PLAY APPARATUS

FIELD

This disclosure relates to a play apparatus, in particular a base for a play apparatus, e.g. for a tetherball game, such as the well-known tether tennis game Swingball®.

BACKGROUND

Play apparatuses for tetherball games are popular, as they allow users to play a ball game in a restricted space without the risk of losing the ball. As well as recreational play, these play apparatuses can also be used as a training apparatus to develop a user's hand-eye co-ordination and reflexes. Conveniently, such an apparatus can be used by a single player, for individual practice, or two or more players, optionally in a competitive game.

There are many different types and sizes of play apparatus for tetherball games available, including, for example, tether tennis apparatus and tether football apparatus.

GB2354018A discloses an example of a base for a tetherball apparatus. A movable stand for supporting a pole has a ballast-containing base with a detachable lid with a hole to receive the pole. The lid is attached to the base by a two-stage attachment, the first being a tongue and groove formation located around the periphery of the base and lid. The second is in the form of two or more locking devices around that base that prevent separation of the tongue and groove arrangement.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a base for a play apparatus, e.g. for a tetherball game. The base comprises: a container defining an internal volume and an opening providing access to the internal volume; a removable lid configured to cover the opening; and a securing means operable to secure the lid in place over the opening. The securing means comprises a first part and a second part, the first part being fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the container and the second part being fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the lid, the first part and the second part being configured to engage directly with each other to secure the lid in place, in use, when the lid is placed over the opening.

The action of moving the lid, relative to the container, towards a position at which the lid covers the opening may be sufficient to cause the first part and the second part of the securing means to engage with each other. The base may be configured such that a translation of the lid, i.e. linear movement in a single direction without any twisting or turning, relative to the container, towards a position at which the lid covers the opening is sufficient to cause the first part and the second part of the securing means to engage with each other. The base may be configured such that the first part and the second part of the securing means engage with one another when, in use, the lid is pressed on to the container. The base may be configured such that the first part and the second part of the securing means engage with one another when, in use, the lid is slid into place over the opening.

The securing means may be configured such that the force required to remove the lid from the container is greater than forces that may typically be exerted on the base during use, e.g. during the playing of a game. For instance, during the playing of a tetherball game, significant lateral forces may be exerted on the base as a ball swings on a cord around a pole attached to the base. The securing means may be configured such that such lateral forces would not be sufficient to inadvertently remove the lid from the container during play.

The securing means may be configured such that the force required for a user to secure the lid in place over the opening may be lower than the force required for a user to remove the lid from the container.

In an example implementation, the securing means may be configured such that the lid may be securable in place over the opening by a user exerting a downward force on the lid towards the container, and the lid may be removable by exerting an upward force on the lid away from the container. The upward force required to remove the lid from the container may be greater than the downward force required to secure the lid in place over the opening.

The securing means may comprise only the first part and the second part, i.e. the securing means may consist of the first part and the second part. Conveniently, the securing means may be free from additional parts such as lever clips, latches, ties, clasps or the like, since such additional parts are not required to secure the lid in place over the opening. Furthermore, as a result of the securing means being free from such additional parts, the securing means may be relatively reliable and durable. The securing means may also be relatively simple to use, as it may require less manual dexterity on the part of the user to open and close the container.

The first part of the securing means being fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the container means that the first part of the securing means is not moveable relative to the container. The second part of the securing means being fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the lid means that the second part of the securing means is not moveable relative to the lid. Therefore, in embodiments in which the securing means comprises only the first part and the second part, the securing means does not comprise any moving parts, i.e. parts which are required to be directly moved by a user in order to secure the lid to the container. This may reduce manufacturing cost and complexity. Furthermore, the securing means may be relatively reliable and durable. The securing means may also be relatively simple to use, as it may require less manual dexterity on the part of the user to open and close the container.

The container and lid may each be formed as a monolithic part, with the first and second parts of the securing means being integrally formed with the container and the lid respectively.

The first part of the securing means may comprise a container portion integrally formed with the container. The second part of the securing means may comprise a lid portion integrally formed with the lid. Advantageously, the securing means may not comprise any parts which are formed separately to, and therefore are not integral to, the lid or the container. This may reduce manufacturing complexity and cost.

As a consequence of the securing means being free from additional parts such as moving parts, lever clips, latches, ties, clasps or the like, the base may have a more regular overall shape and/or may occupy a neater envelope. Consequently, the base may be more efficient to transport, store and/or stack, e.g. in a container or a warehouse or at a point of sale.

The first part and the second part may engage directly with each other through a snap fit connection. Providing a snap fit connection between the lid and the container may be a convenient way to secure the lid in place over the opening.

A single projection or a plurality of discrete projections may extend around the entirety of the container. The second part of the securing means may comprise a groove or grooves configured to receive the projection(s). The groove may be defined at least in part by two side walls. At least one of the side walls may be resiliently biased to provide a snap fit between the container and the lid. The two side walls may oppose each other.

The projection(s) may be shaped, e.g. chamfered, to facilitate the projection(s) entering the groove(s) to secure the lid in place. The projection(s) may be shaped such that it is harder to remove the projection(s) from the groove(s) when removing the lid from the container.

Alternatively, the first part of the securing means may comprise a groove within an outer surface of the container. The second part of the securing means may comprise a downward projection protruding from a surface of the lid. The projection or a plurality of discrete projections may be arranged to extend, in use, around at least 50% of the perimeter of the opening. A single projection or a plurality of discrete projections may be arranged to extend, in use, around the entirety of the perimeter of the opening. The groove may be defined at least in part by two side walls. At least one of the side walls may be resiliently biased to provide a snap fit between the container and the lid. The two side walls may oppose each other.

