Spiral wave slide

Abstract

A slide body including an upper segment with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end thereof, and a lower segment with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end thereof. The lower segment includes a flange at the first end thereof, and the upper segment includes a mating element at the second end thereof. The flange and the mating element are adapted to cooperate to locate the first end of the lower segment adjacent to the second end of the upper segment. Also, the flange includes one or more connector elements adapted to cooperate with the mating element for attaching the first end of the lower segment and the second end of the upper segment to each other.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Slide bodies which are spiral in shape (i.e., generally helical) are known. In addition, slide bodies which are substantially linear in plan view, but have generally sinusoidal profiles, are known. In the latter slide bodies, the profile (i.e., the path substantially taken by a user when sliding down a bed portion of the slide body) provides pleasing oscillation effects to the user as the user slides along an upper surface of the slide body. The prior art slide bodies are typically made of a plastic such as polyethylene or structural foamed polyethylene.

However, the slide bodies of the prior art are either formed integrally, or they are formed of parts which are fastened together. Both of these approaches have some disadvantages. First, the slide body which is integrally formed is relatively large, and the larger the slide body, the more difficult it is to form, to transport, and to erect.

Second, where the slide bodies are formed of a number of parts, the prior art parts are fastened together with known fastening systems in arrangements which have certain undesirable characteristics. For instance, a commonly-used type of prior art fastener assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1A, securing a prior art first slide body part 12 to a prior art second slide body part 14. (It will be understood that the upper surfaces are shown as substantially horizontal in FIG. 1A for illustrative purposes only and that, in use, the upper surfaces are positioned at an angle to the horizontal.) The fastener assembly 10 includes a nut 16 and a bolt 17. To assemble, the bolt 17 is inserted through holes 18, 19. In this arrangement, the bolt 17 is positioned substantially parallel to upper surfaces 20, 22 of the first and second parts 12, 14. One of the disadvantages of the fastener assembly 10 is that it acts in a direction which is substantially parallel to the upper surfaces. This is problematic because the load (i.e., the weight of the structure and the user's weight, when the user is on the upper surfaces in the vicinity of the fastener assembly 10) is directed generally vertically downward, thereby imposing shear stresses on the bolt and, consequently, also on the plastic material immediately adjacent to the bolt. The nut tends to loosen over time, and once the fastener assembly has loosened somewhat, the bolt tends to grind against the plastic of the first and second slide body parts 12, 14, around the holes 18, 19. Ultimately, the holes 18, 19 are so worn that they cannot position the bolt as required, and the slide body parts are no longer secured to each other.

In another typical arrangement of the prior art, slide body parts are adapted to cooperate with each other, as shown in FIG. 1B. (Once again, it will be understood that, in use, the upper surfaces are positioned at an angle to the horizontal.) In this arrangement, a prior art first slide body part 26 has a channel portion 28 defining a groove 30 in which a tongue portion 32 of a prior art second slide body part 34 is receivable. A screw 36 is driven generally upwardly through the channel portion 28 and into the tongue portion 32. As can be seen in FIG. 1B, the screw 36 is directed substantially perpendicular to the upper surfaces 20, 22 of the first and second parts 26, 34. Because the upper surfaces 20, 22 are positioned at an angle to the horizontal when the slide is ready for use, the screw 36 is normally positioned at an angle to the vertical. As shown in FIG. 1B, the screw 36 is held in place only by the plastic material 38 between its threads 40. Also, in use, the loading of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1B is directed substantially vertically downward onto the upper surfaces 20, 22. Due to the direction of the frequent loading of the structure relative to the screw 36, the screw 36 can ultimately be pulled out of the tongue portion 32 because the loading, in shear, of the plastic material between the screw threads weakens (or severs) such material.

