Playground Transfer Platforms

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 30/036,322, filed Dec. 10, 2025, which is a continuation of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 30/007,879, filed Jun. 11, 2025, which is a continuation of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/904,263, filed Oct. 3, 2023, now issued as U.S. Design Pat. No. D1,084,190, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to playground equipment and, in particular, to a modular transfer platform apparatus designed to facilitate access from mobility devices to access points and play events within various playground structures.

Access points are designated locations where users enter or begin interacting with a play structure. These access points may be located at ground level or at elevated positions. Conventional access points include ladders, stairs, and ramps. Ladders and stairs provide vertical access to elevated components and are typically constructed from metal or composite materials, often incorporating handrails or grips. However, these features are not universally accessible and may pose safety risks for younger children or users with mobility impairments. Ramps offer inclined access to elevated platforms and are generally constructed with slip-resistant surfaces and side railings. While ramps are effective for wheelchair access, they require substantial space and may be impractical in compact playground layouts.

Transfer points are designated locations where a child can transition from a mobility device (e.g., wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches) onto the play structure. Transfer platforms serve as intermediate surfaces positioned at heights conducive to transferring from mobility devices. These platforms often incorporate grab bars and step systems to assist users in accessing elevated play components. These points are important for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and for promoting inclusive play.

Play events are designated locations where a child experiences play. They are distinct pieces of equipment, moments, actions, or experiences a child engages in as they move through a playground environment. Each play event offers a variety of physical, cognitive or social experience. They may provide physical challenge and skill development. They may provide cognitive development through learning and experience. Further, they may provide opportunities for social engagement and development.

Conventional transfer points and platforms include bridges, tunnels and ground-level routes. Bridges and tunnels may be employed to span gaps between elevated structures. These connectors may be rigid (e.g., fixed bridges) or flexible (e.g., rope bridges) and are often enhanced with thematic or sensory features. Accessibility of these elements varies based on width, surface material, and edge protection. Ground-level routes provide access to play features without elevation. These pathways are typically firm, stable, and slip-resistant, and are often integrated with sensory or interactive components to support inclusive play experiences. While transfer platforms are important for ADA compliance, conventional designs are frequently limited in adaptability, ergonomic efficiency, and integration with diverse play environments.

Conventional playground structures frequently present challenges in accessibility and safe transfer between components, particularly for children with limited mobility. Existing designs often rely on vertical access methods such as ladders or stairs, which may not accommodate users with physical disabilities. Although ramps and transfer platforms have been introduced to address these limitations, they often lack cohesive integration, modular adaptability, and ergonomic design across varied playground configurations. Additionally, users must frequently rely on ground-level routes to maintain access continuity throughout the play structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides modular playground transfer platforms that seamlessly integrate with access points for both elevated and ground level play components, thereby enhancing accessibility. These transfer platforms serve as bridging elements between multiple access points and play events, enabling users to transfer directly from a mobility device to play structures and engage in continuous play without interacting with their mobility device.

The transfer platforms are modular in design, meaning they are interchangeable and self-contained, allowing for flexible assembly and configuration across a variety of playground layouts. This modularity supports both standardized and custom installations, accommodating diverse site constraints and play objectives.

The transfer platforms feature an ergonomic design that facilitates independent transfer for users with a wide range of physical abilities. The platforms are shaped for climbing challenges while still sized to permit body movement and safe body rotation during mounting. The configuration supports safe and intuitive movement between mobility devices and elevated play elements.

In one embodiment, the transfer platforms comprise elevated, rigid, flat surfaces positioned at a height conducive to independent or assisted transfer from a mobility device to an adjacent play structure access point. The platforms are configured to connect with various play elements, such as slides, climbers, bridges and the like. Each platform is dimensioned to permit user movement and turning, with a minimum width of approximately 24 inches, a minimum depth of approximately 14 inches, and a height ranging from approximately 11 to 18 inches. The upper surface of the platform is slip-resistant and includes edge protection features to enhance user safety during transfer and play.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a modular playground access and transfer system comprising a transfer platform having a horizontally extending support surface configured to receive a user from a mobility device wherein the support surface is dimensioned to permit user movement and rotation, having a width of at least 24 inches and a depth of at least 14 inches; a support structure configured to elevate the support surface above ground level at a height between approximately 11 inches and 18 inches; wherein the transfer platform is configured to connect to at least one playground structure or a second transfer platform at an access point; and wherein the transfer platform is configured to form either (i) a gap-free connection via a flush-mounted interface or integral formation with the at least one playground structure or the second transfer platform, or (ii) a controlled horizontal or vertical gap not exceeding 15 inches, the gap sized to prevent user entrapment and to allow safe lateral or vertical transfer between the at least one playground structure or the second transfer platform.

