US20070078015A1 - Spiral wave slide - Google Patents
Spiral wave slide Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070078015A1 US20070078015A1 US11/455,215 US45521506A US2007078015A1 US 20070078015 A1 US20070078015 A1 US 20070078015A1 US 45521506 A US45521506 A US 45521506A US 2007078015 A1 US2007078015 A1 US 2007078015A1
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- Prior art keywords
- segment
- slide body
- flange
- body according
- fastener
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
- A63G21/00—Chutes; Helter-skelters
- A63G21/10—Chutes; Helter-skelters with spiral tracks
Definitions
- Slide bodies which are spiral in shape i.e., generally helical
- slide bodies which are substantially linear in plan view, but have generally sinusoidal profiles are known.
- the profile i.e., the path substantially taken by a user when sliding down a bed portion of the slide body
- the prior art slide bodies are typically made of a plastic such as polyethylene or structural foamed polyethylene.
- slide bodies of the prior art are either formed integrally, or they are formed of parts which are fastened together. Both of these approaches have some disadvantages.
- the slide body which is integrally formed is relatively large, and the larger the slide body, the more difficult it is to form, to transport, and to erect.
- FIG. 1A a commonly-used type of prior art fastener assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1A , securing a prior art first slide body part 12 to a prior art second slide body part 14 .
- the fastener assembly 10 includes a nut 16 and a bolt 17 . To assemble, the bolt 17 is inserted through holes 18 , 19 .
- the bolt 17 is positioned substantially parallel to upper surfaces 20 , 22 of the first and second parts 12 , 14 .
- One of the disadvantages of the fastener assembly 10 is that it acts in a direction which is substantially parallel to the upper surfaces. This is problematic because the load (i.e., the weight of the structure and the user's weight, when the user is on the upper surfaces in the vicinity of the fastener assembly 10 ) is directed generally vertically downward, thereby imposing shear stresses on the bolt and, consequently, also on the plastic material immediately adjacent to the bolt.
- the nut tends to loosen over time, and once the fastener assembly has loosened somewhat, the bolt tends to grind against the plastic of the first and second slide body parts 12 , 14 , around the holes 18 , 19 . Ultimately, the holes 18 , 19 are so worn that they cannot position the bolt as required, and the slide body parts are no longer secured to each other.
- slide body parts are adapted to cooperate with each other, as shown in FIG. 1B .
- a prior art first slide body part 26 has a channel portion 28 defining a groove 30 in which a tongue portion 32 of a prior art second slide body part 34 is receivable.
- a screw 36 is driven generally upwardly through the channel portion 28 and into the tongue portion 32 .
- the screw 36 is directed substantially perpendicular to the upper surfaces 20 , 22 of the first and second parts 26 , 34 .
- the screw 36 is normally positioned at an angle to the vertical. As shown in FIG. 1B , the screw 36 is held in place only by the plastic material 38 between its threads 40 . Also, in use, the loading of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1B is directed substantially vertically downward onto the upper surfaces 20 , 22 . Due to the direction of the frequent loading of the structure relative to the screw 36 , the screw 36 can ultimately be pulled out of the tongue portion 32 because the loading, in shear, of the plastic material between the screw threads weakens (or severs) such material.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are somewhat inconvenient to use.
- the first and second slide body parts 12 , 14 are required to be held in position while the connector assembly is put into place and tightened. It is very difficult for one person to do this while working alone. This is because the two body parts 12 , 14 need to be held together, and maintained substantially stationary relative to each other, while the bolt 17 is inserted and the nut 16 is threaded thereon.
- the tongue portion 32 is generally supportable by the channel portion 28 .
- the tongue portion is not positively located in the channel portion 28 , so that the tongue portion 32 and the channel portion 28 are movable relative to each other until fastened together. Accordingly, the tongue portion 32 and the channel portion 28 need to be held stationary to each other before and while they are fastened together, and it is very difficult for one person to do this while also inserting the fastener.
- the invention provides a slide body for a user to slide thereon.
- the slide body includes an upper segment having an upper segment bed portion with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end of the upper segment and a lower surface disposed opposite to the upper surface.
- the slide body includes a lower segment having a lower segment bed portion with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end of the lower segment and a lower surface disposed opposite to the upper surface.
- the lower segment also includes a flange at the first end thereof extending from the upper surface past the lower surface.
- the upper segment includes one or more mating elements at the second end thereof extending from the upper surface past the lower surface.
- the flange and the mating element are adapted to cooperate to locate the first end of the lower segment adjacent to the second end of the upper segment so that the upper surfaces of the upper and lower segments form a substantially continuous surface for sliding thereon.
