FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to demountable apparatus, including a play apparatus. Specifically, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to a demountable slide, which can be used as a play slide; a demountable ladder, which can be used as a play ladder; and a gymnasium having a cable exercise mechanism associated therewith. The invention will be primarily described with reference to its use as a play and/or exercise apparatus, but it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such fields of use.

BACKGROUND ART

Demountable play apparatus is known, but usually has either a cumbersome demounting procedure, or requires rather large and multiple storage facilities (eg. one or more large storage boxes for each of the apparatus components) . This can increase assembly and disassembly time and complexity, and can also result in large storage space requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention provides a demountable slide including: a slide member; and a support frame formed from one or more components and adapted for supporting the slide member in use; wherein the slide member is adapted for storing at least one of the components therein when the slide is demounted.

When the term "slide" is used in the present specification, it is intended to include an apparatus which functions as a slide, ramp, plank, platform etc and most preferably includes a generally elongate member having opposing planar sides, which can be mounted at one end to the support frame to incline downwardly therefrom.

By employing such a demountable slide, at least one or some of the components can be stored therein to

improve the storage capability of the slide.

Preferably, the slide member is hollow and the at least one of the components is stored within the slide member. This considerably neatens and improves the storage performance and aesthetics of the slide. It is also preferred that the slide member includes a doorway for accessing the interior thereof, having a door member associated therewith for closing the doorway. Thus the slide member can be completely enclosed when component (s) are stored therein.

Preferably, the support frame components include a base and one or more support members adapted for releasable mounting to the base, each or all of which can be stored within the slide member when the slide is demounted. In this regard, it is preferred that the slide member is adapted for releasable mounting to a remote end of each support member. This adaptation of the slide member can involve interaction with a head member adapted for releasably receiving the or each remote end of the or each support member therein, the head member also being adapted for having the slide member mounted thereon. The head member can be demountable for storing within the slide member. Also, the base can be a flexible mat that can be rolled or folded for storage within the slide member. In this regard, the or each support member can be an appropriately shaped elongate pole. Thus, the support frame components can be shaped and/or fabricated such that each or all of the components can be fitted within the slide member.

Preferably, the support frame is adapted for having one or more gymnastic components (as herebelow defined) releasably mounted thereon or thereto, each or all of which may also be stored within the slide when demounted. When the term "gymnastic components" is used throughout the present specification, it is intended to include cover (s) (eg. for the support frame) , trapeze (s) , deflatable ball(s) , ring(s) , ladder(s) , (including

demountable ladder(s) as defined in the second aspect below), rope(s), net(s), handle (s) , rung(s) , rod(s) , bar(s), weight (s) , clip(s) , rattle (s) , ramp(s) , swing (s) , etc. It is known to provide collapsible ladders that are collapsed as an integral unit (eg. folded, contracted etc) . In such ladders the rungs remain integral with the stiles in the collapsing procedure.

It would be advantageous to provide a ladder which can be demounted so as to occupy minimal space when demounted. Such a ladder could prove to be advantageous in the commercial environment, particularly for use by tradesmen, providing an easy-to-carry and store apparatus. Demountability would also assist in transportation, packing and manufacture (eg. mass production of like components) . Such a ladder could also be used as an infant's or child's play and/or exercise ladder.

In a second aspect of the present invention, a demountable ladder is provided that includes: a pair of stiles; a plurality of rungs adapted for releasable mounting between the stiles; and a fastening means for acting on at least one rung so as to releasably fasten the rung between and to each stile at respective and opposing ends of the rung to form the ladder. Such a ladder lends itself to being completely and rapidly demounted and can, for example, be stored within the demountable slide as defined above with reference to the first aspect.

In one preferred form, the at least one rung has a bore formed longitudinally therethrough and wherein the fastening means includes : a fastening member that is ountable to one stile and which is capable of extending at least part-way through the bore of the at least one rung; and

a locking member that is mountable to the other stile and which is capable of extending therefrom to meet and engage the fastening member in a releasable manner to thereby releasably fasten the at least one rung between and to each stile.

Such a fastening system is easy to fabricate and easy to operate and fit to the stiles and rungs.

