Blow up stair slide
The invention provides an inflatable sliding board configured specifically to be installed over a set of stairs. The width is designed to allow a portion of the steps to be exposed for climbing to the top of the slide. The underside of the Blow-Up Stair Slide is contoured with a series of recessed niches, designed to accommodate the individual steps. Further, encompassing the underside of Blow-Up Stair Slide is a non-skid rubber coating or series of rubber grips to facilitate firm attachment to wooden steps. Positioned on the both sides of the unit are slightly elevated retaining walls, and the base of the unit extends several feet past the bottom step, with an integrated safety bumper included to prevent a child from sliding onto the floor. A simple covered air valve is positioned at the top or bottom of the slide for use in inflating the unit.
This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/456,421 filed Nov. 5, 2010, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Blow Up Stair Slide.”
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention pertains to the field of Stair Slides, and more specifically to the field of inflatable stair slides.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe prior art has put forth several designs for Stair slides. Among these are:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,663 to William D. Rice describes a rigid stair slide having an upper slide surface and a step fitting rear surface for locating and seating the slide on the stair.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,869 to Orville Douglas Dension describes a slide for safety evacuation comprising an inflatable bag, a ontainer for the inflatable bag and a pressurized gas source to fill and deploy the bag efficiently in an emergency situation.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,494,419 to Dov Katz et al describes an indoor stair slide for transporting the handicapped between floors comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, and is configured so that when inflated, the lower surface conforms to the steps of a stairway.
None of these prior art references describe the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the present invention to provide an improved inflatable stair slide for providing a fun and novel means of enabling children to enjoy a sliding board inside the home.
A favorite outdoor activity enjoyed by many small children is spending time in a backyard or public playground. Navigating across the bars of a jungle gym, swinging back and forth on an old tire swing or spinning dizzily on a rotating merry-go-round, are just a few of the many activities that children enjoy when playing on outdoor playground equipment. By far, one of the most popular pieces of playground equipment is the sliding board. Well suited for both backyard and public playgrounds, sliding boards usually consist of a sturdy, angled ladder or stairs, at the top of which a flat aluminum or plastic panel is suspended at an angle and expands the distance to the ground below. Designed for children of all ages, sliding boards enable the user to enjoy the thrill of dropping onto the board and sliding through the air.
Having recognized the vast popularity of sliding boards, as well as the potential for an invention which enables children to safely enjoy this activity indoors, the present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Blow-Up Stair Slide, was developed. As the name implies, the Blow-Up Stair Slide is just that; a specially designed, inflatable sliding board configured specifically to be installed over a set of stairs. The Manufactured of heavy duty and reinforced plastic or vinyl material, the Blow-Up Stair Slide can be produced in a variety of lengths to accommodate staircases of different heights, with the width of the unit measuring approximately twenty-five to thirty inches. The width is designed to allow a portion of the steps to be exposed for climbing to the top of the slide. When inflated, the Blow-Up Stair Slide measures three to ten inches in depth, thus providing an adequate buffer between the slide and the steps below. The underside of the Blow-Up Stair Slide is contoured with a series of recessed niches, designed to accommodate the individual steps. Further, encompassing the underside of Blow-Up Stair Slide is a non-skid rubber coating or series of rubber grips to facilitate firm attachment to wooden steps. An alternative embodiment comprises hook and loop fasteners on the underside of the slide for use in securing the slide to carpeted stairs. Positioned on the both sides of the unit are slightly elevated retaining walls, and the base of the unit extends several feet past the bottom step, with an integrated safety bumper included to prevent a child from sliding onto the floor. A simple covered air valve is positioned at the top or bottom of the slide for use in inflating the unit. As an added feature, a portable electric or battery powered air pump can be included for sale with or alongside the Blow-Up Stair Slide. The Blow-Up Stair Slide can be produced in a variety of vibrant colors and designs. Because the safety and well-being of the child is of utmost concern, this product is manufactured in accordance to the stringent guidelines for children's products as set forth by the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association).
Use of the Blow-Up Stair Slide is very simple, straight forward and fun. Consumers first purchases the Blow-Up Stair Slide in a size appropriate to accommodate their staircase. The user then unravels the compacted slide so that it extends from the top step to the bottom step, allowing the nonskid rubber or hook and loop fasteners positioned along the underside of the slide to securely grip the steps, securing the unit in place. The user then simply inflates the Blow-Up Stair Slide and the device is ready for use. Ascending to the top step, a rider would simply sit on the Blow-Up Stair Slide and enjoy the ride to the ground below! After hours of free spirited play, the Blow-Up Stair Slide can be deflated and stored away until again needed.
There are many significant benefits and advantages associated with the Blow-Up Stair Slide. Foremost, the Blow-Up Stair Slide offers children hours of safe fun. A cleverly designed sliding board configured specifically to be installed over a staircase, the Blow-Up Stair Slide enables children the fun and thrills of a sliding board, indoors. Further, as this device is equal in height to the staircase itself, riders can enjoy a greater thrill than traditional sliding boards which only measure several feet. Featuring reinforced side walls and an integrated safety bumper, the Blow-Up Stair Slide can be safely used by toddlers, children and young teens. A perfect solution to a rainy day indoors, the Blow-Up Stair Slide will also be appreciated during cold winter months when outdoor activities such as visiting a playground are simply not an option. Easily installed, the Blow-Up Stair Slide can be assembled in a manner of minutes. Further, as this invention will ultimately follow JPMA standards, parents can rest assured that the Blow-Up Stair Slide will be constructed with the safety and well being of their child in mind. Durably constructed, the Blow-Up Stair Slide will withstand years of repeated use.
The Blow-Up Stair Slide is a cleverly designed product invention which offers consumers a safe and fun approach to a favorite playground accessory; the sliding board. Durably constructed of heavy duty materials, this charming invention provides hours of exciting fun.
Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
Claims
1. An improved inflatable stair slide device, comprising:
- an inflatable sliding board configured to be installed over a set of stairs, wherein the underside of the device is contoured with a series of recessed niches, designed to accommodate the individual steps.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a non-skid rubber coating or series of rubber grips to facilitate firm attachment to wooden steps attached to the underside of the device.
3. The device of claim 1 further comprising hook and loop fasteners on the underside of the slide for use in securing the slide to carpeted stairs.
4. The device of claim 1 further comprising slightly elevated retaining walls positioned on both longitudinal sides of the device.
5. The device of claim 4 further comprising an extension at the bottom of the slide extending one to four feet past the bottom step, wherein the extension comprises an integrated safety bumper included to prevent a child from sliding onto the floor.
6. The device of claim 5 further comprising a simple covered air valve positioned near the top or bottom of the slide for use in inflating the unit.
7. The device of claim 6 further comprising a portable electric or battery powered air pump can be included for inflating the device.
8. The device of claim 5 manufactured of heavy duty and reinforced plastic or vinyl material.
9. The device of claim 5 produced in a variety of lengths to accommodate staircases of different heights, with the width of the unit measuring approximately twenty-five to thirty inches, so that the width allows a portion of the steps to be exposed for climbing to the top of the slide.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 7, 2011
Publication Date: May 31, 2012
Inventor: Terry Parkey (Queen Creek, AZ)
Application Number: 13/373,161
