US3008711A - Children's exercise and play device - Google Patents

Description

R. C DILLON CHILDREN'S EXERCISE AND PLAY DEVICE Nov. 14, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 30, 1959 05527 D/uav I INVENTOR. 14 5/2216 9 fins-sup BY flrrakmsys.

Nov. 14, 1961 R. c DILLON 3,008,711

CHILDREN'S EXERCISE AND PLAY DEVICE Filed June 30, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Bose-er C, D/LLO/V INVENTOR. A Eez/e f .f-ssup United States This invention relates to an article of manufacture which is a climbing device conceived and designed for the recreation of children by providing them with a suitable facility to climb on and play on. The device of the invention is intended for use, by way of example, in schools, parks, playgrounds and in the yards of private homes or otherwise.

As is well known, children, especially younger children, are very active and in securing release of their energies they ordinarily have considerable propensity for climbing whatever objects such as trees that may be appropriate for that purpose.

It is the object of this invention to provide an article of manufacture, that is, a facility which is a device appropriate for climbing to fill the need for an appropriate means for children to release their propensities for climbing, to obtain exercise and to otherwise engage in health ful and entertaining play.

It is a particular object of the invention to provide a facility as in the foregoing, which while fulfilling its purpose offers the maximum in safety of usage and furthermore is of extremely sturdy, rugged and reliable construction so as to afford many years of economical and constructive service. 7

Basically, in a preferred form of the invention it takes the form of a structure having a horizontal flexible network of ropes for example, and one or more generally upright flexible networks or grids of ropes supported by frame structure whereby to provide means for children to climb on the structure safely and Without danger of harm or injury to their hands, feet or other parts of the body. Preferably the structure comprises a top or ridge pole member to which swinging ropes are connected one on the inside and optionally one on the outside also of the structure. The usefulness of the device or facilityand its appeal to children is thereby enhanced in that they may swing entirely through the structure if desired, that is, from end to end and this may be done safely, protection being afforded by the flexible horizontal network of ropes.

Preferably the device or facility is constructed using A frames at the ends with a ridge pole connecting the tops of the A frames. Preferably a flexible network is provided horizontally at the level of the cross members of the A frames with additional flexible networks provided between the side legs of the A frames, the ridge pole member and longitudinal members at the level of the cross members of the A frames. Such a structure very conveniently, safely and effectively provides for climbing on the exterior of the facility and swinging and play within In the light of the foregoing a more specific object of the invention is to provide a climbing device or facility for children comprising an upright rigid frame structure having a horizontal flexible network disposed at a lower part thereof and one or more generally upright flexible networks adapted to be climbed on by children.

Another object of the invention is to provide a facility as in the foregoing comprising a structure having A frames at the ends thereof, a ridge pole connecting the tops of the A frames, longitudinal side members at the level of the cross members of the A frames, a horizontal flexible network at the level of the cross members of the A frames and angular-1y disposed flexible networks connected between the respective legs of the A frames, the

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3,008,71 l Patented Nov..1 4, 19 61 ridge pole and the longitudinal side frame members, an improved means for securing the same.

Another object is to provide a facility or device as in the foregoing object wherein the structure is built or fabricated of tubular plastic or metal components including inverted V-shaped end members, a ridge pole member and a rectangular tubular member attached to and surrounding the lower part of the V-shaped members.

Further objects and numerous advantages .of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the structure, of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a production model of the. invention; and 7 FIG. 5 is a preferred form of strand securement means as preferably incorporated into the form .of 4.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 3 of the drawings as. may be seen, the invention provides a climbing device or facility particularly adapted to he climbed on by children in a manner analogous to a monkey climbing tree. 'The device as shown in "FIGS. '1 to 3 may by way of example be constructed of wood, with the networks being of lightweight manila rope for example. As may be seen in FIG. 1 the structure comprises A frames at the ends as designated generally at 10 and 11. Each of these frames comprises wooden components or plank members 12 and 13 as designated connected by a transverse member 14. The member 14 is cut out at its ends on the inside as shown to receive the legs 11 and 12in engagement therewith and they'are attached by way of bolts as shown. The angle of the A frames may be 60 for example. The overall size of the device may of course be varied considerably. The A frames are connected at the top by a beam or ridge pole as designated at 17. The upper ends of the legs 11 and 12 are notched as shown at 20 and the under side of the ends of the ridge pole 17 are correspondingly notched and the notched portions interfit together as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

The ridge pole member 17 has regularly spaced notches across its top as shown at 22. These notches receive the generally upright ropes of the flexible networks or rope grids at the sides of the device keeping them evenly spaced at all times as will be described. Preferably the upright ropes are knotted with a single granny knot on each side of the notch to prevent slippage.

