U.S. patent application number 11/245361 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-12 for playground climbing structures.
This patent application is currently assigned to PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian Jenkins, Eric Moore, Chris Newburry, Lloyd W. Reese.
Application Number | 20070082791 11/245361 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37911646 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070082791 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reese; Lloyd W. ; et
al. |
April 12, 2007 |
Playground climbing structures
Abstract
A climbing wall assembly or climbing structure made in
accordance with the present invention comprises at least two
adjacent climbing panels and at least three support posts. The
climbing panels are mounted between the support posts and adjacent
climbing panels share a common support post. The panels include
hinge elements which enables two adjacent panels to be oriented
relative to each other at a desired angle. In addition, base
members are provided to which the support posts are removably
mounted, to enable removal and replacement of an individual panel
of a wall assembly. Lastly, caps are provided to substantially
close openings in the top surface of the climbing assembly and gaps
between adjacent panels of the climbing assembly.
Inventors: |
Reese; Lloyd W.;
(Farmington, MO) ; Moore; Eric; (Farmington,
MO) ; Newburry; Chris; (Deslodge, MO) ;
Jenkins; Brian; (Farmington, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POLSTER, LIEDER, WOODRUFF & LUCCHESI
12412 POWERSCOURT DRIVE SUITE 200
ST. LOUIS
MO
63131-3615
US
|
Assignee: |
PlayPower LT Farmington,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37911646 |
Appl. No.: |
11/245361 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0048 20130101;
A63B 2071/024 20130101; A63B 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/037 |
International
Class: |
A63B 7/04 20060101
A63B007/04; A63B 9/00 20060101 A63B009/00 |
Claims
1. A climbing structure for a playground comprising a plurality of
support posts and at least two climbing panels mounted between the
support posts; each climbing panel comprising a front surface, a
back surface, a first side surface and a second side surface; the
front and back surfaces of said panels being configured to be
climbed; a first of the two panels having at least one hinge member
on its first side surface, and a second of the two panels having at
least one hinge member on its second side surface; the hinge
members of said first and second panels being vertically off-set
from each other such that the hinge members of said first and
second panels are generally axially aligned when said panels are
positioned adjacent each other; said panel hinge members defining a
tube shaped to receive one of said support posts; said hinge
members having a length such that the combined length of the hinge
members of adjacent panels will surround the substantially the
entire length of said support posts; the hinge member of one of
said panels being an upper hinge member and having an upper surface
and the hinge member of the second of said panels being a lower
hinge member and having a lower surface; said support posts and
said hinge members being shaped such that an assembler can
selectively set the relative angle between two adjacent panels.
2. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein said tube defined by
said hinge member has an inner surface; the inner surface of said
hinge member tube at a top and a bottom of said tube being sized
and shaped to snugly receive said support post and said inner
surface of said hinge member tube along a center portion thereof
being sized and shaped such that a gap is formed between said tube
inner surface and said support post.
3. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein said front and back
surfaces of said panels are shaped to simulate a rock wall.
4. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein said first and second
panels each comprise two or more hinge members on their respective
first and second side surfaces.
5. The climbing structure of claim 1 comprising three or more
panels; said panels comprising two end panels and the remainder of
said panels being center panels; said end panels having said at
least one hinge member along only one side thereof and said center
panel having hinge members on both is first and second side
surfaces.
6. The climbing structure of claim 5 wherein the hinge members of
said center panel first side surface are vertically offset from the
hinge members of said center panel second side surface.
7. The climbing structure of claim 5 wherein said end panels
include a vertically extending passage; said passage being
horizontally spaced from the hinge member of said panel; said
passage being sized and shaped to receive a support post.
8. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein said support posts are
generally cylindrical and said tube defined by said at least one
hinge member is generally cylindrical.
9. The climbing structure of claim 1 including a post cap adapted
to close a top end of said support posts.
10. The climbing structure of claim 9 wherein said support posts
include an interior surface extending generally normal to the axis
of said support posts; said surface including an opening; said
climbing structure including a fastener which extends through said
post cap and into said surface opening to secure said post cap to
said post.
11. The climbing structure of claim 9 wherein said first panel
upper hinge member comprises a recess on an upper surface thereof;
said post cap being sized and shaped to be received in said
recess.
12. The climbing structure of claim 11 wherein said second panel
comprises a recess in an upper surface thereof at said second panel
first side; said first panel recess being opened along an outer
surface thereof and said second panel recess being generally
aligned with said first panel recess when said first and second
panels are positioned adjacent each other; said cap comprising a
flange, said flange being sized to extend across a gap between
adjacent panels and into the recess of said second panel.
