Body Slide Patents (Class 472/116)
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Patent number: 8360895Abstract: A water slide is provided to for recreation and amusement. The water slide includes a plastic strip of sliding sheet material forming a sliding surface. The sheet material is configured so that a central curved region is positioned between an elongated entry and an elongated exit regions. The sliding surface has an inner and an outer periphery. A curved and outwardly extending banked obstacle region is positioned in the central curved region. The obstacle region includes a bottom wall, at least one outer load bearing side wall, and a top wall. The top wall is also of sliding sheet material and is contiguous with the sliding surface. The banked obstacle region forms a valley for interconnection with the elongated entry and exit regions. The bottom wall, side wall, and top walls further define at least one hollow inner chamber. A load supporting medium is contained in the hollow inner chamber so that the obstacle region bears a sliding load.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Inventor: Jana Brown
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Publication number: 20120295720Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: PROSLIDE TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventor: Richard D. HUNTER
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Publication number: 20120283033Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2010Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: BLD ORIENTAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasushi Ochi
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Patent number: 8282497Abstract: An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. An amusement ride system may include a system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water may include a belt and a belt movement system. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water may include a support structure which functions to provide support for the belt and belt movement system, one or more coupling mechanisms functioning to releasably couple one or more ends of the support structure to a portion of a water amusement park, and/or one or more spatial adjustment mechanisms coupled to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Water Ride Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery Wayne Henry, John Timothy Schooley
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Patent number: 8262494Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Proslide Technology Inc.Inventor: Richard D Hunter
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Patent number: 8226492Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Proslide Technology Inc.Inventor: Richard D. Hunter
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Patent number: 8210953Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating closed-molded translucent fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) material and parts for use in various applications, such as for use in waterslides and architectural fascia and signage. The method includes: (a) providing a first mold half mateable with a second mold half to define a mold having an internal cavity; (b) disposing a glass fiber pre-form within the internal cavity of the mold, the glass fibers of the pre-form having a preselected refractive index; (c) selecting a transparent thermoset resin having a refractive index when cured that is substantially similar to the refractive index of the glass fibers of the pre-form; (d) injecting the thermoset resin into the internal cavity of the mold until the void space defined within the internal cavity is substantially filled with the resin; (e) allowing the resin to cure; and (f) removing the part from the mold.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Whitewater Composites Ltd.Inventor: Michael Dankewich
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Patent number: 8197351Abstract: Many playsets include one or more tower sections with one or more platform sections supported above the ground or a similar support surface with a support structure or framing. In certain embodiments, a curved wall portion defines one or more panel openings. Subpanels may optionally be mounted into the openings. A balcony floor protrudes outwards with a curved outer edge or face with an interior flat floor edge adjoining an edge of a polygonal platform section floor to enlarge the square footage of the floor area of the platform section.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael Guerzini, Daniel Webb, Gene Hunter, Tom Ellingson, Charles Louis Lasky
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Publication number: 20120135813Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventor: Terry Parkey
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Publication number: 20120129617Abstract: Amusement slides having moving sections are disclosed. In one embodiment, an amusement slide includes a first section, a second section, and at least one actuator for moving the first section from a first state to a second state. The first section has a rider passageway therein, and the second section has a rider passageway therein. The second section passageway is in communication with the first section passageway such that a rider may pass from one of the passageways to the other of the passageways. A first slide path is defined while the first section is at the first state, and a second slide path is defined while the first section is at the second state. The second slide path is different from the first slide path.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: SPLASHTACULAR, INC.Inventors: Philip John Olive, David John Cuttell
