System and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called SURFIRE TEMPLATE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application with Ser. No. 63/567,622 filed Mar. 20, 2024, by David Churchman. The provisional application is entitled “A system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called SURFIRE TEMPLATE”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE.” This application is directed toward planning and installing concrete foundations as construction components. The foundations are for use as secure footings and foundations for the installation of playground equipment or various machines. This system and method for installing the system constitutes an improvement upon installation of reinforced concrete in pre-determined locations. The system decreases the time and thus the cost of labor, improves the quality by insuring correct dimensions for the placement of the equipment/playground apparatuses and the like. This system relates to a new foundation placement system for preparing the foundations for playground equipment, modular foundation for a home, and useful for other construction projects. These are projects that require the exact placement of the foundations for the ultimate layout of the playground equipment or other structures that are placed on reinforced concrete.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

None.

BACKGROUND

Field of Invention and Prior Art

As far as known, there are no other systems and methods for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE.”

Building structures for playgrounds, shopping malls, neighborhood or municipal parks, residential housing, apartments and condominiums, and many other construction projects often require foundations and underground utilities. Playgrounds, in particular, often have a ground material that is placed around the equipment once the foundations and equipment are in place. Placement of these foundations needs to be accurate for the installation of the equipment. In addition, the accuracy of the space or clearance around the installed equipment. This clearance space is important to the user of the equipment as well as permitting visitors such as parents and guardians to be near the equipment. The parents are responsible for the safety of the user/child on the equipment but do not want to be too close or endangered/increase the likelihood of an accident.

Once the foundations are installed, the equipment can be installed. The area for the playground has usually been landscaped to remove grass, weeds and stones, but this area is likely to be exposed to earth which becomes mud und rainy conditions. Many playgrounds are designed to cover the surface around the playground equipment with rubber pellets, wood mulch, re-purposed shredded tires, and/or other soft materials to help cushion a fall onto the ground. The installation of these granulated materials often needs a plant or weed barrier to slow down weeds from encroaching on the area. Plastic and reinforced plastic “tarps” are often used as the weed barrier.

Problems Solved

Many problems and irritations are solved with the advent of the Surfire system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment. The problems solved include: Saves some cost by simplifying installation and measurement at the construction site for installation of the foundations by using a full size template marked onto a tarp or fabric; Reduces labor of installation by elimination of site measuring, once set into place, the tarp has all the locations premeasured; Acts as a weed barrier and can stay in place once the foundations are installed; Helps to avoid weather delays by acting as a ground cover and allows workers to install foundations even in wet and muddy conditions; Provides a visual check of the layout of the equipment prior to actual installation; Reduces the need to have a strong, technically trained and educated workforce, one or two technicians can work with unskilled labor to still install the foundations in the correct locations; Reduces inventory at job site by knowing what is needed to prepare the foundations; and Is prepared and checked off-site without the chance of weather delays.

Prior Art

A novelty search was completed for a system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment. It revealed the following:

• • A. A Japanese patent JP6554101B2 issued to Ned Abrahms in 2016 for a Method of laying foundations. Discussed here is when installing offshore facilities such as wind power installations, offshore platforms, submerged water-driven turbines, etc., the foundation is often driven by driving multiple columns or piles into the seabed. Is provided. For example, wind turbine support structures are often constituted by cylindrical tower portions that can be coupled to a foundation in the ground. Regardless of the type of offshore facility considered, the stability of the offshore facility depends largely on the support provided by the foundation.
  • B. A U.S. Pat. No. 3,527,002 issued to William Mead for a Modular building structure. Here is a modular building structure in which all components of the structure other than foundation are derived from a single basic elemental shape, the modular structure allowing for substantial variations and changes in size to accommodate changes in population density. The single basic elemental shape is a 60-120 equilateral parallelogram in plan cross section. Service columns for both utilities and support are composed of this elemental shape, and functional modular units are composed of three such elemental shapes joined together to form a hexagon, each hexagon preferably being supported by two service units. One, two or three functional hexagonal units can constitute a living unit, depending on space desired, and installations constructed of the modular building unit are expandable both vertically and horizontally, demountable and reusable.
  • C. A US Publication US Pub. 20090277031A1 applied in 2009 called Construction layout method and template. This is a method of building construction layout utilizing full-scale plans or templates. Plans are printed full-scale on an appropriate media and applied to the building sub-floor prior to the remainder of construction. Construction elements such as walls are placed directly on the media. Options range from reproducing plans as originally drawn to integrating multiple plans into a single file or image. The plans remain in place, effectively a full-size template, until all related work is complete. When it is no longer needed the media is removed. Full-scale plans do not replace the Contract Construction Documents—but are full-scale reproduction of selected portions of the Contract Documents.
  • D. A U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/739,492 issued to Robert Carretto 2023 for a Modular foundation assembly. This taught a modular foundation assembly for building a modular foundation for a home includes a tarp that has a plurality of openings each strategically positioned on the tarp to facilitate the ground to be marked for a foundation. A plurality of concrete forms is provided which each has a trapezoidal shape. In this way each of the concrete forms can be lifted upwardly from a concrete member formed by the concrete forms when the concrete member has cured. Each of the concrete forms has a crenellated edge to form a series of slots into the concrete member. In this way the series of slots in the concrete member facilitate the concrete member to be lifted with a forklift.
  • E. A US Publication US20030061722A1 issued to Wade Bradley applied in 2001 with an invention called Polygrid. Demonstrated here is a simple, general-purpose measuring and locating device to assist in laying out construction projects is a full-scale sheet of dimensionally stable material, preferably polyethylene of suitable thickness, on which markings, preferably in a grid pattern, are impressed, printed, embossed, fused or similarly expressed on the sheet. The grid pattern is dimensioned to be most useful in laying out various types of projects without the necessity of measuring the location of each aspect of the project separately. In preferred embodiments, the grid is in one inch or one-foot squares with a different color or line type to indicate sixteen inch centers to assist in determining the location of walls, studs, plumbing fixtures and the like.
  • F. A Great Britain patent GB 2551522 issued to Wood Martin A Construction template, system and method. Shown here is a templated building-construction system for simplifying the construction of a building comprising a scale building representation which is indicative of the building to be constructed, a full-scale expandable building-construction template including a plurality of sequentially interconnected strips, each strip including an indicia portion thereon at which is displayed building-construction indicia in accordance with the position of the strip in sequence, the building-construction indicia being determined from the scale building representation, and a plurality of building components which can be assembled to construct a building in accordance with the scale building representation, the plurality of building components corresponding with the building-construction indicia, The expandable building-construction template is configurable between first and second conditions, the first condition being a contracted condition in which the plurality of strips are collapsed or concertinaed together, and the second condition is an extended condition in which the plurality of strips are arranged so as to form a visual template for the construction of the building using the building-construction indica in accordance with the scale building representation 14. An expandable building-construction template and method of simplifying the construction of a building are also provided. and
  • G. A U.S. Pat. No. 11,297,780 issued to Alexander Betz in 2022 for a System and Method for creating an area of landscaping. Shown here is A system and method for implementing a landscaping project on a plot of land. The system creates a flexible landscaping template that is physically placed over the land that is to be landscaped. The flexible landscaping template has graphics printed on its surface that identify a variety of plants, indicate planting positions, and identify a variety of soil conditioning products the plants. The graphics on the flexible landscaping template can also indicate the placement of water management conduits and electrical conduits, the placement of hardscaping products and/or the placement of construction foundations. The flexible landscaping template is generated using input from a user and environmental criteria for the land to be landscaped. Once the flexible landscaping template is generated, the materials identified on the flexible landscaping template are gathered into a shipping module by a supplier company.

