U.S. patent application number 14/573435 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-16 for sensory wall systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Landscape Structures Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Landscape Structures Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas L. Keller, Steven G. King.
Application Number | 20150105170 14/573435 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46162727 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150105170 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
King; Steven G. ; et
al. |
April 16, 2015 |
SENSORY WALL SYSTEMS
Abstract
Sensory wall systems are provided. In one embodiment, a sensory
wall system includes one or more middle sections, one or more end
sections, and an insert panel. The one or more middle sections have
sides that are configurable to be attached to other middle sections
or to the end sections. The one or more end sections are connected
to the one or more middle sections. The insert panel is within the
one or more middle sections and includes an activity for a
child.
Inventors: |
King; Steven G.; (Maple
Plain, MN) ; Keller; Thomas L.; (Delano, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Landscape Structures Inc. |
Delano |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Landscape Structures Inc.
|
Family ID: |
46162727 |
Appl. No.: |
14/573435 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13309055 |
Dec 1, 2011 |
8936502 |
|
|
14573435 |
|
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|
|
61418442 |
Dec 1, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
472/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20130101;
A63G 31/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/136 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. An insert panel configured to engage with a play structure, the
insert panel comprising: a support panel configured to attach to a
ridge of the play structure, wherein the support panel further
comprises attachment mechanisms; an activity portion located within
the support panel; and wherein the insert panel is configured to
semi-permanently engage with the play structure.
2. The insert panel of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanisms
comprise apertures and connection mechanisms, wherein the
connection mechanisms extend through the apertures of the support
panel and at least partially into the play structure.
3. The insert panel of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanisms
comprise bolts.
4. The insert panel of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanisms
comprise screws.
5. The insert panel of claim 1, wherein the activity portion is
configured to engage at least two of a child's senses.
6. An insert panel, comprising: a connection mechanism configured
to connect a support ring of the insert panel to a ridge of a
structure; an activity portion configured to engage at least one of
a child's senses, wherein the activity portion is configured to
engage the support ring; and wherein the insert panel is configured
to be removable from the structure.
7. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion
comprises a musical instrument.
8. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion
comprises a number of letters and shapes.
9. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion
comprises a plurality of marbles.
10. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion
comprises a mirror assembly.
11. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion
comprises a kaleidoscope.
12. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion is a
first insert panel, and wherein the first insert panel is further
configured to engage a second insert panel such that the first
insert panel connects to the structure in a back-to-back
configuration with the second insert panel.
13. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the insert panel is a
first insert panel, and wherein the first insert panel is further
configured such that it is removable and replaceable by the second
insert panel.
14. A kit for providing exchangeable activities on a play
structure, the kit comprising: a plurality of insert panels, each
insert panel comprising: an activity portion configured to engage
at least two senses; a support ring configured to engage with a
ridge of the play structure, wherein the support ring engages the
ridge; wherein each of the plurality of insert panels are
interchangeable with another of the plurality of insert panels, and
wherein each of the plurality of insert panels are configured to
engage in both a first position, wherein the first position
comprises a single insert panel within the support ring and a
second position, wherein the second position comprises a
back-to-back configuration with another of the plurality of insert
panels.
15. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein the activity portion
comprises a musical instrument.
16. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein the activity portion
comprises a number of letters and shapes.
17. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein the activity portion
comprises a plurality of marbles.
18. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein the activity portion
comprises a mirror assembly.
19. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein the activity portion
comprises a kaleidoscope.
20. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein each of the insert panels
are removeably engaged with the structure.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED CASE
[0001] The present application is a non-provisional application
that is based on and claims the priority of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/309,055, filed on Dec. 1, 2011 which is based on and
claims the priority of provisional application Ser. No. 61/418,442,
filed on Dec. 1, 2010, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Children with autism and/or sensory processing disorders may
find challenges with socialization, communication, play, and
imagination. Little attention has been devoted to addressing this
issue on the playground. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have
playground equipment that is welcoming to all children including
those with autism and/or other sensory processing disorders.
SUMMARY
[0003] An aspect of the disclosure relates to sensory wall systems.
In one embodiment, a sensory wall system includes one or more
middle sections, one or more end sections, and an insert panel. The
one or more middle sections have sides that are configurable to be
attached to other middle sections or to the end sections. The one
or more end sections are connected to the one or more middle
sections. The insert panel is within the one or more middle
sections and includes an activity for a child.
[0004] These and various other features and advantages that
characterize the claimed embodiments will become apparent upon
reading the following detailed description and upon reviewing the
associated drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sensory wall system with a
bongo insert panel.
[0006] FIGS. 2-1 through 2-7 are perspective views of different
insert panels that can be used with a sensory wall system.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sensory wall system with
two insert panels.
[0008] FIG. 4 is perspective view of a sensory wall system with
multiple insert panels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] While it has long been recognized that children on the
autism spectrum often have difficulty playing and socializing like
typically-developing children, little attention has been devoted to
addressing this issue on the playground. Embodiments of the present
disclosure address the issue and provide environments for meeting
the play and socialization needs of all children, in particular
those on the autism spectrum.