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Patent number: 8172693Abstract: Many playsets include one or more tower sections with one or more platform sections supported above the ground or a similar support surface with a support structure or framing. In certain embodiments, a curved wall portion defines one or more panel openings. Subpanels may optionally be mounted into the openings. A balcony floor protrudes outwards with a curved outer edge or face with an interior flat floor edge adjoining an edge of a polygonal platform section floor to enlarge the square footage of the floor area of the platform section.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael Guerzini, Daniel Webb, Gene Hunter, Tom Ellingson, Charles Louis Lasky
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Patent number: 8105173Abstract: A playset is operable to be erected on a site and includes a slide and an adjustable-height slide base. The slide base includes an adapter that attaches below the slide and at least one standoff that attaches below the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Christopher W. Connors, Ernie D. Sheets
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Publication number: 20110244972Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: BACKYARD LEISURE HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo, Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman
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Patent number: 8021240Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Landscape Structures Inc.Inventors: Steve King, Tom Keller
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Patent number: 8002642Abstract: Many playsets include one or more tower sections with one or more platform sections supported above the ground or a similar support surface with a support structure or framing. In certain embodiments, a curved wall portion defines one or more panel openings. Subpanels may optionally be mounted into the openings. A balcony floor protrudes outwards with a curved outer edge or face with an interior flat floor edge adjoining an edge of a polygonal platform section floor to enlarge the square footage of the floor area of the platform section.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael Guerzini, Daniel Webb, Gene Hunter, Tom Ellingson, Charles Louis Lasky
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Publication number: 20110201435Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Brian C. Stromberg, Greg M. Pickett
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Publication number: 20110086717Abstract: A playset is operable to be erected on a site and includes a slide and an adjustable-height slide base. The slide base includes an adapter that attaches below the slide and at least one standoff that attaches below the adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: BACKYARD LEISURE HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Christopher W. Connors, Ernie D. Sheets
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Patent number: 7878877Abstract: An inflatable device designed to provide safety information to a plurality of people. The inflatable device includes at least one meeting venue and at least one at least one physical activity feature. The meeting includes an inflatable structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Scherba Industries, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
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Publication number: 20110021278Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventor: Frederick Rieber
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Patent number: 7854662Abstract: Water slide with a chute which opens into a discharge area and has an initial section and a discharge section opening into the discharge area, characterized in that at least one loop section is provided between the initial section and the discharge section, the loop section having an angle at circumference of at least 270° and, at least between a starting point and an apex point of the loop section, being inclined by 5° to 80° in relation to a vertical.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Aquarena Freizeitanlagen GmbHInventors: Rainer Braun, Manfred Schmudermayer
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Patent number: 7833107Abstract: An apparatus to aid in diving techniques, comprising a base assembly having first and second frame arms and first and second transversal supports. The first and second frame arms are perpendicularly disposed to the first and second transversal supports. The first transversal support comprises a first L-bracket and the second transversal support comprises a second L-bracket. A slide assembly comprises first and second lateral sides and first and second ends. The slide assembly is hingedly mounted onto the base assembly by at least one hinge. Elevation means elevate the first end to place the slide assembly from an approximately horizontal position to an angled position.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventor: Ramon A. Garcia-Morales
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Patent number: 7815513Abstract: An enclosed slide extending between a deck located above a ground surface and the ground surface. The enclosed slide includes a number of elongate sections extending between the deck and the ground surface. The sections are connected together in abutting end-to-end relations respectively. Each section includes a body and one or more flanges extending outwardly from the body and ending in notched edges, each flange being positioned substantially at one of the ends. The enclosed slide also includes a number of clamp rings. Each clamp ring includes one or more notched portions for mating with the notched edges of each pair of adjacent flanges respectively. Each clamp ring is adapted for securing the adjacent flanges in each pair to each other respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Inventor: Frederick Rieber
