Floating playground

Abstract

A floating playground comprising floating modules which provide buoyancy to a variety of recreational implements. Rigid flotation vessels filled with foam provide buoyancy to the modules. The modules have a frame and plurality of posts which can support a variety of recreational implements. The modules float individually or can be connected together to from a floating playground with a variety of recreational implements. The modules are also mobile so they can be moved from location to location and interchanged with other modules to form a dynamic playground.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Disclosure Document No. 477,905 filed Aug. 2, 2000, entitled “WATERHOPPER” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, including but not limited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates generally to floating recreational devices, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to a movable, floating modular playground configured to accommodate various playground equipment for kids of all ages.

[0005] 2. Description of Related Art

[0006] The prior art discloses a number of water trampolines. Water trampolines provide a leisure time activity for kids of all ages in a body of water. The combination of a trampoline and an inflatable vessel allows users to enjoy the bouncing and acrobatic activities performed on a trampoline with the benefits of playing in the water. However, the disclosed trampolines are limited to only one recreational device, the trampoline.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,673 granted to Mears et al. discloses a floatable park that includes a trampoline and a first inflatable object attached to the trampoline. Mears discloses attaching another recreational device to the trampoline, such as a giant inflatable pillow, an inflatable log or a slide. However, the park needs to be inflated with air and is only held together with straps.

[0008] The prior art also discloses a number of floating docks and decks. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,572 granted to Gruhn et al. discloses a floating dock. Gruhn discloses individual modular floating sections that can be connected together to form a floating structure. However, the prior art docks and decks are limited to a floating deck structure without additional attachments.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,132 granted to Donovan discloses a floating deck structure. Donovan discloses a structural deck that floats on a rigid, buoyant material filled watertight float. The deck can be configured to accommodate a variety of accessories and furnishings for various recreational activities. However, the invention is not modular in design and limited to a deck structure.

[0010] The prior art fails to disclose a rigid floating playground module which can be interconnected to other playgrounds. The disclosed playgrounds achieve their buoyancy with an inflatable member, which can be punctured and require patching or replacement.

[0011] The prior art is thus characterized by several disadvantages that are addressed by the present invention. The present invention minimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, the above-mentioned failures, and other problems, by utilizing the methods and structural features described herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a floating playground which can accommodate an almost endless variety of recreational implements or toys.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a floating playground capable of being moved from one location to another on the water.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention, in accordance with one aspect thereof, to provide a floating playground which is sturdy and does not need to be inflated.

[0015] It is an additional object of the invention, in accordance with one aspect thereof, to provide a floating playground with a modular design, wherein the modular units can be securely connected with other units.

[0016] The above objects and others not specifically recited are realized in a specific illustrative embodiment of a floating playground. The floating playground includes two modules attached together. The modules are each supported by a floating vessel. The floating vessels are rectangular shaped, rotationally molded pontoons filled with foam. Preferably vertical posts attach to the frame that encircles the pontoons and are able to support the recreational implement. One of the modules comprises a lower deck beneath an upper deck. The upper deck has a railing which supports a slide, climbing net, a basket ball hoop and a ladder. The other module is a trampoline. The modules can also support a wide variety of other recreational implements including, but not limited to: a trampoline, a climbing net, a slide, a ladder, a basketball hoop, a deck, a swing, a bathroom, a kitchen, a canopy covering the top or sides of the deck, a tent, an infant swing, an inflatable plastic log, a toy captains wheel, a toy periscope, a glass bottom section, a set of monkey bars, a jungle gym, a climbing tube or any other recreational implement.

[0017] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention without undue experimentation. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the base of two modules, or flotation vessels, of the floating playground;

[0020] FIG. 1A is a breakaway, perspective view of one of the vessels as shown in FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 1B is a partial, cross-sectional view of one of the vessels shown in FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 1C is a bottom view of one of the vessels shown in FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a top view of the two flotation vessels shown in FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the floating playground showing two modules with various recreational implements;

[0025] FIG. 3A is a break away side view of the attachment means that connects the two modules shown in FIG. 3;

[0026] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the floating playground shown as a circular trampoline;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the floating playground shown in FIG. 3;

[0028] FIG. 4A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the floating playground showing a slide in a storage or moving position;

[0029] FIG. 4B is a side view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, showing the slide in a playing position;

[0030] FIG. 5A is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the floating playground;

[0031] FIG. 5B is a side view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5A;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the floating playground;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the floating playground;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the floating playground;

[0035] FIG. 9A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the floating playground with a glass bottom section; and

[0036] FIG. 9B is a top view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.

[0038] Before the present device of a floating playground is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0039] The publications and other reference materials referred to herein to describe the background of the invention and to provide additional detail regarding its practice are hereby incorporated by reference herein. The references discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as a suggestion or admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

[0040] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0041] In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

[0042] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0043] As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” and grammatical equivalents thereof exclude any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim.

[0044] As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic or characteristics of the claimed invention.

[0045] As used herein, the phrase “recreational implement” and grammatical equivalents thereof shall refer to an implement that is used primarily for a recreational activity requiring bodily movement by the user, including but not limited to bouncing, jumping, climbing and hanging, turning a toy steering wheel, sliding, swinging, and shooting baskets.

