TUBE SLIDE HAVING A TELESCOPING BASE

Abstract

Disclosed is a tube slide having the following sections: an entrance, an exit, and one or more curved sections. Each slide section includes at least one radially extending flange on at least one end of the particular slide section. The one or more curved sections may include a first half and a second half coupled together by inserting a fastener through an opening in one of the halves and into a threaded borehole that is molded into the other half. Both halves include a plurality of openings and threaded boreholes that alternate along the length of the halves. A telescoping base is coupled to the exit of the slide. The telescoping base allows the slide to be used on a variety of uneven or varying height support or ground surfaces.

Claims

1. A tube slide extending upwardly from a support surface to an upper elevation above the support surface, the tube slide comprising: an entrance positioned proximate the upper elevation, the entrance defining a partially enclosed space having a downward sloping support and a covering above the sloping support, the entrance having a first radially extending outer flange; an exit positioned proximate the support surface, the exit defining a partially enclosed space having a sloping seat and a truncated covering above the sloping seat, the exit having a second radially extending outer flange; one or more curved sections, each curved section extending between the entrance and the exit, each curved section having a seating surface and a covering above the seating surface, each curved section having a third radially extending outer flange at a first end and a fourth radially extending outer flange at a second end; wherein the flanges of the entrance, exit, and one or more curved sections are coupled to each other in a predetermined configuration, and wherein a telescoping base is coupled to the exit to support the tube slide on the support surface.

2. The tube slide of claim 1, wherein the telescoping base is selectively positionable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

3. The tube slide of claim 2, wherein the first configuration has a height that is higher with respect to the support surface than the second configuration.

4. The tube slide of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of clamp rings, each clamp ring comprising a curved outer circumference and a ribbed inner circumference for securing adjacent flanges to each other in the predetermined configuration.

5. The tube slide of claim 1, further comprising: one or more elbow sections, each elbow section having a downwardly sloping slide bed and a roof above the sloping slide bed, each elbow section having a fifth radially extending outer flange at a first end and a sixth radially extending outer flange at a second end.

6. The tube slide of claim 5, wherein the one or more elbow sections are configured to be coupled to at least one of the entrance, the exit, and the one or more curved sections.

7. The tube slide of claim 1, wherein each of the curved sections comprises a first half coupled to a second half, wherein when the first half and the second half each half comprises a plurality of apertures and a plurality of threaded boreholes.

8. The tube slide of claim 7, wherein the plurality of apertures and the plurality of threaded boreholes alternate with each other along a length of each half.

9. The tube slide of claim 7, wherein the threaded boreholes are molded into a lateral side of each half of each curved section.

10. The tube slide of claim 7, wherein the first half is coupled to the second half by inserting a threaded fastener through at least one of the one or more apertures and into at least one of the one or more threaded boreholes.

11. The tube slide of claim 1, wherein the telescoping base comprises a first portion having an opening for at least partially telescopically receiving a second portion, wherein the second portion comprises a plurality of holes located at predetermined points for coupling the first portion to the second portion.

12. A method of assembling a slide that extends upwardly from a support surface to an upper elevation above the support surface, the method comprising: (a) providing an entrance, the entrance defining a partially enclosed space having a downward sloping support and a covering above the sloping support, the entrance having a first radially extending outer flange; (b) providing an exit, the exit defining a partially enclosed space having a sloping seat and a truncated covering above the sloping seat, the exit having a second radially extending outer flange; (c) providing one or more curved sections, each curved section having a seating surface and a covering above the seating surface, each curved section having a third radially extending outer flange at a first end and fourth radially extending outer flange at a second end; (d) providing a telescoping base, the telescoping base configured for supporting the slide on the support surface; (e) providing instructions for assembling the entrance, the exit, and the one or more curved section into a predetermined configuration in which the sections are aligned flange-to-flange; (f) pursuant to the instructions, positioning the sections in the aligned flange-to-flange configuration; and (g) coupling the sections in the predetermined configuration and coupling the telescoping base to the exit.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the telescoping base comprises a housing for telescopically receiving a support structure.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the telescoping base housing is telescopically positionable in at least one of a first position and a second position with respect to the support structure.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein when in the first position, the housing is at a higher elevation with respect to the support surface than when in the second position.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the telescoping base housing and support structure each comprise a plurality of holes located at predetermined points for coupling the housing to the support structure.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein each curved section comprises a first half and a second half, and wherein the first half and the second half of each curved slide section comprises a plurality of apertures and a plurality of threaded boreholes, wherein the method further comprises: (a) positioning the first half adjacent the second half first half; (b) inserting a plurality of fasteners through the plurality of apertures; and (c) securing the plurality of fasteners to the plurality of threaded boreholes.