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Patent number: 7789761Abstract: A stairway slide assembly including an anchoring approach pad at the top of the stairway, an intermediate inflatable slide section for overlying the stairway steps and an deceleration section at the bottom of the stairway. A slide section includes a plurality of inflatable, longitudinally extending air passages which are formed by sealing laterally spaced apart elongate confronting portions of a pair of air impervious sheets. An inflatable support base is coupled to and underlies the slide and includes transversely extending inflatable air passages received on the steps and supporting the underside of the slide in spaced relation with the underlying steps.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Inventor: Piper Lumsden
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Patent number: 7762898Abstract: The invention is directed to a slide with at least a portion of the slide being covered so as to define a tunnel in which a user of the slide is likely to having difficulty seeing where the slide is taking them and a lighting effect that uses invisible light (e.g., ultraviolet light, black light, or infrared light) and an element that, in response to invisible light, produces visible light in the tunnel that is capable of being seen by a user that is passing through the tunnel. Also provided is a method for retrofitting an existing amusement slide that has a tunnel without such a lighting effect or that has a tunnel with inadequate or undesirable lighting effect.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Technifex Products, LLCInventors: Montgomery C. Lunde, Clement Folckemer
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Patent number: 7758434Abstract: A portable waterslide device includes a plurality of interconnected pivotal sections situated at an end-to-end pattern. The sinusoidal top surface further includes a plurality of spray valves. The portable waterslide device further includes a plurality of motorized discharge nozzles operably coupled to the plurality of spray valves. The portable waterslide device further includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced egress points and a threaded ingress point in fluid communication with a conduit positioned on a rear surface of the portable waterslide device. The portable waterslide device further includes a vertically adjustable pedestal member directly attached to the sliding board, a vertically adjustable ladder operably coupled to the vertically adjustable pedestal member, and a plurality of sensors communicatively coupled to the plurality of spray valves of the sliding board.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Inventor: Ray Johnson
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Patent number: 7682260Abstract: A system for anchoring inflatable structures having a base which, when the structure is inflated, rests on a supporting surface to support the structure, includes at least one water receiving anchoring portion positioned adjacent a side of the base of the structure that rests on the supporting surface and which is secured to and extends from the inflatable structure. The water receiving anchoring portion includes a water receiving section to receive water therein and a shaping section to provide a shape to the water receiving section and to the water receiving anchoring portion to ease filling of the water receiving section with water. The shaping section shapes the water receiving section generally into a cup or bucket like structure so that water can be poured into the water receiving section without the water receiving section being held in such shape by hand or without having to be filled with pressurized water.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Inventors: William N. Whitlock, Charles Brewer
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Patent number: 7662045Abstract: A slide assembly and method of assembling a slide assembly are disclosed for use in conjunction with a recreation structure. The slide assembly includes a pair of side rails with internal grooves along lengths thereof and a slide bed located between the side rails with side margins thereof received within the grooves of the side rails. The slide assembly also includes reinforcements extending between the side rails underneath the slide bed, with ends of each reinforcement received within a recess in each of the side rails. Fasteners, such as screws, selectively secure side margin portions of the slide bed and ends of each reinforcement to each of the side rails. The method of assembling a slide assembly includes inserting each side margin of a slide bed into grooves of the side rails and attaching the slide bed and side rails to a recreation structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Charles Clifton Sammann, Ronald L. Scripsick
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Publication number: 20090143154Abstract: An enclosed slide extending between a deck located above a ground surface and the ground surface. The enclosed slide includes a number of elongate sections extending between the deck and the ground surface. The sections are connected together in abutting end-to-end relations respectively. Each section includes a body and one or more flanges extending outwardly from the body and ending in notched edges, each flange being positioned substantially at one of the ends. The enclosed slide also includes a number of clamp rings. Each clamp ring includes one or more notched portions for mating with the notched edges of each pair of adjacent flanges respectively. Each clamp ring is adapted for securing the adjacent flanges in each pair to each other respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: Frederick Rieber
