US20210069604A1 - Playground cone with slots - Google Patents
Playground cone with slots Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210069604A1 US20210069604A1 US16/939,366 US202016939366A US2021069604A1 US 20210069604 A1 US20210069604 A1 US 20210069604A1 US 202016939366 A US202016939366 A US 202016939366A US 2021069604 A1 US2021069604 A1 US 2021069604A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- playground
- cone
- base
- slot
- hoop
- Prior art date
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
- A63G31/00—Amusement arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/02—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for large-room or outdoor sporting games
- A63B71/023—Supports, e.g. poles
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
- F16M11/041—Allowing quick release of the apparatus
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
- F16M11/22—Undercarriages with or without wheels with approximately constant height, e.g. with constant length of column or of legs
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/02—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for large-room or outdoor sporting games
- A63B71/023—Supports, e.g. poles
- A63B2071/026—Supports, e.g. poles stabilised by weight
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/09—Adjustable dimensions
- A63B2225/093—Height
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M2200/00—Details of stands or supports
- F16M2200/02—Locking means
- F16M2200/025—Locking means for translational movement
- F16M2200/027—Locking means for translational movement by friction
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M2200/00—Details of stands or supports
- F16M2200/08—Foot or support base
Definitions
- the user's hoop-positioning options are limited by the horizontal hoop-orientation; and to have someone hold the hoop can be inconvenient.
- common playground hoops are usually fashioned from hard plastic. Firmly linking hoops and hoop-holding devices is difficult because of hard plastic's low coefficient of friction. Even with small tolerances between the playground hoop and hoop-holding device, the slightest disturbance will move the hoop relative to the hoop-holding device.
- Standard commercial playground hoops are made from tubular material having diameters that range from approximately 1 ⁇ 2′′ to 1′′.
- the hoops form circles that have diameters ranging from 20′′ to 36′′.
- Users of playground hoops often include school gym teachers who constantly replace broken or damaged hoops. Finding inexpensive replacement hoops is difficult because one must find the exact hoop diameter of the hoop holder. Purchasing multiple hoop-holding devices for each hoop diameter would allow owners to purchase a greater variety of hoop sizes. But this solution is expensive and impractical, requiring extra money to purchase additional hoop-holding devices, extra time to coordinate appropriately-sized hoops and hoop-holders and extra storage space for housing the equipment.
- the present design makes it possible for hoops to be supported by the cones in both a perpendicular (vertical) and parallel (horizontal) position to the playing surface.
- the cones become support bases (stanchions) for the hoops, and for crossbars, too.
- a playground cone in one embodiment, includes a flat base portion, and a hollow frustoconical portion.
- the hollow frustoconical portion extends upwardly from the base portion toward a top end of the playground cone.
- the frustoconical portion defines an elongated slot extending from a first end to a second end. The slot is adapted to receive a playground hoop and support the playground hoop in a predetermined orientation relative to the ground.
- a playground cone in another embodiment, includes a flat base portion and a hollow frustoconical portion.
- the hollow frustoconical portion extends upwardly from the base portion toward a top end of the playground cone.
- the frustoconical portion defines an elongated vertical slot extending from the top end downwardly toward the base. The vertical slot is adapted to receive a playground hoop.
- a playground cone in a further embodiment, includes a flat base portion and a hollow frustoconical portion.
- the frustoconical portion extends upwardly from the base portion toward a top end of the playground cone.
- the frustoconical portion defines a series of oval-shaped holes oriented in a vertical direction.
- the oval-shaped holes each include a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end of one oval overlaps the top end of another to define an elongated vertical slot extending from a predetermined distance above the base portion to the top end of the playground cone.
- a playground cone in yet another embodiment, includes a flat base portion and a hollow frustronical portion.
- the frustoconical portion extends upwardly from the base portion toward a top end of the playground cone.
- the frustoconical portion defines a hole through the top end of the playground cone.
- the frustoconical portion defines a vertical slot having a perimeter of scallops, with the slot extending from the top end down toward the base.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention showing a vertical slot
- FIG. 2 is a rear view of the same embodiment showing horizontal slots
- FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of the same embodiment of the invention shown supporting a hoop in a vertical orientation
- FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of the same embodiment together with a weight shown supporting a hoop in a different vertical orientation with the hoop supported above the ground;
- FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of the same embodiment of the invention showing two cones supporting a hoop in a horizontal orientation;
- FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of the same embodiment of the invention shown supporting a pole in a horizontal orientation
- FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the same embodiment of the invention additionally including the weight adapted to support the cone;
- FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the same embodiment of the invention showing the weight secured to the cone.
- FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a playground cone 10 according to the present disclosure.
