GB2035810A - Slides - Google Patents

Abstract

A child's slide has the top platform and the ramp itself made from a single length of channel section sheet metal, and the junction between the two portions which lie at different angles is arranged as a gentle curve by forming transverse ribs and grooves in the material, the walls of those ribs particularly in the flanges of the channel accommodating the displaced material. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements relating to slides This invention relates to slides of the kind used in playgrounds and also at swimming pools, comprising an elongated inclined ramp which forms the slide proper, and a generally horizontal platform at the upper end of the ramp. The slide may be completed by steps or a ladder for gaining access to the platform, and possibly by handrails at either side of the platform.

The ramp and platform are usually of shallow channel cross section so that the side members of the channel perform a guiding function and prevent for example the child slipping laterally from the ramp.

In the past the ramp and platform have been made as separate parts and the joint particularly between the slide flanges of the channel sections in the vicinity of the transition point from platform to ramp has been complex, particularly if the platform is to lead to the ramp via a radiussed portion. It has been thought that any attempt to make the ramp and platform from a unitary length of preformed channel section would be unsuccessful because any attempts to bend the ramp relative to the platform would be defeated unless particularly expensive and complicated tools and manufacturing processes were utilised to provide for flow of metal particularly in the flanges around the transition point.

The present invention is based on the realisation that by appropriate means, displacement of metal around the transition point can form an added advantageous feature of the slide.

In accordance with the present invention a slide comprises a ramp and platform made from a unitary length of initially channel section material, the platform and channel being inclined to one another by the provision of a series of generally transverse ribs across the transition zone between platform and ramp and extending through the flanges of the channel, so that material displaced in forming the relative inclination is neatly arranged and additionally forms a relatively non-slip zone at the transition point. Hence, a small child (for example) can be seated poised at the top of the ramp without danger of slipping down the ramp until sufficient confidence is achieved when the child may launch itself from the non-slip zone onto the relatively smooth surface of the ramp proper.

One presently preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a slide; and Figure 2 is an enlarged scale fragmentary section elevation of the platform and transition zone leading to the ramp of that slide.

Referring to the drawings, the slide comprises a ladder 10 fixed to an elongated ground contacting member 1 2 which projects laterally of the ladder on both sides so that the slide may be free standing and possess lateral stability. The ramp generally indicated by the reference 1 4 and platform generally indicated by the reference 1 6 are unitary, with the platform being secured to the top of the ladder and the ramp being braced by ties 1 8. Handrails 20 are provided one on either side of the platform.

The ramp and platform are made of sheet metal which may be pressed or profile rolled to provide a channel section, and in the illustrated embodiment, in order to stiffen the ramp the lateral flanges 22 of the channel section are unitary with return flanges 24.

The sheet metal may be covered with a layer of plastics material, or a laminar metal/ plastics composite may be employed both for the purposes of avoiding corrosion on the upper surface and also to give relatively smooth free edges to avoid injury to users.

At the transition zone between the platform and the ramp as generally indicated by the reference 26, a series of transverse ribs 28 are provided which project upwardly from the base of the channel. These provide the nonslip surface at the top of the ramp. In order to accommodate surplus material due to the inclination of the ramp relative to the platform, a series of further ribs 30 extend up the flanges 24, and with like ribs in the flanges 22. The depth of the ribs and their precise shape and number depend upon the relative inclination of the platform and ramp and also upon the number of ribs 28.

1. A slide comprising a ramp and platform made from a unitary length of initially channel section material, the platform and ramp being inclined to one another by the provision of a series of generally transverse ribs across the transition zone between the platform and ramp and like ribs extending through the flanges of the channel, so that the material displaced in forming the relative inclination is neatly arranged and additionally forms a relatively non-slip zone at the transition point.

2. A slide as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the ribs extend upwardly of the platform and ramp.

3. A slide as claimed in Claim 1 or in Claim 2 wherein each said transverse rib is aligned with corresponding like ribs in the respective flanges.