Also, the prior art connection arrangements shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B are somewhat inconvenient to use. For instance, the first and second slide body parts 12, 14 are required to be held in position while the connector assembly is put into place and tightened. It is very difficult for one person to do this while working alone. This is because the two body parts 12, 14 need to be held together, and maintained substantially stationary relative to each other, while the bolt 17 is inserted and the nut 16 is threaded thereon.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1B, the tongue portion 32 is generally supportable by the channel portion 28. However, the tongue portion is not positively located in the channel portion 28, so that the tongue portion 32 and the channel portion 28 are movable relative to each other until fastened together. Accordingly, the tongue portion 32 and the channel portion 28 need to be held stationary to each other before and while they are fastened together, and it is very difficult for one person to do this while also inserting the fastener.

There is therefore a need for a spiral wave slide which overcomes or mitigates one or more of the defects of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In its broad aspect, the invention provides a slide body for a user to slide thereon. The slide body includes an upper segment having an upper segment bed portion with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end of the upper segment and a lower surface disposed opposite to the upper surface. Also, the slide body includes a lower segment having a lower segment bed portion with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end of the lower segment and a lower surface disposed opposite to the upper surface. The lower segment also includes a flange at the first end thereof extending from the upper surface past the lower surface. In addition, the upper segment includes one or more mating elements at the second end thereof extending from the upper surface past the lower surface. The flange and the mating element are adapted to cooperate to locate the first end of the lower segment adjacent to the second end of the upper segment so that the upper surfaces of the upper and lower segments form a substantially continuous surface for sliding thereon. Also, one of the flange and the mating element has one or more connector elements shaped to cooperate with the other of the flange and the mating element to attach the first end of the lower segment and the second end of the upper segment to each other.

In another aspect of the present invention, upon receipt of the flange in the mating element, the flange and the mating element cooperate to attach the first end of the lower segment to the second end of the upper segment.

In another aspect, the mating element includes a downstream wall and an upstream wall which define a slot in which the flange is receivable.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the upstream wall includes one or more apertures, and the downstream wall includes a preselected portion which registers with the aperture. The aperture is at least partially defined by one or more surfaces disposed in the upstream wall.

In yet another aspect, the connector element is configured for engagement with one or more of the surfaces in a snap fit upon receipt of the flange in the slot, to attach the upper and lower segments to each other.

In another of its aspects, the flange includes a substantially planar face element adapted for engagement with the upstream wall when the flange is received in the slot, and each connector element protrudes from the face element.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, each connector element has a bottom end positioned distal to the upper surface of the lower segment and a top end located between the bottom end and the upper surface. Also, in each connector element, the top end protrudes further from the face element of the flange than the bottom end.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided one or more fasteners for securing the flange and the mating element to each other.

In another aspect, the flange is connected by the fastener to the preselected portion, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.

In another of its aspects, the connector element has an indented surface for directing the fastener substantially along a predetermined path through the preselected portion of the downstream wall upon insertion of the fastener therein.

In yet another aspect, the lower segment additionally includes one or more tabs projecting from the lower surface thereof, each tab being substantially aligned with a preselected portion so that the fastener connects all of the tab, the preselected portion of the downstream wall, and the flange, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.

In another aspect, the invention includes one or more plugs positioned at the first end of the lower segment and one or more cups positioned at the second end of the upper segment. Each plug is nestable in each cup, and is supported by each cup when nested therein. Also, each plug is nested in each cup respectively upon receipt of the flange in the mating element.

