Modularized amusement device

Abstract

A modular amusement device comprising: a support beam for supporting one or more amusement instruments along the support beam; two or more support assemblies, each support assembly supporting one end of the support beam over a support surface, each support assembly comprising: one or more uprights having a lower end for engagement with the support surface and an upper end remote from the lower end; and a lateral support structure engaging the upper end of each column, the lateral support structure having a support beam connection for connection with one end of one or more of the support beams and extending a predetermined distance transversely to the or at least one of the support beams connected thereto.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of May 18, 2017, the application number of 201780030429.7, and the invention name of "Modular Play Apparatus". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a modular play apparatus. The present invention is particularly applied to a modular play apparatus that includes a structure for mounting a series of play equipment, such as swings, slides, climbing components, etc., and for the purpose of illustration, this application will refer to such an application. The modular play apparatus according to the present invention can be applied for outdoor use or indoor use, such as in a gymnasium, etc. The present invention is also particularly applied to a swing used in a modular play apparatus. Background Art

[0003] Play apparatuses for children have been provided, which are generally limited to swing apparatuses, but sometimes other play equipment, such as slides, ladders for climbing, etc., posts, etc., can also be attached. Swing apparatuses for backyard use are usually manufactured very inexpensively and have a fixed arrangement, which usually has a support beam supported by each end at or near the apex of an A-frame. More expensive play equipment is provided in parks or commercial play areas, and such equipment is usually heavy and very large and may not be effective in use.

[0004] A swing is usually mounted on a support rod of a frame and suspended from the support rod, and is usually arranged to mainly provide a forward and backward swinging motion, sometimes limited to such a motion, but even when not so limited, it has a design that is clearly intended to set the swing to move around a fixed axis substantially aligned with the frame from which the swing is suspended. Sometimes, when using a swing that includes a seat connected between the lower ends of two suspended chains or cables, the user may twist the seat around the axis in the middle of the chain or cable in circles, but the swing is not necessarily designed for such a use, which is limited to the twisting and untwisting of the chain or cable and cannot be easily combined with the swinging motion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a modular play apparatus and / or a swing that alleviates one or more of the above disadvantages or provides an alternative to existing play apparatuses or swings. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

[0006] In view of the above objects, the present invention generally lies in a modular play apparatus in one aspect, which includes:

[0007] One or more support beams for supporting a plurality of play equipment along the support beam;

[0008] Two or more support assemblies, each support assembly supporting the end of the support beam or each support beam above a support surface in a lateral attitude, each said support assembly comprising:

[0009] One or more uprights having a lower end for engaging the support surface and an upper end remote from the lower end;

[0010] A lateral support structure engaging the upper end of the upright or each upright, the lateral support structure having a support beam connection portion for connection to one or more of the support beams of the support beam and extending a predetermined distance transverse to the support beam or at least one of the support beams to which it is connected.

[0011] Suitably, the support beam includes attachment means for attaching a swing or other play apparatus. The swing may be selected from a standard swing, a boat swing, a bucket swing, a trapeze swing, a tyre swing, a glider swing, a carousel swing, a sling, etc. Other apparatus may include a rope ladder, a climbing net, a knotted rope, a climbing post or rope, roman rings, a slide, a platform, etc. A cross beam may be provided between the uprights of the support assembly, the support assembly having two or more uprights.

[0012] Preferably, the support assembly includes means for connecting other play apparatus not supported by the support beam (such as a slide or a slippery dip, a net, a platform, etc.). In a preferred form, a flexible support assembly is provided which can be connected to at least one support assembly of the support assembly remote from the support beam. In this form, the flexible support assembly includes a sheet of flexible and substantially inextensible material (such as a trampoline mat material) held taut between two uprights, more preferably extending to at least two ground anchors remote from the lower end of the support post.

[0013] Preferably, the predetermined distance of the lateral support structure provides wide support for a cover assembly to be mounted or fastened thereto. The cover assembly is preferably in the form of a tent or the like, as a top structure or top to which a tent wall assembly can be fastened. Preferably, a tent top support band is provided to wrap around the outer peripheral edges of two or more lateral support structures, thereby providing support for the outer peripheral edge of the tent top between the support assemblies. The tent top band is preferably formed of a substantially inextensible material.