- one of the flange and the mating element has one or more connector elements shaped to cooperate with the other of the flange and the mating element to attach the first end of the lower segment and the second end of the upper segment to each other.
- the flange and the mating element upon receipt of the flange in the mating element, cooperate to attach the first end of the lower segment to the second end of the upper segment.
- the mating element includes a downstream wall and an upstream wall which define a slot in which the flange is receivable.
- the upstream wall includes one or more apertures
- the downstream wall includes a preselected portion which registers with the aperture.
- the aperture is at least partially defined by one or more surfaces disposed in the upstream wall.
- the connector element is configured for engagement with one or more of the surfaces in a snap fit upon receipt of the flange in the slot, to attach the upper and lower segments to each other.
- the flange includes a substantially planar face element adapted for engagement with the upstream wall when the flange is received in the slot, and each connector element protrudes from the face element.
- each connector element has a bottom end positioned distal to the upper surface of the lower segment and a top end located between the bottom end and the upper surface. Also, in each connector element, the top end protrudes further from the face element of the flange than the bottom end.
- one or more fasteners for securing the flange and the mating element to each other.
- the flange is connected by the fastener to the preselected portion, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.
- the connector element has an indented surface for directing the fastener substantially along a predetermined path through the preselected portion of the downstream wall upon insertion of the fastener therein.
- the lower segment additionally includes one or more tabs projecting from the lower surface thereof, each tab being substantially aligned with a preselected portion so that the fastener connects all of the tab, the preselected portion of the downstream wall, and the flange, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.
- the invention includes one or more plugs positioned at the first end of the lower segment and one or more cups positioned at the second end of the upper segment.
- Each plug is nestable in each cup, and is supported by each cup when nested therein. Also, each plug is nested in each cup respectively upon receipt of the flange in the mating element.
- a fastener connects each cup and each plug respectively, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.
- FIG. 1A is a cross-section of a first connector assembly of the prior art securing prior art slide body parts to each other;
- FIG. 1B is a cross-section of a second connector assembly of the prior art securing prior art slide body parts to each other;
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a slide body of the invention showing an upper surface thereof, drawn at a smaller scale;
- FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the slide body of FIG. 2 showing a lower surface thereof;
- FIG. 3B is an elevation view of a first side of the slide body of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the slide body of FIG. 2 showing the upper surface thereof;
- FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a second side of the slide body of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the slide body of FIG. 2 showing the lower surface thereof;
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of the upper surface of the slide body of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 8 is a plan view of the lower surface of the slide body of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the slide body of the invention having three portions thereof showing an upper surface thereof;
- FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the slide body of FIG. 9 showing a lower surface thereof;
- FIG. 11 is an elevation view of a first side of the slide body of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 12 is another isometric view of the slide body of FIG. 9 showing the upper surface thereof;
- FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a second side of the slide body of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 14 is another isometric view of the slide body of FIG. 9 showing the lower surface thereof;
- FIG. 15A is a plan view of the upper surface of the slide body of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 15B is a plan view of the lower surface of the slide body of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 16 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the slide body of the invention having three modular portions showing an upper surface thereof;
- FIG. 17 is an isometric view of an upper segment and a lower segment of the slide body of the invention positioned for assembly, showing the lower surfaces of the segments;
- FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17 , drawn at a larger scale;
- FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17 , partially assembled
- FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a mating element of the upper segment of FIG. 17 showing a slot formed therein, defined by an upstream wall and a downstream wall;
- FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17 showing a flange at a first end of the lower segment, and showing the upper surfaces of the upper and lower segments;
- FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17 showing the flange on the lower segment with connector elements protruding therefrom, drawn at a larger scale;
- FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17 with the flange received in the slot, attaching the upper and lower segments together, drawn at a smaller scale;
- FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments of FIG. 17 secured together with a fastener installed at a first connector element and showing a second connector element engaged in an aperture in the absence of a fastener, drawn at a larger scale;
- FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the fastener of FIG. 24 inserted at the first connector element, drawn at a larger scale;
- FIG. 26A is an isometric partial cross-section of the flange and a connector element of the invention including the flange positioned in the slot, with the fastener installed;
- FIG. 26B is an isometric partial cross-section of the flange positioned in the slot, in the absence of the fastener
- FIG. 26C is a cross-section showing the flange positioned in the slot, drawn at a smaller scale
- FIG. 26D is a cross-section showing the flange positioned in the slot, with the fastener installed
- FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a cup with a plug positioned herein with a fastener installed, drawn at a larger scale;
- FIG. 28 is an isometric, partial cross-section of the cup, the plug, and the fastener of FIG. 27 .