- the playground cone 10 may be molded from vinyl or other plastic material.
- the playground cone 10 includes a base portion 12 and a frustoconical portion 14 that extends upwardly from the base portion 12 to a top 18 .
- the frustoconical portion 14 may define a hollow, interior section 16 .
- the frustoconical portion 14 further includes a slot 24 defined in a wall 26 .
- the slot may be a vertical slot 24 as shown in FIG. 1 and/or one or more horizontal slots 58 as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the top 18 of the frustoconical portion 14 further defines a hole 20 .
- the hole 20 may be defined such that a playground hoop may extend through the hole 20 . Stated differently, the hole 20 defines a diameter 22 that provides clearance for the tubing of the playground hoop (not shown).
- the slot 24 defined in the wall 26 , extends from the top 18 to a point spaced at predetermined distance 30 away from the base portion 12 such that the slot 24 is not defined along an entirety of the wall 26 of the frustoconical portion 14 .
- the slot 24 defines a length 32 that is predetermined to accommodate large diameter playground hoops such that the playground hoop is supported within the slot 24 by the frustoconical portion 14 and held in a desired location relative to the ground.
- the wall 26 defines the slot 24 having a width 28 adapted to secure a playground hoop.
- the width 28 may be a constant width 28 in an immediate area where the top 18 mates with the wall 26 .
- the slot 24 otherwise has a unique, useful shape that may be conceived of or described in a number of ways.
- the slot 24 has a perimeter of arcs joining end-to-end as they extend around the perimeter.
- the plurality of oval-shaped holes 34 extend in a series such that a bottom end 36 of one oval 38 overlaps a top end 40 of another 42 along the length 32 of the slot 24 .
- the plurality of oval-shaped holes 34 may be undulating, and have rippled or scalloped or arcing edges 44 formed by curved sections 46 interconnected at peaks 48 disposed within the width 28 of the slot 24 .
- the plurality of oval-shaped holes 34 may be interconnected at the peaks 48 along the length 32 of the slot 24 .
- the curved sections 46 and peaks 48 of the undulating edges 44 further allow the playground cone 10 to adjust a height (not shown) of the playground hoop secured within the slot 24 relative to the base portion 12 .
- the undulating edges 44 of the slot 24 allow the playground hoop to be secured within the slot 24 at various heights defined according to each of the oval-shaped holes 34 of the slot 24 .
- the undulating edges 44 enlarge and reduce the width 28 of the slot 24 at the peaks 48 .
- the peaks 48 are repeating points within the slot 24 so that larger and smaller diameter playground hoops within the above stated range can be held securely within the slot 24 .
- the repeating, undulating edges 44 are flexible to allow the peaks 48 to flex or deflect from a force when a person inserts a playground hoop into the slot 24 , further securing the playground cone 10 and playground hoop, and allowing the playground hoop to be secured at various heights.
- the repeating edges 44 offer further functionality by eliminating a need for multiple playground cones 10 to support a single playground hoop. Therefore, the slot 24 , and more specifically the undulating edges 44 of the oval-shaped holes 34 , allow a single playground cone 10 to secure a playground hoop to be used in a physical education activity.
- the vertical slot 24 can also support an elongated crossbar in addition to a hoop.
- Each peak 48 provides a ledge 50 on which such typical playground crossbars can be supported.
- the curved sections 46 define a width 52 being greater than a diameter of the playground crossbar, while each peak 48 is disposed symmetrically across the slot 24 to define a width 54 less than a diameter of the playground crossbar such that the playground crossbar rests on each peak 48 when inserted into one of the plurality of oval-shaped holes 34 . Therefore, the slot 24 allows a playground crossbar to function as a hurdle obstacle when configured with multiple cones.
- the frustoconical portion 14 of the playground cone 10 may further define a plurality of horizontal slots 58 .
- the horizontal slots 58 may be spaced from the vertical slot 24 on the wall 26 of the frustoconical portion 14 .
- the horizontal slots 58 are disposed symmetrically across the wall 26 from the vertical slot 24 . This allows the playground cone 10 to provide functionality for more than a single activity.
- the vertical slot 24 with the plurality of oval-shaped holes 34 may be adapted to secure a playground hoop on the frustoconical portion 14 vertically, while the horizontal slots 58 may be adapted to secure a hoop or playground crossbar. Therefore, the horizontal slots 58 in combination with the vertical slot 24 allow the playground cone 10 to provide added functionality during use.
