Connector for commercial amusement park equipment

Abstract

Embodiments of a connector (304) for a commercial amusement park device are disclosed. In one embodiment, an amusement park component is provided that includes a connector (304) preassembled on a cord (302). The connector (304) includes a connector nut (310), an optional washer (308), and a connector base (306) that are prevented from slipping from the end of the cord (302) by a stop (312). In one embodiment, the stopper (312) is a ferrule (312) attached to the end of the cord. A specially shaped opening (404) is formed in another part (402) that is also part of the amusement park part. The specially-shaped opening (404) is configured such that when the connector base (306) is rotated to a first orientation, at least a portion of the connector base (306) can be inserted into the opening (404), but when the connector base (306) is rotated to a second orientation after insertion of another component (402), the connector base (306) cannot be pulled back through the specially-shaped opening (404).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of commercial playground equipment and, more particularly, to a connector for constructing commercial playground equipment. Background Art

[0002] The construction of commercial playground equipment often requires connecting ropes to other components, such as, but not limited to, pipes. Traditional rope connection solutions often involve the use of various forms of loose hardware. This loose hardware is bulky and prone to getting lost, misplaced, or even accidentally lost when the commercial playground equipment is shipped. Traditional designs are also often susceptible to corrosion and sometimes require welding and weld cleanup.

[0003] Another drawback of many traditional rope connection solutions is the very limited range of motion in how the rope can move relative to other components at the connection point. For example, in many cases, a connector at the end of the rope is secured to a tab welded to another component using a bolt or similar mechanism. This approach typically only allows for up-and-down movement of the rope relative to the other component. More complex connectors, such as those with integrated swivel joints, can be used at the end of the rope. However, these more complex connectors typically only add some additional motion, such as limited side-to-side movement, to supplement the already limited up-and-down movement. In some cases, additional hardware, such as spacers, is required.

[0004] In view of at least the foregoing problems, there is a need for a rope connection solution that is easy to install and adjust, is corrosion-resistant, requires minimal hardware, and / or allows a large range of motion for the rope. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An embodiment of a connector for commercial playground equipment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a playground component is provided that includes a connector pre-installed on a rope. The connector includes a connector nut, an optional washer, and a connector base that is prevented from slipping off the end of the rope by a stop. In one embodiment, the stop is a ferrule attached to the end of the rope. A specially shaped opening is formed in another component that is also part of the playground equipment. The specially shaped opening is configured such that when the connector base is rotated to a first orientation, at least a portion of the connector base can be inserted through the opening, but when rotated to a second orientation after insertion into the other component, the connector base cannot be retracted through the specially shaped opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 are schematic diagrams showing three different examples of existing connection methods.

[0007] Figure 2 is a flow chart demonstrating a method of connecting a rope to a tube.

[0008] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of a rope with pre-installed connectors.

[0009] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a tube having a specially shaped opening formed therein.

[0010] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the connector base portion of a preassembled connector being inserted into a specially shaped opening formed in a tube.

[0011] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the connector base being reoriented after insertion into the tube.

[0012] Figure 7 is a diagram of the optional gasket sliding into place.

[0013] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of several optional enhancement features.

[0014] Figure 9 is a diagram of the connector nut after it is secured to the connector base.

[0015] Figure 10 is a diagram of a wrench engaged with one or more tightening openings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of three different examples of existing methods for connecting ropes to other components in commercial amusement park rides. In the first example method, a tab 104 is welded to another component 102. A connector 106 is attached (e.g., molded) to the end of a rope 108. Connector 106 is secured to tab 104 (i.e., bolted through openings formed in tab 104 and connector 106) such that rope 108 is substantially movable (if at all) in an up-and-down direction relative to component 102.

[0017] In a second example method, the tab 110 is welded to the other component 102. A connector 112 is attached (eg, molded) to the end of the cord (which is at Figure 1 ). Connector 112 is fastened to tab 110 (i.e., bolted through openings formed in tab 110 and fastener 112) so that the cord is substantially movable relative to component 102 in the up-down and / or left-right directions (if applicable). Connector 112 differs from connector 106 in that it also includes a swivel joint that adds the additional possibility of left-right movement.

