JPH03501334A - play structure - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] play structure [Industrial application field] This invention relates to playground structures and equipment, and the invention relates to structures and equipment for such equipment. It is characterized by a completely new approach to

[Conventional technology] A playground usually consists of a large number of individual pieces of equipment, e.g. swings, slides, climbing frames etc., which are located within a common area and sometimes They are surrounded by conventional fences, but separated from each other within this area.

Different types of gaming devices are combined to form a single unit. for example , one structure incorporates a climbing frame and a slide.

However, such units are individually located within the play area.

[Summary of the invention] This invention significantly differs from the conventional structure in the playground structure, and defines a fence-like structure. Play construction assembled from prefabricated columns and link units as specified object, in which at least some of the link units are in the form of a plurality of items of play equipment; has been completed.

In the structure according to the present invention, various different play items are arranged in a common fence-like structure. assembled together into objects.

In a preferred configuration, this fence-like structure acts to enclose a play area; This creates a complete and self-contained play center. of this invention The structure is installed outdoors, but is also suitable for indoor installations. For example, a young child In large stores where an enclosed play area is necessarily required for Ru.

In a preferred play facility implementing this invention, the link unit is provided on a pillar. having a main part formed as a prefabricated panel with an end that engages a socket; ing. It is possible for the pillar to have a protrusion, in which case the socket has a protrusion. can be defined by a groove extending along the section.

Alternatively, the post may include a tube and a socket formed in the hole of the tube. good. In a particularly preferred configuration, the panel has a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members. It has a rectangular frame with horizontal members connected to vertical members at each end of the frame. A protruding plug is provided which protrudes beyond the column and thus engages the socket of the column. Tsuki The sleeve can be secured to the socket by means of a securing means comprising a bushing. Bu A preferred form of the tush includes means for snap-engaging the post and the panel projection. There is. This allows the link panel assembly with posts to be pre-installed into the post sockets. It can be easily completed by press-fitting the protrusion into the attached bushing. .

Further, in this invention, a pair of pillars and a link unit are used to assemble the above-mentioned play structure. Knitwear is provided. The pillar has socket means and the link unit has socket means. The attachment has means for engaging the socket means at its ends. Taking socket means The attachment holds the means and the link unit configured as one item of play equipment. Fixing means are provided for this purpose.

In another form of the invention, the link unit is fixed to the pillar of the above-mentioned play structure. A coupling assembly is provided for. This connection assembly is formed into a column the hole provided in the link unit and the hole provided in the link unit with a clearance between them. The insertion element positioned in the hole and the above clearance around this insertion element. and bushing means located at the bottom. This bushing means is connected to the pillar and insertion means for firmly retaining the insert element against removal from the column by engaging the insert element with the element. are doing. The bushing means is preferably of unitary construction and snaps into the hole in the post. are adapted to engage. The bushing means snaps into engagement with the insertion element. It is being done.

The play structure of this invention is a type provided by a link unit incorporating pillars. A variety of different items of play equipment can be incorporated. These are prefabricated uni When assembling the structure from the can be placed anywhere. All or major link units set play items. It is not necessarily necessary to include it. The remaining link units are simple fence units. It may be knitted or may have panels or rails. In the completed building , one or more link units may be omitted or a hinged unit that can be opened and closed may be used. formed as a gate and used as an entrance to a play enclosure covered by a structure. Ru.

The play structure according to the invention therefore comprises a series of pillars firmly attached to the floor. ing. The pillars are spaced apart along the boundaries of the play area. The link unit , is installed between these and connects the adjacent pillars to each other, and together with the pillars, the play area It forms a fence-like assembly surrounding the area. at least some links The unit is configured as a multi-item play facility, which allows the structure to It acts not only as a boundary fence for the play area, but also as a sliding play device.

when fixing elements, e.g. bolts, are used for fixing to the ground or other foundations; , if bolt heads etc. are left exposed, the use of a play device of which the pillar forms a part may be prohibited. There is a danger that children may be injured by bolts, etc. of the pillar enclosing the fixation element with an annular cover or collar arranged over the base; It has been proposed to solve this problem. You can hide these elements. Colors also contribute to improving the aesthetics of play equipment.