- the slide body 39 includes an upper segment 41 with an upper segment bed portion 43 having an upper surface 45 for sliding thereon extending between a first end 47 and a second end 49 of the upper segment 41 ( FIG. 7 ), and a lower surface 51 ( FIG. 8 ) disposed opposite to the upper surface 41 .
- the slide body 39 preferably includes a lower segment 53 including a lower segment bed portion 55 with an upper surface 57 for sliding thereon extending between a first end 59 and a second end 61 ( FIG. 7 ), as well as a lower surface 63 ( FIG.
- the lower segment 53 preferably includes a flange 65 at the first end 59 extending from the upper surface 57 past the lower surface 63 ( FIG. 22 ).
- the upper segment 41 includes one or more mating elements 67 at the second end 49 thereof extending from the upper surface 45 past the lower surface 51 , as will be described.
- the flange 65 and the mating element 67 are adapted to cooperate to locate the first end 59 of the lower segment adjacent to the second end 49 of the upper segment so that the upper surfaces 45 , 57 of the upper and lower segments 41 , 53 respectively form a substantially continuous surface for sliding thereon ( FIG. 26C ).
- one of the flange 65 and the mating element 67 includes one or more connector elements 69 shaped to cooperate with the other of the flange 65 and the mating element 67 to attach the first end 59 of the lower segment 53 and the second end 49 of the upper segment 41 to each other, as will be described.
- the connector element preferably is included in the flange 65 .
- the flange 65 is receivable in the mating element 67 ( FIGS. 26A, 26B ). Upon the flange 65 being received in the mating element 67 , the flange 65 and the mating element 67 cooperate to attach the first end 59 of the lower segment 53 adjacent to the second end 49 of the upper segment 41 .
- the slide body of the invention may have more constituent body parts than the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 shown in FIGS. 2-15B .
- the embodiment of the slide body shown in FIGS. 2-15B has only two segments, in order to simplify the drawings.
- the first end 47 of the upper segment 41 preferably is positioned above the second end 61 of the lower segment 53 , so that the first end 47 is an upper end 71 of the slide body 39 , and the second end 61 is a lower end 73 of the slide body 39 .
- the upper end 71 may be supported above the lower end 73 by a support structure 75 , as is known in the art.
- the slide body additionally includes one or more fasteners 77 for attaching the flange 65 and the mating element 67 to each other (as will be described), to secure the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 to each other.
- the lower surfaces 51 , 63 of the upper and lower segments 41 , 53 preferably are substantially parallel to the upper surfaces 45 , 57 respectively.
- the fastener 77 preferably is a screw which is positioned substantially parallel to the upper and lower surfaces at the first end 59 of the lower segment 53 and the second end 49 of the upper segment 41 .
- the mating element 67 includes a downstream wall 79 and an upstream wall 81 which define a slot 83 in which the flange 65 is receivable. It is also preferred that the upstream wall 81 includes one or more apertures 85 with which a preselected portion 87 of the downstream wall 79 registers ( FIG. 20 ). As can be seen in FIGS. 24, 25 , 26 A, and 26 B, the aperture 85 is defined by one or more surfaces 89 in the upstream wall 81 .
- the connector element 69 is configured for engagement with one or more of the surfaces 89 when the flange 65 is received in the slot 83 in a snap fit, to attach the upper and lower segments 41 , 53 together.
- the flange 65 preferably has a substantially planar face element 91 .
- the connector elements 69 protrude from the face element 91 ( FIG. 22 ).
- the connector elements 69 are positioned for alignment with the apertures 85 when the flange 65 is received in the slot 83 . As the flange 65 is inserted into the slot 83 , the connector elements 69 are inserted into the apertures 85 , as described below.
- the connector elements 69 are sized and located so that the connector elements 69 each respectively engage one or more surfaces 89 of the respective apertures 85 in which the connector elements 69 are positioned.
- the engagement of the connector element 69 with the surfaces 89 takes place when the connector element 69 snaps into the aperture 85 , i.e., when the flange 65 is fully received in the slot 83 .
- the upper and lower segments 41 , 53 are temporarily attached to each other, i.e., before any of the fasteners 77 are inserted. This temporary attachment simplifies assembly of the slide body 39 , as will be described.
- each connector element 69 includes a bottom end 93 which is positioned distal to the upper surface 57 of the lower segment 53 and a top end 95 located between the bottom end 93 and the upper surface 57 .
- the top end 95 protrudes significantly further from the face element 91 than the bottom end 93 does, to give each connector element 69 a wedge-like shape, i.e., each connector element 69 is tapered toward the bottom end 93 .
