Play structure and bracket for play structure

Abstract

A bracket for a play structure includes a first flange and a second flange. The first flange includes a proximal end and a distal end. The first flange extends along a plane. The second flange extends from the first flange at the proximal end such that the second flange is disposed on one side of the plane. The pair of side flanges extend from the first flange such that the pair of side flanges are disposed on an opposite side of the plane as the second flange.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bracket for a play structure, the bracket comprising:
 a first flange comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the first flange extending along a plane;   a second flange extending from the first flange at the proximal end such that the second flange is disposed on one side of the plane; and   a pair of side flanges extending from the first flange such that the pair of side flanges are disposed on an opposite side of the plane as the second flange, wherein:
 each side flange of the pair of side flanges extend at least partially between the proximal end and the distal end of the first flange; 
 the first flange and the second flange each define a plurality of apertures; 
 the first flange has a first length; and 
 the second flange has a second length that is at least five times longer than the first length. 
   
     
     
         2 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein each side flange of the pair of side flanges is generally orthogonal to the first flange. 
     
     
         3 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the second flange is generally orthogonal to the first flange. 
     
     
         4 . The bracket of  claim 1  further comprising at least one corner rib member extending between the first flange and the second flange. 
     
     
         5 . The bracket of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one corner rib member is angled with respect to each of the first flange and the second flange by about 45 degrees. 
     
     
         6 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the first flange comprises a ribbed portion that extends upwardly from an adjacent portion of the first flange. 
     
     
         7 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the first length is between about 350 mm and about 400 mm and the second length is about 55 mm and about 70 mm. 
     
     
         8 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein each side flange of the pair of side flanges is spaced apart from each other by a distance of between about 120 mm and 150 mm.