Connecting element for hanging a play equipment

Abstract

Chain suspensions and their connecting elements pose an increased risk of so-called finger traps, i.e., areas on playground equipment where children can accidentally pinch their fingers. Protective tubes, sheathing, or other auxiliary structures have been used to prevent injuries. The new connecting element is intended to make it possible to attach play equipment to chains easily and without protective devices. The connecting element has a first region with a first pair of legs, the legs of which are connected via a first web region, and a second region with a second pair of legs, the legs of which are connected via a second web region. The web regions of the first and second pair of legs form a central portion, and the pairs of legs extend therefrom in opposite directions.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the connection of play equipment, such as swings, to a suspension system. More specifically, the invention relates to a connecting element, connecting devices, and an arrangement for connecting a play equipment to a chain. Technical background

[0002] Playground equipment is often installed in public playgrounds. Swings of all kinds, especially nest swings, are a great attraction for children of all ages. With their round, bowl-like shape, children can sit or lie comfortably and swing back and forth while enjoying the feeling of flying or swinging in a nest. Parents often appreciate the safety of these swings, as they provide an enclosing structure and are usually suspended low to the ground. The suspension of a nest swing is a crucial aspect for child safety. The suspension and all connecting elements must be strong and stable to support the weight of the swing and the children. Robust metal chains or plastic-coated steel cables are therefore typical materials.

[0003] However, chain suspensions and their connecting elements in particular pose an increased risk of so-called finger traps, i.e., areas on playground equipment where children can accidentally pinch their fingers. Therefore, a specific standard must be adhered to that specifies the opening dimensions permitted for playground equipment. If these opening dimensions cannot be maintained, for example, on the suspensions or their connecting elements, protective tubes, sheaths, inserts, or auxiliary structures consisting of multiple connecting elements are often used to prevent finger traps and potential injuries.

[0004] However, it would be desirable to provide a connecting element for suspension, with which a piece of play equipment can be connected directly to a chain, for example, without having to resort to additional means to comply with specified standard dimensions (or to avoid so-called finger traps). Description

[0005] The objective can be considered to improve existing connecting elements for suspensions of playground equipment. In particular, it has been recognized that suspension elements, such as chains, eyelets, and their connecting elements, can easily become dangerous entanglements for fingers. The invention described herein addresses this problem.

[0006] The problem underlying the invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0007] According to one aspect, a connecting element for suspending a play device is provided, which has a first region with a first pair of legs, the legs of which are connected via a first web region, and a second region with a second pair of legs, the legs of which are connected via a second web region. The web regions of the first and second pair of legs are preferably integrated and form a central part from which the pairs of legs extend in opposite directions.

[0008] The first and second pairs of legs have legs arranged substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another, which are fixedly connected to the first and second web regions, respectively, to form a first and a second intermediate space, respectively. The first intermediate space is thus located in the first region, and the second intermediate space is located in the second region of the connecting element.

[0009] This design has the advantage of creating two spaces whose dimensions can be adjusted to accommodate connecting or suspension elements. This means that one pair of legs can define a larger space and be configured to accommodate an eyelet, for example, while the other pair of legs can define a smaller space, configured to accommodate a chain link, for example.

[0010] A “play device” generally includes all play equipment, but refers in particular to attachable play equipment, and in particular to swings.

[0011] The term "web region" can be understood as a central region between the legs that connects the legs of a pair of legs. The "web region" or "web regions" together form a central section and can also be referred to as a "central section," with the central section connecting the first pair of legs and the second pair of legs.

[0012] "Integrated design" means that the web sections of the first and second sections of the connecting element are connected and immovably connected to each other. The middle section is therefore rigid in this example. In a variation, it is also possible for the web sections to be movably connected to each other, for example, as in a swivel, a hinge, or similar.

[0013] The connecting element, which can also be referred to as a shackle, safety shackle or suspension element, can therefore be designed in one piece and preferably rigidly and made of a solid material such as a metallic material, steel or stainless steel. In one example, if the web areas of the leg pairs are movably connected to one another, the connecting element can also be designed in two pieces. The legs of a leg pair can be the same length and have basically any shape and size and can be straight or curved. The first and second leg pairs can lie in one plane and extend from the central part in opposite directions, so that the connecting element appears H-shaped or like a mirrored U in plan view.In another example, the pairs of legs can be arranged rotated by up to 90 degrees, so that a kind of Y-shape can result in the top view with a maximum rotation of 90 degrees.

