel 22 when the two are interlocked. This permits each of the first main panel 22 and adjacent main panel 23 to form additional interlocking arrangements with further panels.

As is again best viewed in Figures lOa to 10c, the first main panel 22 is slidable into an adjacent main panel 23 by sliding the first interlocking features 14 of the first main panel 22 into the corresponding second interlocking features 16 located on the adjacent main panel 23. For this purpose, the first interlocking features 14 comprise a slot 24 formed for slidable engagement with the second interlocking features 16 of an adjacent main panel 23. The slot 24 is formed in the first edge 15 of the main panels 11 and has a width of approximately the thickness, or marginally wider than the thickness, of a main panel 11 such that a main panel 11 my pass into the slot 24.

The second interlocking features 16 are shaped and dimensioned such that a first main panel 22 is slidable in an oblique fashion relative to an adjacent main panel 23 and into the second interlocking features 16 thereof. Thereafter, the first main panel 22 is rotated such that the first main panel 22 and adjacent main panel 23 are perpendicular relative to each other. By oblique it is meant that the first main panel 22 is not parallel to or perpendicular to the first edge 15 of the adjacent main panel as it is slid thereinto. Instead it approaches at an oblique angle which is facilitated by the shape of a slot 25 which forms part of the second interlocking features 16, as will be described later. The oblique angle is best seen in Figures 10a and 10b which show a first main panel 22 being slid into engagement with an adjacent main panel 23. Figures 10a to 10c also illustrate that the first main panel 22 may be engaged with two adjacent panels 23, 26, one engagable at each end thereof as said ends each comprise interlocking features 14, 16 as hereinbefore described. As would be evident to the skilled person, the process of joining main panels 11, or other panels as will be hereinafter described, may be repeated as desired. For instance, in the example of Figures 10a to 10c, further panels may be interlocked with the first main panel 22 by sliding said panels into the second interlocking features 16 of the first main panel 22 such that two further panels are located above, but generally parallel and in plane with, adjacent panels 23, 26. In this manner a play structure of various shapes and sizes may be constructed, and further flexibility of design is afforded by the alternative panels that may be employed as described below.

As is best viewed in Figure 9, the second interlocking features 16 comprise a shaped slot 25 formed in the second edge 17 of the panels, the shaped slot 25 forming an opening 27 on said second edge 17. The shaped slot comprises a first wall 28 which extends from the second edge 17 of a panel and generally perpendicular to said second edge 17. The shaped slot 25 comprises a sloped wall 29 which extends from the second edge 17 of a panel generally obliquely relative to said second edge and away from the first wall 28 of the shaped slot 25. The first and sloped walls 28, 29 comprise first ends 30, 31 locatable at the second edge 17 of the panels, said first ends 30, 31 of the first and sloped walls 28, 29 being spaced apart on said second edge to form the opening 27 into the shaped slot 25. The first wall 28 and sloped wall 29 are joined by a base wall 32 at their ends opposing the first ends 30, 31 thereof. The shaped slot 25 forms a generally wedge shaped slot 25 in the main panels having a narrow opening 27 and a base 32 wider than said opening 27. The opening is sized and dimensioned such that a portion of an adjacent panel having a first interlocking feature 14 may be passed through the opening at an oblique angle, said oblique angle being an angle generally parallel to the sloped wall 29.

As is shown in Figures 10a to 10c, a first main panel 22 is slidable into an adjacent main panel 23 generally in the direction of the sloped wall 29 of the shaped slot 25 of the adjacent main panel 23. Thereafter, the wider base 32 of the shaped slot 25 provides space such that the first main panel 22 may be rotated towards the first wall 28 of said shaped slot 25 of the adjacent main panel 23, whereat it is in an engaged position (see Figure 10c).

As can be best seen in Figure 9, the first wall 28 of the second interlocking feature 16 comprises a protrusion 33 formed thereon. The protrusion 33 extends from the first wall 28 towards but not into contact with the sloped wall 29 of the second interlocking feature 16. The first interlocking feature 14 comprises an aperture 34 formed therein for receiving the protrusion 33 of the second interlocking feature 16 of an adjacent panel. The aperture 34 and protrusion 33 are correspondingly located such that as a first panel is located such that its first interlocking feature 14 is aligned with the second interlocking feature 16 of an adjacent panel and is slid thereinto and rotated to the engaged position, the protrusion 33 is received into the aperture 34. Advantageously, the protrusion 33 and aperture 34 formed for receiving the same act to help position and retain first and second main panels in an interlocked arrangement. In preferred embodiments, the corner 35 of the protrusion proximal the sloped wall is tapered, sloped, radiused or the like such that the space 36 between the protrusion 33 and the sloped wall 29 is increased. Advantageously, when a panel is slid obliquely into a second interlocking feature 16, said panel has greater clearance and as such the process of joining is greatly improved. This is of particular advantage as the structure will in some cases be constructed by children and as such ease of use is of great importance.