[0046] As used herein, the phrase “trampoline” and grammatical equivalents thereof shall refer to any type of surface with elastic memory that allows a user to be propelled in an upward is direction thereupon.

[0047] Applicant has discovered that floating playgrounds are more versatile and provide more recreation if the playground is movable and modular. The modular design allows different modules with different recreational implements to be connected together, and later disconnected and interchanged for other modules. Applicant has thus conceived of a floating playground that supports a variety of recreational implements, is movable and floats. A preferred design concept of the floating playground comprises two modules attached together. Each module rests on a floating vessel and has a frame encircling the perimeter of the vessel. Preferably vertical posts are attached to the frame and support various recreational implements.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of two modules 11 attached together to form the floating playground generally at 10. A module 11 can be any size, but preferably is no more than eight and one half feet wide, such that the module 11 can fit on a trailer and be transported without a permit. Preferably, the module 11 is supported by a floating vessel 12 that provides buoyancy to the module 11. The vessels 12 are preferably rectangular in shape, made from rotationally molded plastic and filled with foam, or expanded polystyrene, for buoyancy. The expanded polystyrene preferably has a density of 1 lb/ft3. The foam prevents the vessels 12 from filling with water in the event that the plastic shell of the vessel 12 is breached. Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown a breakaway, perspective view of one of the vessels 12 shown in FIG. 1. A ledge 14 is molded into the vessel 12 and preferably circumscribes the entire upper perimeter of the vessel 12. The ledge 14 defines an upper portion 16 and a lower portion 18 of the vessel 12. Four pockets 20, or slots, are molded in the upper portion 16 of the vessel 12. The pockets 20 are preferably located just above the ledge 14 with two pockets 20 residing on each longitudinal edge of the vessel 12 near the ends.

[0049] Referring again to FIG. 1, the ledge 14 receives a frame 22 that is preferably made of metal. The frame could also be made of any suitable material to those skilled in the art. The frame 22 is preferably a hollow member, with a rectangular cross-section. The frame 22 circumscribes one vessel 12. Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is shown a partial, cross-sectional view of one of the modules 11 shown in FIG. 1. After the frame 22 is placed on the ledge 14, an attachment means 24, preferably an angle iron made of metal, with a first portion 24a and a second portion 24b is slid into each of the four pockets 20. The attachment means 24 could be any other suitable device, made of a suitable material to those skilled in the art, depending on the type of material used to make the frame 22. The attachment means 24 is positioned such that the first portion 24a slides into the pocket 20 and the second portion 24b rests flush against the frame 22. The second portion 24b of the attachment means 24 is then attached to the frame 22, preferably by welding. The attachment of the frame 22 to the four attachment means 24 securely attaches the frame 22 to the vessel 12. Referring again to FIG. 1, a preferably vertical post 28 attaches to the frame 22, preferably by welding. The posts 28 are preferably made of metal, but can be made of any other suitable material used to make the frame 22. The posts 28 can be placed anywhere on the frame 22 in a manner to support any type of recreational implement (not shown).

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 1C, there is shown a bottom view of one of the vessels 12 as shown in FIG. 1. The vessels 12 preferably have three ridges 26, or rudder-like projections, that run the majority of the longitudinal length of the bottom of the vessel 12. The ridges 26 act as rudders when the vessel 12 is moved through the water.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a top view of two frames 22 and two flotation vessels 12 of the two modules 11 shown in FIG. 1. A frame 22 circumscribes each vessel 12. The frame 22 is attached to the vessels 12 with the attachment means 24 (shown with dotted lines), which reside in the pockets 20 (shown generally with brackets).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the floating playground 10. The embodiment shows two modules 11a and 11b with various recreational implements attached. Module 11a is attached to module 11b with an attachment means 44. Referring to FIG. 3A, there is shown a partial, break away view of the attachment means 44 shown in FIG. 3. The attachment means 44 is preferably a hinge pin assembly 45. The assembly 45 comprises a pair of barrel hinges 45a and 45b, and a hinge pin 45c. The barrel hinges 45a and 45b are preferably made of metal, and are attached to the frame 22 of the two modules 11a and 11b, preferably by a weld 47. Barrel hinge 45a is a center hinge 45a, attached to the frame 22 of module 11a while hinge 45b are top and bottom barrel hinges 45b attached to the frame 22 of module 11b. The modules 11a and 11b are together by bringing the two modules 11a and 11b together, then positioning module 11a such that the center barrel hinge 45a resides between the top and bottom barrel hinges 45b. Once the center barrel hinge 45a resides between the top and bottom barrel hinges 45b, the hinge pin 45c is slidably inserted through the top hinge 45b, through the center hinge 45a and then through bottom hinge 45b. The process is repeated for the other attachment means 44 on the modules 11a and 11b, and then said modules 11a and 11b are connected together to form a floating playground 10. The attachment means 44 is preferably a hinge pin assembly 45, but can also be a latch, a clamp, a U-joint which allows two degrees of movement, but not torsional movement, a spherical end joint which allows three degrees of movement, or any other suitable means to those skilled in the art.