A hole 23 is provided at the center of the ridge pole member 17 and looped through this hole is the end of a swinging rope 24 which hangs down within the structure and is knotted as shown, this swinging rope making it possible to swing through the stiuoturefrom one end to the other. The swinging rope 24 may optionally if desired be provided with a knot on each side of the hole 23 with a knot at its lower end.

Near the apices or tops of the A frames there are provided brace members as shown at '25 which extend horizontally beneath the ridge pole member 17 which assist in supporting the ridge pole member and contribute to the strength of the structure, these brace members being attached to the A frames by bolts as shown.

Numerals 28 designate longitudinal members extending between the A frame legs on each side of the structure at the level of the .cross pieces or cross members 14 of the A frames. These members are attached to the legs of the A frame by bolts as shown similar to the attachment of the cross members 14.

Brace members are preferably provided at opposite corners of the structure as shown at 31 and 32, these members being angu larly disposed as shown between legs of the A frames and adjacent attached longitudinal frame members 28. The brace members are attached by bolts as shown, the members being provided with angular notches as shown at 33 to accommodate horizontally positioned bolts attaching the brace members to the A frame legs. These members contribute to the strength and rigidity of the structure.

As may be seen in FIG. 1 in each of the legs of the A frame member 11 are five equally spaced holes. Preferably these holes are drilled along the center line of the leg members. The A frame on the opposite end has correspondingly spaced holes in its legs and in addition there are six more holes in each of these legs positioned in between horizontal or transverse strands of the flexible network as shown. These additional holes as may be seen provide groups of four holes equally spaced apart. These holes provide for looping the horizontal strands or ropes of the flexible network or grid through the end members, that is the legs of the A frame looping them back and securing them in a square knot, a horizontal strand being designated by way of example at 35 in FIG. 1 and held by a square knot as shown at 36. The fifth strand of rope from the top on each side is looped through the A frame legs and secured by a square knot as shown at 37 in FIG. 2.

If desired all strands of rope running through the A frame end members may be knotted in a single granny knot on either side of the A frame leg members to prevent slipping except at or on the ends of rope at which point a square knot is used to secure.

The upright strands of rope run down both sides of the structure and across the lower horizontal framework forming a safety network. As may be seen in FIG. 1 theupright ropes on the left side of the structure pass through equally spaced holes in the longitudinal frame member 28 and then horizontally across the bottom of the structure. If desired the upright ropes may simply pass down underneath the longitudinal frame member 28. These ropes then pass through holes in the opposite frame member 28 and their ends are preferably tied to the upright ropes on that side by square knots.

The endwise ropes of the bottom network are looped through openings in the cross pieces 14 of the A frames in the same manner and fashion as the side horizontal ropes extending between the two A frames.

As may be seen therefore the rope networks form a flexible horizontal netting across the lower part of the structure and flexible networks or grids at an angle at the two sides of the device. At all intersecting points of the ropes forming the networks the intersecting ropes are secured preferably with a sheep-shank type of knot.

From the foregoing it will be observed that the structure is a unique and novel one highly adapted to its purposes 'as set out in the foregoing. The structure is very sturdy and rugged and adapted to be climbed on by children with complete safety. Climbing may be done on the outside angular networks or on the other hand a child may use the climbing rope 24 and safely swing entirely through the structure, safety being provided by the horizontal flexible network. The structure can be very economically fabricated and assembled and made available at a very reasonable price.