Therefore, in another form of the invention, an annular cover covering the pillars of the above-mentioned play structure is provided. is proposed. This annular cover has two half-annular parts of molded construction. and a connecting means that snaps these parts together when engaged around the column. We are prepared.

In the preferred collar for installation around the base of a column, the two parts have the same shape. , each including an inner half-cylindrical wall, the outer wall being spaced apart from the inner wall, and It is connected to the inner wall by reinforced webs. The end walls are interconnected with the inner and outer walls. It includes a protrusion and a recess having a complementary shape to the protrusion at the other end. protrusion and and the recess has a lower cutout that engages the two parts with a snap-fit connection. .

[Brief explanation of the drawing] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a play structure according to the present invention, and FIG. The front views, Figures 3 to 12, showing the play fence to be implemented are Figure 13 is a diagram showing different types of link units installed between a pair of pillars. is a front view showing a fence panel installed between a pair of posts, Figure 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a column with a mounting surface, and Figure 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a column with a mounting surface. A sectional view of the lower end of the column with the mounting section, FIG. 16 is a plan view including a half section of the snap connection bushing, and FIG. 17 is a plan view of the snap connection bushing. A side view including a half section of the bush shown in the figure, 18 and 19 are front and rear views of the bushings in FIGS. 16 and 17, FIG. 20 is a sectional view of a blind plug used in the bushings of FIGS. 16 and 19; Figures 21 and 22 show the figures 16 to 16 attached to the pillar and link unit. Vertical and horizontal cross-sectional views showing the bushing of Figure 19; Figure 23 is a plan view of half of the column base collar, Figure 24 is the bottom view of half of the collar. figure, Figure 25 is a half-color front view; Figure 26 is a half-color side view; FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 26.

[Example code] The playground structure shown in FIG. 1 is assembled by pillars 1 and prefabricated link units 2. A play space is defined by a boundary fence erected. Most units The fence consists of simple fence panels, while others are designed for active play items. Consists of two panels.

The illustrated link unit is curved, although this is not a requirement, and Alternatively, straight units are used in conjunction with curved ones.

The shape of the fenced area can be varied as much as you like, and the structure It is determined by the position of pillar 1 during installation. Of course, additional play equipment may be desired. If the same It can be constructed using eel posts and link units.

Figure 2 shows a fence incorporating several different play units. There is. Each unit is firmly fixed to the ground and installed between two adjacent columns 1. It is. The play unit has 4 swings, pictures of lions, etc., and children can play with it. Panel 5 with a hole for inserting its face, play house 6 (detailed in Figure 9) ), a polished metal mirror 7, and a slide 8.

Swing 4 is supported by chains or lobes attached to the elements. It has a sheet. This installation has the same elements as the fence panel connections described below. It is inserted into the socket of column 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the picture game panel of FIG. This is similar to other games and With the spacer panels, preferably upper and lower horizontal members 16.17 and vertical members 18 ．． It has a basic rectangular frame with 19. The frame members are mutually It is a welded metal chain. Horizontal members 16.17 project beyond the vertical members As a result, the post-engaging attachment described below defines a plug or protrusion 20. base The foundation fence frame is installed between two pillars 1 as shown in Figure 13. It is being

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a front view and a horizontal cross-sectional view of the corrugated play panel 22. It is. This play panel 22 produces different visual effects depending on the direction in which it is viewed. can be done.

The panels 23 shown in the front view and vertical cross-section in Figure MSA and Figure 5B are also respectively , a polished corrugated metal mirror, creating a visual effect. Figure 6 is about The link panel is shown configured as a panel, with the underlying frame containing additional horizontal members 24,25 are provided, each horizontal member supporting a set of sliding balls 26. I have it. Bench seat link panel 27 is shown in FIGS. 7A and 878. ing. Vertical frame members 18.19 provide horizontal supports for seat studs 28. is configured to provide a

FIG. 8 shows a fence formed by a fence panel 2 installed between two posts 1. 3 is a perspective view of an entrance to a play fence enclosure with a guard barrier 30; FIG. half of the picture are drawn on the edge of the fence panel and on the barrier panel, respectively, so that , when viewed from the appropriate direction, the two halves of the picture can be combined into a single picture. can be seen completed.