[0053] Referring again to FIG. 3, a floating vessel 12 is shown supporting each module 11 as a buoyancy base. The frames 22 are shown circumscribing the vessels 12. Preferably vertical posts 28 are shown supporting an upper deck 30 on one module 11a while preferably vertical posts 28 support a trampoline 38 on the second module 11b. In an alternative embodiment, the space 25 residing between the trampoline 38 and the frames 22 can be surrounded with a safety net (not shown), preferably around all sides of the trampoline 38, to prevent any injury to a user of the trampoline 38. The upper deck 30 comprises a platform 30a, which rests on a plurality of cross-members 30b. The cross-members 30b are preferably made of the same material as the frame 22 and posts 28, and are attached by welding. The cross-members 30b are supported by the preferably vertical posts 28. A lower decks 32 is shown covering the vessel 12 of module 11a. The lower decks 32 is a protective covering, known to those skilled in the art, that functions to cover and protect the top of the vessel 12. The upper deck 30 of module 11a also has a railing 36 attached to the cross members 30b of the upper deck 30. Alternatively, the railing 36 can be attached to the preferably vertical posts 28. A slide 34 is attached to the railing 36 on the upper deck 30 and runs into the water. The slide 34 is supported by a slide attachment bracket 50 which attaches the slide 34 to the frame 22. A climbing net 46 is attached to the railing 36 and extends into the water. A basket ball hoop 48 is also attached to the railing 36. The trampoline 38 is supported by preferably vertical posts 28. Two ladders 40a and 40b are shown on the two modules 11a and 11b, respectively. Ladder 40b extends from the trampoline 38 to the frame 22 and the other ladder 40a extends from the back side of the upper deck 30 to the lower deck 32 beneath the upper deck 30. The end 42 of the flotation vessel 12 of module 11b beveled. The beveled end 42 allows the floating playground 10 to glide across the water when the modules 11a and 11b are moved across the water. Ridges 26 act as rudders and help to prevent side to side movement of the modules 11 when the modules 11 are being moved. Movement is accomplished by attaching a rope (not shown) to the modules 11 and towing the modules 11 with a boat (not shown), or other suitable water craft. Alternatively, an outboard motor (not shown) can be attached to the module 11a on the end opposite the beveled end 42 to make the modules 11 self-propelling.

[0054] It will be appreciated that the recreational implements shown in FIG. 3 are illustrative of a few of the recreational implements that can be attached to the modules 11. In addition to the implements shown in FIG. 3, other implements that cab be attached to the playground include, but are not limited to: a swing, a bathroom, a kitchen, curtains enclosing the deck, a canopy covering the deck, a tent covering the trampoline, an infant swing, an inflatable plastic log, a toy captains wheel, a toy periscope, a glass bottom section, a variety of floating toys for children, a set of monkey bars, a jungle gym, a climbing tube, a walk way or any other recreational implement.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3B, there is shown an alternative embodiment of one module 11 of the floating playground 10. This embodiment shows a circular flotation vessel 12a supporting a circular trampoline 38a. The circular flotation vessel 12a is preferably rotationally molded plastic filled with foam with an opening 17 in the center to form a doughnut shape. In the circular embodiment, a frame 22a is used to attach preferably vertical posts 28a to the trampoline 38a. A ladder 41 is attached to the frame 22a and trampoline 38a to provide access to the trampoline 38a.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a top view of the preferred embodiment of the floating playground shown in FIG. 3. The two modules 11a and 11b are connected together with the attachment means 44. Module 11b is a trampoline 38. Module 11a is an upper deck 30 with a slide 34, climbing net 46, ladder 40 and a basketball hoop 48.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 4A and 4B, there is shown a side view of the module 11a shown in FIG. 4, with the upper deck 30 and the lower deck 32. The slide 34 is attached as a recreational implement. FIG. 4A shows the slide 34 in a storage or moving position while FIG. 4B shows the slide 34 in a playing position. The slide 34 attaches to the frame 22 with a slide attachment bracket 50 and a pivot hinge 52. The slide attachment bracket 50 is attached to the slide 34 in a manner to those skilled in the art that allows the slide attachment bracket 50 to pivot on the slide 34. The slide 34 can move from a playing position as shown in FIG. 4B to a storage position as shown in FIG. 4A. The top of the slide 34 is detachably attached to the railing 36a on the upper deck 30 as shown in FIG. 4B. After the slide 34 is detached from the railing 36a, the slide 34 is moved in an upward direction as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4B and the slide attachment bracket 50 pivots on the pivot hinge 52. The slide 34 is then attached to the upper railing 36b in a manner to those skilled in the art to prevent the slide 34 from moving in a downward direction when the module 11a is stored or moved.