It is thus a feature of the present invention to allow a user to transfer from a mobility device to a play access point and move between play events and structures independently without needing their mobility device.

The support surface may be configured as one of a rectangle, S-shaped, U-shaped, wave-shaped, or zig-zag shaped platform.

It is thus a feature of the present invention to provide climbing and coordination play challenges while spanning lateral gaps between playground components.

The support surface may further include a textured mat or slip-resistant coating to enhance grip and reduce the risk of slipping. The support surface may have edge protection elements positioned along the perimeter of the support surface.

It is thus a feature of the present invention to minimize injury or falls when jumping or stepping between transfer platforms and other play structures.

The transfer platform may be modularly connectable to the at least one playground structure or a second transfer platform via interlocking brackets, tongue-and-groove joints, or bolted flanges.

It is thus a feature of the present invention to minimize gaps between adjacent transfer platforms and play structures while keeping the components modular in nature and safe for play.

The transfer platform may be integrally formed with the at least one playground structure such that the support surface and the playground structure share a co-molded interface. The transfer platform may be configured to support lateral movement in a seated position between adjacent components without requiring contact with ground level routes.

It is thus a feature of the present invention to incorporate transfer platforms into play structures themselves for ease of manufacture.

The controlled horizontal or vertical gap may be a vertical gap between adjacent support surfaces provided to accommodate elevation differences between playground components. The vertical gap may be bridged by transitional elements selected from the group consisting of low-rise lips, molded ramps, beveled edges, and flexible surface overlays.

It is thus a feature of the present invention to accommodate elevation differences between playground components while keeping the play structures accessible by using small incremental steps between adjacent transfer platforms.

The transfer platform may be connected to a playground structure selected from the group consisting of slides, climbers, bridges, tunnels, ramps, and play panels. The transfer platform may be positioned between two playground structures to enable continuous elevated movement without requiring contact with ground level.

It is thus a feature of the present invention to join elevated transfer platforms to higher elevated play components in a continuous pathway.

The transfer platform may connect to a climber entry platform at the base of a playground climber to facilitate remounting of elevated play components. The transfer platform may connect to the exit region of a playground slide to receive a user upon descent and guide them toward another play element.

It is thus a feature of the present invention to join slides and climbers for continuous ascent and descent play pathways or loops.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a method of providing accessible elevated play in a playground assembly, comprising (a) positioning at least one modular transfer platform between a first playground structure and a second playground structure; (b) elevating the transfer platform at a height between approximately 11 inches and 18 inches above ground level to align with the seat height of a mobility device; (c) configuring the transfer platform with a horizontally extending support surface having a width of at least 24 inches and a depth of at least 14 inches to permit user movement and rotation; (d) connecting the transfer platform to at least one of the playground structures via a gap-free interface or a controlled gap not exceeding 15 inches; and (e) enabling a user to transfer from a mobility device onto the transfer platform and move between the first and second playground structures without contacting the ground.

The transfer platform may include a support surface shaped like one of a rectangle, S-shaped, U-shaped, wave-shaped, or zigzag shaped.

The method may further include the step of aligning the transfer platform with the exit region of a playground slide to receive a user upon descent.

The method may further include the step of connecting the transfer platform to a playground climber at an entry region.