The play house unit 6 shown in FIG. 2 is enlarged and shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. shown in front view and vertical cross-section. This is due to the window opening 32 and the slope A front wall 31 having a roof 33 is provided.

Figure 10 shows the hooks attached to the basic fence frame forming other play items. A liming net 34 is shown. Figure 11 shows a set of different shapes. elements, for example, a frame supporting metal that makes a sound when struck It is shown. Figure 12 shows a pad panel that a child can collide with without risk of damage. The supporting foundation frame is shown.

The above-mentioned play units are combined with flat play units to create a continuous field. It is recognized that the building will be made into a spring-like structure and eventually into a variety of structures.

Of course, many other forms of play units are possible in addition to the examples shown here.

Each of the link units of FIGS. 3 to 12 has two It may also include a foundation frame of the same shape that connects the columns.

Figure 13 shows a foundation fence frame installed between two posts, as described above. shows the system. For example, the frame may consist of rails made of vertical or horizontal bars. For example, by installing a flat fence panel, a solid fence can be blocked. It may also be a play panel as described above. Corner board 1 0 is welded to the base frame for mounting the panels. Multi-pillar 1 is the first 4, the lower end of which is attached to the flange plate 41. A straight metal tube 40 is provided. A collar 43 is mounted around the base of the tube 40. , installation surround flanges and bolts. The color is preferably the 23rd color. It has the form as described in detail with reference to FIGS. The upper end of the tube 40 is It is closed by a molded cap 44 which is pressed onto the tube end. On the pillar , the upper and lower mountings are provided with sockets for the connection of link units . Each socket consists of a circular hole drilled into the tube and is attached to a resin bushing 45. It is being A plug 20 is inserted into this resin bushing 45 to install the link unit. as a result, it is firmly attached to the column. The pillar has 4 pairs of sockets. It is being The multiple pairs of sockets are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the tube 40, and the sockets are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the tube 40. The kets are spaced 90'' apart around the tube.

Not all sockets need to be used or needed for a given play structure. may be omitted.

By providing four pairs of sockets, 1.2.3 or Several link panels of 4 are installed and used. However, pairs of different numbers A column may be provided with a socket. Figure 15 shows an alternative pillar arrangement. Attached is the method. This column is embedded in the ground and for bolts 42. It is fixed by a bolt 42 to a base member 46 having a fixed nut 47. .

Play structures may include, for example, double-height tall columns that are required for certain play items. Ru. In particular, it includes a raised deck of floorboards, as shown in Figure 1. . On taller columns, the upper link panel connects between the columns in the upper part of the column. An additional pair of sockets is provided to allow the

As shown in FIG. 14, a bracket for fixing the frame projection 20 to the column socket is shown. Tsch connection is used. The bushing 45 is made of elastic resin, such as nylon. The flange is formed from a flange and is formed to be placed on the outer surface of the column pipe 40. have. Additionally, the bushing 45 includes a sleeve portion having an outer surface. . This outer surface has its free end slightly It is slanted.

Further, adjacent the flange, means are provided for receiving the wall of the tube 40. the result , the bushing is snapped around the periphery of the hole.

The bush and the protrusion 20 attached to it are provided with a hole for storing the lock bin. I'm being kicked. A bottle is inserted through this hole so that the protrusion 20 is firmly attached to the column. Fixed. This bottle is threaded through the column tube before the top cap 44 is installed. will be introduced.

Alternatively, the bushings can be sloped to extend through the flange and accommodate the fixing screws. It may have a hollow hole. This fixing screw is attached to the frame protrusion inserted into the bushing. It may be inserted into a hole drilled in the shaft 20.

In a further variant of the bushing connection, one end of the frame projection is bent outwards and the an end abutment in which the bush engages in such a way as to prevent the protrusion from being dislodged from the column. forming a surface.