[0014] The gap created by the legs can be U-shaped, rectangular, or trapezoidal with one open side, depending on the element to be accommodated. In particular, the gap can be dimensioned according to the dimensions of the element to be accommodated. For example, the opening of the first pair of legs can be 8.6 mm throughout.

[0015] The spaces between the first and second pair of legs can be the same or different sizes, consequently the connecting element can have several or only one axes of symmetry.

[0016] The connecting element is generally used to suspend a piece of playground equipment. In particular, the connecting element is used to suspend a swing. A swing is a device capable of moving back and forth, usually in an arc. Typically, a swing consists of a seat attached to chains or plastic-coated steel cables, which in turn are suspended from a fixed frame or other stable structure. A swing can come in all shapes and sizes and be intended for adults and / or children; for example, the swing is a nest swing, a garden swing, a rocking chair, or a hammock.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first and / or second region of the connecting element is U-shaped. This has the advantage that the space between the first and second regions of the connecting element can provide a precise fit for a chain link or an annular eyelet.

[0018] In one example, the legs of the first pair of legs of the connecting element form a gap to accommodate a chain. In this example, the gap created between the legs is U-shaped to accommodate the chain link as precisely as possible. This minimizes the gap between the chain link and the connecting element, and virtually eliminates any potential finger catching points. Furthermore, this ensures the chain's movement during the swinging motion is as frictionless as possible.

[0019] In another example, the legs of the second pair of legs of the connecting element form a gap to accommodate an eyelet, such as a suspension eyelet. A suspension eyelet can be larger and, for example, significantly wider than a chain link of a chain suspension. A suspension eyelet is an example of a suspension point on a playground device, which can have various shapes and designs. The suspension point can be made of metal and can be, for example, the head, or upper part, of an eyebolt. The eyebolt can be threadless. The head of the eyebolt can, for example, be welded onto a thicker pin. In one example, a threadless eyebolt is made from a single cast. The exact shape and size of the suspension point can vary, but often consists of a ring-shaped element with an opening through which, for example, a rod or bolt can be passed.Hanging eyes can be attached to a swing, such as a nest swing, for hanging it up.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the web regions of the first and / or second pair of legs have no curves. This is advantageous, for example, if the suspension point of the play equipment is made from a machined pipe section, a milled part, or a cast part without a curve instead of a suspension eyelet with a curve. As mentioned above, a region of the connecting element can then appear like a rectangle or even a trapezoid with one open side.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the legs of at least one pair of legs of the connecting element carry bolt eyes. A bolt eye is a fastening device used to receive a bolt and is usually a type of eyelet or ring on or in an object. In one example, the bolt eye is a through-bore or a simple hole, for example a round hole, through the legs of the connecting element. A "bolt eye" can also be referred to as a bolt hole or bolt opening. The bolt eye can vary in the size of its radius and can have an internal thread. The bolt eyes allow a bolt, rod, or similar element to be passed through the legs of a pair of legs of the connecting element. In this way, an element arranged in the space between the legs, such as a suspension eyelet or a chain link, can be held and / or locked or fastened.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the connecting element further comprises at least one bolt that passes through the bolt eyes and ends in contact with the outer sides of a pair of legs. “Ends in contact with the outer sides of a pair of legs” can mean that the bolt is flush with the outer sides of the legs or only protrudes slightly beyond them. In a further example, a threaded bolt can protrude so far beyond the outer sides of the legs that the protruding part can be covered, for example, with a (cap) nut. The bolt is held detachably in the bolt eyes of the legs. In a further example, the bolt is held non-detachably in the bolt eyes of the legs, for example, it can be welded therein.

[0023] "Removable" means that the bolt can be inserted from the outside through both legs of a pair of legs of the suspension element and, for example, screwed into the second leg using a thread, and then removed again in reverse. This has the advantage that, for example, neither a chain nor a swing needs to be permanently connected to the connecting element and can be replaced. "Permanent" means, as mentioned above, that the bolt is welded into the bolt eyes, for example, and cannot be removed.

[0024] As mentioned above, this structure makes it possible to hold and / or lock a ring-shaped object such as a chain link or a suspension eyelet in a space in the swing suspension element.