The method may further include the step of arranging multiple transfer platforms in sequence to form a continuous elevated path between two or more playground structures.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a modular playground access and transfer system comprising a playground slide; a playground climber; a transfer platform having a horizontally extending support surface configured to receive a user from a mobility device wherein the support surface is dimensioned to permit user movement and rotation, having a width of at least 24 inches and a depth of at least 14 inches; a support structure configured to elevate the support surface above ground level at a height between approximately 11 inches and 18 inches; wherein the transfer platform is configured to connect the playground slide and the playground climber; and wherein the transfer platform is configured to form either (i) a gap-free connection via a flush-mounted interface or integral formation with the playground slide and the playground climber, or (ii) a controlled horizontal or vertical gap not exceeding 15 inches, the gap sized to prevent user entrapment and to allow safe lateral or vertical transfer between the playground slide and the playground climber.

These particular objects and advantages may apply to only some embodiments falling within the claims and thus do not define the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a playground assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating multiple modular playground transfer platforms configured to receive a child from a mobility device and providing access to various elevated play elements;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of alternative modular playground transfer platforms featuring varied configurations and heights, enabling users to step or climb from one platform to another to facilitate movement between components of differing elevations;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a playground assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing two playground transfer platforms connected between the bottom of a slide and a climber entry platform located at the base of a climber;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the climber component of the playground assembly depicted in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a playground assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a single playground transfer platform connected between a slide and a climber positioned at the bottom of the slide and the climber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a playground assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention provides one or more transfer platforms 12, each having a horizontally extending support surface 14 aligned along a horizontally extending axis 16 and positioned above ground level 18. The horizontally extending support surface 14 is elevated to a height which allows a user to transfer from a seat of a mobility device such as a wheelchair or scooter, onto the transfer platform 12, thereby facilitating access to various play elements. It is understood that the user can mount the transfer platform 12 with or without assistance providing greater independence and promoting greater autonomy. The user may be a child using a mobility device thus the playground assembly 10 is accessible to children of different physical abilities.

The transfer platforms 12 are strategically positioned to connect multiple play elements at designated access points which allow the user to enter or begin interacting with the individual play element or play structure for play. In the playground assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1, there are three transfer platforms 12a, 12b, 12c shown connecting the base or bottom of a slide 20a (partially shown in dotted lines) and forming a pathway that allows a user to move toward a landing platform 24 of a different play element (not shown). The transfer platforms 12 are desirably modular in nature allowing them to be interchanged and adapted for use across a wide range of playground configurations and arrangements and with various play elements 20 within the playground assembly 10.

The transfer platforms 12 function as linking or bridging elements between play elements 20, enabling users to remain on elevated surfaces rather than descend to ground level to access different play elements 20. This configuration supports continuous elevated play and enhances accessibility. The transfer platforms 12 are elevated approximately 11 to 18 inches high above ground level 18 by metal or composite poles 22 supported on the ground via footings or mounting plates. The elevation of the transfer platforms 12 is specifically designed at a height that aligns with a mobility device seat height for a child ensuring compliance with ADA accessibility standards. The transfer platforms 12 generally do not include side rails or railings as they would interfere with transferring the user from the mobility device.

Referring now also to FIG. 2 which illustrates additional configurations of transfer platforms 12, the transfer platforms 12 are shaped and sized to span gaps between play elements 20. The transfer platforms 12 may be extended or elongated to bridge greater lateral distances, while still being accessible to a user with a mobility device. The horizontally extending support surface 14 of each transfer platform 12 may be straight or curved to introduce varying degrees of a balance and coordination challenges to the user. In certain embodiments, the transfer platform 12 has a horizontally extending support surface 14 that is generally rectangular or oblong (see platform 12a in FIG. 1), S-shaped (see platforms 12b in FIGS. 1 and 12c in FIG. 2), C-shaped or U-shaped (see platform 12c as seen in FIGS. 1 and 12d as seen in FIG. 2), wave shaped or zig zag shaped (not shown). Each horizontally extending support surface 14 of the transfer platform 12 has a width of at least 24 inches and a depth of at least 14 inches to allow the child to mount, maneuver and rotate their body on the transfer platform 12 safely. The horizontally extending support surface 14 may be textured by a slip resistant coating or include a mat 55, such as rubber matting, to enhance surface grip and traction.

The transfer platforms 12 and playground structures 20 are structurally connected in a manner that supports both gap-free transitions and controlled-gap configurations, depending on layout and modular design requirements.

