WO2004073819A1

WO2004073819A1 - Inflatable slide

Info

Publication number: WO2004073819A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2003/000191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicolaas Hendrik Bester
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-02-21
Filing date: 2003-12-23
Publication date: 2004-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2005-08-21
Also published as: AU2003297549A1

Abstract

An inflatable slide (10) suitable for use by children and adults includes an elongate slide portion (12) which, in an operative inflated condition, defines an elevated head region (14) that extends downwardly into a toe region (16), an elongate support member (18) configured and dimensioned to support the elongate slide portion (12) in the operative condition and three strut formations (20) for supporting the support member (18). The head region (14) of the slide portion (12) extends into a ramp portion (22) which, in the operative condition, defines an elevated head region (24) that extends downwardly into a toe region (26) to permit a user (not shown) to access the slide portion (12).

Description

INFLATABLE SLIDE

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an inflatable slide and, more particularly, to a slide suitable for use by children as well as adults.

Background to the Invention

Inflatable slides are known in the art and in one embodiment include a sliding surface that is supported by a support structure wherein the sliding surface and support structure form an integral unit. This construction causes high stresses to be exerted on the material from which the slide is manufactured, particularly at the seams.

In an alternative embodiment, the sliding surface is supported directly on struts that may be inflatable or solid. A problem associated with this type of design is that the portions of the sliding surface located intermediate the struts lends to sag, thus inhibiting a user from sliding down the slide in one continuous movement.

A further problem associated with the abovementioned embodiments is that the width of the sliding surface, the height of the slide and the maximum allowable user weight are limited due to the particular construction of the slides, therefore excluding many users from using them.

The inventor therefore believes that a need exists for an inflatable slide that permits the slide to be higher and the sliding surface to be wider than that of known slides as well as being suitable for use by children and adults alike. Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided an inflatable slide suitable for use by children and adults including:-

- an elongate slide portion which, in an operative inflated condition, defines an elevated head region that extends downwardly into a toe region;

- an elongate support member configured and dimensioned to support the elongate slide portion in the operative condition; and

- one or more strut formations for supporting the support member.

The head region of the elongate slide portion may extend into a ramp portion which, in the operative condition, defines an elevated head region that extends downwardly into a toe region to permit a user to access the slide portion.

The head regions of the slide portion and ramp portion may be joined by a platform.

The slide portion, platform and ramp portion may form an integral unit. The slide portion, platform and ramp portion may be formed by a series of elongate tubes located adjacent each other to form a unit. The slide portion, platform and ramp portion may be U-shaped in cross- section.

The slide portion may be provided with a replaceable protective cover for covering its sliding surface thereby to inhibit the slide portion from becoming worn or damaged by repeated use of the slide. The protective cover may be in the form of a flexible sheet manufactured from any suitable synthetic plastics material such as, for example, PVC having a suitable friction coefficient and which may be replaced when necessary.

The angle of elevation of the slide portion may be between twenty and seventy degrees and is typically about forty degrees in the operative condition. The angle of elevation of the ramp portion may be between twenty and seventy degrees and is typically about forty-five degrees in the operative condition.

The ramp portion may be provided with ridges extending across its width to form footsteps for aiding a user in ascending or descending the ramp portion. The ridges may form an integral part of the ramp portion. Alternatively, the ridges may be in the form of elongate members attached to and spaced apart along the length of the ramp portion. The elongate members may be slats manufactured from wood or plastic tubes. Alternatively, a net may be affixed to the ramp portion to provide the footsteps.

10

The ramp portion may further be provided with handle formations for assisting in stabilizing a user ascending or descending the ramp portion. The handle formations may be in the form of handles, netting or a rope extending along the length of the ramp portion.

The platform may likewise be provided with handle formations as described above.

The elongate support member may be configured and dimensioned to support the platform and major portions of the slide and ramp portions.

20 The elongate support member may include one or more elongate tubular members located adjacent each other to form the support member.

The support member may be substantially triangular when viewed from the side.

-5 The strut formations may be in the shape of truncated triangles. The support member may form an integral part of the strut formations. The slide typically includes three spaced apart strut formations for supporting the support member but may include more or less depending on the total height of the slide.

Ό When the slide is inflated the height of the platform may be between four and twelve meters and is typically about eight meters. The slide portion, platform, ramp portion, support member and strut formations may form an integral unit having interconnected chambers to permit free fluid flow through the entire slide. Alternatively, the slide portion, platform and ramp portion may form a first unit and the support member and strut formations may form a second unit.

The slide may further include an inflatable braking unit eatable at a free end of the toe region of the slide portion for reducing the speed of a user when passing said toe region during use of the slide.