[0025] The bolt may have a wider and flatter head on one side, or perhaps a rounded one. This serves to grip and hold the bolt for installation or removal. The bolt also has an elongated, cylindrical shaft that bears the main load. It can be smooth or threaded, depending on how the bolt is to be fastened.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the bolt is provided with an external thread and at least one of the bolt eyes is provided with an internal thread.

[0027] If the bolt has a thread, it is located along the outside and / or at the end of the shaft and allows for secure fastening by connecting the thread with a corresponding internal thread in the material.

[0028] It is preferable that the bolt sits flush with the outer sides of a pair of legs, i.e., at the same height, and does not protrude. This ensures that injuries cannot occur. If the bolt protrudes beyond one or both outer sides of a pair of legs, the protruding portion can be covered with a (cap) nut or similar device to prevent the risk of injury.

[0029] It is also conceivable that, after inserting a chain into the first space of the connecting element, a bolt is permanently attached, for example by welding or similar. The same is possible for a bolt that, for example, penetrates the opening of a suspension eye inserted into the second space of the connecting element. In this way, a piece of play equipment, such as a swing, hangs firmly and permanently from the matching chain via the connecting element and can be easily delivered or transported together with it. This example also avoids the risk of attaching an ill-fitting chain to a swing, which could create entanglement points for fingers.

[0030] According to one aspect, a connecting device is provided which has a connecting element as described above and a chain, wherein a chain link of the chain is arranged in the first or second intermediate space of the first or second region of the connecting element and is movably held therein by the bolt. The connecting device thus describes the combination of a chain and the connecting element. In the connecting device, a first region is connected to the chain by a first pair of legs of the connecting element, such that the second region of the connecting element with its second pair of legs is still "free". For example, a fastening element of a play device, such as a swing, can then be interchangeably received or "hung" therein.The fastening element can be an eyelet, a suspension eyelet, a loop, a machined straight pipe section, a milled or cast part, or something similar that is permanently connected to the play equipment. The chain, which is movably and advantageously arranged with a precise fit in a first area of ​​the connecting element, can thus be easily connected to the play equipment via the connecting element, eliminating the risk of finger entanglement in the area of ​​the chain and the connecting element.

[0031] According to a further aspect, a connecting device is provided which has a connecting element as described above and a piece of play equipment with an eyelet attached thereto, wherein the eyelet of the play equipment is arranged in the first or second intermediate space of a first or second region of the connecting element and is movably held therein by the bolt. The connecting device thus describes the combination of a piece of play equipment, such as a swing, with an eyelet attached thereto and the connecting element. This connecting device has the advantage that only a chain needs to be attached, which can be accommodated as precisely as possible in a region of the connecting element that is already firmly connected to the swing. This eliminates the risk of fingers becoming trapped in the region of the connection between the piece of play equipment and the connecting element.

[0032] According to a further aspect, an arrangement for connecting a play device to a chain is provided. The arrangement comprises a play device with at least one eyelet attached thereto, a connecting element as described above, and a chain. The chain has a plurality of chain links and is arranged with one chain link in the first intermediate space of the first pair of legs of the connecting element and is penetrated by a detachable or non-detachable bolt that terminates with the outer sides of the legs of one pair of legs. The at least one eyelet is arranged in the second intermediate space of the second pair of legs of the connecting element and is penetrated by a detachable or non-detachable bolt that terminates with the outer sides of the legs of one pair of legs. The bolt is preferably flush with the outer sides of each pair of legs.

[0033] According to one embodiment, in the arrangement described above, single-piece or multi-piece bushings with or without a flange / collar are attached between the eyelet and the legs of the second pair of legs. Bushings, also known as bearing bushes, are components used to reduce friction between moving parts. They are normally cylindrical, made of plastic and have a through-hole through which, for example, a bolt can be passed. They can be designed with or without a flange / collar, i.e. the bushing has a flange / collar on the outer edge on one side, with the other part of the bushing being inserted into the eyelet. In this example, the bushings serve to prevent the connecting element from chafing at the suspension point if it is crooked or tilted.A bushing is therefore a wear part that is easy to replace, which prevents the metal parts (which are made of stainless steel or galvanized steel, for example) from rubbing directly against each other.

