Help on a future play gym? :D

[Broomer]

Hello all, just wanted some input on a playstand that I've designed on photoshop. Some of the parts I have a feeling I'll have to special order, but all in all I do believe it's workable.

The main part in question is the 5-way PVC connector seen here, but I haven't tapped into all my resources yet, so I'm sure i'll find them:



My main question is when designing the Sphere/Atom/Hoopball ... thing (hehe) is what size connector to what size PVC tubing do you use if you're wrapping the tubing in poly-cord. I've seen the DIY on the Hoopball:

The Hoopball...A DIY Project

And I can't seem to figure out if you need to use larger connectors to go around the poly-cord wrapped tubing?

I plan on using the flexible PVC tubing instead of hulahoops for a sturdier Sphere.

Here is my design so far, any suggestions would be welcome! Also, we plan on adding a Boing above it for Loki's swinging pleasure, since the Sphere is stationary.

(I hope it makes sense, it does to me, but I know I can be a bit .. "out there" )

[Addicted to Tequila]

I think you wrap it after assembly... so the same size connectors would work. But then again... I have never built one.

[Broomer]

Not if you look at the DIY Hoopball, they show that the hoops are wrapped pre-assembly. so that the ropes are snug into the connectors.

[sugarbeth]

I would worry about where the sphere contacts the outer frame - it looks like maybe a bird could get trapped in there where the space narrows?

[Broomer]

Hmm, ok, made a few changes to the top and bottom, the only place where I would be worried. The only other places where the pipes are close to the sphere are all under the side pipes, so unless he defies gravity He'll be fine.

I made the top and bottom support struts 3 inches, rather then 1.3 inches that it was:

[Broomer]

Oh my, just did the math on what supplies i'll need for ths project:

Connectors: 36

Angled-3 way: 6
Seen Here

Angled-4 way: 10
Seen Here

5-Way connectors: 6 (all for hoop)
Seen Here

90 Degree elbow: 2
Seen Here

3-Way Tee joint: 12
Seen Here

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PVC Piping: (not including front bar for net)
67 feet of PVC piping ... YIKES! (rounded up to 70 for mistakes ... though i'll probably end up needing 80 )

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Flexible PVC: (hoops are 25.3 inches in Diameter)

20 Feet (6.667 feet per hoop)

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3/8 inch poly rope - 25 foot lengths: 6

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Vet wrap: oodles. (new measurement standard )