The second interlocking feature 16 comprises a locking pin aperture 37 formed therein for receiving a locking pin 38. The locking pin 38 is positioned to prevent or limit rotation of a first panel in the engaged position away from the first wall 28 of the shaped slot 25 of the second interlocking feature 16 of an adjacent panel. The locking pin 38 is insertable once a panel has been inserted into a second interlocking feature 16 and rotated to the engaged position and prevents said panel rotating out of the engaged position. In a preferred embodiment, as is shown in Figures 11 and 12, the locking pin 38 is an R-clip 38 or the like. The locking pin aperture 37 is locatable a distance from the first wall 29 of the second locking features 16, said distance being equal to or more than the thickness 13 of a panel. In a preferred embodiment all panels described herein are of the same thickness. Advantageously, a panel may be held between the first wall 29 of a second locking feature 16 and the locking pin 38 when the locking pin is in place. It should be understood that the above description generally refers to the joining of first and adjacent main panels, however it should be understood that any reasonable number of main panels may be used as is required by a desired structure, each being joined in the same manner about their interlocking features 14, 16.

The modular children's play structure 10 further comprises base panel elements 41 comprising a continuous first edge 45 configured to rest upon a base surface, the first edge 45 of the base panel elements 41 having no interlocking features. The base panel elements 41 comprise a second edge 46 opposing the first edge 45 comprising at least one second interlocking feature 16 therealong. In a preferred embodiment, as is shown in Figure 5, the base panel elements 41 are of the same length as the main panels 11 and comprise second interlocking features 16 positioned at the same locations as a main panel 11. The preferred base panel elements 41are also shorter than main panels 11. By shorter it is meant that the distance between their first and second edges 45, 46 is less than the distance between first and second edges 15, 17 of a main panel 11. Most preferably, the base panel elements 41 are approximately half the height of main panels 11, or the distance between their first and second edges 45, 46 is approximately half the distance between first and second edges 15, 17 of a main panel 11.The provision of base panel element 41 facilitates the vertically staggered arrangements of panels within the play structure 10. As can be best viewed in Figure 14a, in one embodiment comprising a square play structure 10, base panel elements 41 are placed on two sides of the base of the play structure 10 with main panels 11 forming the base at the other two sides. This creates a base level which initiates a stagger between the panels on the walls having a base panel element 41 at their base and those having a main panel 11 at their base. This staggered arrangement facilitates panels to be joined perpendicularly as described above in a staggered arrangement. Advantageously, this arrangement provides greater stability of the structure as more panels are added when compared to a non-staggered arrangement. More specifically, and using Figure 10C as an example, should a further panel be attached to the first panel 22 of Figure 10c directly above the adjacent panel 23 thereof, it will act to prevent rotation of the first panel 22 relative to the adjacent panel 23. This prevention of rotation would not be enjoyed by a non-staggered arrangement, or would at least be diminished greatly. Further advantageously, this permits the structure to be assembled without the need for, or with limited need for mechanical fasteners, whilst still being able to meet relevant safety standards for products of this nature. This effect of subsequent panels preventing rotation of already installed panels is a result of the structure of the panels and interlocking features 15, 16, and also of the staggered nature with which panels form a perpendicular joint with each other.

The play structure also comprises reduced size main panels 40, 44. By reduced sized main panels it is simply meant panels which share the basic structure of the main panels 11 but are of reduced size along their longitudinal length and also, resultantly, have less interlocking features 14, 16 when compared to a main panel 11. One preferable type of reduced size main panel is shown in Figure 4 and comprises two first interlocking features 14 along the first edge 47 thereof and two second interlocking features 16 formed along the second edge 48 thereof opposing said first edge 47.

Another preferred reduced size main panel is shown in Figure 8 and comprises four first interlocking features 14 along the first edge 49 thereof and two second interlocking features 16 formed along the second edge 50 thereof opposing said first edge 49. It should be understood that the size of panels and the number of interlocking features is provided for example only, any suitable sized panels may be provided which comprise interlocking features thereon such that the may interlock with one or more panel types as described herein. The different sizes of panel may provide structure design flexibility.