[0058] As indicated above, the floating playground 10 is modular in design. The modular design allows different modules 11 with various recreational implements to be interconnected and form an almost endless array of combinations. Referring now to FIG. 5A, there is shown a top view of a floating playground 10. The floating playground 10, comprises eight modules 11 c-j configured in two rows. The first row consists of modules 11c-f and the second row consists of modules 11g-j. The various modules 11 are held together through the use of the attachment means 44. A horizontal ladder 54 is connected to floating modules 11d and 11h. A swing support 56a is connected to floating modules 11c and 11g and another swing support 56b is connected to floating modules 11f and 11j. A swinging bridge 58 connects floating modules 11e and 11i. Floating modules 11c, 11f, 11g and 11j have trampolines 38 while floating modules 11d, 11e, 11h and 11i have upper decks 30 and lower decks 32.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 5B, there is shown a side view of the eight floating modules 11c-j as shown in FIG. 5A. The flotation vessels 12 are shown. The frame 22 attached to the flotation vessels 12 is also shown. Preferably vertical posts 28 are shown supporting the trampolines 38, the upper decks 30 and the lower decks 32. Railings 36 are also on the upper decks 30. The swing supports 56 are supported on either end by the floating modules 11c and 11g, and 11f and 11j, respectively. The swing supports 56 support swings 60. The climbing nets 46 are also shown and supported at the bottom by net supports 62. The slides 34 are shown in the playing position and supported by the slide attachment brackets 50. This arrangement of floating modules 11 and the various recreational implements attached is an example of the number of different embodiments that the floating modules 11 can create. It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the modules 11 can be connected to other modules 11 in any configuration or arrangement.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown another alternative embodiment of two floating modules 11h and 11i. Module 11h is shown with a trampoline 38, while module 11i is shown with an upper deck 30 with various attachments. Attached to the upper deck 30 is a railing 36. A slide 34 is attached to the railing 36, as well as a climbing net 38, a basket ball hoop 48, a climbing wall 62, an accessory bracket 64 and a swing 60 suspended from the accessory bracket 64. The two modules 11h and 11i are attached together by attachment means 44. The accessory bracket 64 can be used to suspend or attach any suitable recreational implement to those skilled in the art.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an arrangement of the modules 11. Module 11j is shown with a trampoline 38 while module 11k is shown with an upper deck 30, a lower deck 32 and various recreational implements. The railing 36 of module 11k supports a basket ball hoop 48, ladders 40, a slide 34 and a climbing wall 62. The climbing wall 62 comprises an upwardly-extending and preferably vertical wall 66 with numerous hand holds 68. The climbing wall 62 can also be tilted away from the module 11k in to make climbing more challenging. The hand holds 68 can be either rock-like projections or recesses where a user can grasp on to the climbing wall 66. The two modules 11j and 11k are connected together with a jungle gym 76. The jungle gym 76 attaches to the modules 11j and 11k using the attachment means 44. The attachment means 44 can be a hinge pin, a U-joint, or a spherical end joint. A preferred embodiment of the ladder 54 is to attach it such that the attachment means 44 at one of the opposing ends of the ladder 54 is a U-joint, and the attachment means 44 at the other opposing end of said ladder is a spherical end joint, to prevent the end supported by a U-joint from engaging in torsional movement, and thereby prevent the ladder 54 from spinning about its longitudinal axis. Cross tension members 78 are attached diagonally to the corners of the jungle gym 76 to prevent the modules 11j and 11k from racking in opposite directions in an accordion-like fashion. The jungle gym 76 has a horizontal ladder 54 attached to the front side, from which a climbing rope 70 and a swinging disk 72 are suspended. A swing 60 and a trapeze bar 74 are suspended from the back side of the jungle gym 76. There are also two walking ramps 80 that connect module 11j to module 11k.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a top view of another alternative embodiment of an arrangement of the floating modules 11 to form another floating playground 10. In this embodiment, modules 11l, 11m, 11o and 11p are trampolines 38. Module 11n is an upper deck 30. The five modules 11l-11o are all interconnected with the attachment means 44.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 9A, there is shown a side, cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the floating module 11. The cross sectional view shows the ledge 14 and one of the ridges 26 attached to the bottom of the vessel 12. In this embodiment, a glass box 82 filled with argon, to prevent condensation, is attached to the vessel 12. A protruding ledge 83 is molded into the top surface of the vessel 12 and surrounds the upper perimeter of a void 84 where the glass box 82 resides. The glass box 82 rests against the lower surface of the protruding ledge 83. The glass box 82 is supported on the lower surface by brackets 85, which are attached to the bottom of the vessel 12 with bolts 87. The bolts 87 threadably engage with bolt mounts 89, wherein said bolt mounts 89 are embedded in the lower surface of the vessel 12. The glass box 82 allows users of the module 10 to view the underwater world. The glass box 82 could also be any other transparent element known to those skilled in the art. Referring now to FIG. 9B, there is shown a top view of the alternative embodiment of the module 11q as shown in FIG. 9A. In an alternative embodiment, a trap door 86 could attached to the vessel 12 directly above the transparent element 82 and can be opened or closed to either allow or deny access to the transparent element 82. The trap door 86 can also be transparent so users can peer through both the trap door 86 and transparent element 82 if desired. The trap door 86 is shown in an open position and can swing back to a closed position with the use of a trap door hinge 88. The open trap door 86 provides access to the transparent element 82, so that users can see through the element 82 and into the water where the fish 90 are located.

[0064] It will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus disclosed herein is merely one example of a means for floating playground, and it should be appreciated that any structure, apparatus or system for a floating playground which performs functions the same as, or equivalent to, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of a means for a floating playground, including those structures, apparatus or systems for a floating playground which are presently known, or which may become available in the future. Anything which functions the same as, or equivalently to, a means for a floating playground falls within the scope of this element.

[0065] In accordance with the features and combinations described above, a preferred design of the floating playground 10 includes:

[0066] (a) two modules 11a and 11b, each supported by a floating vessel 12, wherein module 11a supports an upper deck 30 and module 11b supports a trampoline 38; and

[0067] (b) wherein a railing 36 is attached to the upper deck 30 of module 11a, such that said railing 36 supports a slide 34, a climbing net 38, a basketball hoop 48 and a ladder 40a.

