A play system incorporating a balanced crosspiece concept

Abstract

An embodiment of a playing system (100) is disclosed that incorporates the concept of a balanced crosspiece (112, 124, 130, 148). 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 the appearance that two crosspieces (112, 124, 130, 148) appear to intersect each other (112, 124, 130, 148) at a point that has the appearance of having notched-out portions of the crosspieces (112, 124, 130, 148). As an example, the play elements are connected to at least some of the segments (302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 317, 318, 320, 322, 324).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Background technology Many installed play systems today, such as outdoor playground play systems, have a similar look and feel. This is true even when comparing play systems created by different equipment manufacturers. For example, many manufacturers gravitate toward "post and deck" style systems, which typically incorporate a pattern of circular pipes extending from circular pipes, most often at right angles to one another. Ancillary elements, such as netting and cables, are often incorporated as a way to improve style and increase originality. However, there's only so much you can do if the underlying structure lacks creative inspiration.

[0002] Of course, that's not to say that some manufacturers don't produce play systems with a more creative look and feel—they certainly do—but it's unfortunate that increases in design creativity often come with an associated decrease in other considerations, such as component modularity or ease of assembly. This is at least partly because more creative components tend to be more specialized, and therefore less versatile and less easily connectable. Summary of the Invention

[0003] There continues to be a need for play systems that balance creative aesthetic features with other, more functional considerations.

[0004] overview Embodiments of a play system incorporating a balanced crosspiece concept are disclosed. In one embodiment, a series of segments are joined together to create the appearance of two crosspieces crossing each other at a point where one of the crosspieces has a notched-out appearance. Play elements are illustratively connected to at least some of the segments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a playing system incorporating the balanced crosspiece concept. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top view of the play system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of the play system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an end view of the play system. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective assembly view of a portion of the play system. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective and partial see-through view of a portion of a play system. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an attachment cartridge used to connect the segments. [Figure 8-10] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Detailed Description 1 is a perspective view of a play system 100 incorporating the balanced crosspiece concept. The system 100 includes a plurality of anchor scaffoldings 102, which are, by way of example only, hardened concrete scaffoldings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of scaffolding that perform similar functions could equally easily be substituted.

[0007] Note that only representative portions of scaffold 102 are labeled in Figure 1. When representative portions are labeled herein, it is assumed that all elements having the same or substantially similar appearance have the same label. Omission of labels is done solely to improve clarity by uncluttering the figures.

[0008] Above each anchor footing 102 is an anchor support 104. Only a few representative anchor supports 104 are actually labeled in FIG. 1 . Several specifically labeled example elongated components 103 pass through each anchor support 104 and into the anchor footing 102. The elongated components 103 are cables in some cases and posts in other cases. Those skilled in the art will understand that other types of elongated components 103 are alternatives, such as, but not limited to, hybrid post / cable systems. The exact nature of the components 103 is not important.

[0009] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that each combination of anchor footing 102, anchor support 104, and elongated component 103 is a point at which a portion of play system 100 is anchored to the ground and structurally supported. Footing 102 is illustratively buried in the ground, anchor support 104 is illustratively connected to the ground at or near the surface, and elongated component 103 illustratively passes through anchor support 102 and into footing 102. In this manner, the entire structure of play system 100 is anchored to the ground and structurally supported.

[0010] The playing system 100 also includes a first crosspiece 106 having a first end 108 and a second end 110. A second crosspiece 112 having a first end 114 and a second end 116 is also included. A third crosspiece 118 having a first end 120 and a second end 122 is also included. A fourth crosspiece 124 having a first end 126 and a second end 128 is also included. A fifth crosspiece 130 having a first end 132 and a second end 134 is also included. A sixth crosspiece 136 having a first end 138 and a second end 140 is also included. A seventh crosspiece 142 having a first end 144 and a second end 146 is also included. An eighth crosspiece 148 having a first end 150 and a second end 152 is also included.

