U.S. patent application number 17/079645 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-18 for integrated shade-providing structure and electronic game.
The applicant listed for this patent is Superior International Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tommy Lee Rampley, David Paul Reeves, Christopher John Zanot.
Application Number | 20210047856 17/079645 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005190728 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210047856 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zanot; Christopher John ; et
al. |
February 18, 2021 |
INTEGRATED SHADE-PROVIDING STRUCTURE AND ELECTRONIC GAME
Abstract
The present disclosure describes a shade-providing structure
that includes a framework, a canopy, and an integrated electronic
game system. The framework comprises a plurality of uprights, to
which is mounted a plurality of elevated support beams. The
elevated support beams are coupled to one another by a central hub.
In some embodiments, the central hub may define an interior space,
in which wiring from the plurality of electronic game units may be
easily accessed for installation, repair, and/or to change the
operation of the gaming system. The canopy is supported by the
elevated support beams to provide a shaded area. The game system
includes a plurality of electronic game units mounted to the
plurality of uprights. The electronic game units may be operably
connected to one another either by wires that extend through the
framework or by wireless technology. The electronic game system is
preferably configured to stimulate physical play, for instance by
encouraging a child to move between the various game units.
Inventors: |
Zanot; Christopher John;
(Carrollton, GA) ; Rampley; Tommy Lee; (Dallas,
GA) ; Reeves; David Paul; (Mableton, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Superior International Industries, Inc. |
Carrollton |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005190728 |
Appl. No.: |
17/079645 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16253791 |
Jan 22, 2019 |
10815688 |
|
|
17079645 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/1075 20130101;
A63F 13/2145 20140902; A63F 13/30 20140902; E04H 15/60 20130101;
E04H 15/02 20130101; A63F 13/215 20140902; E04H 15/48 20130101;
A63F 2300/1081 20130101; E04H 15/322 20130101; A63F 13/90
20140902 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/02 20060101
E04H015/02; E04H 15/32 20060101 E04H015/32; E04H 15/60 20060101
E04H015/60; A63F 13/2145 20060101 A63F013/2145; A63F 13/90 20060101
A63F013/90; A63F 13/30 20060101 A63F013/30 |
Claims
1. A shade-providing structure comprising: a framework comprising a
plurality of uprights, a plurality of support beams, and a central
hub; one or more canopy elements secured to the plurality of
support beams; a game system comprising a plurality of electronic
game units, each of which is mounted to one of the plurality of
uprights, the game units being operably connected to one another;
and wherein the plurality of uprights are configured to be mounted
to a ground surface such that the shade-providing structure is
installed in an outdoor recreational area.
2. The shade-providing structure of claim 1, wherein the game units
are operably connected to one another by wires that extend through
the framework.
3. The shade-providing structure of claim 1, wherein the game units
are operably connected to one another wirelessly.
4. The shade-providing structure of claim 3, wherein the game
system provides a game that stimulates one or more users to move
between the plurality of electronic game units, and thus between
the plurality of uprights.
5. The structure of claim 4, wherein at least one of the plurality
of electronic game units is a control unit that comprises a. a
processor, and b. at least one input device, at least one output
device, or a combination thereof.
6. The structure of claim 5, wherein the control unit comprises a
touchscreen.
7. The structure of claim 5, wherein the control unit further
comprises a battery cell.
8. The structure of claim 7, wherein the control unit further
comprises a physically-manipulatable component operably connected
to the battery cell such that a user may charge the battery
cell.
9. The structure of claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured
for a user to select from a plurality of games.
10. The structure of claim 3, wherein the game system is configured
to communicate with a personal electronic device.
11. The structure of claim 2, wherein the central hub comprises an
accessible interior space and the wires from two or more game units
are connected within the interior space.
12. The structure of claim 11, wherein the central hub comprises a
hollow body and a removable cover.
13. The structure of claim 12, wherein the removable cover is on an
underside of the hollow body.
