Abstract: A swinging playground device includes a swing platform. The swinging playground device also includes a skirt coupled to the swinging platform and fills an area below the swinging platform as the swinging platform moves in a swinging motion.

Abstract: A braided bridge includes a mounting cable. The braided bridge further includes a first component configured to couple to the mounting cable, where the first spoke component includes one or more spokes and a second spoke component configured to couple to the mounting cable. The one or more spokes of the first spoke component are configured to fold and couple the second spoke component to the first spoke component.

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 piece of playground equipment is disclosed and includes a system for tensioning one or more cables. The system includes a cable retaining device having a cylindrical shaped body with threads disposed around an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface being interrupted in at least one location by one or more cable receiving channel. The system also includes a tightening sleeve into which the cable retaining device is configured to be threaded such that the cable retaining device moves as the tightening sleeve is rotated.

Abstract: A play system includes a support structure, having a bottom end and a top end, vertically oriented relative to a surface such that the bottom end contacts the surface and the top end is above the surface. The play system includes a belt having flexible portions and rigid portions that forms an ascending structure around the inside of the support structure such that it ascends from the bottom end of the support structure to the top end of the support structure. The play system includes a plurality of clamps that couple the support structure and the belt.

Abstract: A system for tensioning a rope of a play structure includes a collar coupled to the play structure. The system includes a tensioner coupled to the rope. The tensioner is coupled to the collar through a threaded connection and where a rotation of the tensioner in relation to the collar adjusts a tension in the rope.

Abstract: A playground water feature including a feature outlet. The playground water feature also including a diaphragm valve configured to receive water flow from a water source. The playground water feature also including a mechanical activator, configured to, when actuated, open a vent valve, that is fluidically coupled to the diaphragm valve, such that the diaphragm valve opens to allow the water flow to flow to the feature outlet.

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 tensioning system for a shade structure is presented. The tensioning system comprises a shade membrane coupling portion configured to couple to a shade membrane of the shade structure. The tensioning system also comprises a movement axis, along which the shade membrane coupling portion moves. In a first direction, the shade membrane coupling portion applies tension to the shade membrane and, in a second direction, releases tension applied to the shade membrane. The tensioning system also comprises a force translation mechanism configured to receive a rotational force and translate it into linear movement of the shade membrane coupling portion along the movement axis in the first and second direction.

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 method of installing a releasable shade membrane to a shade system is presented. The method comprises installing a tension release system within a structural component of the shade system. The tension release system comprises a threaded member configured to, when actuated, cause a coupling mechanism to move along an axis defined by the threaded member. The method also comprises coupling a shade membrane to the coupling mechanism. The method also comprises actuating the threaded member in a first direction, such that the coupling mechanism moves along the axis in a tensioning direction. The tension release system is configured to release applied tension upon actuation of the threaded member in a second direction, causing the coupling mechanism to move along the axis in a release direction. The release direction is substantially the reverse direction of the tensioning direction.

Abstract: A rotating playground device includes a center post installed at a mounting point, located below ground such that the center post extends substantially perpendicularly above ground. The rotating playground device also includes a rotating platform rotatably coupled to the center post such that the rotating platform rotates about the center post. The rotating play device also includes a base frame coupled to the center post in a fixed relationship, such that the rotating platform is concentric with a portion of the base frame.

Abstract: A swing seat is presented. The swing seat comprises a first user seat with a first user frame and a first user seating area. The swing seat also comprises a second user seat with a second user frame and a second user seating area. The swing seat also comprises a connection mechanism configured to couple the first user frame to the second user frame. Each of the first and second user seats comprises a connection feature configured to connect to a swing frame.

Abstract: A system for spreading tension at a rope connection point on a structure is provided. The system comprises a connection mechanism configured to receive a rope. The system also comprises a fastening mechanism configured to couple the connection mechanism to the structure at the rope connection point. The rope is configured to enter the connection mechanism at an inlet point and exit the connection mechanism at an outlet point, such that a tension applied to the rope is spread between the inlet point and the outlet point.