Referring to FIG. 4 of the drawings this figure shows in perspective a production model of the invention. In

this form of the invention, the A frames are in fact inverted V members as shown at 40 and 41 preferably made of tubular material which may be plastic, aluminum, or steel and may if desired be galvanized. The construction, that is the joints may be welded or bolted and the shaping of components may be by known bending methods. The device as shown has a tubular ridge pole member 42 and around the lower part of the structure is a continuous rectangular frame member 44 of similar tubing material. The frame member is preferably bolted although it may be welded to the legs of the end members. The flexible networks or grids are fabricated and assembled in the same or in a similar manner to that as described in conneotion with the previous embodiment and their construction will therefore not be described in detail again.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4 a swinging rope is provided as shown at 46 hanging down from a midpoint of the ridge pole 42 and an exterior swinging or climbing rope 47 is also provided having a knot as shown adjacent the ridge pole member 42. As may be observed the construction shown provides a very light but sturdy and rugged climbing device or facility for children which can be utilized for play and recreation purposes with full safety assured. A preferred form of securement for the individual strand to their respective frame portions is illustrated in FIG. 5 wherein a frame member 42, by way 'of example, is mounted at itsends for rotation as about pins 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Said member 42, as also preferably with the other members, such as 40, 41, 43 and 51, is provided with a plurality of apertures 52 in axial alignment at positions corresponding to the desired positions of the strands or ropes. Hook members 53 having means such as a loop 54 for the securement of the respective strands at one end thereof in any conventional manner such as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 5, is provided at its opposite end with a hook form tip 55 in the manner of a spanner and preferably making an angle of something slightly less than with its adjacent curved portion 56. The ropes and strands having then been secured to their respective hook members 53, said members are loosely secured to their respective frame members in said corresponding apertures 52 while said frame members are retained in a position of relative rotation approximately 90 from their ultimately desired position, the said latter position being indicated dotted outline in FIG. 5 and the preliminary position of relative rotation being illustrated in solid outline in said figure. Said rotation thereby places all of the strands in tension, a position which is retained as by means of a transverse pin 57 extending through the adjacent fitting 5-8 and said pin 50.

By this means, a firm and convenient securement is provided which obviates the necessity of lacing of the several strands through the frame member and permits the facile replacement thereof. The pin 57 is preferably in the form of a locking bolt as illustrated.

The foregoing disclosure is representative of preferred forms of the invention and is to be interpreted in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense. Various modifications and alternatives may occur to and be adopted by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is to be in accordance with the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

l. A playground climbing device comprising a pair of spaced parallel rigid A frames haying cross members adjacent the bottoms thereof, a longitudinal member secured to the lower part of each of the legs of said A frames at the ends of said cross members to form therewith a horizontal rectangular frame, a network of flexible members secured to the sides and ends of said rectangular frame, a ridge pole member extending between the apices of the A frame members, and networks of flexible members secured respectively between the said ridge pole, the respective side legs of the A frame members and said longitudinal members and providing climbing devices for children.

2. A playground climbing device comprising a structure having a pair of spaced parallel inverted metal V-shaped members at the ends thereof, a ridge pole member connecting the apices of said V-shaped members, a rectangular metal frame member secured to the lower part of the legs of the V-shaped members whereby A frames are formed at the ends of the structure, a flexible supporting structure within said rectangular frame member comprising a network of flexible members extending longitudinally and transversely between the end members and side members respectively of the rectangular frame member, and similar networks of flexible members extending between the said ridge pole member, side members of the rectangular frame member and respective legs of the said A frames.

3. The structure of claim 2 and means for turning selected legs of said frame member including means for locking said legs in a pre-selected position of relative rotation to said frame, said legs having apertures therein, and hook means secured to respective selected corresponding flexible members, said hook means hav- 6 ing hook-shaped ends adapted to be loosely retained in said apertures, said hooks being formed with a spanner portion adapted to conform to and be retained in contiguous relationship with the adjacent surface of said leg in the locked position thereof to tighten said flexible members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,471,465 Hinton Oct. 23, 1923 1,901,964 Haskell Mar. 21, 1933 2,648,539 Packer Aug. 11, 1953 2,886,317 Querton May 12, 1959

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