14. The structure of claim 2, wherein at least the plurality of
uprights and the plurality of support beams have wires installed
therein, the wires extending through a central cavity of the
upright or support beam.
15. The structure of claim 2, wherein the plurality of electronic
gaming units are mounted to the plurality of uprights so that no
wires are visible on the exterior of the structure.
16. The structure of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of
support beams comprises a tensioning device configured to provide
the one or more canopy elements with a desired degree of
tension.
17. The structure of claim 16, wherein each of the tensioning
devices is located at a distal end of a support beam.
18. The structure of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of
support beams comprises a tensioning device configured to provide
the one or more canopy elements with a desired degree of
tension.
19. The structure of claim 18, wherein each of the tensioning
devices is located at a distal end of a support beam.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/253,791, filed on Jan. 22, 2019, the entire
contents of which is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an integrated
shade-providing structure and electronic game.
[0003] Shade-providing structures on lands reserved for recreation
provide significant benefits by providing members of the public
with a space that is sheltered from the heat and UV-rays of the
sun. Children, however, may find such spaces relatively boring
compared to playground structures often located nearby. The present
invention overcomes this disadvantage by incorporating an
electronic game into the supporting framework of the
shade-providing structure. Because the game may be configured to
encourage children to run around between various game elements, the
present invention may also provide the additional advantage of
promoting physical activity within the relatively cool, shaded area
underneath the shade-providing canopy.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a
shade-providing structure comprising a framework supporting one or
more canopy elements and having an electronic game incorporated
with the framework. The framework may generally include a plurality
of uprights, a plurality of support beams, and a central hub. The
plurality of uprights may be spaced apart from one another to
define a central space located underneath the shade-providing
canopy element(s). The distal ends of the support beams may
generally be attached to the upper ends of the uprights and each
support beam may extend toward the center of the framework. The
proximal ends of the support beams may be attached to the central
hub, which is located in the center of the framework. One or more
canopy elements may be mounted to the framework, and more
particularly to one or more of the support beams, in order to
provide an elevated canopy producing a shaded space below.
[0005] The structure also includes a game system comprising a
plurality of electronic game units mounted to the plurality of
uprights. The game units are operably connected to one another,
such as by wires that extend through the framework and connect
together within the central hub. At least one of the game units may
be a control unit. At least one of the game units, and optionally a
plurality of the game units, may include an indicator, a touch
sensor, or both. The indicator may comprise, for example, a visual
indicator, such as an LED light or series of LED lights, a video
screen, or the like; an audible indicator, such as a speaker
configured to produce a sound, a bell or chime, or the like; or a
combination thereof. The touch sensor may include any element
configured to register that a user has touched the game unit, such
as one or more sensors, touchscreens, buttons or other depressible
elements, levers, or the like.
[0006] The game system may also include a battery cell, which may
desirably be incorporated within one or more of the game units. In
some embodiments, for example, each of the one or more control
units may comprise a battery cell. The battery cell may be
configured to maintain a charge over time. For instance, the
battery cell may be operably connected to one or more solar panels,
which may be affixed to or incorporated within the structure. In
other embodiments, however, the structure, and desirably the
control unit, may also include a component configured to charge the
battery cell. For instance, the structure, and desirably the
control unit, may include a physically-manipulatable component that
is operably connected to the battery cell such that a user may
charge the battery cell by physically manipulating the component.
Examples of such manipulatable components include a rotating wheel,
a hand crank, a foot pump, a pedal (e.g. bicycle or hand-pedal)
device, a step (e.g. elliptical or stair-climbing) device,
combinations thereof, etc. Alternatively, the structure may simply
be hard-wired to a source of electricity.
