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 playground structure that includes a plurality of panels coupled to a frame so as to form at least the majority of regular polygon surfaces included in a uniform polyhedral shape.

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 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 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 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 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: It is desirable to protect playground structures from direct exposure to sunlight. The present invention relates to a system and method for providing shade for playground structures to provide such protection. Playground structures include columns used to support the playground structure. A shade fixture can be made comprising shade material over supporting structural members, including at least one column. Such a shade fixture can be secured to a playground structure by attaching the column of the shade fixture to multiple columns of the playground structure. It may be desirable to have the length of a shade fixture column be variable to account for variable playground structure column heights. The one column creates a bridge between columns. The columns can be adjacent to each other or at a distance. The bridge creates a more rigid structure and supports the weight of the shade material.

Abstract: A structural system and methodology for erecting a shading structure. The system and methodology provides for a rapid and fool proof installation of the shading element over a canopy structure. The shading element is coupled into a locking mechanism on a perimeter beam which rotates to increase effective the effective surface area of the canopy structure thereby providing the correct amount of tension to the shading element, thereby completing the installation process.