I had an observation this weekend. I took kids to the "kiddie" park at our local elementary school. Built on the side of wood gym/swing/slide set (again designed for younger children), was a completely vertical rock wall. Although not very high, kids could climb it to the top. They'll reach a platform where they can walk over to the slide portion of the set. Do you not think schools, private and public parks take into consideration any possible injuries that would occur on the set? I'm sure they have some type of liability insurance to cover serious injuries.
Now back to my idea. My wall would be much shorter than what I saw at the park. It would have a slant. We could incorporate multiple ways to absolutely 100% prevent that thing from collapsing. (The suggestion above creating it like a triangle could be one safety measure. The bottom of the triangle could have a slide lock. When opened it could fold in so that the wall could collapse for carrying.) The next issue is if a toddler climbed up UNASSISTED and fell. How badly would they get hurt from a couple of feet? Much depends on how the toddler landed. The mats would help with any potential ouches.
Finally, I would much prefer helping my little one over this wall versus chasing her up the stairs 500x per day. She's mastered that skill.
Thanks again everyone for your constructive feedback.
Dario -- Where exactly do you see lawsuits? Perhaps, a careless parents would allow their toddlers climb the wall unassisted? I have a million toys that can be a potential lawsuit. If the product is designed the right way, it would absolutely be a hit with parents and their kids. Just read the comments above. The market for children's products is huge and it's disgusting how much parents spend on their kids. I am also guilty.
I also want to add that Quirky.com exists because someone took a risk on an idea that turned out to be pretty cool. I cannot imagine that the young team of quirky wants to play it safe on the winning product they choose each week. Regardless of whether or not my product is selected this week or next week, I do hope that Quirky does take chances on ideas that may be outside of their comfort level.
Alison, before kids, I had no idea how the minds of kids work and how much space their toys consume. Apparently, kids can never have too many toys. Their attention span is limited, especially the age group I'm targeting. My little guy makes me pull every ridiculous toy out of the garage so that he may or may not play with them. It's just the way it is. Winter is coming and we won't have that luxury of playing outdoors. I cannot afford continuous classes at Little Gym or Gymboree to keep them physically active. I want something in the house (other than my furniture which I don't let them climb) to keep them active, use that upper body strength, for a period of time each day. It's healthy. Yes, I agree with garish, but that is the way it goes when you have kids. I just deal with it even though I hate the clutter.
How much room do folks have for baby toys? Does the world need another huge garish plastic thing to amuse a child? How about fastening the climbing wall to the back of a couch, since the couch doesn't provide enough climbing stimulation. Or have it snap together like a triangle.
If you are going to add sides to the rock wall side, wouldn't it be best to pad them too? Climbing and slipping is a given with such newly developing agility.
As for support, why not hinge triangles on the undersides (with non skid rubber bottoms) that latch together, but fold flat on the interior. That would add stability, grip and structural strength. They wouldn't need to be huge or heavy, it's basic physics.
Wheels could also be retracted into the interior of the frame or fold up inset in the sides of the frame. Not all moms or grandmas or babysitters are strong, but are willing to play with a child. How many times have you not taken out a piece of equipment/tool because it's a hassle -> eliminate the hassle.
I agree with Tyson about the wheels - shouldn't need them. Again, moms carry babies, their baby carriers, pack n' plays, etc. so we are used to heavier objects. I regularly drag my double baby jogger up from the basement. If there is a good handle, a mom will be able move it with her super human strength.
I say Quirky produces both this item and the Widow Boxen and call it a week. My kids would love the rock wall and I would actually enjoy creating a window box with herbs & flowers.
This is a great idea. I have a 14 month-old boy who would really dig this. I like the slide-on-the-other-side idea...for both the safety and fun factors. Definitely needs to be fold out foam mats for both sides even if they are only 15-20 inches wide or so. Don't like the idea of putting wheels on it, I think the safety in stability is much more important. I would buy this product in a heartbeat at $50...any more than that, not so sure. Good luck to you Sandra!
Comments
@ Sandra
Have been following the discussion.
Still think stability/ liability is a real issue that we must be serious about. But if Fred is up to it, then go for it.
One concern is" Just go to the Toys R Us site and type in Little Tikes and there are plenty of climbing slides for preschool age children."