The play structure 10 further comprises decorative panels 42, 44. As is best viewed in Figures 6 and 7, the decorative panels 42, 44 preferably comprise a first edge 51 comprising at least one first interlocking feature. The decorative panels also comprise a second edge 52 having a decorative feature such as a turret, moulding, or other such decorative feature. The second edge 52 of the decorative panels 42, 44 optionally comprise at least one second interlocking feature 16 thereon, this can be best viewed in Figure 6. As previously described, the base panel elements 41 instigate a staggered arrangement vertically. Resultantly the top portion of the play structure will also be staggered (see Figure 14i) such that the sides which have a base panel element 41 at their base are lower at the top ends thereof than the sides which have a main panel 11 at their base. Figure 14i shows that a gap exists at the top of the sides 53 having base panel elements 41 at their base. Therefore, a reduced height decorative panel 43 such as that shown in Figure 7 may be supplied which when interlocked will result in a uniform structure top. The reduced size decorative panel 43 is approximately the same height as a base panel element 41 to compensate for the offset the latter creates.

The modular children's play structure 10 further comprises one or more joining panels 39 sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to join two other panels in a generally co-planar arrangement. Again, the joining panels are discussed below in relation to the joining of main panels 11. However, it should be understood that the joining panels 39 may also be used in a similar manner to join any two panels as discussed herein, including panels which may not be of the same type. As is best viewed in Figure 3, the joining panels 39 comprise a first interlocking feature 14 along the first edge thereof and a second interlocking feature 16 formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge. The interlocking features 14, 16 are the same interlocking features 14, 16 of the main panels 11 such that the interlocking features of the joining panels 39 may interlock with the interlocking features of the main panels 11 in a similar manner to how the interlocking features 14, 16 of main panels 11 may interlock with each other. The joining panels are also of the same thickness and height as the main panels 11, the height being the dimension from the first edge 15 of the main panels 11 to the second edge 17 thereof. The first interlocking feature 14 of the joining panels 39 is sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a second interlocking feature 16 of a first main panel and the second interlocking feature 16 of the joining panels 39 being sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a first interlocking feature 14 of a second main panel. In this manner two main panels 11 may be joined by a joining panel 39. As is shown best in Figure 13, the joining panels 39 are joined in a perpendicular relationship with main panels 11 and as such facilitate joining of two main panels 11 in a co-planar relationship, as main panels 11 themselves are not directly interlockable in such a relationship. In this manner the joints between main panels 11, or other panels as discussed herein, typically form the corner portions of a resulting structure with the wall sections between corners being formed of main panels, potentially mixed with other panel types as discussed herein, joined by joining panels 39.

The modular play structure may be provided as a kit of parts. For example, the kit of parts to create the structure of Figure 1 or 14j would comprise eleven main panels 11, two reduced size main panels 40 such as those of Figure 4, two base panel elements 41, eleven joining panels 39, two decorative panels such as that shown in Figure 6, and two decorative panels such as that shown in Figure 7.