- This wedge-like configuration of the connector elements 69 is important because it enables the flange 65 to be fully received in the slot 83 , and it results in each connector element 69 snapping into the aperture 85 , once the flange 65 is fully inserted into the slot 83 .
- the thickness of the flange 65 at the upper end 95 is significantly greater than the width of the slot 83 , i.e., it is desirable that the top end 95 should extend into the aperture 85 to a significant extent when the flange 65 is fully inserted in the slot 83 , to facilitate engagement of the connector element 69 with the surfaces 89 , and also to impede removal of the connector element 69 from the aperture 85 . Accordingly, after the flange 65 is fully inserted into the slot 83 , the connector elements 69 attach the upper and lower segments to each other, to facilitate insertion of the fastener 77 .
- the upstream wall 81 preferably includes a bridge portion 97 disposed above the aperture 85 .
- the narrower part i.e., that part of the flange 65 near the bottom end 95 of the connector element 69
- the broader part of the connector element 69 i.e., toward the top end 95
- the flange 65 is then pushed further into the slot 83 . Once the top end 95 has moved downwardly past the bridge portion 97 , the top end 95 snaps into position in the aperture 85 .
- the flange 65 is connected by the fastener 77 to the preselected portion 87 of the downstream wall, to secure the lower segment 53 and the upper segment 41 to each other.
- the lower segment 53 preferably includes one or more tabs 99 projecting from the lower surface 63 thereof.
- each tab 99 is substantially aligned with the preselected portion 87 of the downstream wall 79 so that the fastener 77 , upon installation thereof, connects the tab 99 , the preselected portion 87 , and the flange 65 , thereby securing the lower segment 53 and the upper segment 41 to each other.
- the tab 99 and the flange 65 preferably define a trough 101 ( FIGS. 18, 26C , 26 D) in which an upper edge 103 ( FIG. 20 ) of the downstream wall 79 is receivable.
- the connector element 69 preferably includes an indented surface 105 for directing the fastener 77 substantially along a predetermined path (indicated by arrow “X” in FIG. 26B ) through the preselected portion 87 upon insertion of the fastener 77 therein.
- the upstream wall 81 preferably includes a second indented surface 107 which is complimentary to the indented surface 105 .
- the indented surfaces 105 , 107 define an opening with a diameter which is only slightly less than the diameter of the fastener 77 . (In order to simplify FIG. 22 , the indented surfaces 105 are not shown in FIG. 22 . It will be understood, however, that the indented surfaces preferably are included in the connector elements 69 .)
- the connector element 69 includes a ledge 109 with the indented surface 105 , for supporting and directing the fastener 77 along the predetermined path upon insertion of the fastener 77 in the preselected portion 87 .
- the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 include side walls 111 , 113 respectively positioned on opposite sides of the respective bed portions 43 , 55 .
- the upper segment 41 includes, at its second end 49 , cups 115 , 117 positioned on the side wall 111 , at opposite ends of the mating element 67 .
- the lower segment 53 includes, at its first end 59 , plugs 119 , 121 which are positioned on the side wall 113 and at opposite ends of the flange 65 .
- Each plug 119 , 121 is nestable in each cup 115 , 117 respectively when the flange 65 is received in the mating element 67 ( FIGS. 27, 28 ).
- FIGS. 27 and 28 show the cup 115 and (in FIG. 28 ) the plug 119 nested inside the cup 115 . It will be understood that the plug 121 and the cup 117 are identical to the plug 119 and the cup 115 respectively in all material respects.
- one or more fasteners 123 connects each of the cups 115 , 117 to the plugs 119 , 121 respectively, to secure the lower segment 53 and the upper segment 41 to each other ( FIG. 28 ).
- the fastener 123 is a screw which is positioned substantially orthogonally to the upper surfaces 45 , 57 of the upper and lower segments 41 , 53 respectively at the second end 49 of the upper segment 41 and the first end 59 of the lower segment 53 .
- the slide body of the invention can include more than two constituent body parts, or portions.
- the “upper segment” would be understood to be the portion which is to be positioned higher when the slide body is installed, and the “lower segment” would be understood to be the portion which is to be positioned lower-upon installation.
- FIGS. 9-15B another embodiment of the slide body of the invention 239 is disclosed in FIGS. 9-15B .
- the slide body 239 includes an upper portion 225 , a middle portion 227 , and a lower portion 229 .
- the upper portion 225 would be considered to be the upper segment for the purposes hereof
- the middle portion 227 would be considered to be the lower segment for the purposes hereof. That is, the portion 225 has a mating element (not shown), and the portion 227 has a flange (not shown) receivable in the mating element for attaching the two portions together, as described above.
