Patent classifications
A63B9/00
Rope tensioning system
A system for tensioning a rope of a play structure includes a collar coupled to the play structure. The system includes a tensioner coupled to the rope. The tensioner is coupled to the collar through a threaded connection and where a rotation of the tensioner in relation to the collar adjusts a tension in the rope.
EXERCISE APPARATUS HAVING A STAIR AND SLIDE ASSEMBLY
A stair and slide assembly includes a stair portion including a plurality of stairs, a slide portion including a slide with an entrance and an exit, and an assist bar positioned proximate the exit of the slide to assist a user with pivoting from the exit of the slide to the stair portion. The slide has a first portion extending substantially linearly from the entrance of the slide at an angle and a second portion extending from the first portion to the exit of the slide. The second portion transitions the slide from the angle of the first portion to substantially horizontal. The exit of the slide is configured to be positioned at a target height above a ground surface. The target height is between about 18 inches and about 30 inches.
INTERACTIVE PLAY SYSTEM
Embodiments of an interactive play system are provided. In one such embodiment, an interactive play system includes a satellite having a sensor. The satellite is integrated within a component included within a playground environment. A feedback mechanism is also provided within the playground environment. A computing device supports a selective change between a first programming state in which the feedback mechanism will respond to an actuation of the sensor based on a computer instruction provided by a system administrator and a second programming state in which the feedback mechanism will respond to an actuation of the sensor based on a computer instruction provided by someone other than a system administrator.
CLIMBING ACTION STRUCTURES
A climbing action structure includes a support structure having a plurality of columns configured to be fixed relative to an underlying surface and support at least one header of a plurality of headers above the underlying surface. A climbing action space is defined between the columns, the headers, and the underlying surface that is devoid of intruding structure. The headers define a plurality of action element mounts, each defining a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the underlying surface. At least one action element is removably coupled to the support structure at a respective action element mount. The action element includes a top end having a header connection member. The header connection member being coupled to the respective action element mount and adjustably positionable along the longitudinal axis, and the action element is disposed within the climbing action space and a participant has 360° access to the action element therein.
CLIMBING ACTION STRUCTURES
A climbing action structure includes a support structure having a plurality of columns configured to be fixed relative to an underlying surface and support at least one header of a plurality of headers above the underlying surface. A climbing action space is defined between the columns, the headers, and the underlying surface that is devoid of intruding structure. The headers define a plurality of action element mounts, each defining a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the underlying surface. At least one action element is removably coupled to the support structure at a respective action element mount. The action element includes a top end having a header connection member. The header connection member being coupled to the respective action element mount and adjustably positionable along the longitudinal axis, and the action element is disposed within the climbing action space and a participant has 360° access to the action element therein.
Lift, drop, swing, and attenuation apparatus and method
A tower may support a horizontal track and a vertical climbing wall therebelow. A trolley, movable along the track, may be selectively driven toward and away from the tower by belay lines, line and capstan, positive drive, or some combination. Belay lines reeved over pulleys on the trolley may be taken up and paid out independently from the trolley, while fixed or moving. A rider may climb, be lifted, or both to near the intersection of the tower and track, from there to fall or jump into a controllable trajectory such as swinging or simulating a parachute landing. Swinging may be rapidly attenuated almost entirely by “bumps,” lifting a rider to remove momentum and kinetic energy as a rider moves toward a pivot point overhead. Control may be simplified based on sensing and using timing past bottom dead center (BDC).
Lift, drop, swing, and attenuation apparatus and method
A tower may support a horizontal track and a vertical climbing wall therebelow. A trolley, movable along the track, may be selectively driven toward and away from the tower by belay lines, line and capstan, positive drive, or some combination. Belay lines reeved over pulleys on the trolley may be taken up and paid out independently from the trolley, while fixed or moving. A rider may climb, be lifted, or both to near the intersection of the tower and track, from there to fall or jump into a controllable trajectory such as swinging or simulating a parachute landing. Swinging may be rapidly attenuated almost entirely by “bumps,” lifting a rider to remove momentum and kinetic energy as a rider moves toward a pivot point overhead. Control may be simplified based on sensing and using timing past bottom dead center (BDC).
SYSTEM FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY ACTIVITY OF A PERSON
System for physical mobility activity of a person, comprising at least one fixed support member and at least one contact member to be worn by the person In motion, wherein the support member and the contact member comprise at least one support surface and at least one contact surface, respectively, wherein the support surface and the contact surface constitute the respective components of a hook-and-loop fastening connection consisting of hooks and loops, wherein the hooks have hook stems and hook openings, wherein the hook openings on the support surface or contact surface in question are at least substantially all situated at the same side of the hook stems in question, when considered in a first direction parallel to the support surface or contact surface in question.
SYSTEM FOR PHYSICAL MOBILITY ACTIVITY OF A PERSON
System for physical mobility activity of a person, comprising at least one fixed support member and at least one contact member to be worn by the person In motion, wherein the support member and the contact member comprise at least one support surface and at least one contact surface, respectively, wherein the support surface and the contact surface constitute the respective components of a hook-and-loop fastening connection consisting of hooks and loops, wherein the hooks have hook stems and hook openings, wherein the hook openings on the support surface or contact surface in question are at least substantially all situated at the same side of the hook stems in question, when considered in a first direction parallel to the support surface or contact surface in question.
PLAYGROUND CLIMBING STRUCTURES
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to playground climbing structures that provide a pathway defined by a lower surface and bound on each side by a sidewall. The structures may comprise sensory play activities on the interior of the sidewalls as well as on the exterior of the sidewalls. The climbing structure is also adapted so as to be accessible to children of varying physical abilities, including for instance children with disabilities, such as by having at least one platform configured for access from a wheelchair or other mobility device and incremental adjustments in elevation that may be navigated by a child with limited mobility. Embodiments of the climbing structures are assembled from a plurality of components, which can be connected together in a variety of configurations to provide custom modular structures.