The braking unit may be in the form of a substantially rectangular elongate receptacle including a flexible sheet extending from the end of the unit closest to the toe region along about two thirds of the length of the unit. The sheet may be supported by inflatable tubular members located below it. In use, the unit may be partially filled with a liquid such as, for example, water to further aid in reducing the speed of a user. The unit may include a cushioning zone at its end remote the toe region.

An inflatable cushioning portion may be provided between the free end of the toe region of the slide portion and the braking unit to permit an even transition of a user from the slide portion to the braking unit.

The slide may be manufactured from any suitable flexible synthetic plastics material such as, for example, PVC. Pieces of material used to form the slide may be bonded together by means of a suitable glue or by welding. This is preferable to using stitching which in use is prone to stress creation along the seams which in turn may lead to the material weakening and tearing.

The slide may be provided with openings that permit fluid from within the slide to escape to the atmosphere when the pressure within the slide has reached a certain predetermined value. The provision of openings also aids the cushioning provided by the slide in use, in particular that of the slide portion. The slide may be inflatable by means of one or more conventional fluid pumps. In use, the pump may operate continuously to replace any fluid that has exited the slide via the openings.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be described by way of the following non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:-

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of an embodiment of an inflatable slide in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the slide of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a front elevation of the slide of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a cross section through the slide portion of the slide of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the ramp portion of the slide of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a plan view of a braking unit in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 7 shows a cross section of the braking unit of Figure 6.

In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an embodiment of an inflatable slide in accordance with the present invention.

An inflatable slide 10 suitable for use by children and adults includes an elongate slide portion 12 which, in an operative inflated condition, defines an elevated head region 14 that extends downwardly into a toe region 16, an elongate support member 18 configured and dimensioned to support the elongate slide portion 12 in the operative condition and three strut formations 20 for supporting the support member 18.

The head region 14 of the slide portion 12 extends into a ramp portion 22 which, in the operative condition, defines an elevated head region 24 that extends downwardly into a toe region 26 to permit a user (not shown) to access the slide portion 12. The head regions 14 and 24 of the slide portion 12 and ramp portion 22 are joined by a platform 28. The platform 28 is provided with a roof 29 to provide users with shade during use of the slide 10.

The slide portion 12, platform 28 and ramp portion 22 form an integral unit and comprise a series of elongate tubes 30 located adjacent each other to form a generally U-shaped unit as shown in Figure 4.

The slide portion 12 is provided with a replaceable protective cover (not shown) for covering its sliding surface thereby to inhibit the slide portion 12 from becoming worn or damaged by repeated use of the slide 10. The protective cover is in the form of a sheet of flexible material manufactured from any suitable synthetic plastics material such as, for example, PVC having a suitable friction coefficient and which can be replaced when necessary.

As shown in Figure 1 , the angle of elevation of the slide portion 12 is about forty degrees in the operative condition. It has been found that this angle is particularly suitable as it allows a user to descend the slide portion 12 at a speed that will not cause injury to the user.

The angle of elevation of the ramp portion 22 is about forty-five degrees in the operative condition. It has been found that this angle is particularly suitable as it forces users to lean forward whilst ascending the ramp portion 22, thereby inhibiting them from losing their balance and falling backwards down the ramp portion.

It has furthermore been found that when using the abovementioned construction, the stresses exerted on the slide 10 are within acceptable limits when the slide is in use.

The height of the slide 10, or more particularly the height of the platform 28, in the embodiment shown is about 8 meters and the width of the slide portion is about 2.5 meters.

As shown in Figure 5, the ramp portion 22 is provided with ridges extending across its width to form footsteps for aiding a user in ascending or descending the ramp portion 22. The ridges are in the form of wooden elongate members 32 attached to and spaced apart along at least a portion of the length of the rarrip portion 22.

The ramp portion 22 and platform 28 are provided with handle formations (not shown) for assisting in stabilizing a user ascending or descending the ramp portion 22 or standing on the platform 28.

As shown in Figure 1 , the elongate support member 18 is configured and dimensioned to support the platform 28 and major portions of the slide and ramp portions 12 and 22 and is substantially triangular when viewed from the side. Additional support tubes 36 can be provided if necessary.

As shown in Figure 3, the elongate support member includes two elongate tubular members 34 located adjacent each other to form the support member 18.

The strut formations 20 are in the shape of truncated triangles as can best be seen in Figure 3 and the support member 18 forms an integral part with the strut formations. It is to be appreciated that, if required, the strut formations 20 can include additional reinforcement means such as, for example, additional struts interconnecting the sides of the truncated triangle.

In the embodiment shown, the slide portion 12, platform 28, ramp portion 22, support member 18 and strut formations 20 form an integral unit having interconnected chambers to permit free fluid flow through the entire slide 10.

