US20060128530A1 - Playground climbing structure - Google Patents
Playground climbing structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060128530A1 US20060128530A1 US11/290,019 US29001905A US2006128530A1 US 20060128530 A1 US20060128530 A1 US 20060128530A1 US 29001905 A US29001905 A US 29001905A US 2006128530 A1 US2006128530 A1 US 2006128530A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- climbing
- pole
- members
- unit
- clamp
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B9/00—Climbing poles, frames, or stages
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B9/00—Climbing poles, frames, or stages
- A63B2009/006—Playground structures
Definitions
- This invention relates to playground equipment and, in particular, to a climbing structure for indoor or outdoor playgrounds.
- Such structures include “monkey bars”, geodesic domes, poles, etc. Such structures are made from a determined set of pieces, and hence, the structure itself is limited in shape, generally, to a single structure. It would be desirable to provide a climbing structure which is made from interchangeable and matable parts to enable different climbing elements to be positioned along the climbing structure. This would enable the same parts or elements to be used to produce different climbing structures.
- a climbing structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of climbing units secured to a pole.
- the climbing units are made from a pair of interengageable member elements which are secured together.
- Each climbing member element comprises a body with a climbing element extending from the body.
- a climbing unit is formed by selecting two elements from a set of elements. Hence, many different climbing units can be formed from a set of a few climbing elements.
- the climbing elements can be varied along the pole such that, near ground level, the climbing elements comprise foot rests. Further up, the climbing elements can comprise steps or a combination of steps and handgrips. If the pole is arced, the climbing elements along the upper portion (or generally horizontal portion) of the pole, can comprise primarily handgrips.
- the climbing units themselves can be assembled together and mounted to the pole using a variety of structures. They can, for example require a hole to be formed in the pole and can be placed at only discrete locations along the pole. Alternatively, they can rely on a clamping mechanism and can be placed at any desired position along the pole.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a climbing structure incorporating climbing units of the present invention
- FIGS. 2 A-F are perspective views of illustrative embodiments of different climbing units which can be incorporated into the climbing structure of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 3 A-C are perspective views of the interchangeable and interengageable members from which the climbing elements of FIGS. 2 A-F are made;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a first illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a line drawing of the assembly system of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention.
- FIGS. 7A and B show the members of the climbing unit of FIG. 6 assembled to a pole in two alternative positions
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a third illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention.
- FIGS. 9A and B show the members of the climbing unit of FIG. 8 assembled to a pole in two alternative positions
- FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention.
- FIGS. 11A and B show the members of the climbing unit FIG. 10 assembled to a pole in two alternative positions
- FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention.
- FIGS. 13A and B show the members of the climbing unit of FIG. 12 assembled to a pole in two alternative positions
- FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the climbing unit of FIG. 14 when assembled
- FIG. 16 is a line drawing of the climbing unit of FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a clamp assembly for holding the climbing unit of FIG. 14 to a pole;
- FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a seventh illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the climbing unit of FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a clamp assembly for holding the climbing unit of FIG. 18 to a pole;
- FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of an eighth illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention.
- FIGS. 22 A-D show the different matable elements of the climbing unit of FIG. 21 to form different climbing unit combinations
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an illustrative playground structure incorporating the climbing units of FIGS. 21-22D .
- FIG. 1 An illustrative embodiment of a playground climbing structure 10 incorporating climbing units of the present invention is shown generally in FIG. 1 .
- the climbing structure 10 includes a pole 12 to which climbing units C are mounted.
- the pole 12 is shown to have its opposite ends at ground level, and with an upper concave bend and a lower convex second bend.
- the pole 12 can take any desired configuration. Further, the opposite ends of the pole can both be embedded in the ground (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the pole can have a bottom end and an upper end, or the pole 12 can have its opposite ends supported between two supporting structures.
- the climbing units C can take different forms, and can include stepping units, platform units, and grasping elements.
- the climbing units C are each comprised of two members chosen from a group of interchangeable and interengagable members.
- the climbing unit members each include a body B from which a climbing element E extends.
- the climbing member bodies are connected together about the pole 12 to be secured to the pole 12 .
- FIGS. 2 A-F and FIGS. 3 A-C there are three basic climbing elements—(1) a ridge E 1 ; (2) a step E 2 ; and (3) a hand grip or hand hold E 3 .
- the step and hand grip can be configured to extend from the member body such that its major plane is generally parallel to or perpendicular to the axis of the pole.
- the ridge can be formed to be generally perpendicular to the axis of the pole or to extend diagonally relative to the axis of the pole.
- the climbing unit members can be paired together to form different overall climbing elements for the playground structure 10 .
- a step member can be paired with a ridge member, a hand grip member or another step member;
- a horizontal hand grip member can be paired with a vertical hand grip member;
- a vertical hand grip member can be paired with a horizontal step member; etc.
- With five distinct members thirty-two (32) different climbing units can be formed; with six distinct members, sixty-four (64) different climbing units can be formed.
- a first illustrative climbing unit 14 is shown in FIGS. 4-5 .
- the climbing units are formed from two members or elements (shown in FIGS. 3 A-C), as noted above, and each member comprises a body 20 having an outer surface 22 defining top and bottom surfaces 22 a , a front side 22 c and a back side 22 d .
- the body outer surface 22 is basically semispherical in shape. However, the outer portion is truncated at its top and bottom 22 a . Additionally, a semicircular notch 24 is formed in the outer surface back side 22 d . The notch 24 is surrounded by a semicircular wall 26 .
- the inner surface 28 of the body is shaped to complementarily to the shape of the pole 12 .
- Poles for climbing structures are generally cylindrical; hence, the body inner surface 28 is shown to define one-half of a cylindrical tube 29 .
- the pole and body inner surface could have other shapes—the pole could be square, triangular, etc. and the surface 28 would then define one-half of this geometric shape.
- the inner surface 28 is flattened to define a generally semicircular platform 30 .
- the platform 30 is surrounded by a step 32 .
- the platform 30 and step 32 are shaped to correspond in shape to the notch 24 and wall 26 .
- the platform 30 of one member is received in the notch 26 of a second member.
- the bodies 20 of the two members are shaped such that the surfaces of the two members at the junction between the two members are flush with each other. This forms a substantially smooth surface, as seen in FIGS. 2 A-E.
- the bodies 20 form a generally circular assembly from which climbing structures 40 (E 1 -E 3 ) extend.
- the body 20 includes opposed and aligned holes 50 in its front and back surfaces.
- the opening 50 at the front surface 22 c is counterbored at the outer surface, as at 51 .
- a hole is also formed in the pole 12 about which the members are to be connected to form the climbing unit 14 .
- the two selected members are positioned on the pole in a mated configuration, as seen in FIG. 5 , with the platform 30 of one member received in the notch 26 of the other member. In this position, the openings 50 of the two members are aligned with each other and with the opening in the pole.
- the inner surfaces 28 of the two members form an opening corresponding in shape to the shape of the pole.
- the inner surfaces 28 of the two members form a circle or cylinder 29 having a diameter corresponding in size to the diameter of the pole about which the unit 14 is to be assembled.
- the pole 12 and the member inner surface could be in other geometric shapes.
- a shaft 52 is passed through the member openings 50 and through the pole opening.
- the shaft 52 is sized such that its opposite ends extend into, but not beyond, the openings 50 in the opposite side of the combined unit 14 , as seen in FIG. 5 .
- the opposite ends of the shaft 52 are threaded, and securing members 54 are threaded onto the ends of the shaft 52 .
- the connecting members 54 each include an internally threaded tube 54 a which is received about the threaded end of the shaft 52 and a head 54 b .
- the connector head 54 b has a pocket to receive a driver, such as a screwdriver head, the end of an allen wrench, etc.
- the shaft could be headed at one end (such as in the shape of a traditional bolt) to eliminate the need for one of the connecting members 54 .
- one or both of the connecting members could be replaced with a bolt.
- one of the body openings 50 could be internally threaded to threadingly receive the shaft 52 , again, eliminating the need for one or both of the connecting members 54 .
- a first cap part 56 is received in the counterbored section 51 of the opening 50 .
- This cap first part includes a central opening sized to receive (and hide) the connector head 54 b .
- a cap second part 58 is received on the cap first part to cover the connector head 54 b .
- the cap first and second parts 56 and 58 when combined form a cap or button 60 , as seen in FIG. 5 , which extends slightly from the surface of the climbing unit bodies 20 .
- the cap 60 covers the connector head 54 b , thereby protecting the cover from the elements.
