SENSORY WALL SYSTEMS
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.
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The present application is a non-provisional application that is based on and claims the priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/309,055, filed on Dec. 1, 2011 which is based on and claims the priority of provisional application Ser. No. 61/418,442, filed on Dec. 1, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUNDChildren with autism and/or sensory processing disorders may find challenges with socialization, communication, play, and imagination. Little attention has been devoted to addressing this issue on the playground. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have playground equipment that is welcoming to all children including those with autism and/or other sensory processing disorders.
SUMMARYAn aspect of the disclosure relates to sensory wall systems. 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.
These and various other features and advantages that characterize the claimed embodiments will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reviewing the associated drawings.
While it has long been recognized that children on the autism spectrum often have difficulty playing and socializing like typically-developing children, little attention has been devoted to addressing this issue on the playground. Embodiments of the present disclosure address the issue and provide environments for meeting the play and socialization needs of all children, in particular those on the autism spectrum.
Sensory wall components attract children and encourage exploration and discovery, and provide a “just-right” experience for those seeking sensory stimulation. With its inclusive play solution, sensory wall components address the sensory needs of all children and welcome those with autism and other sensory processing disorders into the play environment. Additionally, at least certain embodiments illustratively provide rich tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, visual and auditory experiences, as well as help develop motor-planning skills and increase social/imaginative play opportunities.
Sensory wall components are designed to bring children of all abilities together in close proximity to encourage parallel and cooperative play. In one embodiment, sensory wall components include a configurable system with multiple highly-interactive play activities using marbles, gears, mazes, kaleidoscopes, and more. Additionally, the custom wall that supports the interactive activities provides a one-of-a-kind artfully designed sensory centerpiece to any inclusive playground and can be designed to match the theme of any environment.
As is shown in
Middle wall section 102 illustratively includes an aperture 112 and a ridge 114 that surrounds the aperture 112. The ridge 114 optionally has a number of apertures 116 (three are numbered in
Sensory wall system 100 also optionally includes one or more insert panels 118. In the particular example shown in
In an embodiment, insert panel 118 is attached to middle wall section 102 by placing support panel 124 against ridge 114. Then, attachment mechanisms 128 (e.g. screws, bolts, etc.) are put through the support panel apertures 126 and the ridge apertures 116. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, system 100 includes a support ring 130 having apertures 132. Support ring 130 is illustratively placed on the opposite side of ridge 114 from the insert panel 118, and the attachment mechanism also go through the support ring apertures 132 to secure the insert panel 118 in place on the middle wall section 102. Securing mechanisms 133 (e.g. bolts, nuts, etc.) are illustratively secured to attachment mechanisms 128 to hold everything in place. It should be noted that insert panel 118 can be attached to middle wall section 102 in the opposite direction such that the bongos are accessible from the other side of the wall. It should also be noted that other attachment methods can be used to attach insert panel 118 to middle wall section 102 and that embodiments are not limited to the specific example that is given for illustration purposes only.
System 100 also optionally includes mounting feet 134. In an embodiment, middle wall section 102 has two feet 134 and each side section 104/106 has one foot 134. Feet 134 illustratively enable the wall to be set in an upright fashion. The feet 134 may simply set on a surface (e.g. the ground), or can be attached to underground assemblies (e.g. a concrete footing) to provide a more permanent installation. System 100 may also include an opening formed by an arch 136 between the side sections 104/106 and middle section 102. The opening can provide an opportunity for children to crawl through the opening to reach the other side.
In the particular example shown in
Accordingly, each of the insert panels and/or wall sections alone and in combination provides a wide variety of play and learning experiences that may be suitable children with autism and/or sensory processing disorders. Additionally, the modular nature of the insert panels and wall sections enables the system to be changed relatively easily to provide new environments. It should be also noted that systems may be sold essentially as kits that include any one or more of the components described above or shown in the figures, such that a user can assemble a variety of different play environments.
Finally, it is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. In addition, although the embodiments described herein are directed to sensory wall systems, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the teachings of the disclosure can be applied to other types of data storage systems, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.
Claims
1. An insert panel configured to engage with a play structure, the insert panel comprising:
- a support panel configured to attach to a ridge of the play structure, wherein the support panel further comprises attachment mechanisms;
- an activity portion located within the support panel; and
- wherein the insert panel is configured to semi-permanently engage with the play structure.
2. The insert panel of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanisms comprise apertures and connection mechanisms, wherein the connection mechanisms extend through the apertures of the support panel and at least partially into the play structure.
3. The insert panel of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanisms comprise bolts.
4. The insert panel of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanisms comprise screws.
5. The insert panel of claim 1, wherein the activity portion is configured to engage at least two of a child's senses.
6. An insert panel, comprising:
- a connection mechanism configured to connect a support ring of the insert panel to a ridge of a structure;
- an activity portion configured to engage at least one of a child's senses, wherein the activity portion is configured to engage the support ring; and
- wherein the insert panel is configured to be removable from the structure.
7. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion comprises a musical instrument.
8. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion comprises a number of letters and shapes.
9. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion comprises a plurality of marbles.
10. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion comprises a mirror assembly.
11. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion comprises a kaleidoscope.
12. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the activity portion is a first insert panel, and wherein the first insert panel is further configured to engage a second insert panel such that the first insert panel connects to the structure in a back-to-back configuration with the second insert panel.
13. The insert panel of claim 6, wherein the insert panel is a first insert panel, and wherein the first insert panel is further configured such that it is removable and replaceable by the second insert panel.
14. A kit for providing exchangeable activities on a play structure, the kit comprising:
- a plurality of insert panels, each insert panel comprising: an activity portion configured to engage at least two senses; a support ring configured to engage with a ridge of the play structure, wherein the support ring engages the ridge;
- wherein each of the plurality of insert panels are interchangeable with another of the plurality of insert panels, and wherein each of the plurality of insert panels are configured to engage in both a first position, wherein the first position comprises a single insert panel within the support ring and a second position, wherein the second position comprises a back-to-back configuration with another of the plurality of insert panels.
15. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein the activity portion comprises a musical instrument.
16. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein the activity portion comprises a number of letters and shapes.
17. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein the activity portion comprises a plurality of marbles.
18. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein the activity portion comprises a mirror assembly.
19. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein the activity portion comprises a kaleidoscope.
20. The insert panel of claim 14, wherein each of the insert panels are removeably engaged with the structure.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 17, 2014
Publication Date: Apr 16, 2015
Applicant:
Inventors: Steven G. King (Maple Plain, MN), Thomas L. Keller (Delano, MN)
Application Number: 14/573,435
International Classification: A63H 33/00 (20060101);