13. The climbing structure of claim 1 comprising a plurality of
base members; said base members comprising a mounting post to which
said support post is mounted.
14. The climbing structure of claim 13 wherein said mounting post
comprises a hollow sleeve; said support post being received in said
sleeve.
15. The climbing structure of claim 14 including a fastener which
secures said support post to said sleeve.
16. The climbing structure of claim 15 wherein said base members
include a support plate on said mounting post above said
fastener.
17. The climbing structure of claim 13 wherein said support post is
removably mounted to said mounting post.
18. The climbing structure of claim 13 wherein said base member
comprises a surface engaging base plate; said mounting post
extending upwardly from said base plate.
19. The climbing structure of claim 18 wherein said base member
further comprises a plurality of anchors which extend through said
base plate into said surface.
20. The climbing structure of claim 13 wherein said base member
comprises a pole which extends into said ground; said support post
comprising an upper portion of said pole.
21. A climbing structure for a playground comprising: a plurality
of support posts; a plurality of ground engaging base members; said
base members each comprising a mounting post to which said support
post is removably mounted; a pair of end climbing panels and at
least one central climbing panel; each climbing panel comprising a
front surface, a back surface, a first side, a second side, a top
and a bottom; the front and back surfaces of said panels being
configured to be climbed; said end panels each comprising at least
one hinge member along one of the first and second sides thereof;
said at least one central panel comprising at least one first side
hinge member along said central panel first side and at least one
second side hinge member along said central panel second side; said
first and second side hinge members being vertically offset from
each other; such that the at least one hinge member of one panel of
said climbing structure will be generally axially aligned with the
at least one hinge member of an adjacent panel when said panels are
positioned adjacent each other; said panel hinge members being
hollow and being sized and shaped to receive one of said support
posts; said hinge members having a length such that the combined
length of the hinge members of adjacent panels will surround
substantially the entire length of said support posts; said support
posts and said hinge members being shaped such that an assembler
can selectively set the relative angle between two adjacent
panels.
22. The climbing structure of claim 21 wherein said end panels
comprise a left end panel and a right end panel; the hinge members
of said left end panel being vertically off set from the hinge
members of said right end panel.
23. The climbing structure of claim 21 wherein said end panels
include a vertically extending passage horizontally spaced from the
hinge member of said end panel; said passage being sized and shaped
to receive a support post.
24. The climbing structure of claim 21 including a post cap adapted
to close a top end of said support posts, said post cap including a
cap body and a flange extending from said cap body; said flange
being sized to extend across a gap between adjacent panels.
25. The climbing structure of claim 24 wherein one of the hinge
members of two adjacent panels comprises an upper hinge member;
said upper hinge member having a surface spaced below an upper
surface of its panel; said adjacent panel having a recess aligned
with said hinge upper surface; said cap body being received on said
flange upper surface and said cap flange being received in said
recess.
26. The climbing structure of claim 25 including at least one
fastener to secure said cap in place.
27. The climbing structure of claim 25 including at least one
fastener extending through said cap body and at least one fastener
extending through said cap flange.
28. The climbing structure of claim 21 wherein said base member
post comprises a hollow sleeve; said sleeve being sized and shaped
to receive said post.
29. The climbing structure of claim 28 including a fastener which
secures said post to said sleeve.
30. The climbing structure of claim 21 wherein said base member
comprises a ground engaging plate; said mounting post extending
upwardly from said plate; said climbing structure further including
a plurality of anchors which extend through said base plate into
the ground.
31. The climbing structure of claim 21 wherein said base member
comprises a pole which extends into said ground; said support post
comprising an upper portion of said pole.
32. A climbing wall comprising at least two adjacent climbing
panels and at least three support posts; said climbing panels being
mounted between the support posts, wherein the adjacent climbing
panels share a common support post; each climbing panel comprising
a front surface, a back surface, a first side surface and a second
side surface; the front and back surfaces of said panels being
configured to be climbed; a first of the two panels having a
connecting element on at least its first side surface, and a second
side of the two panels having at least one connecting element on
its second side surface; the connecting elements of said panels
defining an elongate tube which surrounds a support post.
33. The climbing wall of claim 32 wherein said support post and
said connecting elements are shaped to permit the panels to be
oriented at a desired angle relative to each other.