In yet another aspect, a fastener connects each cup and each plug respectively, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A (previously discussed) is a cross-section of a first connector assembly of the prior art securing prior art slide body parts to each other;

FIG. 1B (previously discussed) is a cross-section of a second connector assembly of the prior art securing prior art slide body parts to each other;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a slide body of the invention showing an upper surface thereof, drawn at a smaller scale;

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the slide body of FIG. 2 showing a lower surface thereof;

FIG. 3B is an elevation view of a first side of the slide body of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the slide body of FIG. 2 showing the upper surface thereof;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a second side of the slide body of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the slide body of FIG. 2 showing the lower surface thereof;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the upper surface of the slide body of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the lower surface of the slide body of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the slide body of the invention having three portions thereof showing an upper surface thereof;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the slide body of FIG. 9 showing a lower surface thereof;

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of a first side of the slide body of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is another isometric view of the slide body of FIG. 9 showing the upper surface thereof;

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a second side of the slide body of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is another isometric view of the slide body of FIG. 9 showing the lower surface thereof;

FIG. 15A is a plan view of the upper surface of the slide body of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15B is a plan view of the lower surface of the slide body of FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the slide body of the invention having three modular portions showing an upper surface thereof;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of an upper segment and a lower segment of the slide body of the invention positioned for assembly, showing the lower surfaces of the segments;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17, drawn at a larger scale;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17, partially assembled;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a mating element of the upper segment of FIG. 17 showing a slot formed therein, defined by an upstream wall and a downstream wall;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17 showing a flange at a first end of the lower segment, and showing the upper surfaces of the upper and lower segments;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17 showing the flange on the lower segment with connector elements protruding therefrom, drawn at a larger scale;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17 with the flange received in the slot, attaching the upper and lower segments together, drawn at a smaller scale;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17 secured together with a fastener installed at a first connector element and showing a second connector element engaged in an aperture in the absence of a fastener, drawn at a larger scale;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the fastener of FIG. 24 inserted at the first connector element, drawn at a larger scale;

FIG. 26A is an isometric partial cross-section of the flange and a connector element of the invention including the flange positioned in the slot, with the fastener installed;

FIG. 26B is an isometric partial cross-section of the flange positioned in the slot, in the absence of the fastener;

FIG. 26C is a cross-section showing the flange positioned in the slot, drawn at a smaller scale;

FIG. 26D is a cross-section showing the flange positioned in the slot, with the fastener installed;

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a cup with a plug positioned herein with a fastener installed, drawn at a larger scale; and

FIG. 28 is an isometric, partial cross-section of the cup, the plug, and the fastener of FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is first made to FIGS. 2-8 and 17-26D to describe an embodiment of a slide body for user (not shown) to slide thereon in accordance with the invention indicated generally by the numeral 39. In one embodiment, the slide body 39 includes an upper segment 41 with an upper segment bed portion 43 having an upper surface 45 for sliding thereon extending between a first end 47 and a second end 49 of the upper segment 41 (FIG. 7), and a lower surface 51 (FIG. 8) disposed opposite to the upper surface 41. Also, the slide body 39 preferably includes a lower segment 53 including a lower segment bed portion 55 with an upper surface 57 for sliding thereon extending between a first end 59 and a second end 61 (FIG. 7), as well as a lower surface 63 (FIG. 8) disposed opposite to the upper surface 57. As can be seen in FIGS. 18, 21, and 22, the lower segment 53 preferably includes a flange 65 at the first end 59 extending from the upper surface 57 past the lower surface 63 (FIG. 22). In addition, the upper segment 41 includes one or more mating elements 67 at the second end 49 thereof extending from the upper surface 45 past the lower surface 51, as will be described. Preferably, the flange 65 and the mating element 67 are adapted to cooperate to locate the first end 59 of the lower segment adjacent to the second end 49 of the upper segment so that the upper surfaces 45, 57 of the upper and lower segments 41, 53 respectively form a substantially continuous surface for sliding thereon (FIG. 26C). It is also preferred that one of the flange 65 and the mating element 67 includes one or more connector elements 69 shaped to cooperate with the other of the flange 65 and the mating element 67 to attach the first end 59 of the lower segment 53 and the second end 49 of the upper segment 41 to each other, as will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 22, 26A and 26B, the connector element preferably is included in the flange 65. Preferably, the flange 65 is receivable in the mating element 67 (FIGS. 26A, 26B). Upon the flange 65 being received in the mating element 67, the flange 65 and the mating element 67 cooperate to attach the first end 59 of the lower segment 53 adjacent to the second end 49 of the upper segment 41.