One or more of the release tabs may be arranged such that there is a gap between the release tab(s) and the container when the lid is secured to the container. The gap may allow a user to insert one or more fingers between the release tab and the container to apply a force to the release tab in a direction away from the container, and therefore apply leverage, e.g. to the resiliently biased side wall(s) defining the groove.

The lid may comprise a plurality of release tabs. The release tabs may be disposed at intervals, e.g. regularly spaced, around a perimeter of the lid. The lid may comprise two, three, four, five or six release tabs.

The lid may comprise two release tabs to enable additional leverage to be applied to the resiliently biased side wall(s) defining the groove. This may further ease the removal of the lid from the container. The two release tabs may, for example, be located at diametrically opposing points or at diagonally opposing corners of the lid to ease removal of the lid from the container even further. In other embodiments, the lid may comprise more than two release tabs. In some embodiments, a release tab may be provided at each corner of the lid.

The lid may comprise a ridge at least partially defining the or each of the grooves of the second part of the securing means. The lid may comprise a discrete ridge defining in part each of the grooves of the second part of the securing means. In embodiments also comprising one or more release tabs, the or each discrete ridge may extend along a side of the lid and terminate before reaching a release tab.

It will be appreciated that the base is not limited to any particular cross-sectional shape. Although the accompanying drawings show embodiments of the base having a rectangular cross-section, alternative embodiments of the base may comprise for example a circular or elliptical cross-section or a cross-section of any suitable polygonal or curvilinear shape. In embodiments in which the base comprises a circular cross-section and the lid comprises more than one release tab, the release tabs may be spaced equidistantly about the circular perimeter of the lid.

The groove may comprise a projection-receiving portion configured to receive the projection, e.g. lip. The projection may be retainable in the projection-receiving portion to secure the lid in place over the opening of the container. The projection may be releasable from the projection-receiving portion by means of a user applying leverage via the release tab.

In another embodiment, the second part or lid portion of the securing means may comprise an edge of the lid and the first part or container portion of the securing means comprises a ledge or groove configured to accommodate the edge of the lid.

The ledge or groove may support or receive the edge of the lid.

The first part or container portion of the securing means comprising a ledge enables the lid to be supported by the container in use, while enabling the lid to be readily removable simply by lifting the lid away from the container.

The first part or container portion of the securing means comprising a groove enables a sliding fit between the lid and the container. This provides a secure fit between the lid and the container which may require minimal force to engage.

In embodiments in which the first part or container portion of the securing means comprises a ledge or groove, the lid may comprise a handle. This may facilitate removal of the lid from the container.

Additionally or alternatively, the first part and the second part of the securing means may magnetically engage with each other to secure the lid in place over the opening of the container.

The base of any of the above described embodiments may comprise a handle to facilitate carrying of the base. The handle may be fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the container. The handle may comprise no additional parts or moving parts. Accordingly, manufacturing cost and complexity may be reduced.

The handle may be arranged over a recess formed in the container. Accordingly, the handle may not protrude beyond the space envelope of the container. Consequently, the base may be more efficient to transport, store and/or stack, e.g. in a shipping container or a warehouse or at a point of sale.

The base of any of the above described embodiments may comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality of, feet projecting away from an external lower surface of the container.

The one or more feet may be fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the external lower surface of the container. The provision of one or more feet projecting away from the external lower surface of the container may help to stabilise the base, in use, in particular when it is located on uneven ground. In addition, the feet may act to suspend the remainder of the external lower surface of the container above the ground, in use. As a consequence, bowing of this surface, e.g. as a result of manufacture or of ballast, such as water or sand, being placed in the container, in use, may have a lesser or even no effect on the stability of the base.

In an example implementation, four feet may project away from the external lower surface of the container. Each of the four feet may be located in or near a different corner of the container.

The lid of the base of any of the above described embodiments may comprise one or more upstanding walls extending away from an external upper surface of the lid to define a recess in the top of the lid. The recess may be configured to receive a lower portion of another container, in particular another container according to an embodiment described herein. For instance, the recess may be configured to receive, in use, one or more feet projecting away from the external lower surface of the other container.

The one or more upstanding walls may comprise a single continuous wall extending around the perimeter of the lid. Alternatively, the one or more upstanding walls may comprise a plurality of walls extending around the perimeter of the lid to define the recess. In embodiments comprising a plurality of feet projecting away from an external lower surface of the container, the lid may comprise a plurality of recesses in an external upper surface of the lid, wherein each of the plurality of recesses is configured to receive one of the plurality of feet.

Providing the lid with a recess or recesses to receive a lower portion of another container enables multiple bases to be stacked securely on top of each other during transportation and/or storage, for example when displaying the bases at a point of sale.

The base of any of the above described embodiments may comprise at least one side foot projecting away from an external side surface of the container. The at least one side foot may be fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the container. This may facilitate storage or display of the base in an upright position, which may be beneficial in locations in which there is limited space to store or display the base horizontally.

In an example embodiment, there may be two side feet projecting away from the external side surface of the container.

