Body Slide Patents (Class 472/116)
  • Patent number: 11684814
    Abstract: A playground equipment comprising an array structure of networked ropes arranged in a rectangular array of parallelly arranged first ropes and intersecting second ropes and one or more rolls connected to a first rope, between two neighbouring second ropes wherein each roll comprises an inner clamping part configured for non-slideable fixation to the respective first rope, and an outer part attachable to the inner clamping part wherein the inner clamping part and the outer part are in non-slideable connection relative to each other and wherein the outer part is rotatable relative to the inner clamping part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: Cathrine Lüttge
  • Patent number: 11446532
    Abstract: A stair and slide assembly includes a stair portion including a plurality of stairs, a slide portion including a slide with an entrance and an exit, and an assist bar positioned proximate the exit of the slide to assist a user with pivoting from the exit of the slide to the stair portion. The slide has a first portion extending substantially linearly from the entrance of the slide at an angle and a second portion extending from the first portion to the exit of the slide. The second portion transitions the slide from the angle of the first portion to substantially horizontal. The exit of the slide is configured to be positioned at a target height above a ground surface. The target height is between about 18 inches and about 30 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: ProStairs Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Mullen, William Medeiros
  • Patent number: 11173407
    Abstract: An inflatable water slide, an entertainment device, and a pool are provided. The water slide comprises a slide body that includes a first inflatable chamber having an inclined top surface. The water slide also includes a water spray device located on top of and extending along the inclined top surface of the slide body, and the water spray device is adapted to spray water onto the inclined top surface of the slide body. The entertainment device includes the inflatable water slide and an elongated slide sheet connected to the inflatable water slide. A pool may include the water slide of the present disclosure. The inflatable water slide, entertainment device, and pool of the present disclosure enable water to be sprayed onto the slide body more effectively than in conventional designs, thus preventing situations where water cannot be sprayed onto the slide body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP.
    Inventors: Shuiyong Huang, Patrizio Fumagalli, Matthew Vartola, John McBride, Jiliang Liu, Yuliang Jin, Lei Zhang
  • Patent number: 11141666
    Abstract: A waterslide feature for providing a looping travel path for a rider traveling thereon and method for making the same. The waterslide feature may be in the shape of a tilted bowl or saucer that provides a 360 degree travel path for a rider around the waterslide feature. The rider may experience a feeling of weightlessness at one or more locations (e.g., art apex) of the travel path. The rider may be provided into the tilted bowl by way of an entrance (e.g., flume) and may be received from the tilted bowl by way of an exit (e.g., flume). The orientation of the entrance and exit may be in any of a variety of configurations, such as side-by-side or over-under. Colored fiberglass, lighting dements, and other features may be included to enhance the visual or other impact of the waterslide feature to riders and/or spectators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventors: Geoff Chutter, Rick Briggs, Claudio Barrera, Andrey Khomovskiy, Bruce Bradley
  • Patent number: 10987533
    Abstract: A climbing structure is provided. The climbing structure comprises a first support post and a second support post. The climbing structure also comprises a panel with a first and second connection point. The climbing structure also has a first clamp, configured to couple the panel to the first support post at the first connection point. The climbing structure also has a second clamp, configured to couple the panel to the second support post at the first connection point. The first connection point is on a first connection plane. The second connection point is on a second connection plane. The first and second connection planes are offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Landscape Structures, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl T. Wrolson, Thomas L. Keller
  • Patent number: 10898817
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to playground climbing structures that provide a pathway defined by a lower surface and bound on each side by a sidewall. The structures may comprise sensory play activities on the interior of the sidewalls as well as on the exterior of the sidewalls. The climbing structure is also adapted so as to be accessible to children of varying physical abilities, including for instance children with disabilities, such as by having at least one platform configured for access from a wheelchair or other mobility device and incremental adjustments in elevation that may be navigated by a child with limited mobility. Embodiments of the climbing structures are assembled from a plurality of components, which can be connected together in a variety of configurations to provide custom modular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Norquist, Kim Corvin Blackwood, Charles Lebron Griffith, IV, Anthony Ryan Parker
  • Patent number: 10792527
    Abstract: A stair and slide assembly includes a stair portion including a plurality of stairs, a slide portion including a slide with an entrance and an exit, and an assist bar positioned proximate the exit of the slide to assist a user with pivoting from the exit of the slide to the stair portion. The slide has a first portion extending substantially linearly from the entrance of the slide at an angle and a second portion extending from the first portion to the exit of the slide. The second portion transitions the slide from the angle of the first portion to substantially horizontal. The exit of the slide is configured to be positioned at a target height above a ground surface. The target height is between about 18 inches and about 30 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: ProStairs Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Mullen, William Medeiros
  • Patent number: 10758803
    Abstract: A portable gym structure that is light weight and allows variable arrangement is disclosed. The portable gym structure is comprised of climbing walls and feet anchors for stability. The portable gym structure has variable configurations for different ages and abilities. The portable gym structure includes climbing walls that can be used for a slide or can be interchanged to be a climbing wall with variable climbing pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: Marvin Brent Morse
  • Patent number: 10717015
    Abstract: An amusement ride requires the participant to ascend to a platform for the beginning of the amusement ride via a single or a double helix ladder. The participants are tethered for safety. Operators attend the tether lines. The tethers also can run through belays for safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Buttercup Business, Inc.