It will be understood that the slide body of the invention may have more constituent body parts than the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 shown in FIGS. 2-15B. The embodiment of the slide body shown in FIGS. 2-15B has only two segments, in order to simplify the drawings. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the first end 47 of the upper segment 41 preferably is positioned above the second end 61 of the lower segment 53, so that the first end 47 is an upper end 71 of the slide body 39, and the second end 61 is a lower end 73 of the slide body 39. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end 71 may be supported above the lower end 73 by a support structure 75, as is known in the art.

Preferably, the slide body additionally includes one or more fasteners 77 for attaching the flange 65 and the mating element 67 to each other (as will be described), to secure the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 to each other. As shown in FIG. 26D, the lower surfaces 51, 63 of the upper and lower segments 41, 53 preferably are substantially parallel to the upper surfaces 45, 57 respectively. Also, the fastener 77 preferably is a screw which is positioned substantially parallel to the upper and lower surfaces at the first end 59 of the lower segment 53 and the second end 49 of the upper segment 41.

As can be seen in FIGS. 20, 26A, and 26B, it is preferred that the mating element 67 includes a downstream wall 79 and an upstream wall 81 which define a slot 83 in which the flange 65 is receivable. It is also preferred that the upstream wall 81 includes one or more apertures 85 with which a preselected portion 87 of the downstream wall 79 registers (FIG. 20). As can be seen in FIGS. 24, 25, 26A, and 26B, the aperture 85 is defined by one or more surfaces 89 in the upstream wall 81.

Preferably, the connector element 69 is configured for engagement with one or more of the surfaces 89 when the flange 65 is received in the slot 83 in a snap fit, to attach the upper and lower segments 41, 53 together. As can be seen in FIG. 22, the flange 65 preferably has a substantially planar face element 91. In one embodiment, the connector elements 69 protrude from the face element 91 (FIG. 22). The connector elements 69 are positioned for alignment with the apertures 85 when the flange 65 is received in the slot 83. As the flange 65 is inserted into the slot 83, the connector elements 69 are inserted into the apertures 85, as described below. The connector elements 69 are sized and located so that the connector elements 69 each respectively engage one or more surfaces 89 of the respective apertures 85 in which the connector elements 69 are positioned. The engagement of the connector element 69 with the surfaces 89 takes place when the connector element 69 snaps into the aperture 85, i.e., when the flange 65 is fully received in the slot 83. Because of the tightness of the fit of the connector elements 69 in the apertures 85, when the flange 65 is received in the slot 83, the upper and lower segments 41, 53 are temporarily attached to each other, i.e., before any of the fasteners 77 are inserted. This temporary attachment simplifies assembly of the slide body 39, as will be described.

As can be seen in FIG. 22, each connector element 69 includes a bottom end 93 which is positioned distal to the upper surface 57 of the lower segment 53 and a top end 95 located between the bottom end 93 and the upper surface 57. Preferably, the top end 95 protrudes significantly further from the face element 91 than the bottom end 93 does, to give each connector element 69 a wedge-like shape, i.e., each connector element 69 is tapered toward the bottom end 93.

This wedge-like configuration of the connector elements 69 is important because it enables the flange 65 to be fully received in the slot 83, and it results in each connector element 69 snapping into the aperture 85, once the flange 65 is fully inserted into the slot 83. Preferably, the thickness of the flange 65 at the upper end 95 is significantly greater than the width of the slot 83, i.e., it is desirable that the top end 95 should extend into the aperture 85 to a significant extent when the flange 65 is fully inserted in the slot 83, to facilitate engagement of the connector element 69 with the surfaces 89, and also to impede removal of the connector element 69 from the aperture 85. Accordingly, after the flange 65 is fully inserted into the slot 83, the connector elements 69 attach the upper and lower segments to each other, to facilitate insertion of the fastener 77.