The base of any of the above described embodiments may comprise an aperture located in an upper external surface of the lid for receiving ballast, such as water or sand, when the lid is secured to the container. This advantageously enables the container to be filled with ballast without having to remove the lid, for example when a pole of a play apparatus, e.g. a play apparatus for a tetherball game, is being supported by the base. The base may further comprise a plug configured to close the aperture to prevent ballast from being expelled from the container in use.

The plug may comprise a tab and the lid may comprise a recess configured to receive the tab, wherein a length of the tab is less than a length of the recess. This advantageously enables easy removal of the plug from a position in which the plug closes the aperture.

The base may be configured to be attached to a pole of a play apparatus for a tetherball game in any suitable manner. For instance, the lid may have an aperture therethrough which is located to align with a receiving formation, e.g. a socket, on a lower inner surface of the container. A bottom end of the pole may be received in the receiving formation and the pole may extend through the aperture in the lid.

The lid may comprise a projection, e.g. an annular projection, which extends away from an upper external surface of the lid and which may extend continuously around the circumference of the aperture of the lid through which the pole extends in use to restrict horizontal movement of the pole in use. Alternatively, the lid may comprise a plurality of discrete projections, e.g. annular projections, extending away from an upper external surface of the lid and extending around the circumference of the aperture of the lid through which the pole extends in use to restrict horizontal movement of the pole in use.

The projection or projections extending around the aperture of the lid through which the pole extends, in use, help to maintain lateral stability of the pole in use. The projection or projections may also provide a locating feature which helps a user to align the pole with the aperture of the lid for insertion of the pole through the aperture.

Additionally or alternatively, the projection or projections extending around the aperture of the lid through which the pole extends in use may extend away from an upper internal surface of the lid.

Alternatively or additionally, the lid may be thicker in a region near, e.g. around, the aperture of the lid through which the pole extends in use.

The projection or projections and/or thicker region near the aperture of the lid through which the pole extends in use may act to locally increase the strength and/or stiffness of the lid. Consequently, movement of the pole within the aperture, in use, may be less likely to damage, deform or break the lid.

In embodiments in which the container comprises a plurality of feet projecting away from the external lower surface of the container and the lid comprises the projection or projections extending around the aperture of the lid through which the pole extends in use, the space provided between the plurality of feet can accommodate the projection or projections when multiple bases are stacked on top of one another. This enables multiple bases to be stacked with stability.

The handle may facilitate carrying of the base. The handle may comprise no additional parts or moving parts. Accordingly, manufacturing cost and complexity may be reduced.

The base may comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality of, feet projecting away from an external lower surface of the container. The one or more feet may be fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the external lower surface of the container. The provision of one or more feet projecting away from the external lower surface of the container may help to stabilise the base, in use, in particular when it is located on uneven ground. In addition, the feet may act to suspend the remainder of the external lower surface of the container above the ground, in use. As a consequence, bowing of this surface, e.g. as a result of manufacture or of ballast, such as water or sand, being placed in the container, in use, may have a lesser or even no effect on the stability of the base.

In an example implementation, four feet may project away from the external lower surface of the container. Each of the four feet may be located in or near a different corner of the container.

The lid of the base of may comprise one or more upstanding walls extending away from an external upper surface of the lid to define a recess in the top of the lid. The recess may be configured to receive a lower portion of another container, in particular another container according to an embodiment described herein. For instance, the recess may be configured to receive, in use, one or more feet projecting away from the external lower surface of the other container.

The base may comprise at least one side foot projecting away from an external side surface of the container. The at least one side foot may be fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the container. This may facilitate storage or display of the base in an upright position, which may be beneficial in locations in which there is limited space to store or display the base horizontally.

In an example embodiment, there may be two side feet projecting away from the external side surface of the container.

The base may comprise an aperture located in an upper external surface of the lid for receiving ballast, such as water or sand, when the lid is secured to the container.

This advantageously enables the container to be filled with ballast without having to remove the lid, for example when a pole of a play apparatus, e.g. a play apparatus for a tetherball game, is being supported by the base. The base may further comprise a plug configured to close the aperture to prevent ballast from being expelled from the container in use.

The base may be configured to be attached to a pole of a play apparatus, e.g. for a tetherball game, in any suitable manner. For instance, the lid may have an aperture therethrough which is located to align with a receiving formation, e.g. socket, on a lower inner surface of the container. A bottom end of the pole may be received in the receiving formation and the pole may extend through the aperture in the lid.

The projection or projections extending around the aperture of the lid through which the pole extends in use help to maintain lateral stability of the pole in use. The projection or projections also provide a locating feature which helps a user to align the pole with the aperture of the lid for insertion of the pole through the aperture.

The securing means may comprise a first part and a second part, the first part being fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the container and the second part being fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the lid, the first part and the second part being configured to engage directly with each other to secure the lid in place, in use, when the lid is placed over the opening.

The container and lid may each be formed as a monolithic part, with the first and second parts of the securing means being integrally formed with the container and the lid respectively.

Additionally or alternatively, the first part and the second part of the securing means may magnetically engage with each other to secure the lid in place over the opening of the container.

The one or more feet may be fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the container.

The provision of one or more feet projecting away from the external lower surface of the container may help to stabilise the base, in use, in particular when it is located on uneven ground. In addition, the feet may act to suspend the remainder of the external lower surface of the container above the ground, in use. As a consequence, bowing of this surface, e.g. as a result of manufacture or of ballast, such as water or sand, being placed in the container, in use, may have a lesser or even no effect on the stability of the base.

In an example implementation, four feet may project away from the external lower surface of the container. Each of the four feet may be located in or near a different corner of the container.