[0014] The predetermined distance is preferably selected to provide cover for a person using the apparatus, but is not necessarily wide enough to cover the swing when it is swung out of its resting position. However, where tent wall assemblies are provided, they may be arranged so that when the modular play set is not in use, they extend downwardly from the periphery of the top, but when the modular play set is in use, they swing upwardly to a horizontal or near horizontal orientation, thereby providing weather protection to the user even when swinging on the swing.

[0015] The cover assembly may be arranged and / or dimensioned to fit closely to and / or be secured to the lateral support structure, thereby providing additional rigidity to the assembled frame against relative movement of components of the frame assembly.

[0016] In another aspect, the invention generally resides in a swing suspended from a frame, comprising:

[0017] a pivot assembly mounted to the frame for pivoting about a substantially horizontal fixed axis;

[0018] a swivel assembly operably associated with the pivot assembly for pivoting about a swivel axis substantially orthogonal to the fixed axis, whereby the swivel assembly is capable of pivoting about the fixed axis; and

[0019] a frame mounted to the rotating assembly for supporting a user, the frame having:

[0020] a platform spaced from the fixed axis a distance sufficient for a user to stand on the platform, the platform being passed through by the rotation axis, and

[0021] A hanger portion is operably interposed between the platform and the rotation assembly and spaced from the rotation axis.

[0022] Preferably, the frame includes one or more handles mounted to the hanger portion at a position suitable for gripping by a user standing on the platform. Preferably, the hanger portion is formed from a single frame member extending from the swivel assembly laterally of the axis of rotation, then extending alongside and spaced from the axis of rotation as described above, then extending towards and through the axis of rotation to support the platform.

[0023] Preferably, the swing is suspended from the frame of a modular play set, such as a modular play set according to the previous aspect of the invention.

[0024] Suitably, the hanger portion is arranged to allow a user to stand on the platform and the axis of the axis of rotation to pass through the user's body, and to move their body to move the center of gravity relative to the axis of rotation to effect a swinging motion about the fixed axis. This movement can also be performed to cause the user to rotate about the axis of rotation. With practice, the user can be able to effect swinging and rotation, very similar to an orbital motion about the axis of rotation.

[0025] In a preferred form, the platform is shaped similar to the shape of a skateboard or a small surfboard. The platform in its preferred form is elongated and has a platform axis along the elongation direction. When the swing swings with the platform, the user can rotate the platform such that the elongation axis of the platform is substantially aligned with the direction of swing about the fixed axis. However, the user can swing with the elongation axis of the platform not aligned with the direction of swing at any desired angle, and as described above, with practice, effect a swinging motion as well as a rotational motion about the axis of rotation. This use can also be performed with the rotation being substantially non-constant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For the invention to be more readily understood and put into practice, reference will now be made to the following drawings, which illustrate several preferred embodiments or preferred forms of the invention, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a graphical view of a modular play apparatus according to the invention in a preferred form;

[0028] Figure 2 is of the modular play apparatus to which a support strap has been added Figure 1 graphical view;

[0029] Figure 3 to which additional modular elements have been attached Figure 2 graphical view of the modular play apparatus;

[0030] Figure 4 is of the modular play apparatus to which a tent assembly has been fixed Figure 2 graphical view;

[0031] Figure 5 is of the modular play apparatus to which another modular element has been added and to which a tent assembly has been fixed Figure 2 graphical view;

[0032] Figure 6 is a graphical view of an alternative preferred form of the modular play apparatus according to the invention, in which the cover assembly is in a stowed configuration;

[0033] Figure 7 isFigure 6 Graphical view of a modular play apparatus, in which the cover assembly is deployed;

[0034] Figure 8 is Figure 6 Graphical view of a modular play apparatus, in which the cover assembly is closed;

[0035] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of a support beam assembly for eight Figure 6 modular play apparatuses that are connected in an octagonal arrangement;

[0036] Figure 10 is Figure 9 schematic plan view of a part of the support beam assembly;