As can be seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, the upstream wall 81 preferably includes a bridge portion 97 disposed above the aperture 85. When the flange 65 is first inserted (i.e., when the flange 65 is only partly inserted) into the slot 83, the narrower part (i.e., that part of the flange 65 near the bottom end 95 of the connector element 69) passes downwardly past the bridge portion 97, but the broader part of the connector element 69 (i.e., toward the top end 95) tends to bind between the inner surface of the bridge portion 97 and the inner surface of the downstream wall 79 defining the slot 83 at that point. However, after additional force is applied, the flange 65 is then pushed further into the slot 83. Once the top end 95 has moved downwardly past the bridge portion 97, the top end 95 snaps into position in the aperture 85.

As can be seen in FIG. 26A, it is preferred that the flange 65 is connected by the fastener 77 to the preselected portion 87 of the downstream wall, to secure the lower segment 53 and the upper segment 41 to each other. In addition, and as can be seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, the lower segment 53 preferably includes one or more tabs 99 projecting from the lower surface 63 thereof. Preferably, each tab 99 is substantially aligned with the preselected portion 87 of the downstream wall 79 so that the fastener 77, upon installation thereof, connects the tab 99, the preselected portion 87, and the flange 65, thereby securing the lower segment 53 and the upper segment 41 to each other. Also, the tab 99 and the flange 65 preferably define a trough 101 (FIGS. 18, 26C, 26D) in which an upper edge 103 (FIG. 20) of the downstream wall 79 is receivable.

As can be seen in FIG. 26B, the connector element 69 preferably includes an indented surface 105 for directing the fastener 77 substantially along a predetermined path (indicated by arrow “X” in FIG. 26B) through the preselected portion 87 upon insertion of the fastener 77 therein. In addition, and as shown in FIG. 26B, the upstream wall 81 preferably includes a second indented surface 107 which is complimentary to the indented surface 105. Preferably, the indented surfaces 105, 107 define an opening with a diameter which is only slightly less than the diameter of the fastener 77. (In order to simplify FIG. 22, the indented surfaces 105 are not shown in FIG. 22. It will be understood, however, that the indented surfaces preferably are included in the connector elements 69.)

It is also preferred that the connector element 69 includes a ledge 109 with the indented surface 105, for supporting and directing the fastener 77 along the predetermined path upon insertion of the fastener 77 in the preselected portion 87.

As can be seen in FIGS. 17-21, the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 include side walls 111, 113 respectively positioned on opposite sides of the respective bed portions 43, 55. The upper segment 41 includes, at its second end 49, cups 115, 117 positioned on the side wall 111, at opposite ends of the mating element 67. Also, the lower segment 53 includes, at its first end 59, plugs 119, 121 which are positioned on the side wall 113 and at opposite ends of the flange 65. Each plug 119, 121 is nestable in each cup 115, 117 respectively when the flange 65 is received in the mating element 67 (FIGS. 27, 28). FIGS. 27 and 28 show the cup 115 and (in FIG. 28) the plug 119 nested inside the cup 115. It will be understood that the plug 121 and the cup 117 are identical to the plug 119 and the cup 115 respectively in all material respects.

In the preferred embodiment, one or more fasteners 123 connects each of the cups 115, 117 to the plugs 119,121 respectively, to secure the lower segment 53 and the upper segment 41 to each other (FIG. 28). Preferably, the fastener 123 is a screw which is positioned substantially orthogonally to the upper surfaces 45, 57 of the upper and lower segments 41, 53 respectively at the second end 49 of the upper segment 41 and the first end 59 of the lower segment 53.

It will be understood that, as shown in FIGS. 9-15B and FIG. 16, the slide body of the invention can include more than two constituent body parts, or portions. In each case, however, the “upper segment” would be understood to be the portion which is to be positioned higher when the slide body is installed, and the “lower segment” would be understood to be the portion which is to be positioned lower-upon installation.