- the horizontal slots 58 are disposed between the base 12 and the top 18 . Specifically, the horizontal slots 58 are spaced evenly on the wall 26 of the frustoconical portion 14 between the base 12 and the top 18 . In at least one other embodiment, the horizontal slots 58 may be spaced such that a space between each of the horizontal slots 58 may increase in thickness as the horizontal slots 58 ascend or descend the wall 26 .
- the horizontal slots 58 define a height 60 adapted to secure a playground hoop or crossbar. For example, similar to the curved sections 46 of the oval-shaped holes 34 of the vertical slot 24 , the height 60 of the horizontal slots 58 may be greater than the diameter of the playground crossbar or diameter of the playground hoop tubing.
- the horizontal slots 38 may define a length 62 .
- the length 62 of each of the horizontal slots 58 may decrease in ascending order.
- the bottommost horizontal slot 58 may define a length 62 being greater than any other horizontal slot 58
- the topmost horizontal slot 58 may define a length 62 being less than any other horizontal slot 58 .
- the cascading horizontal slots 58 allow the playground cone 10 to define a variety of obstacle heights.
- a playground crossbar or hoop may be secured in the topmost horizontal slot 58 rather than the bottommost horizontal slot 58 , with each other horizontal slot 58 in-between providing a different degree of difficulty for the obstacle.
- the horizontal slots 58 may all define the same length 62 .
- FIGS. 3-6 depict the playground cone 10 being used with the playground hoop and crossbar.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the playground cone 10 as supporting a playground hoop 64 within the vertical slot 24 at different heights, in which the playground hoop 64 is secured within different, oval-shaped holes 34 defined in the vertical slot 24 .
- FIGS. 3 and 4 further depict the ability of the playground cone 10 , and specifically the frustoconical portion 14 , to maintain the playground hoop 64 within the vertical slot 24 using a single playground cone 10 .
- FIG. 3 depicts an instance where the playground hoop 64 is secured within the entire vertical slot 24 , in which the playground hoop 64 is at the lowest possible height within the vertical slot 24 .
- a weight 68 provides stability and ballast to prevent the playground hoop and cone from toppling.
- FIG. 5 depicts playground cones 10 securing the playground hoop 64 in a horizontal slot 58 .
- the horizontal slots 58 of each of the playground cones 10 may be adapted to secure the playground hoop 64 between each of the playground cones 10 .
- multiple playground hoops 64 may be secured in any of the horizontal slots 58 on the frustoconical portion 14 to increase or change the activity.
- FIG. 6 depicts a playground crossbar 66 disposed within a horizontal slot 58 of the frustoconical portion 14 of the playground cone.
- each of the horizontal slots 58 defined in the frustoconical portion 14 of the playground cone 10 may be adapted to secure a playground crossbar 66 . Therefore, while depicted in FIG. 6 as the topmost horizontal slot 58 securing the playground crossbar 66 , each of the other horizontal slots 58 may be adapted to secure a playground crossbar 66 such that multiple playground crossbars 66 are secured by frustoconical portion 14 of the playground cone 10 , depending on the activity being created by the playground cone 10 .
- a weight 68 is depicted, and it is adapted to provide ballast and stability to the playground cone 10 .
- FIG. 7 depicts the weight 68 disposed on the base portion 12 of the playground cone 10 .
- FIG. 8 depicts an underside of the playground cone 10 with the weight 68 disposed over and attached to the base portion 12 of the playground cone 10 .
- the weight 68 may be substantially rectangular with a circular opening to fit around the base portion 12 of the playground cone 10 .
- the weight 68 may be composed of an elastomeric material that defines a thickness 69 adapted to provide added weight to the base portion 12 of the playground cone 10 .
- the weight 68 may be composed of a substantially rigid material having sufficient material properties to provide stability to the playground cone 10 , or may define a tubular-type space filled with a liquid or other material having sufficient material properties to provide stability to the playground cone 10 .
- the weight 68 is configured to rest on an upper surface 70 of the base portion 12 of the playground cone 10 .
- the weight 68 defines a circular opening 72 adapted to receive the frustoconical portion 14 of the playground cone 10 .
- the weight 68 is adapted such that the frustoconical portion 14 of the playground cone 10 extends through the opening 72 defined by the weight 68 so the weight 68 sits on the upper surface 70 of the base portion 12 . Therefore, the opening 72 defined in the weight 68 defines a diameter 74 being greater than a largest diameter 76 of the frustoconical portion 14 of the playground cone 10 .
- allowing the weight 68 to sit on the upper surface 70 of the base portion 12 provides the playground cone 10 with sufficient stability and ballast during use in an activity such as an obstacle course with the playground hoop and crossbar secured within the playground cone 10 as described above.
- FIG. 8 depicts a lower surface 78 of the base portion 12 of the playground cone 10 .