In one embodiment, the transfer platform 12 may be joined to the playground structure 20, or another transfer platform 12, without a horizontal gap and thus be directly abutted or joined via flush-mounted interfaces forming a continuous surface without a perceptible gap. This gap-free connection may be achieved through flush-mounted interfaces using connection hardware like interlocking brackets, tongue-and-groove joints, or bolted flanges. In other configurations, the transfer platform 12 is integrally formed with the playground structure 20 such that the components are co-molded during fabrication. The joined surfaces maintain uniform texture and slope, allowing uninterrupted movement across the play structure.

Examples of gap-free transitions are shown in FIG. 1 between the slide 20a and the first transfer platform 12a, between the first transfer platform 12a and the second transfer platform 12b, and between the third transfer platform 12c and the landing platform 24. Specifically, the first transfer platform 12a is integrally manufactured with the bottom of the slide 20a while the second transfer platform 12b and the third transfer platform 12c are modular components that may be flush-mounted interfaces.

In an alternative embodiment, there is a controlled horizontal gap 42 between the transfer platform 12 and the playground structure 20, or another transfer platform 12. The horizontal gap 42 between the transfer platform 12 and the playground structure 20, or another transfer platform 12, is intentionally small and does not exceed 15 inches with preferred embodiments limiting the gap to less than 15 inches or 14 inches or 13 inches or 12 inches or 11 inches or 10 inches or 9 inches or 8 inches or 7 inches or 6 inches or 5 inches or 4 inches or 3 inches or 2 inches or 1 inch. The horizontal gap 42 is dimensioned to prevent entrapment or tripping hazards to the user and may be mitigated with edge treatments such as beveled transitions. This controlled-gap configuration is illustrated in FIG. 1 between the second transfer platform 12b and the third transfer platform 12c.

The horizontal gap 42 between transfer platforms 12 and playground structures 20, or another transfer platforms 12, provides a physical challenge, encouraging users to climb, jump or step, and balance between separated components and promotes skill development of motor skills, coordination, and confidence. Further, the horizontal gap 42 allows for flexibility in layout so that the transfer platforms 12 can be easily rearranged or expanded. The intentionally small size of the horizontal gap 42 accommodates users with disabilities by allowing the user to move laterally between platforms 12 in a seated position between components without contacting the ground level 18.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the playground assembly 10 may also include transfer platforms 12 and playground structures 20, at varying elevations to accommodate different play structure heights and user abilities. Where adjacent platforms 12 are positioned at non-uniform heights, the interface between them may include a small vertical gap 44 designed to support safe and manageable transitions while preserving modular connectivity. The vertical gap 44 may be configured as a step, beveled edge, or bridge using transitional elements such as low-rise lips, molded ramps, or flexible surface overlays. Surface materials may be selected to provide visual contrast and tactile feedback, alerting users to elevation changes. The elevation difference is intentionally limited to accommodate seated transfer by users in a seated position. The horizontally extending support surfaces 14 may extend along different horizontally extending axes 16a, 16b at different heights, but the vertical gap 44 between the support surfaces 14 is no more than 15 inches and in preferred embodiments is limited to less than 15 inches or 14 inches or 13 inches or 12 inches or 11 inches or 10 inches or 9 inches or 8 inches or 7 inches or 6 inches or 5 inches or 4 inches or 3 inches or 2 or 1 inch. This height variation is illustrated in FIG. 2 between the first transfer platform 12c and the second transfer platform 12d.

The vertical gap 44 between transfer platforms 12 and playground structures 20, or other transfer platforms 12, provides a physical challenge that encourages users to climb, jump or step, and balance between transfer platforms 12 and promotes skill development in motor skills, coordination, and confidence. The intentionally small size of the vertical gap 44 accommodates users with disabilities by allowing the user to move laterally in a seated position between transfer platforms 12 and playground structures 20, or other transfer platforms 12, without requiring contact with the ground level 18.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of playground assembly 10 is shown featuring two transfer platforms 12 joining a first playground structure 20a and a second playground structure 20b. In this embodiment, the two transfer platforms 12a and 12c are arranged to structurally connect a playground slide 20a and a playground climber 20b. The two transfer platforms 12a, 12c may connect the bottom of the playground slide 20a to an entry platform 30 at the base of the playground climber 20b allowing the user to move from the playground slide 20a exit to the playground climber 20b entry point. This configuration allows the user to remount the playground slide 20a by ascending the climber 20b without contacting the ground level 18.