[0007] The game system, and desirably the control panel, may
include one or more input elements, one or more output elements, or
both. A user may initiate a gaming session, for instance, through
any of a variety of interactions with the one or more input
elements. This may involve, for example, use of a touchscreen or
touch sensor, pressing one or more buttons, flipping one or more
switches, voice activation, etc. In some embodiments, the game
system may be configured so that a user may also use one or more
input elements to select from a plurality of different games. An
output element may provide instructions to the user on how to play
a game, feedback to the user on the results of the game, etc. The
output elements may include, for example, a video screen (note that
this may be a touchscreen that operates as the input element as
well), a speaker, etc. The control panel may also comprise a
processor, which may be operably connected to any input elements,
output elements, or both, on the control panel. In some
embodiments, the game system (and more specifically the processor)
may be configured to communicate with a user's personal electronic
devices, such as a smart phone or tablet computer. Accordingly, one
or more input and/or output functions may be performed using the
input and/or output elements of the personal electronic device
instead of through the use of such elements on the control
panel.
[0008] The game system may be configured to provide one game or
more than one game. The type and variety of games that can be
provided using the game system described herein is vast. In some
embodiments, a program for a personal electronic or computing
device, e.g. an "app", may be connectable with the gaming system
such that one or more programs or games programmed into an "app"
may be operated by the gaming system. This would allow for the
updating of available games without any need to physically access
the gaming system itself. By making games available to users
through a program or "app," it would also allow the gaming system
to offer an updatable and changing library of games.
[0009] In one example game, for instance, initiation of a gaming
session may activate the indicator of one of the plurality of
gaming units. A user may deactivate the indicator of the game unit
by making contact with the touch sensor of that game unit. When the
user deactivates that game unit, however, the indicator of a
different game unit may become activated. The sequence of which
game units are activated may be random or it may be programmed to a
predetermined or user-selected difficulty level. The game session
may be configured to run for a predetermined time, during which a
user will try to deactivate as many different game units as
possible. At the end of the gaming session, the output element may
identify the number of game units deactivated during the
session.
[0010] In another example game, for instance, initiation of a
gaming session may activate the indicators of the game units in a
sequence, thereby defining a target sequence. A user may then be
prompted to make contact with the touch sensors of the game units
in the target sequence. The sequence may be random or it may be
programmed to a predetermined or user-selected difficulty level.
The output element may identify whether a user has made contact
with the game units in the target sequence. In some embodiments,
the gaming session may be iterative, with an additional number of
activations being added to the target sequence until the user fails
to make contact with the game units in that sequence.
[0011] Other games, not described in detail herein, may make use of
only the indicators on each game unit or of only the sensor on each
game unit. Various display and/or input steps may also or
alternatively be performed on the control panel. In many
embodiments, however, it is desirable that the game causes a user
to move between the various game units, in order to promote
physical activity. Many of the games, including those described
above for example, may also promote cooperative play among a group
of children.
[0012] In order to facilitate installation, repair, and/or a
replacement of parts, the central hub may comprise a hollow
interior in which the wire or wires coming from each game unit may
be connected. To render that interior space easily-accessible, the
central hub may comprise a body and a removable cover. In some
embodiments, for instance, the underside of the hub may comprise a
removable cover that may be secured to the body by one or more
fasteners, e.g. screws, bolts, or the like.
[0013] In other embodiments, the game units may wirelessly
communicate with one another, such that no wiring is necessary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A clear conception of the advantages and features of one or
more embodiments will become more readily apparent by reference to
the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated
in the drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
integrated shade-providing structure and electronic game.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the connections between
a central hub and a plurality of support beams in an embodiment of
an integrated shade-providing structure and electronic game.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the interior space of a
central hub in an embodiment of an integrated shade-providing
structure and electronic game.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a tensioning device
mounted on the distal end of a support beam in an embodiment of an
integrated shade-providing structure and electronic game.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the tensioning of a
canopy using a tensioning device mounted on the distal end of a
support beam in an embodiment of an integrated shade-providing
structure and electronic game.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an exploded, side elevation view of a framework
for an embodiment of an integrated shade-providing structure and
electronic game, showing wiring between game units enclosed within
the framework.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the mounting of a game
unit, and specifically an auxiliary game unit, to the framework in
an embodiment of an integrated shade-providing structure and
electronic game.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the mounting of a game
unit, and specifically a control unit, to the framework in an
embodiment of an integrated shade-providing structure and
electronic game.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to
shade-providing structures 1 having a gaming system integrated
therein. An example of such a structure 1 is shown in FIG. 1. As
shown, the structure may comprise a framework 10, one or more
canopy elements 20, and a game system 30.
