US20050221901A1

US20050221901A1 - Post for playground structure

Info

Publication number: US20050221901A1
Application number: US11/074,141
Authority: US
Inventors: Hamish Henry
Original assignee: PlayNation Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Backyard Playnation LLC
Priority date: 2004-03-08
Filing date: 2005-03-07
Publication date: 2005-10-06

Abstract

A post for a playground structure has a length, a width and a thickness, and the width of the post is at least three times its thickness. This allows for easier transportation of the post, or of a playground structure in kit form, than for posts having a circular cross section. A playground structure including a number of such posts is also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to playground structures and posts therefore.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Construction of playground structures involves shipping the components of the structures from the manufacturer to the site where the playground structure is to be erected. Currently, shipment of the components for playground structures presents many difficulties and is time consuming and costly to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a post for a playground structure, the post having a length, a width and a thickness and wherein the width of the post is at least three times its thickness.
Preferably, the post has a width of at least four times its thickness.
Preferably, the post has a width of no more than approximately ten times its thickness.
Preferably, the post has a width no more than approximately eight times its thickness.
Preferably, the post has a width of no more than approximately six times its thickness.
Preferably, the post has a width of approximately five times its thickness.
Preferably, the post is constructed of plywood.
Preferably, the post is cut from a sheet of plywood.
The post may be constructed of plywood coated with a non-slip polymer.
The post may be constructed of a hard plastic material.
Preferably, the post is substantially rectangular in cross section across its width and thickness.
Preferably, the post is approximately 2400 mm (8 feet) in length. This facilitates manufacture from a standard sheet of material such as plywood.
Preferably, the post is provided with a plurality of apertures along its length for engaging various members with the post.
Preferably, the post is provided with first and second apertures.
Preferably, the first and second apertures are located towards respective ends of the post to enable the post to be attached to other members at or adjacent the respective ends of the post.
Preferably, the post is also provided with a third aperture.
Preferably, the third aperture is located between the first and second apertures.
Preferably, the third aperture enables the post to support a platform at a mid-point of the post.
Preferably, the post is also provided with a fourth aperture. Preferably, the fourth aperture is located between the first and second apertures.
Preferably, the fourth aperture enables the post to support a platform at a different height to the third aperture.
Preferably, the post is provided with one or more further apertures located between the first and second apertures.
Preferably, the further apertures comprise fifth, sixth and seventh apertures. Preferably, the further apertures are all located between the first and second apertures.
Preferably, the further apertures enable the post to support one or more protective rails at least partially around the platform. The protective rails are adapted to protect against children falling off the platform, and/or to provide bracing between posts of a playground structure.
Preferably, the post is also provided with an apparatus aperture. The apparatus aperture is preferably located between the first and second apertures.
Preferably, the apparatus aperture enables the post to support playground apparatus such as monkey bars.
Preferably, the axial spacing between adjacent apertures is at least 100 mm (4 inches).
Preferably, the axial spacing between axially adjacent apertures is 100 to 350 millimetres (4 to 14 inches).
Preferably, each of the plurality of apertures is axially elongate.
Preferably, each of the plurality of apertures is substantially rectangular in shape.
Preferably, the length of each one of a given number of the plurality of apertures is between approximately five and seven times the width of that aperture.
Preferably, the width of at least some of the plurality of apertures is substantially the same as the thickness of the post.
Preferably, the width of each of the plurality of apertures is between approximately 19 and 26 millimetres (0.75 and 1.0 inches).
Preferably, the length of each of the plurality of apertures is approximately 126 mm (5 inches).
Preferably, the width of most of the apertures, and preferably the first to seventh apertures is approximately 19 mm (0.75 inches). This facilitates connection of a member with a thickness of about 19 mm (0.75 inches) (which is a standard sheet thickness) to the post.
Preferably, the width of the apparatus aperture is approximately 26 millimetres (1 inch). The larger width enables a thicker member to be supported by the post when it is required, such as in the case of support rails for monkey bars.
