U.S. patent application number 11/433925 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for inflatable slide and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wham-O Incorporated. Invention is credited to Albert Fan, Geoffrey A. McKee, Bruce Peter Popek, Eileen Megan Sefchick.
Application Number | 20070167246 11/433925 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38263897 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070167246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKee; Geoffrey A. ; et
al. |
July 19, 2007 |
Inflatable slide and method
Abstract
A method for assembling an inflatable slide which is furnished
with water to facilitate sliding of a person's body along a plastic
and/or fabric substrate. A method for providing water for
recreational purposes. An inflatable slide having a slide section
and a climb section.
Inventors: |
McKee; Geoffrey A.; (San
Carlos, CA) ; Sefchick; Eileen Megan; (Fremont,
CA) ; Fan; Albert; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Popek; Bruce Peter; (South Windsor, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John W. Carpenter Esq
Suite 707
405 Davis Ct.
San Francisco
CA
94111
US
|
Assignee: |
Wham-O Incorporated
Emeryville
CA
|
Family ID: |
38263897 |
Appl. No.: |
11/433925 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60755830 |
Jan 3, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
472/116 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 21/18 20130101;
A63G 31/007 20130101; A63G 31/12 20130101; A63G 21/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/116 |
International
Class: |
A63G 21/00 20060101
A63G021/00 |
Claims
1. A slide assembly comprising: an inflated structure defining a
tunnel, a climb section and a slide section; and a slide mat
passing through said tunnel.
2. The slide assembly of claim 1 additionally comprising a means
for dispersing water onto said slide mat.
3. The slide assembly of claim 1 additionally comprising a means
for dispersing water onto said slide section of said inflated
structure.
4. The slide assembly of claim 2 wherein said means for dispersing
water comprises a tubing assembly at least partially extending
through said tunnel.
5. The slide assembly of claim 3 wherein said means for dispersing
water onto said slide section comprises a tubing assembly.
6. The slide assembly of claim 5 wherein said tubing assembly
extends through an expanded arch of said inflated structure and is
supported by the expanded arch for dispersing water for subsequent
flowing down said slide section.
7. The slide assembly of claim 1 wherein said slide mat is
integrally secured to said inflated structure.
8. The slide assembly of claim 7 wherein at least a portion of said
integrally secured slide mat pneumatically communicates with said
inflated structure such that at least a portion of said slide mate
inflates as said inflated structure inflates.
9. A method for providing water for recreational purposes,
comprising: inflating a deflated slide assembly into an inflated
structure defining a tunnel, a climb section and a slide section;
disposing a slide mat through said tunnel; and dispersing water
onto said slide mat.
10. The method of claim 9 additionally comprising dispersing water
for flowing down the slide section of the inflated structure.
11. A method for assembling a slide assembly, comprising: providing
a deflated slide assembly; engaging a blower to an opening in the
deflated slide assembly; activating the blower for inflating the
deflated slide assembly into an inflated structure defining a
tunnel, a climb section and a slide section, and disposing a slide
mat through the tunnel.
12. The method of claim 11 additionally comprising connecting a
water hose to a tubing assembly supported by the inflated
structure; introducing water through the water hose and into the
tubing assembly for dispersing water onto the slide mat.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is related to Provisional Patent
Application having application No. 60/755830, filed Jan. 3, 2006,
and fully incorporated herein by reference thereto as if repeated
verbatim immediately herein. Benefit of the Jan. 3, 2006 filing
date for the Provisional Patent Application is claimed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention broadly relates in general to an
inflatable slide and method. More specifically, embodiments of the
present invention relate to an inflatable water slide, a method for
assembling an inflatable water slide, and a method for providing
water for recreational purposes.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] Numerous conventional water slides are available. However,
conventional water slides do not provide the feature of being
inflatable in combination with providing the feature of a slide mat
for sliding along with a support surface.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a slide
assembly comprising: an inflated structure defining a tunnel, a
climb section and a slide section, and a slide mat passing through
the tunnel. The slide mat may be detached from the inflated
structure or the slide mat may be integrally secured to the
inflated structure. The slide assembly additionally comprises a
means for dispersing water (e.g., a hose assembly) onto the slide
mat.
