Abstract: Embodiments of an interactive play system are provided. In one such embodiment, an interactive play system includes a satellite having a sensor. The satellite is integrated within a component included within a playground environment. A feedback mechanism is also provided within the playground environment. A computing device supports a selective change between a first programming state in which the feedback mechanism will respond to an actuation of the sensor based on a computer instruction provided by a system administrator and a second programming state in which the feedback mechanism will respond to an actuation of the sensor based on a computer instruction provided by someone other than a system administrator.

Abstract: A climbing structure is provided. The climbing structure comprises a first support post and a second support post. The climbing structure also comprises a panel with a first and second connection point. The climbing structure also has a first clamp, configured to couple the panel to the first support post at the first connection point. The climbing structure also has a second clamp, configured to couple the panel to the second support post at the first connection point. The first connection point is on a first connection plane. The second connection point is on a second connection plane. The first and second connection planes are offset from each other.

Abstract: A tension-release mechanism configured to facilitate a coupling between a shade membrane and a support structure is provided. The tension-release mechanism comprises a coupling sleeve configured to be installed within the support structure. The tension-release mechanism also comprises a tension actuation element configured to extend along a connection path within the coupling sleeve. The tension actuation element is configured to engage a receiving feature within a moveable sleeve coupled to the shade membrane. Actuating the tension actuation element in a first direction causes the moveable sleeve to be received within the coupling sleeve. Actuation in a second direction causes the moveable sleeve to be decoupled from the coupling sleeve.

Abstract: A metallophone structure configured for permanent installation in an outdoor environment is provided. The metallophone structure comprises a mounting structure. The metallophone structure also comprises a set of tone producing devices each coupled to the mounting structure by a fastener, wherein each tone producing device is configured to, when actuated, produce a sound frequency. The tone producing device is coupled in a location, by the fastener, as to reduce the effect on the quality of sound produced. The metallophone structure also comprises a mallet cradle configured to receive a mallet. The mallet is configured to actuate one of the tone producing devices. The metallophone structure is configured to be weather resistant such that each tone producing device still produces the sound frequency after an outdoor exposure period.

Abstract: A drum configured for permanent installation in an outdoor environment is presented. The drum comprises a mounting structure configured to permanently engage a mounting surface in the outdoor environment. The drum also comprises a shell coupled to the mounting structure. The drum also comprises a drum head coupled to the shell through use of a plurality of fasteners. The drum head comprises a tuned configuration. The drum structure is configured to be weather resistant. The drum head is configured to maintain the tuning configuration after a period of outdoor exposure.

Abstract: Embodiments of play systems having multiple curved structural members are disclosed. Play systems illustratively include a first quarter of an ellipse, a second quarter of an ellipse, a third quarter of an ellipse, and a fourth quarter of an ellipse. Each ellipse quarter has first and second ends. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth ellipse quarters are oriented approximately vertically relative to a surface such that the first ends of the ellipse quarters contact the surface and the second ends of the ellipse quarters are above the surface. The first ends of the ellipse quarters are optionally spaced further apart from each other than the second ends of the ellipse quarters.

Abstract: Embodiments of play systems having multiple curved structural members are disclosed. Play systems illustratively include a first quarter of an ellipse, a second quarter of an ellipse, a third quarter of an ellipse, and a fourth quarter of an ellipse. Each ellipse quarter has first and second ends. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth ellipse quarters are oriented approximately vertically relative to a surface such that the first ends of the ellipse quarters contact the surface and the second ends of the ellipse quarters are above the surface. The first ends of the ellipse quarters are optionally spaced further apart from each other than the second ends of the ellipse quarters.

Abstract: Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.

Abstract: Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.

Abstract: Sensory wall systems are provided. In one embodiment, a sensory wall system includes one or more middle sections, one or more end sections, and an insert panel. The one or more middle sections have sides that are configurable to be attached to other middle sections or to the end sections. The one or more end sections are connected to the one or more middle sections. The insert panel is within the one or more middle sections and includes an activity for a child.

Abstract: An interactive activity system is disclosed. One embodiment includes a generator configured to produce electrical power based on physical interaction with a human being, a storage component configured to store the electrical power, and at least one play-oriented application configured to utilize a portion of the electrical power for operation. In one embodiment, the interactive activity system is implemented in a traditional, non-electronic playground environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of play systems having multiple curved structural members are disclosed. Play systems illustratively include a first quarter of an ellipse, a second quarter of an ellipse, a third quarter of an ellipse, and a fourth quarter of an ellipse. Each ellipse quarter has first and second ends. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth ellipse quarters are oriented approximately vertically relative to a surface such that the first ends of the ellipse quarters contact the surface and the second ends of the ellipse quarters are above the surface. The first ends of the ellipse quarters are optionally spaced further apart from each other than the second ends of the ellipse quarters.

Abstract: Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.

Abstract: Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.

Abstract: A climbing structure includes a first strut having an elongate portion, a first end portion and a transition portion between the elongate portion and the first end portion. The transition portion has a reduced thickness relative to the first end portion. A connection member has first and second connectable plates defining a first cavity. The first cavity is sized to receive and secure the first end portion therein.

Abstract: A playground apparatus is disclosed which includes four upright posts secured in the ground in a square configuration. Playground apparatus further includes four curved beam members formed from substantially rigid material, each of which is pivotally connected at its midpoint. The adjacent ends of the beams are interconnected by a resilient spring assembly, and the assembled beams define a ring-like support surface upon which children can stand and jump, producing undulating and resilient motion.