Preferably, the locking member engages a remote end of the fastening member in a releasable locking manner, such that displacement of the locking member or the fastening member in one direction locks the locking and fastening members together and in an opposite direction releases the locking and fastening members to enable demounting of the ladder. In this regard, it is preferred that the fastening member is a bolt having an elongate shank with an internally threaded recess at its remote end, and an opposing bolt head adapted for engaging one of the stiles; and the locking member is a screw nut having an externally threaded shank adapted for releasably engaging the fastening member internally threaded remote end, and having an opposing screw head adapted for engaging the other of the stiles. The employment of such a fastening system is simple and easy to operate and, as indicated above, can be easily fabricated.

In one embodiment, in assembly of the ladder, the fastening member extends through a bore in said one of the stiles and through the bore of the at least one rung, but the bolt head is retained on an outwardly facing side of said one stile; and the locking member extends through an opposing bore in said other of the stiles and through the bore of the at least one rung, but the screw head is retained on an opposing outwardly facing side of said other stile. In another embodiment, the fastening member can extend completely through said at least one rung to engage the locking member within the bore of said other stile. Such alternative constructions further enhance

assembly and demounting of the ladder.

In a second preferred form, it is preferred that the fastening means includes one or more fastening device pairs, the or each pair being for a respective rung, each device from each pair being locatable on a respective stile and being adapted for releasably engaging and fastening a respective end of a rung. In this regard, the or each fastening device pair can include: (i) a pair of threaded screws or bolts for engaging respective and correspondingly threaded ends of a rung; and/or (ii) flange recesses in the stiles for releasably receiving and fastening respective flanged ends of a rung therein; and/or (iii) adapted recesses in the stiles for releasably receiving and fastening respective ends of a rung in interference, friction or snap fitting arrangements.

To further enhance location of the rungs, it is preferred that the opposing remote ends of each rung are mounted respectively to the stiles at recesses formed in the stiles adapted for receiving and supporting the remote ends therein, wherein each rung is provided with a rotation stop means at at least one of its remote ends, which is adapted for engaging a respective stile in such a manner that when the ladder is assembled the rung is prevented from rotation in its mounting to the respective stiles. In this regard, the rotation stop means can be a notch provided in the remote end of the rung which is adapted for receiving a projection arranged on the stile at the mounting location of the rung. For complete stability of every rung in the ladder, each remote end of each rung can have said notch formed therein for engaging a lug projection formed in each of the respective recesses of each stile, such that when the ladder is assembled, each rung is prevented from rotation at its mounting to each stile.

In one preferred configuration and for reasons of economy, two rungs at or adjacent to opposing ends of the assembled ladder can include the fastening means.

- 6 -

In gymnasiums, especially play gymnasiums, including ropes or cables (usually pulled on pulleys) , there is a risk that ropes can be snagged, or users' limbs, fingers, toes etc can become entangled with the cables or ropes etc.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a gymnasium including a base, a hollow upper member remote from the base, at least one member extending between and adapted for connecting the base and the upper member and for supporting the upper member above the base, and at least one cable means extendible from and slidable within the hollow upper member, the cable means having a first end that exits the upper member at a first exit, and a second opposing end that exits the upper member at a second exit .

When the term "cable means" is used in the present specification, it includes ropes, cables, strings, straps, cords, strands, chains, wires, lines, bands, links, tapes, ribbons etc. Thus, the travel and movement of the cable means can be regulated in the upper member to eliminate or ameliorate snagging.

Preferably, the first end of the cable means is releasably attachable to the at least one member and optionally has a weight attached thereto. Such a weight can maintain tautness in the cable means to assist in preventing it from coiling or looping around a user's limbs, peripheries etc.

Preferably, the at least one member is hollow and is mounted to the upper member at the first exit such that the first end of the cable means is received for displacement within the at least one member. Thus, the cable means can be further concealed to prevent any catching or engagement therewith. In one preferred form of the third aspect, the at least one member can have an opening formed therein such that the first end can be accessed and drawn from within the at least one member through the opening for

releasable attachment to the exterior of the at least one member. In this regard, it is preferred that an attachment device is attached to the first end of the cable means and includes a pair of opposing arms having internally projecting lugs extending therefrom, the arms being adapted for straddling the at least one member and the lugs being adapted for interacting with respective receipt means formed externally in the at least one member for releasably attaching and/or facilitating sliding of the attachment device on the at least one member. Also, it is preferred that the receipt means is a pair of opposing channels longitudinally extending along a portion of the at least one member, each adapted for slidingly receiving and/or having fastened therein a respective lug. Thus, the travel and tension of the cable means can be regulated by regulating the position of the attachment device and its interaction with the at least one member.