As can be observed, none of the prior art has anticipated or caused one skilled in the art of installing foundations for playground equipment or other foundation systems to see this unique system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment as obvious to one skilled in the industry. The system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment called a SURFIRE TEMPLATE provides an answer to a contractor with foundations that avoid all the problems mentioned above as well as the advantages listed below in an efficient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE.” It is comprised of a tarp which has holes at strategic locations which can be laid on the ground for marking the ground at each of the holes for foundations of the equipment and components of the equipment. For footing and foundation layouts, these footings dimensions can be printed on life size/to scale “tarps or fabric” which can be laid out in the installation area and positioned to the exact needed use zone or placement of the site. After the position has been confirmed the footings can be cut to the appropriate footing size and excavated, giving a clean/dry work area and can be left to remain on the ground as a weed/vegetation barrier. This SurFire template is a huge timesaver.

The preferred embodiment of A system and method for assisting and improving the installation a set of playground equipment and other related components called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE” comprising: (a) a full-size template placed on a top surface of a tarp, said tarp configured with a perimeter and with a predetermined length and width, and the tarp made of durable materials; (b) a series of circles pre-located on the top surface of the tarp and each circle having a center; (c) a series of stakes and/or rebar placed at the center of each of the series of circles; and (d) a pre-sized flap denoted by the stakes and/or rebar for access under the tarp surface wherein the flaps provide access to a ground surface below the tarp and wherein the ground surface under the flaps can be excavated to create a series of void/holes for a set of foundations of a pre-determined size, and wherein each of the foundations of a pre-determined size can consist of a concrete mass, reinforcing bars and/or wire, and can include embedded hardware as a means for securing a series of pre-chosen playground equipment to the set of foundations.

Objects and Advantages

There are several objects and advantages of the system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment called a SURFIRE TEMPLATE. These various advantages and benefits that help the construction industry include:

Finally, other advantages and additional features of the present system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment called a SURFIRE TEMPLATE will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the full description of the device. For one skilled in the art of installing foundations for playground equipment and the like, it is readily understood that the features shown in the examples with this product can be adapted to other types of building systems and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of a system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE.” The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below help to explain the principles of the improved expanding rapid expansion fire stop for wall opening. It is understood, however, that this system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment called a SURFIRE TEMPLATE is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGS. 1 A through 1 D are summary sketches of a system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment.

FIGS. 2 A and 2 B are sketches and a designed set of plans for the installation of playground equipment 30 with dimensions and requirements for the foundations.

FIG. 3 is a sample park layout with one section shown for a playground and its equipment.

FIGS. 4 A through 4 F are sketches of a typical playground that is completely installed over the foundations installed by the system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment called a SURFIRE TEMPLATE.

FIGS. 5 A through 5 E are sketches of a system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment, the sketches have components of the system noted.

FIG. 6 is a method/process for using the system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE.”

FIGS. 7 A through 7 G are examples of Prior Art in the field of system and method for assisting and improving the installation of foundations and related building systems playground equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

The following list refers to the drawings:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to a system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE.” This application is directed toward planning and installing concrete foundations as construction components. The foundations are for use as secure footings and foundations for the installation of playground equipment or various machines. This system and method for installing the system constitutes an improvement upon installation of reinforced concrete in pre-determined locations. The system decreases the time and thus the cost of labor, improves the quality by insuring correct dimensions for the placement of the equipment/playground apparatuses and the like. This system relates to a new foundation placement system for preparing the foundations for playground equipment, modular foundation for a home, and useful for other construction projects. These are projects that require the exact placement of the foundations for the ultimate layout of the playground equipment or other structures that are placed on reinforced concrete.

The advantages for the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment are:

• • A. Saves cost by simplifying installation and measurement at the construction site for installation of the foundations by using a full-size template marked onto a tarp or fabric
  • B. Reduces labor of installation
  • C. Acts as a weed barrier and can stay in place once the foundations are installed.
  • D. Avoids weather delays by acting as a ground cover and allows workers to install foundations even in wet and muddy conditions.
  • E. Provides a visual check of the layout of the equipment prior to actual installation
  • F. Reduces the need to have a strong, technically trained and educated workforce. One or two technicians can work with unskilled labor to install the foundations in the correct locations.
  • G. Reduces inventory at job site by knowing what is needed to prepare the foundations.
  • H. Is prepared and checked off-site without the chance of weather delays.