[0018] In a third example method, the tab 114 has been welded to the other component 102. The connector 116 is attached to (eg, molded to) the end of the cord (which is at Figure 1 14). The connector is fastened to the tab 114 using a bolted connector 118. The bolted connector 118 is ultimately bolted to both the connector 116 and the tab 114. The end result is that the rope is able to move (if at all) generally in the up-down and left-right directions.

[0019] Figure 1 The example methods of attaching the rope to the component 102 shown result in substantially limited movement of the rope relative to the component 102. All three methods require welding and typically require weld cleanup. Even if welding is avoided, such as by providing different types of connection points, the limited range of motion typically remains a problem. In addition, Figure 1 All of the example methods shown require bulky loose hardware such as bolts, spacers, and bushings. Additionally, the example methods shown are susceptible to corrosion and rapid wear / tear.

[0020] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an alternative method 200 for connecting a rope to another component. According to block 202, the method first provides a rope with a pre-installed connector. In accordance with this step, Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cord 302 with a connector 304 pre-installed thereon is shown. Connector 304 is comprised of a connector base 306, an optional washer 308, and a connector nut 310. All three components 306, 308, and 310 are shown as being slidably received on cord 302. The components of connector 304 are prevented from sliding off the end of cord 302 by a stop 312, which is illustratively, but not necessarily, a ferrule. In one embodiment, some or all of connector base 306, optional washer 308, and connector nut 310 are die-cast components.

[0021] Next, according to block 204, a specially shaped opening is provided for another component (illustratively, but not necessarily, a square or round tube). In accordance with this step, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a component 402 is shown having a specially shaped opening 404 formed therein. In one embodiment, the opening 404 is formed by laser cutting. In one embodiment, the overall shape and size of the opening 404 are such that Figure 3 The connector base 306 is shown as being insertable into the component 402 through the opening 404 when in a horizontal orientation. However, once the connector base 306 is inserted through the opening 404, the connector base 306 is illustratively rotated (e.g., 90 degrees) to a vertical orientation. In the vertical orientation, the connector base 306 illustratively cannot be pulled out of the opening 404, nor can it be inserted through the opening 404 in the vertical orientation.

[0022] Thus, consistent with step 206 , connector base 306 is thus inserted into component 402 through specially shaped opening 404 (again, illustratively, but not necessarily, a square or round tube). Figure 5 306 is a schematic diagram of inserting the connector base 306. Of course, when inserted, the connector base 306 is oriented to be in a position where it can be inserted.

[0023] Next, consistent with step 208 , connector base 306 is rotated to an orientation that makes it nearly impossible for the connector base to exit through a specially shaped opening 404 in component 402 (again, illustratively, but not necessarily, a square or round tube). Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the connector base 306 being reoriented after insertion. In one embodiment, one or more raised edges 602 are formed in the connector base 308 (at Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) to serve as an indicator of how the connector base 306 should be oriented after rotation. The raised edge is also illustratively configured to resist movement of the connector base 306 within the specially shaped opening 404 after the connector base 306 is reoriented after insertion. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, after the connector base 306 is reoriented after insertion, the threaded portion 604 protrudes from the specially shaped opening 404. In this regard, the connector base 306 is actually only partially inserted into the specially shaped opening 404, rather than fully inserted.

[0024] In an optional next step, optional washer 308 is slid over threads 604 and positioned flush with component 402 . Figure 7 4 is a schematic diagram of optional gasket 308 being slid into place. In one embodiment, optional gasket 308 thus conceals the specially shaped opening 404 in component 402.

[0025] The gasket 308 is just one example of an optional component that may be included or excluded from the depicted configuration. Figure 8is a schematic diagram of some optional enhancements. Another example of an optional component that may also or alternatively be included is a locking mechanism. Locking mechanism 802 has an external flange configured to operate in a similar manner to optional gasket 308. However, locking mechanism 802 also includes one or more locking extensions 804. Locking extensions 804 are illustratively configured to extend into specially shaped opening 404 and cover a portion of connector base 306. In this manner, the locking mechanism further secures connector base 306 within the tube. Essentially, locking mechanism 802 provides further mechanical assurance that the connector base will not slip out of specially shaped opening 404. Locking extensions 804 substantially prevent locking mechanism 802 from rotating within specially shaped opening 404, thereby also preventing connector base 306 from rotating. In this way, repositioning connector base 306 after insertion can even be an optional step in the process, but it may still be preferable to position the connector base in an orientation that prevents it from being removed from specially shaped opening 404. In one embodiment, locking mechanism 802 is a replacement for optional washer 308 .