- the weight 68 is adapted to extend over the upper surface 70 of the base portion 12 to the lower surface 78 of the base portion 12 .
- a perimeter 80 of the weight 68 is greater than a perimeter 82 of the base portion to allow the weight 68 to wrap around the base portion 12 and engage the lower surface 78 of the base portion 12 .
- the weight 68 engages edges 84 of the base portion 12 to secure the weight 68 to the base portion 12 of the playground cone 10 .
- the edges 84 of the base portion 12 engage a groove 86 defined in the weight 68 to secure the weight 68 to the base portion 12 . Securing the weight 68 to the base portion 12 through the groove 86 allows the weight 68 to be used without shifting or causing imbalance in the playground cone 10 .
- the weight 68 provides stability and ballast to the playground cone 10 during use of the playground cone 10 .
Abstract
A playground cone may be molded from vinyl or other plastic material, and includes a base portion and a frustoconical portion. The frustoconical portion extends upwardly from the base portion to a top of the frustoconical portion. The frustoconical portion may define a hollow, interior section. The frustoconical portion further includes a slot defined in a wall. The slot may be a vertical slot and/or one or more horizontal slots. The slot, being vertical and/or horizontal, may be adapted to secure a playground hoop or crossbar within the frustoconical portion of the playground cone.
Description
- It is common to use common “traffic”—type cones in a playground or gym class situation for game and physical education purposes. The inventor of the present invention has devised a variety of products in the past that expand the uses for cones in these environments. He has patented several inventions with U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,799 (Telescoping Hurdle With Base Adapter) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,777 (Base for Game Standard). Cones can support a variety of other activities, too, because they are durable, inexpensive and versatile.
- At the same time, there is a need to mount common playground hoops in a variety of configurations for games and physical education. People skilled with gym equipment and sporting goods are familiar with playground hoops and their uses for recreational and physical education purposes. These hoops can also be placed on the ground in various positions to facilitate different playground games. The playground hoops provide circular spaces on the floor, forming the basis for many playground games. But used alone, these hoops may only be used flat on the ground unless someone holds the hoop above the ground in a given position.
- The user's hoop-positioning options are limited by the horizontal hoop-orientation; and to have someone hold the hoop can be inconvenient. Additionally, common playground hoops are usually fashioned from hard plastic. Firmly linking hoops and hoop-holding devices is difficult because of hard plastic's low coefficient of friction. Even with small tolerances between the playground hoop and hoop-holding device, the slightest disturbance will move the hoop relative to the hoop-holding device.
- Standard commercial playground hoops are made from tubular material having diameters that range from approximately ½″ to 1″. The hoops form circles that have diameters ranging from 20″ to 36″. Achieving a reasonable fit between a hoop-holding device and various playground hoop diameters in the past required the hoop-holding device diameter to be matched with the diameter of the particular hoop being held. Users of playground hoops often include school gym teachers who constantly replace broken or damaged hoops. Finding inexpensive replacement hoops is difficult because one must find the exact hoop diameter of the hoop holder. Purchasing multiple hoop-holding devices for each hoop diameter would allow owners to purchase a greater variety of hoop sizes. But this solution is expensive and impractical, requiring extra money to purchase additional hoop-holding devices, extra time to coordinate appropriately-sized hoops and hoop-holders and extra storage space for housing the equipment.
- The present inventor has addressed those needs with patented inventions including U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,777 (Base for Game Standard) and U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,636 (Playground Hoop-Holding Apparatus). Still, there is a need for yet even more improvements to common playground equipment to expand the list of options for games and physical education.
- The present design makes it possible for hoops to be supported by the cones in both a perpendicular (vertical) and parallel (horizontal) position to the playing surface. The cones become support bases (stanchions) for the hoops, and for crossbars, too.
- Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
- In one embodiment, a playground cone includes a flat base portion, and a hollow frustoconical portion. The hollow frustoconical portion extends upwardly from the base portion toward a top end of the playground cone. The frustoconical portion defines an elongated slot extending from a first end to a second end. The slot is adapted to receive a playground hoop and support the playground hoop in a predetermined orientation relative to the ground.
- In another embodiment, a playground cone includes a flat base portion and a hollow frustoconical portion. The hollow frustoconical portion extends upwardly from the base portion toward a top end of the playground cone. The frustoconical portion defines an elongated vertical slot extending from the top end downwardly toward the base. The vertical slot is adapted to receive a playground hoop.
- In a further embodiment, a playground cone includes a flat base portion and a hollow frustoconical portion. The frustoconical portion extends upwardly from the base portion toward a top end of the playground cone. The frustoconical portion defines a series of oval-shaped holes oriented in a vertical direction. The oval-shaped holes each include a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end of one oval overlaps the top end of another to define an elongated vertical slot extending from a predetermined distance above the base portion to the top end of the playground cone.