[0037] Figure 11 is Figure 9 exploded view of a part of the support beam assembly;

[0038] Figures 12 to 15 shows an alternative swing device for a Figures 1 to 5 modular play apparatus;

[0039] Figure 16 shows additional play equipment for a Figures 1 to 8 modular play apparatus;

[0040] Figures 17 to 22 shows a combination of modular play elements selected for assembling some modular play apparatuses according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 23 is a graphical view of a frame of a modular play apparatus according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 24 is shows Figure 23 detailed graphical view of connection details between parts of the frame;

[0043] Figure 25 is shows Figure 24 graphical view of a crossbar showing connection details;

[0044] Figure 26 is Figure 23 graphical view of a frame showing slings and a rotating swing connected thereto;

[0045] Figure 27 is Figure 26 front view of the frame;

[0046] Figure 28 is a graphical view of a swing according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 29 is a graphical view of detail 2 of the swing shown Figure 28 ;

[0048] Figure 30 is Figure 28 the front view of the swing shown

[0049] Figure 31 is a front view of detail 4 of the swing shown Figure 30 ; and

[0050] Figure 32 is a graphical view of detail 3 of the swing shown Figure 28 ; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figures 1 to 5 The modular play apparatus 10 shown in [[ Figures 1 to 5 ]] includes a support beam 11 supported at each end by a support assembly 12 having two support columns typically labeled 13. The support beam has two play apparatuses 14 attached at the middle of its ends. The play apparatuses shown are a regular swing having a seat supported by chains, and a glider swing having a board suspended by two rods or chains from a support bar that is attached to the support beam to extend transversely relative to the support beam.

[0052] The support assembly includes a rectangular support frame 15 that elongates in a direction transverse to the support beam, with support columns extending downward from two corners (conveniently called outer corners), and the support beam is attached to opposite sides (conveniently called inner sides) of the rectangular support frame. If desired, the support beam can extend outside the rectangular support frame to support heavier weights.

[0053] Figure 2 The support belt 16 shown in [[

[0053] ]] surrounds two support frames located at each end of the play apparatus and extends parallel to the support beam between the ends of the support frames. Thus, the support belt is also in rectangular form and encloses a space that is substantially rectangular in plan view, which rectangular space accommodates the support beam and the two rectangular support frames therein and extends a short distance downward from the top of the play apparatus like a skirt.

[0054] Figure 3 The modular play apparatus shown in [[

[0054] ]] has a rotating swing 14a instead of a glider swing, and it is additionally provided with a corner support assembly 17 having a climbing net 18 and a triangular acrobatic grip 14b suspended from another support beam that extends from a side of the corner support assembly adjacent to the support beam to which the swing is attached. A tent top cover 19 is fastened to the support belt, thereby providing shelter and protection from the weather for the user and the play apparatuses supported by the support beam.

[0055] Figure 4The modular play structure shown in also has four corner side wall panels, typically indicated at 20, surrounding the outer side of the support columns and extending from the top to the base. The mesh wall 21 extends across the opening of one end of the tent assembly as shown. The cover assembly or tent assembly consists of individual cover elements that can be connected and separated from each other, and the cover elements are modularized to provide covers for different configurations of the modular play structure, and the covers are provided to the modular play structure. The side panels can be selected from side panels with windows and side panels without windows, and the elements forming the side walls have a configuration that is held against the outside of the support strips when rolled up from the bottom.

[0056] Figure 5 The modular nature of the play device is further illustrated in FIG. 1 , which shows a crawling net with side walls 22 surrounding the corner components without Figure 3 It will be seen that a modular play structure according to the invention may be provided in different configurations and provided with a cover which may be opened for use and closed for storage when not in use.

[0057] An alternative modular play structure 30 according to the present invention has a support beam assembly 31 extending between two alternative support assemblies 32, the support beam assembly having two parallel support formations 33 connected in a spaced configuration in a ladder-like structure by a plurality of rungs, typically indicated at 34. The shorter ladder-like structures can be connected end to end by two couplers 35, which are operably associated with the ends or end portions of the support formations.