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Publication number: 20090111592Abstract: The invention is directed to a slide with at least a portion of the slide being covered so as to define a tunnel in which a user of the slide is likely to having difficulty seeing where the slide is taking them and a lighting effect that uses invisible light (e.g., ultraviolet light, black light, or infrared light) and an element that, in response to invisible light, produces visible light in the tunnel that is capable of being seen by a user that is passing through the tunnel. Also provided is a method for retrofitting an existing amusement slide that has a tunnel without such a lighting effect or that has a tunnel with inadequate or undesirable lighting effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Montgomery C. Lunde, Clement Folckemer
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Publication number: 20090105000Abstract: A portable ‘surface covering’ for mainly outdoor use, in a horizontal or inclined plane, subject to support from the underlying substratum. The ‘surface covering’ has means to maintain its position in loose, unstable, easily penetrated substratum, using tube pegs, ‘envelopes’, or a down-turned edge or edges/fin or fins; with versions made from a range of materials of various flexibilities/strength. The ‘surface covering’ in one embodiment is smooth, used as a slide, and has versions that can be multi or single lane, various lengths, one piece, or requiring assembly from a plurality of pieces or units, which may overlap other units to create various length slides, hi the inventions pathway/cycleway embodiment each individual unit may also be physically linked at the point of overlap and the surface be of a non-slip nature. FIG. 12 shows how a representation of the ‘surface covering’ can be arranged.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2006Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventor: Robert J. Scarborough
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Patent number: 7494419Abstract: A stair slide having a longitudinally extending inflatable body with an upper surface and a lower surface. The body is configured so that when inflated, the lower surface conforms to steps of a stairway and the upper surface is substantially flat. A mounting device is attached to an upper end of the body for securing the body at the stairway. A lower end of the body opposite the upper end is formed as a flat landing area.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Inventors: Dov Katz, Bezalel Katz
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Publication number: 20090017926Abstract: A slide assembly and method of assembling a slide assembly are disclosed for use in conjunction with a recreation structure. The slide assembly includes a pair of side rails with internal grooves along lengths thereof and a slide bed located between the side rails with side margins thereof received within the grooves of the side rails. The slide assembly also includes reinforcements extending between the side rails underneath the slide bed, with ends of each reinforcement received within a recess in each of the side rails. Fasteners, such as screws, selectively secure side margin portions of the slide bed and ends of each reinforcement to each of the side rails. The method of assembling a slide assembly includes inserting each side margin of a slide bed into grooves of the side rails and attaching the slide bed and side rails to a recreation structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: BACKYARD LEISURE HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Charles Clifton Sammann, Ronald L. Scripsick
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Publication number: 20080207344Abstract: A helical tube slide that includes a plurality one-piece half-tube portions that are each substantially dimensionally the same. Two of the plurality of half-tube portions are coupled together to define a first curved tubular segment that defines a first portion of the tube slide. Another two of the plurality of half-tube portions are coupled together to define a second curved tubular segment that defines a second portion of the tube slide. The tube slide further includes a fastener that couples the first curved tubular segment and the second curved tubular segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: PLAYSTAR, INC.Inventors: Ernesto Huerta, Brian K. Zeilinger
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Patent number: 7357728Abstract: A slide and process of using the slide for humans' amusement, recreation and entertainment. The slide is an inflatable apparatus comprising a slide device and an airbag device. The slide device is an inflatable bag having a slide segment. The airbag device has a bottom bag separated into sections by vented baffles. The bottom bag is interconnected to top bags in the form of crumple tubess, which in turn are connected to a top cover sheet. In use, a person slides off the end of the slide segment and free falls to the airbag device.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Inventor: Frederick Edward Osler-Weppenaar