    Inventor: Darren W. Hreniuk-Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10702785
    Abstract: A modular inflatable obstacle course includes a frame unit. The frame unit is configured to be placed adjacent to a second frame unit in a sequence with a first frame unit and a last frame unit. A constant air inflatable portion is configured to be placed adjacent to a second constant air inflatable portion with a first constant air inflatable portion and a last constant air inflatable portion. The constant air inflatable portion fits over the frame unit and is preferably strapped to the frame unit. The constant air inflatable portion is attached to the frame unit to support the constant air inflatable portion. The constant air inflatable portion covers a portion of the frame unit. An air connection such as a fabric tube is preferably formed between the frame unit and the constant air inflatable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 10500508
    Abstract: A slide feature for an amusement ride adapted to carry a rider or ride vehicle sliding thereon, and a water slide comprising said slide feature are provided. The slide feature has an inrun permitting ingress of the rider or ride vehicle, an outrun permitting egress, and a sliding surface in communication with the inrun and the outrun. The sliding surface may comprise a surface substantially in the shape of a sector of a closed curve and/or may be substantially planar. The slide feature may also include an outer lip and provide that the rider or ride vehicle, at least partially urged by gravity, slides along the sliding surface from the inrun to the out run in an arcuate path at least partially bounded by the outer lip. The sliding surface may be oriented so an elevation of the rider or ride vehicle increases then decreases along the arcuate path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: PROSLIDE TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Richard D. Hunter
  • Patent number: 10485221
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a freestanding and portable bridge for pet training and exercise. A bridge for exercising or training pets may include, for example, a platform positioned between a first ramp and a second ramp that have a same or substantially similar angle of incline to form a symmetrical bridge shape, the platform being raised from a ground surface and supported vertically by posts. The bridge may include safety rails protruding above a surface of the platform formed by platform sides to direct a pet along a path formed by the surface of the platform and the ramps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Eco Sports Group, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Sarver
  • Patent number: 10369480
    Abstract: A water slide feature comprising a sliding surface concave about three axes. The waterslide feature is sized and adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon on anon-predetermined path. The water slide feature has an entry sized and positioned to direct the one or more riders and/or ride vehicles along the sliding surface on a path which is at least partially upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: PROSLIDE TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Richard D. Hunter
  • Patent number: 10350502
    Abstract: The multifunctional device has slide and ladder portions easily connectable for use together as a self-supporting unit, and easily detachable for use separately on other equipment or for compact storage or transport. When set-up for use as a self-supporting unit, the ladder and slide portions are hooked together by a double-hook/double-axle connection system that does not allow the angle between the ladder and slide to change any significant amount during normal use of the set-up device. Yet, quick disconnection may be done when the weight of the user is removed, by purposely lifting and pivoting the portions, and then unhooking their top ends from each other. When disconnected from each other, the ladder and/or the slide portion (and preferably both) may be connected/hooked to another object(s), for example, a trampoline or a play equipment platform or other specially-adapted elevated structure, for climbing up to, and sliding down from, said trampoline/platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventors: Trena Nelson, Andrew Richard Nelson
  • Patent number: 10328352
    Abstract: A water slide extension system for sliding down and for recreational use includes a slide that has a top surface, a bottom surface, an entrance end and an exit end. The exit end is perpendicular to a ground surface. A water dispenser is included and placed on the slide to dispense water onto the slide. An extension is releasably coupled to the exit end of the slide. The extension catches water from the slide and receives a person from the slide such that the person slides on to the extension. A plurality of coupling units is attached to the extension. Each of the coupling units releasably couples the extension to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Gail Tam
  • Patent number: 9662590
    Abstract: A playground apparatus, extended landing platform attachment, and method of retrofitting a playground structure comprises a slide having at least one inclined surface and a landing platform configured to be coupled to a base of the inclined surface of the slide. The landing platform may be positioned at the base of the slide to enable a user to slide onto the platform from the slide and to move across the platform away from the path of a subsequent user sliding down the inclined surface of the slide. The landing platform may also be configured to provide additional seating area and more points of accessibility to provide easier access to a disabled user using the playground apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Magical Bridge Foundation