[0011] Ends 134, 140, 146, and 152 are illustratively bottom ends of crosspieces 130, 136, 142, and 148, respectively. These crosspieces 130, 136, 142, and 148 operate in a manner similar to vertical posts, but are illustratively (though not necessarily) oriented at a slight incline relative to a flat reference surface that is aligned with (or substantially close to) the ground in the area where play system 100 is installed (e.g., a flat or substantially flat reference surface that passes through most or all of anchor supports 104 shown in FIG. 1). In one contemplated scenario, some or all of the crosspieces, particularly those that are directly part of the connection with the ground, are oriented at an incline relative to said flat or substantially flat reference surface, at least to allow for a wider distribution of loads placed thereon.

[0012] In this embodiment, crosspieces 130, 136, 142, and 148 each extend through their corresponding anchor support 104 and into their associated anchor scaffold 102. This need not be the case. For example, in another embodiment, each of ends 134, 140, 146, and 152 illustratively extends into an outer sleeve, which extends through anchor support 104 and / or into anchor scaffold 102. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in this scenario, the starting locations of crosspieces 130, 136, 142, and 148 and the starting locations of the outer sleeve are a matter of design choice. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that other securement configurations are alternatives for the transition between the scaffold and the crosspiece.

[0013] 2 is a top view of playing system 100. This top view provides further clarity regarding the positional relationships between crosspieces 106, 112, 118, 124, 136, 130, 142, and 148. Furthermore, the top view makes clear that crosspieces 106, 118, 136, and 142 are substantially similar, but inverted, compared to crosspieces 112, 124, 130, and 148. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, instead of fully describing both sides, this specification will focus primarily on the 106 / 118 / 136 / 142 crosspiece combination and proceed under the assumption that the 106 / 118 / 136 / 142 crosspiece combination is configured in substantially the same manner, or at least in the same but inverted manner, for the purpose of supporting an overall or substantially symmetrical design.

[0014] Figure 3 is a side view of playing system 100 taken from the near side of the perspective view shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 provides further clarity regarding the positions of crosspieces 112, 124, 130, and 148 relative to one another. The side view makes it clearer that, from the perspective of Figure 3, crosspiece 112 appears to cross behind crosspiece 148 and crosspiece 124. Crosspiece 124 appears to cross in front of crosspiece 130 and crosspiece 112.

[0015] 3 also shows that each of crosspieces 112, 124, 130, and 148 is actually comprised of multiple segments attached in-line with one another. Crosspiece 148, for example, is comprised of end segment 302, crossing segment 304, and end segment 306. Crosspiece 130, for example, is comprised of end segment 308, crossing segment 310, and end segment 312. Crosspiece 124, for example, is comprised of end segment 314, crossing segment 310, intermediate segment 316, crossing segment 317, and end segment 318. Crosspiece 112, for example, is comprised of end segment 320, crossing segment 304, intermediate segment 322, crossing segment 317, and end segment 324. Thus, as will become apparent, crossing segments 304, 310, and 317 are each configured to be shared by multiple individual crosspieces.

[0016] It should be understood that the particular number of segments incorporated into each crosspiece 112, 124, 130, and 148 is not critical. Each beam can just as easily be designed and manufactured to include more or fewer individual segments. The specific implementation is merely one example of a possible configuration, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other similar configurations, with different numbers of segments, are also contemplated.

[0017] Figure 4 is an end view of playing system 100 as viewed from the left side of the perspective view shown in Figure 1. Crosspiece combinations 112 / 124 / 130 and 106 / 118 / 136 are labeled for context. The primary focus, however, remains on the crosspiece combinations 112, 124, 130, and 148; crosspiece 148 is hidden and therefore not labeled in Figure 4.

[0018] The end perspective view of FIG. 4 provides further clarity regarding the arrangement of crosspieces 112, 124, and 130 relative to one another. The end view makes it clearer that crosspiece 112 appears to actually pass through crosspiece 124 (although not at a right angle), and vice versa. Crosspieces 112 and 124 are configured to support the aesthetic feature of a notch-out at their apparent intersection to accommodate the passage of one crosspiece over the other. If both crosspieces 112 and 124 were completely solid, they would in fact have to be notched out to accommodate the passage of one over the other. However, crossing segment 317, introduced in connection with FIG. 3 and contributing to both crosspieces 112 and 124, would, by way of example, not be solid and instead be configured solely to convey such an impression.