The preferred embodiment of A system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation a set of playground equipment 70 and other related components called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE” comprising: (a) a full-size template 35 placed on a top surface 40B of a tarp 40, said tarp 40 configured with a perimeter 41 and with a predetermined length and width, and the tarp 40 made of durable materials; (b) a series of circles 46 pre-located on the top surface 40B of the tarp 40 and each circle 46 having a center; (c) a series of stakes and/or rebar 45 placed at the center of each of the series of circles 46; and (d) a pre-sized flap 42 denoted by the stakes and/or rebar 45 for access under the tarp surface 40B wherein the flaps 42 provide access to a ground surface below the tarp and wherein the ground surface under the flaps can be excavated to create a series of void/holes 44 for a set of foundations 36 of a pre-determined size, and wherein each of the foundations 36 of a pre-determined size can consist of a concrete mass, reinforcing bars and/or wire, and can include embedded hardware as a means for securing a series of pre-chosen playground equipment 70 to the set of foundations 36.

There is shown in FIGS. 1-7 a complete description and operative embodiment of the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE.” In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that FIGS. 1-7 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The operation and use section below, describes how it is installed with the patient. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment called a SURFIRE TEMPLATE. It is understood, however, that device 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples for using the device and their uses are still understood by one skilled in the art of installing foundations for equipment like playground equipment to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

FIGS. 1 A through 1 D are summary sketches of a system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment 70. Displayed in this overview page of drawings and sketches include: A system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment 70 and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE;” a protype device 31 of a system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment; a full size template 35 of foundation 36 layout; a tarp 40 left in place as a weed barrier 40A under the ground cover 100; a layout of general park 55; a reserved playground area 58; and a SurFire method 60 for installing foundations 36 with full sized template 35.

FIGS. 2 A and 2 B are sketches and a designed set of plans for the installation of playground equipment 70 with dimensions and requirements for the foundations 36. Demonstrated in these drawings are: A system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment 70 and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE;” a tarp 40 for full size template 35 of foundation layout; top surface 40B of the tarp 40; a perimeter 41 of the entire layout; a slot/void/cut-out/flap 42 in tarp 40 for foundation 36; and a marker/circle or equal 46 to indicate where the stakes 45 are located. The predetermined number 88 or ## for dimensioning and for locating the equipment foundation for a specific piece of playground equipment 70 at specific location on the tarp 40 (see drawings FIGS. 2 A and 2 B).

FIG. 3 is a sample park layout 55 with one section shown for a playground 58 and its equipment. In the playground area 58 is where the equipment 70 is installed. By using the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment 70 and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE” the equipment 70 is placed accurately per the architect's or landscaper's plans. The equipment is placed on the foundation 36 slab pier, push pier, slab, reinforced with rebar and wire which was installed under the slot/void/cut-out/flap 42 in tarp 40 for foundation 36 interior to the open area/removed dirt and gravel 44 for placement of foundation 36. The set of location stakes/posts 45 for setting tarp 40 and marker/circle or equal 46 were used to indicate where the stakes 45 are located. Also, an embedded hardware 48 as a means for securing playground equipment 70 to the foundation 36. The layout of the general park 55 is shown with a reserved playground area 58. The playground equipment 70 for example, includes slides, swing sets, monkey bars, merry go rounds, teeter-totters, and climbing sets. Over the tarp 40, 40A an amount of ground cover 100 such as rubber pellets, shredded tired, wood mulch, etc. or unitary sheet are placed to reduce injury when a child falls or rolls onto the ground surface. Playground structures often include several components and designs specialized for specific age groups, while individual components give you the opportunity to customize. Age group ranges for play equipment are often broken into the following categories: two to five years for preschoolers, two to 12 years for inclusive play and five to 12 years for active or older kids. Some community park playground components often include:

• • Activity and play panels: From lean-out enclosures to the Tic-Tac-Toe panel you remember from your playground experiences, these panels promote interactive social skills and learning throughout the playground.
  • Bridges: A suspension or arch bridge is an opportunity to travel between playground components and decks.
  • climbers: Enjoy a Circle or Belt Skyway, or even a rope or log climber. Having a variety of climbing components in the playground means kids of all ages can play.
  • Crawl tubes: Different angles and lengths
    • straight or inclined—lets kids explore where tunnels lead.
  • Decks: Climbing to new heights often results in a new view, and towers with multiple decks give kids a chance to see the playground from a new angle.
  • Ramps: Kids can learn about levels, degrees and changes in slope with a few well-placed entrance ramps.
  • Slides: A playground would not be complete without at least one tube or slide. A spiral tube slide or roller slide can take the classic slide experience to a whole new level.
  • Swings: Kids love to swing at any age. Make your swing set accessible to all kids with our specialized swing seats or make things exciting with our multi-user accelerator swing.
  • Transfer points and steps: Moving through tubes, across bridges and up or down ramps is all the more interesting when there are steps and risers to climb along the way.
  • Accessories: Adding accessories to your playground, like Fun Fones, binoculars and tables to name just a few customization options, adds to the fun.
  • When designing the park and park playground, remember that today's park patrons and kids are looking for components that they will enjoy. Visiting the playground has to be a fun event that keeps visitors returning. One will also want to invest in quality and durable materials that promote sustainability and enjoyable aesthetics for years to come.

FIGS. 4 A through 4 F are sketches of a typical playground 58 that is completely installed over the foundations 36 installed by the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment called a SURFIRE TEMPLATE. In these drawings seen are several examples of using the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment 70 and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE;” the playground equipment 70 for example, slides, swing sets, monkey bars, merry go rounds, teeter-totters, climbing sets; placed on the amount of ground cover 100 such as rubber pellets, shredded tired, wood mulch, etc. or unitary sheet.

FIGS. 5 A through 5 E are sketches of a system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment 70, the sketches have components of the system noted. These sketches show the components of the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment 70 and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE.” Here is a protype device 31 of a system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment; a full size template 35 of foundation 36 layout; a sketch of a foundation 36—slab pier, push pier, slab, reinforced with rebar and wire; a tarp 40 for full size template 35 of foundation layout; if left in place the tarp acts as a weed barrier 40A under the ground cover 100. One also notes the perimeter 41 of the entire layout; a slot/void/cut-out/flap 42 in tarp 40 for foundation 36; in the sketch, one sees an open area/removed dirt and gravel 44 for placement of foundation 36; a set of location stakes/posts 45 for setting tarp 40; a marker/circle or equal 46 to indicate where the stakes 45 are located; a set of embedded hardware 48 as a means for securing playground equipment 70 to the foundation 36 and an amount of ground cover 100 such as rubber pellets, shredded tired, wood mulch, etc. or unitary sheet. The location stakes/posts 45 for setting tarp 40 are anticipated to be made from various materials such as wood, steel alloys, rebar, plastic, reinforced plastic, composite materials, and the like.

FIG. 6 is a method/process for using the system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE.” This is discussed in the Operations section, below.

FIGS. 7 A through 7 G are examples of Prior Art in the field of system and method for assisting and improving the installation of foundations and related building systems playground equipment. These include: Prior Art 700 JP6554101B2 to Ned Abrahms in 2016 for a Method of laying foundations; Prior Art 710 U.S. Pat. No. 3,527,002 issued to William Mead for a Modular building structure; Prior Art 720 US Pub. 20090277031A1 applied in 2009 called Construction layout method and template; Prior Art 730 U.S. Ser. No. 11/739,492 by Robert Carretto 2023 for a Modular foundation assembly; Prior Art 740 US20030061722A1 by Wade Bradley applied in 2001 with an invention called Polygrid; Prior Art 750 GB 2551522 to Wood Martin A Construction template, system and method; and Prior Art 760 U.S. Pat. No. 11,297,780 issued to Alexander Betz in 2022 for a System and Method for creating an area of landscaping.