    Inventors: Olenka Steciw Villarreal, Peter Cassidy Jensen
  • Patent number: 9511297
    Abstract: A water slide entry system in accordance with present embodiments may include an entry platform configured to support a rider above a water slide entry and an enclosure defining an enclosed space about the platform configured to at least partially enclose the rider when the rider is positioned on the entry platform. The water slide entry system may also include a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid within the enclosure to a predetermined fill level and a control system configured to receive a signal that the rider is positioned on the entry platform; provide instructions to the fluid delivery system to deliver the fluid within the enclosure when the rider is positioned on the entry platform; and trigger the entry platform to release the rider into the water slide entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Justin Michael Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9427670
    Abstract: In one example, a playground slide includes first and second side rails each having respective first complementary structures. As well, a slide bed is provided that includes second complementary structures configured to releasably engage the respective first complementary structures of the first and second side rails. The slide bed and side rails are configured to releasably lock together with nothing more than the first and second complementary structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Lynn VanDyke, Jacob Kearl
  • Patent number: 9308460
    Abstract: A combination slide has a slide body and two pressing rods. The slide body has a head member, a tail member and multiple connecting members. The head member has a head quick-release engaging element. The tail member has a tail quick-release engaging element. Each connecting member has an upper intermediate quick-release engaging element engaged detachably with the head quick-release engaging element and a lower intermediate quick-release engaging element engaged detachably with the tail quick-release engaging element of the tail member or the upper intermediate quick-release engaging element of an adjacent connecting member. The combination slide can be quickly assembled or disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: T.K. CHIN COMPANY LTD.
    Inventor: Howard Chin
  • Patent number: 9211477
    Abstract: A trapdoor mechanism and method of providing a trapdoor mechanism for initiating descent into a slide ride is disclosed. Aspects of invention are directed to an trapdoor mechanism utilizes a folding and unfolding support structure so that the folding of the trap door provides a platform to stand on and the unfolding provides an opening into a slide. Embodiments of the trapdoor drop amusement mechanism utilize a downward and unfolding motion instead of rotary swing motion to remove the trap door from the ride path. A control device may be utilized to apply force to the trapdoor during its transit between the open position and closed position. This apparatus allows for less deck foot print area as no trap door swing thru or large shock absorber that is normally required to dissipate the large amount of energy stored in a heavy rotating trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Skyturtle Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Lance C. Fisher
  • Patent number: 9108113
    Abstract: The proposed folding slide relates to amusements and is intended for sliding. It includes components stacked one above the other. Any lower component cooperates with the upper component disposed above. They are linked with a fastening member, guiding a sliding of the upper component upon the lower one in a direction within a predetermined distance. The friction coefficient for all component cooperation pairs is equal. The components' top and bottom surfaces are inclined at a predetermined angle to a base surface supporting the slide. The higher the cooperation pair is located, the lesser their inclination angle is. The second type folding slide includes releasable stoppers restricting the fastening member, preventing sliding of the upper component until the lower component completes its sliding. It can be supplemented with a mechanism for pulling the components into their initial position, safety steps with handrails, a lock against spontaneous rolling, a convenient user seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: Nikolay Borisovich Baranov
  • Patent number: 8979661
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention describes an inflatable staircase slide assembly that engages with staircases and side rails, and includes an inflatable tubular half-pipe slide member, a compressible support layer, engagement points, ties, at least two elongate straps and at least one blow-up valve. The inflatable tubular half-pipe slide member is placed over the staircase and includes a top portion, a bottom portion, an elongated dipped surface and two sidewalls extending lengthwise from the top portion to bottom portion. The plurality of engagements points are located on each elongate strap of each sidewall, and are coupled to the ties allowing a user to tie the inflatable tubular half-pipe slide member to the side rails at multiple locations for added safety and security. In addition, the compressible support layer is saw-toothed shaped and may be inflatable, padded, or a combination of both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Ryan Green