[0019] Crosspieces 112 and 124 are configured to be slightly rotated relative to a reference plane that is substantially in-line with the ground on which play system 100 is placed. The slight rotation of crosspieces 112 and 124 (and all other crosspieces described herein, by way of example) is such that none of the substantially flat sides of the crosspieces are approximately parallel (or perpendicular) to the reference plane. Of course, this is an optional configuration. Furthermore, the placement relative to the reference plane assumes that play system 100 is placed in an area with flat ground. The flat ground is assumed only for purposes of providing relative orientation. Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications can be made to accommodate ground that is not perfectly flat without departing from the design concepts described herein.

[0020] The end view of Figure 4 also makes it clearer that crosspiece 130 appears to actually intersect crosspiece 124 (or vice versa), rather than at a right angle. Crosspieces 130 and 124 are configured to support the aesthetic feature of one crosspiece being notched out to accommodate the passage of the other at their apparent intersection. If both crosspieces 130 and 124 were completely solid, one of them would in fact have to be notched out to accommodate the passage of the other. However, it will become clear that crossing segment 304, introduced in connection with Figure 3 and contributing to both crosspieces 130 and 124, is not solid, and is configured solely to convey such an impression, by way of example.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective assembly drawing showing how the various segments of cross-piece combinations 112 / 124 / 130 and 106 / 118 / 136 are assembled. Essentially as described in connection with FIG. 3, each individual cross-piece is actually a series of interconnected segments. As noted in connection with FIG. 3, for example, cross-piece 124 illustratively includes end segment 314, crossing segment 310, intermediate segment 316, crossing segment 317, and end segment 318. The perspective assembly drawing in FIG. 5 shows how crossing segment 317 and end segment 318 are assembled, which, by way of example, is consistent with how the other segments in the cross-piece combinations are assembled.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 5, the illustrated portions of end segment 318 and crossing segment 317 are illustratively hollow. An end cap 504 is used to close the end of end segment 318. Other crosspieces in play system 100 having openings are illustratively sealed by end caps in a similar manner. One or more rivets are illustratively used to secure the end cap in place. One or more holes are illustratively formed (e.g., during manufacturing) to accommodate riveting of the cap to the segment.

[0023] Seams exist between the individual segments of each of the crosspiece combinations 112 / 124 / 130 and 106 / 118 / 136. This is reflected in FIG. 5, where seam 502 is formed between crossing segment 317 and end segment 318. Seam 502 is formed where segment 318 joins with segment 317. Seam 502 is, by way of example, an angled seam, although this is not true for any or all seams between crosspiece segments in playing system 100. This is due to the fact that segments 318 and 317 are each formed with an angled edge at their join points.

[0024] First attachment cartridge 508 and second attachment cartridge 510 are provided to facilitate securing end segment 318 to crossing segment 317. Cartridges 508 and 510 are disposed on a portion of the interior of end segment 318 and a portion of the interior of crossing segment 317. This is apparent in Figure 5 due to the perspective nature of the drawing.

[0025] A representative number of connectors 512 are shown and labeled in FIG. 5 . These connectors 512 are used to secure the cartridge 508 to the end segment 318 on one side of the seam 502 and to the crossing segment 317 on the other side. Similarly, another number of connectors 512 are used to secure the cartridge 510 to the end segment 318 on one side of the seam 502 and to the crossing segment 317 on the other side. Of course, openings (e.g., added during manufacture) may be included in the segments to facilitate attachment using the connectors 512. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exact nature of the connectors 512 may vary from one implementation to the next. In one embodiment, the connectors 512 are simple nut and bolt combinations, with the bolt head located on the outside of the segment and the bolt hidden inside. Washers and / or bolt head caps may also be included as an option. 5, each pair of two connectors 512 is illustratively staggered so that it is not in-line with the other pair of two connectors 512. The angled nature of the seam 502 facilitates this arrangement, making this configuration particularly convenient for assembly.

[0026] While assembly can be performed in any order, it is particularly convenient to secure the first end of the attachment cartridge 508 (using the two connectors 512) to the crossing segment 317 before joining the end segment 318 at the seam 502. Next, the first end of the attachment cartridge 510 is illustratively secured (using the two connectors 512) to the crossing segment 317. The angled nature of the seam 502, as well as the offset joining scheme rather than stacking, makes access to the interior of the crossing segment 317 particularly convenient when securing the first ends of the attachment cartridges 508 and 510. Next, the end segment 318 is slid over the attachment cartridges 508 and 510 before the end cap 504 is secured in place. The connectors 512 are used to attach the other ends of the attachment cartridges 508 and 510 to the end segment 318 by reaching through the open end of the end segment 318 (or, alternatively, through another opening formed in the segment that provides access). Finally, the cap 504 is secured in place.