Preferably, each of the plurality of apertures is located on a central longitudinal axis of the post.
Preferably, each of the plurality of apertures is orientated so that its axial length is parallel to the axial length of the post.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a playground structure, comprising a plurality of posts, each said post having a length, a width and a thickness and wherein the width of each post is at least three times its thickness.
Preferably, each post of the plurality of posts is manufactured from a sheet of plywood.
Preferably, the playground structure comprises at least six posts.
Preferably, the six posts are cut from a single sheet of plywood.
Preferably, each post is provided with a plurality of apertures along its length.
Preferably, in use, at least some of the apertures are used for connecting one post to another post by connecting spaced apart portions of a member to the respective posts.
Preferably, the connection of the member to an aperture of the post is an interlocking connection.
Preferably the member includes a connection portion comprising a projecting portion, adapted to pass through an aperture in a post, a main body portion, and a recess, between the projecting portion and the main body portion.
Preferably, in use the post is located and retained in the recess.
Preferably, the recess is similar in width to the thickness of the post, so that in use the post is securely located with respect to the member.
Preferably, the projecting portion is smaller in width than the main body portion.
The member may include a hook portion at one end at least part of which is adapted, in use, to pass through the aperture of the post to form the interlocking connection.
Preferably, in use, the post is held between the hook portion and a main portion of the member.
Preferably, the interlocking connection member and the post restricts movement of the post and the member relative to each other in the direction along the axial length of the member.
Preferably, the playground structure is substantially rectangular with a post at each corner.
Preferably, the playground structure comprises cross members and side members.
Preferably, the cross members are arranged, in use, with axial lengths perpendicular to the width of the plurality of posts.
Preferably, the side members are arranged, in use, with axial lengths perpendicular to the axial length of the cross members.
Preferably, where a cross member and a side member connect to the same aperture, the connection between the aperture, the cross member and the side member is an interlocking connection.
Preferably, the cross member includes a projecting portion at one end.
Preferably, the side member includes a slot.
Preferably, the slot is located towards one end of the side member.
Preferably, the slot is approximately the same width as the aperture to which the side and cross members connect.
Preferably, the projecting portion extends through or past the aperture and the slot to form the interlocking connection.
Preferably, the post and the side member are retained between the projecting portion and a main body portion of the cross member.
Preferably, the interlocking connection of the cross member through the aperture and the slot prevents movement of the post, the side member and the cross member relative to each other in the directions along the axial length of the cross member and the side member.
Preferably, the cross member has a width at least three times its thickness.
Preferably, the side member has a width at least three times its thickness.
Preferably, the playground structure also comprises at least one platform.
Preferably, the or each platform is supported by at least two cross members and/or at least two side members.
Preferably, the plurality of axially spaced apart apertures in the posts allows each platform to be secured to posts at a selected one of two or more height options.
Preferably, two platforms are supported at different heights by substantially identical posts of the playground structure.
Preferably, the playground structure is reconfigurable after initial construction.
Preferably, the load imparted on the playground structure is carried through the interlocking connections.
Preferably, at least some of the interlocking connections are arranged so that in use forces are transferred directly between connected members and posts.
The relative positions of interlocking components of the playground structure may be secured by fixings which are not adapted to transfer substantial structural forces, but which need only retain the components in their interlocked positions.
Preferably, the relative positions of interlocking components of the playground structure are secured by metal fixing devices.
The metal fixing devices are preferably self-tapping screws.
Preferably, the playground structure includes a ladder comprising two side beams, and a plurality of rungs located between the two side beams, wherein each rung includes a substantially flat connection portion at or adjacent at least one end thereof and wherein each rung is attached by insertion of the or each flat connection portion into a corresponding slot in a side beam.