[0010] Sensory wall components attract children and encourage
exploration and discovery, and provide a "just-right" experience
for those seeking sensory stimulation. With its inclusive play
solution, sensory wall components address the sensory needs of all
children and welcome those with autism and other sensory processing
disorders into the play environment. Additionally, at least certain
embodiments illustratively provide rich tactile, proprioceptive,
vestibular, visual and auditory experiences, as well as help
develop motor-planning skills and increase social/imaginative play
opportunities.
[0011] Sensory wall components are designed to bring children of
all abilities together in close proximity to encourage parallel and
cooperative play. In one embodiment, sensory wall components
include a configurable system with multiple highly-interactive play
activities using marbles, gears, mazes, kaleidoscopes, and more.
Additionally, the custom wall that supports the interactive
activities provides a one-of-a-kind artfully designed sensory
centerpiece to any inclusive playground and can be designed to
match the theme of any environment.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a sensory wall system 100.
System 100 illustratively includes a middle wall section 102, a
first side section 104, and a second side section 106. The side
sections 104/106 are optionally connected to middle section 102 at
joints 108. In one embodiment, joints 108 are moveable such that
side sections 104/106 can be pivoted/rotated relative to the middle
section 102. In another embodiment, joints 108 are fixed position
such that the side sections 104/106 are stationary in one position
relative to middle section 102.
[0013] As is shown in FIG. 1, the outer surfaces 109 of the wall
sections 102, 104, and 106 optionally include a number of sensory
stimulating features 110 (e.g. textured features). Features 110 may
also illustrative enhance an aesthetic appearance of the sensory
wall system. Any combination of different types of features 110 can
be placed on the outer surface of the wall.
[0014] Middle wall section 102 illustratively includes an aperture
112 and a ridge 114 that surrounds the aperture 112. The ridge 114
optionally has a number of apertures 116 (three are numbered in
FIG. 1, but embodiments can include any number of apertures
116).
[0015] Sensory wall system 100 also optionally includes one or more
insert panels 118. In the particular example shown in FIG. 1,
insert panel 118 is a drum/bongos insert panel that includes a
small bongo 120 and a large bongo 122. Bongos 120 and 122 are
illustratively mounted to a support panel 124 that may include one
or more apertures 126 (three are labeled in FIG. 1, but embodiments
can include any number of apertures 126). Panel 118 may provide
resonant tones, providing deep auditory stimulation.
[0016] In an embodiment, insert panel 118 is attached to middle
wall section 102 by placing support panel 124 against ridge 114.
Then, attachment mechanisms 128 (e.g. screws, bolts, etc.) are put
through the support panel apertures 126 and the ridge apertures
116. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, system 100
includes a support ring 130 having apertures 132. Support ring 130
is illustratively placed on the opposite side of ridge 114 from the
insert panel 118, and the attachment mechanism also go through the
support ring apertures 132 to secure the insert panel 118 in place
on the middle wall section 102. Securing mechanisms 133 (e.g.
bolts, nuts, etc.) are illustratively secured to attachment
mechanisms 128 to hold everything in place. It should be noted that
insert panel 118 can be attached to middle wall section 102 in the
opposite direction such that the bongos are accessible from the
other side of the wall. It should also be noted that other
attachment methods can be used to attach insert panel 118 to middle
wall section 102 and that embodiments are not limited to the
specific example that is given for illustration purposes only.
[0017] System 100 also optionally includes mounting feet 134. In an
embodiment, middle wall section 102 has two feet 134 and each side
section 104/106 has one foot 134. Feet 134 illustratively enable
the wall to be set in an upright fashion. The feet 134 may simply
set on a surface (e.g. the ground), or can be attached to
underground assemblies (e.g. a concrete footing) to provide a more
permanent installation. System 100 may also include an opening
formed by an arch 136 between the side sections 104/106 and middle
section 102. The opening can provide an opportunity for children to
crawl through the opening to reach the other side.
[0018] FIGS. 2-1 through 2-7 illustrate some examples of other
embodiments of insert panels that can be used with a sensory wall
system. For example, each of the insert panels in FIGS. 2-1 through
2-7 can be attached to middle section 104 in the same or similar
way as insert panel 118 is shown as being attached to section 104
in FIG. 1 (e.g. using attachment mechanisms and apertures). In
certain embodiments, a sensory wall system 100 includes multiple
insert panels such that different play environments can be provided
by switching the insert panel being used. Additionally, as will
become more clear below, the different insert panels may provide
different sensory/play experiences.
[0019] FIG. 2-1 shows one example of an insert panel 202. Panel 202
illustratively includes one or more rotatable members 204 (e.g.
gear, sprocket, wheel, etc.) that are attached to support panel 208
through an axis of rotation 206. Support panel 208 may also have
apertures 210 for securing panel 202 to a wall section (e.g. using
screws and bolts). Panel 202 illustratively helps develop
upper-body strength and dexterity, and provides tactile and visual
sensory input.