The slide 10 further includes a braking unit 40 locatable at a free end of the toe region 16 of the slide portion 12 for reducing the speed of a user when passing said toe region 16 during use of the slide 10.

The braking unit 40 is in the form of a substantially rectangular elongate receptacle including a flexible sheet 42 extending from the end of the unit 40 closest to the toe region 16 along about two thirds of the length of the unit 40. The sheet 42 is supported by inflatable tubular members 44 located below it. In use, the unit 40 can be filled with water 46 to further aid in reducing the speed of a user. The unit 40 includes a cushioning zone 48 at its end remote the toe region 16.

An inflatable cushioning portion 50 is provided between the free end of the toe region 16 of the slide portion 12 and the braking unit 40 to permit an even transition of a user from the slide portion 12 to the braking unit.

The slide 10 is manufactured from any suitable flexible synthetic plastics material and the pieces of material used to form the slide 10 are bonded together by means of a suitable glue or by welding.

The slide 10 provided with openings (not shown) that permit fluid from within the slide 10 to escape to the atmosphere when the pressure within the slide 10 has reached a certain predetermined value. The provision of openings also aids the cushioning provided by the slide 10 in use, in particular that of the slide portion 12.

The slide 10 is inflatable by means of a conventional fluid pump (not shown) that pumps air into the slide 10. In use, the pump operates continuously to replace any fluid that has exited the slide 10 via the openings.

An advantage of the inflatable slide 10 in accordance with the present invention is that the slide portion 12 can be made wider than that of the known slides and that the height of the slide 10 can be increased as well as permitting the slide 10 to be used not only by children, but also by adults.

It is to be appreciated, that the invention is not limited to any specific embodiment or configuration as hereinbefore generally described or illustrated.

Claims

1. An inflatable slide suitable for use by children and adults including:-

- one or more strut formations for supporting the support member.

2. A slide as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the head region of the elongate slide portion extends into a ramp portion which, in the operative condition, defines an elevated head region that extends downwardly into a toe region to permit a user to access the slide portion.

3. A slide as claimed in claim 2, wherein the head regions of the slide portion and ramp portion are joined by a platform.

4. A slide as claimed in claim 3, wherein the slide portion, platform and ramp portion form an integral unit that comprises a series of elongate tubes located adjacent each other to form a unit that is generally U-shaped in cross-section.

5. A slide as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide portion is provided with a replaceable protective cover for covering its sliding surface thereby to inhibit the slide portion from becoming worn or damaged by repeated use of the slide.

A slide as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle of elevation of the slide portion is between twenty and seventy degrees, preferably about forty degrees in the operative condition.

7. A slide as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the angle of elevation of the ramp portion is between twenty and seventy degrees, preferably about forty-five degrees in the operative condition.

8. A slide as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the ramp portion is provided footsteps for aiding a user in ascending or descending the ramp portion.

9. A slide as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the ramp portion is provided with handle formations for assisting in stabilizing a user ascending or descending the ramp portion.

10. A slide as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the elongate support member is configured and dimensioned to support the platform and major portions of the slide and ramp portions.

11. A slide as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate support member includes one or more elongate tubular members located adjacent each other to form the support member.

12. A slide as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member is substantially triangular when viewed from the side.

13. A slide as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strut formations are in the shape of truncated triangles.

14. A slide as claimed in claim 13, wherein the support member forms an integral part with the strut formations.

15. A slide as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the slide portion, platform, ramp portion, support member and strut formations form an integral unit having interconnected chambers to permit free fluid flow through the entire slide.

16. A slide as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the slide portion, platform and ramp portion form a first unit and the support member and strut formations form a second unit, each unit having interconnected chambers to permit free fluid flow through each unit.

17. A slide as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide further includes a braking unit beatable at a free end of the toe region of the slide portion for reducing the speed of a user when passing said toe region during use of the slide.

18. A slide as claimed in claim 17, wherein the braking unit is in the form of a substantially rectangular elongate receptacle including a flexible sheet extending from the end of the unit closest to the toe region along about two thirds of the length of the unit.

19. A slide as claimed in claim 18, wherein the sheet is supported by inflatable tubular members located below it.

20. A slide as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein an inflatable cushioning portion is provided between the free end of the toe region of the slide portion and the braking unit to permit an even transition of a user from the slide portion to the braking unit.

21. A slide as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide is manufactured from any suitable flexible synthetic plastics material.

22. A slide as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein pieces of material used to form the slide are bonded together by means of a suitable glue and/ or by welding.

23. A slide as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide is inflatable by means of one or more conventional fluid pumps.

24. A slide as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the slide is between four and twelve, preferably eight meters.

25. An inflatable slide according to the invention, as hereinbefore generally described.

26. An inflatable slide as specifically described with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

27. An inflatable slide including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as herein described.