In this case, after the protrusion 20 is inserted into the socket, the bushing is press-fitted into the hole of the tube 40. It is. The bushing may be placed on the protrusion before the end abutment surface is formed; or it may be segmented to allow it to be placed around the protrusion. stomach.

Other forms of the bushing 45 are formed with lock studs that protrude inward. . This stud engages a hole provided in the frame projection. Bushu is It is divided and placed on the protrusion 20, and is press-fitted into the hole of the tube 40 together with the protrusion. There is.

A preferred form of the connecting bushing is shown in FIGS. 16-22. this The bushing has a flange 46 and a sleeve 47. inner edge of this sleeve is closed by an end wall 56 formed with stiff fins 57 and parallel grooves 58. Ru. The fins 57 and the parallel grooves 58 form locking tongues that are retained by the slots 60. defining a resilient hinge for the sleeve portion 59 separated into a sleeve and an end wall; ing. The outer surface of the tongue 59 slopes backwards and the free end of the tongue, together with the flange, is attached to the post. A slot is defined for receiving the wall of tube 40 (FIG. 22). tilted forward A lock stud 61 with a rounded surface is drilled into the projection 20 of the link unit frame. formed on the inner surface of the tongue for engaging the drilled holes 62 (FIGS. 21 and 22); ing. The bushing is press-fitted into the hole of the column pipe, and the tongue 59 is formed by the tabular surface. is cammed inwardly and then biased into the tube when the bushing is fully inserted. Snaps into the rear of the wall. Link unit installation is done by elements, i.e. frame protrusion. When the stud 61 is inserted into the bush, the tongue 59 is pushed outward by the inclined surface of the stud 61. The cam engages and then forces the stud inwardly into the hole 62 in the protrusion. , and then the protrusion is firmly locked to the post. Socket that accommodates the bush When the cut is not in use, it is plugged by a plug 64 shown in FIG. can be This plug has an arm with an opposing hole 65. It is formed as a school. The lock stud 61 is inserted into the bush when the plug is inserted into the bush. When the disc and the flange are in contact with each other, the outer surfaces of the disc and the flange are in contact with the hole 65. flattened against each other. The bush connection in Figures 16 and 22 is between the pillar and the frame protrusion. This has the advantage that they can be simply press-fitted and snap-connected.

An alternative form of post (not shown) defines four grooves with recessed openings. It has a metal protrusion. This protrusion is attached to a link unit that cooperates with the column. configuring a socket for. To secure the link unit to the socket , they can be fastened to the link frame attachment 20 of the block. Wear. This link frame mounting block has a large protruding groove with a complementary shape. It has a large head and includes a fixing plate for the bolt. This bolt is attached to the inner end wall of the groove. is inserted into the recess formed in the Fixed. The cover is not used to install the link unit. The installation is used to close exposed grooves above and below the block. be able to. During assembly, the protrusion is fixed to the ground and the mounting is The cover and cover are slid from the top of the protrusion into the downward position and the bolts are inserted. to secure the block in place, and the top cap is attached to the top of the overhang. Ru.

The installation shown in Figures 14 and 15 is designed to cover the base of the column to hide the bolts. A preferred form of the second collar 43 is shown in FIGS. 23 to 27 showing half the collar. I will refer to it and describe it.

The half-collar is integrally formed from a resin material such as polypropylene and has a half-cylindrical interior. It has a wall 81 and an outer wall 82 having a semi-cylindrical base and a half-cut shape. inside and The outer walls converge towards their upper edges and are connected by these edges to define an upper rim. Ru. The inner and outer walls are interconnected by five non-uniformly spaced radial webs 83. is connected to. The half ring is closed at one end by an end wall; This end wall defines a projection 84 having a lip 85 with a chamfered surface.

This lip 85 extends along the inner and outer edges of the projection.

The lip is interrupted against the top of the protrusion to avoid weakening the protrusion in this area. It is being The protrusion is shaped so that it has parallel opposed edges above one of its heights. This is provided by a triangular undulation on the outer edge of the protrusion.