  • Publication number: 20150045128
    Abstract: An amusement and leisure slide comprises at least one sliding trail forming a three-dimensional curve supported with fastenings attached to a portion of the sliding trail to an axial part disposed on a support and configured to rotate about a substantially horizontal rotation axis. The sliding trail comprises an inlet arranged in vicinity of the rotation axis of the trail and an outlet allowing a rider to exit the trail. The curve of the sliding trail is configured to form a sliding path between the inlet and the outlet extending in a volume around the rotation axis of the trail, said sliding path being driven by a motor. The sliding trail may include a dry or wet sliding tube, sliding rail(s) for guiding carts or wagons, or a sliding tube provided with rail(s) arranged inside the tube for guiding carts or wagons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Jean-Francios Fischer
  • Publication number: 20140357387
    Abstract: A water or other amusement attraction or ride vehicle that includes an inflatable portion or material. A coating or sheet is applied to at least a part of the inflatable portion for achieving a desired amount of friction between the inflatable portion and a sliding surface and/or a rider that makes contact therewith. More than one coating or sheet may be disposed on varying portions of the inflatable portion with greater or less frictional coefficients configured to alter rider movement. The inflatable portion inflates flat and the coating or sheet may be a flexible coating or sheet that is configured to allow for movement of the inflatable portion during use. A rider may travel from an entry area to an exit area along the sliding surface that incorporates inflatable portions. A plantroom for housing equipment, such as water pumps, may make up a portion of the entry end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Murphy
  • Patent number: 8864595
    Abstract: Present invention is provided with a slide main body 100; a support supporting a upper portion of the slide main body; a reservoir 131 for mechanism circulating fluids such as the water to the slide main body 100; a water supply pump 133; and a pipe 140, a slide main body having a hollow structure opened on a lower portion; a reservoir supporting the opening of lower portion of the slide main body; a reservoir 131 is provided in the water supply pump 133. And, a pipe placed in the hollow portion of the slide main body, one end of the pipe connecting to a discharge opening of the water supply pump, and the other end of the pipe extended to the upper inside of the slide main body; a nozzle connected to the other end of the pipe; the nozzle spurting the fluid filled with the reservoir via the pipe, the reservoir being returned the spurting fluid, the spurting/returning is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: BLD Oriental Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Ochi
  • Publication number: 20140309048
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for sliding apparatus comprising a slide portion having a first surface, a second surface, a proximal end and a distal end. In certain embodiments, at least one of the first surface or the second surface is configured to be placed over one or more stairs of a staircase, such that at least a portion of the first surface or the second surface is in direct contact with at least a portion of the one or more stairs of the staircase. The sliding apparatus also includes an anchor member coupled to the proximal end of the slide portion. The anchor member is configured to move from a contracted position to an extended position such that when the anchor member is in the extended position the anchor member is secured between a first vertical surface of the staircase and a second vertical surface of the staircase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Spencer Lee Bowen
  • Publication number: 20140302940
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention describes an inflatable staircase slide assembly that engages with staircases and side rails, and includes an inflatable tubular half-pipe slide member, a compressible support layer, engagement points, ties, at least two elongate straps and at least one blow-up valve. The inflatable tubular half-pipe slide member is placed over the staircase and includes a top portion, a bottom portion, an elongated dipped surface and two sidewalls extending lengthwise from the top portion to bottom portion. The plurality of engagements points are located on each elongate strap of each sidewall, and are coupled to the ties allowing a user to tie the inflatable tubular half-pipe slide member to the side rails at multiple locations for added safety and security. In addition, the compressible support layer is saw-toothed shaped and may be inflatable, padded, or a combination of both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Ryan Green
  • Patent number: 8814756
    Abstract: There is provided a household jungle gym 10 including a swing space 200 which is formed continuously with a lateral side of a frame structure 100, a swing supporting shaft 21 which is detachably stretched in the swing space 200, a triangular supporting portion 40 which pivotally supports the swing supporting shaft 21, strut pipes 41 which support the triangular supporting portion 40, and two telescopic pipes 30 which are disposed parallel to each other on a floor surface and which each have a double rod construction so as to be telescopic, wherein when the jungle gym 10 is stowed, by dismounting the swing 20 and the swing supporting shaft 21 and causing the two telescopic pipes 30 to slide, the triangular supporting portion 40 and the strut pipes 41 can be moved extremely close to the frame structure 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Agatsuma Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Todokoro