For example, another embodiment of the slide body of the invention 239 is disclosed in FIGS. 9-15B. As can been seen in FIG. 15A, the slide body 239 includes an upper portion 225, a middle portion 227, and a lower portion 229. However, as between the upper portion 225 and the middle portion 227, at the point where such portions join, the upper portion 225 would be considered to be the upper segment for the purposes hereof, and the middle portion 227 would be considered to be the lower segment for the purposes hereof. That is, the portion 225 has a mating element (not shown), and the portion 227 has a flange (not shown) receivable in the mating element for attaching the two portions together, as described above. Similarly, it will be understood that, as between the middle portion 227 and the lower portion 229, at the point where they meet, the middle portion 227 has a mating element (not shown) and the lower portion 229 has a flange (not shown) receivable in the mating element to attach the two portions together, as described above.

In another embodiment, a slide body 439 of the invention is disclosed in FIG. 16. As can be seen in FIG. 16, the slide body 439 includes an upper portion 431, a first middle portion 433, a second middle portion 435, and a lower portion 437. It will be understood that the pattern may be repeated, to form slide bodies with several additional portions. It will also be understood that, in the slide body 439, the portion immediately adjacent to and above a portion is an “upper segment”, and the other portion would be a “lower segment”. For instance, at its lower end, the portion 433 includes a mating element (not shown) in which a flange (not shown) forming part of the portion 435 is receivable, for attaching portions 433, 435 together. At its other (uppermost) end, the portion 433 includes a flange (not shown) receivable in a mating element (not shown) which is at the lower end of the portion 431, to attach portions 431, 433 together.

In use, and as can be seen in FIG. 18, the second end 49 of the upper segment 41 and the first end 59 of the lower segment 53 are positioned in proximity to each other, so that the elements positioned on the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 are aligned for mating (as indicated by center lines “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D”). Next, the flange 65 is received in the slot 83, and the preselected portions 87 of the downstream wall 79 are positioned in the trough 101 formed between the tabs 99, and the flange 65. Simultaneously, the plugs 119 and 121 are nested in the cups 115, 117 respectively.

As described above, when the flange 65 is seated in the slot 83, the connector elements 69 snap into position in the apertures 85, engaging one or more of the surfaces 89 which define the aperture 85 as they snap into place. At this point, the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 are attached together, and held in place by the cooperation of the connector elements 69 with the surfaces 89 defining the apertures 85 to form a relatively secure connection. Because this connection is relatively secure, an installer (not shown) is not required to hold the upper and lower segments together while the fasteners are installed.

Next, the fasteners 77 and 123 are installed. As can be seen in FIG. 26B, once the flange 65 is fully received in the slot 83, the indented surfaces 105, 107 define a small opening which conveniently facilitates the initial insertion of the fastener 77 into the flange 65. Also, because of their configuration, the indented surfaces 105, 107 direct the fastener 77 along the predetermined path defined by arrow “X” in FIG. 26B as the fastener 77 is driven through the flange 65, the downstream wall 79, and into the tab 99, to secure the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 to each other.

As can be seen in FIG. 28, the fastener 123 preferably is inserted substantially at the respective centers of the cups 115, 117 and driven into the plugs 119, 121 to secure the plugs 119, 121 to the cups 115, 117 respectively.

In another embodiment, the upper segment bed portion 43 has an upper segment bed profile 50 which substantially defines a path taken by the user sliding from the first end 47 to the second end 49 of the upper segment 41 (FIG. 3B). Also, the lower segment bed portion 55 has a lower segment bed profile 52 which substantially defines a path taken by the user sliding from the first end 59 to the second end 61 of the lower segment 53. Preferably, the upper segment bed profile 50 and the lower segment bed profile 52 form a substantially continuous profile between the upper end 71 and the lower end 73 of the slide body 39. The substantially continuous profile may be sinusoidal, however, it is preferred that only the lower segment bed profile 52 is substantially sinusoidal.