[0058] Alternative support assemblies each have two support columns as described above, and each include a cross beam 37 and side panels 38 parallel to and below the cross beam, the cross beam and side panels being substantially evenly spaced relative to each other and to the top and bottom of the support columns.

[0059] The support columns may include couplings intermediate their ends so that the playset can be packaged in smaller sized cartons, as would be the case with one-piece support columns. The support columns are connected by H-shaped couplings 39, wherein the crossbars of the H provide rigidity to the side panels, and the end bars of the couplings allow attachment of the side panels, for example by a wraparound interference fit.

[0060] The alternative modular play structure has a cover assembly 40 having a top panel portion 41 and two side panel portions 42, the side panel portions 42 being arranged at Figure 6 Rolled or folded in the illustration shown and Figure 7unfolds outwardly in the illustrated view. Each side panel portion is held in place by two struts (typically designated as 43), and the struts 43 extend upward from an alternative support assembly at approximately the height of the side panel to the end edge of the corresponding side panel. The side panel portions can be folded downward into a closed configuration, as Figure 8 shown.

[0061] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The support beam assemblies shown in are joined end-to-end to each other by a corresponding number of corner connectors (typically designated as 36). There are eight support beam assemblies formed as an octagon or octagonal ring 44, as Figure 9 shown in full form in and Figure 10 shown in more detail in part. Figure 11 The support beam assembly is shown in more detail in, which has a parallel support configuration connected by crossbars as described above with respect to Figure 6 but additional details show connection plugs or sockets 45 at or near the ends of the support configuration, all for engaging the upper ends of the support columns.

[0062] Figures 12 to 15 The swing arrangement shown in is illustrated as attached to a standard support frame as described above. Figure 12 The swing arrangement 50 illustrated in is a standard swing 51 that can swing back and forth in the direction of arrow 52 with a user seated. Figure 13 The swing arrangement 53 shown in is a surfboard swing 54 that can swing back and forth in the direction of arrow 55 with a user standing. Figure 14 The swing arrangement 56 shown in is a rotating swing 57 that can swing back and forth in the direction of arrow 58 and rotate in circles in either direction shown by arrow 59. Figure 15 The swing arrangement 60 shown in is a standard swing 61 that can swing back and forth in the direction of arrow 62 and rotate in circles in either direction shown by arrow 63.

[0063] Figure 16 The additional play apparatus 64 shown in includes a standard swing 65 suspended from a support beam, and the support beam is in turn supported above the ground by two support columns 68. The two support columns for the standard swing are supplemented by two other support columns 67, which can be of the type referenced above with respect to Figures 1 to 8 described, spaced apart from the support columns for swinging by the same spacing as the support columns of the support frame assembly. A bounce pad 66 extends between one of the support columns and one of the other support columns, is attached at a high position on the support columns, and further extends between ground anchors 69, attached to the ground anchors 69 at a lower position such that the bounce pad or sail is at an inclined angle.

[0064] The sliding pad 70 is attached to the other two support columns 67 and 68 at a high position and slopes downward from the other two support columns 67 and 68 to two other ground anchors. Each side edge of the sliding pad is pulled downward by a Y-shaped brace 71, the two arms of the Y-shaped brace being attached to the corresponding side edge and the tail of the Y-shaped brace being attached to the lateral brace 72. The lateral brace is also provided between the support columns of the bouncing sail and the ground anchor. The climbing net 73 extends between the support columns of the sliding pad, and the support strut 74 is provided between the support columns of the bouncing pad. A user can bounce on the bouncing pad, for example but not limited to in the direction indicated by the arrow 75, and can slide down the sliding pad in the direction of the arrow 76.

[0065] Figures 17 to 22 The modular play devices 80a to 80d shown in provide illustrative examples of the various ways in which different play elements can be provided. In Figures 17 to 19 order, Figure 17 shows a swing 81 and a parallel swing 82 supported on a frame (i.e., "main frame 83"), the main frame itself being invisible due to the top or cover, while in Figure 18 a play area 84 and a platform 85 are added, where one truncated A-shaped frame end 12 is replaced by a corner module 86, and then a slide 87 is added to extend at right angles to the main frame. Then in Figure 19 the slide is moved to one side of the corner module extending from the main frame, and a top module or "side frame 88" is added to the corner module to extend at right angles to the main frame where the slide was previously located, the side frame being supported at its distal end by another truncated A-shaped frame. A skateboard swing or surfboard swing 89 is added to be supported by the side frame.