The playground slide 20a provides a slide entry region 26 located on an upper deck 34 of the playground assembly 10 which provides access to the launch point of the playground slide 20a. The launch point includes containment walls 35 with a flared opening 36 to facilitate safe and ergonomic entry of the user down the slide body 38. The slide body 38 is supported on metal or composite poles 37 supported on the ground via footings or mounting plates. The slide body 38 is a fully or partially enclosed, with the top section 38a shown as a fully enclosed tube and the middle section 38b depicted as a half-pipe with the upper half of the tube removed, preventing user ejection from the slide body 38 and further having a curved, smooth internal surface 39 which allows the user to slide down the slide body 38 with low friction. An exit region 40 of the playground slide 20a may be a fully or partially enclosed (shown as a half pipe with the upper half of the tube removed) serving as a runout section that curves outward and downward to decelerate the user prior to the exit region 40. The entry and exit regions are designed to provide accessibility to users of varying physical abilities.

The bottom of the playground slide 20a may include a first transfer platform 12a which receives the user at the bottom of the slide 20a upon exit. The first transfer platform 12a at the bottom of the slide 20a may be an elevated rectangular or oblong platform that extends below the slide exit and towards a second transfer platform 12c. The first transfer platform 12a may be integrally formed with the bottom of the playground slide 20a. The first transfer platform 12a permits the user to climb from the first transfer platform 12a to a second transfer platform 12c which is gap-free for uninterrupted movement across platforms 12, 12c.

The second transfer platform 12c is a U-shaped platform that arches from the first transfer platform 12a towards the base of the playground climber 20b. The second transfer platform 12c extends towards a climber entry platform 30, allowing the user to climb from the connected second transfer platform 12c to the climber entry point. A small controlled horizontal gap 42 exists between the second transfer platform 12c and the climber entry platform 30. The horizontal gap 42 may be no more than 15 inches with preferred embodiments limiting the gap to less than 15 inches or 14 inches or 13 inches or 12 inches or 11 inches or 10 inches or 9 inches or 8 inches or 7 inches or 6 inches or 5 inches or 4 inches or 3 inches or 2 inches or 1 inch. The climber entry platform 30 at the bottom of the playground climber 20b may be rectangular or oblong in shape and elevated but generally smaller than the transfer platforms 12, e.g., less than 24 inches wide and 14 inches deep.

It is understood that integral platforms of playground structures 20 like the integrated climber entry platform 30, can take many forms including known entry platforms, landing platforms, and other elevated surfaces. These components serve as access points for the playground structure 20 but are not always accessible by themselves without transfer platforms 12 connected.

Referring now also to FIG. 4, the playground climber 20b of the playground assembly 10 includes a support frame composed of metal or composite poles 50 supported on the ground via footings or mounting plates. The poles 50 support an angled climbing surface 52 which is rectangular in shape and constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials such as coated metal, composite panels, or reinforced plastic. The climbing surface 52 may be textured by a slip resistant coating or include a mat 55, such as rubber matting, to enhance surface grip and traction. The climbing surface 52 is angled between approximately 10 to 30 degrees, which allows the user to ascend the climbing surface 52 either while standing or in a seated position.

The climbing surface 52 is flanked by left and right-side railings 54 which provide hand support. Each side railing 54 includes an upper rail 56 and a lower rail 57, enabling the user to grip the railing 54 whether standing or seated.

The upper rail 56 is primarily intended for users in a standing position and is supported by lower vertical posts 58 at the bottom of the playground climber 20b and upper vertical posts 59 at the top of the playground climber 20b. The lower vertical support posts 58 may include U-shaped handgrips 61 with ends affixed to the top and bottom of the bottom vertical support posts 58, allowing users to grasp and stabilize themselves while mounting the climbing surface 52.

