Play systems incorporating a balanced crosspiece concept

Abstract

Embodiments of play systems incorporating a balanced crosspiece concept are disclosed. In one embodiment, a series of segments are joined together so as to create the appearance of two crosspieces intersecting with one another at a point where one of the crosspieces has an appearance of having been notched out. Play elements are illustratively connected to at least some of the segments.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A playground structure, comprising:
 a first cross piece that includes a first segment connected to a crossing segment so as to be in line with a first end segment that is also attached to the crossing segment;   a second cross piece that includes a second segment connected to the crossing segment so as to be in line with a second end segment that is also attached to the crossing segment;   wherein the crossing segment is configured such that the first cross piece appears to pass through a notched-out portion of the second cross piece; and   at least one play element attached to at least one of the first and second cross pieces, the play element being configured to be climbed upon by a human.   
     
     
         2 . The playground structure of  claim 1 , wherein the crossing segment is configured such that the first cross piece appears to pass through but not squarely through the second cross piece. 
     
     
         3 . The playground structure of  claim 1 , wherein the first cross piece has a square profile when viewed from one of its ends, and wherein the crossing segment is configured such that some but not completely all of the square profile appears to pass through the second cross piece. 
     
     
         4 . The playground structure of  claim 1 , wherein the first cross piece has a square profile when viewed from one of its ends, and wherein the crossing segment is configured such that some but not completely all of the square profile appears to pass through the second cross piece, and wherein the square profile appears to pass through the second cross piece such that, where the square profile passes through, the square profile is rotated relative to a reference plane that is substantially in line with a ground surface where the playground structure has been installed. 
     
     
         5 . The playground structure of  claim 1 , wherein the first cross piece has a circular profile when viewed from one of its ends, and wherein the crossing segment is configured such that some but not completely all of the circular profile appears to pass through the second cross piece. 
     
     
         6 . The playground structure of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second segments are at least substantially hollow. 
     
     
         7 . The playground structure of  claim 1 , wherein the crossing segment is at least substantially hollow. 
     
     
         8 . The playground structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of anchor footings that directly or indirectly support the first and second cross pieces. 
     
     
         9 . The playground structure of  claim 1 , further comprising an attachment mechanism positioned partially inside of each of, as well as secured to each of, the first segment and the crossing segment. 
     
     
         10 . The playground structure of  claim 1 , wherein the crossing segment comprises a first crossing segment piece that is configured to nest together with a second crossing segment piece. 
     
     
         11 . The playground structure of  claim 10 , wherein an indicator is incorporated into the first crossing segment piece to increase the likelihood that it will be properly paired with the second crossing segment piece and not with an incorrect crossing segment piece. 
     
     
         12 . A method of assembling a playground structure, comprising incorporating a crossing segment as a portion of two cross pieces such that one of the two cross pieces assumes the appearance of being a solid cross pieces passing through a notched-out portion of the other of the two crosspieces, this despite the fact that the two cross pieces are substantially hollow. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein incorporating a crossing segment comprises connecting an end of each of the two crosspieces to the crossing segment. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein connecting a first one of the ends of the two crosspieces to the crossing segment further comprises securing an attachment mechanism that crosses between and joins the first one of the ends to the crossing segment. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein incorporating a crossing segment as a portion of two cross pieces such that one of the two cross pieces assumes the appearance of being a solid cross pieces passing through but not squarely through a notched-out portion of the other of the two crosspieces. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein at least one of the two cross pieces has a square or rectangular profile when viewed from its end. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein at least one of the two cross pieces has a square or rectangular profile when viewed from its end. 
     
     
         18 . A crossing segment for incorporation into a playground structure, the crossing segment comprising an at least substantially hollow first crossing segment component nested into an at least substantially hollow second crossing segment component, the first and second at least substantially hollow crossing segment components being nested so as to present the illusion of a first solid crosspiece passing through a notched-out portion of a second solid crosspiece. 
     
     
         19 . The crossing segment of  claim 18 , wherein an indexing component is incorporated into at least one of the two at least substantially hollow crossing segment components so as to promote a pairing with the other of the at least substantially hollowing crossing segment components instead of a non-compatible crossing segment component. 
     
     
         20 . The crossing segment of  claim 18 , wherein the first and second at least substantially hollow crossing segment components is nested so as to present the illusion of a first solid crosspiece passing through but not squarely passing through a notched-out portion of a second solid crosspiece.