- In yet another embodiment, a playground cone includes a flat base portion and a hollow frustronical portion. The frustoconical portion extends upwardly from the base portion toward a top end of the playground cone. The frustoconical portion defines a hole through the top end of the playground cone. The frustoconical portion defines a vertical slot having a perimeter of scallops, with the slot extending from the top end down toward the base.
- Other advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention showing a vertical slot; -
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the same embodiment showing horizontal slots; -
FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of the same embodiment of the invention shown supporting a hoop in a vertical orientation; -
FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of the same embodiment together with a weight shown supporting a hoop in a different vertical orientation with the hoop supported above the ground; -
FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of the same embodiment of the invention showing two cones supporting a hoop in a horizontal orientation; -
FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of the same embodiment of the invention shown supporting a pole in a horizontal orientation; -
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the same embodiment of the invention additionally including the weight adapted to support the cone; and -
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the same embodiment of the invention showing the weight secured to the cone. -
FIG. 1 depicts a front view of aplayground cone 10 according to the present disclosure. Theplayground cone 10 may be molded from vinyl or other plastic material. Theplayground cone 10 includes abase portion 12 and afrustoconical portion 14 that extends upwardly from thebase portion 12 to a top 18. Thefrustoconical portion 14 may define a hollow,interior section 16. Thefrustoconical portion 14 further includes aslot 24 defined in awall 26. The slot may be avertical slot 24 as shown inFIG. 1 and/or one or morehorizontal slots 58 as shown inFIG. 2 . The top 18 of thefrustoconical portion 14 further defines ahole 20. Thehole 20 may be defined such that a playground hoop may extend through thehole 20. Stated differently, thehole 20 defines adiameter 22 that provides clearance for the tubing of the playground hoop (not shown). - In an exemplary embodiment, the
slot 24, defined in thewall 26, extends from the top 18 to a point spaced atpredetermined distance 30 away from thebase portion 12 such that theslot 24 is not defined along an entirety of thewall 26 of thefrustoconical portion 14. Theslot 24 defines alength 32 that is predetermined to accommodate large diameter playground hoops such that the playground hoop is supported within theslot 24 by thefrustoconical portion 14 and held in a desired location relative to the ground. - The
wall 26 defines theslot 24 having awidth 28 adapted to secure a playground hoop. Thewidth 28 may be aconstant width 28 in an immediate area where the top 18 mates with thewall 26. Theslot 24 otherwise has a unique, useful shape that may be conceived of or described in a number of ways. On the one hand, theslot 24 has a perimeter of arcs joining end-to-end as they extend around the perimeter. One can also describe theslot 24 as including a plurality of oval-shapedholes 34, orscallops 34 defined along thelength 32 of theslot 24 below that segment of constant width. The plurality of oval-shapedholes 34 extend in a series such that abottom end 36 of one oval 38 overlaps atop end 40 of another 42 along thelength 32 of theslot 24. - Stated differently, the plurality of oval-shaped
holes 34 may be undulating, and have rippled or scalloped or arcingedges 44 formed bycurved sections 46 interconnected atpeaks 48 disposed within thewidth 28 of theslot 24. The plurality of oval-shapedholes 34 may be interconnected at thepeaks 48 along thelength 32 of theslot 24. Thecurved sections 46 andpeaks 48 of the undulatingedges 44 further allow theplayground cone 10 to adjust a height (not shown) of the playground hoop secured within theslot 24 relative to thebase portion 12. For example, the undulatingedges 44 of theslot 24 allow the playground hoop to be secured within theslot 24 at various heights defined according to each of the oval-shapedholes 34 of theslot 24. - The undulating edges 44 enlarge and reduce the
width 28 of theslot 24 at thepeaks 48. Thepeaks 48 are repeating points within theslot 24 so that larger and smaller diameter playground hoops within the above stated range can be held securely within theslot 24. The repeating, undulatingedges 44 are flexible to allow thepeaks 48 to flex or deflect from a force when a person inserts a playground hoop into theslot 24, further securing theplayground cone 10 and playground hoop, and allowing the playground hoop to be secured at various heights. The repeating edges 44 offer further functionality by eliminating a need formultiple playground cones 10 to support a single playground hoop. Therefore, theslot 24, and more specifically the undulatingedges 44 of the oval-shapedholes 34, allow asingle playground cone 10 to secure a playground hoop to be used in a physical education activity. - The