[0068] Applicant has discovered that many recreational activities can be done in the water. Applicant has thus invented a floating, modular playground 10 that can accommodate a variety of recreational equipment. Applicant's floating playground 10 comprises a floating vessel 12 that is designed to support any one of an endless array of recreational implement. In addition, applicant's floating playground 10 is modular so that many modules 11 can be connected together to form a floating playground 10.

[0069] Applicant's floating playground 10 can include, but is not limited to, a trampoline 38, deck 30, slide 34, climbing wall 62, swing 60, jungle gym 76, ladders 40, climbing net 38, basketball hoop 48, transparent element 82, and climbing tube to name a few. Applicant's floating playground is supported by a durable, foam filled, plastic vessels 12 that do not require inflating. The foam also ensures that if the vessel were to be damaged, the vessel 12 will not fill with water and retain its buoyancy.

[0070] Also, because applicant's floating playground 10 is modular, an unlimited number of recreational toys can be attached together to form a floating playground 10. Applicant's floating playground 10 is also movable. Therefore, a user of the playground 10 can connect and disconnect modules 11 as desired and move the modules 11 to a different location. In essence, the applicant has conceived of a way to build a playground 10 on the water and interchange the toys on the playground in as many combinations as desired.

[0071] The phrase “uppermost portion of the floatation means” as used herein shall refer broadly to the concept of some portion of the vessel that is providing buoyancy, and not to any attachments residing on or connected to said vessel that do not aid in buoyancy or floatation.

[0072] A propelling means for propelling the floating playground 10 from one location to another upon a body of water is within the scope of the present invention. Such a propelling means may include any suitable motor, engine, towing device, or other suitable device now known or later discovered, that is capable of propelling the floating playground 10 from one location to another upon a body of water.

[0073] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.

Claims

1. A floating surface with elastic memory for use upon a body of water, comprising:

a rigid floatation means;

a bouncing means for propelling users in an upward direction; and

an attachment means for attaching the floatation means to the bouncing means, such that said bouncing means resides above an uppermost portion of said floatation means.

2. The floating surface of claim 1, wherein the flotation means comprises a rotationally molded plastic vessel.

3. The floating surface of claim 2, wherein the flotation means has a general rectangular box shape.

4. The floating surface of claim 3, wherein the flotation means contains an air-filled matrix.

5. The floating surface of claim 4, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

6. The floating surface of claim 5, wherein the bouncing means has a generally rectangular shape.

7. The floating surface of claim 1, wherein the bouncing means is a trampoline.

8. The floating surface of claim 2, wherein the floatation means has a circular shape, with an opening in the center to form a doughnut shape.

9. The floating surface of claim 8, wherein the bouncing means has a circular shape.

10. The floating surface of claim 5, wherein the attachment means comprises a frame, wherein said frame resides on said flotation means and supports said bouncing means.

11. The floating surface of claim 10, wherein the attachment means further comprises a plurality of clamps, wherein said clamps operate to attach said frame to the floatation means.

12. The floating surface of claim 6, further comprising a safety net that encircles the trampoline.

13. The floating surface of claim 6, wherein the bouncing means resides above the floatation means in an elevated position relative to an uppermost portion of said floatation means.

14. A floating elastic memory surface for use upon a body of water, comprising:

a rigid floatation means;

a bouncing means for propelling users in an upward direction; and

an attachment means for attaching the floatation means to the bouncing means, such that said bouncing means resides above said floatation means in an elevated position relative to an uppermost portion of said floatation means.

15. The floating surface of claim 14, wherein the flotation means comprises a rotationally molded plastic vessel.

16. The floating surface of claim 15, wherein the flotation means has a general rectangular box shape.

17. The floating surface of claim 16, wherein the flotation means is filled with an air-filled matrix.

18. The floating surface of claim 17, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

19. The floating surface of claim 18, wherein the bouncing means has a generally rectangular shape.

20. The floating surface of claim 14, wherein the bouncing means is a trampoline.

21. The floating surface of claim 15, wherein the floatation means has a circular shape, with an opening in the center to form a doughnut shape.

22. The floating surface of claim 21, wherein the bouncing means has a circular shape.

23. The floating surface of claim 18, wherein the attachment means comprises a frame, wherein said frame resides on said flotation means and supports said bouncing means.

24. The floating surface of claim 23, wherein the attachment means further comprises a plurality of clamps, wherein said clamps attach said frame to the floatation means.

25. The floating surface of claim 19, further comprising a safety net that encircles the trampoline.

26. The floating surface of claim 19, wherein the bouncing means resides above the floatation means in an elevated position relative to an uppermost portion of said floatation means.

27. A floating playground for use upon a body of water, comprising:

a first rigid floatation means;

a first support means disposed on the first floatation means for supporting a recreational implement;

a second rigid floatation means;

a second support means disposed on the second floatation means for supporting an object;

an attachment means for (i) attaching the first floatation means to the second floatation means, or (ii) intercoupling the first floatation means and the second floatation means with a second recreational implement such that said first and second floatation means are spaced apart by said second recreational implement, said second recreational implement spanning a separation space residing between said first and second floatation means.