The one or more upstanding walls may comprise a single continuous wall extending around the perimeter of the lid. Alternatively, the one or more upstanding walls may comprise a plurality of walls extending around the perimeter of the lid to define the recess. Alternatively, the lid may comprise a plurality of recesses in an external upper surface of the lid, wherein each of the plurality of recesses is configured to receive one of the plurality of feet.

In an example embodiment, there may be two side feet projecting away from the external side surface of the container.

The base may comprise an aperture located in an upper external surface of the lid for receiving ballast, such as water or sand, when the lid is secured to the container. This advantageously enables the container to be filled with ballast without having to remove the lid, for example when a pole of a play apparatus, e.g. a play apparatus for a tetherball game, is being supported by the base. The base may further comprise a plug configured to close the aperture to prevent ballast from being expelled from the container in use.

The container and lid may each be formed as a monolithic part, with the first and second parts of the securing means being integrally formed with the container and the lid respectively.

The first part of the securing means may comprise a projection, e.g. a ridge or a lip, protruding from an outer surface of the container. The projection or a plurality of discrete projections may extend around at least 50% of a perimeter of the container. A single projection or a plurality of discrete projections may extend around the entirety of the container. The second part of the securing means may comprise a groove or grooves configured to receive the projection(s). The groove may be defined at least in part by two side walls. At least one of the side walls may be resiliently biased to provide a snap fit between the container and the lid. The two side walls may oppose each other.

The lid may comprise at least one release tab projecting in a direction away from a lower surface of the lid for removing the lid from the container. The release tab may enable leverage to be applied, to facilitate removal of the lid from the container. One or more of the release tabs may be arranged such that there is a gap between the release tab(s) and the container when the lid is secured to the container. The gap may allow a user to insert one or more fingers between the release tab and the container to apply a force to the release tab in a direction away from the container, and therefore apply leverage, e.g. to the resiliently biased side wall(s) defining the groove.

Additionally or alternatively, the first part and the second part of the securing means may magnetically engage with each other to secure the lid in place over the opening of the container.

Another aspect provides a base for a play apparatus, e.g. for a tetherball game, comprising: a container defining an internal volume and an opening providing access to the internal volume; a removable lid configured to cover the opening; a securing means operable to secure the lid in place over the opening; and one or more recesses in the top of the lid configured to receive a lower portion of another container, in particular another container according to an embodiment described herein.

The one or more recess may comprise a single recess defined by one or more upstanding walls extending away from an external upper surface of the lid. The one or more upstanding walls may comprise a single continuous wall extending around the perimeter of the lid. Alternatively, the one or more upstanding walls may comprise a plurality of walls extending around the perimeter of the lid to define the recess. In embodiments comprising a plurality of feet projecting away from an external lower surface of the container, the recess may be configured to receive, in use, one or more of the feet. The one or more recess may comprise a plurality of recesses in an external upper surface of the lid, wherein each of the plurality of recesses is configured to receive one of the plurality of feet.

In an example embodiment, there may be two side feet projecting away from the external side surface of the container.

The base may be configured to be attached to a pole of a play apparatus for a tetherball game in any suitable manner. For instance, the lid may have an aperture therethrough which is located to align with a receiving formation, e.g. socket, on a lower inner surface of the container. A bottom end of the pole may be received in the receiving formation and the pole may extend through the aperture in the lid.

The container and lid may each be formed as a monolithic part, with the first and second parts of the securing means being integrally formed with the container and the lid respectively.

Additionally or alternatively, the first part and the second part of the securing means may magnetically engage with each other to secure the lid in place over the opening of the container.

The at least one side foot may be fixedly attached to or integrally formed with the container.

The one or more feet may facilitate storage or display of the base in an upright position, which may be beneficial in locations in which there is limited space to store or display the base horizontally.

In an example embodiment, there may be two side feet projecting away from the external side surface of the container. In an example implementation, four feet may project away from the external lower surface of the container. Each of the four feet may be located in or near a different corner of the container.

The base may be configured to be attached to a pole of a play apparatus for a tetherball game in any suitable manner. For instance, the lid may have an aperture therethrough which is located to align with a receiving formation, e.g. socket, on a lower inner surface of the container. A bottom end of the pole may be received in the receiving formation and the pole may extend through the aperture in the lid.

The container and lid may each be formed as a monolithic part, with the first and second parts of the securing means being integrally formed with the container and the lid respectively.

Additionally or alternatively, the first part and the second part of the securing means may magnetically engage with each other to secure the lid in place over the opening of the container.

The base may be configured to be attached to a pole of a play apparatus for a tetherball game in any suitable manner. For instance, the lid may have an aperture therethrough which is located to align with a receiving formation, e.g. socket, on a lower inner surface of the container. A bottom end of the pole may be received in the receiving formation and the pole may extend through the aperture in the lid.

The container and lid may each be formed as a monolithic part, with the first and second parts of the securing means being integrally formed with the container and the lid respectively.

Additionally or alternatively, the first part and the second part of the securing means may magnetically engage with each other to secure the lid in place over the opening of the container.

Another aspect provides a base for a play apparatus, e.g. for a tetherball game, comprising: a container defining an internal volume and an opening providing access to the internal volume; a removable lid configured to cover the opening; a securing means operable to secure the lid in place over the opening; wherein the lid has an aperture therethrough which is located to align with a receiving formation, e.g. socket, on a lower inner surface of the container. In use, a bottom end of a pole may be received in the receiving formation and the pole may extend through the aperture in the lid.