At the other end, the collar half has a recess formed to accommodate the protrusion 84. 88, and triangular legs formed complementary to the undulations of the protrusions extending inward from the outer wall 82. 89 and a chamfered lip 90 extending around the sides of the recess. mosquito A shallow groove 92 for engaging a positioning hole provided in a column to which the roller is attached is provided. It protrudes inward from the inner wall 81.

In reality, the two half collars mentioned above are located on either side of the column and pressed against each other. As a result, these studs 92 are inserted into each locating hole of the column, The protrusions 84 on each half of the collar snap into the holes 88 on the other half of the collar. will be combined. Chamfers on the lips 85.90 facilitate this engagement and At the end of the helmet, the lips 85,90 are firmly locked together to prevent separation of the collars. Check. Since the protrusion and recess have parallel side edges, they are connected. separated by a relatively small axial movement between the two collar halves. stomach. Furthermore, the legs 89 can be used to hold two blades of a sharp instrument, such as a screwdriver. Preventing separation of the collars by being forced into the joint between the collar halves. It can contribute to Therefore, the collar covers the element when installed at the base of the column. Provides a solid durable cover for smooth surfaces between columns and horizontal support surfaces The connection is guaranteed.

As mentioned above, the present invention provides that play equipment is attached to a fence structure that defines a play area. It is based on a novel concept of a fused play structure composition. Recognized. This allows for many different constructions to be assembled from the basic unit. It allows for a wide variety of things. Nevertheless, assembly products are complex and and does not require any special skill.

The structure specifically mentioned herein is suitable for use by young children, e.g. children between approximately 3 and 10 years of age. The height of the pillar is 0.8~1. ．． 0m is preferable, and the tallest pillar used for some items of equipment is 1.4~ It is 1.6m. However, these heights are measured from the ground.

Here, the invention provides that the individual link units are connected to a play item or a flat fence panel. A fence-like structure formed as a fence is mentioned, but other forms It should be understood that link units of 1 to 1 are also possible. For example, other known A portion that cooperates with the play equipment may be formed.

For example, one link unit can support part of a relatively large climbing frame. It may also be configured to form and be assembled in parallel to the fence structure. A walkway staircase leading to a slide or other piece of play equipment may be defined.

Additionally, columns shorter than those shown and having e.g. a single socket can be used for a given This is suitable for supporting the bottom of a slide, for example. There is. Furthermore, it is higher than the one shown and has several pairs of sockets in its upper part. A column may be provided which is used to attach the roof panel. Ru. For example, one such panel is supported by multiple columns at its four corners, and , used to support a roof above a raised floor or a deck leading to a slide. It's okay to be beaten.