28. The floating playground of claim 27, wherein the first and second flotation means comprise a rotationally molded plastic vessel.

29. The floating playground of claim 28, wherein the first and second flotation means each contain an air-filled matrix.

30. The floating playground of claim 29, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

31. The floating playground of claim 30, wherein the first and second floatation means each comprises a rectangular shaped box.

32. The floating playground of claim 31, wherein the floatation means has a ledge molded into the floatation means, such that said ledge encircles the outer perimeter of said floatation means.

33. The floating playground of claim 32, wherein the first and second support means is a frame, wherein said frame is a hollow tube with a rectangular cross-section.

34. The floating playground of claim 33, wherein said frame resides in the ledge of said floatation vessels.

35. The floating playground of claim 34, wherein the first and second support means further comprises at least one post.

36. The floating playground of claim 35, wherein the attachment means for attaching the first floatation means to the second floatation means is a hinge pin assembly.

37. The floating playground of claim 35, wherein the attachment means for attaching the first floatation means to the second floatation means is a latch.

38. The floating playground of claim 35, wherein the attachment means for intercoupling the first floatation means and the second floatation means with a second recreational implement is a hinge pin assembly.

39. The floating playground of claim 35, wherein the attachment means for intercoupling the first floatation means and the second floatation means with a second recreational implement includes a U-joint, such that said U-joint provides two degrees of movement.

40. The floating playground of claim 35, wherein the attachment means for intercoupling the first floatation means and the second floatation means with a second recreational implement includes a U-joint, such that said spherical end joint provides three degrees of movement.

41. A floating marine structure for use upon a body of water, comprising:

a recreational implement;

a rigid framework for holding the recreational implement; and

floatation means for supporting the rigid framework and the recreational implement above the body of water, wherein said floatation means provides buoyancy when said floatation means is floating upon said body of water.

42. The floating marine structure of claim 41, wherein the flotation means is rotationally molded plastic.

43. The floating marine structure of claim 42, wherein the flotation means is a rectangularly shaped box.

44. The floating marine structure of claim 43, wherein the flotation means is filled with an air-filled matrix.

45. The floating marine structure of claim 44, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

46. The floating marine structure of claim 43, wherein a ledge is molded into the floatation means and circumscribes the upper perimeter of said floatation means.

47. The floating marine structure of claim 46, wherein the ledge defines an upper portion and a lower portion of the floatation means.

48. The floating marine structure of claim 47, wherein at least one pocket is molded into the upper portion of the floatation means, such that said pocket forms a slot.

49. The floating marine structure of claim 43, wherein the rigid framework comprises a hollow tube, such that said tube has a cross-section corresponding to the shape of the ledge.

50. The floating marine structure of claim 49, wherein the rigid framework resides in said ledge.

51. The floating marine structure of claim 49, wherein the rigid framework further comprises an angle member.

52. The floating marine structure of claim 51, wherein the angle member had a first portion and a second portion.

53. The floating marine structure of claim 52, wherein the first portion of said angle member is attached to the rigid framework and the second portion of said angle member resides in said pocket.

54. The floating marine structure of claim 50, wherein the rigid framework further comprises at least one vertical post.

55. A floating marine structure for use upon a body of water, comprising:

a recreational implement;

a rigid framework for holding the recreational implement; and

a rigid floatation means for supporting the rigid framework and the recreational implement above the body of water by buoyancy of said floatation means when said floatation means is floating upon said body of water.

56. The floating marine structure of claim 55, wherein the flotation means is rotationally molded plastic.

57. The floating marine structure of claim 56, wherein the flotation means is a rectangularly shaped box.

58. The floating marine structure of claim 57, wherein the flotation vessel is filled with an air-filled matrix.

59. The floating marine structure of claim 58, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

60. The floating marine structure of claim 59, wherein a ledge is molded into the floatation means and circumscribes the upper perimeter of said floatation means.

61. The floating marine structure of claim 60, wherein the ledge defines an upper portion and a lower portion of the floatation means.

62. The floating marine structure of claim 61, wherein at least one pocket is molded into the upper portion of the floatation means, such that said pocket forms a slot.

63. The floating marine structure of claim 57, wherein the rigid framework comprises a hollow tube, such that said tube has a cross-section corresponding to the shape of the ledge.

64. The floating marine structure of claim 63, wherein the rigid framework resides in said ledge.

65. The floating marine structure of claim 63, wherein the rigid framework further comprises an angle member.

66. The floating marine structure of claim 65, wherein the angle member had a first portion and a second portion.

67. The floating marine structure of claim 66, wherein the first portion of said angle member is attached to the rigid framework and the second portion of said angle member resides in said pocket.

68. The floating marine structure of claim 64, wherein the rigid framework further comprises at least one vertical post.

69. A floating marine structure for use upon a body of water, comprising:

a recreational implement;

a rigid framework for holding the recreational implement;

floatation means for supporting the rigid framework and the recreational implement above the body of water by buoyancy of said floatation means when said floatation means is floating upon said body of water, wherein the floatation means includes an opening formed therein; and

a transparent member disposed in the opening formed in the floatation means.