- the cap 60 will form an aesthetically pleasing cover to the openings 50 and will hide the connector from view.
- FIG. 6 A second illustrative embodiment of the climbing unit is shown in FIG. 6 .
- the climbing unite 14 a is shown mounted to a pole 12 in two different configurations in FIGS. 7A and 7B .
- the climbing unit 14 a is comprised of two members which have mating or interengageable bodies 20 a from which the climbing elements extend.
- the bodies 20 a each define one-half of a geometric shape. In the drawings, the bodies are shown to be semispherical, but could be any desired shape.
- the bodies 20 a have an end surface 70 in which four semicircular openings 72 are formed. The openings are formed as two pair of opposed openings, and are spaced about 90° apart.
- a first pair of openings defines top and bottom openings and the second pair of the openings defines front and back (or side) openings.
- the four openings 72 define four abutment surfaces 74 between the openings 72 at the end surface 70 .
- Pegs 76 are formed in the abutment surfaces 74 of one of the bodies 20 a and peg receiving holes (not shown) are formed in the abutment surfaces 74 of the other of the bodies 20 a .
- the peg receiving holes are shaped complimentary to the pegs and are sized to receive the pegs. As can be appreciated, when the two members are joined together, the pegs 76 of one member are received in the peg receiving holes 78 of the other.
- Collars 80 extend generally upwardly (or generally outwardly) around the periphery of each of the openings 72 .
- the bodies 20 a are flattened, as at 82 , around the collars 80 to form a shoulder 83 at the base of the collar.
- the collars 80 around each hole 72 will define four circular collars—one pair of the collars will be upper and lower collars which surround the pole 12 , and the other pair of collars will define front and back collars.
- Rings 84 surround the upper and lower collars.
- the rings 84 are comprised of ring halves 86 .
- the ring halves have generally flat end surfaces 87 and are generally C-shaped in top plan and generally L-shaped in vertical cross-section, as seen in FIG. 6B , to define a curved inner surface 88 a and a seat 88 b along the inner surface of the ring halves.
- the surface 88 a is sized to surround the collar 80 and the seat 88 b is sized to sit adjacent the axial outer surface (i.e., the top or bottom) of the collar 80 .
- the collar halves are provided with holes 90 which extend generally perpendicularly from the end surface 87 through to the outer surface of the ring halves 86 .
- Counter-bores 92 are formed about a portion of the holes 90 to facilitate connection of the two ring halves together. When the two ring halves are in abutting relationship, the holes 90 of the two ring halves will be in alignment
- the fasteners are received in the holes 90 to secure the two ring halves together.
- the fasteners can comprise a bolt 94 having a threaded shaft which is received in an internally threaded tube 96 .
- the bolt 94 and threaded tube 96 each have heads which bear against the bottom surface of the counter bore 92 .
- the fasteners can be replaced with different types of fastening combinations.
- the body collars 80 and the rings 84 are sized such that when the body 20 a is assembled about the pole 12 , the body 20 a will frictionally grip the pole.
- the assembly of the two members M together to form a unit will leave the side openings 72 opened—the top and bottom openings will surround the pole 12 .
- Plates 98 are provided to close the side openings.
- the openings 72 are each provided with a groove 100 along the inner surfaces of the collars 80 .
- the grooves 100 of adjacent collars define a circular groove, and the plates 98 are sized and shaped to be received in the groove. Hence, the plates will be retained in the groove in the assembled unit 14 a.
- the bodies 20 a of the members M of the unit 14 a can be joined together in different orientations—in 90° increments.
- the right member M (with reference to FIG. 6 ) can be rotated 90° about a horizontal axis, so that the climbing element of the right member M would be generally horizontal, rather than generally vertical (again with reference to FIG. 6 ).
- FIGS. 7A and 7B wherein the left climbing element is shown generally horizontal ( FIG. 7A ) and generally vertical ( FIG. 7B ) while the right climbing element remains generally vertical.
- the inner surface 29 a of the body 20 is provided with two semicircular surfaces. One of the semi-circular surfaces extend between one pair of the openings 72 and the other semi-circular surface extends between the other pair of openings.
- the assembled unit 14 a will define two tubes which intersect at 90° when the unit 14 a is assembled.
- FIG. 8 A third illustrative embodiment of the climbing unit is shown in FIG. 8 mounted.
- the climbing unit 14 b of FIG. 8 is generally similar to the climbing unit 14 a of FIG. 6 . However, the collars of the climbing unit 14 a are omitted from the climbing unit 14 b . Rather, the climbing unit 14 b is mounted to the pole 12 by means of a shaft 110 which extends through an opening 112 in the pole 12 and openings 114 in the climbing unit members. The ends of the shaft 112 are threaded, and fasteners 116 comprising internally threaded tubes are screwed onto the ends of the shaft. Hence, the climbing unit 14 b is secured to the pole 12 substantially in the same manner as the climbing unit 14 ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ).
- each member can be secured or mounted to the pole 12 with its climbing element either generally horizontal or generally vertical, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and as discussed above in conjunction with the unit 14 a.
- the climbing unit 14 c of FIG. 10 includes a body 20 c , which is generally similar to the body 20 b of unit 14 b ( FIG. 8 ).
- the bodies each include holes 120 which extend generally perpendicularly from the end surfaces 122 of the bodies through the body to the outer surface of the body.
- the body is cut-away, as at 124 , around the opening 120 to define a floor 126 .
- Fasteners 126 extend through the holes 120 to connect the two bodies together.
- the fasteners can comprise an internally threaded tube 126 a which receives a bolt, screw, or the like 126 b.
- a shaft 128 is passed through an opening 130 in the pole 12 , such that the shaft 128 extends from opposite sides of the pole.
- the climbing unit bodies 20 c have passages 132 extending outwardly from the bodies' inner surfaces sized to receive the shaft 128 .
- the passages 132 do not extend through the bodies 20 c .
- the climbing unit 14 c like the climbing units 14 b and 14 a , have an inner surface 29 c which defines intersecting cylinders, such that the climbing unit bodies can be positioned with their climbing elements positioned either generally horizontally (as seen in FIG. 11A ) or generally vertically (as seen in FIG. 11B ).
- the climbing unit 14 d comprises a pair of members each of which includes a body 20 d from which a desired climbing element extends.
- the body 20 d is substantially similar to the body 20 a ( FIG. 6 ), and thus will not be described further.
- the bodies 20 d are held together by connecting members 140 .
- the connecting members 140 each comprise an upper and a lower ring segment 142 having an inner surface and an outer surface.
- a groove 144 is formed on the inner surface of the ring segments 142 and is sized and shaped to fit over or receive the lip 146 of the collars 148 of the bodies 20 d .
- the outer surfaces of the ring segments are curved, and the curvature of the outer surface corresponds substantially to the curvature of the outer surface of the bodies 20 d.
- the upper and lower ring segments are connected to a mounting portion 150 .
- the mounting portion 150 comprises a base 152 and a post 154 extending inwardly from the base 152 .
- the base 152 defines a segment or cap of a sphere having a curvature which conforms to the curvature of the bodies 20 .
- the mounting portion 150 and ring segments 142 in combination with the bodies 20 d generally define a sphere which surrounds the pole 12 .
- the mounting portion post 154 is sized to extend through the hole defined by the body opening 156 when the two members are adjacent each other.
- the post 154 is shown to include a generally sloped side wall 158 which leads to an end surface 160 .
- the post is sized such that its end wall 160 is substantially adjacent the pole 12 when the unit 14 d is assembled and mounted to the pole 12 .
- the end surface 160 is concave, as seen, and has a curvature which corresponds generally to the curvature of the pole 12 .
- the post 160 is hollow to define a cup 162 .
- a hole 164 is formed in the base of the cup (i.e., the post end surface 160 ).
- the bodies 20 d are positioned against the pole 12 in a desired orientation with the pegs of one body received in the peg holes of the other (see the description of unit 14 a , FIG. 6 ).
- the connecting members 140 are then positioned on the bodies 20 d , with their post bases adjacent the pole.
- the pole 12 has a hole 166 extending horizontally therethrough.
- the unit 14 d is positioned on the pole 12 such that the post holes 164 are aligned with the pole hole 166 .
- a fastener is then passed through the post holes 164 and the pole hole 166 to both mount the unit 14 d to the pole 12 and to hold the members of the unit 14 d together. Because the posts 154 define cups 162 , the fasteners need only have a length slightly greater than the sum of the pole outer diameter and the width of the post bases.