[0024] The framework may comprise a plurality of uprights 11, a
plurality of support beams 12, and a central hub 13. Each upright
has a lower end 11a and an upper end 11b. The lower end 11a may be
mounted to a ground surface in any number of conventional ways. The
upper end 11b may be located a desired height above the ground
surface. As shown in FIG. 1, the uprights 11 may be arranged to
define a circular or polygonal central space. In other
(non-illustrated) embodiments, however, the uprights 11 may be
arranged only along one side, thereby defining a shaded space
having a large entrance opening on the opposite side. Other
arrangements of the uprights 11 are also contemplated without
departing from the scope of the invention. The upper end 11b of
each upright may be connected to one of the plurality of support
beams 12.
[0025] Each support beam 12 has a distal end 12a and a proximal end
12b. Each support beam 12 is desirably connected to an upright 11
at or near its distal end 12a. The connection may be by any
conventional means, including for example fasteners (e.g. bolts,
screws, or the like), welding, etc. Each support beam 12 extends
from the upright toward a convergence point, which in the
embodiment shown in the Figures is at a central location. The
support beams 12 may be oriented to provide the desired canopy
shape. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the support
beams 12 are angled upward, away from the ground surface. The
proximal end 12b of each support beam is connected to the central
hub 13, also sometimes referred to as the apex joint.
[0026] The central hub 13 may take on any of a variety of
configurations, so long as it secures the proximal ends 12b of the
support beams in a suitable manner to support the canopy 20. An
embodiment of a central hub 13 designed specifically for an
embodiment of the structure disclosed herein is shown in FIGS. 2
and 3. In some embodiments, including that shown in FIG. 1, each of
the uprights 11 and support beams 12 may be pipes, e.g. hollow
metal tubes (at least the outer surface of which may be treated to
provide protection from the environment using known methods). The
central hub 13 may therefore have a plurality of tube-receiving
arms 14, the number of tube-receiving arms generally being the same
as the number of support beams 12. As shown, each tube-receiving
arm 14 may be angled at generally the same angle of the support
beams 12. The tube-receiving arms 14 extend from the central hub
body 15. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each tube-receiving arm 14 may
be configured to receive the proximal end 12b of a support beam and
may include one or more apertures configured to receive one or more
locking fasteners. Although the central hub body 15 of the
illustrated embodiment is circular, other shapes may easily be
provided.
[0027] Notably, the central hub 13 may define an interior space 16,
which may be accessible through a relatively-large opening. As
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, the central hub body 15 may
have an open end, such as an open underside, through which the
interior space 16 may be accessed. The open end may be closed off
with a removable cover 17, such as a cover plate. The removable
cover 17 may be secured to the body 15 through any conventional
manner, including a snap-fit, a friction fit, one or more
interlocking elements, mating screw-threads, fasteners such as
screws or bolts, or combinations thereof. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the cover 17 is secured to the
central hub body 15 through the use of a pair of screws. As shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3, the interior space 16 is also open to each
tube-receiving arm 14, such that wiring from each game unit may
pass from the interior of the support beam 12, through the
associated tube-receiving arm 14, and into the interior space 16 of
the central hub 13.
[0028] The framework 10 may also comprise one or more tensioning
devices 18, which are configured for an installer to provide the
one or more canopy elements with a desired degree of tautness. In
some embodiments, for example, a tensioning device 18 may be
mounted to the distal end 12a of one or more of the support beams
12. An example of such a tensioning device is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 8,991,413, the entirety of which is incorporated by
reference herein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, for
example, the distal end 12a of each support beam 12 comprises a
tensioning device 18. This allows an installer with a maximum
capability to achieve the desired tautness across each section of a
single canopy, as in the illustrated embodiment, or across each
distinct canopy element.