As can be seen, the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment for use by contractors is a unique construction system and method with the advantages shown above.

The materials and components shown for the tarp 40 of the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation a set of playground equipment 70 and other related components called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE” include biodegradable landscape fabric, 3.2 oz UV Resistant Landscape Fabric, 3 oz Non-Woven Highly Permeable Landscape Fabric, 5 oz UV Resistant Landscape Fabric, 10 oz Burlap Fabric, Straw Erosion Control Blanket, 100% Coconut Erosion Control Blanket, Weed Control 4 Mil Black Plastic Sheeting, Weed Control 6 Mil Black Plastic Sheeting, Weed Control 6 Mil Black/White Polyethylene Sheeting, and Poly Mulch Black Polyethylene Film and the like.

The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing a system and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment can be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of playground equipment and/or foundations and the like and related devices.

Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

The preferred embodiment of a system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation a set of playground equipment 70 and other related components called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE” comprising: (a) a full-size template 35 placed on a top surface 40B of a tarp 40, said tarp 40 configured with a perimeter 41 and with a predetermined length and width, and the tarp 40 made of durable materials; (b) a series of circles 46 pre-located on the top surface 40B of the tarp 40 and each circle 46 having a center; (c) a series of stakes and/or rebar 45 placed at the center of each of the series of circles 46; and (d) a pre-sized flap 42 denoted by the stakes and/or rebar 45 for access under the tarp surface 40B wherein the flaps 42 provide access to a ground surface below the tarp and wherein the ground surface under the flaps can be excavated to create a series of void/holes 44 for a set of foundations 36 of a pre-determined size, and wherein each of the foundations 36 of a pre-determined size can consist of a concrete mass, reinforcing bars and/or wire, and can include embedded hardware as a means for securing a series of pre-chosen playground equipment 70 to the set of foundations 36.

FIG. 6 is a method/process 33 for using the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment 100 and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE.”

• • Step 1: Pick a site area size for an area for a playground and other uses.
  • Step 2: Choose the playground equipment units for placement at a site area;—say a merry go round, 2 slides, a swing and a jungle bar
  • Step 3: Choose at least one tarp made of durable material to cover the site area.
  • Step 4: Draw and design a plan for the playground equipment at the site area on the plan.
  • Step 5: Use the plan and create a layout for the playground equipment and mark the layout on the at least one tarp with a set of foundation locations (here with orange paint).
  • Step 6: Place the at least one marked tarp onto the 100×60 site area.
  • Step 7: Affix with a set of stakes made of durable material the at least one tarp to the edges of the site area and also affix stakes at each of the set of foundation locations (here with rebar).
  • Step 8: Cut out the foundation location, dig, place wire or steel, place fasteners and other connectors into concrete and pour a concrete mass into the foundation/pier.
  • Step 9: Wait a time for the concrete mass to dry and cure.
  • Step 10: Place the playground equipment units onto the foundation and secure the playground equipment to the foundation.
  • Step 11: Fill/cover the at least one tarp with ground cover—mulch, rubber pellets, etc.

Many uses for construction and installation are anticipated for the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment. Some examples, and not limitations, are shown in the following Table.

With this description it is to be understood that the system and method 30 for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the present SURFIRE TEMPLATE 30 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of “plane” as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term “plane” when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used herein shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “herein this term means,” “as defined herein,” “for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean,” etc.). References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

The present invention contemplates modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art. While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes, modifications and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosures described heretofore and or/defined by the following claims are desired to be protected.