Soft, modular, play equipment system for toddlers

Abstract

The disclosure pertains to a system of various parts that are assembled to produce modular play equipment units of a variety of sizes and configurations, all with impact attenuating play surfaces for infant and toddler age children. The pans consist of vertical support posts removably attached by threaded, cam-operated fasteners to frames that contain either play activity elements or hand grips to facilitate passage of a child between segments of finished equipment constructions. Frame pieces support horizontal deck pieces at various levels above the ground plane, as well as shade canopy elements and flags. Posts, certain frames, and decks are made of structural core elements embedded in an impact attenuating molded foam body and other frames are made of a structural core with a removable impact attenuating foam and fabric assembly such that when all parts of the system are assembled as a play equipment unit, exposed surfaces present soft, bumper-like materials to dissipate the potential effects of falls or impacts of children playing in the equipment. In the finished play equipment construction, assembled pans form features for stepping, gripping, climbing, playing, and social interaction intended to encourage the development and advancement of fine motor skills and gross motor skills in children of the intended user age group.