DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a multilevel play structure which may be enjoyed by an entire family. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular, multilevel aquatic play structure, incorporating various water-based adventure activities to be enjoyed by the entire family.

BACKGROUND & PRIOR ARTS:
The adventure rides or the play structures have gained popularity amongst the urban population due to fun-filled elements. These fun-filled elements are mostly age based, not allowing an entire family to enjoy it together. Further, the adventure rides or the play structures are most of the time located at a considerable distance from the city. Families enjoy the quietness of the city outskirts. However, a considerable amount of time and planning is required to visit such rides.

A multi-level play structure may be desired to overcome these drawbacks. Some patent documents, such as WO00/62883 and US5820471, refer to multi-level play structure. However, the objects of the inventions in these documents are to reduce the time one has to spend in the queue to participate in the activities.

All existing or available adventure play structures are not inclusive of water. The present invention provides a multi-level play structure which can be enjoyed by entire family together in an aquatic environment, which includes showers, water nozzles, pools , sprinklers etc.. More importantly, the play structure of the invention consumes less space so that it could be built even in the cities, rather than outskirts of the city.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION:
It is an object of the invention to provide a modular multi-level adventure play structure that can be enjoyed by entire family and person belonging to any age group.

Accordingly, the modular, vertical, multi-level play water based adventure structure is disclosed herein which comprises of a wet zone, a climb zone connected to the wet zone by a net climber to ascent from the wet zone; a thrill zone connected to the climb zone by means of the net climber; and a slide zone connected to the thrill zone by means of the climber.

The wet zone comprises of plurality of piano-like keys floating in water, plurality of slippery rolling cylinders mounted on a beam padded with foam floating in the water, a slippery path, a water maze to mislead the participants, and a rotating water wheel.

The climb zone comprises a swinging log suspended from a rope, plurality of elliptical discs loosely held on a beam, plurality of discs placed on the beam, a zig-zag slippery path and a thick rope suspended from the ceiling.

The thrill zone comprises of a plurality of reel swing, an egg shaped cage, plurality of scissor strips, and plurality of triangle shaped pods. The slide comprises of a steep slide and a roller zipline to descend directly at ground. A participant enters the next level by means of the climber after completion of tasks at each level.

The said multilevel play structure is modular and may be customized in different layouts & configuration in accordance with the requirements

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
Figure 1 illustrates a multi-level play structure (1) of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a wet zone (100) which is the first stage of the structure (1).
Figure 2(a) illustrates a piano-like keys (110) of the wet zone (100)
Figure 2 (b) & Figure 2(d) illustrates a rotating water wheel (150) of the wet zone (100)
Figure 2(c) illustrates water bags (160) hanging above the slippery path (130).
Figure 2(e) illustrates participant walking on rolling cylinder (120) during play activity.
Figure 2(f) illustrates presence of shower / sprinkler (111) at the said stage.
Figure 3 illustrates a climbing zone (200) of the second stage of the structure (1).
Figure 3(a) illustrates the participant progressing on elliptical discs (230).
Figure 4 illustrates a thrill zone (300) of the third stage of the structure (1).
Figure 4(a) illustrates triangle shaped pods (330).
Figure 4(b) illustrates egg shaped cages (310).
Figure 5 illustrates a top view of a slide zone (400) which is last stage of the structure (1).
Figure 5(a) illustrates a side view of a slide zone (400).
Figure 6 illustrates embodiments of a climber (510,520,530,540) to the last stage of the structure (1).
Figure 7 (a)-(d) illustrates top view / layout of alternate embodiments where the shape of the structure (1) is zig-zag in Fig. 7(a), reverse Z-shape in Fig. 7(b), hexagonal in Fig. 7(c), triangular in Fig. 7(d).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention discloses the modular, multi-level play water based adventure structure which comprises of a wet zone, a climb zone connected to the wet zone by a net climber to ascent from the wet zone; a thrill zone connected to the climb zone by means of the net climber; and a slide zone connected to the thrill zone by means of the climbers.

The embodiments of the present invention may be apprehended by referring to the appended figure. However, the figures, representing the embodiments, are for the illustration purpose only and must not be construed as limiting factor. Any variations in the embodiments may be perceived as falling within the scope of the invention by the person skilled in the art.

With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, the multi-level play structure (1) of the invention comprises of a wet zone (100), a climb zone (200) connected to the wet zone by a net climber (510,520,530,540) to ascent from the wet zone (100); a thrill zone (300) connected to the climb zone (200) by means of the net climber (510,520,530,540); and a slide zone (400) connected to the thrill zone (300) by means of the climber (510,520,530,540).

The wet zone (100) comprises of plurality of piano-like keys (110) floating in water, plurality of slippery rolling cylinders (120) mounted on a beam padded with foam floating in the water, a slippery path (130), a water maze (140) to mislead the participants, and a rotating water wheel (150).