- the climbing units 14 and 14 b - 14 d all include a shaft, fastener, etc. which extends through the post.
- the climbing unit 14 a is not described to include a shaft which would extend through the post, the climbing unit 14 a could be provided with such a shaft.
- a shaft for the climbing unit 14 a would be similar to the shaft used in the climbing unit 14 c .
- the fasteners which hold the unit bodies together also hold the unit to the pole.
- the elements or structure which hold the two members of the climbing unit together are separate from the structure or elements which maintain the position of the climbing unit on the pole.
- FIGS. 14-20 two additional embodiments of the climbing unit are shown which do not rely on shafts extending through the pole into the climbing units to maintain the climbing unit in a desired position on the pole. Rather, the climbing units of FIGS. 14-20 include a clamp assembly which maintains the climbing unit at a desired position on the pole. Hence, the climbing units of FIGS. 14-20 can be positioned at any desired position along the pole, and holes need not be formed in the pole.
- a climbing unit 14 e is comprised of two members having identical bodies 20 e and climbing elements E extending from the bodies 20 e .
- the bodies 20 e each have an outer surface shaped to form a desired geometric shape when the two bodies are connected to form the unit 14 e .
- the bodies 20 e combine to form a generally spherical base from which the climbing elements E extend.
- the outer surfaces of the bodies 20 e each define a portion of a sphere.
- the bodies 20 e could be combined to form other geometric shapes, if desired.
- the bodies 20 e include generally flat end surfaces 180 and 182 which are separated by a channel 184 .
- a groove 185 is formed in the channel 184 .
- a shoulder 186 extends about the circumference of the end surface 180 and a lip 188 extends about the circumference of the end surface 182 .
- a hole 190 extends from the outer surface of the body 20 e to the surface 180 .
- the hole 190 is generally perpendicular to the surface 180 .
- a small counterbore 192 surrounds the hole 190 at the outer surface of the body 20 e .
- the surfaces 180 and 182 are preferably not co-planar, and hence, do not lie on a diameter of the body 20 e . Rather, the surfaces 180 and 182 each define planes which are generally perpendicular to the axis of the channel 184 , are generally parallel to each other, and are spaced apart from each other.
- a clamp 194 (shown in more detail in FIG. 17 ) is positioned between the bodies 20 e to secure the unit bodies together and to position the unit 14 e on the pole.
- the clamp 194 is comprised of two identical portions 196 which are made from, for example, a spring metal.
- the clamping elements 196 have a central web 197 which is shaped to be received in and to fit against the surface of the channel groove 185 .
- the web 197 has a curved section 197 a and a generally straight section 197 b continuing from an end of the curved section.
- the curved section 197 a defines an arc of about 90° and has a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the body channel 184 , so that the curved section can be received in the body channel 184 .
- Perforations 199 are formed in rows which extend across the width of the web near the ends of the curved section 197 a (i.e., near the junction of the curved and straight web section and near the free end of the curved section).
- a flange 198 extends from the free end of the web straight section 197 b and is generally perpendicular thereto. The flange 198 has a width at its base approximately equal to the width of the web 197 .
- a slot 200 is formed at the junction of the web 197 and the flange 198 and is generally centered between the opposite sides of the member 196 .
- An opening 202 is formed in an outer surface of the flange 198 near the end thereof.
- a hollow, internally threaded post 204 extends from the opposite surface of the flange 198 in alignment with the hole 202 .
- a finger 206 narrower than the flange 198 extends from the free end of the curved potion 197 a of the web 197 .
- the finger 206 is generally parallel to the flange 198 and extends in the opposite direction of the flange 198 .
- the finger 206 is sized to be able to pass through the slot 200 formed at the junction of the web 197 and the flange 198 .
- a cup 208 is formed near the end of the finger 208 .
- the clamp members 196 are positioned about a pole with the fingers 206 of each member passed through the slots 200 of the opposite members.
- the clamp members 196 are sized such that when positioned about a pole, the cup 208 of the finger 206 of one clamp member will be aligned with the post 204 of the flange 198 of the opposite or opposing clamp member, and with the cup 208 opening into the post 204 , as seen in FIG. 17 .
- the bodies 20 e of the unit 14 e can be positioned about the clamp members 196 such that the clamp webs 197 are received in the channel grooves 185 .
- the channel grooves 185 will facilitate positioning of the bodies with respect to the clamp members.
- the bodies 20 e are further positioned such that their surfaces 180 are adjacent the flanges 198 of the clamp members 196 .
- the flanges 198 and fingers 206 are sized such that the opening 202 , post 204 , and cap 208 are aligned with the body hole 190 , as seen in FIG. 16 .
- Bolts 210 are passed through the body holes 190 to engage the internally threaded posts 204 . As the bolt 210 passes through the posts 204 , the bolt will, by the action of the mating threads of the posts 204 and the bolt, pull the flange 198 of a first clamp member toward the surface 180 of a first unit body.
- the bolt will urge the finger 206 of the second clamp member towards the surface 182 of the second unit body.
- the bolts will effectively urge the finger and flange between adjacent surfaces 180 and 182 of the two bodies 20 e apart. This action will tend to cause the curved section of the web of the two clamp members 196 to tighten about the pole, thereby clamping the members about the pole.
- clamping members 196 due to their interconnection as described above and shown particularly in FIG. 17 , will serve to maintain the two climbing unit bodies 20 e together.
- the clamp members will grip the pole 12 to secure the climbing element 14 e in a desired position on the pole.
- FIGS. 18-20 A further embodiment of the climbing unit utilizing a second clamping mechanism is shown in FIGS. 18-20 .
- the member bodies 20 f of the climbing unit 14 f have each parallel end surfaces 220 and 222 separated by a central channel 224 .
- the channels 224 have a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pole.
- the surfaces 220 and 222 are tangential to the channel 224 and intersect the channel approximately 180° apart.
- a cut-out 226 is formed between the opposite sides of the channel 224 .
- the cutout has opposing end walls, a first side wall 228 which is generally coplanar with the body surface 220 , a floor 230 and a second side wall 232 .
- the floor 230 is spaced from the channel 224 and is shown to form an angle of about 110° to about 120° with the first side wall 228 .
- the floor 230 and the second side wall 232 form an angle of approximately 90°.
- the side walls 228 and 232 are not parallel to each other. Rather, the two side walls subtend an angle of about 20° to about 30°.
- a hole 234 extends from the member body outer surface to the surface 220 .
- the hole 234 is counterbored, as at 235 , at the outer surface of the body 20 f .
- a second hole 236 extends from the surface 222 and opens into the end wall 232 of the cutout 226 .
- the hole 234 of one member is aligned with the hole 236 of the other member, as seen in FIG. 19 .
- At least one of, and preferably both of, the holes 234 and 236 are internally threaded to receive a bolt 238 .
- the climbing unit member bodies 20 f are held together and to the pole by means of a clamp 240 .
- the clamp 240 is comprised of two identical clamp members 242 which interconnect to hold the two members 20 f of the climbing unit 20 together and maintain the climbing unit at a desired position along the pole of the climbing structure.
- One clamp member is received in the cutout 226 of each climbing unit member 20 f .
- the clamp members each include a back wall 244 having a width and a length enabling the clamp back wall to be received in the cutout 226 adjacent the cutout floor 230 .
- a clamp end wall 246 extends from one end of the clamp back wall 244 at an angle of approximately 90°.
- the end wall is sized and shaped to be received against the cutout surface 232 , and has a length approximately equal to the body surface 232 .
- a hole 248 is formed in the end wall 246 approximately mid-way between the sides of the wall 246 and spaced slightly from the junction between the walls 244 and 246 .
- a finger 250 extends from the opposite end of the clamp member back wall 244 .
- the finger 250 is narrower than the back wall, and is generally centered relative to the back wall.
- the finger 250 forms an angle with the back wall of about 110° to about 120° so that the finger will be received against the surface 228 of the cutout 226 when the member is placed in the cutout.
- the finger 250 has a hole 252 formed near the free end thereof, and has a length, such that the finger hole 252 will be generally aligned with the body hole 234 when the clamping member is placed in the unit member cutout 226 .
- the clamping member includes a pair of opposed side walls 256 which extend from the sides of the back wall 244 at an angle of approximately 90°.
- the side walls 256 are connected only to the back wall 244 . They do not connect with the end wall 246 or the finger 250 .
- the walls 256 have edges 258 a,b which are parallel to and generally co-planar with, the finger 250 and the end wall 246 , respectively.