[0029] The tensioning device 18 may be mounted to the distal end
12a of the support beam 12 in any conventional manner, including by
welding or through the use of one or more fasteners. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, the tensioning
device 18 is inserted into an opening in the distal end 12a of the
support beam. The distal end 12a of the support beam comprises one
or more apertures configured to receive one or more locking
fasteners, which secure the tensioning device 18 in place. As shown
in FIG. 5, the tensioning device 18 may include a hook that catches
a canopy framework or an opening in the canopy (e.g. an eyelet,
loop, etc.). The hook may be movable along the longitudinal axis of
the support beam 12 in order to either tighten or loosen the canopy
20, so as to provide the canopy with a desired degree of tension.
For instance, the hook may extend from a longitudinal slot of the
tensioning device 18 and may be secured to an internal threaded
shaft in a manner such that rotation of the internal shaft, e.g.,
by engagement of a tool with the head of the shaft which may be
exposed at the end of the tensioning device, causes the hook to
move longitudinally.
[0030] Wires 19 may be used to connect various elements of the
electronic game and the wires may be enclosed by the framework 10.
In some embodiments, for instance, the framework 10 may be made of
substantially hollow components, e.g. piped uprights 11 and piped
support beams 12. In this way, one or more wires 19, which may be
jacketed to form one or more cables, may extend through the
internal passages of the one or more of the uprights 11 and support
beams 12. In some embodiments, including that illustrated in FIG. 1
for example, one or more wires 19 may extend through the internal
passages of each upright 11 and each support beam 12. A first end
of each wire 19 may be connected to a game unit 31, which is
mounted to one of the uprights 11. A second end of each wire 19 may
be connected to a wire junction positioned within the interior
space 16 of the central hub 13. Because the interior space 16 of
the central hub 13 may be accessed by removing the cover plate 17
located on the underside of the central hub body 15, the wires 19
and the wire junction may be easily accessible during installation
or if repairs or replacements are needed.
[0031] An example of such a wiring scheme is shown in FIG. 6. In
the illustrated embodiment, the wiring comprises a first cable
(i.e. set of wires) 19a that extends from a gaming unit 31 into the
hollow enclosure of an upright 11 and through to the upper end 11b
of the upright. Where the upper end 11b of the upright is connected
to a support beam 12, the first cable 19a may be operatively
connected to a second cable 19b, which extends into the hollow
enclosure of the support beam 12 and through to the proximal end
12b of the support beam. Where the proximal end support beam 12b is
connected to the central hub 13 (or within an interior space 16 of
the central hub if present) the second cable 19b may be operatively
connected to either a wiring manifold or a third cable 19c which is
operatively connected to a wiring manifold.
[0032] In some embodiments, pre-installed wiring through the
upright 11 and support beam 12 that are configured to hold the
control panel 35 may include a plurality of wires or cables that
terminate in the wiring manifold described above. In other words,
the second cable 19b or third cable 19c from a particular auxiliary
unit 40 may be operatively connected to one of a plurality of
further cables 19d at the wiring manifold. Cable 19d may span
through the support beam 12 positioned above the control panel 35,
and may be operatively connected to one of a plurality of further
cables 19e, which span through the upright 11 to which the control
panel 35 is mounted. Cable 19e may then be operatively connected
with the control panel 35, such as is shown in FIG. 8. Alternative
wiring schemes are also envisioned and would be readily obtainable
by one of skill in the art.