[0066] The surfboard swing basically takes the form of a rope swing suspended from a support beam of the side frame, having two upper ropes 81b suspended from the main beam, the upper ropes being joined at their lower ends to a single downwardly hanging rope 81c. The board 81d is connected to the single rope substantially at its center. A user sitting or standing on the board across the single rope can swing backward and forward about the axis of the support beam or substantially parallel to the axis of the support beam, and can also swing laterally from the lower end of the upper ropes, and can also rotate as required.

[0067] Figures 20 to 22 The modular play device 80d shown in shows Figure 18 and 19More details of the platform 85 shown, each platform 85 having a hole 90 sized for a user to climb through from below, and each side of the corner module being enclosed or partially enclosed by a net 91 or a perforated sheet 92, as shown with two platforms. In this regard, one side is completely enclosed by the perforated sheet, two opposite sides are completely enclosed by the net, and the fourth side opposite the perforated sheet has a lower panel and a net, the lower panel enclosing the space between the floor or ground and the lower platform and opening opposite the perforated sheet between the lower and upper platforms, and the net enclosing the space between the upper platform and the top 93.

[0068] Figures 23 to 27 The modular play apparatus 80e shown has a main support beam 11 supported by Figure 23 two end frame support assemblies 12 in the form shown above with reference to Figures 1 to 22 and having a substantially identical form to that described above. The support assemblies are in the form of truncated A-frames having a top bar 12a between the upper ends of the support columns and a central bar 12b midway between the upper and lower ends of the support columns. Referring to Figure 24 and 25 for the detail drawings, the top bar has a bar portion 12c which is strengthened or hardened at the lower end by a plate portion 12d and is connected to the plate portion 12d, for example, by welding. Three gusset plates 12e are provided midway along the ends of the top bar to fix or more firmly attach a plug 12f or socket thereto at right angles for attaching the main support beam. Similarly, end plugs or sockets 12g are attached to the respective ends of the top bar for attaching the support columns.

[0069] A rotating swing 94 and a sling swing 95 are each mounted to the main support beam, as Figure 26 and Figure 27 shown. The sling swing has a base 96 of U-shaped cross-section suspended by four cables (typically indicated as 97), each cable extending from one of two pivots to a corner of the base. The base can be rigid, but is preferably flexible and has strengthening columns along the long sides such that its performance is substantially the same as that of the sling. Viewed from the end of the frame, the cables of the sling swing are substantially aligned with the inclined sides of a triangle, the base of the triangle being provided substantially by at least a portion of the base, and the apex being substantially at the location where they are mounted to the pivots which are in turn mounted to the support beam. It can be seen that in this arrangement there are two pairs of cables, one pair supporting one side of the base and the other pair supporting the other side of the base.

[0070] Viewed from the side of the frame and thus from the end of the sling swing, the cables appear substantially parallel, and the distance between the sides of the base is substantially the same as the spacing between the pivot mounts that support the sling swing. Additionally, the basketball hoop and backboard 98 are mounted to one of the truncated A-frames at the ends of the frame. Stakes are also schematically shown as if they extend into the ground to secure the frame against movement and / or tilting.

[0071] The combination of modular play elements selected for assembling the modular play apparatus according to the present invention includes a net cover 99 through which water can drain. A rain cover can be placed over the net or in place of the net. The support straps can be marked or have other indicia thereon. As shown in the previous figures, the rope net can extend between the end posts and is well-suited for climbing as well as aesthetically pleasing. A multi-level climbing tower as described previously can also be provided, as well as slides, safety nets, spinning swings, and net panels (of the same material as the net top panel) to take advantage of the modular nature of the design. If desired, the climbing tower can be provided to a greater height than shown.