[0026] Another optional enhancement is a spacer 806. Spacer 806 is shown added between the stopper (e.g., ferrule) 312 and the connector base 306. In one embodiment, spacer 806 (which could easily be multiple spacers 806) is configured to push stopper 312 (and the end of cord 302) further into the attached component. This ultimately increases the amount of tension on cord 302. In one embodiment, spacer 806 can be added during initial installation or easily added long afterward, for example, after cord 302 has stretched due to extended use. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that spacer 806 need not simply be a static space filler. Spacer 806 could also be a spring configured to provide variable tension to cord 302. Any type of spacer is feasible. The general idea is to increase the tension (variably or statically) by shortening the length of the cord passing through the connector base 306.

[0027] according to Figure 2 At block 212 in FIG. 1 , the final step is to tighten the connector nut 310 onto the threads 604 of the connector base 306 . Figure 9 604 is a schematic diagram of the connector nut after being secured to the connector base. In one embodiment, this means that the connector nut is provided with threads designed to engage with threads 604. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited to threaded connections. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other connection methods may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0028] exist Figure 9, it is also apparent that there is an optional washer 308. Of course, this can also be used as part of the locking mechanism 802. Figure 9 Another subtle feature shown in FIG is one or more tightening openings 902. These openings are illustratively incorporated into the connector nut 301 to facilitate engagement with a wrench 1002 (eg, an adjustable wrench) or to achieve greater security than hand tightening. Figure 10 Schematic diagram of an adjustable wrench engaged with one or more tightening openings 902 .

[0029] Certain embodiments disclosed herein support a rope connection scheme that is easy to install and adjust, requires minimal hardware, and allows for a wide range of motion. This connection scheme can be used to connect a rope to a pipe, as shown in some figures, but this is for example only. The same or similar scheme can be used to connect a rope to nearly any object. For example, this scheme can be used to connect to a deck surface, in which case the component would not be housed within a pipe, for example. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the broad applicability of the embodiments of the described connection scheme and its obvious extensions.

[0030] In one case, a connector consisting of a die-cast connector base, washer, and connector nut is shipped pre-assembled on a rope (retained by a ferrule or other stop at the end of the rope). The corresponding components include a laser-cut, specially shaped opening that enables the connector base to be inserted into the opening in one orientation and prevents it from being removed from the opening when rotated to an alternate orientation. The connector nut engages with a threaded portion of the connector base that protrudes from the specially shaped opening. This approach eliminates the need for welding, and the resulting connection has a clean look and feel.

[0031] Certain embodiments disclosed herein allow for a wide range of nearly 360-degree rope rotation after connection. Certain embodiments are easy to install, and rope tension can be easily adjusted by adding static and / or variable spacers. Certain embodiments are more cost-effective than traditional hardware-based connection systems, which are typically constructed primarily of metal. By eliminating connection tabs, there is no longer a risk of components being shipped without tabs, nor is there a risk of unsettled hardware being shipped for connection. Certain embodiments described herein also reduce or eliminate the risk of corrosion.

[0032] While the above features of certain embodiments of the present invention offer significant advantages over prior art cord connectors, it should be noted that there may be other approaches to addressing the problems associated with conventional cord connectors. However, these alternative approaches may not offer the same simplicity, ease of installation and adjustment, range of motion, and cost-effectiveness as certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Certain embodiments described herein are applicable to essentially any type of playground component and rope. The specific properties of the playground component or rope will typically vary depending on the installation. The shape of the attached playground component (whether square, round, tubular, non-tubular, deck-surfaced, or other) is not critical to the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the playground component can be made of metal, plastic, composite materials, or other materials, and the rope can be made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metal, hybrid materials, or other materials, depending on the desired properties and performance of a given playground component. These details are not critical to the scope of the present invention.