  • Publication number: 20140206466
    Abstract: A outdoor structure flooring apparatus is disclosed comprising: a flooring having a one or more sockets, a length and a width. Said one or more sockets receiving a portion of a one or more legs of an outdoor structure. Said flooring comprises a shipping pallet for said outdoor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: BACKYARD PLAYSETS OF WEST TEXAS
    Inventor: Charles Sammann
  • Publication number: 20140206467
    Abstract: A slide feature is adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon. The slide feature includes a sliding surface having an entry end and an exit end. The sliding surface comprising at least a lower portion of a sideways tilted funnel shape wherein a radius of the sliding surface tapers from the entry end to the exit end. A lowermost surface of the sliding surface is horizontal or slightly inclined from horizontal descending from the entry end to the exit end. The sliding surface comprising side walls each extending upward from the lowermost surface about a longitudinal axis which would be defined by the complete sideways tilted funnel shape through an angle of more than 90°. The entry end is substantially larger in diameter than the exit end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: PROSLIDE TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Richard D. HUNTER
  • Patent number: 8784224
    Abstract: A modular water slide apparatus integrated with a transportable unit includes a major slide structure, a minor slide structure, a plurality of water jet nozzles, a trailer, a water supply and storage tank, a water catch basin, a plurality of anchor columns, and at least one circular, spiral, or winding staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Brian E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 8771093
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for sliding apparatus comprising a slide portion having a first surface, a second surface, a proximal end and a distal end. In certain embodiments, at least one of the first surface or the second surface is configured to be placed over one or more stairs of a staircase, such that at least a portion of the first surface or the second surface is in direct contact with at least a portion of the one or more stairs of the staircase. The sliding apparatus also includes an anchor member coupled to the proximal end of the slide portion. The anchor member is configured to move from a contracted position to an extended position such that when the anchor member is in the extended position the anchor member is secured between a first vertical surface of the staircase and a second vertical surface of the staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Spencer Lee Bowen
  • Publication number: 20140179451
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a slide track with movable selection segment between an upstream slide way segment and a downstream slide way segment comprising multiple slide ways, wherein a continuous flow path is provided to a selected slide way. To ensure safe operation, multiple sensors are located in the slide track for detecting the speed and position of the rider. The selection segment moves only from a first position to a second position if the movement can be completed in time before the arrival of the rider at the exit of the selection segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Micky Petrus Martinus Verhaeg
  • Patent number: 8753216
    Abstract: A play set with a mist device which includes a mist frame unit supported through a framework of the play set. The mist frame unit has a hollow body allowing water passage and comprises a flexible hose member mounted onto the framework, wherein a portion of the flexible hose member is constructed into a hose ring encircling a slide unit; a water inlet provided at a first end of the mist frame unit for connecting to a water source; and a plurality of mist producing units provided along the mist frame unit arranged for producing mist such that a preset mist surrounding area is defined within which the play set is located, therefore the mist can reach all play units of the play set, including the slide unit through the hose ring at an angle which is greater than 270°, thereby providing a cooling effect to the mist surrounding area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8715095
    Abstract: An outdoor playground includes a first and a second entertainment units connected with each other. The first entertainment unit includes a first utility frame configured to allow a predetermine entertainment function to be carried out by the first utility frame and a first shading apparatus detachably mounted on the first utility frame for effectively shielding the first utility frame. The second entertainment unit includes a second utility frame configured to allow a predetermine entertainment function to be carried out by the second utility frame, and a second shading apparatus detachably mounted on the second utility frame for effectively shielding the second utility frame so as to allow the entertainment function to be carried out under shading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8690697