Are there lots of climbing slides/ rock walls or not? If there are, we add little to the mix.
Still, you got my vote. Good luck.
Triangles could fold into the frame behind each piece, fold out on a hinge and latch like a step ladder, both strong and light.
I had an observation this weekend. I took kids to the "kiddie" park at our local elementary school. Built on the side of wood gym/swing/slide set (again designed for younger children), was a completely vertical rock wall. Although not very high, kids could climb it to the top. They'll reach a platform where they can walk over to the slide portion of the set. Do you not think schools, private and public parks take into consideration any possible injuries that would occur on the set? I'm sure they have some type of liability insurance to cover serious injuries.
Now back to my idea. My wall would be much shorter than what I saw at the park. It would have a slant. We could incorporate multiple ways to absolutely 100% prevent that thing from collapsing. (The suggestion above creating it like a triangle could be one safety measure. The bottom of the triangle could have a slide lock. When opened it could fold in so that the wall could collapse for carrying.) The next issue is if a toddler climbed up UNASSISTED and fell. How badly would they get hurt from a couple of feet? Much depends on how the toddler landed. The mats would help with any potential ouches.
Finally, I would much prefer helping my little one over this wall versus chasing her up the stairs 500x per day. She's mastered that skill.
Thanks again everyone for your constructive feedback.
.
Dario -- Where exactly do you see lawsuits? Perhaps, a careless parents would allow their toddlers climb the wall unassisted? I have a million toys that can be a potential lawsuit. If the product is designed the right way, it would absolutely be a hit with parents and their kids. Just read the comments above. The market for children's products is huge and it's disgusting how much parents spend on their kids. I am also guilty.
I also want to add that Quirky.com exists because someone took a risk on an idea that turned out to be pretty cool. I cannot imagine that the young team of quirky wants to play it safe on the winning product they choose each week. Regardless of whether or not my product is selected this week or next week, I do hope that Quirky does take chances on ideas that may be outside of their comfort level.
i see lawsuits!
Alison, before kids, I had no idea how the minds of kids work and how much space their toys consume. Apparently, kids can never have too many toys. Their attention span is limited, especially the age group I'm targeting. My little guy makes me pull every ridiculous toy out of the garage so that he may or may not play with them. It's just the way it is. Winter is coming and we won't have that luxury of playing outdoors. I cannot afford continuous classes at Little Gym or Gymboree to keep them physically active. I want something in the house (other than my furniture which I don't let them climb) to keep them active, use that upper body strength, for a period of time each day. It's healthy. Yes, I agree with garish, but that is the way it goes when you have kids. I just deal with it even though I hate the clutter.
How much room do folks have for baby toys? Does the world need another huge garish plastic thing to amuse a child? How about fastening the climbing wall to the back of a couch, since the couch doesn't provide enough climbing stimulation. Or have it snap together like a triangle.
If you are going to add sides to the rock wall side, wouldn't it be best to pad them too? Climbing and slipping is a given with such newly developing agility.
As for support, why not hinge triangles on the undersides (with non skid rubber bottoms) that latch together, but fold flat on the interior. That would add stability, grip and structural strength. They wouldn't need to be huge or heavy, it's basic physics.
Wheels could also be retracted into the interior of the frame or fold up inset in the sides of the frame. Not all moms or grandmas or babysitters are strong, but are willing to play with a child. How many times have you not taken out a piece of equipment/tool because it's a hassle -> eliminate the hassle.
I agree with Tyson about the wheels - shouldn't need them. Again, moms carry babies, their baby carriers, pack n' plays, etc. so we are used to heavier objects. I regularly drag my double baby jogger up from the basement. If there is a good handle, a mom will be able move it with her super human strength.
I say Quirky produces both this item and the Widow Boxen and call it a week. My kids would love the rock wall and I would actually enjoy creating a window box with herbs & flowers.
This is a great idea. I have a 14 month-old boy who would really dig this. I like the slide-on-the-other-side idea...for both the safety and fun factors. Definitely needs to be fold out foam mats for both sides even if they are only 15-20 inches wide or so. Don't like the idea of putting wheels on it, I think the safety in stability is much more important. I would buy this product in a heartbeat at $50...any more than that, not so sure. Good luck to you Sandra!
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