[0034] The connecting element, as described above, significantly increases the safety of suspended play equipment such as swings, as the design eliminates the risk of entanglement of fingers; furthermore, the suspension is simplified, as the need for protective covers or similar devices is eliminated. Short description of the characters

[0035] The following examples are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrations are schematic and not to scale. Like reference numerals refer to like or similar elements. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a connecting element for suspending a play device; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a connecting device; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an arrangement for suspending a play device; Fig. 4 a perspective view of an arrangement for suspending a nest swing; and Fig. 5 technical drawings of a connecting element for suspending a play equipment and two bolts. Detailed description of implementation examples

[0036] Fig. 1 schematically shows a connecting element 10 for suspending a piece of play equipment. In this figure, a first pair of legs 12 together with a first web region 15, via which the legs 12a, 12b are connected to one another, form a first region 11 of the connecting element 10. The legs 12a, 12b are arranged parallel and spaced from one another so that they form a first intermediate space 16. A second pair of legs 14 and a second web region 17, via which the legs 14a, 14b are connected to one another, form a second region 13 of the connecting element 10. The two web regions 15, 17 of the two pairs of legs 12, 14 each have a curve and are of integrated design, i.e. together they form a central part from which the pairs of legs 12, 14 extend in opposite directions. The openings of the first and second intermediate spaces 16, 18 are thus opposite each other.The intermediate space 16 between the two legs 12a, 12b is smaller than the opposite intermediate space 18 between the legs 14a, 14b and serves to receive a chain link 26 of a chain 28 (as shown in the following . Fig. 2). In the space 18 between the legs 14a, 14b, a slightly wider suspension eyelet 32 ​​can be accommodated (as shown in the following Fig. 3). As mentioned above, in this example, both web areas 15, 17 have a rounded shape, so that both the first area 11 and the second area 13 are U-shaped. Furthermore, bolt eyes 20 are provided in the legs 12a, 12b and 14a, 14b of both leg pairs 12, 14, which serve to receive one bolt 22, 24 per leg pair (in the following Fig. 2 shown).

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a connecting device 40 in which a chain 28 is connected to the connecting element 10. The last link 26 of the chain 28, with a chain link thickness of 7 mm, is arranged in the opening, which is 8.6 mm wide here, of the first region 11 between the legs 12a, 12b of the first leg pair 12. The length of the chain link 26 fits exactly into the receptacle formed by the region 11. A first bolt 22 passes through the bolt eyes 20 and the chain link 26, whereby the latter is movably held in the first intermediate space 16. The bolt 22 is provided on one side with an external thread (not shown) that fits into a corresponding internal thread in the bolt eye of the leg 12a. When screwed in, it is flush with the outer sides of the leg pair 12, so that nothing protrudes laterally.In the second region 12 of the connecting element 10, the legs 14a, 14b of the second pair of legs 14, which are also arranged in parallel, can be seen. A second bolt 24 passes through the bolt eyes 20 in the legs 14a, 14b and is releasably held in the pair of legs 14 by an external thread on one side that fits into an internal thread. In this exemplary embodiment, the web regions 15, 17 also each have curves, so that the second region 12 of the connecting element is configured to receive an annular eyelet 32, such as a suspension eyelet. The connecting device 40 shown here can then be directly connected or suspended from an eyelet 32 ​​on a swing, as shown in the arrangement described below.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement 50 for suspending a piece of playground equipment, such as a swing. The arrangement 50 comprises a connecting element 10, a chain 28, and a swing (not shown) to which a suspension eye 32 is attached. In this arrangement 50, both the chain 28 and the suspension eye 32 are connected to the connecting element 10. The last link 26 of the chain 28 can be seen, which is arranged in the first region 11 of the connecting element 10 between the first pair of legs 12 and is movably held therein by a first bolt 22. In the second region 13 of the connecting element 10, the suspension eye 32 of the swing is arranged between the second pair of legs 14. The suspension eye 32 is also movably held by a second bolt 24 (not visible here).In addition, this embodiment features bushings with a flange / collar 30 located between the eyelet 32 ​​and the inner sides of the legs 14a, 14b, minimizing wear. Due to their precise dimensions, both the chain link 26 and the eyelet 32 ​​form only minimal gaps at the distance from the legs 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b, thus preventing any entanglement points for fingers and providing increased safety for the swing or other suspended play equipment during use.

