Amusement system incorporating balanced crossover concept

Abstract

Embodiments of an amusement system (100) incorporating the concept of a balance crossover (112, 124, 130, 148) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a series of segments (302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 317, 318, 320, 322, 324) are joined together to create an appearance in which two crossovers (112, 124, 130, 148) intersect one another (112, 124, 130, 148) at a point at which one of the crossovers (112, 124, 130, 148) has a notched appearance. A play element is schematically connected to at least some of the segments (302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 317, 318, 320, 322, 324).

Description

Background Art

[0001] Many currently installed play systems, such as those in outdoor playgrounds, share a similar look and feel. This is true even when comparing play systems from different equipment manufacturers. For example, many manufacturers favor a "post and deck" style system, which typically consists of tubes extending from other tubes, often arranged perpendicular to one another. Ancillary elements such as netting and cables are also often incorporated as a way to enhance style and add originality. However, when the underlying structure lacks innovative inspiration, there are limits to what can be achieved.

[0002] Of course, this isn't to say that some manufacturers haven't produced play systems with a more innovative look and feel. Certainly, some have. Unfortunately, however, this increase in design innovation often comes at the expense of other considerations, such as modularity of components or ease of assembly. This is at least because more innovative components tend to be more specialized and, therefore, less versatile and less easily connected.

[0003] There is a constant need for amusement systems to balance creative aesthetic features with other more functional considerations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of a play system incorporating a balanced cross-piece concept are disclosed. In one embodiment, a series of segments are joined together to create the appearance of two cross-pieces intersecting at a point where one of the cross-pieces has the appearance of a notch cut out. Play elements are schematically connected to at least some of the segments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 A perspective view of a play system incorporating the concept of balanced cross-pieces.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a top view of the amusement system.

[0007] Figure 3 It is a side view of the amusement system.

[0008] Figure 4 This is an end view of the amusement system.

[0009] Figure 5 A transparent component view that is part of the ride system.

[0010] Figure 6 A see-through and partially transparent view of a portion of the ride system.

[0011] Figure 7is a perspective view of the attachment boxes used to connect the segments.

[0012] Figures 8-10 is a perspective view of the intersection segment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an amusement system 100 incorporating the concept of a balanced cross member. The system 100 includes a plurality of anchoring feet 102, which are illustratively but not necessarily hardened concrete feet. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other types of feet having similar functions can be readily substituted.

[0014] It should be noted that in Figure 1 Only a few representative pins 102 are labeled. In this specification, when a few representative pins are labeled, it should be assumed that all elements with the same or substantially similar appearance are labeled with the same label. Omission of labels is only done to improve clarity by simplifying the drawings.

[0015] There is an anchor support 104 above each anchor foot 102. Only a few representative anchor supports 104 are actually Figure 1 . Then, an elongated member 103 (several schematically labeled) passes through each anchor support 104 and into the anchor foot 102. In some cases, the elongated member 103 is a cable, while in other cases, it is a post. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of elongated members 103 (such as, but not limited to, hybrid post / cable systems) may be substituted. The exact nature of the member 103 is not important.

[0016] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various combinations of anchoring feet 102, anchoring supports 104, and elongated members 103 are points at which a portion of the amusement system 100 is anchored to the ground and structurally supported. The feet 102 are schematically shown buried in the ground, the anchoring supports 104 are schematically shown engaging the ground at or near the ground, and the elongated members 103 are schematically shown extending through the anchoring supports 102 and into the feet 102. In this manner, the entire structure of the amusement system 100 is secured to the ground and structurally supported.

[0017] The amusement system 100 also includes a first cross-piece 106 having a first end 108 and a second end 110. Also included is a second cross-piece 112 having a first end 114 and a second end 116. Also included is a third cross-piece 118 having a first end 120 and a second end 122. Also included is a fourth cross-piece 124 having a first end 126 and a second end 128. Also included is a fifth cross-piece 130 having a first end 132 and a second end 134. Also included is a sixth cross-piece 136 having a first end 138 and a second end 140. Also included is a seventh cross-piece 142 having a first end 144 and a second end 146. Also included is an eighth cross-piece 148 having a first end 150 and a second end 152.