- the middle portion 227 has a mating element (not shown) and the lower portion 229 has a flange (not shown) receivable in the mating element to attach the two portions together, as described above.
- a slide body 439 of the invention is disclosed in FIG. 16 .
- the slide body 439 includes an upper portion 431 , a first middle portion 433 , a second middle portion 435 , and a lower portion 437 .
- the pattern may be repeated, to form slide bodies with several additional portions.
- the portion immediately adjacent to and above a portion is an “upper segment”, and the other portion would be a “lower segment”.
- the portion 433 includes a mating element (not shown) in which a flange (not shown) forming part of the portion 435 is receivable, for attaching portions 433 , 435 together.
- the portion 433 includes a flange (not shown) receivable in a mating element (not shown) which is at the lower end of the portion 431 , to attach portions 431 , 433 together.
- the second end 49 of the upper segment 41 and the first end 59 of the lower segment 53 are positioned in proximity to each other, so that the elements positioned on the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 are aligned for mating (as indicated by center lines “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D”).
- the flange 65 is received in the slot 83 , and the preselected portions 87 of the downstream wall 79 are positioned in the trough 101 formed between the tabs 99 , and the flange 65 .
- the plugs 119 and 121 are nested in the cups 115 , 117 respectively.
- the connector elements 69 snap into position in the apertures 85 , engaging one or more of the surfaces 89 which define the aperture 85 as they snap into place.
- the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 are attached together, and held in place by the cooperation of the connector elements 69 with the surfaces 89 defining the apertures 85 to form a relatively secure connection. Because this connection is relatively secure, an installer (not shown) is not required to hold the upper and lower segments together while the fasteners are installed.
- the fasteners 77 and 123 are installed.
- the indented surfaces 105 , 107 define a small opening which conveniently facilitates the initial insertion of the fastener 77 into the flange 65 .
- the indented surfaces 105 , 107 direct the fastener 77 along the predetermined path defined by arrow “X” in FIG. 26B as the fastener 77 is driven through the flange 65 , the downstream wall 79 , and into the tab 99 , to secure the upper segment 41 and the lower segment 53 to each other.
- the fastener 123 preferably is inserted substantially at the respective centers of the cups 115 , 117 and driven into the plugs 119 , 121 to secure the plugs 119 , 121 to the cups 115 , 117 respectively.
- the upper segment bed portion 43 has an upper segment bed profile 50 which substantially defines a path taken by the user sliding from the first end 47 to the second end 49 of the upper segment 41 ( FIG. 3B ).
- the lower segment bed portion 55 has a lower segment bed profile 52 which substantially defines a path taken by the user sliding from the first end 59 to the second end 61 of the lower segment 53 .
- the upper segment bed profile 50 and the lower segment bed profile 52 form a substantially continuous profile between the upper end 71 and the lower end 73 of the slide body 39 .
- the substantially continuous profile may be sinusoidal, however, it is preferred that only the lower segment bed profile 52 is substantially sinusoidal.
- the slide body 239 includes upper, middle, and lower portions 225 , 227 , and 229 .
- the middle portion has a middle bed profile 254 which substantially defines a path taken by the user sliding from a first end 256 to a second end 258 of the middle portion 227 .
- an upper segment bed profile 250 , the middle bed profile 254 , and a lower segment bed profile 252 form a substantially continuous profile between an upper end 271 and a lower end 273 of the slide body 239 .
- Such substantially continuous profile may be sinusoidal, however, it is preferred that only the lower segment bed profile 252 is substantially sinusoidal.
- the slide body 39 includes a curved portion 60 which extends a first predetermined distance from the upper end 71 towards the lower end 73 to an intermediate transition zone (indicated at 62 in FIG. 7 ), and a substantially linear portion 64 extending between the lower end 73 and the intermediate transition zone.
- the linear portion 64 has a profile substantially defining a path taken by the user sliding from the intermediate transition zone 62 to the lower end 73 which is substantially sinusoidal.
- the curved portion 60 substantially defines at least a part of a helical path.
Abstract
Description
- Slide bodies which are spiral in shape (i.e., generally helical) are known. In addition, slide bodies which are substantially linear in plan view, but have generally sinusoidal profiles, are known. In the latter slide bodies, the profile (i.e., the path substantially taken by a user when sliding down a bed portion of the slide body) provides pleasing oscillation effects to the user as the user slides along an upper surface of the slide body. The prior art slide bodies are typically made of a plastic such as polyethylene or structural foamed polyethylene.
