US20070167246A1 - Inflatable slide and method - Google Patents

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• 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
• 1. Field of Invention
• 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.
• 2. Description of the Background Art
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the slide assembly after inflation.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the slide assembly after inflation.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the slide assembly after inflation.
• 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.
• FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the slip ′N slide section removed from underneath of the body of the slide assembly.
• 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 ofFIG. 4B and with the tunnel hose in position for placing water on the slip ′N slide section.
• FIG. 6 is another perspective view of an embodiment of the slide assembly after inflation.
• FIG. 7 is another perspective view of an embodiment of the slide assembly after inflation.
• FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the coupling assembly.
• FIG. 9 is another enlarged perspective view of the coupling assembly.
• FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the coupling assembly.
• FIG. 11 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of the slide assembly after being inflated and showing the slide section.
• FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of the slide assembly after being inflated and showing the climb or ladder section.
• 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.
• FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a side of the slide assembly opposed to the side ofFIG. 13.
• 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.
• 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.
• FIG. 17 is another perspective view of an embodiment of the slide assembly after inflation.
• FIG. 18 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of the slide assembly after being inflated and showing the slide section.
• FIG. 19 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of the slide assembly after being inflated and showing the climb or ladder section.
• 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.
• FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a side of the slide assembly opposed to the side ofFIG. 20.
• 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.
• 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.
• FIG. 24 is another perspective view of an embodiment of the slide assembly after inflation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
• 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.
• Referring in detail now to the drawings, there is seen for various embodiments of the invention, aslide assembly10 generally comprising a generally hollow collapsible member which is inflatable from a collapsed posture into an expanded posture. The slide assembly10 (e.g., the expanded embodiment of the slide assembly10) comprises abase13 supporting a climb orladder section12, aslide section14, aplatform section16, and apool section18. Thebase13 includes a pair of upstanding opposedbase side walls15 and17.Base side wall17 is formed with opening410 to which anair hose230 may connect, preferably integrally connects.Air hose230 connects to a blower/compressor500 for causing air to flow through theair hose230 and into the collapsedslide assembly10 for inflating the same into an upright posture. Preferably, theblower500 continually blows air into the inflatedslide assembly10 to compensate of air losses.Base side wall17 also includes an openable/closable opening400 for deflating the inflatedslide assembly10 back into a collapsed posture. The opening400, as best shown inFIGS. 17, 19 and22 may be defined by a plastic and/or fabric tube, integrally connected to opening, and tied close by asuitable string710. Conveniently disposed around the perimeter of thebase13 are pouches orbags300 which may be filled with any suitable “weighty” matter (e.g., water) to add weight and stability to theslide assembly10 when inflated. Thebags300 have a sealable opening (not shown) through which weighty matter (water) may be poured to fill thebags300. Theslide assembly10, including theair hose230, may be manufactured from any suitable material. Preferably, theslide assembly10, includingair hose230, 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).
• Theclimb section12 provides a section for a person to climb to theplatform section16. From theplatform section16, a person may slide down a portion of theslide section16 for landing in water contained in thepool section18. The sliding procedure is facilitated by water flowing down a ramp of theslide section16. Theslide assembly10 also comprises atunnel assembly20, 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).
• Climb section12 is bordered byside walls22 and24 supported bybase side walls15 and17 respectively.Climb section12 includes aclimb platform26 and aclimb ramp28 havingrecesses30 for receiving a foot and havinghandles32 for being gripped or grasped while climbing toward theplatform section16.