18. A kit of parts for a tube slide having a first configuration and a second configuration, the kit comprising: a plurality of slide sections, each slide section having a first end and second end, the slide sections configured for connecting to one another with the first end of a first slide section adjacent a second end of a second slide section, each slide section having a rounded outer circumference and a flange extending radially from the outer circumference, a first flange positioned at a first end of a first slide section for aligning with a second flange positioned at a second end of a second slide section; a plurality of clamp rings, each clamp ring having a plurality of ribs for securing the first flange to the second flange, each clamp ring having a first segment and a second segment secured together with a fastener; a telescoping base configured for supporting an end of the tube slide on a support surface in at least one of the first configuration and the second configuration, the telescoping base having a first portion telescopically received within a second portion, the telescoping base having one or more apertures for receiving a fastener at one or more predetermined positions that correspond to the first configuration and the second configuration; and instructions for connecting the slide sections to each other and to the telescoping base in at least one of the first configuration and the second configuration.

19. The kit of claim 18, wherein the first configuration raises the height of the exit with respect to the support surface higher than the second configuration.

20. The kit of claim 18, wherein each slide section comprises a first half and a second half, and wherein the first half and the second half of each slide section comprises a plurality of apertures and a plurality of threaded boreholes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a tube slide, according to at least one embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a front isometric view of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a back isometric view of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a first side view of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of an entry of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a curved elbow section of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an exit elbow of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 9 is an exploded partial side view of flanges of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded side view of a clamp ring of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 12A is a partial perspective view of a clamp ring of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 12B is a partial perspective view of the clamp ring installed on a section of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 12C is a partial perspective view of the clamp ring of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 12D is an exploded partial perspective view of the clamp ring of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 12E is an exploded partial perspective view of an alternate clamp ring of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 12F is an exploded partial perspective view of the clamp ring of FIG. 12E.

[0028] FIG. 12G is a front partial view of the clamp ring of FIG. 12E.

[0029] FIG. 13 is an exploded front isometric view of the base of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 14 is an exploded back isometric view of the base of the tube slide of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 15 depicts a partial isometric view of an exit of the tube slide of FIG. 1 having a base in a first position.

[0032] FIG. 16 depicts a partial isometric view of the exit of the tube slide of FIG. 1 having the base in a second position.

[0033] FIG. 17 depicts a partial isometric view of the exit of the tube slide of FIG. 1 having the base in a third position.

[0034] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. It is envisioned that other embodiments may perform similar functions and/or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

[0036] The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention.

[0037] The terms coupled, fixed, attached to, and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0038] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate views of exemplary embodiments of a tube slide, or simply a slide, 100 having a plurality of slide sections 110 that include an upper slide section or entrance 10, one or more curved or elbow slide sections 20, and a lower slide section or exit 30. The one or more curved slide sections 20 may be coupled to one another, to the entrance 10, or to the exit 30. In various embodiments, the tube slide 100 includes one or more half portions. In some embodiments, the elbow slide sections 20 may be considered half portions. The tube slide 100 extends upwardly from a first elevation adjacent a support surface to a second elevation above the first elevation at a predetermined distance from the support surface. The entrance 10 is generally coupled to a landing or other support surface or frame for allowing a user to access and use the tube slide 100.

[0039] In example embodiments, the entrance 10 has a first end 10a and a second end 10b, each curved section has a first end 20a and a second end 20b, and the exit 30 has a first end 30a and a second end 30b. In example embodiments, the slide sections 110 are coupled together in an abutting end-to-end configuration in which two sections are positioned end-to-end. According to example embodiments, the tube slide 100 once assembled has the following configuration: the first end of the entrance 10a is coupled to the support structure, the second end of the entrance 10b is coupled to the first end of a first curved section 20a, the second end of the first curved section 20b is coupled to the first end of a second curved or elbow section 20a, the second end of the second curved or elbow section 20a is coupled to the first end of third curved section 20a, the second end of the third curved section 20b is coupled to the first end of a fourth curved elbow section 20a, and the second end of the fourth curved elbow section 20b is coupled to the first end of the exit 30a. In alternate embodiments, any suitable sequence or configuration of the various slide parts may be used. For example, while described with one entrance, one exit, and four curved or elbow sections, any number of curved sections may be used to increase or decrease the height of the slide. Furthermore, any curved section may be replaced by a straight, elongated section (not shown).