70. The floating marine structure of claim 69, wherein the flotation means is rotationally molded plastic.

71. The floating marine structure of claim 70, wherein the flotation means is a rectangularly shaped box.

72. The floating marine structure of claim 71, wherein the flotation means is filled with an air-filled matrix.

73. The floating marine structure of claim 72, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

74. The floating marine structure of claim 71, wherein a ledge is molded into the floatation means and circumscribes the upper perimeter of said floatation means.

75. The floating marine structure of claim 74, wherein the ledge defines an upper portion and a lower portion of the floatation means.

76. The floating marine structure of claim 75, wherein at least one pocket is molded into the upper portion of the floatation means, such that said pocket forms a slot.

77. The floating marine structure of claim 76, wherein the rigid framework comprises a hollow tube, such that said tube has a cross-section corresponding to the shape of the ledge.

78. The floating marine structure of claim 77, wherein the rigid framework resides in said ledge.

79. The floating marine structure of claim 77, wherein the rigid framework further comprises an angle member.

80. The floating marine structure of claim 79, wherein the angle member had a first portion and a second portion.

81. The floating marine structure of claim 80, wherein the first portion of said angle member is attached to the rigid framework and the second portion of said angle member resides in said pocket.

82. The floating marine structure of claim 78, wherein the rigid framework further comprises at least one vertical post.

83. The floating marine structure of claim 70, wherein the transparent member is an argon filled glass box.

84. A floating modular device for supporting recreational implements upon a body of water, comprising:

at least one flotation vessel;

at least one recreational implement;

an attachment means for attaching the flotation vessel to the recreational implement in a manner such that (1) said recreational implement resides above an uppermost portion of said floatation vessel; and (2) implement extends above a majority length of floatation;

a connection means for detachably connecting said floating modular device to another floating modular device.

85. The floating modular device of claim 84, wherein the flotation vessel is a rotationally molded plastic vessel.

86. The floating modular device of claim 85, wherein flotation vessel is filled with an air-filled matrix.

87. The floating playground of claim 86, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

88. The floating modular device of claim 87, wherein the floatation vessel is a rectangular shaped box.

89. The floating modular device of claim 88, wherein the floatation vessel has a ledge molded into the floatation vessel, such that said ledge encircles the outer perimeter of said floatation vessel.

90. The floating modular device of claim 89, wherein the attachment means is a frame, wherein said frame is a hollow tube with a rectangular cross-section.

91. The floating modular device of claim 90, wherein said frame resides in the ledge of said floatation vessels.

92. The floating modular device of claim 91, wherein the attachment means further comprises at least one post.

93. The floating modular device of claim 92, wherein the connection means is a hinge pin assembly.

94. The floating modular device of claim 92, wherein the connection means is a latch.

95. A floating climbing wall for use upon a body of water, comprising:

a flotation means;

a surface with at least one grasping means;

an attachment means for attaching said flotation means to said surface; and

an adjustment means for adjusting said surface such that said surface can be configured at various angles.

96. The floating climbing wall of claim 95, wherein the flotation means comprises a rotationally molded plastic vessel.

97. The floating climbing wall of claim 96, wherein the flotation means is a general rectangular shaped box.

98. The floating climbing wall of claim 97, wherein the flotation means is filled with an air-filled matrix.

99. The floating climbing wall of claim 98, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

100. The floating climbing wall of claim 99, wherein the surface is an upwardly-extending wall.

101. The floating climbing wall of claim 100, wherein the grasping means comprises elements that protrude from said vertical wall.

102. The floating climbing wall of claim 101, wherein the grasping means further comprises recesses in said vertical wall.

103. The floating climbing wall of claim 102, wherein the attachment means comprises a frame, wherein said frame resides on said flotation means and supports said surface.

104. The floating climbing wall of claim 103, wherein the attachment means further comprises a plurality of clamps, such that said clamps attach said surface to said metal frame.

105. The floating climbing wall of claim 104, wherein the adjustment means comprises an adjustable bracket, such that said bracket attaches to said surface and said attachment means.

106. A floating, retractable slide for use upon a body of water, comprising:

a slide;

a flotation means;

an attachment means for attaching said slide to said flotation means; and

a retraction means for retracting said slide.

107. The floating slide of claim 106, wherein the flotation means comprises a rotationally molded plastic vessel.

108. The floating slide of claim 107, wherein the flotation means is a general rectangular shaped box.

109. The floating slide of claim 108, wherein the flotation means is filled with an air-filled matrix.

110. The floating slide of claim 109, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

111. The floating slide of claim 110, wherein the attachment means comprises a frame attached to said flotation means.

112. The floating slide of claim 111, where the retraction means comprises an upper attachment bracket and a lower attachment bracket, such that the upper attachment bracket attaches to the upper portion of the slide and detachably attaches to said frame, and wherein the lower attachment bracket pivotally attaches the lower portion of said slide to said frame.

113. A floating multi-surface marine structure for use upon a body of water, comprising:

a floatation vessel;

at least two laterally-extending surfaces supported above the body of water by buoyancy of the floatation vessel when said floatation vessel is floating upon said body of water;

a recreational implement, wherein at least one of the laterally-extending surfaces is formed in part by said recreational implement;

wherein one of the laterally-extending surfaces resides above the other laterally-extending surface and comprises an area that is at least as large as a majority area of said other the laterally-extending surface.