- the side wall edge 258 a has a length less than the length of the finger 250
- the side wall edge 258 b has a length approximately equal to the length of the end wall 246 .
- Arced cutouts 260 are formed in the edges of the side walls 256 opposite the junction between the side walls and the base wall 244 .
- the cutouts 260 are provided with a plurality of teeth 262 .
- the arced cutouts 260 preferably subtend an angle of greater than 180°, but could subtend an angle of 180° if desired.
- the two clamping members 242 when the two clamping members 242 are adjacent each other, one clamping member 242 is inverted with respect to the other.
- the side walls 256 of the two clamping members overlap, such that the arced cutouts 260 define a circle sized to fit around the climbing structure pole 12 .
- the finger 250 extends over the wall 246 such that the finger hole 252 is generally aligned with the wall hole 246 . Additionally, the wall 246 will contact or nearly contact the finger 250 .
- the clamping units 242 are initially placed in the cutouts 226 of the climbing unit members 20 f .
- the climbing unit members are then positioned about a pole in the orientation shown in FIG. 19 .
- the surface 220 of one climbing unit member is adjacent the surface 222 of the other climbing unit.
- the clamp member finger 250 is sandwiched between the surfaces 220 and 222 .
- the bolts 238 are then threaded into the bolt holes 234 and 236 .
- the bolt holes 234 and 236 are not perpendicular to the surfaces 220 and 222 . Rather, they define angles ⁇ of between about 110° and about 120° with the surface 220 .
- This angle of the bolt holes 234 and 236 relative to the surfaces 220 and 222 cause the unit member bodies 20 f and the clamping members 246 to pull together as the bolts 238 are tightened. As this occurs, the teeth 262 of the clamping members 246 more tightly engage the pole to more tightly clamp around and grip the pole, thereby holding the climbing unit 14 f in place relative to the pole.
- FIG. 21 A further embodiment of the climbing unit 14 g is shown in FIG. 21 , with variations of the climbing unit shown in FIGS. 22 A-D.
- FIG. 23 shows the different climbing units on a playground structure.
- the climbing unit 14 g is similar to the climbing units 14 - 14 d , in as much as it relies upon a shaft to mount the climbing unit to the pole 12 .
- the climbing unit 14 g when viewed in top plan (as seen in FIG. 21 ) is more rectangular in shape than the previously described embodiments.
- the climbing unit 14 g is generally oval in shape.
- the climbing unit members each comprise complementarily shaped bodies 20 g .
- the bodies 20 g each include a base 300 and a pair of arms 302 and 304 extending from the base.
- the arm 302 has an outer surface which is flush with and a continuation of the outer surface of the member body 20 g .
- the arm 304 is set in slightly from the outer surface of the body, to define a shoulder 306 on the body on a side of the body opposite the arm 302 .
- the arm 304 has a flat outer surface 308 and the arm 302 has a flat inner surface 310 .
- the arm 302 has a width approximately equal to the width of the shoulder 306 and a length generally equal to the length of the arm 304 . Hence, the arm 302 is received in the shoulder 306 as best seen in FIGS. 22 A-D.
- the surface defined by the inner surface 310 of the arm 302 is generally flat.
- the inner surface 312 of the base 300 and the inner surface 314 of the arm 304 define a “J”-shaped surface, with the inner surface of the arm 304 forming the “hook” of the “J”.
- the end surface 316 of the arm 304 is flat and butts against the flat surface 312 of the body base 300 .
- the curved inner surfaces 314 of the opposed arms 304 of the two members 20 g are opposite each other and define a cylinder sized and shaped to fit around the pole 12 .
- the unit 14 g is shown to form a circle which will surround the pole, as can be appreciated, and as described above, the inner surfaces of the arms 304 could define other polygonal shapes which would correspond to the shape of the pole 12 .
- the members 20 g include a passage 318 in their arms 302 and a passage 320 in the arms 304 . When the bodies 20 g are positioned adjacent each other, the passages 318 and 320 of the arms are aligned.
- a fastener 322 comprising a shaft 324 extends through the passages to connect the two bodies 20 g of the unit 14 g together.
- the fastener 322 is identical to the fastener described above in connection with the climbing unit 14 ( FIG. 4 ), and thus will not be described in further detail.
- the fastener shaft 324 can extend through a passage in the pole 12 to prevent the climbing unit 14 g from moving axially along the pole.
- the climbing unit members 20 g can be provided in three basic forms as seen in FIGS. 22 A-D. They can be provided as a blank member 330 , as a foot or step member 332 or as a hand grip member 334 .
- the blank member 330 has a flat end surface 336 as best seen in FIG. 22D ;
- the foot or step member 332 is provided with a tread surface 338 which extends from the member base 300 ; and the hand hold grip member 334 forms a grip extending from the base 300 .
- the tread surface 338 is textured to reduce slippage, is generally at the top of the body 20 g , and is supported by a vertical wall 342 . As seen in FIGS.
- a hand grip member can be combined with a hand grip member, a step member or a blank; a step grip member can be combined with a hand grip member, a step member or a blank; and a blank member can be combined with a hand grip member or a step member. It is unlikely that two blank members would be connected together. Although this is possible as well.
- FIG. 23 a playground structure 10 ′ is shown with the pole 12 being supported by two spaced apart support poles.
- the pole 12 is shown to be provided with climbing units 14 g comprised of a blank member and a handgrip member. Additional climbing units 14 g are shown at the base of the support poles comprised of two foot or step members. Additional climbing panels are mounted to the support poles.
- the present invention provides for a climbing structure having a plurality of climbing units made from interengageable members having different climbing elements.
- many different climbing units can be formed from a set of a few climbing elements.
- the climbing elements can be varied along the pole 12 , as seen in FIG. 1 , such that, near ground level, the climbing elements comprise ridges or foot rests. Further up, the climbing elements can comprise steps or a combination of steps and handgrips. If the pole is arced, as shown in FIG. 1 , then, along the upper portion (or generally horizontal portion) of the pole, the climbing elements can comprise primarily handgrips.
- the climbing units themselves can be assembled together and mounted to the pole using a variety of structures. Some of the embodiments require a hole to be formed in the pole and can be placed at only discrete locations along the pole. Other embodiments rely on a clamping mechanism and can be placed at any desired position along the pole.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/632,110 filed Dec. 1, 2004 entitled “Playground Climbing Structure” and which is incorporated herein by reference.
- Not applicable.
- This invention relates to playground equipment and, in particular, to a climbing structure for indoor or outdoor playgrounds.
- Various types of climbing structures have long been a standard part of playgrounds. Such structures include “monkey bars”, geodesic domes, poles, etc. Such structures are made from a determined set of pieces, and hence, the structure itself is limited in shape, generally, to a single structure. It would be desirable to provide a climbing structure which is made from interchangeable and matable parts to enable different climbing elements to be positioned along the climbing structure. This would enable the same parts or elements to be used to produce different climbing structures.
- A climbing structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of climbing units secured to a pole. The climbing units are made from a pair of interengageable member elements which are secured together. Each climbing member element comprises a body with a climbing element extending from the body. A climbing unit is formed by selecting two elements from a set of elements. Hence, many different climbing units can be formed from a set of a few climbing elements. The climbing elements can be varied along the pole such that, near ground level, the climbing elements comprise foot rests. Further up, the climbing elements can comprise steps or a combination of steps and handgrips. If the pole is arced, the climbing elements along the upper portion (or generally horizontal portion) of the pole, can comprise primarily handgrips. Additionally, the climbing units themselves can be assembled together and mounted to the pole using a variety of structures. They can, for example require a hole to be formed in the pole and can be placed at only discrete locations along the pole. Alternatively, they can rely on a clamping mechanism and can be placed at any desired position along the pole.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a climbing structure incorporating climbing units of the present invention; - FIGS. 2A-F are perspective views of illustrative embodiments of different climbing units which can be incorporated into the climbing structure of
FIG. 1 ; - FIGS. 3A-C are perspective views of the interchangeable and interengageable members from which the climbing elements of FIGS. 2A-F are made;
-
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a first illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a line drawing of the assembly system ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention; -
FIGS. 7A and B show the members of the climbing unit ofFIG. 6 assembled to a pole in two alternative positions; -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a third illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention; -
FIGS. 9A and B show the members of the climbing unit ofFIG. 8 assembled to a pole in two alternative positions; -
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention; -
FIGS. 11A and B show the members of the climbing unitFIG. 10 assembled to a pole in two alternative positions; -
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention; -
FIGS. 13A and B show the members of the climbing unit ofFIG. 12 assembled to a pole in two alternative positions; -
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the climbing unit ofFIG. 14 when assembled; -
FIG. 16 is a line drawing of the climbing unit ofFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a clamp assembly for holding the climbing unit ofFIG. 14 to a pole; -
FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a seventh illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention; -
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the climbing unit ofFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a clamp assembly for holding the climbing unit ofFIG. 18 to a pole; -
FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of an eighth illustrative embodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention; - FIGS. 22A-D show the different matable elements of the climbing unit of
FIG. 21 to form different climbing unit combinations; and -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an illustrative playground structure incorporating the climbing units ofFIGS. 21-22D . - Corresponding reference numerals will be used throughout the several figures of the drawings.