In an alternative form of the third aspect of the invention, an engagement device is attached to the first end of the cable means for sliding within the at least one member, the engagement device being adapted for releasable fastening within and to the at least one member. In this regard, the engagement device preferably includes a mass fastened to the first end of the cable means that includes a recess formed therein which is alignable with one or more holes formed in the at least one member, and a pin having a shank receivable and engageable in or integral with the recess and which in use is adapted for being inserted through and/or engaging with a preselected hole when the recess is aligned therewith for releasably attaching the mass to the at least one member.

In this alternative form, the weighted end of the cable means is completely enclosed to further prevent any risk of inadvertent injury and to provide an aesthetically pleasing, functional and easy-to-operate apparatus.

As an addition to locking or fastening in the at least one member itself, either or both of the first and second exits can have a locking device associated therewith for selectively locking the cable means thereat to prevent sliding of the cable means through the upper member. Thus, the travel and sliding of the cable means can be further regulated.

Preferably, guide surfaces are formed or provided within the hollow interior of the upper member to facilitate sliding of the cable means therewithin between the first and second exits. Thus, the travel of the cable device through the upper member can be carefully regulated to prevent any snagging therein. The second end of the cable means can be adapted for having gymnastic components (as hereabove defined) attached thereto. Also, a plurality of members can extend between the base and upper member, and each can be releasably mountable to each of the base and upper members.

In a further preferred form, two or. more cable means can be provided, the first end of each of which is engageable with a respective member and the second end of each of which hangs freely from the upper member. By using two or more cable means, various devices such as trapezes, swings and other types of gymnastic components can be attached to the cable means for use with the gymnasium.

Preferably, the gymnasium is demountable to the extent that various or all of the components can be stored within the demountable slide of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show respectively underside plan, side and plan views of a slide member according to a preferred form of the invention;

Figures 4 and 5 show respectively plan and side elevations of a preferred gymnasium according to one form of the invention;

Figures 6 and 7 show similar views to Figures 4 and 5 respectively, however with a cover applied to the gymnasium;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of an alternative base for use in the gymnasium shown in Figures 4 to 7;

Figures 9 and 10 show respectively two alternative means of demounting the upper member of the gymnasium shown in Figures 4 to 7;

Figures 11 to 14 show respectively underside plan, plan, end and side views of one form of an upper member for use in the gymnasium of Figures 4 to 7; Figures 15 and 16 show respectively front and side elevations of an assembled demountable ladder according to a preferred form of the invention;

Figure 17 shows similar views to Figure 16, however without a covering plate; Figure 18 shows a disassembled view of the ladder of

Figures 15 and 16;

Figure 19 shows a plan detail view of the gymnasium of Figure 5;

Figure 20 shows an enlarged detail taken on the line 20-20 of Figure 19;

Figure 21 shows a detail of one form of rope attachment means according to a preferred form of the invention;

Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view taken on the line 22-22 of Figure 21;

Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view taken on the line 23-23 of Figure 20;

Figure 24 shows a detail of an attachment system for gymnastic components for use with the gymnasium shown in Figures 4 to 7;

Figure 25 shows a cross-sectional view taken on the line 25-25 of Figure 24;

Figure 26 shows a front elevation of a ring as shown

in Figure 24 ;

Figure 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the ring of Figure 26 taken on the line 27-27 of Figure 26;

Figure 28 shows a side elevation detail of another preferred stile for use in the ladder of Figures 15 to 18;

Figure 29 shows a sectional elevation, taken on the line 29-29, through the stile of Figure 28; and

Figure 30 shows a sectional plan elevation, taken on the line 30-30, through the stile of Figure 28.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a demountable slide in the form of a ramp box (30) having a hollow interior (32) (for storage of various components as herebelow described) is shown. The hollow interior can be accessed by openable or removable door (34), which can be hingedly mounted to the ramp box and locked by a doorlock (36) (having a slot formed therein for operation via a screwdriver, coin, key etc) . It is preferred that the door is flush mounted to the ramp box so that there is no risk of injury to a user through sliding or other contact therewith.