• Platform section16 includes aplatform arch36 supported by sidewalls38 and40 which are respectively supported bybase side walls15 and17. Sidewalls38 and40 connect integrally withsidewalls22 and24 of theclimb section12. Grips23-23 are provided onsidewalls38 and40. Theplatform section16 also includes aplatform44 connecting with or to the climb ramp25 and is covered by theplatform arch36. Theplatform arch36 has anopening600 through which aslide hose120 passes for being conveniently disposed around the inside of theplatform arch36 to spray of disperse water throughapertures210 in the slide hose. A person leaves theplatform44 for sliding down theslide section14. As will be further illustrated and explained below, theplatform arch36 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 theplatform44 and flow down a section of theslide section14 to facilitate the sliding procedure. After the water finishes flowing down a portion of theslide section14 it accumulates in thepool section18 to form a pool of water.
• Theslide section14 includes aslide ramp48 which integrally connects to theplatform44 of theplatform section16. Theslide section14 also has a pair ofside walls50 and54 at opposed sides of theslide ramp48 and supported bybase side walls17 and15, respectively. Theside walls50 and54 respectively connect toside walls40 and38 and possess respective sinusoidal-shapedridges50aand54a.
• Pool section18 has a bottom60, a pair ofopposed side walls62 and64 supported by thebase13 and secured to the bottom60 and to therespective side walls62 and64 of theslide section14. A generally arcuate-shapedend wall68 is integrally connected to theside walls62 and64.Side wall62 is formed with anopening70 which facilitates exiting thepool section18.
• Thetunnel assembly20 includes a generallycylindrical tunnel76 having a generallycylindrical tunnel wall80 and formed in the opposedbase sidewalls15 and17. Thetunnel assembly20 also includes a tunnel base member84 (a slide mat) which provides a surface for people to slide on, particularly after becoming wet. Thetunnel base member84 may be detached from theslide assembly10, as shown inFIGS. 4A-5, or thetunnel base member84 may be integrally connected to theslide assembly10 as shown inFIGS. 1-3.
• In an embodiment of the invention, thetunnel base member84 is bordered in one section by a pair ofopposed sides86 and88, and bordered in another section byopposed sides90 and92 which terminate in a generally arcuate-shapedend wall96. Thetunnel wall80 borders thetunnel base member84 at an intermediate section thereof betweenopposed sides90 and92 and opposedsides86 and88. Longitudinally extending alongside wall88, along a lower side or section oftunnel wall80, and alongside92 is aperforated tunnel hose124. As illustrated inFIG. 37tunnel hose124 includesapertures200 where through water may be sprayed or otherwise dispersed of landing ontunnel base member84. Water ontunnel base member84 facilitates the bodily sliding of a person alongtunnel base member84. In an embodiment of the invention both thetunnel hose124 and the slide hose120 (including the portion ofslide hose120 under the platform arch36) come connected to their associated structural slide-assembly structures (or associated structural slide-assembly hose supports). Thus, thetunnel hose124 and theslide hose120 are collapsible with theslide assembly10. When theslide assembly10 is in its collapsed posture, thetunnel hose124 and theslide hose120 are also collapsed and included within the collapsed slide assembly. Thus, there is no need to separately provide and connect thetunnel hose124 and theslide hose120 to their appropriate structural locations.
• Theslide assembly10 also includes a tubing assembly100 (seeFIGS. 8 and 9) for appropriately watering thetunnel base member84 and the platform44 (including the slide ramp48). Thetubing assembly100 comprises a coupling assembly104 (seeFIG. 10) havingconduit106 andconduit112 which respectively releasably engage theslide hose120 and thetunnel hose124. Avalve108 controls and/or diverts the flow of water to and/or throughconduits106 and112 (and thus throughtunnel hose124 and slide hose120).Valve108 appropriately meters the desired amount of water throughconduits106 and112.Valve108 is capable of completely cutting off the flow of water throughtunnel hose124 or throughslide hose120, or splitting the flow of water such that water flows through bothhoses124 and120 in a desired quantity, such as 50% through respective hoses. Thetubing assembly100 also includesconduit114 for releasably engaging a water hose140 (e.g., an ordinary gardening hose engaged to an external faucet) for furnishing water to thetunnel hose124 and theslide hose120.