[0034] Furthermore, certain embodiments described herein can be used with a variety of playground components, including, but not limited to, swings, climbing structures, and rope bridges. These are merely examples. These embodiments provide a versatile and adaptable solution for connecting ropes in a variety of playground applications. Indeed, these embodiments can also be readily applied to connect objects other than ropes to objects other than tubes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A playground component comprising: a rope having a connector pre-installed thereon, the connector comprising a connector base and a connector nut; A component having a specially shaped opening formed therein; wherein the specially shaped opening is configured such that when the at least portion of the connector base is rotated to a first orientation, the at least portion of the connector base can be inserted through the specially shaped opening; and Wherein, the specially shaped opening is configured such that after at least a portion of the connector base is inserted into a component through the specially shaped opening, when at least a portion of the connector base is rotated to a second orientation, the at least a portion of the connector base cannot be pulled back through the specially shaped opening.

2. The playground component of claim 1, further comprising a stopper connected to an end of the rope to prevent the connector base and the connector nut from slipping off the end of the rope.

3. The playground component of claim 1 further comprising a washer located on the rope between the connector base and the connector nut.

4. The playground component according to claim 3, wherein The connector base, the connector nut, and the washer are all slidably secured to the rope, wherein the stopper prevents the connector base, the connector nut, and the washer from sliding off the end of the rope.

5. The playground component according to claim 1, wherein The connector base and the connector nut are die-cast parts.

6. The playground component according to claim 1, wherein The connector nut is configured to be attached to the connector base such that the portion of the component defining the specially shaped opening is sandwiched between the connector nut and the at least a portion of the connector base.

7. The playground component of claim 6 , further comprising a washer that is sandwiched between the connector nut and at least a portion of the connector base when the connector nut is attached to the connector base such that the portion of the component defining the specially shaped opening is sandwiched between the connector nut and at least a portion of the connector base.

8. The playground component of claim 6 , further comprising one or more spacers configured to increase the distance that the stop extends into the component when the connector nut is attached to the at least portion of the connector base such that the portion of the component defining the specially shaped opening is sandwiched between the connector nut and the at least portion of the connector base.

9. The playground component according to claim 8, wherein The spacer is a spring.

10. The playground component according to claim 1, wherein The connector nut is configured to attach to the portion of the connector base extending out of the specially shaped opening after the at least a portion of the connector base is inserted into the component through the specially shaped opening and rotated to the second orientation.

11. A method of assembling playground components, the method comprising: providing a rope having a connector pre-installed thereon, the connector comprising a connector base and a connector nut; Providing components with specially shaped openings; placing the at least a portion of the connector base in a first orientation and then inserting the at least a portion into the component through the specially shaped opening; rotating the at least portion of the connector base within the component to a second orientation such that the at least portion of the connector base cannot be pulled back through the specially shaped opening when the at least portion of the connector base is in the second orientation; as well as The connector nut is secured to a portion of the connector base, thereby securing the cord to the component.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein Securing the connector nut to the portion of the connector also includes securing the connector nut to a portion of the connector base that protrudes outside of the component through the specially shaped opening.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising adjusting the tension of the cord by positioning one or more spacers on the cord within the component.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein Securing the connector nut to the portion of the connector also includes threading the connector nut to the portion of the connector.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein Providing a rope with a connector also includes providing a rope with a connector including a die-cast connector base and a die-cast connector nut.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein Providing a cord with a connector pre-installed thereon also includes providing a cord with a connector that is prevented from slipping off the end of the cord by a stop.

17. A playground component comprising a component and a rope connected to the component by a connector, the connector being pre-assembled to the rope with a stopper which prevents a component of the connector from slipping off the end of the rope.

18. The playground component according to claim 17, wherein The connector includes a connection base having a portion that can be inserted into a specially shaped opening in the component when the portion is rotated to a first orientation, but cannot be inserted when the portion is rotated to a second orientation.

19. The playground component according to claim 18, wherein The connector base further includes a connection nut configured to be threadedly connected to the connection base.

20. The playground component of claim 19, wherein: The connecting base and the connecting nut are die-cast.

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