Preferably, the ladder is configured as a set of monkey bars.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for a playground structure comprising at least two posts, each in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
Preferably, the kit of parts comprises at least four posts.
Preferably, the kit of parts comprises at least six posts.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a ladder for a playground structure, the ladder comprising two side beams, and a plurality of rungs located between the two side beams, wherein each rung includes a substantially flat connection portion at or adjacent at least one end thereof and wherein each rung is attached by insertion of the or each flat connection portion into a corresponding slot in a side beam.
Preferably, each rung is formed from a tubular member and each flat connection portion is formed by a flattened portion of said tubular member.
Preferably, each rung has an axial length and each flat connection portion terminates in a location portion which is dimensioned to be unable to pass through the slot in the beam.
Preferably each location portion is adapted to restrict lateral movement of the rungs relative to the beams.
Preferably, each location portion comprises a flattened portion of the tubular member which projects substantially perpendicular to the flat connection portion.
Preferably, the rungs are located between the beams.
Preferably, the location portions are located on the outside of the beams.
Preferably, each side beam has a width at least three times its thickness.
Preferably, the ladder is connected to a playground structure according to the second aspect of the present invention.
Preferably, in use the ladder is a set of monkey bars.
Preferably, the monkey bars are supported at one end by the playground structure and at the other end by at least two posts according to the first aspect, the posts being connected to a supporting base.
It is to be understood that features described as preferably included in the invention are included above to disclose features of certain embodiments and should not be used to limit any claim when the feature concerned is not explicitly recited in the claim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the side of a post according to a preferred embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the post of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the post of FIG. 1 with cross members and side members connected thereto illustrated schematically;
FIGS. 4(a), 4(b), 4(c) and 4(d) are perspective views of the post, cross members and side members of FIG. 3, disconnected and connected together;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a playground structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a playground structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a playground structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a playground structure according to still another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a playground structure according to a further embodiment of the present invention, including monkey bars;
FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the monkey bars shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a part side view of the monkey bars shown in FIG. 9; and
FIG. 12 is a part top view of the monkey bars shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a post 10 according to a preferred embodiment of an aspect of the present invention has a width at least three times its thickness. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the width of the post 10 is approximately five times the post's thickness. With this ratio, several posts 10, 125 mm in width, can be cut from a sheet of plywood which is 25 mm thick. As a result, the manufacture of several posts 10 is relatively economical.
The plywood post 10 may be coated with a strong non-slip polymer. In an alternative embodiment, the post 10 may be constructed entirely of a hard plastic material, for example by injection moulding.
The post 10 has a height of approximately 2400 mm, which allows for the construction of a two storey playground structure, and allows posts to be conveniently cut from commercially available plywood sheets.
The post 10 is provided with a plurality of apertures 11 along the axial length of the post. The axial spacing of the apertures 11 in each post 10 of a single structure is consistent so that any members connected between two vertical posts 10 may be horizontal in use. (Of course, in use, it may be desirable to arrange some apertures 11 so that some members are sloped.) In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, apertures 11 are provided in the post 10 so that the resulting structure may have platforms at 1200 mm, 1450 mm and 2300 mm above the ground. Apertures 11 are also provided so that cross members 12 (see, eg. FIG. 4) can be attached to provide a rigid structure and so that additional features, such as sandpits and monkey bars can be included as a part of the playground structure.
The post 10 of the preferred embodiment is provided with up to eight apertures 11 located on the central longitudinal axis of the post. The apertures 11 are substantially rectangular in shape, all but one having a width of 19 mm and a length of approximately 126 mm. The second aperture from the top has a width of 26 mm to allow connection to thicker members. (Of course, alternative dimensions of aperture could be used as desired.) The apertures 11 are orientated so that their length is parallel to the length of the post 10.