• In an embodiment of the invention where thetunnel base member84 is integrally attached to theslide assembly10, theslide assembly10 may be assembled from a collapsed posture. In a collapsed posture theslide assembly10 is generally rectangular or cubical in geometric shape. The collapsed posture of theslide assembly10 is unfolded such that thetunnel base member84 andsides90,92,86,88 and end96, 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., theclimb section12, theslide section14, theplatform section16, and the pool section18) are transversely collapsed on top of an intermediate section of thetunnel base member84. Theair hose230 is then connected to opening410 while opening400 is sealed.Air hose230 is connected to the blower/compressor500 which is subsequently activated to commence the flow of air through theair hose230 and into thecollapsed slide assembly10 for inflating the same into an upright posture. Preferably, air initially commences to inflate the remaining sections (i.e., theclimb section12, theslide section14, theplatform section16, and the pool section18) that are transversely collapsed on top of an intermediate section of thetunnel base member84. More preferably, theclimb section12 and theslide section14 are commenced to be initially inflated. All of the sections (includingsides90,92,86,88 and end96) of theslide assembly10 pneumatically communicate with each other so that flowing air is capable of inflating theslide assembly10 into a fully expanded posture. Water may be introduced through thetunnel hose124 for dispersing water through theapertures200. For this embodiment of the invention the water is dispersed through theapertures200 and onto the integrally connectedtunnel base member84. Water may also be introduced through theslide hose120 for dispersing water throughapertures210 and onto theplatform44 to flow down theslide ramp48 and into thepool section18. Theblower500 continually blows air into theinflated slide assembly10 to compensate for any air losses. Pouches orbags300 may then be filled with water to add stability to theinflated slide assembly10. Thebags300 have a sealable opening (not shown) through which water may be poured to fill thebags300. When theinflated slide assembly10 is to be deflated for storage,blower500 is stopped, andopening400 is unsealed to begin the deflation procedure by air flowing outwardly there through. Preferably air initially commences to exit or leave from thepool section18 and/or theclimb section14 before the other sections. Water is removed from thebags300 at any suitable time, preferably before unsealingopening400.
• In another embodiment of the invention where thetunnel base member84 is detached from theslide assembly10, theslide assembly10 may again be assembled from a collapsed posture, which again may be generally rectangular or cubical in geometric shape. The collapsed posture of theslide assembly10 is at least partially unfolded until opening400 is exposed. In this at least partially unfolded position theclimb section12, theslide section14, theplatform section16, and thepool section18 may be partially transversely collapsed. Theair hose230 is then connected to opening410 while opening400 is sealed.Air hose230 is connected to the blower/compressor500 which is subsequently activated to commence the flow of air through theair hose230 and into the collapsed, or partially unfolded,slide assembly10 for inflating the same into an upright posture. Preferably, air initially commences to inflate theclimb section12, theslide section14, theplatform section16, and thepool section18. More preferably, theclimb section12 and theslide section14 are commenced to be initially inflated. All of the sections of theslide assembly10 pneumatically communicate with each other so that flowing air is capable of inflating theslide assembly10 into a fully expanded posture. After theslide assembly10 has been inflated into its fully expanded posture, thetunnel base member84 may be disposed through thetunnel76. As was seen for other embodiments of the invention, water may be introduced through thetunnel hose124 for dispersing water through theapertures200. For this embodiment of the invention the water is dispersed through theapertures200 and onto the separate, detachedtunnel base member84. As was seen for other embodiments of the invention, water may also be introduced through theslide hose120 for dispersing water throughapertures210 and onto theplatform44 to flow down theslide ramp48 and into thepool section18. Theblower500 continually blows air into theinflated slide assembly10 to compensate for any air losses. Pouches orbags300 may then be filled with water to add stability to theinflated slide assembly10. Thebags300 have a sealable opening (not shown) through which water may be poured to fill thebags300. When theinflated slide assembly10 is to be deflated for storage,blower500 is stopped, andopening400 is unsealed to begin the deflation procedure by air flowing outwardly there through. Preferably air initially commences to exit or leave from thepool section18 and/or theclimb section14 before the other sections. Water is removed from thebags300 at any suitable time, preferably before unsealingopening400.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Claims (12)

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 ofclaim 1 additionally comprising a means for dispersing water onto said slide mat.

3. The slide assembly ofclaim 1 additionally comprising a means for dispersing water onto said slide section of said inflated structure.

4. The slide assembly ofclaim 2 wherein said means for dispersing water comprises a tubing assembly at least partially extending through said tunnel.

5. The slide assembly ofclaim 3 wherein said means for dispersing water onto said slide section comprises a tubing assembly.

6. The slide assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 1 wherein said slide mat is integrally secured to said inflated structure.

8. The slide assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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.

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