GB2293983A - Climbing frame - Google Patents

Abstract

A climbing frame comprises two spaced-apart support members (1) and a plurality of poles (2). Each of the support members (1) defines a regular grid of apertures (6) each of which is sized to receive one of the poles as a loose fit. <IMAGE>

Description

CLIMBING FRAME This invention relates to recreational apparatus, and in particular to a climbing frame for use by outdoor pursuit centres, day centres, adventure playgrounds, schools and special schools The present invention provides recreational apparatus comprising two spaced-apart support members and a plurality of elongate cross-pieces, each of the support members defining a regular grid of apertures each of which is sized to receive one of the cross-pieces as a loose fit.

Advantageously, the cross-pieces are constituted by a plurality of sets of cross-pieces, the cross-pieces of each set having the same identifiable characteristic, and the identifiable characteristics of the different sets all being different. Preferably, different colours constitute the different identifiable characteristics.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the apertures is provided with an identification label. Preferably, each of the labels of a given support member is one of a set of numbers.

Advantageously, each of the support members is provided with support legs. Conveniently, each of the support members defines a regular grid of diamond-shaped apertures.

Two forms of climbing frame, each of which is constructed in accordance with the invention, will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the climbing frame; FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part of one of the frame members of the climbing frame of Fig.

1; and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the second form of climbing frame.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a climbing frame constituted by two substantially identical frame members 1 and a plurality of poles 2 (only one of which is shown). Each of the frame members 1 is constituted by a lattice framework made by welding together a plurality of hollow, square (25.4 mm x 25.4 mm), steel tubes 3, which are welded to side bars 4 and top and bottom bars 5. The side bars 4 are 2000 mm in length and the top and bottom bars 5 are 3000 mm in length. The side bars 4 and the top and bottom bars 5 of each frame member 1 define a rectangular support for the lattice framework of tubes 3.

As shown, each of the lattice frameworks defines a plurality of diamond-shaped apertures 6, each of which is dimensioned so that the pair of horizontally-opposed corners are spaced by 300 mm, and the pair of verticallyopposed corners are spaced by 200 mm. Each of the apertures 6 is provided a location reference plate 7, the plates each bearing a different number. Each of the frame members 1 is mounted on a pair of stanchions 8 which are extensions of the side bars 4. Each of the poles 2 is made of wood, is 1200 mm in length and 100 mm in diameter.

In use, the two frame members 1 are fixed in the ground so as to be parallel and about 1000 mm apart. This enables an instructor to construct a hazard course by locating the poles 2 each in a pair of opposed apertures 6 in the two frame members 1. Courses of different difficulty can be constructed by inserting the poles 2 in the frame members 1 in different patterns and positions. Once a course has been set, a user attempts to climb through the poles 2 between the frame members 1. The numbering of the apertures 6 on the plate 7 enable different obstacle patterns to be recorded for future use. The frame members 1 are sized and shaped to locate and hold the poles 2 in position, so that they cannot easily be moved horizontally when gripped by a user of the climbing frame.

This basic form of climbing frame could find use in outdoor pursuit centres, where it could be used in, for example, team building exercises. It is also expected to find use in primary schools and adventure playgrounds.

Fig. 3 shows a second form of climbing frame which is a modified version of that shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Consequently, like reference numerals will be used for like parts, and only the modifications will be described in detail. Thus, the two frame members 1 of the Fig. 3 embodiment are supported by three supports 8', each of which is constituted by a section of four inch square tubing which rests on the ground. The side bars 4 of the frame members 1 are welded (or bolted) to the two outer supports 8'. Similarly, the central support 8' is welded (or bolted) to the bottom bars 5 of the frame members 1.

All three supports 8' extend at right-angles to the frame members 1. Triangular bracing members 9 are provided to brace each of the two outer supports 8' to the associated side bars 4, the bracing members being welded (or bolted) to the supports and to the side bars.

In order to improve the rigidity of this form of climbing frame, an arched support 10 is provided at each of the upper ends of the frame. Each arched support 10 is welded (or bolted) to the upper ends of the side bars 4 of the frame members 1.

It will be apparent that either of the climbing frames described above could be modified in a number of ways. For example, the poles 2 could be made of plastics material or metal, and could have different cross-sectional shapes. Moreover, the frame members 1 could be larger or smaller in size, and could be bolted permanently together.

It would also be possible to use poles of different colours, to encourage colour recognition by users with learning difficulties. For example, a user could be instructed to 'go under blue poles and over red poles'.

In another modification, the plates 7 could bear letters or symbols rather than numbers. For example, symbols of common objects such as animals, houses, birds, shapes, etc. could be used. This would encourage number, letter, colour and object recognition, thereby enhancing the teaching potential of the climbing frame. Instead of fixed plates 7, these could be detachable swinging labels, and be arranged to be suspended from the top corners of the apertures 6.

This modified form of climbing frame is expected to find extensive use in special schools such as schools for those with physical or mental disabilities. It could also be of interest to primary schools for encouraging learning.

Further modifications would involve the use of addons such as a slide, which would be hung between the two frame members 1 at one end, or a scrambling net which would be suspended between the two frame members or hung on one end like the slide.

In another modification, the climbing frame could be laid flat with the two frame members 1 only about 2 feet apart. The lower frame member 1 would have legs holding the entire climbing frame say 20 inches off the ground. The users would then 'cave' between the poles 2, these now being vertical rather than horizontal. This version of the climbing frame would preferably be made of lightweight materials because it would take no weight. It would need a certain amount of weight, or be anchored, however, to prevent it moving as users made their way through it. The legs supporting this structure would form part of the 'caving system', that is to say the legs would co-operate with the poles 2 to define different patterns to climb through.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS:

1. Recreational apparatus comprising two spaced-apart support members and a plurality of elongate cross-pieces, each of the support members defining a regular grid of apertures each of which is sized to receive one of the cross-pieces as a loose fit.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crosspieces are constituted by a plurality of sets of crosspieces, the cross-pieces of each set having the same identifiable characteristic, and the identifiable characteristics of the different sets all being different.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein different colours constitute the different identifiable characteristics.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the apertures is provided with an identification label.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim w, wherein each of the labels of a given support member is one of a set of numbers.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the support members is provided with support legs.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the support members defines a regular grid of diamond-shaped apertures.

8. Recreational apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by, the drawings.