[0040] The slide sections 110 each include a slide bed, seat, or other supporting structure for accommodating and supporting the body of a user. In particular embodiments, the slide support seat slopes downwardly. In example embodiments, the tube slide is an enclosed slide having a top, roof, or covering that creates an enclosure with the slide bed thereby encompassing a user in the slide. In some embodiments, the tube slide is a partial tube without a top or roof. In various embodiments, the enclosed tube slide has a rounded or curved inner and outer circumference to prevent any injuries from sharp or straight ends or sides and to assist a user in sliding down the slide smoothly.

[0041] In example embodiments, the slide sections 110 each include at least one outwardly, radially extending flange 50 at a least one end of the section. In preferred embodiments, the curved sections 20 include an outwardly extending flange at the first end 20a and at the second end 20b. The flanges 50 generally include a rounded circumference without any notching, indentations, or protrusions. In some embodiments, the flanges 50 include one or more flat edges for providing additional space and limiting the rotation of a clamp ring 60 when it is installed, as discussed further below. When coupled together, the flanges 50 of the slide sections 110 align such that they have the same circumference and one flange does not protrude farther than its neighboring flange.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 6-10, each flange 50 includes a plurality of apertures 52 for securing a first flange to a second flange using any suitable fastener 54. For example, any suitable fastener may be used such as a nut and bolt, screws, rivets, adhesive, welding, friction fit, etc. During assembly, the apertures 52 on the first flange are aligned with the apertures on the second flange such that a single fastener can be inserted through the combined apertures. The various slide sections, when coupled together, cooperate with each other to form the body of the tube slide 100.

[0043] The entrance 10, as shown in FIG. 3 includes a frame 56 for mounting the tube slide 100 to a support structure such as a playhouse or other play system or to a landing coupled to stairs or a ladder. Although shown with a square perimeter, any suitable shape may be used. In addition, any suitable fastener may be used to couple the entrance or entry section 10 to a support structure. In particular embodiments, as best seen in FIG. 1, the entry is tapered, having a larger opening at the first end than at the second end, making it easier for a user to enter the tube slide 100. In alternate embodiments, any suitable shape may be used for the entry 10.

[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, each of the entrance section 10 includes a first portion 12 and a second portion 14 that, when coupled to one another, form the body of the entrance. Similarly, the curved sections 20 include a first portion 22 and a second portion 24 that are configured to cooperate with each other to form the body of that particular section. In example embodiments, the first 12 and second portions 14 of the entrance section 10 are vertically mirror images. Similarly, the first and second portions of the curved sections 20 are horizontally mirror images of each other. In some embodiments, the sections may be a singular piece and not divided into separate portions. In alternate embodiments, the portions may not be mirror images of each other. In example embodiments, the entrance section 10 is divided evenly substantially vertically and the curved sections 20 are divided evenly substantially horizontally, it will be understood that the sections may alternatively be formed of one piece or two pieces divided in any suitable manner. As seen in FIG. 8, the exit section 30 includes two portions that are not mirror images of each other. Rather, the exit 30 has a slide bed with a truncated roof or top 32 and a slide seat 34. In some embodiments, the exit may include a roof or top.