34. The climbing wall of claim 33 wherein said tube defined by said
connecting elements is generally cylindrical tube and said support
post is generally cylindrical.
34. The climbing wall of claim 32 wherein said tube defined by said
connecting elements surrounds substantially the entire above ground
length of said support pole.
35. The climbing wall of claim 32 wherein said connecting element
of said climbing panel comprise at least one hinge member on the
adjacent side surfaces of said panels; the at least one hinge
member of said first panel being vertically offset from the at
least one hinge member of said second panel.
36. A wall panel for use in assembly a climbing wall; said wall
panel comprising: an upper surface, a bottom surface, a front
surface, a back surface, a first side and a second side; a
plurality of hand/foot holds on at least one of said front and back
surfaces to enable said panel to be climbed; and at least one
connecting member on at least said first side of said panel to
facilitate connection of said panel to an adjacent panel; said
connecting member comprising a hinge member extending from said
first side; said hinge member having a length less than the length
of said first side; said hinge member defining a tube having an
inner surface.
37. The wall panel of claim 36 wherein said hinge member tube has a
first circumference at a top and a bottom of said tube, and a
second, greater circumference along a center section of said tube;
said first circumference being less than said second
circumference.
38. The wall panel of claim 36 wherein said hinge member has an
upper surface proximate said panel upper surface; said hinge upper
surface comprising a recessed surface spaced below said panel upper
surface.
39. The wall panel of claim 38 wherein said panel includes a second
recessed surface in said panel upper surface at the opposite side
of said panel upper surface from said hinge member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to playground equipment and, in
particular to free standing playground climbing structures, such as
simulated rock walls.
[0004] Climbing structures, such as rock walls, are employed more
and more frequently in indoor and outdoor recreation or playground
areas. Typically, a climbing structure comprises a plurality of
panels having a formed surface with hand and foot holds thereon.
The formed surface can simulate a desired texture, and often is
formed to simulate a rock wall. The panels are then rigidly
connected together. The system commonly employed to connect the
panels together does not allow for variation in the set up of the
panels. That is, the angle or orientation between panels cannot be
varied. Nor can the orientation of a panel be changed. The panels
for currently available climbing structures or walls only fit
together in certain predetermined orientations. Additionally,
connecting elements are visible in some climbing structures.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A climbing wall assembly or climbing structure made in
accordance with the present invention comprises at least two
adjacent climbing panels and at least three support posts. The
climbing panels are mounted between the support posts and adjacent
climbing panels share a common support post.
[0006] Each climbing panel comprises a front surface, a back
surface, a first side surface and a second side surface. The front
and back surfaces of the panels are configured to be climbed, and
can, for example, have the appearance of a rock wall. A first of
the two panels has a connecting element on at least its first side
surface and a second of the two panels has a connecting element on
its second side surface. The connecting elements of the panels
defining an elongate tube which surrounds a support post.
Preferably, the tube defined by the connecting elements surrounds
substantially the entire above ground height of the support posts.
The connection of the panels to the support posts enables two
adjacent panels to be oriented relative to each other at a desired
angle.
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the
connecting elements of the climbing panels comprise hinge members,
there being at least one hinge member a connecting side of each
panel. The hinge members of the adjacent panels are vertically
offset from each other and axially aligned with each other when the
panels are positioned adjacent each other, to form or define the
elongate tube through which the support post extends. The tube
defined by the hinge member, and through which the support post
extends, has a diameter at the top and bottom thereof that is
dimensioned to engage the support post, such that there will be a
tight fit between the support post and the hinge member at the top
and bottom thereof. The central portion of the tube defined by the
hinge member has a diameter greater than the diameter of the
support post.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
climbing wall or climbing structure can comprise three or more
climbing panels. In this situation, the panels of the assembly
comprise two end panels with the remainder of the panels being
center panels. The end panels have the at least one hinge member
along only one side thereof and the center panels have hinge
members on both their first and second side surfaces. Hence, the
end panels can be connected to only one other panel and the center
panels can be connected to two other panels. To enable the end
panels to be supported by two support posts, end panels include a
vertically extending passage which is horizontally spaced from the
hinge member of the panel. The end panel passage is sized and
shaped to receive a support post.
[0009] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, caps
or closures are provided to close the openings at the top of the
climbing structure formed by the end panel passages and the hinge
members. A first cap is sized and shaped to close the opening
formed by the end panel passages. A fastener extends through the
cap and into a plate within the post to secure the cap to the post.