- However, the slide bodies of the prior art are either formed integrally, or they are formed of parts which are fastened together. Both of these approaches have some disadvantages. First, the slide body which is integrally formed is relatively large, and the larger the slide body, the more difficult it is to form, to transport, and to erect.
- Second, where the slide bodies are formed of a number of parts, the prior art parts are fastened together with known fastening systems in arrangements which have certain undesirable characteristics. For instance, a commonly-used type of prior
art fastener assembly 10 is shown inFIG. 1A , securing a prior art firstslide body part 12 to a prior art secondslide body part 14. (It will be understood that the upper surfaces are shown as substantially horizontal inFIG. 1A for illustrative purposes only and that, in use, the upper surfaces are positioned at an angle to the horizontal.) Thefastener assembly 10 includes anut 16 and a bolt 17. To assemble, the bolt 17 is inserted throughholes upper surfaces second parts fastener assembly 10 is that it acts in a direction which is substantially parallel to the upper surfaces. This is problematic because the load (i.e., the weight of the structure and the user's weight, when the user is on the upper surfaces in the vicinity of the fastener assembly 10) is directed generally vertically downward, thereby imposing shear stresses on the bolt and, consequently, also on the plastic material immediately adjacent to the bolt. The nut tends to loosen over time, and once the fastener assembly has loosened somewhat, the bolt tends to grind against the plastic of the first and secondslide body parts holes holes - In another typical arrangement of the prior art, slide body parts are adapted to cooperate with each other, as shown in
FIG. 1B . (Once again, it will be understood that, in use, the upper surfaces are positioned at an angle to the horizontal.) In this arrangement, a prior art firstslide body part 26 has achannel portion 28 defining agroove 30 in which atongue portion 32 of a prior art secondslide body part 34 is receivable. Ascrew 36 is driven generally upwardly through thechannel portion 28 and into thetongue portion 32. As can be seen inFIG. 1B , thescrew 36 is directed substantially perpendicular to theupper surfaces second parts upper surfaces screw 36 is normally positioned at an angle to the vertical. As shown inFIG. 1B , thescrew 36 is held in place only by theplastic material 38 between itsthreads 40. Also, in use, the loading of the arrangement shown inFIG. 1B is directed substantially vertically downward onto theupper surfaces screw 36, thescrew 36 can ultimately be pulled out of thetongue portion 32 because the loading, in shear, of the plastic material between the screw threads weakens (or severs) such material. - Also, the prior art connection arrangements shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B are somewhat inconvenient to use. For instance, the first and secondslide body parts body parts nut 16 is threaded thereon. - In the arrangement shown in
FIG. 1B , thetongue portion 32 is generally supportable by thechannel portion 28. However, the tongue portion is not positively located in thechannel portion 28, so that thetongue portion 32 and thechannel portion 28 are movable relative to each other until fastened together. Accordingly, thetongue portion 32 and thechannel portion 28 need to be held stationary to each other before and while they are fastened together, and it is very difficult for one person to do this while also inserting the fastener. - There is therefore a need for a spiral wave slide which overcomes or mitigates one or more of the defects of the prior art.
- In its broad aspect, the invention provides a slide body for a user to slide thereon. The slide body includes an upper segment having an upper segment bed portion with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end of the upper segment and a lower surface disposed opposite to the upper surface. Also, the slide body includes a lower segment having a lower segment bed portion with an upper surface for sliding thereon extending between a first end and a second end of the lower segment and a lower surface disposed opposite to the upper surface. The lower segment also includes a flange at the first end thereof extending from the upper surface past the lower surface. In addition, the upper segment includes one or more mating elements at the second end thereof extending from the upper surface past the lower surface. The flange and the mating element are adapted to cooperate to locate the first end of the lower segment adjacent to the second end of the upper segment so that the upper surfaces of the upper and lower segments form a substantially continuous surface for sliding thereon. Also, one of the flange and the mating element has one or more connector elements shaped to cooperate with the other of the flange and the mating element to attach the first end of the lower segment and the second end of the upper segment to each other.
- In another aspect of the present invention, upon receipt of the flange in the mating element, the flange and the mating element cooperate to attach the first end of the lower segment to the second end of the upper segment.
- In another aspect, the mating element includes a downstream wall and an upstream wall which define a slot in which the flange is receivable.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the upstream wall includes one or more apertures, and the downstream wall includes a preselected portion which registers with the aperture. The aperture is at least partially defined by one or more surfaces disposed in the upstream wall.
- In yet another aspect, the connector element is configured for engagement with one or more of the surfaces in a snap fit upon receipt of the flange in the slot, to attach the upper and lower segments to each other.
- In another of its aspects, the flange includes a substantially planar face element adapted for engagement with the upstream wall when the flange is received in the slot, and each connector element protrudes from the face element.