[0033] The framework 10 supports a canopy 20. The canopy 20 is
configured and positioned to block the sun's rays, thereby
providing a shaded area. In many embodiments, including that shown
in FIG. 1, the canopy 20 may be positioned and oriented to provide
a shaded area substantially underneath the canopy 20. In other
embodiments, the canopy 20 may be positioned and oriented, e.g.
angled, to provide a shaded area at another defined location. The
canopy 20 may be made up of either a single canopy element or a
plurality of distinct canopy elements. Each canopy element may be
made out of any of a variety of materials and fabrics, as would be
understood by those of skill in the art. The canopy 20 may have any
of a variety of shapes, including circular or rounded, polygonal,
themed, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the canopy 20
comprises a single canopy element having a hexagonal shape. As
shown, each side of the hexagonal canopy 20 spans between adjacent
uprights 11 and each corner of the hexagon is attached to the
tensioning element 18 located at the distal end 12a of each support
beam 12. Accordingly, each section of the canopy 20 can be
independently tensioned.
[0034] The integrated shade-providing and gaming structure 1 also
comprises one or more gaming systems 30. The gaming system 30
comprises a plurality of game units 31. Each game unit 31 may be
mounted to one of the uprights 11. The game units 31 may be mounted
to the uprights 11 in any of a variety of ways.
[0035] In some embodiments, the upright 11 may comprise an extended
element 32 that defines a mounting flange 33, such as is shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8. The extended element 32 may be an integral part of
the upright 11 or it may be attached to the upright, such as
through welding. The extended element 32 may be a hollow piped
member having a central passage that links up with the central
passage of the upright 11 so that one or more wires 19 can extend
through both the upright 11 and the extended element 32, such that
the wire(s) can be connected to the game unit 31 and remain fully
concealed from users.
[0036] The mounting flange 33 may have one or more through-holes,
configured to receive one or more fasteners. The game unit 31 may
also have one or more through-holes which are positioned to align
with the one or more through-holes of the mounting flange 33 when
the game unit is in the proper orientation. Accordingly, the game
unit 31 may easily be mounted to the flange 33 by passing one or
more fasteners, e.g. bolts, through the aligned through-holes and
securing the fasteners in place. For increased security, the one or
more fasteners may be tamper-proof and/or require a special tool to
remove. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, depending on the size of
the game unit 31, the upright 11 may comprise a plurality of
extended elements 32, such that the game unit can be supported at
multiple locations. In other, non-illustrated embodiments, the
upright 11 may simply have an opening through which the wire(s) 19
may be accessed and the game unit 31 may be mounted directly to the
upright (preferably so as to cover or conceal the opening) by other
means, such as clamps or the like.
[0037] In some embodiments, the uprights 11 and support beams 12
may be pre-wired. In embodiments, including where the framework
elements 10 are pre-wired, a wire or cable 19, e.g. as is described
above with respect to FIG. 6, may span through the extended element
32, where it can be operatively connected to the auxiliary game
unit 40, as shown for example in FIG. 7. Similarly, a plurality of
wires or cables 19 may span through an extended element 32 to be
operatively connected to the control panel 35, as shown for example
in FIG. 8.
[0038] The game units 31 may be mounted at a height that is optimal
for the gaming experience. Generally, the game units 31 may be
mounted between about 2 feet and about 4 feet above the ground.
[0039] The game units 31 may comprise one or more control units 35.
The control unit may include any number of components, such as at
least one input device 36, at least one output device 37, or both.
The input device 36 may comprise, for example, any one or more of a
touchscreen, a touch sensor or touchpad, a keypad, a joystick, a
directional pad, a button or set of buttons, a switch or set of
switches, a microphone enabling voice activation software, etc. The
output device 37 may comprise, for example, any one or more of a
video screen (this may also be a touchscreen), a speaker, an LED
light or series of LED lights, etc.
[0040] The control unit 35 may also comprise one or more processors
38 configured to accept information from the one or more input
devices 36, run one or more programs, and convey information to the
one or more output devices 37. For example, the control unit 35 may
include a relatively simple CPU circuit board, e.g. one comprising
one or more memory elements in addition to the one or more
processors.