[0018] Ends 134, 140, 146, and 152 are schematically the bottoms of cross members 130, 136, 142, and 148, respectively. These cross members 130, 136, 142, and 148 operate in a manner similar to vertical posts, although they are oriented schematically (though not necessarily) at a slight angle relative to a flat reference plane that is coincident with (or substantially close to) the ground in the area where the amusement system 100 is installed (e.g., a horizontal or substantially flat reference plane that passes through the ground). Figure 1 In one contemplated scenario, any or all of the cross members (particularly those directly engaging the ground) are positioned at an angle relative to the flat or substantially flat reference plane, at least because this allows for a wider distribution of loads applied thereto.

[0019] In one embodiment, cross members 130, 136, 142, and 148 extend through their respective anchor supports 104 and extend into their associated anchor legs 102. However, this need not be the case. For example, in another embodiment, each end 134, 140, 146, and 152 schematically extends into an outer sleeve that extends through the anchor support 104 and / or into the anchor legs 102. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in this case, the starting position of cross members 130, 136, 142, and 148 and the starting position of the outer sleeve are matters of design choice. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that other anchoring configurations that transition between the legs and cross members may also serve as alternatives.

[0020] Figure 2is a top view of amusement system 100. The top view provides additional information regarding the positional relationship between cross members 106, 112, 118, 124, 136, 130, 142, and 148. Furthermore, the top view illustrates that cross members 106, 118, 136, and 142 are substantially similar but oriented in opposite directions compared to cross members 112, 124, 130, and 148. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, this description will not fully describe both sides, but will primarily focus on the 112 / 124 / 130 / 148 cross member combination. For the purpose of supporting a completely or substantially symmetrical design, it is assumed that the 106 / 118 / 136 / 142 cross member combination is configured in a substantially identical manner, or at least in an identical but opposite manner.

[0021] Figure 3 It is from Figure 1 A side view of the amusement system 100 is shown taken from a near side perspective. Figure 3 Additional explanation is provided regarding the positioning of cross members 112, 124, 130 and 148 relative to each other. The side view more clearly shows that Figure 3 From the perspective of FIG, cross member 112 has the appearance of crossing from behind cross members 148 and 124. Cross member 124 has the appearance of passing from the front of cross member 130 and cross member 112.

[0022] Figure 3 It is also shown that each of the cross members 112, 124, 130, and 148 is actually composed of multiple segments connected in series. Cross member 148 is schematically composed of end segment 302, cross segment 304, and end segment 306. Cross member 130 is schematically composed of end segment 308, cross segment 310, and end segment 312. Cross member 124 is schematically composed of end segment 314, cross segment 310, middle segment 316, cross segment 317, and end segment 318. Cross member 112 is schematically composed of end segment 320, cross segment 304, middle segment 322, cross segment 317, and end segment 324. Therefore, it is apparent that cross segments 304, 310, and 317 are each configured to be shared by multiple independent cross members.

[0023] It should be understood that the specific number of segments incorporated into each of the cross members 112, 124, 130, 148 is not critical. Each beam can be designed and manufactured with equal ease to include more or fewer individual segments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this embodiment is merely one example of a possible configuration. Other similar configurations having different numbers of segments are also contemplated.

[0024] Figure 4 Is the amusement system 100 from Figure 1The end view is taken from the left side of the perspective view shown. The cross member combinations 112 / 124 / 130 and 106 / 118 / 136 have been labeled according to the context. However, the focus will continue to be primarily on the cross member combinations 112, 124, 130 and 148, while the cross member 148 is not shown because it is obscured. Figure 4 Marked in the middle.

[0025] Figure 4 The end view of FIG provides further illustration of the positioning of cross members 112, 124, and 130 relative to one another. The end view more clearly illustrates that cross member 112 has the appearance of actually passing through cross member 124, although not directly across (or vice versa). Cross members 112 and 124 are configured at their apparent intersection to support an aesthetic feature where one of the cross members is notched to accommodate the passage of the other cross member. Assuming both cross members 112 and 124 were completely solid, one of them would actually have to be notched to accommodate the passage of the other cross member. However, it is apparent that despite reference to FIG. Figure 3 Cross section 317, which is introduced and provides support for both cross members 112 and 124, is illustratively not solid, but in reality it is configured as such simply to convey the impression of solidity.

