Modular play apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of recreational play assemblies, in particular to a play assembly (100) comprising a slide unit (1) and a support unit (12) and optionally a cover unit (30).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to play apparatus, in particular a modular play slide for indoor and outdoor use.Background art

[0002] Play assemblies, such as recreational slides provide a popular form of entertainment activity. The recreational slide may be wet or dry. In that regard, conventional dry or water slides include a slide surface down which a rider descends (i.e., slides) for entertainment.

[0003] Recreational slides are typically designed for either indoor or outdoor slide use. Recreational slides of the prior art for children are typically designed with limited functionality. Prior art slides typically only serve one purpose, and due to their standard appearance the user cannot customize the appearance of the slide. In addition, slides of the prior art, are difficult to store, both in the logistics chain and in the user setting, due the manufacture as a single unit or complex, multi-part constructions requiring fixtures and tools.

[0004] WO2024097445 discloses a slide and a ride vehicle configured to support a rider down the slide. The slide includes a slide body with a non-wet lubricated slide surface that extends between a top entrance of the slide and a bottom exit of the slide. The ride vehicle includes a fabric layer that forms a top surface configured to contact the rider and a mesh layer that forms a bottom surface configured to contact the slide surface.

[0005] US201213523565A discloses a playground slide that has a pair of side rails, including a left side rail and a right side rail, and the pair of side rails is parallel to each other. A slide sheet has a slide sheet top surface, and the slide sheet top surface has a slide sheet left edge. The slide sheet top surface has a slide sheet right edge, and the slight sheet left edge is mounted to a bottom surface of the left side rail. The slide sheet right edge is mounted to a bottom surface of the right side rail. A pair of support rails, namely a left support rail and a right support rail, supports the slight sheet. The pair of support rails is parallel to each other, and the pair of support rails is mounted to a bottom surface of the slide sheet between the pair of side rails.

[0006] Drawbacks of the slides of the prior art is that the purpose of the slide cannot be customized by the user. In addition, storage of the slides is difficult.Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a play assembly (100) comprising: a) a slide unit (1) comprising a first side rail (2), a second side rail (3) and a slide surface (4) located between the first and second side rails, wherein the slide unit has a first end (5) and a second end (6), first and second side rails extend from the first to second end of the slide unit, wherein the first side rail (2) at the first end (5) has a wall (7) defining a first locator cavity (8) and / or the second slide rail (3) at first end (5) has a wall (9) defining a second locator cavity (10), the first and / or second side rail preferably comprises a receiving element (11) for receiving a slide accessory, b) a support unit (12) comprising a first side (13) and a second side (14) and at least one rung (15), wherein the support unit has a first (top) end (16) and a second (bottom) end (17), the first end (16) of the first side (13) has a wall (18) that defines a first protruding element (19) and the first (top) end of the second side (14) has a wall (20) that defines a second protruding element (21), the first and / or second side preferably contains a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory, and the slide unit (1) is detachably connectable to the support unit (12) by location of the first protruding element (18) inside the locator cavity (8) and / or by location of the second protruding element (20) inside the locator second cavity (10).

[0008] The advantage of the play assembly disclosed herein, is that the slide can be simply and easily taken apart for storage, without the need for fixings such as screws, nuts and bolts etc.. In addition, the support unit and slide unit can be conveniently stacked at the manufacturing facility to enable sustainable logistics.Description of embodiments

[0009] There is provided herein a play assembly (100) comprising: a) a slide unit (1) comprising a first side rail (2), a second side rail (3) and a slide surface (4) located between the first and second side rails, wherein the slide unit has a first end (5) and a second end (6), first and second side rails extend from the first to second end of the slide unit, wherein the first side rail (2) at the first end (5) has a wall (7) defining a first locator cavity (8) and / or the second slide rail (3) at first end (5) has a wall (9) defining a second locator cavity (10), the first and / or second side rail preferably contains a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory, b) a support unit (12) comprising a first side (13) and a second side (14) and at least one rung (15), wherein the support unit has a first (top) end (16) and a second (bottom) end (17), a first end (16) of the first side (13) has a wall (18) that defines a first protruding element (19), a first (top) end of the second side (14) has a wall (20) that defines a second protruding element (21), the first and / or second side preferably comprises a receiving element (11) for receiving a slide accessory, and the slide unit (1) is detachably connectable to the support unit (12) by location of the first protruding element (18) inside the locator cavity (8) and / or by location of the second protruding element (20) inside the locator second cavity (10).