[0041] The gaming system 30 may also comprise one or more battery
cells. For instance, each gaming unit 31 may comprise a battery
cell or, more desirably, the control panel 35 may comprise a
battery cell that is configured to power all of the game units 31
(e.g. through the wired connections 19 between the units). In some
embodiments, the battery cell may have a long lifespan and/or may
be recharged by environmental factors. For instance, the battery
cell could be operably connected to one or more solar panels, which
may be affixed to or incorporated into the structure 1.
[0042] In some embodiments, however, the gaming system 30 may also
comprise a component 39 that may be physically manipulated to
charge the battery cell. For instance, the control unit 35 may
include a component 39 that may be physically manipulated in order
to charge the battery cell. Examples of such components 39 include
a rotating wheel, a hand crank, a foot pump, a pedal (e.g. bicycle
or hand-pedal) device, a step (e.g. elliptical or stair-climbing)
device, combinations thereof, etc. The control unit 35 illustrated
in FIG. 9, for example, comprises a rotational generator component
39 that is manually rotated in order to charge the battery
cell.
[0043] In other embodiments, the gaming system 30 may simply be
hard-wired to a source of electricity.
[0044] The game units 31 may also comprise one or more auxiliary
game units 40. The auxiliary game units 40 may include an indicator
41, a touch sensor 42, or both. The indicator 41 may comprise, for
example, a visual indicator, such as an LED light or series of LED
lights, a video screen, or the like; an audible indicator, such as
a speaker configured to produce a sound, a bell or chime, or the
like; or a combination thereof. The touch sensor 42 may include any
element configured to register that a user has touched the game
unit, such as one or more sensors, touchpads, touchscreens, buttons
or other depressible elements, levers, or the like.
[0045] Data may be freely conveyed from the processor 38 contained
within the control unit 35 to the auxiliary game units 40 and from
the auxiliary game units to the processor. For instance,
instructions from the processor 38 may be conveyed to the auxiliary
game units 40 in order to activate the indicator 41. Similarly,
data associated with a user contacting the touch sensor 42 may be
conveyed to the processor 38. One or more of the auxiliary game
units 40 may also comprise its own processor, memory, etc. The
information may be conveyed between the control unit 35 and the
auxiliary units 40 through wires 19 that may be integrated into the
framework 10 as described herein. In other embodiments, however,
the information may be conveyed between the control unit 35 and the
auxiliary units 40 using wireless technology, such as WiFi,
Bluetooth.COPYRGT., or the like.
[0046] In some embodiments, the gaming system 30 may comprise at
least one control unit 35 and at least one (and optionally a
plurality) of auxiliary units 40. In some embodiments, two or more
of a plurality of auxiliary game units 40 may be the same or
substantially the same. In the illustrated embodiment, for
instance, all of the auxiliary units 40 are substantially the same.
In other embodiments, one or more of the auxiliary units 40 may be
distinct from other auxiliary units. For instance, each auxiliary
unit 40 could be distinct. Moreover, while the gaming system 30 of
the illustrated embodiment has only a single control unit 35, other
embodiments may include multiple control units 35. For example, a
gaming system 30 could comprise multiple control units 35 that
operate independently and provide a user with different game
experiences. Alternatively, multiple control units 35 could operate
in conjunction with one another to provide a more complex gaming
experience.
[0047] Each of the game units 31 is desirably configured to
withstand outdoor environmental conditions as well as repeated use
by children. The design of each unit and the materials used for
each unit are therefore selected with those factors in mind.
Moreover, one or more of the game units 31 may also be provided
with drainage holes to prevent damage from rain and/or snow.
[0048] In some embodiments, each of the game units 31 may also be
designed to fit within a desired theme. The game units 31 of the
illustrated example, for instance, are designed in the shape of
leaves and flowers. A theme can be selected to match that of a
nearby play structures or to relate to nearby recreational
activities, e.g. animal-themed game units 31 may be desirable where
the structure 1 is to be located in or near a zoo.