    Abstract: A slide feature is adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon. The slide feature includes a sliding surface having an entry end and an exit end. The sliding surface comprising at least a lower portion of a sideways tilted funnel shape wherein a radius of the sliding surface tapers from the entry end to the exit end. A lowermost surface of the sliding surface is horizontal or slightly inclined from horizontal descending from the entry end to the exit end. The sliding surface comprising side walls each extending upward from the lowermost surface about a longitudinal axis which would be defined by the complete sideways tilted funnel shape through an angle of more than 90°. The entry end is substantially larger in diameter than the exit end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Proslide Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8651970
    Abstract: A playground slide has a pair of side rails, including a left side rail and a right side rail, and the pair of side rails is parallel to each other. A slide sheet has a slide sheet top surface, and the slide sheet top surface has a slide sheet left edge. The slide sheet top surface has a slide sheet right edge, and the slight sheet left edge is mounted to a bottom surface of the left side rail. The slide sheet right edge is mounted to a bottom surface of the right side rail. A pair of support rails, namely a left support rail and a right support rail, supports the slight sheet. The pair of support rails is parallel to each other, and the pair of support rails is mounted to a bottom surface of the slide sheet between the pair of side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 8647213
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for climbing and sliding, including a first wall having a first interior surface and a first exterior climbing surface. The apparatus includes a second wall having a second interior surface and a second exterior climbing surface. The apparatus includes a slide having an upper end, a lower end, and a sliding surface descending between the first wall and the second wall. The sliding surface connects to the first interior surface and to the second interior surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of climbing holds. The plurality of climbing holds is secured to the first exterior climbing surface and to the second exterior climbing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Spectrum Sports International
    Inventors: Brian C. Stromberg, Greg M. Pickett
  • Publication number: 20130337924
    Abstract: A playground slide has a pair of side rails, including a left side rail and a right side rail, and the pair of side rails is parallel to each other. A slide sheet has a slide sheet top surface, and the slide sheet top surface has a slide sheet left edge. The slide sheet top surface has a slide sheet right edge, and the slight sheet left edge is mounted to a bottom surface of the left side rail. The slide sheet right edge is mounted to a bottom surface of the right side rail. A pair of support rails, namely a left support rail and a right support rail, supports the slight sheet. The pair of support rails is parallel to each other, and the pair of support rails is mounted to a bottom surface of the slide sheet between the pair of side rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 8608581
    Abstract: A slide feature is adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon. The slide feature includes a sliding surface having an entry end and an exit end. The sliding surface comprising a wall defined by a portion of a side of a funnel shape, tilted sideways, the wall comprising a top and a bottom. The bottom of the wall comprising a lowermost surface of the sliding surface and is horizontal or descending from the entry end to the exit end. The top of the wall curves upward from the lowermost surface past an angle of 90 degrees to the horizontal. A radius of curvature of the sliding surface tapers from the entry end to the exit end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Proslide Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8608580
    Abstract: A slide assembly for indoor/outdoor use which may be adapted to mount to a stairway or furniture piece, such as a couch or chair. The slide assembly includes two or more mounting apparatuses which pivotally mount the slide to a vertical wall adjacent to a stairway such that the slide assembly is capable of being moved from an in-use position to a folded or stowed away position. The ability to pivot the slide assembly allows the stairway to be left unobstructed and free for regular use while the slide is not being used. Similarly, the slide assembly may be mounted to a couch or chair and may be easily disassembled such that the couch may be left unobstructed and free for regular use when the slide is not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Rajeev Khanna
  • Patent number: 8602905
    Abstract: A playground system includes a support post secured to a foundation, a play unit defining a passageway; and a cam assembly configured to secure the play unit to the support. The cam assembly includes a cam base sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit, and a cam. The cam assembly also includes a cam lock sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit within the passageway, and a slot sized and shaped for seating the cam. The slot defines a plurality of steps being sized and shaped to seat the cam to provide an adjustment range to accommodate for variances in sizes and tolerances of the play unit and support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Miracle Recreation Equipment Co.