The upper and lower vertical support posts 58, 59 are joined by the horizontal upper rail 56 extending between the bottom and top vertical support posts 58 and positioned at a height suitable for child users, approximately between 24 and 38 inches above the climbing surface 52. An intermediate horizontal rail 62 may extend below the horizontal upper rail 56 and extend between the first and second vertical support posts 58. One or more support posts 63 may also extend vertically between the horizontal upper rail 56 and the intermediate horizontal rail 62 to prevent passage between the rails and prevent user entrapment.

The lower rail 57 is primarily used by seated users and extends below the intermediate horizontal rail 62 and between the upper and lower vertical support posts 58, 59 approximately 4 to 8 inches above the climbing surface 52. An infill panel 64 is positioned between the horizontal lower rail 57 and the climbing surface 52 to prevent passage between the horizontal lower rail 57 and the climbing surface 52 and ensure user safety.

The upper vertical support post 59 may include a U-shaped handgrip 67 extending outwardly with ends attached to the horizontal upper rail 56, or top of the top vertical support posts 59, and the lower portion of the top vertical support posts 59 assisting users in mounting the upper deck 34 by providing hand grips. Upon ascending the playground climber 20b, the user reaches the upper deck 34 which provides access to the launch point of the playground slide 20a.

The upper deck 34 may include additional play elements including play panels, shade elements, tunnels, bridges, ramps, platforms, and the like. From the upper deck 34, the user may enter the playground slide entry region 26 and access the launch point of the playground slide 20a completing the descent.

Thus, the connected transfer platform 12 assists with continuous elevated play between the playground slide 20a and the playground climber 20b.

Although FIG. 3 illustrates two transfer platforms 12, it is understood that any number of transfer platforms 12 may be arranged between the first playground structure 20a and a second playground structure 20b to connect the bottom of the playground slide 20a and the bottom of the playground climber 20b.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative exemplary embodiment of the playground assembly 10 is shown in which a single transfer platform 12a connects a first playground structure 20a and a second playground structure 20b. In this embodiment, the single transfer platform 12a is arranged to connect the base of a playground slide 20a and the base of a playground climber 20b allowing the user to remount the playground slide 20a without contacting ground level 18.

Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the playground slide 20a includes a slide entry region 26 on an upper deck 34 of the playground assembly 10 which provides access to the launch point of the playground slide 20a. The launch point includes containment walls 35 with a flared opening 36 to facilitate safe and ergonomic entry of the user down the slide body 38. The slide body 38 is supported on metal or composite poles 37 supported on the ground via footings or mounting plates. The slide body 38 may be fully enclosed or partially enclosed, with the top section 38a shown as a fully enclosed tube and the middle section 38b depicted as a half pipe with the upper half of the tube removed, preventing user ejection from the slide body 38 and further having a curved, smooth internal surface 39 which allows the user to slide down the slide body 38 with low friction. An exit region 40 of the playground slide 20a may be a fully or partially enclosed (shown as a half pipe with the upper half of the tube removed) serving as a runout section that curves outward and downward to decelerate the user prior to exit. The entry and exit regions are designed to provide accessibility to users of varying physical abilities.

The bottom of the playground slide 20a may include the transfer platform 12a which receives the user at the bottom of the slide 20a upon exit. The transfer platform 12 at the bottom of the slide 20a may be an elevated rectangular or oblong platform that extends beneath the slide exit to the base of the playground climber 20b. The first transfer platform 12a may be integrally formed with the bottom of the playground slide 20a.

The position of the transfer platform 12a extending below the entry of the climber 20b permits the user to transition from the transfer platform 12a to the playground climber 20b without the need for a separate climber entry platform 30.

The playground climber 20b provides a support frame composed of metal or composite poles 50 supported on the ground via footings or mounting plates and supporting two separate angled climbing surfaces, lower and upper climbing surfaces 52 and 53, which are rectangular and constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials such as coated metal, composite panels, or reinforced plastic. The surfaces may be textured by a slip-resistant coating or include a mat 55, such as rubber matting, to enhance surface grip. The climbing surfaces 52, 53 are angled between approximately 10 to 30 degrees which allows the user to ascend the climbing surfaces 52, 53 while standing or seated, respectively. A horizontal rest platform 68 is positioned between the climbing surfaces 52, 53 to permit the user to pause during ascent.