[0049] The gaming system 30 can be configured to provide one game
or a plurality of games, i.e. more than one different game. In some
embodiments, for instance, a user may select one of a variety of
different games using one or more input elements 36 on the control
panel 35. In some embodiments, the gaming system 30 may provide a
game that is initiated by a user charging the battery cell, such as
by rotating the wheel 39 provided on the control unit 35 in the
illustrated embodiment, which is configured to manually charge the
battery cell. Once the battery cell is fully charged, a speaker 37
on the control unit may play a recorded voice that provides game
play instructions and/or prompts the user(s) with a countdown that
the game is about to begin.
[0050] In one example game, once the game begins an indicator 41 on
one (or more than one) of the auxiliary gaming units 40 is
activated. In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, a series of
LED lights 41 may illuminate in a spiral pattern, so as to easily
draw the user's attention. The user must move to the activated
auxiliary unit 40 and deactivate the unit by interacting with the
touch sensor 42. In the illustrated embodiment, this may be
achieved by tapping the central metal disk of the auxiliary unit
40. When the contacted gaming unit 40 is deactivated, an indicator
41 on a different auxiliary gaming unit (which is attached to a
different upright 11) is activated. The user must then move to that
newly activated gaming unit 40 so as to deactivate it, thereby
triggering the activation of yet another gaming unit.
[0051] The game session may be configured to run for a
predetermined time, during which the user (or group of users) will
move between the various gaming units 40 mounted to the framework
10 of the shade-providing structure 1. At the end of the game
session, the control panel 35 may identify to the user(s) the
number of auxiliary units 40 that the user was able to deactivate
within the game session. For instance, the speaker 37 on the
control unit may play a recorded voice that identifies the number
of auxiliary units 40 that were deactivated during the game
session.
[0052] The sequence in which game units 40 are activated may be
random. In other embodiments, however, the sequence may be
programmed to a predetermined or user-selected difficulty level.
For instance, a user could select a difficulty level using one or
more input elements 36 of the control panel 35. Each game session
may last for the same or substantially the same amount of time.
Alternatively, a user may select a game length from a number of
options. For instance, a user could select a game length using one
or more input elements 36 of the control panel 35.
[0053] In another example game, initiation of a gaming session may
activate the indicators 41 of the auxiliary game units 40 in a
sequence, thereby defining a target sequence. A user may then be
prompted to make contact with the touch sensors 42 of the game
units 40 in the target sequence. The sequence may be random or it
may be programmed to a predetermined or user-selected difficulty
level. The output element 37 of the control panel 35 may identify
whether a user has made contact with the game units 40 in the
target sequence. If a user has made contact with the game units 40
in the target sequence, then a user may be provided with a new
target sequence. In some embodiments, the target sequence may
increase iteratively. For instance, the initial target sequence may
be a series of four activations. If the user contacts the game
units 40 in the correct sequence, the next target sequence may be a
series of five activations. The series of five activations may
include the same previous series of four activations plus a new
activation. In this way, the target sequence may continue to
increase in number until the user fails to make contact with the
game units 40 in the correct sequence. When that occurs, a recorded
voice may identify the number of activations in the last target
sequence that was correctly satisfied by the user.
[0054] As can be seen from the above disclosure, a variety of
different games may be performed using the control panel 35 and
auxiliary game units 40 described herein. For instance, other
games, not described in detail herein, may make use of only the
indicators 41 on each game unit 40 or of only the sensor 42 on each
game unit. Various display and/or input steps may also or
alternatively be performed on the control panel 35 or on a personal
electronic device that communicates with the gaming system 30.
[0055] In many embodiments it is desirable that the game causes a
user or a group of users to move between the various game units 31
in order to promote physical activity. Many of the games, including
those described above for example, may also promote cooperative
play among a group of children.
[0056] It can be seen that the described embodiments provide unique
and novel shade-providing structures having a number of advantages
over those in the art. While there is described herein certain
specific elements embodying the invention, it will be manifest to
those skilled in the art that various modifications and
rearrangements of the elements may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that
the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and
described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended
claims.
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