[0026] Cross members 112 and 124 are configured so that they are slightly rotated relative to a reference plane that is substantially coincident with the ground surface on which the amusement system 100 is installed. This slight rotation of cross members 112 and 124 (and schematically all other cross members described herein) causes the substantially flat sides of the cross members to be substantially non-parallel to (or perpendicular to) the reference plane. Of course, this is an optional configuration. Furthermore, the positioning relative to the reference plane assumes that the amusement system 100 is installed in an area with a flat ground surface. This is assumed to be a flat ground surface for the sole purpose of providing relative orientation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that adjustments can be made to accommodate ground surfaces that are not completely flat without departing from the design concepts described herein.

[0027] Figure 4 As more clearly shown in the end view of FIG, cross member 130 has the appearance of actually passing through cross member 124, although not directly through (or vice versa). Cross members 130 and 124 are configured at their apparent intersection to support the following aesthetic feature: one of the cross members is notched to accommodate the passage of the other cross member. Assuming that both cross members 130 and 124 were completely solid, in practice one of them would have to be notched to accommodate the passage of the other cross member. However, it is apparent that although reference is made to Figure 3 Cross section 317, which is introduced and provides support for cross members 130 and 124, is illustratively not solid, but is in fact configured so only to convey the impression of solidity.

[0028] Figure 5 is a transparent assembly view showing how the multiple segments of the cross member assemblies 112 / 124 / 130 and 106 / 118 / 136 are assembled. Figure 3 As described, each individual cross member is actually a series of interconnected segments. Figure 3 As noted, for example, cross member 124 is schematically comprised of end segment 314 , cross segment 310 , intermediate segment 316 , cross segment 317 , and end segment 318 . Figure 5 The transparent assembly view of shows how the cross section 317 and the end section 318 are assembled together, which is schematically consistent with the assembly of the other sections in the cross member assembly.

[0029] like Figure 5 As shown, end segment 318 and a portion of cross segment 317 are schematically shown as being hollow. End cap 504 is used to seal the end of end segment 318. Other cross members with openings in amusement system 100 are schematically sealed with end caps in a similar manner. One or more rivets are schematically used to secure the end caps in place. One or more holes are schematically formed (e.g., during manufacturing) to accommodate rivet-based attachment of the caps to the segments.

[0030] There are gaps between the individual segments of each cross-piece combination 112 / 124 / 130 and 106 / 118 / 136. This is reflected in Figure 5 , wherein gap 502 is formed between cross-segment 317 and end segment 318. Gap 502 is formed when segment 318 is joined to segment 317. Gap 502 is an inclined gap, which is illustratively true for any or all gaps between cross-segments in amusement system 100, although not necessarily so. This is due to the fact that each of segments 318 and 317 is formed with an inclined edge at their junction.

[0031] To facilitate the securing of the end section 318 to the cross section 317, a first attachment box 508 and a second attachment box 510 are provided. The boxes 508 and 510 are partially located inside the end section 318 and partially located inside the cross section 317. Figure 5 This is obvious in the figure due to the transparent nature of the figure.

[0032] Several representative parts of the plurality of connecting parts 512 are Figure 5512 are shown and labeled in . These connectors 512 are used to secure the attachment box 508 to the cross section 318 on one side of the gap 502 and to the cross section 317 on the other side. Similarly, another plurality of connectors 512 are used to secure the attachment box 510 to the end section 318 on one side of the gap 502 and to the cross section 317 on the other side. Of course, openings are included in (e.g., added during manufacturing) the segments to facilitate attachment using the connectors 512. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exact characteristics of the connectors 512 may vary from one embodiment to another. In one embodiment, the connector 512 is a simple nut and bolt combination, wherein the head of the bolt is located on the outside of the segment and the bolt is hidden inside. Washers and / or bolt head covers may also be optionally included. As Figure 5 As shown, the two connectors 512 in each pair are schematically staggered to avoid overlap with the two connectors 512 in the other pair. The inclined nature of the gap 502 facilitates this arrangement. This configuration makes assembly particularly convenient.