The climb zone (200) comprises a swinging log (210) suspended from a rope, plurality of elliptical discs (230) loosely held , a beam (250), plurality of discs (240) placed on the beam (250), a zig-zag slippery path (260) and a thick rope (220) suspended from the ceiling. The elliptical discs (230) are loosely held through bearings on the beam (250) such that discs are tilted as soon the participant steps on it.

The thrill zone (300) comprises of a plurality of reel swing (320), plurality of egg shaped cage (310), plurality of scissor strips (340), and plurality of triangle shaped pods (330). The slide (400) comprises of a steep slide (420) and a roller zipline (410) to descend directly at a ground. A participant enters the next level by means of the climber (510,520,530,540) after completion of tasks at each level.

In the preferred embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the stages are four only. However, the number of stages may vary depending upon the requirement and availability of the space. In fact, as demonstrated, the vertical nature of the play structure (1) means that it does not consume too much ground space and hence this very nature is a major advantage for the play structure (1). In other embodiments, the modular play structure may also be configured in different shape other than depicted depending upon the space available.

Fig. 2 represents the initial stage of the play structure (1), which is wet zone (100). It is predominantly a water based activity zone. It comprises a piano-like keys (110), plurality of slippery rolling cylinders (120), a slippery path (130), a water maze (140), and a rotating water wheel (150). The piano-like keys (110) has plurality of steps floating in the water wherein a shower (111) is triggered the moment a participant strides on the steps. In a preferred embodiment, such a shower may be triggered due to array of sensors (not shown in the diagram) including but not limited to pressure sensors, heat sensors, proximity sensors and such, present within the steps (110). To successfully complete this task, speed and balance is the key for the participant. Thereafter, he / she may choose the path following slippery rolling cylinders (120) or a slippery path (130).

Plurality of slippery rolling cylinders (120) are freely rotating in the water and are mounted on a beam padded with foam. The foam material may be selected from the type including, but not limited to, XLPE foam (crossed link polyethylene), PU foam, nylon foam, & Foam covering material, PTFE coated fabric (fibreglass), PVC coated fabric (polyester), silicone coated fabric (fibreglass), ETFE coated fabric. A causal step on the cylinders may send participant flying into the water. Similarly, the slippery path (130) is provided wherein a plurality of water bags (160) are suspended above the slippery path (130) (Fig. 2(c)). The participants lined up for walking on the slippery path (130) may hit each other by the water bags (160) to try to topple from the slippery path (130). The water bags (160) are filled with water all the time. If a participant attempts to grab water bags (160) to save himself / herself from falling, water streams sprays water onto the participant. Thereafter, a water maze is provided with water curtains which make it imperative to cross the same and find the right path. The curtains are selected from the material including, but not limited to, FRP / HDPE / ABS / PC / acrylic and such.

In the next task of the wet zone (100), the rotating water wheel (150) is provided wherein mutually perpendicular cross-bars (151 & 152) meet at a platform (153). The rotating wheel may be powered electrically. Alternately, after the wheel is set into rotating motion, it may remain freely rotating without application of the external force. The participant has to cross the rotating water wheel (150) by jumping to one of the cross-bars, then the platform (153) and then the other side of the cross-bar. After finishing all the tasks of wet zone (100), the participant may proceed to the next stage, that is climbing zone (200).

The wet zone (100) is interactive rather than competitive for the participants. It could be a fun element even if the participant fails to complete any task. Additionally, this zone offers an option to participant to choose the activity based on the difficulty level, due to age for example. No harness is provided in this stage. Entire family can enjoy together the activities of this stage.

The second stage is climbing zone (200). Figure 3 & Figure 3(a) may be referred for better understanding of the climbing zone (200). The net climber may be used to climb from wet zone to the present zone. The climbing zone (200) comprises of swinging log (210) suspended from the rope, plurality of elliptical discs (230) loosely held on a beam (250), plurality of discs (240) a beam (250), plurality of discs (240) placed on the beam (250), a zig-zag slippery path (260) and a thick rope (220) suspended from the ceiling. The elements of this stage challenge the balancing skills of the participant. The zig-zag path (260), in addition to being a zig-zag, is a slippery one. The elliptical discs (230) tilt in a dangerous angle when the participant grounds on it. The thick rope (220) changes its shape when the participant stands on it. All the tasks are performed by safety harness (not shown in figure 3, however shown in figure 5). The climbing zone (200), due to aforesaid reasons, may be categorized as medium difficulty level and the activities may be chosen by the participant based on his/her skill set.

After completion of all the activities of climbing zone (200), the participant can proceed with the thrill zone (300). Referring to Figure 4, Figure 4(a) & Figure 4(b), it comprises a plurality of reel swing (320), plurality of egg shaped cage (310), plurality of scissor strips (340), and plurality of triangle shaped pods (330). This stage is the most difficult of all and tests the participant’s skill, strength, flexibility, presence of mind and hand-eye coordination. The reel swings (320) are gone through three motions: swing, twist and tilt, thereby testing participant’s strength and skill. The egg shaped cage (310) is suspended from ceiling, rotate around major axis, and are padded with a cushioning material. The cushioning material may be selected from cotton, foam, sponge or any other suitable material. The foam material may be selected from the type including, but not limited to, XLPE foam (crossed link polyethylene), PU foam, nylon foam, foam covering material, PTFE coated fabric (fibreglass), PVC coated fabric (polyester), silicone coated fabric (fibreglass), ETFE coated fabric. The participant has to climb on the first cage and then jump to the next one. In the next task, the scissor strips (340) wobble and change its shape the moment the participant steps on it. All these tasks pose challenges to multiple skills of the participant.

