Play center using structural monoliths for water delivery capabilities

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11247137-B2
Application number	US-202016806158-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Mar 2, 2020
Priority date	Nov 14, 2016
Publication date	Feb 15, 2022
Grant date	Feb 15, 2022

Abstract

A play structure having one or more monolith structures for the connection of other surfaces (e.g., deckings, water-based elements, interactive elements, etc.). Each of the monolith structures may be adjustably connected with a ground surface such that a variety of possible angles may be obtained by the monolith with respect to the ground surface. After the desired orientation of the monolith is obtained to the ground surface via the adjustable connection, the monolith may be secured in such position. Water or other fluid may be provided to the monolith structures via piping that interfaces with the monolith structures by a fluid connection that is in communication with piping disposed within the monolith structures. A fluid dumping or delivery system (e.g., based upon a tipping element that provides water to a fluid flowing surface and/or other water dispersion element) may be provided as part of the play structure.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid delivery system comprising:
a fluid delivery element configured to contain a volume of fluid and release such fluid;
a fluid flowing element positioned adjacent to the fluid delivery element and separate from the fluid delivery element and configured to receive at least a portion of the volume of fluid from the fluid delivery element, wherein the fluid flowing element is a pivotable surface configured to move in response to the at least the portion of the volume of fluid from the delivery element; and
a fluid dispersion element positioned adjacent to the fluid flowing element and configured to engage with at least a portion of the volume of fluid from the fluid flowing element.

2. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the fluid delivery element releases fluid via pivoting of the fluid delivery element.

3. The fluid delivery system of claim 2 further comprising an interactive fluid component and wherein the fluid delivery element is configured to pivot in response to a signal from a user interacting with the interactive fluid component.

4. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the fluid dispersion element is configured to rotate in response to the at least a portion of the volume of fluid from the fluid delivery element.

5. The fluid delivery system of claim 4 wherein the fluid dispersion element is configured to rotate about an axis that is perpendicular to the at least a portion of the volume of fluid from the fluid delivery element.

6. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 further comprising a notification element configured to provide a notification that the fluid delivery element is going to deliver the at least a portion of the volume of fluid from the fluid delivery element to the fluid flowing element.

7. The fluid dumping system of claim 6 wherein the notification element creates a sound effect, a lighting effect, a water effect, or a combination thereof.

8. The fluid dumping system of claim 6 wherein the notification element receives at least a portion of the volume of fluid from the fluid delivery element that does not release to the fluid flowing element.

9. A play structure comprising:
a monolith including:
a frame,
a connector for fastening the monolith to a ground surface,
a first surface connected with the frame, and surface, and
a fluid conduit positioned within a volume formed by the first surface and the frame;
a decking connected with the monolith; and
a fluid-based element connected with the monolith;
wherein the monolith is configured to rotate with respect to the ground surface via the connector.

10. The play structure of claim 9 further comprising an interactive element connected with the monolith, the interactive element configured to be interacted with by a user for a flow of fluid from the fluid conduit to the fluid-based component.

11. A play structure disposed upon a surface comprising:
a base segment;
a leveling element connected with the base segment for adjusting an orientation of the base segment relative to the surface;
a frame connected with the base segment;
a decking connected with the frame;
a fluid delivery element configured to contain a volume of fluid and release such fluid from the fluid delivery element; and
a fluid dispersion element configured to receive at least a portion of the volume of fluid from the fluid delivery element.

Assignees

• Whitewater West Ind Ltd

Inventors

• Briggs Rick A
• Snyder Ryan G

Classifications

• A63G21/22

  Suspended slideways · CPC title

• A63G31/007 Primary

  involving water · CPC title

• A63B9/00

  Climbing poles, frames, or stages {(climbing walls for mountaineering training A63B69/0048; endless loop ladders A63B22/04)} · CPC title

• A63B4/00

  Balance beams · CPC title

• A63B2009/008

  with water spraying means · CPC title