The ramp box is reversible (ie. can be used on both sides) . One side of the ramp box is formed as a platform or ramp (38) (typically with a non-slip surface formed thereon, eg. for infant climbing, walking etc) . The other opposite side of the ramp box is provided with a slide surface (40) (typically a slippery surface for infant sliding) and the slide surface is bound by opposing ridges (41) arranged to provide a guideway for an infant sliding down slide surface (40) .

Opposing ends of the ramp box are each provided with moulded pins (42, 43) for mounting and attaching the ramp box at either end thereof and in various orientations to the gymnasium, ladder etc (as herebelow described) .

As will also be appreciated from the description below, the ramp box is configured such that at least one or some of the components, (and preferably all of the

- 11 - components) , which are used to provide the support frame for the ramp box (ie. when used as a slide or climbing ramp) can be stored within the hollow interior (32) .

Referring to Figures 4 to 7, a gymnasium, preferably an infant or baby gymnasium is shown in the form of a play unit (50) . The play unit includes a base in the form of a generally square flexible mat (52) , which can be rolled or folded (eg. for storage in ramp box (30)) . The flexible mat can be formed from canvas, polymer or other material and can be optionally padded or formed from an absorptive material, which is particularly suitable when used with infants and babies.

A plurality of square-sectioned poles (54) are mountedly received on the mat (52) and extend upwardly therefrom towards an upper member in the form of platform (56) . The mat is provided with respective sockets (57) for receiving ends of respective poles, and the sockets can be moulded integrally with or fastened onto the mat, and may be formed from canvas, polymeric (eg. rubber) material etc. Because of the configuration of the mat it provides structural integrity to the assembled form of the play unit, preventing outward splaying or displacement of the base of the poles (52) , thus bracing and stabilising the play unit. At the same time it can be easily and rapidly rolled and/or folded for storage.

The mat is provided with straps (58) for receiving and stabilising the lowermost rung of a ladder (such as a ladder shown in Figures 15 through to 18) . The mat is also provided with sleeves (59) for receiving the lowermost rungs or clips of a rope ladder (not shown) , which can be arranged at the opening between adjacent poles (54) , for providing a climbing net or ladder for an infant etc.

The platform (56) is provided with recesses (60) formed in an underside surface thereof, for receiving the opposite respective ends of the poles (54) (eg. in a snap fit, interference fit, loose fit etc) . The platform is provided with a pair of opposing handles (62) to

facilitate gripping and climbing on the platform by a user. Preferably, the handles are covered with or formed from a non-slip material (eg. a synthetic foam or polymer etc) . The platform also has a pair of curved receiving lugs (64) formed on opposing sides thereof, one pair being suitable for receiving an upper rung of a ladder therein for example, (such as the ladder shown in Figures 15 through to 18) , and the other pair being suitable for receiving, for example, a slide, or walkway, such as the ramp box with pins as shown in Figures 1 to 3. In this regard, either pins (42) or pins (43) could be arranged in the curved receiving lug (64) (eg. in a snap fit, interference fit, loose fit or other arrangement) . In Figures 6 and 7, the play unit is shown enclosed by a cover (72) (eg. formed from cotton, canvas, plastic material etc) . The cover can be provided with one or more windows (74) for allowing light therein and allowing a user to look outwardly from the play unit. Also, a closeable doorway (76) can be provided for allowing entrance to and exit from the enclosed space within the cover. Attachment of the cover to the play unit is facilitated by an elastic ring (77) extending around the upper end of the cover. The lower end of the cover can be tie-fastened to the mat using rope or string ties

(78) , by passing and tying them through holes (80) (see

Figure 4) to tie the lower ends of the cover to mat (52) .

This tying also causes the mat (52) to be turned up at its corners (as shown in Figures 6 and 7) . By employing such a cover, the play unit can be transformed into a cubby-house or completely different type of play or exercise unit.