Additionally or alternatively, the projection or projections extending around the aperture of the lid through which the pole extends in use may extend away from an upper internal surface of the lid.

Alternatively or additionally, the lid may be thicker in a region near, e.g. around, the aperture of the lid through which the pole extends in use.

The projection or projections and/or thicker region near the aperture of the lid through which the pole extends in use may act to locally increase the strength and/or stiffness of the lid. Consequently, movement of the pole within the aperture, in use may be less likely to damage, deform or break the lid.

The container and lid may each be formed as a monolithic part, with the first and second parts of the securing means being integrally formed with the container and the lid respectively.

Additionally or alternatively, the first part and the second part of the securing means may magnetically engage with each other to secure the lid in place over the opening of the container.

Another aspect provides a play apparatus for a tetherball game, comprising: a base according to an aspect of the disclosure; a pole having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end being connected to the base and the upper end being connected to a head; and a cord connected to the head, the cord having a free end with a ball attached thereto.

Another aspect provides a play apparatus, e.g. for a tetherball game, comprising: a base according to an aspect of the disclosure; and a pole, a lower end of the pole being connected to the base.

Another aspect provides a kit of parts arranged to be assembled into a play apparatus, e.g. for a tetherball game, comprising a base according to an aspect of the disclosure and a pole adapted to be connected to the base.

Another aspect provides a base for a play apparatus, e.g. for a tetherball game, comprising: a container defining an internal volume and an opening providing access to the internal volume; a removable lid configured to cover the opening; and a securing means operable to secure the lid in place over the opening. The securing means is configured such that the lid is secured in place over the opening by a user exerting a first force on the lid, and the lid is removed from the container by a user exerting a second force on the lid. The second force may be exerted in an opposite direction from the first force. The second force may be greater than the first force.

For example, the securing means may be configured such that the lid is secured in place over the opening by a user exerting a downward force on the lid towards the container, and the lid is removed by exerting an upward force on the lid away from the container. The upward force required to remove the lid from the container may be greater than the downward force required to secure the lid in place over the opening.

The lid may comprise one or more release tabs operable to give a user leverage to impart the upward force required to remove the lid.

Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features of the first aspect may be employed mutatis mutandis in any of the other aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a base for a play apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows three containers of the base of FIG. 1 in a stacked configuration;

FIG. 3 shows three lids of the base of FIG. 1 in a stacked configuration;

FIG. 4 shows a close-up of a portion of the lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5a shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the base of FIG. 1, showing a first position of the lid relative to the container;

FIG. 5b shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the base of FIG. 1, showing a second position of the lid relative to the container;

FIG. 5c shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the base of FIG. 1, showing a third position of the lid relative to the container;

FIG. 6a shows a schematic close-up cross-sectional side view of a portion of a base according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6b shows a further schematic close-up cross-sectional side view of a portion of the base of FIG. 6a;

FIG. 7a shows schematically a cross-sectional view of a base for a play apparatus according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7b shows schematically a cross-sectional view of a container of the base of FIG. 7a;

FIG. 8a shows schematically a cross-sectional view of a base for a play apparatus according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8b shows schematically a cross-sectional view of a container of the base of FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9 shows a further view of the base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 shows a further view of the base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 shows three of the bases of FIG. 1 in a stacked configuration;

FIG. 12 shows a further view of the base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 shows a further view of the base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 shows a base for a play apparatus according to another embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows a further view of the base of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 shows a further view of the base of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 17 shows a play apparatus for a tetherball game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a base 10 for a play apparatus, e.g. a base for a tetherball game, such as Swingball®. The base 10 comprises a container 1 and a removable lid 2. The lid 2 comprises an aperture 3 located substantially in the centre of the lid 2. In use, the lid 2 is secured in place on the container 1 (as shown in FIG. 1) and a pole (not shown) may be inserted in to the aperture 3. An inner bottom surface of the container 1 comprises a receiving formation comprising a socket (not shown). The pole may extend through the aperture 3 and a first end of the pole may be received in the socket. When the play apparatus is used for a tetherball game, a ball (not shown) may be arranged to swing about the pole by means of a flexible cord (not shown) supported proximate to a second end of the pole, opposite the first end. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is applicable to any suitable play apparatus for a tetherball game and to play apparatuses other than play apparatuses for tetherball games.

FIG. 2 shows three of the containers 1 in a stacked arrangement. The main body of the container 1 comprises a bottom panel 18 and a continuous side wall 19 upstanding from the bottom panel 18. The container 1 further comprises a projection 11 which extends outwardly away from the continuous side wall 19 and extends around the circumference of the container 1. The projection 11 is located relatively close to a top edge of the continuous side wall 19. The container 1, including the bottom panel 18, the continuous side wall 19, and the projection 11 are all integrally formed as a single part, typically by any suitable plastic moulding technique.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the container 1 defines an internal volume and has an open top. The internal volume may be utilised to store other parts of the play apparatus, such as, in the example case of a tetherball apparatus for a tether tennis game, the pole in a collapsed configuration, the flexible cord and the ball, and a set of bats. The lid 2 is configured to close the opening of the container 1 such that the other parts of the tetherball game can be stored within the base 10 when not in use. The container 1 may also be utilised to receive ballast, such as water, sand, gravel, stones or rocks, in order to secure the base 10 in position when the play apparatus is in use, e.g. when the play apparatus is being used to play a tetherball game.