A second cap includes a cap body sized and shaped to close the
opening defined by the hinge member and a flange or finger which
extends from the cap body across a gap between adjacent panels. At
least one fastener is provided which extends through the cap body
of the second cap into a plate in the support post. A second
fastener can also extend through the cap flange into the adjacent
panel.
[0010] The hinge member at the top of the climbing structure can
have a recess formed its upper surface, and a recess can be formed
in the upper surface of the adjacent panel at the edge of the panel
adjacent the upper hinge member. The recesses are sized and shaped
to receive the cap so that the cap will be substantially flush with
the upper surface of the climbing structure.
[0011] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the
climbing structure includes a plurality of base members to which
the support posts are mounted. Preferably the support posts are
removably mounted to the base members. The base member includes a
mounting post to which the support post is mounted. The mounting
post can be a sleeve which receives the support post, or which is
received in the support post. A fastener extends through the
support post and the sleeve to secure the support post to the
sleeve. The base member includes a plate which surrounds the
mounting post above the fastener. In an assembled structure, the
panel rests on the plate, such that the panel is supported above
the level of the fastener.
[0012] In one embodiment, the base member comprises a pole which is
set into ground. An upper portion of the pole defines the mounting
post. In a second embodiment, the base member comprises a surface
engaging plate, and the mounting post extends upwardly from the
plate. A plurality of anchors extend through the base plate into
surface upon which the plate sits.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a climbing structure
incorporating the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality panels connected
together, the panels being shown flat;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the interconnection of
two panels, the panels being shown flat;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of an assembled climbing
structure;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the climbing structure;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross-sectional
view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 6a is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view taken about
the circle 6a of FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional
view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line
8-8 of FIG. 5 showing a second cap or closure of the climbing
structure installed in the climbing structure;
[0022] FIG. 8a is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view taken about
the circle 8a of FIG. 5;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line
9-9 of FIG. 4;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the climbing structure showing an
alternate mounting system; and
[0025] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line
11-11 of FIG. 9.
[0026] Corresponding reference numerals will be used throughout the
several figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The following detailed description illustrates the invention
by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description
will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the
invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations,
variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what
we presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the
invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention
is not limited in its application to the details of construction
and the arrangements of components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0028] A climbing structure assembly 10 constructed in accordance
with the present invention is shown generally in FIG. 1 and is
shown schematically in FIGS. 2 and 3. The climbing structure
comprises a series of panels 12 which are hingedly connected
together and supported by support posts 50. The support posts,
which can be made from metal, can be buried directly into the
ground (in the same way as a fence post is), but preferably, the
support posts are removably mounted to base members, and the base
members are then fixed in place in the ground or in a surface. The
use of the base member allows for the support posts to be removed;
thereby allowing for replacement of individual panels without the
need to disassemble a large portion, or even, the complete climbing
structure assembly. The panels 12 are preferably made of a plastic,
or other formable material. If made of a plastic, then the panels
12 can be rotomolded.
[0029] The climbing structure 10 actually comprises two types of
panels--end panels 14 and center panels 16. Further, the end panels
14 can be classified as right end panels 14a and left end panels
14b. The panels 12 all comprise front and back surfaces 18, an
upper surface 20, a bottom surface 21, a first side 22 and a second
side 24. With reference to the figures, the first side 22 is the
right side of the panel and the side 24 is the left side of the
panel.
[0030] The panel front and back surfaces 18 have a desired
configuration or shape. For example, the panel surfaces 18 can be
configured to look like a rock wall. The surfaces 18 are provided
with a plurality of foot and hand holds 26, enabling the structure
10 to be climbed. Foot and hand holds 26 are provided on both the
front and back surfaces of the panels, and preferable, for each
foot and hand hold 26 on the panel front surface; there is a
corresponding foot and hand hold on the panel back surface. The
corresponding or opposing hand and foot holds are connected
together in such a way so as to increase the structural integrity
of the panel. The manner in which the foot and hand holds are
formed and how they are mounted to the panel are well known to
those skilled in the art and are not described herein. As seen in
FIG. 1, the various center panels 16 can have different surface
configurations. Thus, holes or apertures 28 can be formed in the
panels, and the aperture in one panel can be shaped differently and
positioned differently than the aperture on another panel. A panel
can be "solid", i.e., be formed without apertures. The panels can
have a raised bottom surface, to form an aperture at the bottom of
the panel, as is shown in two of the panels of FIG. 1. Lastly, the
various panels can be of different heights, although the sides of
the panels preferably are all of the same length. As can be
appreciated, to enable the structure to be climbed, the over all
height of the wall can be several feet tall. For example, the top
of the climbing structure can be ten or more feet above the surface
of the ground cover GC surrounding the climbing structure. Further,
as described below, the connecting elements allow for panels to be
rotated about a horizontal axis and/or about a vertical axis. Thus,
the end panels 14 are preferably identical to each other. The end
panel 14b is the panel 14a, but rotated about both a horizontal and
a vertical axis. In other examples, the panel of FIG. 1 having the
central hole 28 could be rotated about a horizontal axis, such that
the hole 28 is higher on the wall 10. The panels having the raised
lower surface (forming a passage through the wall with the ground)
can be rotated about a horizontal axis, such that the panel
becomes, in essence, a short panel, for example, as seen in the
right most center panel (with reference to FIG. 1). The ability to
arrange the panels in any desired a way gives the designer great
flexibility in designing a wall assembly.
