Multi-Level Play Equipment with Integrated Safety Harnesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing play equipment lacks diversity and integration of elevated features that enhance user experience and safety, particularly in indoor settings where space utilization is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level play apparatus combining a ropes course and a zip coaster with a common elevated area for entry and exit, utilizing safety harnesses for user safety, and an obstacle course underneath, allowing users to transition between equipment without changing harnesses, and incorporating a control device on the zip coaster rail for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate elevated play equipment structures are installed, then users can access different types of equipment, but the space required increases and users must change safety equipment between activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple types of elevated play equipment (ropes course, zip coaster, obstacle course) into a single integrated structure. All equipment types share common elevated platforms and entry/exit points, allowing users to access different activities without moving between separate structures. This merging approach maintains equipment diversity while significantly reducing the total space footprint compared to installing separate equipment for each activity type.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated structure serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides support for ropes course activities, zip coaster operations, and obstacle course elements. The common platforms and safety harness system are used across all equipment types, making the structure universal and eliminating the need for separate access points and safety equipment for each activity.
2Reliability
If users wear safety harnesses for elevated equipment, then safety is improved, but the complexity of equipment setup and harness management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety harness system is designed to be universal across all elevated equipment types. Users wear a single harness that interfaces with multiple equipment systems (ropes course, zip coaster, obstacle course) through standardized connection points. This eliminates the need for users to change harnesses or undergo multiple safety checks when transitioning between activities, reducing management complexity while maintaining continuous safety protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If indoor facilities use elevated play equipment, then play can occur regardless of weather, but the height above ground must be limited to ensure safety
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated structure is divided into multiple levels or zones with different height ranges. Lower levels provide activities where users remain closer to the ground, while higher levels offer more challenging activities. This segmentation allows the facility to offer a range of elevation experiences within safe indoor limits, accommodating different age groups and skill levels while maintaining weather-independent operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A play apparatus has plural types of elevated equipment, namely a ropes course and a zip coaster. Both types of elevated equipment have respective user safety supports that extend along the respective equipment and receive a safety harness worn by a user. The user need not change safety harnesses to use the different types of equipment. The entry and exit locations for the elevated equipment are in a common area elevated above the ground. A third type of equipment, namely an obstacle course, is located under and above the common area.