- In yet another aspect of the present invention, each connector element has a bottom end positioned distal to the upper surface of the lower segment and a top end located between the bottom end and the upper surface. Also, in each connector element, the top end protrudes further from the face element of the flange than the bottom end.
- In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided one or more fasteners for securing the flange and the mating element to each other.
- In another aspect, the flange is connected by the fastener to the preselected portion, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.
- In another of its aspects, the connector element has an indented surface for directing the fastener substantially along a predetermined path through the preselected portion of the downstream wall upon insertion of the fastener therein.
- In yet another aspect, the lower segment additionally includes one or more tabs projecting from the lower surface thereof, each tab being substantially aligned with a preselected portion so that the fastener connects all of the tab, the preselected portion of the downstream wall, and the flange, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.
- In another aspect, the invention includes one or more plugs positioned at the first end of the lower segment and one or more cups positioned at the second end of the upper segment. Each plug is nestable in each cup, and is supported by each cup when nested therein. Also, each plug is nested in each cup respectively upon receipt of the flange in the mating element.
- In yet another aspect, a fastener connects each cup and each plug respectively, to secure the lower segment and the upper segment to each other.
- The invention will be better understood with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1A (previously discussed) is a cross-section of a first connector assembly of the prior art securing prior art slide body parts to each other; -
FIG. 1B (previously discussed) is a cross-section of a second connector assembly of the prior art securing prior art slide body parts to each other; -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a slide body of the invention showing an upper surface thereof, drawn at a smaller scale; -
FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the slide body ofFIG. 2 showing a lower surface thereof; -
FIG. 3B is an elevation view of a first side of the slide body ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the slide body ofFIG. 2 showing the upper surface thereof; -
FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a second side of the slide body ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the slide body ofFIG. 2 showing the lower surface thereof; -
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the upper surface of the slide body ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the lower surface of the slide body ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the slide body of the invention having three portions thereof showing an upper surface thereof; -
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the slide body ofFIG. 9 showing a lower surface thereof; -
FIG. 11 is an elevation view of a first side of the slide body ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 12 is another isometric view of the slide body ofFIG. 9 showing the upper surface thereof; -
FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a second side of the slide body ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 14 is another isometric view of the slide body ofFIG. 9 showing the lower surface thereof; -
FIG. 15A is a plan view of the upper surface of the slide body ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 15B is a plan view of the lower surface of the slide body ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 16 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the slide body of the invention having three modular portions showing an upper surface thereof; -
FIG. 17 is an isometric view of an upper segment and a lower segment of the slide body of the invention positioned for assembly, showing the lower surfaces of the segments; -
FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments ofFIG. 17 , drawn at a larger scale; -
FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments ofFIG. 17 , partially assembled; -
FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a mating element of the upper segment ofFIG. 17 showing a slot formed therein, defined by an upstream wall and a downstream wall; -
FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments ofFIG. 17 showing a flange at a first end of the lower segment, and showing the upper surfaces of the upper and lower segments; -
FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments ofFIG. 17 showing the flange on the lower segment with connector elements protruding therefrom, drawn at a larger scale; -
FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments ofFIG. 17 with the flange received in the slot, attaching the upper and lower segments together, drawn at a smaller scale; -
FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the upper and lower segments ofFIG. 17 secured together with a fastener installed at a first connector element and showing a second connector element engaged in an aperture in the absence of a fastener, drawn at a larger scale; -
FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the fastener ofFIG. 24 inserted at the first connector element, drawn at a larger scale; -
FIG. 26A is an isometric partial cross-section of the flange and a connector element of the invention including the flange positioned in the slot, with the fastener installed; -
FIG. 26B is an isometric partial cross-section of the flange positioned in the slot, in the absence of the fastener; -