Each angled climbing surface 52, 53 has left and right-side railings 54 which is used for hand support. Each side railings 54 includes an upper rail 56 and a lower rail 57 which allows a user to grip the railings 54 while standing or seated, respectively.

The upper rail 56 is primarily used by standing users and is supported by bottom and top vertical supports posts 58, 59 located at the base and top of the playground climber 20b, respectively. The lower vertical support post 58 of each side railings 54 may include U-shaped handgrips 61 attached at their ends to the horizontal lower rail 57 and vertical support posts 58, or horizontal upper rail 56, allowing users to grip and stabilize themselves when mounting the climbing surface 52. The horizontal rest platform 68 between the angled climbing surfaces 52, 53 may support the U-shaped handgrips 70 spanning the horizontal rest platform 68.

The bottom and top vertical support posts 58, 59 are joined by the horizontal upper rail 56 extending between the bottom and top vertical support posts 58, 59 and positioned at a height suitable for child user, approximately between 24 and 38 inches above the climbing surface 52. One or more support posts 63 may extend between the horizontal upper rail 56 and the climbing surfaces 52, 53. The support posts 63 prevent passage between the rails and prevent user entrapment.

The horizontal lower rail 57 is primarily used by users in a seated position and is positioned below the horizontal upper rail 56 and extend between the first and second vertical support posts 58, 59, approximately 4 to 8 includes above the climbing surface 52. An infill panel 64 between the horizontal lower rail 57 and the climbing surface 52 prevents passage between the horizontal lower rail 57 and the climbing surface 52 and ensure user safety.

The upper vertical support posts 59 may include one or more U-shaped handgrips 67 attached at their ends to the horizontal lower rail 57 and the upper vertical support posts 59, or horizontal upper rail 56, assisting users in mounting the upper deck 34 by providing hand grips. In configurations with multiple U-shaped handgrips 67, as seen at the top of the climber 20b in FIG. 5, multiple U-shaped handgrips 67 may be joined to form two continuous U-shaped loops. Upon ascending the playground climber 20b, the user reaches the upper deck 34 which provides access to the launch point of the playground slide 20a.

It is understood that the playground structures 20 described above can be interchanged with many various elevated play elements known in the art including climbers, slides, play panels, tunnels, bridges, ramps, platforms, and the like.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the modular nature of the transfer platforms 12 allows the playground assembly 10 to include one or more transfer platforms 12 arranged along a continuous path between multiple playground structures 20.

For example, FIG. 1 depicts three transfer platforms 12a, 12b, 12c connected along a path between the first playground structure 20a and the second playground structure 20b. FIG. 3 shows two transfer platforms 12 connected along a path between the first playground structure 20a and the second playground structure 20b. FIG. 4 depicts one transfer platforms 12 connected along a path between the first playground structure 20a and the second playground structure 20b.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the one or more elongated transfer platforms 12 may be configured with an unattached or free end serving as a designated transfer point. For example, an unattached end of a transfer platform 12 may serve as an entry or loading region for a mobility device, allowing users to transfer onto the playground assembly 10 without adjacent play structures nearby. The unattached end may be beveled, ramped, or reinforced to facilitate smooth transfer and prevent tripping or entrapment.

The opposite end of the platform may then be joined to another transfer platform 12 or directly to a playground structure 20. This configuration optimizes spatial efficiency and enhances accessibility by providing a dedicated entry point for users transitioning from mobility devices.

These arrangements demonstrate the flexibility of the modular system in adapting to different spatial layouts and play component configurations.

The design drawings shown in U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 30/036,322 filed Dec. 10, 2025, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 30/007,879 filed Jun. 11, 2025, and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/904,263 filed Oct. 3, 2023, now issued as U.S. Design Pat. No. D1,084,190, are hereby incorporated by reference.

Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “bottom” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

When introducing elements or features of the present disclosure and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein and the claims should be understood to include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims. All of the publications described herein, including patents and non-patent publications, are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.