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(11) | EP 1 535 653 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Playground apparuts with swinging posts |
| (57) The invention consists of an assemblage of two or more anchored and swinging posts
held by symmetrically positioned tensed cables, capable of supporting high degrees
of tension and stress, whilst at the same allowing forward and backward swinging movements. As stated above, the assemblage is based on a fundament of symmetrical tensed cables. Tensing must be equal on both sides; as if one side is tensed more than the other, the structural posts will no longer be symmetrical. We must bear in mind the fact that even though the posts are not balanced, neither side of the structure will ever collapse provided that the cables are tensed correctly. |
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] As defined in the title of this technical report, the invention consists of an assemblage of two or more anchored and swinging posts held by symmetrically positioned tensed cables, capable of supporting high degrees of tension and stress, whilst at the same allowing forward and backward swinging movements.
[0002] As stated above, the assemblage is based on a fundament of symmetrical tensed cables. The tension of the cables must be combined, as if only the lower cable is tensed, this will cause the posts to fall over. However, by tensing the upper cable, the posts tend to lift upwards to a point of maximum tension. At all events, once a cable has been tensed, the other tense must be re-tensed in all cases.
[0003] Tensing must be equal on both sides; as if one side is tensed more than the other, the structural posts will no longer be symmetrical (one post would be lower than the other). We must bear in mind the fact that even though the posts are not balanced, neither side of the structure will ever collapse provided that the cables are tensed correctly. It must also be stressed that the upper cable is the one that supports the structure, hence the need for it to be correctly tensed at all times.
[0004] The two symmetrical axes coincide at the centre of the structure which means that the oscillations are less. However, in the areas surrounding the posts, the oscillations will be greater, as the post at rest has a horizontal angle of approximately 70° and when the post is oscillating the angle will range from 55° to 85°.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0005] The range of possible applications for this assemblage includes various developments, all of which require the structure to remain balanced thanks to the combined work of the various elements contained therein, swinging and oscillating imitating the movement of a fan whilst preventing the assemblage from collapsing as a result of the external forces acting upon it.
[0006] Thanks to this assemblage the structure will not collapse when swinging and oscillating movements occur, unless one of the elements breaks. What may happen is that one of the cables becomes slack due to the movement or weight supported by the structure, whereby one of the posts will have a wider trajectory and will be closer to the ground, but there will be no risk of a sudden fall.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Assemblage of anchored and swinging posts applicable to children's games. It consists of two or more posts anchored to the ground at the base and attached to one another by means of crossed tensed cables, one at the top of the posts and another at the bottom. The aforementioned cables are also anchored to the ground at each end.
Figure 1: front elevation of assemblage.
Figure 2: upper section of the assemblage.
Figure 3: side elevation of the assemblage.
Figure 4: side elevation of the post anchor joint
Figure 5: side elevation of the post anchor joint.
Figure 6: side elevation of the cable blocking mechanism.
Figure 7: side elevation of the cable fixing element.
RECOMMENDED ASSEMBLY METHOD
Securing the cables to the ground:
[0008] In order to anchor the cables to the ground, they must be inserted into a concrete base. The fastening shall be made of galvanised iron with three plates attached to the ends by a bar. At the end buried inside the concrete base, the bar protrudes on either side in order to secure it in the concrete base.
Cable tensors:
[0009] Four tensors shall be used to tense the cables to the ground, one for each end of the two cables. These tensors will terminate in pins and eyebolts specially designed to support heavy loads.
Cables:
[0010] Extra resistant, pre-stretched cable is to be used. It is to be designed in such a way as to prevent any further stretching. Chains may also be used instead of the cables.
Post anchors:
[0011] The posts are to be anchored by means of a ball joint mechanism based on the movement of the chain links. It contemplates a friction area with a bronze plug. The aforementioned links cross plates that are welded on both sides thereby guaranteeing that they are totally secure.
[0012] In order to prevent the system from blocking due to the fact that the post may give way under extreme conditions, a second bronze plug is to be inserted at the bottom. The usage of this item will lead both friction areas to adjust and to work together.
[0013] The connection of the ball and socket joint to the post is to be reinforced by means of a stainless steel tube that is to be positioned at the base of the ball joint and which is to be inserted inside the post. This ball joint will ensure that the post can move freely in any direction. In addition, the ball joint links shall be loose enough to ensure that under no circumstances the movement of the post will cause it to become stuck.
Blocking of the upper cable:
[0014] A special device shall be used to block the cables that is to be positioned on the upper cable of each of the posts. It shall consist of two stainless steel pieces, which shall screw down over a third central piece. As the side pieces are screwed down over the central piece it will press down on a bronze part positioned inside the two side pieces, and which will in turn press down on the cable, acting on a rubber inning lining placed inside the post to guarantee its protection.
[0015] A further part has also been designed for the purposes of blocking the cable, similar to two screws with a conical interior. Consequently, the tighter we screw the parts the greater the amount of pressure exerted on the cable.
Protection of the lower cable:
[0016] The lower cable and the post drill holes are protected by means of a mechanism consisting of two parts. The cable runs inside these parts and are then placed through the drill holes on each side of the post in order to screw them tightly together.
Securing the cables:
1. Assemblage of anchored and swinging posts applied to children's games, made up of two or more posts supported by two symmetrically positioned tensed cables,
capable of supporting heavy loads, tension and stress, whilst at the same time allowing
for swinging and oscillating movements (figures 1 to 7). The posts shall be crossed
by two cables, one at the bottom and another at the top. These cables shall be fastened
to the ground by tensors specially designed to support heavy loads, and anchored by
means of the three plates joined at the end by a bar secured by a concrete base.
2. Assemblage of anchored and swinging posts applied to children's games. Pursuant to the above claim, the posts shall be supported by a ball joint similar
to those of chain links that will guarantee freedom of movement in any direction.
The friction area for the links shall consist of a bronze piece that shall be inserted
into both the upper and lower links. The ball joint links cross both plates and are
welded onto both sides in order to guarantee maximum fastening (figures 8 and 9).
3. Assemblage of anchored and swinging posts applied to children's games. Pursuant to the above claims, the cables will run across the posts. In order to
block the upper cable a mechanism shall be positioned on the upper cable and on each
of the posts. It shall consist of two stainless steel parts that screw down over a
third central part. As the side parts are screwed down, they press down on a bronze
part positioned inside the two side parts, and which in turn presses down on the cable,
although it will act directly on a protective inner rubber lining of the post. A further
piece has also bee designed in order to block the cable, similar two conical screws.
In order to protect the lower cable and the post drill holes a two-part system shall
be used. The cable shall run inside these parts and shall then be positioned inside
the drill holes at each side of the post in order to screw them tightly together.