    Inventors: J. Stephen Steury, Tracy Archer
  • Patent number: 8597132
    Abstract: An accessory for a play system includes an elongated surface and a plurality of sound modules coupled with the elongated surface. The elongated surface may be a slide, climbing wall, ladder or any other surface across which a child may slide, crawl, or climb. The sound modules are spaced along a length of the elongated surface and are each configured to emit a unique sound when operated by the child while traversing the elongated surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo, Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Patent number: 8579715
    Abstract: Leisure and amusement slide elements and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a waterslide includes a bowl having a curved sidewall, two or more rider entrances for enabling riders to slide into the bowl and to circuit at least a portion of the bowl, and a receptacle for forming a pool of water to receive a rider exiting the bowl. A nozzle is provided for directing a jet of water to bias a rider towards an edge of the pool. Another slide apparatus includes a bowl having upper and lower ends and first and second entrances distinct from one another and spaced apart from the bowl lower end. The first and second entrances are configured to bias all users of the first and second entrances to travel about at least a portion of the bowl in a common direction, whether clockwise or counter-clockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Splashtacular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip John Olive, David John Cuttell
  • Publication number: 20130281221
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for sliding apparatus comprising a slide portion having a first surface, a second surface, a proximal end and a distal end. In certain embodiments, at least one of the first surface or the second surface is configured to be placed over one or more stairs of a staircase, such that at least a portion of the first surface or the second surface is in direct contact with at least a portion of the one or more stairs of the staircase. The sliding apparatus also includes an anchor member coupled to the proximal end of the slide portion. The anchor member is configured to move from a contracted position to an extended position such that when the anchor member is in the extended position the anchor member is secured between a first vertical surface of the staircase and a second vertical surface of the staircase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Spencer Bowen
  • Publication number: 20130150171
    Abstract: A slide assembly for indoor/outdoor use which may be adapted to mount to a stairway or furniture piece, such as a couch or chair. The slide assembly includes two or more mounting apparatuses which pivotally mount the slide to a vertical wall adjacent to a stairway such that the slide assembly is capable of being moved from an in-use position to a folded or stowed away position. The ability to pivot the slide assembly allows the stairway to be left unobstructed and free for regular use while the slide is not being used. Similarly, the slide assembly may be mounted to a couch or chair and may be easily disassembled such that the couch may be left unobstructed and free for regular use when the slide is not being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Rajeev Khanna
  • Publication number: 20130095937
    Abstract: An outdoor playground includes a first and a second entertainment units connected with each other. The first entertainment unit includes a first utility frame configured to allow a predetermine entertainment function to be carried out by the first utility frame and a first shading apparatus detachably mounted on the first utility frame for effectively shielding the first utility frame. The second entertainment unit includes a second utility frame configured to allow a predetermine entertainment function to be carried out by the second utility frame, and a second shading apparatus detachably mounted on the second utility frame for effectively shielding the second utility frame so as to allow the entertainment function to be carried out under shading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8419557
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a waterslide that may include a flexible slide portion and an anchor portion. The anchor portion may secure the slide portion to a surface and may include a tab element, a stake element, and an adhesive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: iZoom, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Thayer
  • Patent number: 8382602
    Abstract: An enclosed slide including a number of elongate sections, each section extending between first and second ends thereof, the sections being fastened together in abutting end-to-end relations respectively in a predetermined configuration in which selected pairs of the sections are positioned end-to-end in preselected positions. Each section has a body defining at least a part of a slide bed, and one or more flanges extending outwardly from the body. The flanges positioned at each abutting end of the sections in each selected pair are a pair of flanges positionable adjacent to each other. The enclosed slide also includes a number of clamp rings adapted for securing the adjacent flanges to each other respectively, and a number of fasteners at least partially positionable in flange holes and in the clamp ring holes upon alignment thereof, to at least partially fasten the clamp rings to the adjacent flanges at least partially therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick Rieber
  • Patent number: 8366562
    Abstract: Embodiments of an arch-based play system are disclosed. The system incorporates an arch assembly or a group of arch assemblies. Play elements are connected to the arch assembly or assemblies. The system is modular in nature such that there are a wide variety of different possible implementation configurations. The wide variety of possible implementation configurations corresponds to a wide variety of different play experiences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Landscape Structures, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve King, Tom Keller