As described above, in another embodiment, the slide body 239 includes upper, middle, and lower portions 225, 227, and 229. In this embodiment, the middle portion has a middle bed profile 254 which substantially defines a path taken by the user sliding from a first end 256 to a second end 258 of the middle portion 227. As can be seen in FIG. 10, an upper segment bed profile 250, the middle bed profile 254, and a lower segment bed profile 252 form a substantially continuous profile between an upper end 271 and a lower end 273 of the slide body 239. Such substantially continuous profile may be sinusoidal, however, it is preferred that only the lower segment bed profile 252 is substantially sinusoidal.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, the slide body 39 includes a curved portion 60 which extends a first predetermined distance from the upper end 71 towards the lower end 73 to an intermediate transition zone (indicated at 62 in FIG. 7), and a substantially linear portion 64 extending between the lower end 73 and the intermediate transition zone. It is preferred that the linear portion 64 has a profile substantially defining a path taken by the user sliding from the intermediate transition zone 62 to the lower end 73 which is substantially sinusoidal. Preferably, the curved portion 60 substantially defines at least a part of a helical path.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112 paragraph 6.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can take many forms, and that such forms are within the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the descriptions of the preferred versions contained herein.

Claims

1. A slide body for a user to slide thereon, the slide body comprising:

an upper segment comprising an upper segment bed portion with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end of the upper segment and a lower surface disposed opposite to the upper surface;

a lower segment comprising a lower segment bed portion with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end of the lower segment and a lower surface disposed opposite to the upper surface, the lower segment comprising a flange at the first end thereof extending from the upper surface past the lower surface;

the upper segment comprising at least one mating element at the second end thereof extending from the upper surface past the lower surface;

the flange and said at least one mating element being adapted to cooperate to locate the first end of the lower segment adjacent to the second end of the upper segment such that the upper surfaces of the upper and lower segments form a substantially continuous surface for sliding thereon; and

one of the flange and said at least one mating element comprising at least one connector element shaped to cooperate with the other of the flange and said at least one mating element to attach the first end of the lower segment and the second end of the upper segment to each other.

2. A slide body according to claim 1 in which, upon the flange being received in said at least one mating element, the flange and said at least one mating element cooperate to attach the first end of the lower segment to the second end of the upper segment.

3. A slide body according to claim 1 in which the first end of the upper segment comprises an upper end of the slide body and in which the second end of the lower segment comprises a lower end of the slide body.

4. A slide body according to claim 1 additionally comprising at least one fastener for securing the flange and said at least one mating element to each other.

5. A slide body according to claim 4 in which the lower surfaces of the upper and lower segments are substantially parallel to the upper surfaces of the upper and lower segments respectively, and in which said at least one fastener comprises a screw positioned substantially parallel to said upper and lower surfaces at the first end of the lower segment and the second end of the upper segment.

6. A slide body according to claim 2 in which said at least one mating element comprises a downstream wall and an upstream wall which define a slot in which the flange is receivable.

7. A slide body according to claim 6 in which the upstream wall includes at least one aperture, and the downstream wall comprises a preselected portion which registers with the aperture, said at least one aperture being at least partially defined by at least one surface disposed in the upstream wall.

8. A slide body according to claim 7 in which said flange is connected by said at least one fastener to said at least one preselected portion, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.

9. A slide body according to claim 7 in which the lower segment additionally comprises at least one tab projecting from the lower surface thereof, said at least one tab being substantially aligned with said at least one preselected portion such that said at least one fastener connects said at least one tab, said at least one preselected portion of the downstream wall, and said flange, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.

10. A slide body according to claim 9 in which said at least one tab and the flange define at least one trough in which an upper edge of the downstream wall is receivable.

11. A slide body according to claim 7 in which said at least one connector element is configured for engagement with said at least one surface in a snap fit upon the flange being received in the slot, to attach the upper and lower segments to each other.