vertical slot 24 can also support an elongated crossbar in addition to a hoop. Eachpeak 48 provides aledge 50 on which such typical playground crossbars can be supported. For example, thecurved sections 46 define awidth 52 being greater than a diameter of the playground crossbar, while each peak 48 is disposed symmetrically across theslot 24 to define awidth 54 less than a diameter of the playground crossbar such that the playground crossbar rests on each peak 48 when inserted into one of the plurality of oval-shapedholes 34. Therefore, theslot 24 allows a playground crossbar to function as a hurdle obstacle when configured with multiple cones. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , a back view of theplayground cone 10 is depicted. Thefrustoconical portion 14 of theplayground cone 10 may further define a plurality ofhorizontal slots 58. Thehorizontal slots 58 may be spaced from thevertical slot 24 on thewall 26 of thefrustoconical portion 14. Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , thehorizontal slots 58 are disposed symmetrically across thewall 26 from thevertical slot 24. This allows theplayground cone 10 to provide functionality for more than a single activity. For example, as described above, thevertical slot 24 with the plurality of oval-shapedholes 34 may be adapted to secure a playground hoop on thefrustoconical portion 14 vertically, while thehorizontal slots 58 may be adapted to secure a hoop or playground crossbar. Therefore, thehorizontal slots 58 in combination with thevertical slot 24 allow theplayground cone 10 to provide added functionality during use. - The
horizontal slots 58 are disposed between the base 12 and the top 18. Specifically, thehorizontal slots 58 are spaced evenly on thewall 26 of thefrustoconical portion 14 between the base 12 and the top 18. In at least one other embodiment, thehorizontal slots 58 may be spaced such that a space between each of thehorizontal slots 58 may increase in thickness as thehorizontal slots 58 ascend or descend thewall 26. Thehorizontal slots 58 define aheight 60 adapted to secure a playground hoop or crossbar. For example, similar to thecurved sections 46 of the oval-shapedholes 34 of thevertical slot 24, theheight 60 of thehorizontal slots 58 may be greater than the diameter of the playground crossbar or diameter of the playground hoop tubing. - This allows the playground crossbar or playground hoop to be secured, or rest within the
horizontal slot 58 defined on thewall 26 of thefrustoconical portion 14 of theplayground cone 10. Additionally, thehorizontal slots 38 may define alength 62. Thelength 62 of each of thehorizontal slots 58 may decrease in ascending order. For example, the bottommosthorizontal slot 58 may define alength 62 being greater than any otherhorizontal slot 58, and the topmosthorizontal slot 58 may define alength 62 being less than any otherhorizontal slot 58. Again, the cascadinghorizontal slots 58 allow theplayground cone 10 to define a variety of obstacle heights. For example, to increase a difficulty of an obstacle or activity, a playground crossbar or hoop may be secured in the topmosthorizontal slot 58 rather than the bottommosthorizontal slot 58, with each otherhorizontal slot 58 in-between providing a different degree of difficulty for the obstacle. In at least one other embodiment, thehorizontal slots 58 may all define thesame length 62. -
FIGS. 3-6 depict theplayground cone 10 being used with the playground hoop and crossbar. Specifically,FIGS. 3 and 4 depict theplayground cone 10 as supporting aplayground hoop 64 within thevertical slot 24 at different heights, in which theplayground hoop 64 is secured within different, oval-shapedholes 34 defined in thevertical slot 24.FIGS. 3 and 4 further depict the ability of theplayground cone 10, and specifically thefrustoconical portion 14, to maintain theplayground hoop 64 within thevertical slot 24 using asingle playground cone 10.FIG. 3 depicts an instance where theplayground hoop 64 is secured within the entirevertical slot 24, in which theplayground hoop 64 is at the lowest possible height within thevertical slot 24.FIG. 4 depicts an instance where theplayground hoop 64 is secured within thevertical slot 24 close to the top 18 of theplayground cone 10, in which theplayground hoop 64 is supported within thevertical slot 24 such that theplayground hoop 64 is elevated to increase the difficulty of an obstacle. Aweight 68 provides stability and ballast to prevent the playground hoop and cone from toppling. -
FIG. 5 depictsplayground cones 10 securing theplayground hoop 64 in ahorizontal slot 58. Again, as shown inFIG. 5 , thehorizontal slots 58 of each of theplayground cones 10 may be adapted to secure theplayground hoop 64 between each of theplayground cones 10. While depicted inFIG. 5 as asingle playground hoop 64,multiple playground hoops 64 may be secured in any of thehorizontal slots 58 on thefrustoconical portion 14 to increase or change the activity. -
