Topographical playground structures, a structural framework thereof, and a method of making the topographical structures

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to artificial topographical structures, such as mounds, installed at playgrounds using a structural framework. The structural framework is made up of a first plurality of panels extending in a first direction and a second plurality of panels extending in a second direction, with the second direction being transverse to the first direction. Each of the second plurality of panels may be connected to one or more of the first plurality of panels, such as through a complementary arrangement of slots. The artificial structure also includes at least a support layer and a cushion layer. The upper edges of the panels are designed to together provide an artificial mound having a defined contour.

1 .- 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A playground assembly, comprising:
 an artificial mound comprising
 a structural framework made up of a plurality of structural elements that are attached to one another, each structural element comprising an upper edge, the upper edges together providing the structural framework with a non-flat top surface that is configured to provide the artificial mound with a contoured surface; and 
 a surface layer that covers the structural framework, wherein the surface layer comprises poured-in-place rubber, synthetic grass, or turf; and 
   a playground component integrated into the mound.   
     
     
         27 . The playground assembly of  claim 26 , wherein the playground component comprises a first portion that extends between structural elements of the artificial mound and a second portion that projects from the surface layer. 
     
     
         28 . The playground assembly of  claim 27 , wherein the first portion of the playground component extends into one or more spaces between adjacent structural elements of the framework. 
     
     
         29 . The playground assembly of  claim 28 , wherein a remainder of each of the one or more spaces is filled with concrete. 
     
     
         30 . The playground assembly of  claim 27 , wherein the first portion of the playground component also extends into a hole in the ground on which the structural framework is installed. 
     
     
         31 . The playground assembly of  claim 30 , wherein the hole is filled with concrete. 
     
     
         32 . The playground assembly of  claim 26 , wherein the finish layer contacts the playground component, such that a portion of the playground component projects from the surface layer. 
     
     
         33 . The playground assembly of  claim 26 , wherein the artificial mound further comprises a poured-in-place rubber cushion layer between the structural framework and the finish layer. 
     
     
         34 . The playground assembly of  claim 26 , wherein the playground component comprises a support post and wherein a first portion of the support post extends between adjacent structural elements of the artificial mound and a second portion of the support post projects upward from the finish layer of the artificial mound. 
     
     
         35 . The playground assembly of  claim 26 , wherein the playground component is an elevated play structure, a climbing unit, a slide, a zip-track or zip-line, an elevated spinner, a bridge, a balance beam, or an overhead ladder. 
     
     
         36 . A playground comprising the playground assembly of  claim 26 . 
     
     
         37 . The playground assembly of  claim 26 , further comprising a second artificial mound, the second artificial mound comprising
 a structural framework made up of a plurality of structural elements that are attached to one another, each structural element comprising an upper edge, the upper edges together providing the structural framework with a non-flat top surface that is configured to provide the artificial mound with a contoured surface; and   a surface layer that covers the structural framework, wherein the surface layer comprises poured-in-place rubber, synthetic grass, or turf; and   wherein the playground component is also integrated into the second mound.   
     
     
         38 . The playground assembly of  claim 37 , wherein the playground component is an elevated play structure, a climbing unit, a slide, a zip-track or zip-line, an elevated spinner, a bridge, a balance beam, or an overhead ladder. 
     
     
         39 . A playground comprising the playground assembly of  claim 37 .