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method
for assembling an inflatable slide. The method comprises providing
a deflated slide assembly, engaging a blower to an opening in the
deflated slide assembly, activating the blower for inflating the
deflated slide assembly into an inflated structure defining a
tunnel, a climb section and a slide section, and disposing a slide
mat through the tunnel. The method additionally comprises
connecting a water hose to a tubing assembly supported by the
inflated structure, and introducing water through the water hose
and into the tubing assembly for dispersing water onto the slide
mat.
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for
providing water for recreational purposes. The method comprises
inflating a deflated slide assembly into an inflated structure
defining a tunnel, a climb section and a slide section, disposing a
slide mat through the tunnel, and dispersing water onto the slide
mat. The method additionally comprises dispersing water for flowing
down the slide section of the inflated structure.
[0009] These provisions, together with the various ancillary
provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled
in the art as the following description proceeds, are attained by
the apparatuses and methods of the present invention, preferred
embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying
drawings, by way of example only, wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the slide
assembly after inflation.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
slide assembly after inflation.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
slide assembly after inflation.
[0013] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
slide assembly after inflation, wherein the slip 'N slide section
is detached from the body of the slide assembly.
[0014] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the slip 'N slide section
removed from underneath of the body of the slide assembly.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the slide
assembly, with the body of the slide assembly resting on the
separate slip 'N slide section of FIG. 4B and with the tunnel hose
in position for placing water on the slip 'N slide section.
[0016] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of an embodiment of the
slide assembly after inflation.
[0017] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of an embodiment of the
slide assembly after inflation.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the coupling
assembly.
[0019] FIG. 9 is another enlarged perspective view of the coupling
assembly.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the coupling assembly.
[0021] FIG. 11 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of the
slide assembly after being inflated and showing the slide
section.
[0022] FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of the
slide assembly after being inflated and showing the climb or ladder
section.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the
slide assembly after being inflated and showing the slide hose and
an end of the tunnel hose.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a side of the slide
assembly opposed to the side of FIG. 13.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the slide
assembly after being inflated and showing the top of the tunnel
hose extending along a side wall of the slide substrate.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the slide
assembly after being inflated and showing the bottom of the slide
substrate.
[0027] FIG. 17 is another perspective view of an embodiment of the
slide assembly after inflation.
[0028] FIG. 18 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of the
slide assembly after being inflated and showing the slide
section.
[0029] FIG. 19 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of the
slide assembly after being inflated and showing the climb or ladder
section.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the
slide assembly after being inflated and showing the slide hose and
an end of the tunnel hose.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a side of the slide
assembly opposed to the side of FIG. 20.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the slide
assembly after being inflated and showing the top of the tunnel
hose extending along a side wall of the slide substrate.
[0033] FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the slide
assembly after being inflated and showing the bottom of the slide
substrate.
[0034] FIG. 24 is another perspective view of an embodiment of the
slide assembly after inflation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0035] In the description herein for embodiments of the present
invention, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples
of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding
of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the
relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the
invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific
details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods,
components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances,
well-known structures, materials, or operations are not
specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring
aspects of embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] Referring in detail now to the drawings, there is seen for
various embodiments of the invention, a slide assembly 10 generally
comprising a generally hollow collapsible member which is
inflatable from a collapsed posture into an expanded posture. The
slide assembly 10 (e.g., the expanded embodiment of the slide
assembly 10) comprises a base 13 supporting a climb or ladder
section 12, a slide section 14, a platform section 16, and a pool
section 18. The base 13 includes a pair of upstanding opposed base
side walls 15 and 17. Base side wall 17 is formed with opening 410
to which an air hose 230 may connect, preferably integrally
connects. Air hose 230 connects to a blower/compressor 500 for
causing air to flow through the air hose 230 and into the collapsed
slide assembly 10 for inflating the same into an upright posture.