[0020] FIG. 2-2 shows one example of an insert panel 212. Panel 212
illustratively includes a musical instrument 214. In one
embodiment, the instrument 214 is a percussion instrument such as,
but not limited to a xylophone or a glockenspiel that enables a
user to make a sound by striking the surfaces of the keys. Panel
212 may also include a support panel 216 having apertures 218.
Panel 212 may promote auditory stimulation and shared play.
[0021] FIG. 2-3 shows one example of an insert panel 222. Panel 222
illustratively includes a number of letters 224 (e.g. the entire
alphabet), numbers 225 (e.g. 0-9), and shapes 226 (e.g. circle,
square, triangle, rectangle). The letters 224, numbers 225, and
shapes 226 can be cut out from support panel 228 (e.g. formed by
apertures/holes) or can be printed for example on support panel
228. Panel 222 may encourage eye-hand coordination, tactile fun,
and learning.
[0022] FIG. 2-4 shows one example of an insert panel 232. Panel 232
illustratively includes a number of marbles 234 that can either be
rotatable or stationary. The marbles 234 are supported by a support
panel 236 that includes apertures 238. Panel 232 may offer a
sensory-rich visual and tactile experience.
[0023] FIG. 2-5 shows one example of an insert panel 242. Panel 242
illustratively includes a mirror assembly 244. Assembly 242
optionally includes a 2-sided concave/convex minor that encourages
peripheral vision and visual tracking. Similar to the other
embodiments of insert panels, panel 242 also includes a support
panel 246 and apertures 248.
[0024] FIG. 2-6 shows one example of an insert panel 252. Panel 252
illustratively includes one or more rotating visual mechanisms 254
(e.g. rotatable prisms and/or kaleidoscopes). As is shown in the
figure, each side of support panel 256 illustratively includes one
or more visual mechanisms 254 and apertures 258. Panel 252 may
offer rich visual stimulation.
[0025] FIG. 2-7 shows one example of an insert panel 262. Panel 262
illustratively includes a surface 264 (e.g. a flat table surface)
that is mounted horizontally within an aperture 112 (shown and
labeled in FIG. 1). Panel 262 may enhance social development and
creativity.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative embodiment of a sensory wall
system 300. As shown in the figure, any two insert panels (e.g.
panels 118, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262) can be
attached/mounted to/within a center wall section 102. For example,
in FIG. 3, panel 118 is placed on one side of ridge 114, and panel
222 is placed on the other side of ridge 114. Then attachment
mechanisms 128 are placed through apertures 126, 116, and 230, and
are secured in place utilizing securing mechanisms 133. As
previously mentioned, any other connection/attachment methods can
be used and the method shown in the figure is given for
illustration purposes only. Accordingly, one sensory wall system
300, or 100 in FIG. 1, can utilize multiple insert panels at the
same time to provide additional play and learning
opportunities.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative embodiment of a sensory wall
system 400. As can be seen in the figure, embodiments are
illustratively modular in nature, and different combinations and
numbers of components can be put together to form a sensory wall
system. For instance, in the particular example shown in FIG. 4,
the system 400 includes four different middle wall sections 102.
The sections 102 are connected together and to end sections 104 and
106 at joints 108. In one embodiment, an arch or opening 136 is
formed between/by the connection of two adjacent wall sections.
Although four sections 102 are shown in FIG. 4, embodiments are not
limited to any number of sections 102 and can include any number
(e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.). Also, the positioning of each of the
segments relative to each other can be adjusted by rotating the
pieces about joints 108.
[0028] In the particular example shown in FIG. 4, four different
insert panels 242, 252, 232, and 222 are included within sensory
wall system 400. As illustrated in FIG. 3, insert panels can be
mounted back-to-back such that system 400 could include up to eight
different insert panels. Embodiments are configurable to include
any number of insert panels, and thus can provide a wide variety of
play and learning environments. FIG. 3 also shows system 400
including a number of feet 134 that as previously mentioned, can be
mounted on top of a surface (e.g. ground) or be mounted underground
(e.g. using an underground concrete footing).
[0029] Accordingly, each of the insert panels and/or wall sections
alone and in combination provides a wide variety of play and
learning experiences that may be suitable children with autism
and/or sensory processing disorders. Additionally, the modular
nature of the insert panels and wall sections enables the system to
be changed relatively easily to provide new environments. It should
be also noted that systems may be sold essentially as kits that
include any one or more of the components described above or shown
in the figures, such that a user can assemble a variety of
different play environments.
[0030] Finally, it is to be understood that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of various embodiments have been set
forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the
structure and function of various embodiments, this detailed
description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in
detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of
parts within the principles of the present disclosure to the full
extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which
the appended claims are expressed. In addition, although the
embodiments described herein are directed to sensory wall systems,
it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
teachings of the disclosure can be applied to other types of data
storage systems, without departing from the scope and spirit of the
disclosure.
* * * * *