Referring to Figure 8, an alternative base for the play unit is shown in the form of a strap system (84) , formed or defined by four straps (85, 86) . The straps can either be separately attached to each other or formed as an integral and continuous perimeter strap. The straps define a hole in central region (88) which would

then be constituted by the surface on which the play unit is placed (eg. grass, carpet etc) . The remaining features of the strap system are similar to the mat as shown in Figure 4. The strap system (84) requires less material to form the base, and also the base can be rolled or folded to occupy less space (eg. when stored in ramp box (30) ) . At the same time structural support and integrity are not compromised.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, two alternative forms of demounting the platform (56) are shown. In Figure 9, the handles (62) can be releasably detached from a support (89) via a pin fastening system as shown. In Figure 10, the handles (62) and respective coupling portions (90) can be detachable from a body portion (92) via a socket-type fastening system as shown. In either case, demounting of the platform also enables it to be easily stored (for example in ramp box (30) ) . Also by having such a demountable system, manufacturing of the moulds for the platform (56) can be simplified. The storage capabilities of the play unit are facilitated by its ease of demountability, and by the configuration and dimensioning of the various components that make up the play unit. In addition, the assembly and disassembly procedures of the play unit provide both intellectual and motor-coordination development and enhancing tasks for the infant user of the play unit, adding to the enjoyment and educational benefits thereof.

Referring to Figures 11 to 14, platform (56) is shown in greater detail. The platform includes a flat upper planar surface (94) , which can be formed from or covered with a non-slip surface (eg. from a synthetic foam or polymer etc) . In Figure 11, an underside view of the platform (56) is showi.. Recesses (60) can now be clearly seen formed in the underside surface of the platform and it can be seen that the recesses are adapted for receiving square sectioned poles therein. (Of course other cross-sectional-type poles can be used, but square- sectional poles have the advantage of enabling close

packing when stored (eg. when stored in ramp box (30)) .

The recesses open onto a hollow interior (95) (see Figure 20) , thus enabling communication between the platform interior and, for example, the interior of each of the poles (ie. when the poles are hollow) . A shallow cavity (96) is formed in the underside of the platform (see also Figure 20) , and a bridge or raised portion (98) extends thereover or divides the cavity. An exit hole (100) (eg. for a cord or rope (66) to pass therethrough) is provided, and locking means (eg. such as a camera- aperture-type closure system) can be provided at the exit hole (100) to releasably fasten the cord or rope at various positions. Flute passages (102) communicate with exit hole (100) and extend outwardly along bridge (98) . Cord or rope can travel within these flute passages from, for example, guide hole (104) located at the end of recess (60) . Thus cord can pass from the interior of a pole fitted in this recess, through guide hole (104) , into a flute passage (102) to exit from exit hole (100) . Each flute passage is provided with a ring or pin (106) at an end thereof for hanging other cords, gymnastic components (as hereabove defined) , etc therefrom. Such a ring or pin can be removed to reveal a further hole to provide an alternative rope or cord exit . The various components of the platform can be formed from plastic (or metal where appropriate) and can be moulded, extruded, blow-moulded, rotation moulded etc.

Referring to Figures 15 to 18, one form of a demountable ladder (110) is shown. Figure 15 shows the ladder in the assembled position, whereas Figure 18 shows the ladder in the disassembled position. The ladder includes left stile (112) , right stile (114) , and rungs (116, 118) , which all combine to define the ladder.

Each rung end is received in a respective socket (120) formed in each stile to produce the ladder as shown in Figure 15. The rungs can then be releasably fastened in their sockets in various manners to produce a demountable (or easy to disassemble) ladder.

Each socket is provided with an upstanding spigot (122) which engages a notch (124) in the end of rungs 116, 118 (see in particular rung end profile A) . The engagement of notch (124) with spigot (122) prevents rotation of the rung in the socket when the ladder is assembled. This stabilises the ladder for climbing thereon in use.

Each rung can be fastened to the stile using an elongate pin (126) and screw (130) arrangement (as best shown in profile B) . In Figure 15, two such elongate pin/screw arrangements are shown for releasably assembling the ladder together.

Elongate pin (126) includes a flat enlarged head (127) having a longitudinal shank (128) extending therefrom. The shank (128) is provided with an internally threaded end portion (129) . Screw (130) has a threaded shank (132) extending from a flat enlarged head

(134) . The threaded shank (132) is received in end portion (129) in a screw fastening engagement. To assemble the ladder, the rungs are located in respective sockets, with spigots positioned in respective notches, and the or each pin is then passed through a reduced diameter bore (136) in socket (120) of right stile (114) . In doing so, the pin then passes through a specially formed hollow bore (138) in rung (118) (ie. which differentiates this rung from rung (116) which can also be hollow, but without having a guiding bore formed therein. Alternatively, rung (116, 118) can be identical for ease of manufacture) . The pin then passes through the other end of the rung, extending partially into a second reduced diameter bore (140) , formed in socket (120) of left stile (112) . The screw (130) is then passed into second reduced diameter bore (140) until shank (132) is engaged within end portion (129) , and is screwed tightly therein. Each of the enlarged heads

(127, 134) are retained at their respective stile outer faces (as shown in Figure 15) . Each enlarged head can be provided with a slot (141) formed therein for engagement

by a screwdriver, key, coin etc for tightening and releasing each of the pins and screws when assembling and demounting the ladder.