4. A slide having its ramp and platform made from sheet metal constructed and arranged as claimed in any preceding claim.

5. A slide constructed and arranged substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (5)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Improvements relating to slides This invention relates to slides of the kind used in playgrounds and also at swimming pools, comprising an elongated inclined ramp which forms the slide proper, and a generally horizontal platform at the upper end of the ramp. The slide may be completed by steps or a ladder for gaining access to the platform, and possibly by handrails at either side of the platform. The ramp and platform are usually of shallow channel cross section so that the side members of the channel perform a guiding function and prevent for example the child slipping laterally from the ramp. In the past the ramp and platform have been made as separate parts and the joint particularly between the slide flanges of the channel sections in the vicinity of the transition point from platform to ramp has been complex, particularly if the platform is to lead to the ramp via a radiussed portion. It has been thought that any attempt to make the ramp and platform from a unitary length of preformed channel section would be unsuccessful because any attempts to bend the ramp relative to the platform would be defeated unless particularly expensive and complicated tools and manufacturing processes were utilised to provide for flow of metal particularly in the flanges around the transition point. The present invention is based on the realisation that by appropriate means, displacement of metal around the transition point can form an added advantageous feature of the slide. In accordance with the present invention a slide comprises a ramp and platform made from a unitary length of initially channel section material, the platform and channel being inclined to one another by the provision of a series of generally transverse ribs across the transition zone between platform and ramp and extending through the flanges of the channel, so that material displaced in forming the relative inclination is neatly arranged and additionally forms a relatively non-slip zone at the transition point. Hence, a small child (for example) can be seated poised at the top of the ramp without danger of slipping down the ramp until sufficient confidence is achieved when the child may launch itself from the non-slip zone onto the relatively smooth surface of the ramp proper. One presently preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a slide; and Figure 2 is an enlarged scale fragmentary section elevation of the platform and transition zone leading to the ramp of that slide. Referring to the drawings, the slide comprises a ladder 10 fixed to an elongated ground contacting member 1 2 which projects laterally of the ladder on both sides so that the slide may be free standing and possess lateral stability. The ramp generally indicated by the reference 1 4 and platform generally indicated by the reference 1 6 are unitary, with the platform being secured to the top of the ladder and the ramp being braced by ties 1 8. Handrails 20 are provided one on either side of the platform. The ramp and platform are made of sheet metal which may be pressed or profile rolled to provide a channel section, and in the illustrated embodiment, in order to stiffen the ramp the lateral flanges 22 of the channel section are unitary with return flanges 24. The sheet metal may be covered with a layer of plastics material, or a laminar metal/ plastics composite may be employed both for the purposes of avoiding corrosion on the upper surface and also to give relatively smooth free edges to avoid injury to users. At the transition zone between the platform and the ramp as generally indicated by the reference 26, a series of transverse ribs 28 are provided which project upwardly from the base of the channel. These provide the nonslip surface at the top of the ramp. In order to accommodate surplus material due to the inclination of the ramp relative to the platform, a series of further ribs 30 extend up the flanges 24, and with like ribs in the flanges 22. The depth of the ribs and their precise shape and number depend upon the relative inclination of the platform and ramp and also upon the number of ribs 28. CLAIMS

1. A slide comprising a ramp and platform made from a unitary length of initially channel section material, the platform and ramp being inclined to one another by the provision of a series of generally transverse ribs across the transition zone between the platform and ramp and like ribs extending through the flanges of the channel, so that the material displaced in forming the relative inclination is neatly arranged and additionally forms a relatively non-slip zone at the transition point.

2. A slide as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the ribs extend upwardly of the platform and ramp.

3. A slide as claimed in Claim 1 or in Claim 2 wherein each said transverse rib is aligned with corresponding like ribs in the respective flanges.

4. A slide having its ramp and platform made from sheet metal constructed and arranged as claimed in any preceding claim.

5. A slide constructed and arranged substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.