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Publication number: 20080081707Abstract: A playground slide that is specially designed to provide superior longitudinal strength for load support and superior transverse strength to avoid warping or distortion during outdoor use. The playground slide is formed from plastic by means of a rotational molding process and includes a longitudinally extending upper sliding surface and a spaced-apart lower surface that in cooperation with the upper sliding surface forms an elongated internal cavity. Additionally, the playground includes a plurality of transversely spaced-apart, longitudinally extending reinforcing ribs formed on the lower surface and also uniquely includes a plurality of transversely extending reinforcing ribs formed on the lower surface and disposed intermediate the longitudinally extending reinforcing ribs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventor: Bradford C. Banta
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Patent number: 7309302Abstract: A sliding exercise apparatus and recreational device which can be employed both wet and dry. A user can traverse the device which includes a surface which can be inclined as a durable low friction sheeting material. The user can be supported by a wide variety of vehicles including sports boards and clothing apparel which, in turn, have a durable low friction layer for contacting the sliding exercise apparatus and recreational device for entertainment and in order to enhance gymnastic and board skills.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Inventor: Forrest B. Phillips
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Patent number: 7253951Abstract: A viewing device includes a housing defining an interior chamber through which light can pass. The housing includes first and second spaced apart openings communicating with the interior chamber such that light entering the first opening is viewed by a user looking into the second opening. The second opening is further configured to receive sound created by the user and the housing is configured to transmit the sound entering the second opening toward a sound exit location of the housing at or near the first opening. The second opening can define an eyepiece portion into which the user looks and a mouthpiece portion into which a user speaks. The viewing device can take the form of a periscope toy.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: PlayStar, Inc.Inventor: Matthew T. Bolland
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Patent number: 6991550Abstract: A climbing steps rail set includes a first molded plastic rail having a lower end configured to rest on a lower support surface, an upper end configured to be coupled to an elevated support structure, and a first plurality of apertures formed in the rail and configured to receive respective first ends of steps to be supported by the rail set. The rail set further includes a second molded plastic rail having a lower end configured to rest on the lower support surface, an upper end configured to be coupled to the elevated support structure, and a second plurality of apertures formed in the rail and configured to receive respective second ends of the steps to be supported by the rail set.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: PlayStar, Inc.Inventors: Brian K. Zeilinger, Matthew T. Bolland, Christopher D. Boll
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Patent number: 6988952Abstract: A swimming pool slide capable of assembly in a plurality of configurations is disclosed. The slide body comprises a seat segment, a runway segment and an exit segment, the runway segment being attachable to the other two segments in more than one orientation, thereby varying the configuration of the slide.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Inventor: Michael J. Hagerty
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Patent number: 6945873Abstract: A rider slides down an inlet slide to a low entrance opening of a separate exit slide. The exit slide has an inclined portion along which the rider decelerates from the entrance as he or she moves upward, followed by downward travel along a predetermined path of the separate exit slide from a high elevation, past the entrance, to a low elevation.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Whitewater West Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Marvin Hlynka
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Patent number: 6857964Abstract: A flume ride is provided having a funnel-shaped slide feature having a relatively larger entry end and a relatively smaller exit end, the funnel-shaped slide feature being configured and arranged such that a rider enters at the wider end with a predetermined expected velocity and swings back and forth and/or spins around the inner surface of the funnel before safely draining through the smaller end.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Proslide Technology, Inc.Inventor: Richard D. Hunter
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Patent number: 6855064Abstract: An arrangement for a playground for children is embodied as a internally hollow object, preferably of synthetic material, which can have the shape of a mountain top with a circumferential edge (2) at the bottom, which rests on the ground. The object (1) is embodied with windows (3) and with one or more doorways (4), and the internal hollow space constitutes a playhouse. The upper surface of the object (1) is embodied with one or more chutes (6) and with a flight of steps (7). The object (1) is held solidly to the ground surface by a vertical mast (11), e.g. of steel, which is carried through a hole (12) in the top of the object (1) and secured in the ground in a foundation block (13), and at its upper end has a free height (h) above the top of the object (1). The mast (11) can be supplemented with other play ground equipment, such as a frame for a swing (18) and a rope (19) for a ropeway. The arrangement is simple of construction and consequently cheap to produce.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Dansk Yacht-Fiber A/SInventor: Frank Sundahl