FIG. 6 depicts aplayground crossbar 66 disposed within ahorizontal slot 58 of thefrustoconical portion 14 of the playground cone. Again, as described above, each of thehorizontal slots 58 defined in thefrustoconical portion 14 of theplayground cone 10 may be adapted to secure aplayground crossbar 66. Therefore, while depicted inFIG. 6 as the topmosthorizontal slot 58 securing theplayground crossbar 66, each of the otherhorizontal slots 58 may be adapted to secure aplayground crossbar 66 such thatmultiple playground crossbars 66 are secured byfrustoconical portion 14 of theplayground cone 10, depending on the activity being created by theplayground cone 10. - Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , aweight 68 is depicted, and it is adapted to provide ballast and stability to theplayground cone 10.FIG. 7 depicts theweight 68 disposed on thebase portion 12 of theplayground cone 10.FIG. 8 depicts an underside of theplayground cone 10 with theweight 68 disposed over and attached to thebase portion 12 of theplayground cone 10. Theweight 68 may be substantially rectangular with a circular opening to fit around thebase portion 12 of theplayground cone 10. Theweight 68 may be composed of an elastomeric material that defines athickness 69 adapted to provide added weight to thebase portion 12 of theplayground cone 10. Adding weight to thebase portion 12 of theplayground cone 10 further aids to maintain an upright position of theplayground cone 10 during use. In at least one other embodiment, theweight 68 may be composed of a substantially rigid material having sufficient material properties to provide stability to theplayground cone 10, or may define a tubular-type space filled with a liquid or other material having sufficient material properties to provide stability to theplayground cone 10. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , theweight 68 is configured to rest on anupper surface 70 of thebase portion 12 of theplayground cone 10. Theweight 68 defines acircular opening 72 adapted to receive thefrustoconical portion 14 of theplayground cone 10. Stated differently, theweight 68 is adapted such that thefrustoconical portion 14 of theplayground cone 10 extends through theopening 72 defined by theweight 68 so theweight 68 sits on theupper surface 70 of thebase portion 12. Therefore, theopening 72 defined in theweight 68 defines adiameter 74 being greater than alargest diameter 76 of thefrustoconical portion 14 of theplayground cone 10. Again, allowing theweight 68 to sit on theupper surface 70 of thebase portion 12 provides theplayground cone 10 with sufficient stability and ballast during use in an activity such as an obstacle course with the playground hoop and crossbar secured within theplayground cone 10 as described above. -
FIG. 8 depicts alower surface 78 of thebase portion 12 of theplayground cone 10. As shown inFIG. 8 , theweight 68 is adapted to extend over theupper surface 70 of thebase portion 12 to thelower surface 78 of thebase portion 12. Aperimeter 80 of theweight 68 is greater than aperimeter 82 of the base portion to allow theweight 68 to wrap around thebase portion 12 and engage thelower surface 78 of thebase portion 12. Theweight 68 engagesedges 84 of thebase portion 12 to secure theweight 68 to thebase portion 12 of theplayground cone 10. Specifically, theedges 84 of thebase portion 12 engage agroove 86 defined in theweight 68 to secure theweight 68 to thebase portion 12. Securing theweight 68 to thebase portion 12 through thegroove 86 allows theweight 68 to be used without shifting or causing imbalance in theplayground cone 10. Theweight 68 provides stability and ballast to theplayground cone 10 during use of theplayground cone 10. - The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.
Claims (11)
1. A playground cone comprising:
a flat base portion; and
a hollow frustoconical portion extending upwardly from the base portion toward a flat top that is substantially parallel with the base;
the frustoconical portion defining an elongated slot having different length and width dimensions and extending from a first end to a second end, the slot being sized and adapted to receive a circular playground hoop, and to support the playground hoop in a predetermined orientation relative to the base;
wherein the slot is a vertical slot, with the frustoconical portion defining a series of oval-shaped holes oriented in a vertical direction, the oval-shaped holes each including a bottom end and a top end, with the bottom end of one oval overlapping the top end of another to define the elongated vertical slot extending from a predetermined distance above the base portion to and through the top, whereby the cone can support the hoop in a predetermined number of vertical positions by inserting the hoop into the slot.
2-5. (canceled)
6. A playground cone comprising:
a flat base; and
a hollow frustoconical portion extending upwardly from the base toward a top end that is flat and substantially parallel to the base;
the frustoconical portion defining an elongated vertical slot extending from the top end downwardly toward the base, the frustoconical portion defining a perimeter of the slot including a series of arcs joining end-to-end as they extend around the perimeter, the vertical slot being sized and adapted to receive a playground hoop and to support the hoop in a predetermined vertical orientation.
7. (canceled)
8. The playground cone of claim 6 wherein the frustoconical portion further defines at least one elongated horizontal slot spaced away from the vertical slot.