Rather than employing an elongate pin (126) , each rung can be provided with respective threaded sockets at its ends for receiving a pair of opposing screws (130) . Alternatively, each end of each rung can be snap fit, frictionally fit to the stiles, or have a threaded end engageable with an internally threaded socket (ie. so that opposing sockets for each rung have opposite threads, whereby rotation in one direction of the rung causes the stiles to be drawn together and rotation in the opposite direction causes the stiles to be displaced apart) . Figure 16 shows a side view of stile (114) , where an appropriately shaped infill strip (142) has been fitted and then held in place by enlarged heads (127) of pins (126) . Figure 17, on the other hand, shows both left and right stiles (112, 114) , but with the infill strips removed. In Figure 18, the in-use inside faces of left and right stiles (112, 114) are shown, to clearly show the sockets.

In addition, each stile has a plurality of slots (144) , for receiving other components (eg. gymnastic components) thereon or therein. For example, the pins (42, 43) of ramp box (30) can be arranged on the ladder, so that the ladder functions (a) as a support frame for the ramp box, (b) as part of a support frame, in conjunction with the play unit (50) (as shown in Figures 4 to 7), or (c) as an addition to the play unit. Also, by using such a slot system, rungs having enlarged heads at opposing ends thereof can be slotted into opposing stiles to fasten the stiles together (eg. by slotting the rungs through slots (144) and then rotating the rungs in the slots into a locking position) .

The slots 144 can be positioned on both sides of the stile (ie. as shown in Figure 18) so that the ladder can be used on both sides with such gymnastic components.

Each stile is also provided with opposing safety lugs (146) . Thus, for example, when the ladder is mounted on play unit (50) so that the upper rung (116) rides or rests in a pair of the curved receiving lugs (64) , the safety lugs (146) engage the underside of the curved receiving lugs (64) to prevent the ladder from inadvertently being bumped or knocked off the play unit (50) .

Referring to Figures 28 to 30, where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, an alternative stile 112' (114') includes reinforcing webbing, namely, cross webs 147 joined by longitudinal web 148. Safety lug 146 is integral with the longitudinal web 147 as shown. Various sockets 120 are each provided with an inwardly projecting circular bush 149 for engaging within an appropriately hollowed end of a respective rung 116, 118 when fitted to the stile.

Figure 30 also clearly shows that the stile has a U- shaped cross-section. Such an arrangement obviates the need for employing an infill strip 142, and the pin and screw heads 127, 134 can thereby sit flat against the stile (ie. as shown in dotted outline in Figure 30) .

The stiles and rungs are shown as round ended or rounded and other appropriately shaped cross-sectioned rungs and stiles can be employed. The left and right stiles can be identical and reversible so that only one manufacturing sequence (eg. a single mould or tool etc) is required for production of both stiles. In addition, the stiles and/or rungs can be telescopically extendible or contractible, and can be joined to like or similar stiles to extend the ladder. Thus, the ladder can be modular, whilst at the same time being fully demountable. When demounted, the ladder can also, for example, be stored in the ramp box (30) . Such demountability also enhances the transportability of the ladder, and such a ladder could be carried, for example, on a tradesman's or handyman's back, in a box or easily stored in vehicles for travel, shipping etc.

Referring to Figures 20 to 23, alternative cable means configurations for use with the gymnasium of Figures 4 to 14 are shown. It should be appreciated that these alternative cable means configurations are also demountable, for example, for storage in ramp box (30) . Also, like reference numerals have been used to denote like or similar part to the gymnasium as shown in Figures 4 to 14.

Referring to Figure 20, cable means in the form of weighted rope (150) , and second rope (152) is shown. The rope (150) extends through pole (54) and platform (56) as indicated. The rope (150) has a weighted block (154) attached to one end thereof . The weighted block has an aperture (156) formed therein for releasably receiving pin (158) (eg. in any type of releasable fastening or inter-engagement, such as interference fit, threaded fit, friction fit, loose fit etc) . The aperture can be aligned with a series of holes (160) arranged along pole (54) at predetermined positions and the pin then loaded and fastened therein by poking of its shank through hole (160) and into the aperture. The pin has an enlarged head which prevents it from passing through the hole.