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Patent number: 6743107Abstract: Slide apparatus includes a first slide, which may have a somewhat parabolic configuration having a trough and/or a switchback. The switchback is oriented and configured for changing the direction of travel of a user. Multiple troughs and switchback elements may be provided so as to maximize the length of time during which a user slides, yet without increasing water usage, energy requirements, and space requirements. A switchback element may be configured for reversing the direction of travel of the user from more than 0° to 180° or more. The switchback element may be configured for directing passengers in different directions along different paths, and yet, without a dividing wall therebetween, thanks to the configuration of the switchback elements. One or more partially or completely spiral slides may precede or follow the first slide.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Water Fun Products, Corp.Inventor: David J. Dubeta
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Patent number: 6743108Abstract: The invention provides an improved water flume ride having one or more slide effects for presenting multiple random flume paths to riders. In one embodiment, a water flume comprises a primary flume portion, an uphill embankment culminating in a crest, and two or more adjoining secondary flume portions. The secondary flume portions provide mutually exclusive ride paths which are selected according to the particular kinetic energy and/or momentum possessed by a rider ascending toward the crest of the uphill embankment.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Proslide Technology Inc.Inventor: Richard D. Hunter
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Publication number: 20040002394Abstract: A playground structure has a playhouse with a base and a platform. The base and platform are separated by a variety of vertical posts. The vertical posts are secured to the base by a plurality of supports that are positioned within pockets in the base. The vertical posts are secured to the platform by a plurality of supports positioned within pockets in the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Applicant: The Little Tikes Company a corporation of the State of OhioInventors: Shawn Heipp, John J. Norton
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Publication number: 20030196580Abstract: A floating playground includes floating modules which provide buoyancy to a variety of recreational implements. Rigid flotation vessels filled with foam provide buoyancy to the modules. The modules have a frame and plurality of posts which can support a variety of recreational implements. The modules float individually or can be connected together to from a floating playground with a variety of recreational implements. The modules are also mobile so they can be moved from location to location and interchanged with other modules to form a dynamic playground.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: Nauticblue Corp.Inventors: Dennis L. Broderick, LaVon F. Broderick
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Patent number: 6582315Abstract: A plastic slide is provided with a pump at the bottom of the slide and placed into a pool, typically a wading pool. A strainer assembly filters out grass and other foreign matter from the water, and transfers the water through a small electrical, air, or battery powered pump to the top of the slide, where the water is released. The water then falls down the slide and back into the pool where it repeats the cycle as long as the pump is energized.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Joseph J. Formanski
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Patent number: 6575840Abstract: A backyard swimming pool slide includes a 90 degree runway curve, a banked runway rail to offset centrifugal force, and a high volume water diffuser source to enhance the ride. Also disclosed is an integrated ladder, platform and handrail assembly and a center stanchion for cantelever support at the exit end of the slide.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Inventor: Michael J. Hagerty
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Patent number: 6569023Abstract: A multi-level play structure is provided for entertaining play participants. The play structure comprises multiple play levels at various elevations, including an upper play level, a lower play level, and one or more intermediate play levels. Multiple gravity induced rides and climbing structures connect two or more of the play levels. At least one of the intermediate play levels is connected to two or more other play levels by at least one gravity induced ride and at least one climbing structure, thereby allowing play participants to choose between two or more different paths to other play levels upon reaching the intermediate play level.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Koala CorporationInventor: Rick A. Briggs
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Patent number: 6542613Abstract: A sound generating attachment for a slide of the type having an inclined sliding surface, a pair of raised sidewalls at opposite sides of said surface and a handrail extending up from one of the sidewalls. The attachment includes a weather-resistant housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and an end wall and a clamp for releasably attaching the housing to a slide sidewall. An electronic sound generator in the housing emits a plurality of different sound message a rotatable and depressable control knob projecting from the housing top wall is turned and pressed by a child using the slide.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Hedstrom CorporationInventor: Frederick M. Rieber