[0010] The slide unit described herein comprises a first side rail (2), a second side rail (3) and a slide surface (4). The slide surface is located between the first side rail, also termed the left side rail, and the second side rail, also termed the right side tail. The first and second side rails extend in the same direction as the slide surface.

[0011] The slide has a first end (5) and a second end (6). The first end is also termed the "top" end, when in use. The second end is also termed the "bottom" end, when in use. In other words, the second end is the end of the slide unit that rests on the ground when the slide is in use.

[0012] The first and second side rails extend from the first to second end of the slide unit, in other words, the first and second side rails extend from the bottom to the top of the slide unit. In certain embodiments, the first and second side rails may extend beyond the slide surface at the first (top) end.

[0013] The first side rail (2) at the first end (5) has a wall (7) defining a first locator cavity (8). In some preferred embodiments, the first side rail at the first end of the slide unit (top of the slide unit) also functions as part of the connector with the support unit.

[0014] The second slide rail (3) at first end (5) has a wall (9) defining a second locator cavity (10). In some preferred embodiments, the second side rail at the first end of the slide unit (top of the slide unit) also functions as part of the connector with the support unit.

[0015] Preferably, both the first and second side rails function as connectors with the support unit.

[0016] Preferably, the first and / or second side rail comprises a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving element (11) may be one or more of the features selected from the group consisting of: a. a channel in the first and / or second slide rail of the slide unit b. a channel in the first and / or second side of the support unit c. a borehole extending from the first end to the second end of the slide unit d. a borehole extending from the first end to the second end of the support unit.

[0018] Within the context of the present invention, the term "receiving element" means a channel, borehole, recess, indication or cavity". The play assembly according to the present invention has the advantage that a number of interchangeable accessories can be fitted to the slide by means of the receiving element. Preferably, the receiving element is a channel in the first and / or second slide rail of the slide unit. Preferably, the receiving element is a channel in the first and / or second side of the support unit. Preferably, the receiving element is a borehole extending from the first end to the second end of the slide unit. Preferably, the receiving element a borehole extending from the first end to the second end of the support unit.

[0019] Yet another advantage of the play assembly disclosed herein is the ability for the user to customize the slide by attaching a diverse array of slide accessories to the play assembly. The ability for a user to choose / change the appearance of the slide makes the slide particularly sustainable and reduces the carbon footprint of the play assembly as, for example, as the user needs change, an accessory can be removed and a new one added, which means the slide unit and support unit itself does not need to be disposed of, thereby providing an ingenious technical solution for play assemblies to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 concerning responsible consumption and production. The present invention has the advantage that the slide can be customized for both indoor and outdoor use.

[0020] The present inventors have found that by providing a channel in the first and / or second rail of the slide unit, such that a channel is located between the first side rail and the slide surface and between the second side rail and slide surface, a diverse array of accessories may be attached to the play assembly.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the channel may receive a cover to provide the play assembly with an aesthetically pleasing appearance as well as an appropriate surface for sliding. Preferably, the channel provides a space into which the user may push the cover material thus affixing the cover to the slide in a way to provide a smooth, safe surface for the slide to be used safely.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the receiving element may be a borehole extending from the first end to the second end of the slide unit and / or extending from the first end to the second end of the support unit.

[0023] The present inventors have found that by providing the slide unit and / or support unit with a borehole extending from the first end to the second end of the slide unit and / or extending from the first end to the second end of the support unit, extra functionality can be given to the play assembly, for example, the borehole may contain tubing for water or cables for LED lights.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the play assembly comprises a plurality of receiving elements. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the play assembly comprises at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four receiving elements.

[0025] It is particularly preferred that the play assembly comprises a mixture of receiving elements. Preferably the slide unit comprises a channel in the first and in the second slide rail and a borehole extending from the first end to the second end of the slide unit

[0026] Preferably the support unit comprises a channel in the first and in the second side and a borehole extending from the first end to the second end of the support unit.

