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  System for shading playground structuresUSPTO Application #: 20070119489Title: System for shading playground structures Abstract: It is desirable to protect playground structures from direct exposure to sunlight. The present invention relates to a system and method for providing shade for playground structures to provide such protection. Playground structures include columns used to support the playground structure. A shade fixture can be made comprising shade material over supporting structural members, including at least one column. Such a shade fixture can be secured to a playground structure by attaching the column of the shade fixture to multiple columns of the playground structure. It may be desirable to have the length of a shade fixture column be variable to account for variable playground structure column heights. The one column creates a bridge between columns. The columns can be adjacent to each other or at a distance. The bridge creates a more rigid structure and supports the weight of the shade material. (end of abstract)
Agent: Carstens & Cahoon, LLP - Dallas, TX, US Inventors: Gary Haymann, Felipe Pena USPTO Applicaton #: 20070119489 - Class: 135122000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Tent, Canopy, Umbrella, Or Cane, Portable Shelter (i.e., Tent Or Canopy), Framework, Truss Type The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070119489. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Technical Field [0002] The present invention relates to park and playground equipment, and more particularly a system and method for providing shade for existing and new playground structures. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] A playground is an area designed for children to engage in physical activity. Modern playgrounds often have recreational equipment such as the see-saw, merry-go-round, swingset, slide, climber, walking bridge, jungle gym, chin-up bars, sandbox, parallel bars, overhead ladder, trapeze and trapeze rings, playhouses, and a maze, many of which help children develop physical coordination, strength, and flexibility, as well as providing recreation and enjoyment. Common in modem playgrounds are "playground structures" that incorporate many different pieces of equipment. An exemplary playground structure 101 is depicted in FIG. 1. [0005] Significant problems with existing playground structures, however, arise from such structures' exposure to sunlight. For example, direct exposure of playground structures to sunlight can significantly increase the temperature of the recreational equipment comprising such structures. Yet cooler equipment is more functional for use by children. Indeed, in many climates, sunlight can render non-shaded playground structures essentially unusable for substantial periods of time during the year-because it is too hot to use. Direct exposure of playground structures to sunlight also decreases the useful life of such structures. Finally, direct exposure of playground structures to sunlight also increases children's exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation while using such structures. [0006] Existing solutions to the above-described problems involve placing a shade structure over an entire playground area. Such a shade structure is depicted in FIG. 2. Here, playground structure 201 is covered by shade structure 205. Shade structure 205 is supported by shade structure columns 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235. Though this method of shading playground structures is an adequate protection against direct exposure to sunlight and its attendant problems, it has its own disadvantages, namely: It requires much more land area than when the playground structure is left unshaded. Also, it creates additional hazards, in the form of rigid shade structure columns 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235 used to elevate the shading structure. Clearly, said colmns are an additional playground hazard by which children may be injured, such as by running into said columns. Finally, a shade structure such as that depicted in FIG. 2 shades much more land area than that required to shade the playground structure. This can adversely affect the ability of grass to grow around the playground structure, such as when the playground structure is placed in a homeowner's yard. This also can contribute to making the air in and around the playground structure too cool for children to play comfortably. [0007] What is needed, therefore, is a system of shading playground structures that ameliorates the problems associated with direct exposure of playground structures to sunlight without the negative side effects resulting from use of existing shade structures. The bridge also divides the load, allowing smaller members to be used. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention relates to a system and method for providing shade for playground structures. Most playground structures include columns used to support the playground structure. For example the playground structure might include platforms and slides and monkey bars. This system provides a substantial shading canopy over those structures. This shading canopy must be, above all else, stable and able to withstand the weather. However, it must also be raised above the existing structure so it does not interfere with the children playing. Also, in most cases it should be relatively horizontal. [0009] This shade structure accomplishes these goals by attaching canopy columns to the existing columns of the playground structure. These create a stable base for attaching the canopy structures. The shade structure will need to be able to span a substantial length and thus incorporates a central bean or support. The canopy is attached to this central support with secondary supports. A shade fixture can be made comprising shade material over supporting structural members, including at least one column. Such a shade fixture can be secured to a playground structure by attaching the column of the shade fixture to a column of the playground structure. It may be desirable to have the length of a shade fixture column be variable to account for variable playground structure column heights. [0010] A shade structure embodying the present invention comprises at least two canopy columns coupled to at least one primary support structure; a plurality of secondary supports coupled to at least one support beam; and a canopy coupled to the plurality of secondary support structures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary playground structure. [0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a playground structure and prior art shade structure for protecting the playground structure from direct exposure to sunlight. [0014] FIG. 3A is a perspective view depicting a playground structure with shade canopy fixtures installed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0015] FIG. 3B is a perspective view depicting a playground structure with shade canopy fixture installed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c provide cross-sectional views showing a canopy column connected to a playground structure column. [0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary shade canopy fixture. [0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative shade canopy fixture. [0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative shade canopy fixture. [0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative shade canopy fixture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Continue reading... Full patent description for System for shading playground structures Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this System for shading playground structures 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 System for shading playground structures or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Dish washer with disc type passage control valve Next Patent Application: Hunting blind Industry Class: Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the System for shading playground structures patent info. 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