Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to artificial topographical structures, such as mounds, installed at playgrounds using a structural framework. The structural framework is made up of a first plurality of panels extending in a first direction and a second plurality of panels extending in a second direction, with the second direction being transverse to the first direction. Each of the second plurality of panels may be connected to one or more of the first plurality of panels, such as through a complementary arrangement of slots. The artificial structure also includes at least a support layer and a cushion layer. The upper edges of the panels are designed to together provide an artificial mound having a defined contour.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a musical instrument comprising a plurality of chimes, each of which has a fork portion comprising first and second prongs, or tines, and a resonator portion. Each chime is configured to produce a note of a predetermined pitch and frequency when one of the tines is struck by a mallet. The instrument may also be configured so that the note produced by striking one of the tines with a mallet has a desirable sustain. Embodiments of the musical instrument may be configured for installation in an outdoor environment, such as a playground or other recreational area, and thus to withstand the stresses associated with such an installation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to outdoor musical instruments configured to replicate the appearance of a mushroom and to withstand prolonged exposure to the environment. The musical instrument is made up of at least a metal dish mounted to a weather-resistant support post. The metal dish is mounted to the top of the support post, and the bottom surface of the metal dish is separated from the top end of the support post by a non-metal isolator. The musical instrument is configured to produce a note that sustains when the top surface of the metal dish is struck by a mallet.

Abstract: Tonal musical instruments configured for outdoor installation are disclosed. The tonal musical instrument may comprise a support post, wherein the support post is configured for attachment to an outdoor surface, at least one a non-vibrating guard, a metal plate tuned to produce at least one note on a musical scale when struck by a user, and one or more fasteners securing the at least one non-vibrating guard and the metal plate to the support post.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to impact-attenuating pathways that can be easily installed in outdoor areas, such as an outdoor area associated with a senior or assisted living facility. The impact attenuating pathways of the present disclosure provide a natural looking path having impact attenuation properties that can help prevent life threatening injuries. In addition to the impact attenuation properties, the pathway is configured to withstand regular wear from shoes, canes, crutches, and the like. The impact-attenuating pathway comprises a firm base layer, such as concrete; a cushion layer positioned on top of the base layer; and a wear layer positioned on top of the cushion layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a playground apparatus that is configured to support a camera, typically a smartphone or similar photo/video device. The apparatus is configured to both (a) position the camera to take a photograph or video of the user during the play activity and (b) to maintain the camera in place during the play activity. Embodiments of the play apparatus include swings, whirls, and spinners.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a rotatable play device that comprises a central support post, a hub rotatably mounted to an upper end of the central support post, and an arm assembly attached to the hub and comprising a plurality of arms, a seat being suspended from the distal end of each of the plurality of arms. Rotation of the hub about the central support post causes the plurality of seats to rotate around the central support post in a substantially circular rotation path. Each of the seats may also be configured to move up and down by way of a spring assembly or a plurality of springs. Two or more seats may share the up-and-down movement in an alternating manner or each seat may be configured to have an independent up-and-down movement. In addition, each of the seats may optionally be configured to swing in substantial alignment with the circular rotation path and/or to swing outward due to centripetal forces created by the circular rotation path.

Abstract: Percussion instruments configured for outdoor installation are disclosed. The percussion instrument comprises a support post, wherein the support post is configured for attachment to an outdoor surface, a mounting base secured to the support post, one or more metal discs, wherein each metal disc is tuned to produce a note on a musical scale when struck by a user, and one or more fasteners securing the one or more metal discs to the mounting base.