The kit of parts may also comprise locking pins such as R-clips. It should be understood that this is only an example, the same panels in different numbers, or modified panels may be supplied in various kits such that differently sized and shaped structures may be constructed. The key aspect is that all panels are interlockable via the inventive interlockable features 14, 16 in the manner hereinbefore described.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.A modular children's play structure comprising a plurality of panels wherein each panel comprises at least one first interlocking feature along the first edge thereof and at least one second interlocking feature formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the interlocking features being sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a corresponding interlocking feature of an adjacent panel to form an interlocked joint therebetween.
The modular children's play structure of claim 1 wherein the interlocked joint is a perpendicular interlocked joint which locks a first panel and an adjacent panel in a perpendicular relationship.
The modular children's play structure of claim 1 wherein a first panel is slidable into an adjacent panel by sliding the at least one first interlocking feature of the first panel into the corresponding at least one second interlocking feature located on the adjacent panel.
The modular children's play structure of claim 3, wherein the at least one first interlocking feature comprises a slot formed for slidable engagement with the at least one second interlocking feature of an adjacent panel.
The modular children's play structure of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one second interlocking feature is shaped and dimensioned such that a first panel is slidable in an oblique fashion relative to an adjacent panel and into the second interlocking feature thereof, thereafter the first panel is rotatable such that the first panel and adjacent panel are perpendicular relative to each other.
The modular children's play structure of any preceding claim wherein the at least one second interlocking feature comprises a shaped slot formed in the second edge of the panels, the shaped slot forming an opening on said second edge and comprising a first wall which extends from the second edge and generally perpendicular to said second edge, and a sloped wall which extends from the second edge generally obliquely relative to said second edge and away from the first wall.
The modular children's play structure of claim 6, wherein the first and sloped walls comprise first ends locatable at the second edge of the panels, said first ends of the first and sloped walls being spaced apart on said second edge to form an opening into the shaped slot, the first wall and sloped wall are joined by a base wall at their ends opposing the first ends thereof, optionally, the shaped slot forming a generally wedge shaped slot in the panels such that the opening thereof is narrower than the base thereof.
8. The modular children's play structure of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein a first panel is slidable into an adjacent panel at an angle generally parallel to the sloped wall of the shaped slot of the adjacent panel, and the first panel is thereafter rotatable towards the first wall of said shaped slot whereat it is in an engaged position.
9. The modular children's play structure of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the first wall of the second interlocking feature comprises a protrusion formed thereon, the protrusion extends from the first wall towards but not into contact with the sloped wall of the second interlocking feature, optionally the portion of the protrusion proximal the sloped wall being sloped or radiused or the like such that the space between the protrusion and the sloped wall is increased.
10. The modular children's play structure of claim 9, wherein the first interlocking feature comprises an aperture formed therein for receiving the protrusion of the second interlocking feature of an adjacent panel.
11 The modular children's play structure of any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the second interlocking feature comprises a locking pin aperture formed therein for receiving a locking pin, the locking pin being positioned to prevent or limit rotation of a first panel in the engaged position away from the first wall of the shaped slot of the second interlocking feature of an adjacent panel.
12. The modular children's play structure of claim 10 wherein the locking pin aperture is locatable a distance from the first wall of the second locking feature which is equal to or more than the thickness of a panel.
13. The modular children's play structure of any preceding claim wherein the interlocked joint is configured to retain panels in a staggered relationship.
14 The modular children's play structure of claim 13, wherein when a first panel is interlocked with an adjacent panel, the first panel and adjacent panel partially overlap such that only a portion of each panel extends into the interlocked joint, the first panel having a portion thereof extending above the adjacent panel when the two are interlocked, and the adjacent panel having a portion extending below the first panel when the two are interlocked such that each of the first panel and adjacent panel may form additional interlocking arrangements with further panels.
15. The modular children's play structure of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of panels comprise a plurality of main panels, the main panels comprising six first interlocking features locatable on their first edges and six second interlocking features locatable on their second edges, the first and second interlocking features forming opposing sets of interlocking features including two outer opposing sets locatable proximal the longitudinal ends of the main panels and four inner opposing sets locatable between the two outer opposing sets.
16. The modular children's play structure of any preceding claim further comprising at least one base panel element comprising a continuous first edge configured to rest upon a base surface and having no interlocking features, and a second edge opposing the first edge comprising at least one second interlocking feature therealong.
17. The modular children's play structure of any preceding claim wherein the plurality of panels further comprise at least one reduced size main panel, optionally the reduced sized main panel comprising two first interlocking features along the first edge thereof and two second interlocking features formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the reduced size main panels being interlockable with adjacent panels via the interlocking features.
18 The modular children's play structure of any preceding claim further comprising at least one decorative panel, preferably the decorative panel comprising a first edge comprising at least one first interlocking feature and a second edge comprising a decorative feature such as a turret, moulding, or other such decorative feature, the second edge optionally comprising at least one second interlocking feature.
19. The modular children's play structure of any preceding claim wherein the plurality of panels further comprise one or more joining panels sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to join two other panels in a generally co-planar arrangement.
The modular children's play structure of claim 19, wherein the joining panels comprise a first interlocking feature along the first edge thereof and a second interlocking feature formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the first interlocking feature of the joining panels being sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a second interlocking feature of a first panel and the second interlocking feature of the joining panels being sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a first interlocking feature of a second panel, the joining panel forming a perpendicular interlocking joint with the first and second panels to retain said panels in a co-planar relationship relative to each other.
21. A panel for use in a modular children's play structure system, wherein the panel comprises at least one first interlocking feature along the first edge thereof and at least one second interlocking feature formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the interlocking features being sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a corresponding interlocking feature of an adjacent panel to form an interlocked joint therebetween.
22. A kit of parts for assembling a modular children's play structure comprising a plurality of panels, wherein each panel comprises at least one first interlocking feature along the first edge thereof and at least one second interlocking feature formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the interlocking features being sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to interlock with a corresponding interlocking feature of an adjacent panel to form an interlocked joint therebetween.
23. The kit of parts of claim 21 further comprising: one or more base panel elements comprising a continuous first edge configured to rest upon a base surface and having no interlocking features and a second edge opposing the first edge comprising at least one second interlocking feature therealong; and/or one or more reduced size main panels, optionally the reduced sized main panels comprising two first interlocking features along the first edge thereof and two second interlocking features formed along the second edge thereof opposing said first edge, the reduced size main panels being interlockable with adjacent panels via the interlocking features; and/or one or more decorative panels, the decorative panels comprising a first edge comprising at least one first interlocking feature and a second edge comprising a decorative feature such as a turret, moulding, or other such decorative feature, the second edge optionally comprising at least one second interlocking feature; and/or one or more joining panels sized, shaped, and/or dimensioned to join two panels in a generally co-planar arrangement.