9. The playground cone of claim 8 wherein the frustoconical portion defines a plurality of horizontal slots extending parallel to one another between the top end and the base.
10. The playground cone as set forth in claim 6 further comprising a weight adapted to rest on the base of the cone in order to provide stability to the cone.
11. The playground cone as set forth in claim 10 wherein the weight defines an opening for receiving the frustoconical portion of the cone.
12. The playground cone as set forth in claim 10 wherein the weight is adapted to extend around the flat base portion such that edges of the base portion engage a groove defined in the weight to secure the weight to the base portion.
13. A playground cone comprising:
a flat base; and
a hollow frustoconical portion extending upwardly from the base toward a flat top that is substantially parallel to the base;
the frustoconical portion defining a series of oval-shaped holes oriented in a vertical direction, the oval-shaped holes each including a bottom end and a top end, with the bottom end of one oval overlapping the top end of another to define an elongated vertical slot extending from a predetermined distance above the base portion through the top and defining a plurality of support surfaces adapted to support a playground hoop in a number of predetermined vertical orientations relative to the base.
14. A playground cone comprising:
a flat base portion; and
a hollow frustoconical portion extending upwardly from the base portion toward a top end parallel to the base portion, with the frustoconical portion defining a hole through the top end, and a vertical slot having a perimeter of scallops, with the slot extending from the top end down toward the base to a point spaced a predetermined distance from the base and defining a plurality of support surfaces adapted to support a playground hoop in a number of predetermined vertical orientations relative to the base.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/939,366 US20210069604A1 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2020-07-27 | Playground cone with slots |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/367,953 US10773146B1 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2019-03-28 | Playground cone with slots |
US16/939,366 US20210069604A1 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2020-07-27 | Playground cone with slots |
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US16/367,953 Continuation US10773146B1 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2019-03-28 | Playground cone with slots |
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US20220233903A1 (en) * | 2021-01-26 | 2022-07-28 | Bill Taylor | Basketball Training System |
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US300115A (en) * | 1884-06-10 | obert | ||
US2662518A (en) * | 1952-02-27 | 1953-12-15 | Luthi Alfred | Disk or ring projector |
US3707320A (en) * | 1970-11-09 | 1972-12-26 | Howard Brynes | Inflatable and collapsible pylon |
US4772869A (en) * | 1987-02-24 | 1988-09-20 | Lamba Systems, Inc. | Communication apparatus |
US5305705A (en) * | 1992-02-14 | 1994-04-26 | Gagliano Greg R | Collapsible road marker and method |
US5375554A (en) * | 1993-10-07 | 1994-12-27 | Yen; Tai C. | Rocking road emergency warning sign |
US5566638A (en) * | 1994-02-03 | 1996-10-22 | Regent Sports Corporation | Collapsible marker cone |
US5536222A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1996-07-16 | Banda; Jose A. | Upper body exercise device |
US5669833A (en) * | 1996-08-21 | 1997-09-23 | Stone; David B. | Soccer training system |
US6053824A (en) * | 1999-01-19 | 2000-04-25 | Boudreaux; Glen T. | Portable obstacle course system |
JP2000226820A (en) * | 1999-02-08 | 2000-08-15 | Ooshima Design Sekkei:Kk | Self-supported cylindrical display body |
US20040159280A1 (en) * | 2003-02-13 | 2004-08-19 | Michael Mohelsky | Pylon |
GB0419477D0 (en) * | 2004-09-02 | 2004-10-06 | Advanced Mfg Corp Ltd | Barrier system |
DE202004017125U1 (en) * | 2004-11-05 | 2006-03-16 | Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH | Refrigerator or freezer |
US20060124641A1 (en) * | 2004-11-09 | 2006-06-15 | Karow Mark P | Collapsible construction barrier |
US7717376B2 (en) * | 2006-10-17 | 2010-05-18 | Sparks Jr Douglas M | Bracket devices and systems |
US20080111312A1 (en) * | 2006-10-27 | 2008-05-15 | Longo Mark J | Disc throwing game |
USD656812S1 (en) * | 2009-03-20 | 2012-04-03 | Michael Bucci | Device for supporting an object |
US20150258400A1 (en) * | 2014-03-13 | 2015-09-17 | Aaron Yamamoto | Racket sport system and method of play for an aerial projectile game |
WO2016049494A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-03-31 | Peacock Joshua | Marker cone system |
US20190366179A1 (en) * | 2016-11-20 | 2019-12-05 | Quick Play Sport Llc | Speed and agility training set |
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US10773146B1 (en) | 2020-09-15 |
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