[0072] As Figures 28 to 31 The swing 110 shown has a frame member 111 mounted to a rotating assembly 112, the rotating assembly 112 being mounted to a pivot assembly 113, and the pivot assembly 113 being mounted to a support frame 114. The frame member is formed by a hollow section or tube having a circular cross-section and bent into a series of straight portions as follows. Starting from the rotating assembly and proceeding along the frame member, the upper transverse portion 121 extends transversely from the rotating assembly to the first bend portion 131, and then the upper inclined portion 122 extends from the first bend portion at an inclined angle to the second bend portion 132.

[0073] The main portion 123 of the frame member extends from the second bend portion substantially at a right angle to the support frame. Both the first bend portion and the second bend portion have obtuse interior angles, but when combined, a bend of approximately 90° is provided between the upper transverse portion and the main portion. The main frame member extends from the second bend portion to the third bend portion 133. The lower inclined portion 124 extends from the third bend portion at an inclined angle to the fourth bend portion 134. The lower transverse portion 125 extends from the fourth bend portion to terminate at 126.

[0074] The third bend portion and the fourth bend portion are substantially equal such that the lower transverse portion is approximately 45°. That is, each bend portion is approximately 45° to provide an included angle of approximately 135° such that the lower transverse portion is substantially parallel to the upper transverse portion, which in turn is substantially parallel to the support frame 114. The first angle is from about 73° to 74° to provide an interior angle of from about 106° to 107°. The second angle is the linear complement of the first angle and is from 16° to 17° to provide an interior angle of from 163° to 164°.

[0075] The handle assembly 140 is mounted to the frame member at approximately the middle of the middle portion. The handle assembly is substantially a rectangular frame, the ends of which are bent approximately 90° from the main plane of the rectangle. To provide this form, the handle assembly has two upper lateral handle portions 141 and 142 and two lower lateral handle portions 143 and 144. The lateral handle portions 141 and 143 nominally extend from the left side of the frame member, and the lateral handle portions 142, 144 nominally extend to the right side of the frame member. There are four handle bends 145, 146, 147 and 148. For purposes of identification, they may be referred to as the upper left handle bend 145, the upper right handle bend 146, the lower left handle bend 147 and the lower right handle bend 148. There are provided two grip portions, namely a left grip portion 151 and a right grip portion 152. Each grip portion is in the form of a square "U" with rounded corners, each terminating in a straight upright grip portion 153.

[0076] The platform assembly 160 is mounted on top of the transverse lower part 125, which has a plate fastened to the adjusting plate 161, and the adjusting plate 161 has a tubular portion that fits over the transverse lower part of the frame member. The platform assembly is adjusted so that its position is directly below the rotating portion, that is, the axis of rotation passes substantially centrally therethrough, and is also oriented such that when the main portion is substantially vertical, it is substantially horizontal.

[0077] The rotating assembly 112 has a rotating shaft 163 in the form of a bolt that passes through two axially spaced rotating bearings 164 and is fixed in place by a nut (hereinafter referred to as the rotating nut 165). The rotating shaft is held within a tubular rotating housing 166 to which the upper part 121 of the frame member is welded. The rotating bearings are held in place axially by an upper support plate 167, a lower support plate 168 and a rotating bushing 169.

[0078] The pivot assembly 113 has a substantially horizontal pivot shaft 171, similar to the rotating shaft, in the form of a bolt that is fixed in place by a nut (hereinafter referred to as the pivot nut 172). The pivot shaft passes through holes in two hanger plates 173 welded to the support frame and through two pivot bearings 174 located between the hanger plates. The pivot bearings are held in place axially by a pivot bushing 175 and the hanger plates. The pivot housing 176 rotates freely about the axis of the pivot shaft, and the rotating housing is welded to the pivot housing to extend radially from the pivot axis. The pivot axis and the axis of rotation intersect each other substantially at right angles, but it should be understood that if these axes are offset from each other, the swing will still function similarly.

[0079] In use, the swing of the present invention can be installed on a swing set together with other swings or play equipment. The user can install platforms to stand on and, if available, use their forward momentum to start swinging the swing in an oscillating manner about a pivot axis, which is very similar to the way a traditional swing works. However, when in the standing position, the user will be required to hold tightly to the frame members or handles. The swinging can be achieved in the usual way, for example by shifting body weight while the swing is in motion. Rotational movement can also be introduced by using corresponding weight shifts.

