System and method for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and other related components and/or a system with life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures called SURFIRE TEMPLATE

Abstract

A system for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment and related components, the system includes a life-size layout templates and a methodology for installation of foundations and other structures. The system tarp has holes at strategic locations which can be laid on the ground for marking the ground at each of the holes for foundations of the equipment and components of the equipment. For footing and foundation layouts, the required footings dimensions can be printed on life size/to scale “tarps or fabric” which can be laid out in the installation area and positioned to the exact needed use zone or placement of the site. After the position has been confirmed the footings can be cut to the appropriate footing size and excavated, giving a clean/dry work area and can be left to remain on the ground as a weed/vegetation barrier.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation a set of playground equipment ( 70 ) and for other uses in construction and installation of components called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE” comprising:
 (a) a full-size template ( 35 ) placed on a top surface ( 40 B) of a tarp ( 40 ), said tarp ( 40 ) configured with a perimeter ( 41 ) and with a predetermined length and width, the tarp having a top surface, and the tarp ( 40 ) made of durable materials; 
 (b) a series of circles ( 46 ) pre-located on the top surface ( 40 B) of the tarp ( 40 ) and each circle ( 46 ) having a center; 
 (c) a series of stakes ( 45 ) made of durable material are placed at the center of each of the series of circles ( 46 ); and 
 (d) a pre-sized flap ( 42 ) denoted by the stakes ( 45 ) for access under the top surface ( 40 B) 
 wherein the flaps ( 42 ) provide access to a ground surface below the tarp and wherein the ground surface under the flaps can be excavated to create a series of void/holes ( 44 ) for a set of foundations ( 36 ) of a pre-determined size, and wherein each of the foundations ( 36 ) of a pre-determined size can consist of a concrete mass and reinforcing bars and/or wire. 
 
     
     
         2 . A system ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of a set of playground equipment as described in  claim 1  further comprised of embedded hardware as a means for securing a series of pre-chosen playground equipment ( 70 ). 
     
     
         3 . A system ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of a set of playground equipment as described in  claim 1  wherein the durable material for the at least one tarp is selected from the group consisting of biodegradable landscape fabric, 3.2 oz UV Resistant Landscape Fabric, 3 oz Non-Woven Highly Permeable Landscape Fabric, 5 oz UV Resistant Landscape Fabric, 10 oz Burlap Fabric, Straw Erosion Control Blanket, 100% Coconut Erosion Control Blanket, Weed Control 4 Mil Black Plastic Sheeting, Weed Control 6 Mil Black Plastic Sheeting, Weed Control 6 Mil Black/White Polyethylene Sheeting, and Poly Mulch Black Polyethylene Film. 
     
     
         4 . A system ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of a set of playground equipment as described in  claim 1  wherein the durable material for the series of stakes ( 45 ) is selected from the group consisting of wood, steel alloys, rebar, plastic, reinforced plastic, and composite material. 
     
     
         5 . A system ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of a set of playground equipment as described in  claim 1  wherein the other uses is selected from the group consisting of Small homes, Landscape layouts, Pole Barns, Garages, Storage Sheds, and Layouts for trade shows, weekend town and farmer's markets. 
     
     
         6 . A system ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of a set of playground equipment as described in  claim 1  wherein the set of playground equipment ( 70 ) is selected from the group consisting of slides, swing sets, monkey bars, merry go rounds, teeter-totters, and climbing sets. 
     
     
         7 . A system ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of a set of playground equipment as described in  claim 1  further comprised of a ground cover over the tarp. 
     
     
         8 . A system ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of a set of playground equipment as described in  claim 7  wherein the ground cover of the tarp is selected from the group consisting of wood mulch, rubber pellets, shredded tires, and a unitary sheet. 
     
     
         9 . A process ( 33 ) for using the system and method ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment ( 100 ) and other related uses with components for construction and installation with life-size layout templates for installation of foundations and other structures called “SURFIRE TEMPLATE.”
 Step 1: Pick a site area size for an area for a playground and/or for other uses. 
 Step 2: Choose the playground equipment units for placement at a site area; 
 Step 3: Choose at least one tarp made of a durable material to cover the site area. 
 Step 4: Draw and design a plan for the playground equipment at the site area on the plan. 
 Step 5: Use the plan and create a layout for the playground equipment and mark the layout on the at least one tarp with a set of foundation locations; 
 Step 6: Place the at least one marked tarp onto the site area. 
 Step 7: Affix with a set of stakes made of durable material the at least one tarp to the edges of the site area and then affix stakes at each of the set of foundation locations. 
 Step 8: Cut out the foundation location, dig, place wire or steel, place fasteners and other connectors into concrete and pour a concrete mass into the foundation/pier. 
 Step 9: Wait a time for the concrete mass to dry and cure. 
 Step 10: Place the playground equipment units onto the foundation and secure the playground equipment to the foundation. 
 Step 11: Fill and cover the at least one tarp with ground cover. 
 
     
     
         10 . The process ( 33 ) for using the system and method ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment ( 100 ) and other related uses as described in  claim 9  wherein the durable material for the at least one tarp is selected from the group consisting of biodegradable landscape fabric, 3.2 oz UV Resistant Landscape Fabric, 3 oz Non-Woven Highly Permeable Landscape Fabric, 5 oz UV Resistant Landscape Fabric, 10 oz Burlap Fabric, Straw Erosion Control Blanket, 100% Coconut Erosion Control Blanket, Weed Control 4 Mil Black Plastic Sheeting, Weed Control 6 Mil Black Plastic Sheeting, Weed Control 6 Mil Black/White Polyethylene Sheeting, and Poly Mulch Black Polyethylene Film. 
     
     
         11 . The process ( 33 ) for using the system and method ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment ( 100 ) and other related uses as described in  claim 9  wherein the durable material for the series of stakes ( 45 ) is selected from the group consisting of wood, steel alloys, rebar, plastic, reinforced plastic, and composite material. 
     
     
         12 . The process ( 33 ) for using the system and method ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment ( 100 ) and other related uses as described in  claim 9  wherein the other uses is selected from the group consisting of Small homes, Landscape layouts, Pole Barns, Garages, Storage Sheds, and Layouts for trade shows, weekend town and farmer's markets. 
     
     
         13 . The process ( 33 ) for using the system and method ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment ( 100 ) and other related uses as described in  claim 9  wherein the playground equipment ( 100 ) is selected from the group consisting of slides, swing sets, monkey bars, merry go rounds, teeter-totters, and climbing sets. 
     
     
         14 . The process ( 33 ) for using the system and method ( 30 ) for assisting and improving the installation of playground equipment ( 100 ) and other related uses as described in  claim 9  wherein the ground cover of the tarp is selected from the group consisting of wood mulch, rubber pellets, shredded tires, and a unitary sheet.