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Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In children's activity play equipment comprising various play means incorporated into a common structure. The structure consists of a prefabricated link unit installed between the column (1) and the pair of columns. (2), and as a result, a fence-like structure is defined. , at least some link units (2) connect a plurality of items of play equipment (4, 5, 6, 7, etc.) Play equipment. 2. A fence-like structure of pillars (1) and link units (2) marks the boundary of the play area. extending around the field, thereby defining a substantially enclosed playing device (Figure 1). 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. At least some link units are provided on the column (1) and on the opposite column (1). 1) having means (20) for engaging a socket for securing the panel between 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a panel of 4. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the socket has a hole in the post. 5. Each panel has at its end a protruding plug (20) for engaging a post socket. 5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: 6. For use in the construction of play structures specified in claim 1 or 2. A device comprising a pair of pillars (1) combined with a second link unit (2), , each column has a socket means, and the link unit has a socket means at its end. and a fastener for retaining the attachment means to the socket means. and the link unit (2) forms an item of play equipment. A device that is built in like this. 7. The panels are formed at the ends of the horizontal panel frame members (16, 17) and each The claimed invention comprises a projecting plug (20) arranged to be located in the socket. 6. The device according to paragraph 5 or 6. 8. A pair of horizontal frame members (16, 17) and a pair of vertical frame members (18) , 19), and the horizontal frame members are , projecting beyond the vertical frame member and defining a spigot (20). The device according to item 7. 9. Each socket has a fastener that cooperates with the panel plug (20) to secure the plug to the socket. Claims 5, 7, or 8, in which the fixed bushing member (45) is housed. The device described in. 10. The bushing member (45) is snap-engaged with the socket. Apparatus according to paragraph 9. 11. A link unit is attached to the pillar of the play structure described in claim 1 or 2. It is a device for fixing a column, which can be inserted into a hole provided in a column, and which can be inserted into a hole provided in a column. covering the insertion element (20) provided on the unit (2) and with a clip between them; comprising bushing means (45) capable of being positioned in the hole at balance; This bushing means provides a rigid engagement between the column and the insert element against dislodgement from the column. device having means for 12. The bushing means is a single member (45) that snaps into the post hole; Means (61) are provided for firmly engaging the insertion element in the form of a cylindrical plug (20). 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is 13. When the plug is inserted into the bushing member, the bushing member (45) is inserted into the plug (20). 13. A device according to claim 10 or claim 12, wherein the device is snap-engaged with the device. 14. Each post (1) is provided with an upright tube (40). 14. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 13. 15. The bushing member (45) has a flange (46) for engaging the outer surface of the column. , and a sleeve (47) protruding from the flange and extending through the hole of the column pipe (40). The sleeve engages with the inner surface of the column tube (40) to fix the bushing member to the column. a locking tongue (59) provided on the inside of the tongue and engaging the hole (62) of the stopper; A projection (61) according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a projection (61) for equipment. 16. The upper end of each tube (40) is terminated by a cap (44) that forcefully engages one end of the tube. 16. A device according to claim 14 or 15, which is closed. 17. Bush to attach the link unit to the column where the bush member is attached. If a plug member is not required, a plug (64) is provided with a snap fit. Claim 8, which is engageable in the bushing and the bushing opening is omitted. The apparatus according to paragraph 9, paragraph 10, paragraph 12, paragraph 13, or paragraph 15. 18. At least some of the columns each have 90° intervals around the column. A number of link units (2) are connected to these sockets. , extending perpendicularly from the column, any one of claims 1 to 17. Equipment described in Section 1. 19. Some columns are made higher than others, resulting in a separated top and bottom Claims 1 to 3, wherein the link unit is installed between a pair of high pillars. 19. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 18. 20. A collar (4 3) covers the lower end of at least one pillar. 9. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 9. 21. The collar consists of two parts that engage around a post with a snap-fit connection. 21. The apparatus according to claim 20. 22. An annular collar covering a pillar of an amusement building according to claim 1 or 2. A device for forming a column, comprising two semi-circular sections of molded structure and an engagement around a column. including coupling means (84, 88) for snap-engaging the two parts together when mated; There is a device. 23. The two collars are substantially the same as in claim 21 or 22. Apparatus as described in Section. 24. Each collar portion includes an inner semi-cylindrical wall (81) and a reinforcing wall spaced apart from the inner wall (81). an outer wall (82) connected to the inner wall by webs (83) and interconnected to the inner and outer walls; an end wall having a projection (84) and a recess (88) formed complementary to the projection at the other end; and a protrusion and a recess for engaging the two collars in a snap fit. Claims 21 and 22, which have cut-out portions (85, 89) under the eyes; or the device described in paragraph 23. 25. The protrusion (84) and the recess (88) each have an opposed parallel edge and a Claim 24, which has a lower notch (85, 89) extending along the The device described. 26. Each of the protrusion (84) and the recess (88) is approximately L-shaped. Scope of Claim 25. The device according to item 25. 27. A play structure for children's activities, in which a series of upright columns (1) The pillars are spaced apart around the perimeter of the play area and the link units (2) is a fence-like fence installed between these and surrounding the play area together with the pillars. Forming an assembly, some link units are in the form of flat panels. and other link units form a multi-item play facility, which allows , the structure operates independently as well as as a boundary fence for the play area. It also functions as a play device that incorporates several play items that are structurally integrated. A play building. 28. A further pillar (1) and link unit (2) are located within the play area, and to form partition fences and/or to form play equipment within the play area; The game device according to claim 2, or the game device according to claim 27, which operates to A play building.