Abstract: A poured-in-place protective surface, such as can be installed at a playground, includes an impact-attenuation or cushion layer, which comprises a blend of (a) a rubber chunk component made up of granules of reclaimed rubber, the reclaimed rubber being from non-tire sources; (b) a tire buffings component; and (c) a binder. The ratio of rubber chunk component to tire buffings component is selected to be between 1.25:1 and 10:1, and more particularly between 1.25:1 and 5:1.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to outdoor musical instruments configured to replicate the appearance of a mushroom and to withstand prolonged exposure to the environment. The musical instrument is made up of at least a metal dish mounted to a weather-resistant support post. The metal dish is mounted to the top of the support post, and the bottom surface of the metal dish is separated from the top end of the support post by a non-metal isolator. The musical instrument is configured to produce a note that sustains when the top surface of the metal dish is struck by a mallet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a swing that is operable to promote attunement between a child and caretaker. The swing comprises two seats, one of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a caretaker, such as a parent, and another of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a child. The two seats are arranged so that the caretaker and the child can face one another and comfortably see each other's eyes. The two seats are also configured such that, during operation of the swing, both the caretaker and child share the experience of swinging. Thus, using the swing of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a caretaker and child may share the mutual enjoyment of the swinging action while maintaining eye contact with one another, resulting in attunement.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a high chair that is permanently secured to a picnic table to facilitate the public enjoyment of communal meals and recreational time by families that include small children. In some embodiments, the high chair may be configured to extend above the upper surface of the picnic table, providing the additional benefit of facilitating interaction and attunement between a child occupant of the high chair and adult occupants of the picnic table bench seats. In other embodiments, the high chair may be configured such that a food tray of the high chair is substantially level with the upper surface of the picnic table.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for determining the play value of a playground, the challenge level of a playground, or both. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may propose modifications to a playground that would result in an effective and efficient increase in the play value of the playground, a desired increase or decrease in the challenge level of the playground, or both. Further, in some embodiments, the methods and systems may be configured to provide comparisons of various playgrounds in order to determine which playgrounds are of greatest play value. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be incorporated into software that is configured for the design of playgrounds.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to playground climbing structures that provide a pathway defined by a lower surface and bound on each side by a sidewall. The structures may comprise sensory play activities on the interior of the sidewalls as well as on the exterior of the sidewalls. The climbing structure is also adapted so as to be accessible to children of varying physical abilities, including for instance children with disabilities, such as by having at least one platform configured for access from a wheelchair or other mobility device and incremental adjustments in elevation that may be navigated by a child with limited mobility. Embodiments of the climbing structures are assembled from a plurality of components, which can be connected together in a variety of configurations to provide custom modular structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a swing that is operable to promote attunement between a child and caretaker. The swing comprises two seats, one of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a caretaker, such as a parent, and another of the two seats being configured to be occupied by a child. The two seats are arranged so that the caretaker and the child can face one another and comfortably see each other's eyes. The two seats are also configured such that, during operation of the swing, both the caretaker and child share the experience of swinging. Thus, using the swing of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a caretaker and child may share the mutual enjoyment of the swinging action while maintaining eye contact with one another, resulting in attunement.

Abstract: Tonal musical instruments configured for outdoor installation are disclosed. The tonal musical instrument may comprise a support post, wherein the support post is configured for attachment to an outdoor surface, at least one a non-vibrating guard, a metal plate tuned to produce at least one note on a musical scale when struck by a user, and one or more fasteners securing the at least one non-vibrating guard and the metal plate to the support post.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a rotatable play device that comprises a central support post, a hub rotatably mounted to an upper end of the central support post, and an arm assembly attached to the hub and comprising a plurality of arms, a seat being suspended from the distal end of each of the plurality of arms. Rotation of the hub about the central support post causes the plurality of seats to rotate around the central support post in a substantially circular rotation path. Each of the seats may also be configured to move up and down by way of a spring assembly or a plurality of springs. Two or more seats may share the up-and-down movement in an alternating manner or each seat may be configured to have an independent up-and-down movement. In addition, each of the seats may optionally be configured to swing in substantial alignment with the circular rotation path and/or to swing outward due to centripetal forces created by the circular rotation path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an easily assembled and disassembled shade-providing structure, such as may be mounted to a playground assembly. The shade-providing structure comprises an outer frame defining an interior space and a canopy that may be positioned in that interior space. The canopy has one or more rods around its periphery, such as may be inserted through one or more pockets in the canopy fabric. Each of the outer frame and the rod(s) has a set of apertures configured to receive a locking fastener and a set of apertures configured to receive a jack screw or similar tensioning device. Accordingly, to assembly the structure, one or more jack screws can be used to provide the canopy with a desired tension and then locking fasteners can be used to secure the canopy to the outer frame.