[0039] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an arrangement 50 for suspending a nest swing. The edge 34 of a nest swing, which is covered with ropes, can be seen, from which protrudes a suspension eye 32 firmly connected thereto. The suspension eye 32 is movably connected to the connecting element 10 by a bolt 24 (not visible) in the second intermediate space 18 between the legs 14a, 14b of the second pair of legs 14. The flanges of the bearing bushes 30 are arranged between the suspension eye 32 and the legs 14a, 14b. Opposite, the last chain link 26 of a chain 28, on which the nest swing is suspended, is movably connected to the connecting element 10 by a bolt 22 in the first intermediate space 16 between the legs 12a, 12b of the first pair of legs 12. Since this method does not create any trapping points for fingers, no sheathing or other securing of the connecting element is necessary.

[0040] In Fig. 5 shows technical drawings of a connecting element 10 for suspending a piece of playground equipment and two bolts 22, 24. The previously described connecting element 10 is also shown from the side in section AA. Two differently sized bolt eyes 20 of the leg pairs 12, 14 can be seen. Furthermore, this section AA shows that the leg pairs 12, 14 extend from the central section in opposite directions and lie in one plane. The legs 12a, 12b of the leg pair 12 and the legs 14a, 14b of the leg pair 14 are arranged parallel, and their respective web regions 15, 17 have curves. The bolts 22, 24, which protrude through the first and second intermediate spaces 16, 18, respectively, and penetrate the bolt eyes 20 (not shown), are indicated by dashed lines. In the lower part of the Fig.Two bolts 22, 24 are shown in Figure 5. Bolt 24 is indicated as a non-threaded bolt, while bolt 22 has a thread at the end of its shaft. Non-threaded bolts can be inserted through a hole, such as the bolt eyes 20 in the legs 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b (not shown), and then secured, for example, by welding. The choice between threaded or non-threaded bolts also depends on factors such as the expected load for the play equipment.

[0041] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" or "having" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations. List of reference symbols 10 Connecting element 11 first area 12 first pair of legs 12a,b Legs of the first pair of legs 13 second area 14 second pair of legs 14a,b Legs of the second pair of legs 15 first bridge area 16 first space 17 second bridge area 18 second space 20 bolt eyes 22 first bolt 24 second bolt 26 chain links 28 chain 30 socket 32 Eyelet, suspension element 34 Swing edge 40 connecting device 50 Arrangement

Claims

[1] Connecting element for suspending a play device, comprising: a first region with a first pair of legs, the legs of which are connected via a first web region, and a second region with a second pair of legs, the legs of which are connected via a second web region, wherein the web regions of the first and second pair of legs are preferably integrated and form a central part, and wherein the pairs of legs extend from the central part in opposite directions, wherein the legs of the first pair of legs are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other to form a first gap, and wherein the legs of the second pair of legs are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other to form a second space. [2] Connecting element according to claim 1, characterized bythat the first and / or second region is U-shaped. [3] Connecting element according to claim 1, characterized by that the web areas of the first and / or second pair of legs are not rounded. [4] Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the legs of at least one of the pairs of legs carry bolt eyes. [5] Connecting element according to claim 4, further comprising: at least one bolt, wherein the at least one bolt passes through the bolt eyes and is finally releasably held therein by the outer sides of a pair of legs. [6] Connecting element according to claim 5, characterized by that the bolt is provided with an external thread and at least one of the bolt eyes is provided with an internal thread. [7] Connecting device, comprising: a connecting element according to claim 5 or 6, and a chain, wherein a chain link of the chain is arranged in the first or second space of the first or second region of the connecting element and is movably held therein by the bolt. [8] Connecting device, comprising: a connecting element according to claim 5 or 6, and a play device with at least one eyelet attached to it, wherein the eyelet is arranged in the first or second space of the first or second region of the connecting element and is movably held therein by the bolt. [9] Arrangement for connecting a play device to a chain, comprising: a play device with at least one eyelet attached to it, a connecting element according to claim 5 or 6, and a chain, wherein the chain has several chain links and is arranged with one chain link in the first space of the first pair of legs of the connecting element and is penetrated by a detachable bolt which terminates with the outer sides of the legs of a pair of legs, and wherein the at least one eyelet is arranged in the second intermediate space of the second pair of legs of the connecting element and is penetrated by a detachable bolt which terminates with the outer sides of the legs of a pair of legs. [10] Arrangement according to claim 9, characterized by that single-part or multi-part bushings with or without flange / collar are fitted between the eyelet and the legs of the second pair of legs.

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