FIG. 3 shows three of the lids 2 in a stacked arrangement, in which the underside of the top-most lid 2 is visible. The lid 2 is generally rectangular and comprises two release tabs 22 located at diagonally opposing corners. Each release tab 22 comprises a middle portion 221 which is flanked on either side by first and second wing portions 222a, 222b. The lid 2 comprises a panel 23 and a skirt 24 which extends from the panel. As shown in FIG. 3, the lid 2 comprises an annular projection 31 extending away from the underside of the panel 23 and extending around the circumference of the aperture 3. This aids in supporting the pole of the tetherball game in use. It may also locally increase the rigidity and/or strength of the lid, which may make the lid less prone to being damaged during play.

FIG. 4 shows a close-up of the top-most lid 2 of FIG. 3 in the region of one of the release tabs 22. The skirt 24 comprises a first portion 241 and a second portion 242. The skirt 24 further comprises a plurality of struts 243 which extend between the panel 23 and the first portion 241 of the skirt 24. The struts 243 reinforce the first portion 241 of the skirt 24 against the panel 23. The second portion 242 extends from the first portion 241. The second portion 242 is thinner than the first portion 241. On an inner side of the lid 2 there is a step where the first portion 241 joins the second portion 232. The skirt 24 comprises four discrete ridges 25. Each of the ridges 25 extends along one of the four sides of the lid 2, terminating before the release tabs 22 of the lid 2. Each ridge 25 extends inwardly of the lid 2 from the second portion 242 of the skirt 24. On each of the four sides of the lid 2, a groove 21 is defined between each ridge 25 and the step where the first portion 241 joins the second portion 242. The lid 2, including the panel 23, the first and second portions 241, 242 of the skirt 24, the struts 243, and the ridge 25 are all integrally formed as a single part, typically by any suitable plastic moulding technique.

FIGS. 5a-c shows schematically a cross-sectional side view of the lid 2 and the container 1. For clarity, only the features on one side of the base 10 have been labelled. The base 10 comprises a securing means operable to releasably secure the lid 2 to the container 1. The securing means comprises a container portion comprising the projection 11, and a lid portion comprising the groove 21. As shown in FIGS. 5a-c, the second portion 242 of the skirt 24 is thinner than the first portion 241 of the skirt 24. As such, the second portion 242 is more flexible in the horizontal direction as shown in FIGS. 5a-c than the first portion 241. When a force is applied to the release tab 22 outwardly of the base 10 in the horizontal direction as shown in FIGS. 5a-c, this force is transmitted to the first portion 242 and in turn to the first portion 241. The thickness of the second portion 242 relative to the first portion 241 and the struts 243 will provide an opposing force to the force applied to the first portion 241. As such, the first portion 241 will move outwardly relative to the second portion 242.

In order to secure the lid 2 to the container 1, the lid 2 is first placed on to the container 1 such that the release tabs 22 overlap the projection 11 and the walls 25 rest on the projection 11 as shown in FIG. 5b. In this position, the release tabs 22 and the projection 11 will inhibit any lateral movement of the lid 2 relative to the container. A downward force in the vertical direction as shown in FIGS. 5a-c is then applied to the lid 2 by a user. As shown in FIGS. 5a-c, the projection 11 may comprise a chamfer. As a result of the downward force and the chamfer of the projection 11, a resulting outward force in the horizontal direction as shown in FIGS. 5a-c is exerted on the second portion 242. This moves the second portion 242 outwards, and with it the ridge 25 moves downwards and outwards. Continued application of the downward force on the lid 2 will cause the ridge 25 to continue to move downwards and outwards until the projection 11 is able to pass the ridge 25 to become seated in the groove 21. The projection 11 is then retained in the groove 21 until the lid 2 is required to be removed from the container 1.

When the lid 2 is on the container 1, the middle portion 221 of the release tab 22 is maintained at a distance from the container 1 by the first and second wing portions 222a, 222b. This provides a gap between the release tab 22 and the container 1, enclosed by the first and second wing portions 222a, 222b, which enables a user to grip the inward facing surface of the middle portion 221 of the release tab 22. In order to release the lid 2 from the container, a force is applied by a user on the inward facing surface of the middle portion 221 of the release tab 22. This force causes the first portion 241 of the skirt 24 proximate the release tab 22 to move outwardly relative to the second portion 242, and with it an end of the ridge 25 proximate the release tab 22 moves downwards and outwards. This allows a portion of the projection 11 to pass the end of the ridge 25. An upward force is then applied to the lid 2, by pulling up on the release tab 22. This causes the portion of the projection 11 to pass the end of the ridge 25. Continued upward pulling on the release tab 22 causes the remainder of the projection 11 to pass the ridge 25 until the lid can be removed from the container 1.

FIGS. 6a and 6b show schematic close-up cross-sectional side views of a portion of a corner of a lid 2′ and a portion of a corner of a container 1′ according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, an upper edge of the container 1′ comprises a lip 110 configured to be retained within a groove 21′ to provide a snap fit between the lid 2′ and the container 1′. The groove 21′ comprises a neck portion defined by first and second opposing walls 211a, 211b, and a lip-receiving portion 212. The diameter of the lip-receiving portion 212 is greater than the distance between the first and second opposing walls 211a, 211b at the neck portion. The walls 211a, 211b are resiliently biased towards each other. This biasing force is provided by the inherent resilience of the material used to form the lid 2′.