[0031] Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, both sides of the center panels 16
are connecting sides, to enable the center panels to be connected
to two other panels. The end panels 14a,b, on the other hand, have
only one connecting side, and thus are adapted to be connected to
only one other panel. The non-connecting sides of the two end
panels are formed to a desired shape, for example, as seen in FIG.
1. The connecting sides of the panels mesh together and connect the
panels to the support posts. With each center panel 16 having two
connecting sides, each center panel will be connected to two
support posts. Inasmuch as the end panels 14 have only one
connecting side, the end panels are provided with vertical passages
30 which spaced from the end panel's connecting side to be closer
to the non-connecting side of the end panel. This passage 30 is
sized and shaped to receive a support post 50, thereby ensuring
that the end panels 14 are supported by two posts 50.
[0032] The connecting sides of the center panels 16 comprise at
least one connecting element, shown to be in the form of a hinge
member 40a along side 22 and at least one hinge member 40b along
side 24. The hinge members 40a and 40b are offset from each other,
such that when the panels 16 are positioned adjacent each other,
the hinge members from one panel will be axially aligned with the
hinge member from the adjacent panel.
[0033] The connecting sides of the end panels are also provided
with at least one connecting element, again, in the form of a hinge
member. However, to enable the right and left end pieces to mate
with the hinge members of the center panels, the right panel 14a
has hinge members 40b along its left side 22 (with respect to FIG.
3) and the left end panel 14b is provided with hinge members 40a
along its side 24.
[0034] As seen in the Figures, each panel is provided with two
hinge members on their respective connecting sides, and the hinge
members mesh together, such that the top of one hinge 40b is
adjacent the bottom of the hinge 40a. Thus, in an assembled
climbing structure 10, there will be substantially no gap between
vertically adjacent hinges joints. Although the panels are shown to
include two hinge members on each connecting side, the panels could
be provided with only one hinge member on their respective
connecting sides or three or more hinge members on their respective
connecting sides. Preferably the hinge members 40a,b are all of the
same length
[0035] The hinge members 40a,b of the center and end panels define
tubes 41 having an inner surface 42 (FIGS. 6 and 7). Preferably,
the inner surface 42 is generally circular in horizontal
cross-section, and the tube defined by the hinge member would be
generally cylindrical. However, the inner surface 42 could be
faceted (i.e., define a polygon in horizontal cross-section). When
two panels are positioned adjacent each other, and their respective
hinge members 40a,b are axially aligned, the hinge members of the
two panels will, in combination, for an elongate tube extending the
height of the climbing structure. The tubes 41 are formed, as seen
in FIG. 6, such that at the top and bottom of each tube 41, the
inner surface 42 is sized and shaped such that the inner surface 42
will form a tight fit with the support post. Along the center
section of the tuber 42, however, the tube inner surface 41 is
sized to be larger than the support post to form an annular gap
between the tube 41 and the support post 50. Thus, if the support
post and the inner surface 42 are both generally cylindrical, at
the top and bottom of the tube 41, the tube inner surface 42 will
have a diameter only slightly greater than the diameter of the post
50; however, the central portion of the tube surface 41 has a
larger diameter, such that there will be at least a small spacing
between the post and the inner surface of the tube 41.
[0036] As seen in FIG. 7 the side surfaces 22, 24 of the panels are
shaped complementarily to the edge surface of the flanges 40a,b to
which they will be adjacent. As seen in FIG. 7, the side surface 22
defines an arc which corresponds to the arc of the flange edge or
outer surface. Although shown as curved or arced surfaces, the
respective surfaces could be multi-faceted.
