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Segmented observable activity enclosure and method of useRelated Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Playing Field Or Court Game; Game Element Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per SeSegmented observable activity enclosure and method of use description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060205538, Segmented observable activity enclosure and method of use. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to activity enclosures, and more specifically to a segmented observable activity enclosure and method of use thereof, wherein the segmented observable activity enclosure is suited for children, and wherein caregivers can interact with each other whilst readily observing children at play. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Previously, attempts to provide recreational areas for children have been limited to providing courts for play of discrete games, or provision of playground apparatuses for use by children under supervision of adults. Such courts or playgrounds require that the adult be present with the child, since the courts or playgrounds are typically in an area disassociated from the child's home. Unfortunately, such courts or playgrounds lack facilities for adults to interact with other adults and/or to carry out activities such as cooking, without leaving the court/playground area. [0003] Further, many families have more than a single child, and, accordingly, the children may have different activity needs and/or desires. Thus, in traditional play areas, only a single child can be readily observed by a single parent. [0004] Moreover, as noted above, when parents are supervising and observing their children at play, it is desirable that the parents have the opportunity for other activities of their own and/or in concert with their children. Such other activities often include conducting a family meal, wherein the children can play, under close observation, while the parent(s) prepare a meal. Subsequently, when the meal is ready, the children are in close proximity and can quickly join their parents in partaking of food. Unfortunately, previous play areas neither provide a central observation location, nor the facilities for communication with others, nor the ability to prepare and eat food. [0005] For instance, one such previous invention includes a ticket station located generally centrally in proximity to several round basketball courts that are subdivided in quadrants. Another device comprises a generally rectangular track with an infield having courts therein. A playground deck of another apparatus comprises an assortment of playground activities, such as a slide, a climbing web, a bridge and a ladder. [0006] While some of the aforementioned devices may well function to provide a play area for children, none of the devices provides an area for adults to socialize together, to cook, serve and eat food with their children, while maintaining a watchful eye on their children at play. [0007] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a segmented observable activity enclosure and method of use that overcomes the afore-mentioned disadvantages and provides a safe, secure location for children to play while being observed by socializing adults. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the afore-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a segmented observable activity enclosure having a play area with a centrally located portion with benches and grills for parental observation, and radially-extending play segments that selectively include basketball, croquet, miniature golf, golf pool, paddleball, sandpit, Jungle Gym, etc. The central portion is covered to protect from the elements. The entire play area is fenced in and may comprise any overall shape (square, rectangle circle, etc.), with a central portion and radial play segments emanating therefrom. Game equipment with identifying names is provided to new home purchasers. [0009] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a lighted segmented observable activity enclosure within a security perimeter of a fence with lockable access gate. The enclosure has a central observation position covered by a canopy, with seating areas, such as, for exemplary purposes only, picnic tables and benches, and food preparation equipment, such as, for exemplary purposes only, barbecue grills. The enclosure is generally circular, generally square or generally rectangular, and the activity areas are in generally pie-shaped or generally triangular segments. [0010] One or more activity areas for children extend radially from the central observation position. The activity areas comprise croquet pitches, miniature golf courses, basketball goal-courts, bocce ball courts, golf pool layout, paddleball, sand pit, Jungle Gym, badminton courts and horseshoe pitches. Equipment for playing at the various activities, labeled for the owner thereof, is provided to home purchasers upon taking ownership of their home. [0011] Families enter the enclosure, and children and/or adults play with the game equipment labeled with indicia representing the owner thereof on the activity areas radially extending from a central observation location. Parents in the central observation location can cook and/or serve food, communicate with one another, and socialize, all while observing their children. [0012] More specifically, the present invention is a segmented observable activity enclosure, and method of use thereof, the enclosure comprising segments, a central observation area, a fence with restricted access gate, light standards and lines delineating the boundaries of the segments. The segments have selected game fields/courts, such as, for exemplary purposes only, croquet pitches, miniature golf courses, paddleball courts, basketball courts, and a play area. The basketball courts have both large basketball courts for adults and large children, and small basketball courts for smaller children. An open play area, with or without a Jungle Gym, also has a sand pit. Games are played utilizing game implements provided when a home in the subdivision is purchased. The implements include mallets, paddles, balls, clubs, etc., that are marked with the name of the homeowner to provide for their return in the event of loss. [0013] The activity areas can be varied by the homeowners' association by changing one or more of the segments to accommodate new games. In this fashion, the entire play area does not have to be changed to provide new and interesting game varieties, thus minimizing the cost to small subdivisions. [0014] The central observation area is covered by a canopy, and has grills, tables and benches therein. The grills are centrally located within the observation area, the tables circle the grills and are themselves circled by benches. Residents of the subdivision can choose to sit on benches, at tables, or to cook while observing the play and security of their children. [0015] Children and adults wishing to utilize the activity facilities enter the enclosure via a restricted access gate. The surrounding fence defines the enclosure and serves to prevent unauthorized access. Adults and/or children can then play, socialize, communicate and/or cook and eat within the protected enclosure that permits observation of children by their parents. Lights permit activities to be carried out during dusk or darkness, and a canopy provides shelter during periods of inclement weather. [0016] An alternate embodiment of the present invention comprises a rectangular activity enclosure having triangular segments for games/activities, a central observation area, a restricted access gate, light standards and segment division lines. The alternate embodiment further includes golf pool, and a miniature golf course that extends across two triangular segments. [0017] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a secure enclosure for children at play. [0018] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to permit adults to observe their children at play, while the adults communicate, socialize and/or cook. [0019] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a variety of different games to suit the needs and desires of different children. [0020] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide identification of game equipment owners. [0021] Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is that it permits adults and children to play together if desired. Continue reading about Segmented observable activity enclosure and method of use... Full patent description for Segmented observable activity enclosure and method of use Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Segmented observable activity enclosure and method of use patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Segmented observable activity enclosure and method of use or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Device for supporting a golf ball Next Patent Application: System for training base ball batters Industry Class: Games using tangible projectile ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Segmented observable activity enclosure and method of use patent info. 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