Playground Transfer Platforms
AssigneeBCI Burke Company, LLC
InventorBart Mayer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The playground transfer platforms of the present invention are elevated rigid, flat surfaces that allow a child to move from a mobility device onto the play structure access point independently or without assistance. The playground transfer platforms connect different play elements, e.g., slides, climbers, play panels, tunnels, bridges, ramps, platforms. etc. The playground transfer platforms are wide enough to permit movement and body rotation on the platform. The playground transfer platforms have a contact surface that is slip resistant and has edge protection.
Claims20
A modular playground access and transfer system comprising:
- a transfer platform having
- a horizontally extending support surface configured to receive a user from a mobility device wherein the support surface is dimensioned to permit user movement and rotation, having a width of at least 24 inches and a depth of at least 14 inches;
- a support structure configured to elevate the support surface above ground level at a height between approximately 11 inches and 18 inches;
- wherein the transfer platform is configured to connect to at least one playground structure or a second transfer platform;
- and
- wherein the transfer platform is configured to form either (i) a gap-free connection via a flush-mounted interface or integral formation with the at least one playground structure or the second transfer platform, or (ii) a controlled horizontal or vertical gap not exceeding 15 inches, the gap sized to prevent user entrapment and to allow safe lateral or vertical transfer between the at least one playground structure or the second transfer platform.
A method of providing accessible elevated play in a playground assembly, comprising:
- (a) positioning at least one modular transfer platform between a first playground structure and a second playground structure;
- (b) elevating the transfer platform at a height between approximately 11 inches and 18 inches above ground level to align with the seat height of a mobility device;
- (c) configuring the transfer platform with a horizontally extending support surface having a width of at least 24 inches and a depth of at least 14 inches to permit user movement and rotation;
- (d) connecting the transfer platform to at least one of the playground structures via a gap-free interface or a controlled gap not exceeding 15 inches;
- and
- (e) enabling a user to transfer from a mobility device onto the transfer platform and move between the first and second playground structures without contacting the ground.
A modular playground access and transfer system comprising:
- a playground slide;
- a playground climber;
- a transfer platform having
- a horizontally extending support surface configured to receive a user from a mobility device wherein the support surface is dimensioned to permit user movement and rotation, having a width of at least 24 inches and a depth of at least 14 inches;
- a support structure configured to elevate the support surface above ground level at a height between approximately 11 inches and 18 inches;
- wherein the transfer platform is configured to connect the playground slide and the playground climber;
- and
- wherein the transfer platform is configured to form either (i) a gap-free connection via a flush-mounted interface or integral formation with the playground slide and the playground climber, or (ii) a controlled horizontal or vertical gap not exceeding 15 inches, the gap sized to prevent user entrapment and to allow safe lateral or vertical transfer between the playground slide and the playground climber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.