[0037] The panel sections 12 are maintained in place by support
posts 50. The posts 50 are sized and shaped to pass through the
hinge members 40a,b. As noted above, the hinge tubes 41 have inner
diameters at the tops and bottoms thereof which form a tight fit
about the support posts 50. This tight fit rigidly maintains the
panel in place relative to the post, to substantially prevent
movement of the panel in an assembled wall 10. The support posts 50
are preferably hollow and have outer surfaces shaped
complimentarily to the inner surface 42 of the hinge members. As
noted above, each panel 12 is supported by two support posts 50.
The center panels 16 are mounted to the support posts which pass
through the hinge members 40a,b of the two connecting sides of the
panels; and the end panels 14a,b are mounted to a supporting post
50 which passes through the hinge members of its connecting side
and to a support post 50 which passes through the end panel's
passage 30.
[0038] As noted above, the hinge members of respective adjacent
panels mesh together. Hence, the hinge members of adjacent panels
for a continuous passage through which the support post 50 extends.
Thus, the combined length of the hinge members 40a,b from two
adjacent and connected panels surrounds substantially the entire
above ground length of the support post 50 (i.e., the length of the
support post above any ground cover GC). That is, substantially no
part of the support post is exposed, and a climber is presented
with only the front and back surfaces of the climbing wall 10. This
allows for the placement of more foot and hand holds 26 on the
front and back surfaces 18 of the panels.
[0039] In positioning one panel 12 relative to another, the support
post 50 will define a pivot point about which the panels 12 can
pivot or rotate (during assembly). It will be understood that the
panels will be fixed in place once the structure 10 is fully
assembled. Hence, by providing a pivotal connection between
adjacent panels, the orientation of one panel relative to another
can be selectively designed. Further, because the end surfaces
22a,b and the outer surface of the hinge member are shaped
complimentarily to each other, the size of any gap between adjacent
panels will not be affected by the angle formed by two panels, as
occurs, for example, when two bodies having flat surfaces are
rotated relative to each other.
[0040] The climbing structure is also provided with caps to close
the upper end of the tube formed by the hinge members 40a,b and the
passage 30. A first cap 52 (FIGS. 8 and 8A) closes the passage 30
of the end panels 14a,b. The cap 52 is essentially circular in
shape and has a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the
support post 50 and of the passage 30, so that the cap will fully
close the passage 30. To maintain the cap 52 in place, the support
post 50 is provided with a plate 54 spaced below the upper end of
the post. The cap 52 and plate 54 are provided with aligned
openings 56 and 58, respectively. At least the opening 58 in the
plate 54 is threaded, and a threaded fastener 60 (such as a bolt or
screw) extends through the cap 52 and into the plate 60. A washer
59 can be positioned between the head of the screw 60 and the upper
surface 20 of the panel 14b. It will be appreciated that the plate
54 can be a bar extending across a diameter of the support post 50
or a circular plate secured within the support post 50.
Alternatively, the plate 54 could be a spider member comprising a
nut which is suspended within the post 54 by a plurality of spokes
extending between the nut and the post wall.
[0041] A second cap 62 (FIGS. 6 and 6A) serves to close the tube
formed by the hinge members. The cap 62 includes a cap body 64 and
a flange or finger 66 extending from the cap body. The cap body 64,
like the first cap 52, is essentially circular in shape and has a
diameter greater than the outer diameter tube 41 defined by the
hinge member, so that the cap will fully close the hinge member
tube. The cap body 64 has a central opening 68, and a fastener 70
extends through the cap body opening 68 into the opening 58 of the
support post plate 54 to maintain the cap 62 in place. A washer 71
can be placed between the top of the fastener 70 and the upper
surface of the hinge member. The flange or finger 66 extends from
the flange body 64, as noted above, and across a junction 75
between adjacent panels to be received on the upper surface 20 of
the adjacent panel 12. A second fastener 73 extends through the cap
finger 66 into an opening 74 in the adjacent panel. As seen in FIG.
6A, there are two fasteners 73 which hold the finger 66 to the
upper surface of the adjacent panel. The opening 74 can be
threaded, and the fastener 73 can be a screw or a bolt.
[0042] The cap 62 is formed as a one-piece cap. However, the cap 62
could be replaced with two parts. A cap 52 could be used to close
the hinge member tube, and a separate bridging element could be
provided to close the gap between adjacent panels.