12. A slide body according to claim 11 in which the flange includes a substantially planar face element adapted for engagement with the upstream wall when the flange is received in the slot, and said at least one connector element protrudes from the face element.

13. A slide body according to claim 12 in which said at least one connector element comprises a bottom end positioned distal to the upper surface of the lower segment and a top end located between the bottom end and the upper surface, and in which the top end protrudes further from the face element of the flange than the bottom end.

14. A slide body according to claim 7 in which said at least one connector element comprises an indented surface for directing said at least one fastener substantially along a predetermined path through said at least one preselected portion upon insertion of said at least one fastener therein.

15. A slide body according to claim 7 in which said at least one connector element comprises a ledge with an indented surface for supporting and directing said at least one fastener along the predetermined path upon insertion of said at least one fastener in said at least one preselected portion.

16. A slide body according to claim 2 additionally comprising at least one plug positioned at the first end of the lower segment and at least one cup positioned at the second end of the upper segment, said at least one plug being nestable in said at least one cup and supported by said at least one cup when nested therein, said at least one plug being nested in said at least one cup upon the flange being received in said at least one mating element.

17. A slide body according to claim 16 in which at least one fastener connects said at least one cup and said at least one plug, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.

18. A slide body according to claim 17 in which said at least one fastener comprises a screw positioned substantially orthogonal to said upper surfaces of the upper and lower segments at the first end of the lower segment and the second end of the upper segment.

19. A slide body according to claim 16 in which each of the upper segment and the lower segment additionally comprises sidewalls positioned on opposite sides of the respective bed portions thereof and each of said at least one cup and said at least one plug is positioned on said sidewalls of the upper segment and the lower segment respectively.

20. A slide body for a user to slide thereon, the slide body comprising:

an upper segment comprising an upper segment bed portion with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end of the upper segment, the upper segment bed portion having an upper segment bed profile substantially defining a path taken by the user sliding from the first end to the second end of the upper segment;

a lower segment comprising a lower segment bed portion with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end of the lower segment, the lower segment bed portion having a lower segment bed profile substantially defining a path taken by the user sliding from the first end to the second end of the lower segment;

the first end of the lower segment and the second end of the upper segment being adapted to mate such that the upper surfaces of the lower and upper segments form a substantially continuous surface for sliding thereon;

the first end of the upper segment comprising an upper end of the slide body and the second end of the lower segment comprising a lower end of the slide body; and

the upper segment bed profile and the lower segment bed profile forming a substantially continuous profile between the upper end and the lower end.

21. A slide body according to claim 20 additionally comprising:

a middle segment positioned between the upper segment and the lower segment, the middle segment comprising a middle bed portion with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end of the middle segment, the middle bed portion having a middle bed profile substantially defining a path taken by the user sliding from a first end to a second end of the middle segment; and

the first end of the middle segment and the second end of the upper segment being adapted to mate, and the second end of the middle segment and the first end of the lower segment being adapted to mate, such that the upper surfaces of the upper, middle, and lower segments form a substantially continuous surface for sliding thereon.

22. A slide body according to claim 21 in which the upper segment bed profile, the middle bed profile, and the lower segment bed profile form a substantially continuous profile between the upper end and the lower end.

23. A slide body for a user to slide thereon, the slide body comprising:

an upper end and a lower end, the upper end being positioned above the lower elevation such that the user slides from the upper end to the lower end due to gravity;

the slide body comprising a curved portion extending a first predetermined distance from the upper end toward the lower end to an intermediate transition zone;

the slide body additionally comprising a substantially linear portion extending between the lower end and the intermediate transition zone; and

the slide body having a profile substantially defining a path taken by the user sliding from the intermediate transition zone to the lower end, the profile being substantially sinusoidal.

24. A slide body according to claim 23 in which the curved portion substantially defines at least a portion of a helical path.