The post 10 has an aperture 11 at each end so that the post 10 can be secured or braced about its top and bottom. The members which secure or brace the post 10 at its bottom end may form the boundary or part of a boundary for a sandpit. Other apertures 11 are located between the apertures 11 at the ends of the post 10, which enable the post 10 to support the platform at the different heights above the ground. Alternatively, these other apertures 11 may support protective rails at least partially around the platform to protect against children falling off the platform.
Other apertures 11 also enable the post 10 to support additional features for the playground structure. For some additional features, such as for example monkey bars, the aperture 11 is required to be wider (approximately 26 mm). This is because the members of the monkey bars supported by the post 10 are required to be thicker because of the higher loads placed on them.
Using several posts 10, generally rectangular structures can be formed, having a post 10 at each corner. Connecting each post 10 to other posts are various members, including cross members 12 and side members 13. The cross members 12 are arranged perpendicular to the width of the post 10. The side members 13 are arranged perpendicular to the axial length of the cross members 12.
The spacing of the apertures 11 is such that any cross members 12 or side members 13 attached to the post 10 are spaced from each other to provide a safe structure for children to play on and in compliance with entrapment regulations. The spacing between each of the plurality of apertures 11 is 100-350 mm.
Referring now also to FIGS. 4(a) to (d), at least one end of each cross member 12 is provided with a projection 20. The projection 20 has a thickness and a width which is approximately the same as, or slightly less than, the width and length of the aperture 11, so that the projection 20, in use, is able to pass through the aperture 11.
The projection 20 is connected to the main portion of the cross member 12 by a bridging portion 21 which is smaller in width than the projection 20, thereby defining a slot 22 which extends upwards from the bottom edge of the cross member between the main portion and the projection 20. The width of the slot 22 is equal to the thickness of the post 10 plus the thickness of the side member 13, if there is a side member 13 connected to the post 10 at the same point as the cross member 12.
The side member 13 has a slot 30 at least one end of the side member 13, the width of the slot 30 is approximately equal to the width of the aperture 11.
Connection of a cross member 12 and a side member 13 to a post 10, involves placing the side member 13 against the post 10 so that the slot 30 is aligned with the aperture 11.
A means for preventing downward movement of the side member 13 must be provided. In the case of a sandpit side member 13 a as in FIG. 4(a), this means is provided by the ground, upon which the side member 13 a rests. However, for the deck side member 13 b in FIG. 4(b), a fastening means such as a self-tapping screw, bolt, clasp, or nail is required.
The side member 13 can be placed on either side of the post 10 as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)
The projection 20 of the cross member 12 is then passed through the aperture 11, and the slot 30 if a side member 13 is provided, until the end of the main portion of the cross member 12 abuts the post 10 and the slot 22 of the cross member 12 spaces across the aperture 11 and the slot 30 of the side member 13. The cross member 12 then moves downwards so that the bottom surface of the bridging portion 21 engages the aperture 11 and/or the slot 30 of the side member 13. This engagement is a friction fit with the aperture 11 and the slot 30, and prevents any movement of the post 10, the cross member 12 or the side member 13 relative to each other in either direction along the axial lengths of the cross member 12 and the side member 13.
In some cases, such as for a side rail cross member 12 c and a monkey bar cross member 12 d, no side member is involved, and the cross member 12 c or 12 d simply slots through the aperture 11 with its slot 22 spacing across the aperture 11. (See FIGS. 4(c) and 4(d)).
FIG. 4(b) shows the cross member 12 b and the side member 13 b having an internal ledge 40 upon which a rectangular member 57 (see FIG. 5) can rest to create a platform or deck in the playground structure. Alternatively, this rectangular member could rest on the edges of the cross member 12 b and the side member 13 b.
FIGS. 5 to 9 show how the posts 10 can be used to form the basis of various playground structures 450, 550, 650, 750, 850 respectively, but referred to collectively as 50 for convenience, with various cross members 12 and side members 13 spaced between a number of posts 10. The playground structures 50 can be also provided with a number of other features including a roof canopy 51, a tube connector 52 to connect to another playground structure, a swing frame 53, a sleep-out extension 54 and monkey bars 55, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 respectively. The “slot-together” or “hook-on” construction allows additional elements to be purchased subsequently to the base structure and easily installed.
