Abstract: A one-piece helical tube component for use in forming spiral or helical playground units is disclosed. The helical tube component includes an interconnected series of helical tube segments each having a constant predetermined diameter and slope. Complementary male and female tube segments are provided adjacent opposite ends of the interconnected series of helical tube segments for corresponding mating engagement with complementary male and female tube segments of another similarly formed helical tube component.

Abstract: A laterally movable recreational device is disclosed. The device includes an enclosure having at least one opening for entry of an occupant and a support for suspending the enclosure above a floor or ground surface. The support and enclosure are constructed and connected to one another to facilitate movement of the enclosure in a predetermined path. There is a controlled fluid or resilient mounting of the enclosure relative to the support in the predetermined path in order to facilitate a controlled fluid or resilient movement of the enclosure relative to the support in the predetermined path when an occupant enters the enclosure. Preferably, the predetermined path in which movement of the enclosure relative to the support is facilitated is a lateral or horizontal path enabling controlled fluid or resilient movement of the enclosure relative to the support in such lateral or horizontal path.

Abstract: A movable recreational equipment device is disclosed. The device includes an enclosure having at least one opening for entry of an occupant and a support for suspending the enclosure above a floor or ground surface. The support and enclosure are constructed and connected to one another to permit controlled fluid movement of the enclosure relative to the support. The enclosure has controlled fluid or resilient mounting relative to the support in order to permit controlled fluid or resilient movement of the enclosure relative to the support when an occupant enters the enclosure. Preferably, the enclosure provides controlled fluid or resilient multi-directional movement of the enclosure relative to the support. The device may be connected to one or more flexible tubes in a recreational play system environment to enable movement of the enclosure while remaining connected to the flexible tubes.

Abstract: A movable recreational equipment device is disclosed. The device includes an enclosure having at least one opening for entry of an occupant and a support for suspending the enclosure above a floor or ground surface. The support and enclosure are constructed and connected to one another to restrict movement of the enclosure in a first predetermined path. The enclosure has controlled fluid or resilient mounting relative to the support in a second predetermined path in order to permit controlled fluid or resilient movement of the enclosure relative to the support in the second predetermined path, when an occupant enters the enclosure. Preferably, the first predetermined path, in which movement of the enclosure relative to the support is restricted, is a horizontal path while the second predetermined path, enabling controlled fluid or resilient movement of the enclosure relative to the support, is a vertical path.

Abstract: A junction ball for connecting two passageways in a modular playground at any desired angle utilizing two rotatably interlocking hollow half spheres having one access port each. The halves are adapted to be fitted together, rotated to produce the proper angle, and locked into place. A single half may be used for terminating a passageway in conjunction with a viewing dome. The modular half spheres are preferably molded in one piece from plastic. The spherical view port is preferably constructed from polycarbonate. These components are supported by and mounted into a standard pipe structure consisting of pipe and assorted clamps.

Abstract: A ladder which makes it possible for one person to climb onto another, particularly, a ladder which can be worn by an adult for the purpose of enabling a child to climb up the ladder and onto the adult. The top portion of the ladder is attached to a harness facilitates the wearing of the ladder by an adult. The bottom portion of the ladder is attached to a trap which can be stepped on by the adult to stabilize the ladder and prevent it from swinging. In an alternative embodiment the device is in the form of an overcoat featuring a series of holes into which the child can place his feet to facilitate his climbing.

Abstract: A light weight, portable, gymnastic assembly made for children to climb on is fabricated of tubular members formed of cut-to-length standard plastic tubings and standard plastic fittings. The tubular members are releasably held within the sockets of the fittings by pairs of opposing spring-loaded pins that are carried in opposing holes on the end portions of the tubular members and engage within opposing holes on the end portions of sockets of the fittings when the tubular members are slipped into the sockets. Because of the mechanical connections used, such an assembly provides a flexible overall structure that can be readily modified from time-to-time by an adult to enable a number of separately assembled different types of accessories of interest to children to be mounted on the surface of the assembly or within the interior thereof.

Abstract: A tug of war machine is described which includes a belt loop which is pulled in a generally horizontal direction. The resistance placed on the loop can be selected to either provide a static pull or a hand-over-hand tug of war-type pulling exercise. Additionally, a treadmill may be used in conjunction with the tug of war loop cord to provide simultaneous exercise for the legs and the back. A monitor displays the performance of the user and compares this performance with the effort relative to a predetermined standard of reference.

Abstract: A horizontal ladder particularly useful in playgrounds includes two end structures, two elongated members extending between the end structures and handholds attached to the cables. Since the ladder does not need any horizontal support members it is safer to use than standard horizontal ladders.