[0080] If desired, movements similar to surfing or skateboarding can be achieved by adjusting the appropriate posture on the platform. The user's feet can be oriented across the platform, along the platform, or a combination thereof, or orientations therebetween. The handles can be used to deviate the upper body from the axis of rotation to induce or otherwise control the rotation of the swing about the axis of rotation.

[0081] In use, the specific design of the modular play equipment according to the present invention can be selected from optional elements according to the user's expectations or requirements. Once selected, these components are put together, possibly in the form of a kit. The design of the modular play equipment can be added to or changed as needed or desired, especially in cases where the user has a family and children grow and develop as they get older.

[0082] Compared with play equipment that can be provided to municipal parks or commercial childcare centers, the arrangement and design of the elements allow for a lighter structure and lower cost.

[0083] It will be recognized that the above is an illustration of one or more examples of the present invention, and all such modifications and variations that are obvious to those skilled in the art are considered to fall within the broad scope and bounds of the present invention as presented herein.

Claims

1. A modular amusement device, comprising: One or more support beams for supporting a plurality of amusement devices along the support beam; Two or more support components, each support component supporting at least the end of the support beam or each support beam above the support surface in a lateral orientation, each said support component comprising: One or more upright columns having a lower end for engaging the support surface and an upper end remote from the lower end; A lateral support structure associated with each support component and engaging the upper end of the upright column or each upright column, the lateral support structure having a support beam connection portion for connecting to one or more of the support beams, and extending a predetermined distance transverse to the support beam or at least one of the support beams to which it is connected; Wherein the lateral support structure is adapted to provide support for a cover assembly such that in use the cover assembly provides a cover for the plurality of amusement devices; Wherein the cover assembly includes a support band wound around at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the modular amusement device to provide support for the outer peripheral edge of the tent top of the cover assembly between the support components, and Wherein the lateral support structure associated with each support component is a rectangular support frame and the support beam is attached to the inner side of the rectangular support frame.

2. The modular amusement device according to claim 1, wherein the lateral support structure provides wide support for a cover assembly to be mounted or fastened thereto, the cover assembly including a support band formed of a substantially non-extensible material.

3. The modular amusement device according to claim 2, wherein the non-extensible material is wound around the outer perimeters of two or more lateral support structures.

4. The modular amusement device according to claim 2, wherein the cover assembly is sized to fit closely to the lateral support structure to provide additional stiffness to the assembled frame against relative movement of the components of the frame assembly.

5. The modular amusement device according to claim 1, wherein the support band encloses a space that is substantially rectangular in plan view, the rectangular space accommodating the support beam therein, and the support band extends downward a short distance from the top of the amusement device like a skirt.

6. The modular amusement device according to claim 1, wherein the rectangular support frame includes a plurality of crossbars such that the frame has a ladder-like structure.

7. The modular amusement device according to claim 1, wherein the support beam extends to the outside of the rectangular support frame.

8. The modular amusement device according to claim 1, having three or more support components.

9. The modular amusement device according to claim 8, wherein the support components are adapted to be joined end-to-end by a coupler.

10. The modular amusement device according to claim 1, including attachment means for attaching a swing or other amusement device, Wherein the swing is selected from a standard swing, a boat swing, a bucket swing, a high swing, a tire swing, a glider swing, a rotating swing, and a sling; and Wherein the other amusement devices include one or more of a slide, a rappelling device, a rope ladder, a climbing net, a knotted rope, a climbing post or rope, a roman ring, a slide and a platform.

11. The modular amusement device according to claim 1, wherein a flexible support assembly is further provided, the flexible support assembly being formed of trampoline mat material and connectable to at least one support assembly of the support assembly remote from the support beam.

12. The modular amusement device according to claim 11, wherein the flexible support assembly includes a sheet of flexible, substantially inextensible material held taut between two of the uprights.

13. The modular amusement device according to claim 12, wherein the substantially inextensible material extends to at least two ground anchors remote from the lower ends of the support posts.

14. The modular amusement device according to claim 1, including the cover assembly.

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