The slide zone (400), the last of the stages, is fun based activities after completion of exhausting previous stages by the participants. Figure 5 may be referred. It comprises a steep slide (420) and a roller zipline (410). The participants may descend to the ground level through the steep slide (420) and the roller zipline (410).

Figure 6 illustrates different embodiments of a climber (510,520,530,540). Any of the embodiment or a combination of the stated embodiments may be employed for ascending to the next level. For example, a climber (510) may be used on all of the levels for the purpose of ascending. Similarly, a climber (510) may be utilized for ascending from zone (100) to zone (200) and a climber (520) may be utilized for ascending from zone (300) to zone (400) and so on.

The net climber may be selected from shape consisting of a spiral crawling climber (540), a spiral steps climber (520), or a spiral net climber (530).

The above paragraph only exemplifies the use of net climber (510,520,530,540) and do not restrict its use to the aforesaid description.

Figure 7 (a)-(d) illustrates top view of alternate embodiments where the shape of the structure (1) is zig-zag in Fig. 7(a), reverse Z-shape in Fig. 7(b), hexagonal in Fig. 7(c), triangular in Fig. 7(d). In these embodiment, the play structure, when viewed from top, do not appear rectangular but zig-zag, reverse Z-shape, hexagonal or triangular. However, the alternate embodiments covering different shapes are for the purpose of demonstration only and not limited to the shown figures. Alternate embodiment can encompass several such geometrical shapes.

Advantages:
1. The play structure of the invention gives the opportunity to an entire family to enjoy the play elements together.
2. The structure is multi-level, multi-element modular water adventure activities, accommodating various lay-outs.
3. It involves multiple paths to choose according to the person’s preference or difficulty levels.
4. The structure involves adventurous, fun, thrill related elements.
5. The invention has a balanced combination of harnessed and non-harnessed elements, hence it fun-filled as well as safe for the participants.
6. Maximum elements and minimum footprint.
7. Difficulty level increases with each floor level.
8. Less space is consumed by the play structure. Therefore, it may be built even in the malls
,CLAIMS:1. A modular, multilevel vertical aquatic play structure (1) comprising
a wet zone (100) comprising plurality of piano-like keys (110) floating in water, plurality of slippery rolling cylinders (120) mounted on a beam padded with foam floating in the water, a slippery path (130), a water maze (140) to mislead the participants, and a rotating water wheel (150) which is powered or freely rotating;
a climb zone (200) connected to the wet zone by a net climber (510,520,530,540) to ascent from the wet zone (100) comprising swinging log (210) suspended from a rope, plurality of elliptical discs (230) on a beam (250), plurality of discs (240) placed on the beam (250), a zig-zag slippery path (260) and a thick rope (220) suspended from the ceiling;
a thrill zone (300) connected to the climb zone (200) by means of the net climber (510,520,530,540) comprises of a plurality of reel swing (320), an egg shaped cage (310), plurality of scissor strips (340), and plurality of triangle shaped pods (330); and
a slide zone (400) connected to the thrill zone (300) by means of the climber (510,520,530,540) comprises a steep slide (420) and a roller zipline (410) to descend directly at ground;
wherein a participant enters the next level by means of the climber (510,520,530,540) after completion of tasks at each level and wherein the participant descend directly at ground after completion of all the levels.

2. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the piano-like keys (110) has plurality of steps floating in the water.

3. The play structure (1) according to claim 1 & 2, wherein a shower (111) is triggered when the participant strides on the steps.

4. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein plurality of slippery rolling cylinders (120) are freely rotating in the water and are mounted on a beam padded with foam.

5. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of water bags (160) are suspended above the slippery path (130).

6. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein water maze is provided in water curtains.

7. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the rotating water wheel (150) comprises of mutually perpendicular cross-bars (151 & 152) meeting at a platform (153).

8. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the elliptical discs (230) tilt at an angle when the participant grounds on it.

9. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the thick rope (220) changes its shape when the participant stands on it.

10. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the reel swings (320) exhibit motions such as swing, twist and tilt.

11. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the egg shaped cage (310) is suspended from ceiling, rotate around major axis, and are padded with a cushioning material.

12. The play structure (1) according to claim 1 & 11, wherein the cushioning material may be selected from cotton, foam or any other suitable materials.

13. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the scissor strips (340) wobble and change its shape the moment the participant steps on it.

14. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein activities in the zones except the wet zone (100) are performed by a safety harness (430).

15. The play structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the net climber may be selected from shape consisting of a spiral crawling climber (540), a spiral steps climber (520), or a spiral net climber (530).