[0027] Preferably, the slide accessory is one or more of features selected from the group consisting of a slide cover, tubing for water, LED strips and electrical cables.

[0028] The support unit (12) comprises a first side (13) and a second side (14) and at least one rung (15) and the support unit has a first (top) end (16) and a second (bottom) end (17). It is understood that in use, the second end rests on the ground. The first (top) end is understood to be the part of the support unit that can connect with the first (top) end of the slide unit.

[0029] The first end (16) of the first side (13) has a wall (18) that defines a first protruding element (19) and / or the first (top) end of the second side (14) has a wall (20) that defines a second protruding element (21). The inventors have found that forming the top of the support unit into an element that can lock into the slide unit, a convenient and easy to use attachment system is provided for securely fitting the slide unit and support unit together. In other words, the slide unit (1) is detachably connectable to the support unit (12) by location of the first protruding element (18) inside the locator cavity (8) and / or by location of the second protruding element (21) inside the locator second cavity (10).

[0030] Preferably, the first and / or second side contains a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory. The description of the receiving element for the slide accessory applies mutatis mutandis to the support unit.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the slide surface has a first (upper) surface (22), and second (back / orientated towards the ground in use) surface (23), said second slide surface comprising a fixing element (24), said fixing element being adjacent to, and extending in the direction of, one or more of, the first rail, second rail and bottom end of the slide unit.

[0032] It is particularly preferred that second surface of the slide unit comprises at least one fixing element. The fixing element is preferably located on the back surface of the slide surface so that the fixing element cannot be seen by the user when the play assembly is in use.

[0033] Within the context of the present invention, the term "fixing element" means a hole, cavity, recess, indentation or other suitable form for receiving a fastening means.

[0034] It is preferred that the fixing element does not extend through the slide upper surface. The skilled person understands that the fixing element is located in a portion of the second surface. In certain embodiment, the slide unit is an injection moulded unit. Preferably, the slide unit is an injection moulded unit wherein the injection moulded unit is provided with a plurality of holes in a portion of the second slide surface.

[0035] The support unit has a first (upper) face (25), said upper face being the face on which the user climbs up the support unit, and second (back / orientated towards the ground) face (26), said second (back) surface comprising a fixing element (27), said fixing element being adjacent to, and extending in the direction of, one or more of the first side, second side and bottom end of the support unit.

[0036] The description of the fixing element for the slide unit applies mutatis mutandis to the fixing element of the support unit.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the slide unit and support unit comprise the same fixing elements.

[0038] Preferably, the fixing element comprises a series of receiving cavities (28) for receiving fastening means (29), said fastening means being attached to cover unit (30). In a preferred embodiment, the fixing element comprises a series of holes (receiving cavities) arranged in a portion of the second surface of the slide and / or support unit.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the play assembly comprises a cover unit, wherein the cover unit comprises a plurality of fastening means (29), said fastening means locatable in the receiving cavities (28).

[0040] The inventors have found that providing the cover unit with a plurality of fastening means enables the user to easily attach and detach a cover so that the purpose of the slide can be customized to the user needs. Fastening means may be selected from the group consisting of strings, cords and fibres. Fastening means may comprise loops, hooks, notches, fasteners, or other means for locating into a receiving cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening means is an elastic cord terminating in a plastic notch, said notch locating in the receiving cavity.

[0041] In another embodiment, the fastening means are preferably additionally secured by coupling two fastening means together. Preferably, coupling means (31) couple two opposing fastening means, wherein the fastening means extend between the first side rail and second slide rail or between the first side and second side of the support unit.

[0042] Preferably, the cover unit (30) is a woven or non-woven textile material. The cover unit may be a woven or non-woven material, preferably selected from the group consisting of plastic sheeting, rubber, cloth, wool, cotton, and mixtures thereof.

[0043] Preferably, the slide unit, first rail, second rail and slide surface comprise a single "U" shaped unit, preferably being an injection moulded unit.

[0044] Preferably, the support unit is an injection moulded unit. Preferably, the support unit, first side and at least one rung comprises a single unit, preferably being an injection moulded unit.