[0027] 6 is a perspective and partial see-through view of a portion of play system 100. This view is essentially an enlarged perspective view of the location where crosspiece 124 intersects with crosspiece 112 at crossing segment 317. This view also shows the intersection, on the opposite side, where crosspiece 118 intersects with crosspiece 106. This detail of the opposite side of play system 100 is provided at least to emphasize that both sides are configured in a similar manner, by way of example.

[0028] The view in FIG. 6 is perspective to reveal that end segment 324, mid-segment 322, end segment 324, and mid-segment 316 are each attached to crossing segment 317 in a manner substantially similar to the 318 / 317 segment connection described in connection with FIG. 5. Specifically, a combination of attachment cartridges (i.e., the same as or similar to attachment cartridges 508 / 510) supported by connectors (i.e., the same as or similar to connector 512) is arranged. Angled seams (i.e., the same as or similar to seam 502) are also included at each connection point. Those skilled in the art will understand that the connections at crossing segments 310 and 304 (FIG. 3) are configured the same as or substantially similar to the connections at crossing segment 317, as described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6, by way of example.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of attachment cartridges 708 and 710, an example of a mechanism for connecting segments of the crosspiece described above. Attachment cartridge 708 is shown separated from attachment cartridge 710, by way of example. As shown and described herein, the cartridges slide out of perfect alignment with one another to support attachment of two segments of the crosspiece on either side of an angled seam formed between them. However, it should be noted that any or all of the attachment cartridges described herein could just as easily be configured to be aligned with one another rather than offset. An angled seam makes sliding out of alignment an attractive alternative for a variety of reasons, including accessibility and aesthetics. However, particularly in scenarios where the seam is flat rather than angled, the attachment cartridges can also easily be positioned inline with one another, thereby supporting a more inline attachment scheme. Opposing attachment cartridges could also have different sizes or shapes compared to one another. They need not necessarily be identical.

[0030] Attachment cartridges 708 and 710 are shown with connectors 512 secured to them (some representative ones are labeled). Connection holes are formed, by way of example, at each corner of the surface of each attachment cartridge to accommodate the bolt portion of the connector passing therethrough. The bolt heads are sized to mate with the surface of the connector (and / or the surface of the cross-piece segments) to facilitate fastening of the pieces, by way of example, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Nuts are threaded onto the bolts to complete the fastening. Optional caps are secured onto the heads of each of the bolts 702 to provide aesthetic appeal in lieu of bare bolt heads. Other mechanisms for fastening cross-piece segments together using attachment cartridges should be considered as simple alternative design options. The illustrated nut, bolt, and cap combination is merely exemplary. In another embodiment, a bolt is configured to be attached / fastened to the attachment cartridge without the need for a bolt to secure the two components together.

[0031] Figure 8 is a first perspective view of crossing segment 317. Figure 9 is a second perspective view of crossing segment 317 rotated to allow viewing along line of sight 802 shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a second perspective view of crossing segment 317, this time rotated to allow viewing along line of sight 804 shown in Figure 8. The purpose of Figures 8 and 9 is to show what it looks like through the interior of crossing segment 317.

[0032] The first feature of note in the depictions of crossing segment 317 in Figures 8-10 is the plurality of mounting holes 806, labeled in the representative illustrations. These are points where connectors are used to couple crossing segment 317 to other segments, by way of example, using multiple attachment cartridges as described above. In particular, the mounting holes 806 are configured such that at each attachment point, a first pair of mounting holes 806 are offset from another pair of mounting holes 806 rather than being in-line with them.

[0033] The view shown in FIG. 9 of crossing segment 317 (taken from a perspective view of arrow 802 in FIG. 8) reveals a substantially hollow interior. It is not essential that crossing segment 317 be manufactured as a single piece; two or more interconnected components could just as easily be realized. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10, for example, first component 904 is nested with second component 906, as an example.