[0033] While assembly can be completed in any order, it is particularly convenient to secure the first end of attachment box 508 to cross section 317 (using two connectors 512) and then join end section 318 at slot 502. Next, the first end of attachment box 510 is schematically secured to cross section 317 (using two connectors 512). The angled nature of slot 502 (and the non-stacked, but offset, connection scheme) allows for particularly convenient access to the interior of cross section 317 when securing the first ends of attachment boxes 508 and 510. Next, end section 318 is slid over attachment boxes 508 and 510 from above, and end cap 504 is secured in place. The other ends of attachment boxes 508 and 510 are then attached to end section 318 using connectors 512, passing through an opening in end section 318 (or, alternatively, through another opening formed in that section that provides access). Finally, cap 504 is secured in place.

[0034] Figure 6 is a perspective and partially transparent view of a portion of play system 100. This view is essentially a close-up perspective view of the intersection of cross member 124 and cross member 112 at intersection section 317. The figure also shows the intersection of cross member 118 and cross member 106 on the other side. The details of this other side of play system 100 are provided at least to emphasize that both sides are schematically configured in a similar manner.

[0035] Figure 6 The view is transparent, which shows the end section 324, the middle section 322, the end section 324 and the middle section 316 respectively with reference to Figure 5The described connection of segments 318 / 317 is attached to cross-segment 317 in a substantially similar manner. Specifically, a combination of attachment boxes (i.e., the same or similar to attachment boxes 508 / 510) supported by connectors (i.e., the same or similar to connectors 512) is provided. An angled slot (i.e., the same or similar to slot 502) is also included at each connection point. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the connection at cross-segments 310 and 304 (i.e., the same or similar to slot 502) is substantially similar to the connection at cross-segments 310 and 304. Figure 3 ) is schematically configured as in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The connection method at the intersection section 317 described in is the same or substantially similar.

[0036] Figure 7 708 and 710 are perspective views of attachment boxes 708 and 710, which are examples of the mechanisms for connecting the segments of the cross member described above. Attachment box 708 is schematically separate from attachment box 710. As shown and as described herein, the box slides out from the perfect alignment state to support the attachment of the two segments on both sides of the inclined slit formed between the two segments of the cross member. Despite this, it should be noted that any or all of the attachment boxes described herein can be easily configured to align with each other rather than stagger. Due to many reasons including feasibility and aesthetics, the inclined slit makes it possible to slide out from the aligned state to become an attractive alternative. However, particularly when the slit is straight rather than tilted, the attachment box can be easily positioned to be collinear with each other, and therefore supports the higher attachment scheme of overlap. It can also be imagined that the attachment boxes relative to each other can have sizes or shapes different from each other. They do not have to be identical.

[0037] Attachment boxes 708 and 710 are each shown secured with connectors 512 (a representative number is labeled). Connecting holes are schematically formed at each corner of the surface of each attachment box to accommodate a bolt portion of the connector passing therethrough. The heads of the bolts are schematically sized to engage the surface of the connector (and / or the surface of the cross-piece segments) to facilitate securing the components together, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Nuts are threaded onto the bolts to complete the securement. To provide an attractive aesthetic, an optional cap is secured to the head of each bolt 702 in place of the original bolt head. Other mechanisms for securing the cross-piece segments together using the attachment box should also be considered as conceivable simple alternative design options. The illustrated combination of nuts, bolts, and caps is schematic only. In another embodiment, the bolts are configured to be attached / secured to the attachment box even if no bolts are used to reinforce the two cross-pieces.

[0038] Figure 8 is a first perspective view of intersection segment 317 . Figure 9is a second perspective view of the intersection segment 317, which is rotated so as to be able to follow Figure 8 Observe the line of sight 802 shown. Figure 10 is a second perspective view of the intersection segment 317, this time rotated so as to be able to follow Figure 8 Observe the line of sight 804 shown. Figure 8 and Figure 9 It is intended to show what the interior of the intersection section 317 looks like.

[0039] exist Figures 8-10 The first feature to note in the depiction of cross-segment 317 is the plurality of attachment holes 806, a representative view of which is labeled. These schematically represent the points at which cross-segment 317 is joined to other segments using connectors, as depicted using a plurality of attachment boxes. Note that attachment holes 806 are configured at each attachment point such that a first pair of attachment holes 806 are staggered, rather than collinear with another pair of attachment holes 806.