The playground structure 50 also comprises an apex beam 56 which extends across the apex of the structure 50. The apex beam 56 enables the suspension therefrom of climbing ropes, ladders, slide poles and the like.
In general, all components of the playground structures 50 are formed from flat components, allowing for easy packaging of the individual components and shipment to the site where the playground structure is to be erected. This includes, for example, the swing frame 35 which comprises a swing suspension member 58 and a supporting frame 59. The swing suspension member 58 is formed as a plywood box section, and has the swing suspended therefrom. The swing suspension member is supported at one end by the supporting frame 59 and at the other end by the playground structure 50. Both the swing suspension member 58 and the supporting frame 59 can be flat packed, before shipment and on-site assembly.
Furthermore, because the structure involves interlocking of the posts 10 with the various cross members 12 and side members 13, the playground structure 50 only requires securing in place, for example by self-tapping screws, to hold the posts 10 and members 12 and 13 in position. The load imparted on the playground structure is carried substantially through the interlocking connections so that the fixings need not bear structural forces. It is envisaged that alternatives to screws, such as nails or a suitable flexible adhesive, could be used.
This interlocking system provides flexibility and also allows for ready reconfiguration of the playground structures 50. For example a platform 57 may be moved up to accommodate taller children below the platform 57, and to provide safe fall heights for different ages by repositioning its supporting cross members 12 and side members 13. Reconfiguration of the playground structure 50 may also be desirable in order to develop a sequence of skills (climbing, balance etc) at a pace consistent with the child's age, ability and development. Importantly, this can be done without needing to replace the entire structure 50, or rebuild a new structure from scratch.
In many prior art playground structures, posts, cross members and side members are bolted together, with the bolts carrying the load as well as holding the structure together. Furthermore, the posts are generally timber and similar in width and thickness, making them heavy and bulky.
In prior art playground structures, timber posts are much thicker to help ensure that the posts do not deform or warp. The post 10 of the preferred embodiment does not deform or warp because it is constructed of a suitable grade of plywood, even though its thickness is only a fifth of its width.
Furthermore, because the posts 10 are generally thin and flat, they can be stacked easily and are generally light in weight (approximately 6-7 kgs for posts 2400 mm in length) and small in volume (approximately 0.0075 m³), thereby enabling convenient shipment of the posts to a site where a playground structure is to be erected. Prior art posts for playground structures on the other hand can collectively weigh as much as 240 kgs and have a volume of one cubic metre, making them difficult and expensive to manufacture and transport, compared to the described embodiments.
Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 12, the monkey bars 55 are supported at one end by the playground structure 50 and at the other end by two posts 10 connected to a supporting base 60. The monkey bars 55 comprise two flat panels 61 and a plurality of rungs 53. The two panels 61 have projections 620 for attachment to posts 10. The panels 61 are provided with a series of opposing slots 62. Each rung 63 comprises a tube 64 located, in use, between the side panels 61 and an L-shaped tag 65 at each end of the tube 64. The tags 65 are adapted, in use, to fit tightly into corresponding slots 62. The tags 65 are L-shaped so as to restrict lateral movement of the rails 63 relative to the panels 61. The tube 64 is a metal pipe, constructed of, for example, steel. The tags may be formed by crimping the metal pipe that makes up the tube 64.
Some prior art monkey bars are difficult to transport because the rungs and panels are assembled before shipment and hence are bulky and oddly shaped. In the preferred embodiment of the monkey bars 55, the panels are compact and stackable, and the rungs may be placed in a bag for easy shipment. The monkey bars may thus be flat packed and easily transported.
Whilst this structure is described in the preferred embodiment as being for use as monkey bars, it is apparent that it could be similarly used for other similar structures, such as for example a ladder, in a playground structure.
If necessary, the rungs may be secured in place for example by a metal fixing passing through an aperture in the tab and into the panel, or by blocking the openings of the slots 62.
In the claim which follows and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A post for a playground structure, the post having a length, a width and a thickness, and wherein the width of the post is at least three times its thickness.