[0045] In preferred embodiment, a. the second surface of the first and / or second rail comprises a spacer unit, said spacer unit (33) extending from the inner wall (34) to outer wall (35) of the side rail, and / or b. the second face of the first and / or second side of the support unit comprises a spacer unit (33), said spacer unit extending from the inner wall (36) to outer wall (37) of the side rail.

[0046] It has been found by the present inventors that the inclusion of a spacer unit in either the side rail of the slide or in the side of the support unit, enables the respective parts to be more efficiently stacked. For example, the slide unit and the support unit can be stacked together without the separate parts become interlocked / wedged together. Moreover, the spacer unit provides a regular stacking geometry to enable a secure stack of the slide and support units to be made, reducing the risk of stacks falling over due to poor stability. Moreover, the stacks of support unit and slide unit enables compact packaging, further contributing to the sustainability of the play assembly described herein.

[0047] With the context of the present invention, the term "spacer unit" means a portion of material that extends from the inner wall (34) to outer wall (35) of the side rail or side of support unit, and / or from the inner wall (34) to outer wall (35) of the side rail or support unit. The skilled person understands that in an injection moulded unit, a suitable spacer unit can be formed by a portion of plastic that extends from the inner to outer wall.

[0048] Preferably, the support unit comprises a plurality of rungs. Preferably, the support unit comprises at least one rung, more preferably at least two rungs, even more preferably at least three rungs. The skilled person understands that the number of rungs contributes to determining the height of the play assembly.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the play assembly (100) comprises: a) a slide unit (1) as defined herein, b) a support unit (12) as defined herein, wherein the slide unit (1) and support unit are connected, preferably the play assembly further comprise a cover unit.

[0050] As defined elsewhere herein, the support unit slots into the slide unit, therefore connecting the slide unit and support unit securely without the need for separate fixtures and fixings.

[0051] The present invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising: a) a slide unit (1) as defined in any one or more of the preceding claims, b) a support unit (11) as defined in any one or more of the preceding claims, c) a cover unit (30) as defined in any one or more of the preceding claims Description of Figures

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a schematic drawing of the play assembly. Fig. 2 shows a schematic drawing of the receiving element in the slide unit. Fig. 3 shows a schematic drawing of the receiving element in the support unit Fig. 4 shows a schematic drawing of the fixing element in the slide unit Fig. 5 shows a schematic drawing of the fixing element in the support unit

[0053] The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments.

[0054] Figure 1 shows, schematically, a play assembly (100) comprising a slide unit (1) and a support unit (12). The slide unit comprises a first side rail (2), a second side rail (3) and a slide surface (4) located between the first and second side rails. The slide unit has a first end (5) and a second end (6), wherein the first and second side rails extending from the first to second end of the slide unit. The first side rail (2) at the first end (5) has a wall (7) defining a first locator cavity (8) and / or wherein the second slide rail (3) at first end (5) has a wall (9) defining a second locator cavity (10). The support unit (12) comprises a first side (13) and a second side (14) and at least one rung (15). The support unit has a first (top) end (16) and a second (bottom) end (17), wherein first end (16) of the first side (13) has a wall (18) that defines a first protruding element (19) and first (top) end of the second side (14) has a wall (20) that defines a second protruding element (21). Preferably, wherein the first and / or second side rail and / or side comprises a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory, wherein the slide unit (1) is detachably connectable to the support unit (12) by location of the first protruding element (19) inside the locator cavity (8) and / or by location of the second protruding element (21) inside the locator second cavity (10).

[0055] Figure 2 shows, schematically, the position of a receiving element in the slide unit, wherein the second side rail comprises a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory. Alternative embodiments (not shown) include slide units where only the first side rail comprises a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory and where both the first side rail and second side rail comprises a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory.

[0056] Figure 3 shows, schematically, the position of a receiving element in the support unit, wherein the second side comprises a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory. Alternative embodiments (not shown) include slide units where only the first side comprises a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory and where both the first side and second side comprise a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory.

[0057] Figure 4 shows, schematically, the position of a fixing element in the slide unit. The slide unit has a first (upper) surface (22), and second (back / orientated towards the ground in use) surface (23). The second slide surface comprises a fixing element (24), said fixing element being adjacent to, and extending in the direction of, one or more of, the first rail, second rail and bottom end of the slide unit.