The lid 2′ comprises a release tab 22′ comprising a middle portion 221′ which is flanked on either side by first and second wing portions 222a′, 222b′. In the cross-sections of FIGS. 6a and 6b, the first wing portion 222a′ is visible. The lip 110 and the lip-receiving portion 212 extend around the periphery of the container 1′ and lid 2′, respectively, only in the region of the release tab 22′. In an alternative embodiment, the lip 110 and the lip-receiving portion 212 extend continuously around the entire periphery of the container 1′ and lid 2′ respectively.

In order to release the lid 2′ from the container 1′, a force is applied by a user on the inward facing surface of the middle portion 221′ of the release tab 22′ proximate an end 223 of the release tab 22′ that is distal from the groove 21′. This force provides a moment at the groove 21′ to overcome the biasing force between the walls 211a, 211b. This increases the distance between the first and second opposing walls 211a, 211b at the neck portion, allowing the lip 110 to pass through the neck portion and enabling the upper edge of the container 1′ to be removed from the groove 21′. To secure the lid 2′ on the container 1′, the groove 21′ and the upper edge of the container 1′ are aligned and a downward force is exerted on the lid 2′. This causes the lip 110 to force the walls 211a, 221b of the groove 21′ apart to enable the lip 110 to pass through the neck portion and be received within the lip-receiving portion 212. Once the lip 110 is fully seated in the lip-receiving portion 212, the biasing force between the walls 211a, 221b reduces the distance between the walls 211a, 221b to retain the lip 110 within the lip-receiving portion 212. The biasing force between the walls 211a, 221b is sufficient to resist lateral forces on the lid 2′ in use, in the absence of a moment being applied to the groove 21′ by means of the release tab 22′, so as to ensure the lid 2′ remains secured to the container 1′.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, the lid 2, 2′ comprises two release tabs 22, 22′ located at diagonally opposed corners of the lid. In an alternative embodiment, the lid 2, 2′ may comprise four release tabs 22, 22′, each release tab 22, 22′ being located at a different corner of the lid 2, 2′.

In another example embodiment (not illustrated), the container portion of the securing means comprises a lip formed at an upper edge of a container. A lid comprises a downwardly-facing groove defined by two opposing walls. The groove and the lip have corresponding cross-sections, with the distance between the two opposing walls being less than the diameter of the lip when the lid is not secured to the container. Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 6a and 6b, the groove 21″ does not comprise a separate neck portion and lip-receiving portion. To secure the lid on the container, the groove and the lip are aligned and a downward force is exerted on the lid, causing the lip to force the walls of the groove apart. Once the lip is fully received in the groove, the biasing force between the walls retains the lip within the groove.

FIGS. 7a and 7b shows schematically a cross-sectional end view of a base 20 for a play apparatus. The base 20 has features in common with the base 10, and like reference numerals will be used to indicate like features. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7a and 7b, the lid portion of the securing means comprises an edge 201 of the lid 2. The container portion of the securing means comprises a ledge 101 which is configured to support the edge 201 of the lid 2. FIG. 7b shows the container 1 of the base 20 of FIG. 7a, and shows the ledge 101 in more detail. The container portion of the securing means further comprises a wall 12 which is configured to inhibit lateral movement of the lid 2 in use. The ledge 101 and the wall 12 extend continuously around the periphery of the container 1. Alternatively, the ledge 101 and the wall 12 may extend discontinuously around at least a portion of the periphery of the container 1.

In some alternative embodiments, the ledge 101 does not extend continuously around the periphery of the container 1. In some alternative embodiments, the container 1 comprises two ledges 101, extending along a portion of the length of opposing internal side walls of the container 1. In some other alternative embodiments, the base 20 comprises a ledge 101 extending along a portion of the length of each of the internal side walls of the container 1. In some alternative embodiments, the wall 12 does not extend continuously around the periphery of the container 1. In some embodiments, the wall 12 may extends along three of the four sides of the container 1 to provide an opening extending along a side of the container. This may allow the lid 1 to be slid in to position from the opening and along the ledge 101 or ledges 101 extending perpendicularly to the opening.

FIG. 8a shows schematically a cross-sectional end view of a base 30 for a tetherball game according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The base 30 has features in common with the base 10, and like reference numerals will be used to indicate like features. In the embodiment of FIG. 8a, the lid portion of the securing means comprises an edge 281 of the lid 2. The container portion of the securing means comprises a groove 181 which is configured to support the edge 281 of the lid 2. FIG. 8b shows the container 1 of the base 30 of FIG. 8a, and shows the groove 181 in more detail. The groove 181 extends continuously around the periphery of the container 1, apart from at an opening along one side of the container 1. The opening is configured to receive the lid 2, such that the lid 2 can be slid along the groove 181 in to position.

The lid 2 of base 20, 30 (FIGS. 7a, 7b; 8a, 8b) comprises a handle (not shown) to facilitate easy removal of the lid 2 from the container 1. The handle allows the lid 2 of the base 20 of FIGS. 7a and 7b to be easily lifted away from the ledge 101 of the container 1. The handle allows the lid 2 of base 30 of FIGS. 8a and 8b to be slid along the groove 181 and out of the opening. The handle is integrally formed with the lid 2; however in an alternative embodiment the handle may be formed as a separate part and may be joined to the lid 2 by any suitable means.