Preferably, the blower 500 continually blows air into the inflated
slide assembly 10 to compensate of air losses. Base side wall 17
also includes an openable/closable opening 400 for deflating the
inflated slide assembly 10 back into a collapsed posture. The
opening 400, as best shown in FIGS. 17, 19 and 22 may be defined by
a plastic and/or fabric tube, integrally connected to opening, and
tied close by a suitable string 710. Conveniently disposed around
the perimeter of the base 13 are pouches or bags 300 which may be
filled with any suitable "weighty" matter (e.g., water) to add
weight and stability to the slide assembly 10 when inflated. The
bags 300 have a sealable opening (not shown) through which weighty
matter (water) may be poured to fill the bags 300. The slide
assembly 10, including the air hose 230, may be manufactured from
any suitable material. Preferably, the slide assembly 10, including
air hose 230, comprises a fabric (e.g., a fabric formed from a
polyester, or polyester and oxford, material) covered by a plastic
layer (e.g., a PVC layer, or any other suitable plastic material,
such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like).
[0037] The climb section 12 provides a section for a person to
climb to the platform section 16. From the platform section 16, a
person may slide down a portion of the slide section 16 for landing
in water contained in the pool section 18. The sliding procedure is
facilitated by water flowing down a ramp of the slide section 16.
The slide assembly 10 also comprises a tunnel assembly 20, and may
be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, by way of
example only, a plastic and/or fabric (e.g., polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyester oxford with PVC coated, etc).
[0038] Climb section 12 is bordered by side walls 22 and 24
supported by base side walls 15 and 17 respectively. Climb section
12 includes a climb platform 26 and a climb ramp 28 having recesses
30 for receiving a foot and having handles 32 for being gripped or
grasped while climbing toward the platform section 16.
[0039] Platform section 16 includes a platform arch 36 supported by
sidewalls 38 and 40 which are respectively supported by base side
walls 15 and 17. Sidewalls 38 and 40 connect integrally with
sidewalls 22 and 24 of the climb section 12. Grips 23-23 are
provided on sidewalls 38 and 40. The platform section 16 also
includes a platform 44 connecting with or to the climb ramp 25 and
is covered by the platform arch 36. The platform arch 36 has an
opening 600 through which a slide hose 120 passes for being
conveniently disposed around the inside of the platform arch 36 to
spray of disperse water through apertures 210 in the slide hose. A
person leaves the platform 44 for sliding down the slide section
14. As will be further illustrated and explained below, the
platform arch 36 holds a portion of a hose (a hose termed "slide
hose" hereinafter) which has a structure defined by apertures from
which water is sprayed or otherwise dispersed to land on the
platform 44 and flow down a section of the slide section 14 to
facilitate the sliding procedure. After the water finishes flowing
down a portion of the slide section 14 it accumulates in the pool
section 18 to form a pool of water.
[0040] The slide section 14 includes a slide ramp 48 which
integrally connects to the platform 44 of the platform section 16.
The slide section 14 also has a pair of side walls 50 and 54 at
opposed sides of the slide ramp 48 and supported by base side walls
17 and 15, respectively. The side walls 50 and 54 respectively
connect to side walls 40 and 38 and possess respective
sinusoidal-shaped ridges 50a and 54a.
[0041] Pool section 18 has a bottom 60, a pair of opposed side
walls 62 and 64 supported by the base 13 and secured to the bottom
60 and to the respective side walls 62 and 64 of the slide section
14. A generally arcuate-shaped end wall 68 is integrally connected
to the side walls 62 and 64. Side wall 62 is formed with an opening
70 which facilitates exiting the pool section 18.
[0042] The tunnel assembly 20 includes a generally cylindrical
tunnel 76 having a generally cylindrical tunnel wall 80 and formed
in the opposed base sidewalls 15 and 17. The tunnel assembly 20
also includes a tunnel base member 84 (a slide mat) which provides
a surface for people to slide on, particularly after becoming wet.