- The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what I presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
- An illustrative embodiment of a
playground climbing structure 10 incorporating climbing units of the present invention is shown generally inFIG. 1 . Theclimbing structure 10 includes apole 12 to which climbing units C are mounted. Thepole 12 is shown to have its opposite ends at ground level, and with an upper concave bend and a lower convex second bend. Thepole 12, however, can take any desired configuration. Further, the opposite ends of the pole can both be embedded in the ground (as shown inFIG. 1 ), the pole can have a bottom end and an upper end, or thepole 12 can have its opposite ends supported between two supporting structures. - The climbing units C, as seen more clearly in FIGS. 2A-F, can take different forms, and can include stepping units, platform units, and grasping elements. The climbing units C are each comprised of two members chosen from a group of interchangeable and interengagable members. The climbing unit members each include a body B from which a climbing element E extends. The climbing member bodies, as will be described below, are connected together about the
pole 12 to be secured to thepole 12. As seen in FIGS. 2A-F and FIGS. 3A-C, there are three basic climbing elements—(1) a ridge E1; (2) a step E2; and (3) a hand grip or hand hold E3. The step and hand grip can be configured to extend from the member body such that its major plane is generally parallel to or perpendicular to the axis of the pole. The ridge can be formed to be generally perpendicular to the axis of the pole or to extend diagonally relative to the axis of the pole. The climbing unit members can be paired together to form different overall climbing elements for theplayground structure 10. For example, a step member can be paired with a ridge member, a hand grip member or another step member; a horizontal hand grip member can be paired with a vertical hand grip member; a vertical hand grip member can be paired with a horizontal step member; etc. With five distinct members, thirty-two (32) different climbing units can be formed; with six distinct members, sixty-four (64) different climbing units can be formed. - A first
illustrative climbing unit 14 is shown inFIGS. 4-5 . The climbing units are formed from two members or elements (shown in FIGS. 3A-C), as noted above, and each member comprises abody 20 having anouter surface 22 defining top andbottom surfaces 22 a, afront side 22 c and aback side 22 d. The bodyouter surface 22 is basically semispherical in shape. However, the outer portion is truncated at its top and bottom 22 a. Additionally, asemicircular notch 24 is formed in the outer surface backside 22 d. Thenotch 24 is surrounded by asemicircular wall 26. Theinner surface 28 of the body is shaped to complementarily to the shape of thepole 12. Poles for climbing structures are generally cylindrical; hence, the bodyinner surface 28 is shown to define one-half of acylindrical tube 29. However, the pole and body inner surface could have other shapes—the pole could be square, triangular, etc. and thesurface 28 would then define one-half of this geometric shape. - At the front 22 c of the body, the
inner surface 28 is flattened to define a generallysemicircular platform 30. Theplatform 30 is surrounded by astep 32. Theplatform 30 and step 32 are shaped to correspond in shape to thenotch 24 andwall 26. As best seen inFIGS. 4 and 5 , theplatform 30 of one member is received in thenotch 26 of a second member. Thebodies 20 of the two members are shaped such that the surfaces of the two members at the junction between the two members are flush with each other. This forms a substantially smooth surface, as seen in FIGS. 2A-E. As seen in FIGS. 2A-E, when two members are connected together, thebodies 20 form a generally circular assembly from which climbing structures 40 (E1-E3) extend. - The
body 20 includes opposed and alignedholes 50 in its front and back surfaces. Theopening 50 at thefront surface 22 c is counterbored at the outer surface, as at 51. A hole is also formed in thepole 12 about which the members are to be connected to form theclimbing unit 14. To assemble theclimbing unit 14 about thepole 12, the two selected members are positioned on the pole in a mated configuration, as seen inFIG. 5 , with theplatform 30 of one member received in thenotch 26 of the other member. In this position, theopenings 50 of the two members are aligned with each other and with the opening in the pole. When placed together, theinner surfaces 28 of the two members form an opening corresponding in shape to the shape of the pole. As shown, theinner surfaces 28 of the two members form a circle orcylinder 29 having a diameter corresponding in size to the diameter of the pole about which theunit 14 is to be assembled. Although shown as cylindrical, thepole 12 and the member inner surface could be in other geometric shapes. - To mount the
unit 14 to the pole, ashaft 52 is passed through themember openings 50 and through the pole opening. Theshaft 52 is sized such that its opposite ends extend into, but not beyond, theopenings 50 in the opposite side of the combinedunit 14, as seen inFIG. 5 . The opposite ends of theshaft 52 are threaded, and securingmembers 54 are threaded onto the ends of theshaft 52. The connectingmembers 54 each include an internally threadedtube 54 a which is received about the threaded end of theshaft 52 and ahead 54 b. Theconnector head 54 b has a pocket to receive a driver, such as a screwdriver head, the end of an allen wrench, etc. The shaft could be headed at one end (such as in the shape of a traditional bolt) to eliminate the need for one of the connectingmembers 54. Alternatively, one or both of the connecting members could be replaced with a bolt. Further, one of thebody openings 50 could be internally threaded to threadingly receive theshaft 52, again, eliminating the need for one or both of the connectingmembers 54. - Prior to threading the connector onto the shaft, a
first cap part 56 is received in the counterboredsection 51 of theopening 50. This cap first part includes a central opening sized to receive (and hide) theconnector head 54 b. A capsecond part 58 is received on the cap first part to cover theconnector head 54 b. The cap first andsecond parts button 60, as seen inFIG. 5 , which extends slightly from the surface of theclimbing unit bodies 20. Thecap 60 covers theconnector head 54 b, thereby protecting the cover from the elements. In addition, thecap 60 will form an aesthetically pleasing cover to theopenings 50 and will hide the connector from view. - A second illustrative embodiment of the climbing unit is shown in
FIG. 6 . The climbing unite 14 a is shown mounted to apole 12 in two different configurations inFIGS. 7A and 7B . Theclimbing unit 14 a is comprised of two members which have mating orinterengageable bodies 20 a from which the climbing elements extend. Thebodies 20 a each define one-half of a geometric shape. In the drawings, the bodies are shown to be semispherical, but could be any desired shape. Thebodies 20 a have anend surface 70 in which foursemicircular openings 72 are formed. The openings are formed as two pair of opposed openings, and are spaced about 90° apart. Hence, a first pair of openings defines top and bottom openings and the second pair of the openings defines front and back (or side) openings. The fouropenings 72 define fourabutment surfaces 74 between theopenings 72 at theend surface 70.Pegs 76 are formed in the abutment surfaces 74 of one of thebodies 20 a and peg receiving holes (not shown) are formed in the abutment surfaces 74 of the other of thebodies 20 a. The peg receiving holes are shaped complimentary to the pegs and are sized to receive the pegs. As can be appreciated, when the two members are joined together, thepegs 76 of one member are received in the peg receiving holes 78 of the other. -
Collars 80 extend generally upwardly (or generally outwardly) around the periphery of each of theopenings 72. Thebodies 20 a are flattened, as at 82, around thecollars 80 to form ashoulder 83 at the base of the collar. When the two units are adjacent each other, thecollars 80 around eachhole 72 will define four circular collars—one pair of the collars will be upper and lower collars which surround thepole 12, and the other pair of collars will define front and back collars. -
Rings 84 surround the upper and lower collars. Therings 84 are comprised of ring halves 86. The ring halves have generally flat end surfaces 87 and are generally C-shaped in top plan and generally L-shaped in vertical cross-section, as seen inFIG. 6B , to define a curvedinner surface 88 a and aseat 88 b along the inner surface of the ring halves. Thesurface 88 a is sized to surround thecollar 80 and theseat 88 b is sized to sit adjacent the axial outer surface (i.e., the top or bottom) of thecollar 80. The collar halves are provided withholes 90 which extend generally perpendicularly from theend surface 87 through to the outer surface of the ring halves 86. Counter-bores 92 are formed about a portion of theholes 90 to facilitate connection of the two ring halves together. When the two ring halves are in abutting relationship, theholes 90 of the two ring halves will be in alignment with each other. - Fasteners are received in the