[0040] Crossing section 317 Figure 9 View in (from Figure 8 802) shows a substantially hollow interior. It is not important that the cross section 317 is manufactured as a single component. It can simply be two or more interconnected components. For example, in Figures 8-10 In the illustrated embodiment, the first component 904 and the second component 906 are schematically nested together.

[0041] In addition to cross-segment 317, the amusement system 100 includes other cross-segments (e.g., cross-segments 304 and 310). When the manufacturing method for the cross-segments requires connecting and / or nesting multiple individual components, it becomes critical to ensure that the correct components are paired together for each cross-segment. This is at least because not every cross-segment is identical or needs to be identical in order for their components to be interchangeable.

[0042] Therefore, the components of the cross-section are configured to include indexing features to help ensure that the correct components of each cross-section are paired together. Figure 9 , a pair of tabs 902 are schematically provided to assist in the proper mating of components 904 and 906. Component 906 is schematically notched to facilitate the inclusion of the protruding portion of tab 902 within component 904. One or both of tabs 902 may also include an embossed number (e.g., "4") to further assist in the proper mating of the components.

[0043] Crossing section 317 Figure 10 View in (from Figure 8 804) shows a substantially hollow interior. Tab 1002 is schematically used to facilitate the connection of components 904 and 906. Figure 10As shown, component 904 is schematically configured to facilitate the joining of two components. Figure 10 As shown, another embossed number (eg, "4") is configured to aid in accurate pairing of the individual components. In one example, components 904 and 906 both include the same embossed number to facilitate accurate pairing.

[0044] Tabs 902 are schematically depicted as being sized specifically to facilitate proper connection at the intersection of the associated components. For example, component 904 is schematically notched to accommodate only correctly oriented tabs. This schematically prevents component 904 from being "reversely" inserted into component 906 and prevents other components from different intersection segments from engaging component 906 and thereby forming an "ineffective" connection. Essentially, there is a "keyed" or "indexed" relationship between the tabs of component 906 and the notches formed in component 904. This also applies to other tabs / notches of other components of the intersection structure incorporated into amusement system 100, i.e., each intersection segment has a unique "keyed" or "indexed" segment pair.

[0045] Thus, the other cross-segments in the amusement system 100 are schematically configured similarly when compared to cross-segment 317. This is not to say that the angles and orientations of the two included segments must be identical when compared to cross-segment 317. It is contemplated that there are various cross-segments that may include various angles and orientations, etc. Thus, the keyed or indexed relationship between the cross-segment components provides additional convenience.

[0046] Before further elaborating on the current description, it's worth pointing out that the term "intersecting," as used herein, does not necessarily limit the scenario to one in which the overall look and feel of one segment coincides with that of another segment, which passes through at least a portion of the other segment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a segment could easily be configured to intersect from behind, rather than appearing to pass through it. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that a segment could pass directly through another segment, rather than being rotated at an angle. The examples shown herein should not be considered limiting.

[0047] The amusement system 100 is schematically modularized such that any number of end segments, middle segments, and cross segments can be manufactured and combined in a variety of different combinations to produce structures with different overall looks and feels. In addition, a large number of different play elements can be incorporated. The precise positioning of the cross members and associated cross member segments shown and described herein is also merely illustrative. The specific configuration is provided as an example of the overall concept and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the configuration can easily be configured in another manner without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0048] It is also worth noting that a beneficial feature of the system 100 is that the system can be expanded in stages, i.e., starting with one or more components and then adding additional components after the initial system is formed. Play elements can be incorporated into the initial system and / or added during any subsequent stages of system expansion.

[0049] In one non-limiting embodiment, the cross members of the amusement system 100 are made of galvanized steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one non-limiting embodiment, the cross members of the amusement system 100 are typically sized x x x (i.e., square), with a wall thickness of approximately 0.120 inches. Any cut ends are schematically sprayed with an anti-corrosion coating, and the exterior surfaces are schematically provided with a finishing coating, such as a powder coat finish. It should also be understood that the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein is not limited to segments having a square, rectangular, or any other specific cross-sectional profile when viewed from the end of the segment. A segment may simply be circular, oval, star-shaped, or any other shape. The profile need not be consistent from one end of the segment to the other. Transitions from one profile to another may also exist.