[0043] Although the caps 52 and 62 are described to be secured in
place using fasteners or the like, the caps can be secured in place
by other means as well. For example, the caps could each be
provided with a collar that extends into the hinge tube or the
passage 30 to frictionally hold the cap in place. Such a collar
could frictionally engage either the inner surface of the hinge
member (or end panel passage) or the inner surface of the support
post.
[0044] The second cap 62 is received in a recess in the adjacent
panel sections, so that the upper surface of the cap 62 is
generally flush with the upper surface of the panel sections, as
seen in FIG. 6. To this end, a first recess 74 is formed in the top
surface of the hinge member 40b, and a second recess 76 is formed
in the adjacent panel 12. The recess 74 is defined by a step 74a
forming a surface at the end of the panel upper surface (i.e.,
above the hinge member) which is slightly lower than the remaining
upper surface of the panel. Hence, the recess 74 extends the width
of the panel and extends from the step 74ato the end of the panel
12. The recess 76 is defined by a wall 76a having a shape
corresponding to the shape of the cap finger 66. Hence, the recess
is sized and shaped to receive the cap finger 66. The surfaces of
the respective recesses are substantially coplanar, and because the
recesses are opened at the adjacent edges of the panel sections,
the cap finger 66 can reach across the gap to be received in the
recess 76.
[0045] The cap 52 is shown to rest on the upper surface of the end
panels. (see FIG. 8). However, a recess could be provided in the
end panel upper surface, so that the upper surface of the cap 52
would be generally flush with the upper surface of the end
panel.
[0046] Lastly, to facilitate assembly (or disassembly), the
climbing structure 10 is provided with base members to which the
support posts are mounted. A first embodiment of a base member is
shown in FIGS. 4 and 9 and is designed for an in-ground mount. The
base member 80 includes a pole 84 which is set in the ground (in
the same way a fence post is set in the ground). An upper portion
of the pole 84 defines a mounting post 86. The mounting post 86 and
pole 84 can be a continuous single member. The support posts 50 are
mounted to the mounting posts 86. The mounting posts 84 preferably
define a sleeve sized and shaped to receive the support post 50.
For example, the support post 50 can be swaged or reduced in
diameter at its end as seen in FIG. 9, so that it can be received
in the mounting post 86. The mounting post 86 could, alternatively,
have a reduced diameter portion sized to be received in the support
post 50. The use of the reduced diameter portion of the support
post allows for the support post 50 and the mounting post 86 to
have essentially the same diameter. To further secure the support
post 50 in the mounting post, a fastener 88 is provided which
extends through the mounting post 86 and the support post 50. The
fastener 88 can, for example, comprise a female bolt and a screw
which is received in the bolt. Alternatively, the fastener can
comprise a bolt and nut or a pin (such as a cotter pin). Any other
type of fastener can be used to secure the support post 50 to the
mounting post 84. A plate 90 is secured to the support post (as by
welding) at a level above the fastener 88. In the assembled wall
structure 10, the panels 12 will sit on the plates 90, as seen, for
example, in FIGS. 4 and 10.
[0047] The second base member (FIGS. 10 and 11) is designed for a
surface mount. The base member 80' comprises a base plate 82', a
plurality of anchors 84' and a mounting post 86' which extends
upwardly from the plate 84'. The anchors 84' extend through
openings in the base plate 82' and into the surface (such as a
cement surface). The upper ends of the anchors 84' are threaded,
and bolts 85 are threaded onto the anchors to hold the plate 82' in
place on the surface. As with the base member 80, the support post
50 is mounted to the mounting post 86' of the base member 80'. The
mounting post 86' is formed identically to the mounting post 86 to
receive the support post 50. Fasteners 88 extend through the
support post 50 and mounting post 86' to secure the support post 50
in place. As with the base member 80, the base member 80' includes
a plate 90 on the mounting sleeve 86' above the level of the
fastener 88.
[0048] Although the base member mounting posts 86, 86' are
described to be hollow sleeves which receive the support posts 50,
the support posts could, alternatively slide over the mounting
posts, such that the mounting posts extend internally of the
support posts.
[0049] The various features of the climbing unit 10 give the unit
several distinct advantages over currently available free standing
climbing structures. Initially, the hinged connection of the panel
sections to the support posts allows for the panel sections to be
positioned relative to each other in virtually any desired angular
orientation, over an arc of about 180.degree.. This ability to
selectively position the panels relative to each other allows for
greater freedom in the design and configuration of a climbing wall
assembly from the various panels 12, and can allow for more
efficient use of the space available for the climbing wall.
