Arch-based play system

Abstract

Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A play system, comprising:
 a first arch having a first end, a second end, and a substantially continuous curvature along a length from the first end to the second end;   a second arch that overlaps the first arch, the second arch having a first end, a second end, and a substantially continuous curvature along a length from the first end to the second end; and   a piece of playground equipment attached to at least one of the first and second arches.   
     
     
         2 . The play system of  claim 1 , wherein the first arch is situated within a first arch plane with the first and second ends of the first arch positioned on opposite sides of a circumference of a first imaginary circle that is perpendicular to the first arch plane, and wherein the second arch is situated within a second arch plane with the first and second ends of the second arch positioned on opposite sides of a circumference of a second imaginary circle that is perpendicular to the second arch plane. 
     
     
         3 . The play system of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of an area of the first imaginary circle is located outside an area of the second imaginary circle. 
     
     
         4 . The play system of  claim 2 , wherein an area within the first imaginary circle at least partially overlaps with an area within the second imaginary circle such that there is an area common to both the first and second imaginary circles. 
     
     
         5 . The play system of  claim 2 , wherein the first arch plane and the second arch plane are non-parallel relative to one another. 
     
     
         6 . The play system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second arches includes first and second ends that are spaced apart by a distance of at least six feet. 
     
     
         7 . The play system of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the first arch is different than the height of the second arch such that the second arch crosses over the first arch. 
     
     
         8 . The play system of  claim 1 , wherein the piece of playground equipment is attached to both the first and second arches. 
     
     
         9 . A play system positioned on a surface, the play system comprising:
 at least one piece of playground equipment;   an arch extending upwardly from the surface, the arch having a first end, a second end, and a length from the first end to the second end, wherein a majority of the length of the arch is curved; and   a plurality of attachment points on the arch between the first and second ends for the at least one piece of playground equipment.   
     
     
         10 . The play system of  claim 9 , wherein a single piece of playground equipment is attached to at least two attachment points on the arch. 
     
     
         11 . The play system of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of attachment points on the arch comprises a first attachment point and a second attachment point, and wherein the at least one piece of playground equipment comprises:
 a first piece of playground equipment attached to the first attachment point; and   a second piece of playground equipment attached to the second attachment point.   
     
     
         12 . The play system of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second ends of the arch are spaced apart by a distance of at least six feet. 
     
     
         13 . The play system of  claim 9 , and further comprising a second arch that overlaps the arch. 
     
     
         14 . The play system of  claim 13 , wherein the arch is situated within an arch plane with the first and second ends of the arch being vertically aligned with opposite sides of a circumference of an imaginary circle that extends horizontally along the surface and is perpendicular to the arch plane, and wherein the second arch is situated within a second arch plane with the first and second ends of the second arch positioned on opposite sides of a circumference of a second imaginary circle that is perpendicular to the second arch plane. 
     
     
         15 . The play system of  claim 14 , wherein an area within the imaginary circle at least partially overlaps with an area within the second imaginary circle such that there is an area common to the first and second imaginary circles. 
     
     
         16 . A play system positioned on a surface, the play system comprising:
 an arch situated within an arch plane, wherein the arch comprises an attachment point located between first and second ends of the arch, the first and second ends of the arch being vertically aligned with opposite sides of a circumference of an imaginary circle that extends horizontally along the surface and is perpendicular to the arch plane, wherein at the attachment point the arch is at an angle other than perpendicular to the imaginary circle; and   a play element at least partially supported by the attachment point, the play element extending at least partially into an area that is neither directly above nor directly below the imaginary circle.   
     
     
         17 . The play system of  claim 16 , wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the arch are secured at or below ground level. 
     
     
         18 . The play system of  claim 17 , wherein the arch has a substantially continuous curvature from the first end to the second end. 
     
     
         19 . The play system of  claim 16 , and further comprising:
 a second arch situated within a second arch plane, wherein the second arch comprises a second attachment point located between first and second ends of the second arch, the first and second ends of the second arch being vertically aligned with opposite sides of a circumference of a second imaginary circle that extends horizontally along the surface and is perpendicular to the second arch plane, wherein at the second attachment point the second arch is at an angle other than perpendicular to the second imaginary circle; and   wherein the play element at least partially supported by the second attachment point, the play element extending at least partially into an area that is neither directly above nor directly below the second imaginary circle.   
     
     
         20 . The play system of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second ends of the arch are spaced apart by a distance of at least six feet.