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Trampoline slide and convertible slide assemblyRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, Gymnastic, Projector, Trampoline, With Disparate StructureTrampoline slide and convertible slide assembly description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060189443, Trampoline slide and convertible slide assembly. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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, and in general recreational facilities. Currently, there are about 500,000 trampolines sold each year, with most of these being intended for residential use. Notably, the increased use of trampolines has spanned both residential and competition settings, such that the trampoline is now a well recognized piece of sporting or exercise equipment, in addition to the more familiar play structure found in numerous households. Part of the appeal of a trampoline is that its use is more than just recreational, it can be a great form of aerobic exercise for athletic training and a great way to showcase practiced skill and talent in a competitive manner. Nonetheless, most trampoline activity occurs within the backyards of residential homeowners around the world. [0004] 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. In addition, trampolines are responsible for many less serious injuries such as broken bones, including legs, arms, and other parts of the body, as well as different types of dislocations and muscle damage. To make matters worse, the majority of these injuries occur among children under the age of 14 who do not recognize the inherent risks associated with jumping on a trampoline. 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. [0005] The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that roughly 80,000-100,000 people are treated each year for injuries sustained while jumping on a trampoline or otherwise using or attempting to use a trampoline. Accordingly, the CPSC has recognized the need and has called for the development of safety advancements to help reduce the number of trampoline injuries. [0006] A typical trampoline, namely the frame and the jumping mat supported by the frame, comprises a jumping height between 32 and 34 inches as measured from its support surface, such as the ground, depending upon the particular make of the trampoline. This particular jumping height has been calculated to provide a safe jumping experience, while still achieving good trampoline performance. This particular jumping height has also been determined as the most optimum height for accommodating the greatest number of people, including children and adults, based on both age and weight, as well as the stiffness of the springs coupling the jumping mat to the frame. Indeed, most people can utilize a trampoline of this height with the jumper and the jumping mat displacing a sufficient distance without contacting the ground. [0007] Despite the seeming advantages of providing a trampoline with a standard height, there are many instances where such a standard height is excessive. One particular instance is when the trampoline is purchased for use by children. Statistics show that the most common practice for consumers of trampolines is to purchase a trampoline not for themselves, but for their children. Occasionally adults will utilize the trampoline, but the majority of time it will be used by their children and their friends. Nonetheless, trampolines are manufactured to accommodate the majority of the population, and thus have a standard height between 32 and 34 inches. 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. [0008] 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. Such objects may include chairs, buckets, step ladders, and other items, with the most common object being a chair. 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. For example, a chair may fall out from under the child as the child leans away from the chair to mount the trampoline. 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. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [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. [0010] In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention features a trampoline slide assembly configured for use with a trampoline, the trampoline slide assembly comprising: (a) a slide having a supported, inclined contact surface configured to facilitate a user sliding down therefrom; and (b) means for securing the slide to a frame of the trampoline, at least a portion of the slide extending downward and away from the trampoline towards a support surface. [0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the slide may further comprise a step system integrally formed with and located contiguous to the slide. The step system may comprise a staircase of stairs, a ramp, or any combination of these. The step system functions to allow a user to ascend up the trampoline slide assembly to access or mount the trampoline. The step system may also be used to dismount the trampoline. [0012] Also, the trampoline slide assembly may be operated with a water delivery system configured to enable the trampoline slide assembly to function as a water slide. [0013] The present invention also features a trampoline slide assembly configured for use with a trampoline, the trampoline slide assembly comprising: (a) a slide deck having a launch platform located thereon, the slide deck being in close proximity to a jumping mat of the trampoline to facilitate accessibility therefrom; (b) a lower landing situated in close proximity to a support surface; (c) a slide having a contact surface extending between the launch platform and the lower landing, the contact surface being oriented on an incline to facilitate a sliding action by a user; (d) a step system operable with the slide to facilitate mounting and/or dismounting of the trampoline, the step system being contiguous with the slide; and (e) means for securing the trampoline slide assembly to a frame of the trampoline. [0014] In addition, the trampoline slide assembly may comprise a water delivery system to enable the slide assembly to function as a water slide. [0015] The present invention further features a slide comprising: (a) a contact surface supported about a support surface and oriented on an incline, the contact surface being configured to facilitate a sliding action by a user from an elevated position to a lowered position; and (b) a step system integrally formed and operative with the slide to facilitate ascension up the slide and/or descension down the slide by the user. [0016] The present invention still further features a method for mounting and dismounting a trampoline, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a trampoline slide assembly operative with the trampoline, the trampoline slide assembly comprising a slide and a step system; (b) securing the trampoline slide assembly to the trampoline; (c) ascending the step system to mount the trampoline; and (d) sliding down the slide to dismount the trampoline. [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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] The present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciated that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: [0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a trampoline slide assembly according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Continue reading about Trampoline slide and convertible slide assembly... Full patent description for Trampoline slide and convertible slide assembly Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Trampoline slide and convertible slide assembly patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Trampoline slide and convertible slide assembly or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Trampoline system Next Patent Application: Building element, connector, fall-absorbing base and a kit of parts for constructing a play apparatus Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Trampoline slide and convertible slide assembly patent info. 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