holes 90 to secure the two ring halves together. The fasteners can comprise abolt 94 having a threaded shaft which is received in an internally threadedtube 96. Thebolt 94 and threadedtube 96 each have heads which bear against the bottom surface of the counter bore 92. As noted above with theclimbing unit 14, the fasteners can be replaced with different types of fastening combinations. Thebody collars 80 and therings 84 are sized such that when thebody 20 a is assembled about thepole 12, thebody 20 a will frictionally grip the pole. - The assembly of the two members M together to form a unit will leave the
side openings 72 opened—the top and bottom openings will surround thepole 12.Plates 98 are provided to close the side openings. Theopenings 72 are each provided with agroove 100 along the inner surfaces of thecollars 80. Thegrooves 100 of adjacent collars define a circular groove, and theplates 98 are sized and shaped to be received in the groove. Hence, the plates will be retained in the groove in the assembledunit 14 a. - The
bodies 20 a of the members M of theunit 14 a can be joined together in different orientations—in 90° increments. Hence, for example, the right member M (with reference toFIG. 6 ) can be rotated 90° about a horizontal axis, so that the climbing element of the right member M would be generally horizontal, rather than generally vertical (again with reference toFIG. 6 ). This is shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B wherein the left climbing element is shown generally horizontal (FIG. 7A ) and generally vertical (FIG. 7B ) while the right climbing element remains generally vertical. To facilitate the ability to rotate that units relative to each other in this manner, theinner surface 29 a of thebody 20 is provided with two semicircular surfaces. One of the semi-circular surfaces extend between one pair of theopenings 72 and the other semi-circular surface extends between the other pair of openings. Hence, the assembledunit 14 a will define two tubes which intersect at 90° when theunit 14 a is assembled. - A third illustrative embodiment of the climbing unit is shown in
FIG. 8 mounted. Theclimbing unit 14 b ofFIG. 8 is generally similar to theclimbing unit 14 a ofFIG. 6 . However, the collars of theclimbing unit 14 a are omitted from theclimbing unit 14 b. Rather, theclimbing unit 14 b is mounted to thepole 12 by means of ashaft 110 which extends through anopening 112 in thepole 12 andopenings 114 in the climbing unit members. The ends of theshaft 112 are threaded, andfasteners 116 comprising internally threaded tubes are screwed onto the ends of the shaft. Hence, theclimbing unit 14 b is secured to thepole 12 substantially in the same manner as the climbing unit 14 (FIGS. 4 and 5 ). Because themember bodies 20 b for theclimbing unit 14 b are substantially similar to thebodies 20 a for theclimbing unit 14 a, each member can be secured or mounted to thepole 12 with its climbing element either generally horizontal or generally vertical, as shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B and as discussed above in conjunction with theunit 14 a. - A fourth mounting method is shown in
FIG. 10 . Theclimbing unit 14 c ofFIG. 10 includes abody 20 c, which is generally similar to thebody 20 b ofunit 14 b (FIG. 8 ). To connect themember bodies 20 c together, the bodies each includeholes 120 which extend generally perpendicularly from the end surfaces 122 of the bodies through the body to the outer surface of the body. The body is cut-away, as at 124, around theopening 120 to define afloor 126.Fasteners 126 extend through theholes 120 to connect the two bodies together. The fasteners can comprise an internally threadedtube 126 a which receives a bolt, screw, or the like 126 b. - To mount the
unit 14 c to the pole, ashaft 128 is passed through anopening 130 in thepole 12, such that theshaft 128 extends from opposite sides of the pole. Theclimbing unit bodies 20 c havepassages 132 extending outwardly from the bodies' inner surfaces sized to receive theshaft 128. Thepassages 132 do not extend through thebodies 20 c. Hence, as can be appreciated, theshafts 128 support and position theclimbing unit 14 c on thepole 12, and thefasteners 126 maintain the two halves of the climbing unit together. - The
climbing unit 14 c, like theclimbing units inner surface 29 c which defines intersecting cylinders, such that the climbing unit bodies can be positioned with their climbing elements positioned either generally horizontally (as seen inFIG. 11A ) or generally vertically (as seen inFIG. 11B ). - A fifth mounting/assembly method is shown in
FIG. 12 . Here, theclimbing unit 14 d comprises a pair of members each of which includes a body 20 d from which a desired climbing element extends. The body 20 d is substantially similar to thebody 20 a (FIG. 6 ), and thus will not be described further. The bodies 20 d are held together by connectingmembers 140. The connectingmembers 140 each comprise an upper and alower ring segment 142 having an inner surface and an outer surface. Agroove 144 is formed on the inner surface of thering segments 142 and is sized and shaped to fit over or receive thelip 146 of thecollars 148 of the bodies 20 d. The outer surfaces of the ring segments are curved, and the curvature of the outer surface corresponds substantially to the curvature of the outer surface of the bodies 20 d. - The upper and lower ring segments are connected to a mounting
portion 150. The mountingportion 150 comprises abase 152 and apost 154 extending inwardly from thebase 152. Thebase 152 defines a segment or cap of a sphere having a curvature which conforms to the curvature of thebodies 20. Hence, as seen inFIGS. 13A and 13B , the mountingportion 150 andring segments 142, in combination with the bodies 20 d generally define a sphere which surrounds thepole 12. The mountingportion post 154 is sized to extend through the hole defined by thebody opening 156 when the two members are adjacent each other. Thepost 154 is shown to include a generally slopedside wall 158 which leads to anend surface 160. The post is sized such that itsend wall 160 is substantially adjacent thepole 12 when theunit 14 d is assembled and mounted to thepole 12. Theend surface 160 is concave, as seen, and has a curvature which corresponds generally to the curvature of thepole 12. Thepost 160 is hollow to define acup 162. Ahole 164 is formed in the base of the cup (i.e., the post end surface 160). - To assemble the
unit 14 d about thepole 12, the bodies 20 d are positioned against thepole 12 in a desired orientation with the pegs of one body received in the peg holes of the other (see the description ofunit 14 a,FIG. 6 ). The connectingmembers 140 are then positioned on the bodies 20 d, with their post bases adjacent the pole. Thepole 12 has ahole 166 extending horizontally therethrough. Theunit 14 d is positioned on thepole 12 such that the post holes 164 are aligned with thepole hole 166. A fastener is then passed through the post holes 164 and thepole hole 166 to both mount theunit 14 d to thepole 12 and to hold the members of theunit 14 d together. Because theposts 154 definecups 162, the fasteners need only have a length slightly greater than the sum of the pole outer diameter and the width of the post bases. - The climbing
units climbing unit 14 a is not described to include a shaft which would extend through the post, theclimbing unit 14 a could be provided with such a shaft. A shaft for theclimbing unit 14 a would be similar to the shaft used in theclimbing unit 14 c. Hence, to assemble theclimbing units structure 10. As described above, in some of the embodiments (i.e., the embodiments ofFIGS. 4, 8 , and 12), the fasteners which hold the unit bodies together also hold the unit to the pole. In other embodiments (i.e., the embodiments ofFIGS. 6 and 10 ), the elements or structure which hold the two members of the climbing unit together are separate from the structure or elements which maintain the position of the climbing unit on the pole. - In
FIGS. 14-20 , two additional embodiments of the climbing unit are shown which do not rely on shafts extending through the pole into the climbing units to maintain the climbing unit in a desired position on the pole. Rather, the climbing units ofFIGS. 14-20 include a clamp assembly which maintains the climbing unit at a desired position on the pole. Hence, the climbing units ofFIGS. 14-20 can be positioned at any desired position along the pole, and holes need not be formed in the pole. - Turning to
FIGS. 14-17 , aclimbing unit 14 e is comprised of two members havingidentical bodies 20 e and climbing elements E extending from thebodies 20 e. Thebodies 20 e each have an outer surface shaped to form a desired geometric shape when the two bodies are connected to form theunit 14 e. As shown inFIGS. 14-16 , thebodies 20 e combine to form a generally spherical base from which the climbing elements E extend. Hence, the outer surfaces of thebodies 20 e each define a portion of a sphere. Thebodies 20 e could be combined to form other geometric shapes, if desired. - The