[0034] Play system 100 includes crossing segments other than crossing segment 317 (e.g., crossing segments 304 and 310). If the manufacturing approach for the crossing segments requires connecting and / or nesting multiple individual components, it becomes important that the correct components for each crossing segment are combined together. This is true at least because not all crossing segments are or need to be identical so that their components are interchangeable.

[0035] Thus, the components of the crossing segments are illustratively configured to include indexing features to help ensure that the correct components of each crossing segment are paired together. Referring to FIG. 9, a pair of tabs 902 are illustratively used to facilitate proper pairing of components 904 and 906. Component 906 is illustratively notched out as shown to facilitate fitting of tab 902 included on component 904. One or both of tabs 902 may also include an imprinted number (e.g., "4") to further assist in accurate pairing of the components.

[0036] Crossing segment 317 shown in FIG. 10 (taken from arrow 804 in the perspective view of FIG. 8 ) reveals a substantially hollow interior. Tab 1002 is used, by way of example, to facilitate connection of components 904 and 906. As reflected in FIG. 10 , component 904 is, by way of example, configured to facilitate coupling of the two components together. As shown in FIG. 10 , a different imprint number (e.g., “4”) is provided to aid in accurate pairing of the individual components. By way of example, both components 904 and 906 include the same imprint number to facilitate accurate pairing.

[0037] The depicted tab 902 is, by way of example, specifically sized to facilitate proper connection at the intersection of the associated components. For example, component 904 is, by way of example, provided with a notch-out to accept only a tab with a correct orientation. This, by way of example, prevents component 904 from being nested "backwards" within component 906, and also prevents several other components from different crossing segments from being coupled to component 906, creating an "invalid" connection. Essentially, there is a "keyed" or "indexed" relationship between the tab of component 906 and the notch-out formed in component 904. The same applies to other tab / notch pairings in other components of crossing members incorporated into play system 100, where, by way of example, each crossing segment has a unique keyed or indexed segment pair.

[0038] Thus, other crossing segments in play system 100 are, by way of example, similarly configured when compared to crossing segment 317. This is not to say that the angles and directions in the two contained segments need to be identical when compared to crossing segment 317. It is contemplated that there may be a variety of different crossing segments incorporating a variety of different angles, directions, etc. Thus, a keyed or indexed relationship between the components of a crossing segment provides additional convenience.

[0039] Before proceeding further, it should be noted that the term "intersection" as used herein is not necessarily limited to scenarios in which one segment penetrates at least a portion of another segment and has an overall look and feel consistent with the other. Those skilled in the art will understand that one segment can easily be configured to intersect behind another without appearing to penetrate. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that one segment may penetrate another segment at a right angle, rather than being rotated at an angle. The examples shown herein should not be considered limiting.

[0040] The play system 100 is modular in that, by way of example, any number of end segments, intermediate segments, and crossing segments can be manufactured and assembled in countless different combinations to create structures with varying overall look and feel. Furthermore, a wide variety of play elements can be incorporated. The precise arrangement of cross pieces and associated cross piece segments shown and described herein is also by way of example only. The specific configuration is provided as an example of the overall concept and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the configuration could readily be configured in other ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0041] Also, an advantageous feature of system 100 is that it can be expanded by starting with one or more assemblies and incrementally adding additional assemblies 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.

[0042] In one embodiment, without limitation, the crosspieces of the play system 100 are fabricated from galvanized steel. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, without limitation, the dimensions of the crosspiece segments of the play system 100 are generally xx (i.e., square) and have a wall thickness of approximately 0.120 inches. Any cut edges may be sprayed with a corrosion-resistant coating, for example, and the exterior surfaces may be provided with some type of finish coating, such as a powder coat finish, for example. It should also be understood that the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein is not limited to segments having, for example, a square, rectangular, or any other particular profile when viewed from their end. The segments may be circular, oval, star-shaped, or any other shape. The profile need not be uniform from one end of the segment to the other. There may be a transition from one profile to another.