Alternatively, the pin can be fastened to or integral with the weighted block, and the hole can be sized such that the pin head and shank pass therethrough, but once passed therethrough, the rope cannot then be pulled upwardly or released downwardly until the pin is pushed back through hole (160) . Such an effect could also be achieved through spring-loaded pins extending from the weighted block, through ball detents etc.

The rope (150) then passes through pole end opening (162) and then through hole (104) of recess (60) (see Figure 11) . The rope (150) passes over the rounded interior portion of the recess (60) and is then guided by guide surfaces (164) (in part defined by the formation of shallow cavity (96) ) . The rope continues through the interior space (95) of the platform, exiting at a second remote hole (100') (similar to hole (100)) . As described

above, hole (100') can also be provided with a locking or fastening arrangement.

In a similar manner, second rope (152) can be provided with a weighted block etc within pole (54') . The rope (152) exits the pole (54') , passing through recess hole (104') , and is then guided in a similar manner to rope (150) so as to exit through hole (100") (similar to hole (100) in Figure 11) . Hole (100") can be provided with a closeable/releasable aperture (166) (as described above) . Various gymnastic components, including trapezes, bars, balls etc (and as defined above) , can be attached to the free ends of ropes (150, 152) as appropriate (see in particular Figures 5 and 24 to 27) . Figure 23 shows a view taken on the line 23-23, indicating how the rope (150) is looped around weighted block (154) .

Figures 21 and 22 show alternative weight and rope attachment mechanisms. In Figure 21, the other end of rope (150) or (152) exits pole (54) at an enlarged aperture (170) formed in the pole. A clip (172)

(optionally larger than aperture (170) and optionally weighted) is attached to the rope via pivotable hinge hook (173) . The hinge hook is pivotally mounted to the rear of the clip (172), and has a pair of arms (174) extending therefrom which straddle pole (54) . Each arm has an inwardly projecting lug (176) which is received in a respective groove (178) formed (eg. moulded) in pole (54) . The lugs can be releasably fastened in the groove at various points (eg. through ball detents, spring pins, friction fit or other types of arrangements) .

The rope configurations shown in Figures 20 through to 23 provide for smooth transition and ease of locking/fastening of ropes, cables etc used with the play unit of Figures 4 to 7 at different positions. Many of the components can be formed from plastics and moulded, injection moulded, extrusion moulded etc. However, the weights are typically formed from a metal material and

the clip is typically formed from a durable but resilient material .

Referring to Figures 24 to 27, a mechanism for attaching various gymnastic components (as hereabove defined) to the free ends of ropes (66, 150, 152) is shown in the form of a hooking configuration (180) . The hooking configuration includes spring clip (182) , which is attached to the free end of the rope via loop (183) formed using a clamp (184) around the rope. A triangular ring (186) (or other) can then be hooked into the spring clip, and the free ends (187) of the triangular ring can be positioned within holes (188) of bar (190) . Only half of the bar (190) is shown in Figure (24) , and an identical (or different) arrangement can be employed at the other end of the bar. Thus, the bar can form a swing, trapeze etc as appropriate. A releasable gripping ring or handle (192) can be fitted to the bar (eg. by a snap fitting, snap locking, interference fitting etc, of the bar (190)) in recess (194) . of the ring. Alternatively, the ring can be circular and can rotate around the bar in a free manner. Other gymnastic components can equally be attached to the spring clip (182) as understood (see eg. Figure 5) .

Once again, all of the components can be formed from plastics or metals material, with hardwearing components, or components having large stresses imposed thereon, typically being formed from metal materials or strong and/or tough plastic materials. Springs and clips are typically formed from metal material due to its long life, resilience etc.

The apparatus shown in Figures 24 to 27 can also be demountable, for example, for storage within ramp box (30) .

In one advantageous embodiment, all of the apparatus described in Figures 4 through 26 can be stored within ramp box (30) to considerably reduce storage space requirements and to improve transportation, packaging etc of the apparatus as a whole.

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In an alternative form, all but the platform (56) can be stored within the ramp box (30) , and once again, advantageous space saving and transportation results are derived. Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.