[0050] It should be noted that the dimensions provided herein (if any) are intended to be illustrative only. Specific dimensions are provided merely as examples of scale and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these dimensions can be readily adjusted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0051] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that although Figure 1 While a bridge structure is shown, many different types of play elements may be incorporated into system 100. The scope of the present invention is not limited to any one element or any combination of elements. Other elements that may be incorporated into system 100 include, but are not limited to, slides, crossing bars, rope climbers, climbing nets, swings, climbing rings, tubular climbers, or pivoting cross-platforms.

[0052] In addition to the play elements attached to the play system 100 , the environment may also include additional independent play elements. These “unattached” play elements help create a continuous and innovative play system 100 .

Claims

1. A playground structure comprising: a first cross member comprising a first segment connected to the cross segment so as to be co-linear with a first end segment also attached to the cross segment; a second cross-member comprising a second segment connected to the cross-segment so as to be co-linear with a second end segment also attached to the cross-segment; wherein the cross-segment is configured such that the first cross-member appears to pass through a notched portion of the second cross-member; and At least one play element is attached to at least one of the first cross member and the second cross member, the play element being configured for a person to climb thereon.

2. The playground structure of claim 1, wherein the cross-segments are configured such that the first cross-member appears to pass through, but not directly across, the second cross-member.

3. The playground structure of claim 1 , wherein the first cross-member has a square profile when viewed from one of its ends, and wherein the cross-segments are configured so that a portion, but not all, of the square profile appears through the second cross-member.

4. The playground structure of claim 1 , wherein the first cross-member has a square profile when viewed from one of the ends of the first cross-member, and wherein the cross-segments are configured so that a portion, but not all, of the square profile appears to pass through the second cross-member, and wherein the square profile appears to pass through the second cross-member such that the square profile is rotated relative to a reference plane where the square profile passes, the reference plane being substantially coincident with the plane of the ground surface where the playground structure is mounted.

5. The playground structure of claim 1 , wherein the first cross-member has a circular profile when viewed from one of its ends, and wherein the cross-segments are configured such that a portion, but not all, of the circular profile appears through the second cross-member.

6. The playground structure of claim 1 wherein said first and second sections are at least substantially hollow.

7. A playground structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intersection segment is at least substantially hollow.

8. The playground structure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of anchoring feet directly or indirectly supporting the first cross member and the second cross member.

9. The playground structure of claim 1, further comprising an attachment mechanism partially located within and secured to each of the first segment and the cross segment.

10. The playground structure of claim 1, wherein the cross-segment comprises a first cross-segment piece configured to nest with a second cross-segment piece.

11. The playground structure of claim 10, wherein an indicator is incorporated into the first cross-section to increase the likelihood that the first cross-section will be correctly paired with the second cross-section and not with an incorrect cross-section.

12. A method of assembling a playground structure comprising incorporating a cross section as part of two cross members such that one of the two cross members presents the appearance of a solid cross member passing through a notched portion of the other of the two cross members despite the fact that the two cross members are substantially hollow.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein merging the intersection segment comprises connecting an end of each of the two intersection members to the intersection segment.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein connecting a first one of the ends of the two cross members to the cross segment further comprises: An attachment mechanism is secured to the intersection segment, the attachment mechanism crossing between and engaging a first one of the end portions.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the cross section is incorporated as part of two cross pieces so that one of the two cross pieces presents the appearance of a solid cross piece that passes through, but not directly across, the notched portion of the other of the two cross pieces.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of the two cross members has a square or rectangular profile when viewed from one of the ends of the at least one of the two cross members.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of the two cross members has a square or rectangular profile when viewed from one of the ends of the at least one of the two cross members.

18. A cross-segment for incorporation into a playground structure, the cross-segment comprising an at least substantially hollow first cross-segment component nested within an at least substantially hollow second cross-segment component, the at least substantially hollow first and second cross-segment components nested to create the illusion of a first solid cross member passing through a notched portion of the second solid cross member.

19. The cross-segment of claim 18, wherein an indexing feature is incorporated into at least one of the two at least substantially hollow cross-segment components to facilitate mating with the other of the at least substantially hollow cross-segment components without mating with an incompatible cross-segment component.

20. The cross-segment of claim 18, wherein at least the substantially hollow first and second cross-segment components are nested to create the illusion of a first solid cross member passing through, but not directly across, the cutout portion of a second solid cross member.

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