Further, the placement of the hinge members 40a,b also allows for
the panels to be flipped or rotated about a horizontal axis, such
that the top of the panel becomes the bottom of the panel. The
panels can also be rotated about a vertical axis such that the
right side of a panel can become the left side of a panel. This
ability to change to manner or position in which the panel is
installed in a wall assembly increases the freedom in designing the
overall configuration of a wall assembly. In addition, because the
hinge members 40a,b and the end panel passages 30 enclose the
support posts 50, the support posts are contained inside the
plastic of the climbing structure. Hence, children climbing on the
wall will only come into contact with plastic--they will not come
into contact with the metal support post 50. Also, as noted above,
by encasing the support posts, the number of foot and hand holds on
the individual panels 12 can be increased. The caps 52 and 62 close
the openings through which the support posts are passed. This
reduces possible areas of entanglement.
[0050] As seen in FIGS. 9 and 11, the support posts are not
embedded directly in the ground (or surface). Rather, the support
posts are mounted to individual base members 80, 80'; there being
one base member for each support post 50. Preferably, the support
posts 50 are removably received in the base members 80 or 80'.
Thus, the fastener 88 which secures the support post to the
mounting post should be a fastener which can be removed, or
otherwise allows for removal of the support post from the mounting
post. The base member plates 90 support the panels above the
fasteners 88, allowing access to the fasteners once the ground
cover (GC) has been cleared away. Thus, should a panel 12 need to
be replaced, the single panel 12 can be removed from the wall
assembly, and a new panel can be inserted in its stead without the
need to disassemble the complete climbing structure or a major
portion of the climbing structure. All that would be required would
be to remove the fasteners 88 from the two support posts of the
panel in questions. The support posts can then be lifted out of the
assembly, and the panel in question can then be removed. A new
panel can then be inserted in its stead, and after the hinge
members of the new panel are meshed and aligned with the hinge
panels of the adjacent panel(s), the support posts can be lowered
back down through the respective passages to be received back in
the mounting post 86, 86'. The fasteners 88 are then replaced.
[0051] To assemble a climbing wall structure, the wall structure is
first laid out in the area where the wall will be erected. With the
proper location for the support posts 50 noted, the appropriate
base members are put in place. If an in ground installation is to
be used, then base members 80 are used. If a surface installation
is to be used, then the base members 80' are used. After the base
members have been positioned and secured in place, the wall panels
12 can be put in place. The base member mounting post has a
diameter generally equal to the diameter of the support post, hence
the bottom hinge of the panel will slide over the base member
mounting post 86, 86'. After two adjacent panels are positioned,
with their hinge members aligned with each other and with a
mounting post, the support post 50 for the two adjacent panels can
be passed through the passage defined by the hinge members of the
two panels to be received in the base member mounting post. A
fastener 88 will then be inserted to secure the supporting post to
the base member mounting post. The structure 10 can be assembled
starting from one end and working towards the other, from the
middle towards the ends, or in any other desired order. The
supporting posts can be put in place as the wall is assembled
(i.e., as panels are positioned), or all the panels can be
positioned, and then the supporting walls can be put in place. Once
the wall assembly has been constructed, the ground G ground cover
GC is positioned about the climbing structure. The ground cover GC
has a depth sufficient to cover base members and their fasteners
88, and most preferably extends at least from the ground G or
surface S to the bottom 21 of the climbing structure, if not
slightly above the bottom of the climbing structure. The ground
cover can be any acceptable ground cover, such as shredded wood,
shredded tires, pea gravel, etc.
[0052] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense. Although the hinge members 40a,b are shown to
be approximately the same length, the hinge member 40a can be
longer or shorter than the hinge member 40b, as long as the hinge
members 40a,b of two adjacent panels will mesh together for form a
passage which will surround substantially the entire above ground
length of the support post 50. This example is merely illustrative.
The connecting elements could be reconfigured such that the wall
panels "snap" together. In this instance, a "pin" would be formed
into one set of the connecting members and a corresponding opening
would be formed in the connecting members of the adjacent panel.
The two panels would be "snapped" together and could pivot about
the connection between the two panels. The caps 62 would then serve
a greater role in connecting adjacent panels together. This would
also require that the panels be further secured to a base. This
example is merely illustrative.
* * * * *