114. The floating marine structure of claim 113, wherein the flotation vessel is a rotationally molded plastic vessel.

115. The floating marine structure of claim 114, wherein flotation vessel is filled with an air-filled matrix.

116. The floating marine structure of claim 115, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

117. The floating marine structure of claim 116, wherein the floatation vessel is a rectangular shaped box.

118. The floating marine structure of claim 117, wherein the floatation vessel has a ledge molded into the floatation vessel, such that said ledge encircles the outer perimeter of said floatation vessel.

119. The floating marine structure of claim 118, wherein the a rigid frame resides in said ledge.

120. The floating marine structure of claim 119, wherein the two later ally-extending surfaces are attached to said frame.

121. The floating marine structure of claim 120, wherein said surfaces are horizontally stacked one above the other to thereby define a vertical space therebetween.

122. A floating multi-surface marine structure for use upon a body of water, comprising:

at least two laterally-extending surfaces;

floatation means for supporting the laterally-extending surfaces above the body of water by buoyancy of said floatation means when said floatation means is floating upon said body of water;

a recreational implement, wherein at least one of the laterally-extending surfaces is formed in part by said recreational implement;

wherein one of the laterally-extending surfaces resides at a higher elevation than the other laterally-extending surface when said surfaces are supported by the floatation means;

wherein the recreational implement further comprises a rigid framework for holding the laterally-extending surface of said recreational implement.

123. The floating marine structure of claim 122, wherein the flotation means is a rotationally molded plastic vessel.

124. The floating marine structure of claim 123, wherein flotation means is filled with an air-filled matrix.

125. The floating marine structure of claim 124, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

126. The floating marine structure of claim 125, wherein the floatation means is a rectangular shaped box.

127. The floating marine structure of claim 126, wherein the floatation means has a ledge molded into the floatation vessel, such that said ledge encircles the outer perimeter of said floatation vessel.

128. The floating marine structure of claim 127, wherein a rigid frame resides in said ledge.

129. The floating marine structure of claim 128, wherein the recreational implement is attached to the rigid frame residing in the ledge of the floatation means.

130. A floating marine structure for supporting recreational implements above a body of water, comprising:

a flotation means;

at least one recreational implement; and

an attachment means for attaching the recreational implement to the flotation means such that a majority of the recreational implement extends away from said floatation means and is suspended directly over the water.

131. The floating marine structure of claim 130, wherein the flotation means is a rotationally molded plastic vessel.

132. The floating marine structure of claim 131, wherein the flotation means is filled with an air-filled matrix.

133. The floating marine structure of claim 132, wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene.

134. The floating marine structure of claim 133, wherein the floatation means is a rectangular shaped box.

135. The floating marine structure of claim 134, wherein the floatation means has a ledge molded into the floatation vessel, such that said ledge encircles the outer perimeter of said floatation vessel.

136. The floating marine structure of claim 135, wherein a rigid frame resides in said ledge.

137. The floating marine structure of claim 136, wherein the attachment means detachably attaches the recreational implement to the rigid frame.

138. The floating marine structure of claim 137, wherein the recreational implement further comprises at least two attachment means, such that said recreational implement detachably attaches to at least two floatation means, such that said recreational implement is suspended above the water.

139. The floating marine structure of claim 41, wherein the floatation means comprises a vessel providing buoyancy along a majority length of said vessel.

140. The floating marine structure of claim 41, wherein the frame defines a perimeter, and the rec. implement spans said perimeter.

141. A floating playground for use upon a body of water, comprising:

a first rigid floatation means;

a first support means disposed on the first floatation means for supporting a recreational implement;

a first recreational implement;

a second rigid floatation means;

a second support means disposed on the second floatation means for supporting an object;

an attachment means for (i) attaching the first floatation means to the second floatation means, or (ii) intercoupling the first floatation means and the second floatation means with a second recreational implement such that said first and second floatation means are spaced apart by said second recreational implement, said second recreational implement spanning a separation space residing between said first and second floatation means;

wherein the first and second flotation means comprise a rotationally molded plastic vessel;

wherein the first and second flotation means each contain an air-filled matrix;

wherein the air-filled matrix is expanded polystyrene;

wherein the first and second floatation means each comprises a rectangular shaped box;

wherein the floatation means has a ledge molded into the floatation means, such that said ledge encircles the outer perimeter of said floatation means;

wherein the first and second support means is a frame, wherein said frame is a hollow tube with a rectangular cross-section;

wherein said frame resides in the ledge of said floatation vessels;

wherein the attachment means for attaching the first floatation means to the second floatation means is a hinge pin assembly;

wherein the attachment means for intercoupling the first floatation means and the second floatation means with a second recreational implement includes a U-joint, such that said U-joint provides two degrees of movement;

wherein the attachment means for intercoupling the first floatation means and the second floatation means with a second recreational implement includes a U-joint, such that said spherical end joint provides three degrees of movement;

wherein the first recreational implement comprises at least one of the group of: an upwardly-extending wall having a grasping means, a ladder, a basket, a swing, a trampoline, a climbing rope, a swinging disc, a trapeze bar, a climbing net, and a slide; and

a transparent member disposed in the floatation means to thereby enable a user supported by said floatation to see through said transparent member into the body of water.

142. The floating playground of claim 141, further comprising a propelling means for propelling the floating playground from one location to another upon a body of water.