[0045] Referring still to FIGS. 6-9, the first and second portions of the various sections 110 each further include an exterior rib 70 for coupling the two portions together. In example embodiments, the first and second portions of the slide sections 110 each comprise a plurality of threaded boreholes or threaded inserts 72 for receiving a suitable fastener and a plurality of apertures 74 for allowing the fastener 76 to pass through to engage the threaded boreholes, as best shown in FIG. 8. The threaded boreholes 72 make it easier to assemble the slide and requires less hardware and other parts. In example embodiments, the location of the threaded boreholes 72 and the apertures alternate along the length of the rib 70. This design allows for fewer parts to be needed to secure the portions to each other and provides a more secure connection. The placement of the fasteners also cuts the number of holes or openings a user may see from one side of the slide, making the slide more aesthetically pleasing. In example embodiments, the threaded boreholes are molded into the various sections 110. In particular embodiments, the aperture is in a recess with respect to the rib 70 such that the head of the particular fastener does not protrude out from the rib potentially causing injury to a user or damage to the fastener or slide itself. While described as a threaded borehole or threaded insert, any suitable receiver for any suitable fastener may be used.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12A-12D, once the first and second portions of the various slide sections 110 have been coupled to one another, the flanges 50 of the sections may be coupled to each other using any suitable fastener 54, as described above. A clamp ring 60 may then be installed to prevent rotation of the sections, removal of the fasteners 54, and to further secure the adjacent flanges to each other. In example embodiments, the clamp ring 60 includes three rounded segments defining an interior 62 for receiving the flanges 50. In some embodiments, any number of clamp ring segments may be used. In particular embodiments, the interior 62 comprises one or more ribs 64 for properly positioning the clamp ring 60 on the flanges 50. For example, as seen in FIG. 12B, the clamp ring ribs 64 straddle the flanges 50 creating a tight and secure connection with the flanges. Wider sections of the clamp ring interior 62 may be placed over the fastener used to secure the two flanges together, as shown in FIG. 12C. Once positioned on the flanges, the clamp rings 60 may be secured to each other using any suitable fastener such as a nut and bolt, as shown in FIG. 12D. In example embodiments, the clamp rings 60 have a first end 60a and a second end 60b. Each end of the clamp ring 60a, 60b includes a recessed outer rim 66 with an aperture 68 for coupling the joints or segments of the clamp ring together with any suitable fastener such as a nut and bolt. In example embodiments where a nut and bolt is used to fasten the clamp ring segments together, the nut is held in the recess 66 as the bolt is tightened. In this embodiment, a wrench is not required to hold the nut while the bolt is tightened.

[0047] FIGS. 12E-12G depict an alternate embodiment of the clamp ring of FIGS. 12A-12D. Many features of the clamp ring of FIGS. 12E-12G are the same or similar to those features recited above with regard to FIGS. 12A-12D. Thus, for purposes of ease of understanding and clarity, only certain features will be discussed to highlight the differences in the clamp ring embodiment shown in FIGS. 12E-12G as compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A-12D. In example embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12E-12G, the clamp ring 60 includes one or more segments defining an interior 62 for receiving the flanges 50. In particular embodiments, the aperture 68 of the first end 60a may be coupled to the second end 60b of another segment by a threaded borehole or threaded insert 90 at the second end of the clamp ring segment, rather than requiring a nut to hold the bolt 92 in the recess 66. In this particular embodiment, less parts are used making it cheaper and easier to manufacture. In example embodiments, the threaded borehole 90 is integrally formed with the particular clamp ring segment. In alternate embodiments, the threaded borehole 90 may be formed separately from the particular clamp ring segment and coupled to the clamp ring segment at a later stage in the manufacturing process.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 13-17, in example embodiments, the tube slide exit 30 has a first end 30a and a second end 30b, as discussed above. The second end of the exit 30b is coupled to a telescoping base 80. In example embodiments, the telescoping base 80 includes an upper slide bed portion 82 having a housing 84 for telescopically receiving a ground support portion 86. In some embodiments, the upper slide bed portion 82 may be releasably secured to the ground support portion 86. In various embodiments, the upper slide bed portion 82 is secured to the ground support portion 86 using one or more suitable fasteners. In particular embodiments, the upper portion 82 includes one or more openings 82a and the ground support 86 includes one or more openings 86a for receiving a suitable fastener for coupling the portions together. In example embodiments, the ground support 86 includes one or more notches or indicators 88 for various predetermined heights for the telescoping base 80. The notches 88 may be recessed to permit the portions to be coupled together without a protruding fastener. In some embodiments, the notches 88 may be used to snap the two portions of the telescopic base 80 together before a fastener is inserted, making it easier to assemble the telescopic base 80. This allows a user to align the parts in the desired position and then install a fastener without having to manually hold the two parts together while installing the fastener.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the height of the base 80 may be adjusted to various predetermined heights to assist with leveling the slide 100 as well as adjusting the height based on various slopes, unevenness, or other incongruities of the support surface. The telescopic base 80 may also be useful in adjusting the height of the slide based on the age/size of the expected user. For example, a slide made for adults may have a higher base with respect to the support surface to better accommodate the legs of the user. Similarly, a slide built for toddlers may have a lower base with respect to the support surface, making it easier for the toddler to stand up after sliding down the slide. Although shown with three predetermined positions or heights, any number of openings 82a, 86a may be used to adjust the height of the base.

[0050] This written description uses exemplary embodiments to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.