Trampoline slide and convertible slide assembly

Abstract

A trampoline slide assembly configured for use with a trampoline to facilitate efficient and enjoyable or fun mounting and dismounting of a trampoline. The trampoline slide assembly comprises, generally, a slide and means for securing the slide to the trampoline. More specifically, the trampoline slide assembly comprises a slide deck having a launch platform located thereon, wherein the slide deck is in close proximity to a jumping mat of the trampoline to facilitate accessibility therefrom, a lower landing situated in close proximity to a support surface; a slide having a contact surface extending between the launch platform and the lower landing, wherein the contact surface is oriented on an incline to facilitate a sliding action by a user, a step system operable with the slide to facilitate mounting and / or dismounting of the trampoline, wherein the step system is contiguous with the slide, and means for securing the trampoline slide assembly to a portion of the frame of the trampoline, wherein the means comprises any one of several different types of attachment configurations. The trampoline slide assembly may also be configured with a water delivery system to enable the trampoline slide to function as a water slide. Other types of trampoline slide assemblies may comprise inflatable slide assemblies in one or more configurations.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 643,854, filed Jan. 13, 2005, and entitled, “Trampoline Slide and Convertible Slide Assembly,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to play structures, as well as to slides, ladders, and their combinations, such as in the case of a backyard play structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a trampoline slide assembly and a convertible combination ladder / slide assembly, each of which are configured for use with a trampoline. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART [0003] Since their advent, trampolines have steadily increased in popularity as they are continuously being recognized as providing enjoyable entertainment for children and adults alike. Indeed, trampolines are a common play structure that can be found in many residential households, in competition arenas, a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art, the present invention seeks to overcome these by providing a trampoline slide assembly and a convertible combination ladder / slide assembly, each of which may be used with a trampoline to accommodate safe, efficient, and fun mounting and dismounting of the trampoline, as well as to provide an enjoyable play device for users.

[0017] The present invention still further features a method for facilitating trampoline play, the method comprising: (a) providing a trampoline slide assembly operatively configured for use with a trampoline; (b) providing means for securing the trampoline slide assembly to the trampoline; and (c) providing a slide oriented on an incline and configured to facilitate a sliding action by a user from a jumping mat of the trampoline.

Problems solved by technology

Despite the enjoyment and satisfaction that can be realized from jumping on a trampoline, there are many risks involved.

What is seemingly a source of fun and way to foster competitive sport, a trampoline can quickly become a cause of serious injury and even death if not used properly.

The increased popularity of trampolines has unfortunately resulted in a dramatic increase in serious injuries, including broken necks, spinal cord injuries, damage to internal organs, and disabling head traumas.

While the majority of trampoline related injuries occur on the jumping mat, a large number of injuries are sustained while mounting and dismounting the trampoline.

This is especially true for younger children who are smaller, and thus have a more difficult time getting on and off the trampoline because of its height with respect to the ground or other suitable support surface.

Despite the seeming advantages of providing a trampoline with a standard height, there are many instances where such a standard height is excessive.

Because there seems to be no available alternative, many people purchase trampolines knowing that there is no easy and safe way for their children to mount or dismount the trampoline.

As indicated, many of the accidents that occur each year from trampoline use involve children attempting to mount or dismount the trampoline.

Both of these required tasks can be extremely daunting for children as the frame and jumping mat are often far over their heads or beyond their stepping or even leaping capabilities.

Unfortunately, because parents do not want to hoist their children on and off the trampoline each time the children desire to use the trampoline, both parents and children have resorted, and it has become acceptable, to positioning various objects in close proximity to the trampoline with the intent of using the object as a means for more easily accessing the trampoline, or more specifically, for mounting and dismounting the trampoline.

Placing these objects adjacent the trampoline for such purposes places children at unnecessary risk.

Indeed, it goes without saying that such practices lead to injuries as the child must dismount an object being used in a way other than as intended.

Furthermore, injury may result from children falling off of the trampoline as they are trying to step down from the trampoline onto an unstable chair.

Using various objects or items to mount and dismount a trampoline can provide an unnecessary and potentially dangerous fall for a child, or any user for that matter.

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