[0058] Figure 5 shows, schematically, the support unit. The support unit has a first (upper) face (25), said upper face being the face on which the user climbs up the support unit, and second (back / orientated towards the ground) face (26), said second (back) surface comprising a fixing element (27), said fixing element being adjacent to, and extending in the direction of, one or more of the first side, second side and bottom end of the support unit.

[0059] Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible, and are included in the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A play assembly (100) comprising: a) a slide unit (1) comprising a first side rail (2), a second side rail (3) and a slide surface (4) located between the first and second side rails, wherein - the slide unit has a first end (5) and a second end (6), - the first and second side rails extend from the first to second end of the slide unit, wherein - the first side rail (2) at the first end (5) has a wall (7) defining a first locator cavity (8) and / or - the second slide rail (3) at first end (5) has a wall (9) defining a second locator cavity (10), - the first and / or second side rail preferably comprises a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory, b) a support unit (12) comprising a first side (13) and a second side (14) and at least one rung (15), wherein - the support unit has a first (top) end (16) and a second (bottom) end (17), - a first end (16) of the first side (13) has a wall (18) that defines a first protruding element (19), - a first (top) end of the second side (14) has a wall (20) that defines a second protruding element (21), - the first and / or second side preferably comprises a receiving element (11) for a receiving a slide accessory, and - the slide unit (1) is detachably connectable to the support unit (12) by location of the first protruding element (18) inside the locator cavity (8) and / or by location of the second protruding element (20) inside the locator second cavity (10).

2. A play assembly according to claim 1, wherein the receiving element (11) may be one or more of the features selected from the group consisting of: a. a channel in the first and / or second slide rail of the slide unit, b. a channel in the first and / or second side of the support unit, c. a borehole extending from the first end to the second end of the slide unit, d. a borehole extending from the first end to the second end of the support unit.

3. A play assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the slide accessory is one or more of features selected from the group consisting of a slide cover, tubing for water, LED strips and electrical cables.

4. A play assembly according any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the slide surface has a first (upper) surface (22), and second (back / orientated towards the ground in use) surface (23), said second slide surface comprising a fixing element (24), said fixing element being adjacent to, and extending in the direction of, one or more of, the first rail, second rail and bottom end of the slide unit.

5. A play assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the support unit has a first (upper) face (25), said upper face being the face on which the user climbs up the support unit, and second (back / orientated towards the ground) face (26), said second (back) surface comprising a fixing element (27), said fixing element being adjacent to, and extending in the direction of, one or more of the first side, second side and bottom end of the support unit.

6. A play assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element comprises a series of receiving cavities (28) for receiving fastening means (29), said fastening means being attached to cover unit (30).

7. A play assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover unit, wherein the cover unit comprises a plurality of fastening means (29), said fastening means locatable in the receiving cavities (28).

8. A play assembly according to claims 7, wherein the cover unit (30) is a woven or non-woven textile material.

9. A play assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein coupling means (31) couple two opposing fastening means, wherein the fastening means extend between the first side rail and second slide rail or between the first side and second side of the support unit.

10. A play assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the slide unit, first rail, second rail and slide surface comprise a single "U" shaped unit, preferably being an injection moulded unit.

11. A play assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a. the second surface of the first and / or second rail comprises a spacer unit, said spacer unit (33) extending from the inner wall (34) to outer wall (35) of the side rail, and / or b. the second face of the first and / or second side of the support unit comprises a spacer unit (33), said spacer unit extending from the inner wall (36) to outer wall (37) of the side rail.

12. A play assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein support unit, first side and at least one rung comprises a single unit, preferably being an injection moulded unit.

13. A play assembly according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein support unit comprises a plurality of rungs.

14. A play assembly (100) comprising: a) a slide unit (1) as defined herein b) a support unit (12) as defined herein, wherein the slide unit (1) and support unit are connected, preferably the play assembly further comprises a cover unit15. A kit of parts comprising a) a slide unit (1) as defined in any one or more of the preceding claims, b) a support unit (11) as defined in any one or more of the preceding claims, c) a cover unit (30) as defined in any one or more of the preceding claims.

Images