bodies 20 e include generally flat end surfaces 180 and 182 which are separated by achannel 184. Agroove 185 is formed in thechannel 184. Ashoulder 186 extends about the circumference of theend surface 180 and alip 188 extends about the circumference of theend surface 182. Ahole 190 extends from the outer surface of thebody 20 e to thesurface 180. Thehole 190 is generally perpendicular to thesurface 180. Asmall counterbore 192 surrounds thehole 190 at the outer surface of thebody 20 e. Thesurfaces body 20 e. Rather, thesurfaces channel 184, are generally parallel to each other, and are spaced apart from each other. - A clamp 194 (shown in more detail in
FIG. 17 ) is positioned between thebodies 20 e to secure the unit bodies together and to position theunit 14 e on the pole. Theclamp 194 is comprised of twoidentical portions 196 which are made from, for example, a spring metal. The clampingelements 196 have acentral web 197 which is shaped to be received in and to fit against the surface of thechannel groove 185. Thus, theweb 197 has acurved section 197 a and a generallystraight section 197 b continuing from an end of the curved section. Thecurved section 197 a defines an arc of about 90° and has a curvature corresponding to the curvature of thebody channel 184, so that the curved section can be received in thebody channel 184.Perforations 199 are formed in rows which extend across the width of the web near the ends of thecurved section 197 a (i.e., near the junction of the curved and straight web section and near the free end of the curved section). Aflange 198 extends from the free end of the webstraight section 197 b and is generally perpendicular thereto. Theflange 198 has a width at its base approximately equal to the width of theweb 197. Aslot 200 is formed at the junction of theweb 197 and theflange 198 and is generally centered between the opposite sides of themember 196. Anopening 202 is formed in an outer surface of theflange 198 near the end thereof. A hollow, internally threadedpost 204 extends from the opposite surface of theflange 198 in alignment with thehole 202. Afinger 206 narrower than theflange 198 extends from the free end of thecurved potion 197 a of theweb 197. Thefinger 206 is generally parallel to theflange 198 and extends in the opposite direction of theflange 198. Thefinger 206 is sized to be able to pass through theslot 200 formed at the junction of theweb 197 and theflange 198. Acup 208 is formed near the end of thefinger 208. - In use, the
clamp members 196 are positioned about a pole with thefingers 206 of each member passed through theslots 200 of the opposite members. Theclamp members 196 are sized such that when positioned about a pole, thecup 208 of thefinger 206 of one clamp member will be aligned with thepost 204 of theflange 198 of the opposite or opposing clamp member, and with thecup 208 opening into thepost 204, as seen inFIG. 17 . After theclamp members 196 have been positioned about the pole, thebodies 20 e of theunit 14 e can be positioned about theclamp members 196 such that theclamp webs 197 are received in thechannel grooves 185. Hence, thechannel grooves 185 will facilitate positioning of the bodies with respect to the clamp members. Thebodies 20 e are further positioned such that theirsurfaces 180 are adjacent theflanges 198 of theclamp members 196. Theflanges 198 andfingers 206 are sized such that theopening 202,post 204, and cap 208 are aligned with thebody hole 190, as seen inFIG. 16 .Bolts 210 are passed through the body holes 190 to engage the internally threaded posts 204. As thebolt 210 passes through theposts 204, the bolt will, by the action of the mating threads of theposts 204 and the bolt, pull theflange 198 of a first clamp member toward thesurface 180 of a first unit body. At the same time, the bolt will urge thefinger 206 of the second clamp member towards thesurface 182 of the second unit body. Hence, the bolts will effectively urge the finger and flange betweenadjacent surfaces bodies 20 e apart. This action will tend to cause the curved section of the web of the twoclamp members 196 to tighten about the pole, thereby clamping the members about the pole. - Thus, the clamping
members 196, due to their interconnection as described above and shown particularly inFIG. 17 , will serve to maintain the twoclimbing unit bodies 20 e together. In addition, the clamp members will grip thepole 12 to secure theclimbing element 14 e in a desired position on the pole. - A further embodiment of the climbing unit utilizing a second clamping mechanism is shown in
FIGS. 18-20 . In this embodiment, themember bodies 20 f of theclimbing unit 14 f have each parallel end surfaces 220 and 222 separated by acentral channel 224. When themember bodies 20 f are adjacent each other, as seen inFIG. 19 , thechannels 224 have a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pole. Thesurfaces channel 224 and intersect the channel approximately 180° apart. A cut-out 226 is formed between the opposite sides of thechannel 224. The cutout has opposing end walls, afirst side wall 228 which is generally coplanar with thebody surface 220, afloor 230 and asecond side wall 232. Thefloor 230 is spaced from thechannel 224 and is shown to form an angle of about 110° to about 120° with thefirst side wall 228. Thefloor 230 and thesecond side wall 232, on the other hand, form an angle of approximately 90°. Thus, theside walls hole 234 extends from the member body outer surface to thesurface 220. Thehole 234 is counterbored, as at 235, at the outer surface of thebody 20 f. Asecond hole 236 extends from thesurface 222 and opens into theend wall 232 of thecutout 226. When the twomembers 20 f of theclimbing unit 14 f are assembled together, thehole 234 of one member is aligned with thehole 236 of the other member, as seen inFIG. 19 . At least one of, and preferably both of, theholes bolt 238. - The climbing
unit member bodies 20 f are held together and to the pole by means of aclamp 240. Theclamp 240 is comprised of twoidentical clamp members 242 which interconnect to hold the twomembers 20 f of theclimbing unit 20 together and maintain the climbing unit at a desired position along the pole of the climbing structure. One clamp member is received in thecutout 226 of eachclimbing unit member 20 f. The clamp members each include aback wall 244 having a width and a length enabling the clamp back wall to be received in thecutout 226 adjacent thecutout floor 230. Aclamp end wall 246 extends from one end of the clamp backwall 244 at an angle of approximately 90°. The end wall is sized and shaped to be received against thecutout surface 232, and has a length approximately equal to thebody surface 232. Ahole 248 is formed in theend wall 246 approximately mid-way between the sides of thewall 246 and spaced slightly from the junction between thewalls finger 250 extends from the opposite end of the clamp member backwall 244. Thefinger 250 is narrower than the back wall, and is generally centered relative to the back wall. Thefinger 250 forms an angle with the back wall of about 110° to about 120° so that the finger will be received against thesurface 228 of thecutout 226 when the member is placed in the cutout. Thefinger 250 has ahole 252 formed near the free end thereof, and has a length, such that thefinger hole 252 will be generally aligned with thebody hole 234 when the clamping member is placed in theunit member cutout 226. Lastly, the clamping member includes a pair ofopposed side walls 256 which extend from the sides of theback wall 244 at an angle of approximately 90°. Theside walls 256 are connected only to theback wall 244. They do not connect with theend wall 246 or thefinger 250. Thewalls 256 haveedges 258 a,b which are parallel to and generally co-planar with, thefinger 250 and theend wall 246, respectively. Theside wall edge 258 a has a length less than the length of thefinger 250, and theside wall edge 258 b has a length approximately equal to the length of theend wall 246.Arced cutouts 260 are formed in the edges of theside walls 256 opposite the junction between the side walls and thebase wall 244. Thecutouts 260 are provided with a plurality of teeth 262. The arcedcutouts 260 preferably subtend an angle of greater than 180°, but could subtend an angle of 180° if desired. - As seen in
FIG. 20 , when the two clampingmembers 242 are adjacent each other, one clampingmember 242 is inverted with respect to the other. Theside walls 256 of the two clamping members overlap, such that the arcedcutouts 260 define a circle sized to fit around the climbingstructure pole 12. Additionally, thefinger 250 extends over thewall 246 such that thefinger hole 252 is generally aligned with thewall hole 246. Additionally, thewall 246 will contact or nearly contact thefinger 250. - To assemble the
climbing unit 14 f and to mount it to a climbing structure pole, the clampingunits 242 are initially placed in thecutouts 226 of theclimbing unit members 20 f. The climbing unit members are then positioned about a pole in the orientation shown inFIG. 19 . In this position, thesurface 220 of one climbing unit member is adjacent thesurface 222 of the other climbing unit. Additionally, theclamp member finger 250 is sandwiched between thesurfaces bolts 238 are then threaded into the bolt holes 234 and 236. The bolt holes 234 and 236 are not perpendicular to thesurfaces surface 220. This angle of the bolt holes 234 and 236 relative to thesurfaces unit member bodies 20 f and the clampingmembers 246 to pull together as thebolts 238 are tightened. As this occurs, the teeth 262 of the clampingmembers 246 more tightly engage the pole to more tightly clamp around and grip the pole, thereby holding theclimbing unit 14 f in place relative to the pole. - A further embodiment of the