2. A post as claimed in claim 1 wherein the post has a width of approximately five times its thickness.

3. A post as claimed in claim 1 wherein the post is constructed of plywood.

4. A post as claimed in claim 1 wherein the post is constructed of a hard plastic material.

5. A post as claimed in claim 1 wherein the post is approximately 8 feet in length.

6. A post as claimed in claim 1 wherein the post is provided with a plurality of apertures along its length for engaging various members with the post.

7. A post as claimed in claim 6 wherein the post is provided with first and second apertures which are located towards respective ends of the post, to enable the post to be attached to other members at or adjacent the respective ends of the post.

8. A post as claimed in claim 7 wherein the post is provided with a third aperture located between the first and second apertures, and wherein the third aperture is adapted to enable the post to support a platform at a point of the post, intermediate the ends.

9. A post as claimed in claim 8 wherein the post is provided with a fourth aperture, located between the first and second apertures to enable the post to support a platform at a different height to the third aperture.

10. A post as claimed in claim 9 wherein the post is provided with one or more additional apertures

11. A post as claimed in claim 6 wherein the axial spacing between axially adjacent apertures is 4 to 14 inches.

12. A post as claimed in claim 6 wherein each of the plurality of apertures is substantially rectangular in shape and axially elongate.

13. A post as claimed in claim 12 wherein the length of each one of a given number of apertures is between approximately five and seven times the width of that aperture.

14. A post as claimed in claim 12 wherein the width of at least some of the plurality of apertures is between approximately 0.75 and 1.0 inches.

15. A post as claimed in claim 14 the width of most of the apertures of the plurality of apertures is approximately 0.75 inches.

16. A post as claimed in claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of apertures is located substantially on the central longitudinal axis of the post and each of the plurality of apertures is orientated so that it has an axial length parallel to the axial length of the post.

17. A playground structure, comprising a plurality of posts, each said post having a length, a width and a thickness, and wherein the width of each of said posts is at least three times its thickness.

18. A playground structure as claimed in claim 17, wherein each post of the plurality of posts is manufactured from a sheet of plywood.

19. A playground structure as claimed in claim 17, wherein the playground structure comprises at least six posts each of which has a width at least three times its thickness.

20. A playground structure as claimed in claim 17, wherein each post is provided with a plurality of apertures along its length.

21. A playground structure as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least some of the apertures are used for connecting one post to another post by connecting spaced apart portions of a member to the respective posts.

22. A playground structure as claimed in claim 21, wherein the connection of the member to an aperture of the post is an interlocking connection and wherein the member includes a connection portion comprising a projecting portion, adapted to pass through an aperture in a post, a main body portion, and a recess, between the projecting portion and the main body portion.

23. A playground structure as claimed in claim 22, wherein the recess is similar in width to the thickness of the post, so that in use the post is securely located in the recess with respect to the member.

24. A playground structure as claimed in claim 17, wherein the playground structure is substantially rectangular with a post at each corner.

25. A playground structure as claimed in claim 17 wherein the playground structure comprises a plurality of cross members and a plurality of side members;

wherein, the cross members are arranged, in use, with axial lengths substantially perpendicular to the width of the plurality of posts and the side members are arranged, in use, with axial lengths perpendicular to the axial lengths of the cross members.

26. A playground structure as claimed in claim 25 wherein each cross member has a width at least three times its thickness, and wherein each side member has a width at least three times its thickness.

27. A playground structure as claimed in claim 25 wherein the playground structure also comprises at least two platforms, each supported by at least two cross members and/or at least two side members and wherein two platforms are supported at different heights by substantially identical posts of the playground structure.

28. A playground structure as claimed in claim 17 wherein the playground structure is reconfigurable after initial construction.

29. A playground structure as claimed in claim 17, wherein the playground structure includes a ladder comprising two side beams and a plurality of rungs located between the two side beams, wherein each rung includes a substantially flat connection portion at or adjacent at least one end thereof and wherein each rung is attached by insertion of the or each flat connection portion into a corresponding slot in a side beam.

30. A playground structure as claimed in claim 17, wherein the ladder is configured as a set of monkey bars.

31. A playground structure as claimed in claim 17 when the playground structure is in kit form, comprising a kit of parts which comprises at least two posts, each having a length, a width and a thickness, and wherein the width of each of said posts is at least three times its thickness.

32. A ladder for a playground structure, comprising two side beams and a plurality of rungs located between the two side beams, wherein each rung includes a substantially flat connection portion at or adjacent at least one end thereof and wherein each rung is attached by insertion of the or each flat connection portion into a corresponding slot in a side beam.

33. A ladder for a playground structure, as claimed in claim 32, wherein in use the ladder is a set of monkey bars.