FIG. 9 shows a further view of the base 10 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the container 1 comprises an integrally formed handle 13 arranged over a recess formed in the body of the container 1. The handle 13 allows the base 10 to be easily transported when the lid 2 is secured on the container 1, and allows the container 1 alone to be easily transported when separated from the lid 2. Although the handle 13 has been described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the handle 13 is also applicable to the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 10 shows a further view of the base 10 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 10, the underside of the container 1 and an external lower surface of the container 1 can be seen. The container 1 comprises four feet 14 projecting away from the external lower surface. Each of the four feet 14 is located in a different corner of the base 10 and is configured to contact the ground when the base 10 is in use. In an alternative embodiment, the container 1 may comprise, for example, two feet which extend along the length of opposing edges of the external lower surface.

FIG. 11 shows three of the bases 10 of FIG. 1 in a stacked configuration. As can be seen from the top-most base 10 in FIG. 11, the lid 2 comprises a recess 15 in the top of the lid 2. The recess 15 is configured to receive the feet 14 of the container 1 of another base 10 such that multiple bases 10 can be stacked as shown in FIG. 11. The recess 15 is defined by a continuous wall which inhibits movement of the feet 14 of another base 10 when multiple bases 10 are stacked. In an alternative embodiment, instead of a single recess 15 in the top of the lid 2, the lid 2 may comprise a plurality of recesses in the top of the lid 2. Each of the plurality of recesses is configured to receive one of the feet 14.

Although the feet 14 and the recess 15 have been described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the feet 14 and the recess 15 are also applicable to the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 12 shows a further view of the base 10 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 12, the base 10 comprises two side feet 16 projecting from an external side surface of the container. The side feet 16 enable the base 10 to be stored stably in an upright position with the feet 16 in contact with the ground. This may be particularly beneficial when displaying the base at a point of sale, or when storing the base in an area with limited space. Although side feet 16 have been described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the side feet 16 are also applicable to the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the lid 2 of the base 10 of FIG. 1, in which the recess 15 and the aperture 3 are visible.

FIG. 14 shows another example of a base for a play apparatus. The base 40 has features in common with the base 10, and like reference numerals will be used to indicate like features. The lid 2 of the base 40 comprises an aperture (not shown) in an upper external surface of the lid for receiving ballast, such as water, when the lid is secured to the container. This removes the need for the lid 2 to be removed should the container 1 be required to be filled with ballast. The base 40 further comprises a plug 17 configured to close the aperture. In FIG. 14, the plug 17 is shown in position closing the aperture.

As shown in FIG. 14, the lid 2 comprises an annular projection 32 extending away from the upper external surface of the lid 2 and extending around the circumference of the aperture 3. The annular projection 32 provides a locating feature for a pole of tetherball game and, in combination with the annular projection 31, provides a sleeve for aiding support of the pole in use. Although the annular projection 32 is described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 14, the annular projection 32 is also applicable to embodiments of FIGS. 1, 7 and 8.

FIG. 15 shows a close-up view of the base 40 of FIG. 14 in the region of the plug 17. As shown in FIG. 15, the plug 17 comprises a tab 171 and the lid 2 comprises a recess 23 configured to receive the tab 171. A length of the tab 171, as measured from where the tab 171 extends from the main body of the plug 17, is less than a length of the recess 23, measured in the same direction as the length of the tab 171. This provides a gap between the end of the tab 171 and the end of the recess 23. A user is able to place one of their fingers into the gap to grip the end of the tab 171 and lift the tab 171 away from the lid 2. The user can then grip the tab 171 with two or more fingers to lift the plug 17 away from the aperture. Easy removal of the plug 17 from the aperture is therefore facilitated by the provision of the gap between the end of the tab 171 and the end of the recess 23.

FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the lid 2 of the base 30 of FIG. 14, in which the plug 17 is visible. Although the aperture and the plug 17 have been described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the aperture and the plug 17 are also applicable to other embodiments, including the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a play apparatus 140 for a tetherball game. The play apparatus 140 includes the base 10. Alternatively, the base may be any other base according to the present disclosure, e.g. the base 20, the base 30 or the base 40.

A pole 148 is attached to the base 10 at a lower end. At an upper end of the pole 148, there is a head 143. In the illustrated example, the pole 148 is made up of four pole sections 141 that are screwed together at connection portions 142.

A loop 145 at an end of a cord 144 connects the cord 145 to the head 143. A ball 146 is attached to the free end of the cord 144. The ball 146 may be a sponge, rubber or plastic ball, or a tennis ball.

The play apparatus 140 may be provided with one or more bats (not shown). One or more users may use the play apparatus 140 to play a tether tennis game.

In use, the ball 146 is struck with a bat causing the cord 144 to exert torque on the pole 148. This torque is in turn transmitted to the lid of the base 10. In some implementations, this torque may be in the region of 295 Nm. The securing means of the base is therefore required to resist this torque to prevent the lid from becoming detached from the container in use. The container of the base is required to receive and contain a suitable amount of ballast, such as water or sand, to inhibit the play apparatus 140 from toppling over as a result of forces exerted on the play apparatus 140 in use.

When disassembled, the parts of the pole 148, the head 143, the cord 144, the ball 146 and, if provided, the bat(s) may be stored within the base 10.

In example implementations, the lid may be formed of a plastics material. The lid may have a minimum thickness of at least 1.5 mm. The lid may have a minimum thickness of at least 2 mm. The lid may have a minimum thickness of around 2 mm.

It will be understood that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features disclosed herein.

PLAY APPARATUS

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