The tunnel base member 84 may be detached from the slide assembly
10, as shown in FIGS. 4A-5, or the tunnel base member 84 may be
integrally connected to the slide assembly 10 as shown in FIGS.
1-3.
[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the tunnel base member 84
is bordered in one section by a pair of opposed sides 86 and 88,
and bordered in another section by opposed sides 90 and 92 which
terminate in a generally arcuate-shaped end wall 96. The tunnel
wall 80 borders the tunnel base member 84 at an intermediate
section thereof between opposed sides 90 and 92 and opposed sides
86 and 88. Longitudinally extending along side wall 88, along a
lower side or section of tunnel wall 80, and along side 92 is a
perforated tunnel hose 124. As illustrated in FIG. 37 tunnel hose
124 includes apertures 200 where through water may be sprayed or
otherwise dispersed of landing on tunnel base member 84. Water on
tunnel base member 84 facilitates the bodily sliding of a person
along tunnel base member 84. In an embodiment of the invention both
the tunnel hose 124 and the slide hose 120 (including the portion
of slide hose 120 under the platform arch 36) come connected to
their associated structural slide-assembly structures (or
associated structural slide-assembly hose supports). Thus, the
tunnel hose 124 and the slide hose 120 are collapsible with the
slide assembly 10. When the slide assembly 10 is in its collapsed
posture, the tunnel hose 124 and the slide hose 120 are also
collapsed and included within the collapsed slide assembly. Thus,
there is no need to separately provide and connect the tunnel hose
124 and the slide hose 120 to their appropriate structural
locations.
[0044] The slide assembly 10 also includes a tubing assembly 100
(see FIGS. 8 and 9) for appropriately watering the tunnel base
member 84 and the platform 44 (including the slide ramp 48). The
tubing assembly 100 comprises a coupling assembly 104 (see FIG. 10)
having conduit 106 and conduit 112 which respectively releasably
engage the slide hose 120 and the tunnel hose 124. A valve 108
controls and/or diverts the flow of water to and/or through
conduits 106 and 112 (and thus through tunnel hose 124 and slide
hose 120). Valve 108 appropriately meters the desired amount of
water through conduits 106 and 112. Valve 108 is capable of
completely cutting off the flow of water through tunnel hose 124 or
through slide hose 120, or splitting the flow of water such that
water flows through both hoses 124 and 120 in a desired quantity,
such as 50% through respective hoses. The tubing assembly 100 also
includes conduit 114 for releasably engaging a water hose 140
(e.g., an ordinary gardening hose engaged to an external faucet)
for furnishing water to the tunnel hose 124 and the slide hose
120.
[0045] In an embodiment of the invention where the tunnel base
member 84 is integrally attached to the slide assembly 10, the
slide assembly 10 may be assembled from a collapsed posture. In a
collapsed posture the slide assembly 10 is generally rectangular or
cubical in geometric shape. The collapsed posture of the slide
assembly 10 is unfolded such that the tunnel base member 84 and
sides 90, 92, 86, 88 and end 96, all in a collapsed position, are
lying flat on the ground or any other suitable surface. In this
unfolded position the remaining sections (i.e., the climb section
12, the slide section 14, the platform section 16, and the pool
section 18) are transversely collapsed on top of an intermediate
section of the tunnel base member 84. The air hose 230 is then
connected to opening 410 while opening 400 is sealed. Air hose 230
is connected to the blower/compressor 500 which is subsequently
activated to commence the flow of air through the air hose 230 and
into the collapsed slide assembly 10 for inflating the same into an
upright posture. Preferably, air initially commences to inflate the
remaining sections (i.e., the climb section 12, the slide section
14, the platform section 16, and the pool section 18) that are
transversely collapsed on top of an intermediate section of the
tunnel base member 84. More preferably, the climb section 12 and
the slide section 14 are commenced to be initially inflated. All of
the sections (including sides 90, 92, 86, 88 and end 96) of the
slide assembly 10 pneumatically communicate with each other so that
flowing air is capable of inflating the slide assembly 10 into a
fully expanded posture. Water may be introduced through the tunnel
hose 124 for dispersing water through the apertures 200. For this
embodiment of the invention the water is dispersed through the
apertures 200 and onto the integrally connected tunnel base member
84. Water may also be introduced through the slide hose 120 for
dispersing water through apertures 210 and onto the platform 44 to
flow down the slide ramp 48 and into the pool section 18. The
blower 500 continually blows air into the inflated slide assembly
10 to compensate for any air losses. Pouches or bags 300 may then
be filled with water to add stability to the inflated slide
assembly 10. The bags 300 have a sealable opening (not shown)
through which water may be poured to fill the bags 300. When the
inflated slide assembly 10 is to be deflated for storage, blower
500 is stopped, and opening 400 is unsealed to begin the deflation
procedure by air flowing outwardly there through. Preferably air
initially commences to exit or leave from the pool section 18
and/or the climb section 14 before the other sections. Water is
removed from the bags 300 at any suitable time, preferably before
unsealing opening 400.