climbing unit 14 g is shown inFIG. 21 , with variations of the climbing unit shown in FIGS. 22A-D.FIG. 23 shows the different climbing units on a playground structure. Theclimbing unit 14 g is similar to the climbing units 14-14 d, in as much as it relies upon a shaft to mount the climbing unit to thepole 12. However, as seen, theclimbing unit 14 g, when viewed in top plan (as seen inFIG. 21 ) is more rectangular in shape than the previously described embodiments. In end elevation, theclimbing unit 14 g is generally oval in shape. The climbing unit members each comprise complementarily shapedbodies 20 g. Thebodies 20 g each include abase 300 and a pair ofarms arm 302 has an outer surface which is flush with and a continuation of the outer surface of themember body 20 g. Thearm 304, however, is set in slightly from the outer surface of the body, to define ashoulder 306 on the body on a side of the body opposite thearm 302. Thearm 304 has a flatouter surface 308 and thearm 302 has a flatinner surface 310. Additionally, thearm 302 has a width approximately equal to the width of theshoulder 306 and a length generally equal to the length of thearm 304. Hence, thearm 302 is received in theshoulder 306 as best seen in FIGS. 22A-D. - The surface defined by the
inner surface 310 of thearm 302 is generally flat. Theinner surface 312 of thebase 300 and theinner surface 314 of thearm 304 define a “J”-shaped surface, with the inner surface of thearm 304 forming the “hook” of the “J”. Theend surface 316 of thearm 304 is flat and butts against theflat surface 312 of thebody base 300. As seen in FIGS. 22A-D, when the two members of theclimbing unit 14 g are assembled together, the curvedinner surfaces 314 of theopposed arms 304 of the twomembers 20 g are opposite each other and define a cylinder sized and shaped to fit around thepole 12. Although theunit 14 g is shown to form a circle which will surround the pole, as can be appreciated, and as described above, the inner surfaces of thearms 304 could define other polygonal shapes which would correspond to the shape of thepole 12. - The
members 20 g include apassage 318 in theirarms 302 and apassage 320 in thearms 304. When thebodies 20 g are positioned adjacent each other, thepassages fastener 322 comprising a shaft 324 extends through the passages to connect the twobodies 20 g of theunit 14 g together. Thefastener 322 is identical to the fastener described above in connection with the climbing unit 14 (FIG. 4 ), and thus will not be described in further detail. The fastener shaft 324 can extend through a passage in thepole 12 to prevent theclimbing unit 14 g from moving axially along the pole. - The
climbing unit members 20 g can be provided in three basic forms as seen in FIGS. 22A-D. They can be provided as ablank member 330, as a foot orstep member 332 or as ahand grip member 334. Theblank member 330 has aflat end surface 336 as best seen inFIG. 22D ; the foot orstep member 332 is provided with atread surface 338 which extends from themember base 300; and the handhold grip member 334 forms a grip extending from thebase 300. As best seen inFIG. 22B , thetread surface 338 is textured to reduce slippage, is generally at the top of thebody 20 g, and is supported by avertical wall 342. As seen in FIGS. 22A-D, the three types of members can be connected together in any combination. Hence, a hand grip member can be combined with a hand grip member, a step member or a blank; a step grip member can be combined with a hand grip member, a step member or a blank; and a blank member can be combined with a hand grip member or a step member. It is unlikely that two blank members would be connected together. Although this is possible as well. - Turning to
FIG. 23 , aplayground structure 10′ is shown with thepole 12 being supported by two spaced apart support poles. Thepole 12 is shown to be provided with climbingunits 14 g comprised of a blank member and a handgrip member.Additional climbing units 14 g are shown at the base of the support poles comprised of two foot or step members. Additional climbing panels are mounted to the support poles. - As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the present invention provides for a climbing structure having a plurality of climbing units made from interengageable members having different climbing elements. Hence, many different climbing units can be formed from a set of a few climbing elements. The climbing elements can be varied along the
pole 12, as seen inFIG. 1 , such that, near ground level, the climbing elements comprise ridges or foot rests. Further up, the climbing elements can comprise steps or a combination of steps and handgrips. If the pole is arced, as shown inFIG. 1 , then, along the upper portion (or generally horizontal portion) of the pole, the climbing elements can comprise primarily handgrips. Additionally, as can be seen from the foregoing, the climbing units themselves can be assembled together and mounted to the pole using a variety of structures. Some of the embodiments require a hole to be formed in the pole and can be placed at only discrete locations along the pole. Other embodiments rely on a clamping mechanism and can be placed at any desired position along the pole. - As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Although three basic climbing elements are shown (e.g., a ledge, a step, and a handgrip) numerous other types of climbing elements can be provided. Additionally, the climbing elements can be provided in different forms or shapes. The bodies of the climbing unit members are shown to form a generally spherical body when connected. However, the bodies could combine to form any other desired shape. These examples are merely illustrative.
Claims (26)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/290,019 US20060128530A1 (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2005-11-30 | Playground climbing structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US63211004P | 2004-12-01 | 2004-12-01 | |
US11/290,019 US20060128530A1 (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2005-11-30 | Playground climbing structure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060128530A1 true US20060128530A1 (en) | 2006-06-15 |
Family
ID=36565992
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/290,019 Abandoned US20060128530A1 (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2005-11-30 | Playground climbing structure |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060128530A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2528816A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7819778B1 (en) * | 2005-02-18 | 2010-10-26 | Everlast Climbing Industries, Inc. | Safety mat securement assembly |
WO2023041479A1 (en) * | 2021-09-17 | 2023-03-23 | Berliner Seilfabrik Gmbh & Co. | Scaffolding system comprising inclined posts and spherical clamps |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1471465A (en) * | 1920-07-22 | 1923-10-23 | Junglegym Inc | Climbing structure |
US2126636A (en) * | 1933-10-04 | 1938-08-09 | Archibald B Horne | Playground apparatus |
US5755641A (en) * | 1993-04-21 | 1998-05-26 | Pardella; Eugene C. | Structural combination of fittings and tubular members and fastener therefor |
US6475117B1 (en) * | 1998-07-15 | 2002-11-05 | Landscape Structures, Inc. | Connection/Structure |
US6558295B2 (en) * | 2000-06-05 | 2003-05-06 | Tomy Company, Ltd. | Jungle gym |
US20060019798A1 (en) * | 2004-07-26 | 2006-01-26 | Checketts Stanley J | Artificial climbing trees and support system |
US20060079379A1 (en) * | 2004-10-08 | 2006-04-13 | Playstar, Inc. | Arched climbing panel |
US20060258511A1 (en) * | 2005-05-10 | 2006-11-16 | Nicros, Inc. | Climbing wall structure and method of construction |
-
2005
- 2005-11-30 US US11/290,019 patent/US20060128530A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-12-01 CA CA002528816A patent/CA2528816A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1471465A (en) * | 1920-07-22 | 1923-10-23 | Junglegym Inc | Climbing structure |
US2126636A (en) * | 1933-10-04 | 1938-08-09 | Archibald B Horne | Playground apparatus |
US5755641A (en) * | 1993-04-21 | 1998-05-26 | Pardella; Eugene C. | Structural combination of fittings and tubular members and fastener therefor |
US6475117B1 (en) * | 1998-07-15 | 2002-11-05 | Landscape Structures, Inc. | Connection/Structure |
US6558295B2 (en) * | 2000-06-05 | 2003-05-06 | Tomy Company, Ltd. | Jungle gym |
US20060019798A1 (en) * | 2004-07-26 | 2006-01-26 | Checketts Stanley J | Artificial climbing trees and support system |
US20060079379A1 (en) * | 2004-10-08 | 2006-04-13 | Playstar, Inc. | Arched climbing panel |
US20060258511A1 (en) * | 2005-05-10 | 2006-11-16 | Nicros, Inc. | Climbing wall structure and method of construction |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7819778B1 (en) * | 2005-02-18 | 2010-10-26 | Everlast Climbing Industries, Inc. | Safety mat securement assembly |
WO2023041479A1 (en) * | 2021-09-17 | 2023-03-23 | Berliner Seilfabrik Gmbh & Co. | Scaffolding system comprising inclined posts and spherical clamps |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CA2528816A1 (en) | 2006-06-01 |
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