[0043] It should be noted that dimensions provided herein (if any) are intended as examples only. Specific dimensions are provided as examples of scale only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that dimensions can be readily adjusted without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, despite the fact that Figure 1 depicts a bridge structure, many different types of play elements can 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 can be incorporated into system 100 include, but are not limited to, a slide, crossover bars, rope climbers, climbing nets, swings, climbing rings, pipe climbers, or pivoting gangplanks.

[0045] The environment can include additional, independent play elements in addition to the play elements attached to the play system 100. These "unattached" play elements contribute to the construction of a continuous and innovative play system 100.

Claims

1. 1. A playground structure comprising: a first crosspiece including a first segment connected to the crossing segment so as to be in-line with a first end segment attached to the crossing segment; a second crosspiece including a second segment connected to the crossing segment in-line with a second end segment also attached to the crossing segment; Including, The crossing segment is configured such that the first crosspiece appears to pass through a notch-out portion of the second crosspiece; and at least one play element attached to at least one of the first crosspiece and the second crosspiece, the play element being configured to be climbed by a person; playground structures, including;

2. 10. The playground structure of claim 1, wherein the crossing segment is configured such that the first crosspiece appears to pass through, but not pass at a right angle through, the second crosspiece.

3. 2. The playground structure of claim 1, wherein the first crosspiece has a square profile when viewed from one of its ends, and the crossing segment is configured such that some but not all of the square profile appears to penetrate the second crosspiece.

4. 2. The playground structure of claim 1, wherein the first crosspiece has a square profile when viewed from one of its ends, and the crossing segment is configured such that some but not all of the square profile appears to penetrate the second crosspiece, and the square profile is configured such that at the point of penetration, the square profile appears to penetrate the second crosspiece rotated relative to a reference plane that is substantially in-line with the ground on which the playground structure is placed.

5. 2. The playground structure of claim 1, wherein the first crosspiece has a circular profile when viewed from one of its ends, and the crossing segment is configured such that some but not all of the circular profile appears to penetrate the second crosspiece.

6. 10. The playground structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second segments are at least substantially hollow.

7. 10. The playground structure of claim 1, wherein the crossing segment is at least substantially hollow.

8. 10. The playground structure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of anchor footings that directly or indirectly support the first and second crosspieces.

9. 10. The playground structure of claim 1, further comprising an attachment mechanism disposed within a portion of each of the first segment and the crossing segment and similarly secured thereto.

10. 10. The playground structure of claim 1, wherein the crossing segment includes a first crossing segment piece configured to be nested with a second crossing segment piece.

11. 11. The playground structure of claim 10, wherein the first crossing segment piece incorporates an indicator to increase the likelihood of it being properly paired with a second crossing segment piece rather than with an inappropriate crossing segment piece.

12. A method of assembling a playground structure, comprising incorporating a crossing segment as part of two crosspieces such that one of the two crosspieces gives the appearance of being a solid crosspiece that passes through a notch-out portion of the other of the two crosspieces, despite the fact that the two crosspieces are substantially hollow.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein incorporating a crossing segment includes connecting respective ends of the two cross pieces to the crossing segment.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein connecting a first end of each of the two cross pieces to a crossing segment further comprises connecting and securing an attachment mechanism between the first end of each of the two cross pieces and the crossing segment.

15. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the crossing segment is incorporated as part of two crosspieces, so that one of the two crosspieces has the appearance of being a solid crosspiece that passes through, but not perpendicularly through, the notched-out portion of the other of the two crosspieces.

16. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of the two crosspieces has a square or rectangular profile when viewed from its end.

17. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of the two crosspieces has a square or rectangular profile when viewed from its end.

18. 1. A crossing segment for incorporation into a playground structure, said crossing segment comprising: an at least substantially hollow first crossing segment component nested within an at least substantially hollow second crossing segment component; and said first and second at least substantially hollow crossing segment components nested to provide the illusion that the first solid cross piece passes through a notch-out portion of the second solid cross piece.

19. 20. The crossing segment of claim 18, wherein an index component is incorporated into at least one of the two at least substantially hollow crossing segment components to facilitate pairing with the other of the at least substantially hollow crossing segment in place of an incompatible crossing segment component.

20. 20. The crossing segment of claim 18, wherein the first and second at least substantially hollow crossing segment components are nested to provide the illusion of the first solid cross piece passing through, but not at a right angle to, the notched-out portion of the second solid cross piece.

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