[0046] In another embodiment of the invention where the tunnel base
member 84 is detached from the slide assembly 10, the slide
assembly 10 may again be assembled from a collapsed posture, which
again may be generally rectangular or cubical in geometric shape.
The collapsed posture of the slide assembly 10 is at least
partially unfolded until opening 400 is exposed. In this at least
partially unfolded position the climb section 12, the slide section
14, the platform section 16, and the pool section 18 may be
partially transversely collapsed. The air hose 230 is then
connected to opening 410 while opening 400 is sealed. Air hose 230
is connected to the blower/compressor 500 which is subsequently
activated to commence the flow of air through the air hose 230 and
into the collapsed, or partially unfolded, slide assembly 10 for
inflating the same into an upright posture. Preferably, air
initially commences to inflate the climb section 12, the slide
section 14, the platform section 16, and the pool section 18. More
preferably, the climb section 12 and the slide section 14 are
commenced to be initially inflated. All of the sections of the
slide assembly 10 pneumatically communicate with each other so that
flowing air is capable of inflating the slide assembly 10 into a
fully expanded posture. After the slide assembly 10 has been
inflated into its fully expanded posture, the tunnel base member 84
may be disposed through the tunnel 76. As was seen for other
embodiments of the invention, water may be introduced through the
tunnel hose 124 for dispersing water through the apertures 200. For
this embodiment of the invention the water is dispersed through the
apertures 200 and onto the separate, detached tunnel base member
84. As was seen for other embodiments of the invention, water may
also be introduced through the slide hose 120 for dispersing water
through apertures 210 and onto the platform 44 to flow down the
slide ramp 48 and into the pool section 18. The blower 500
continually blows air into the inflated slide assembly 10 to
compensate for any air losses. Pouches or bags 300 may then be
filled with water to add stability to the inflated slide assembly
10. The bags 300 have a sealable opening (not shown) through which
water may be poured to fill the bags 300. When the inflated slide
assembly 10 is to be deflated for storage, blower 500 is stopped,
and opening 400 is unsealed to begin the deflation procedure by air
flowing outwardly there through. Preferably air initially commences
to exit or leave from the pool section 18 and/or the climb section
14 before the other sections. Water is removed from the bags 300 at
any suitable time, preferably before unsealing opening 400.
[0047] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment",
"an embodiment", or "a specific embodiment" means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus,
respective appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an
embodiment", or "in a specific embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the
same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present
invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more
other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and
modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described
and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings
herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
[0048] Additionally, any directional arrows in the drawings/Figures
should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless
otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term "or" as used
herein is generally intended to mean "and/or" unless otherwise
indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be
considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as
rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.
[0049] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, "a", "an", and "the" includes plural references unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the
description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0050] The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the
present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and
examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative
purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within
the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in
the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these
modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the
foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present
invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0051] Thus, while the present invention has been described herein
with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of
modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the
foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some
instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be
employed without a corresponding use of other features without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth.
Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the
present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited
to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of
the appended claims.
* * * * *