FIG. 26C is a cross-section showing the flange positioned in the slot, drawn at a smaller scale; -
FIG. 26D is a cross-section showing the flange positioned in the slot, with the fastener installed; -
FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a cup with a plug positioned herein with a fastener installed, drawn at a larger scale; and -
FIG. 28 is an isometric, partial cross-section of the cup, the plug, and the fastener ofFIG. 27 . - Reference is first made to
FIGS. 2-8 and 17-26D to describe an embodiment of a slide body for user (not shown) to slide thereon in accordance with the invention indicated generally by the numeral 39. In one embodiment, theslide body 39 includes anupper segment 41 with an uppersegment bed portion 43 having anupper surface 45 for sliding thereon extending between afirst end 47 and asecond end 49 of the upper segment 41 (FIG. 7 ), and a lower surface 51 (FIG. 8 ) disposed opposite to theupper surface 41. Also, theslide body 39 preferably includes alower segment 53 including a lowersegment bed portion 55 with anupper surface 57 for sliding thereon extending between afirst end 59 and a second end 61 (FIG. 7 ), as well as a lower surface 63 (FIG. 8 ) disposed opposite to theupper surface 57. As can be seen inFIGS. 18, 21 , and 22, thelower segment 53 preferably includes aflange 65 at thefirst end 59 extending from theupper surface 57 past the lower surface 63 (FIG. 22 ). In addition, theupper segment 41 includes one ormore mating elements 67 at thesecond end 49 thereof extending from theupper surface 45 past thelower surface 51, as will be described. Preferably, theflange 65 and themating element 67 are adapted to cooperate to locate thefirst end 59 of the lower segment adjacent to thesecond end 49 of the upper segment so that theupper surfaces lower segments FIG. 26C ). It is also preferred that one of theflange 65 and themating element 67 includes one ormore connector elements 69 shaped to cooperate with the other of theflange 65 and themating element 67 to attach thefirst end 59 of thelower segment 53 and thesecond end 49 of theupper segment 41 to each other, as will be described. - As shown in
FIGS. 22, 26A and 26B, the connector element preferably is included in theflange 65. Preferably, theflange 65 is receivable in the mating element 67 (FIGS. 26A, 26B ). Upon theflange 65 being received in themating element 67, theflange 65 and themating element 67 cooperate to attach thefirst end 59 of thelower segment 53 adjacent to thesecond end 49 of theupper segment 41. - It will be understood that the slide body of the invention may have more constituent body parts than the
upper segment 41 and thelower segment 53 shown inFIGS. 2-15B . The embodiment of the slide body shown inFIGS. 2-15B has only two segments, in order to simplify the drawings. As can be seen inFIG. 7 , thefirst end 47 of theupper segment 41 preferably is positioned above thesecond end 61 of thelower segment 53, so that thefirst end 47 is anupper end 71 of theslide body 39, and thesecond end 61 is alower end 73 of theslide body 39. As shown inFIG. 2 , theupper end 71 may be supported above thelower end 73 by asupport structure 75, as is known in the art. - Preferably, the slide body additionally includes one or
more fasteners 77 for attaching theflange 65 and themating element 67 to each other (as will be described), to secure theupper segment 41 and thelower segment 53 to each other. As shown inFIG. 26D , thelower surfaces lower segments upper surfaces fastener 77 preferably is a screw which is positioned substantially parallel to the upper and lower surfaces at thefirst end 59 of thelower segment 53 and thesecond end 49 of theupper segment 41. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 20, 26A , and 26B, it is preferred that themating element 67 includes adownstream wall 79 and anupstream wall 81 which define aslot 83 in which theflange 65 is receivable. It is also preferred that theupstream wall 81 includes one ormore apertures 85 with which a preselectedportion 87 of thedownstream wall 79 registers (FIG. 20 ). As can be seen inFIGS. 24, 25 , 26A, and 26B, theaperture 85 is defined by one ormore surfaces 89 in theupstream wall 81. - Preferably, the
connector element 69 is configured for engagement with one or more of thesurfaces 89 when theflange 65 is received in theslot 83 in a snap fit, to attach the upper andlower segments FIG. 22 , theflange 65 preferably has a substantiallyplanar face element 91. In one embodiment, theconnector elements 69 protrude from the face element 91 (FIG. 22 ). Theconnector elements 69 are positioned for alignment with theapertures 85 when theflange 65 is received in theslot 83. As theflange 65 is inserted into theslot 83, theconnector elements 69 are inserted into theapertures 85, as described below. Theconnector elements 69 are sized and located so that theconnector elements 69 each respectively engage one ormore surfaces 89 of therespective apertures 85 in which theconnector elements 69 are positioned. The engagement of theconnector element 69 with thesurfaces 89 takes place when theconnector element 69 snaps into theaperture 85, i.e., when theflange 65 is fully received in theslot 83. Because of the tightness of the fit of theconnector elements 69 in theapertures 85, when theflange 65 is received in theslot 83, the upper andlower segments fasteners 77 are inserted. This temporary attachment simplifies assembly of theslide body 39, as will be described. - As can be seen in
FIG. 22 , eachconnector element 69 includes abottom end 93 which is positioned distal to theupper surface 57 of thelower segment 53 and atop end 95 located between thebottom end 93 and theupper surface 57. Preferably, thetop end 95 protrudes significantly further from theface element 91 than thebottom end 93 does, to give each connector element 69 a wedge-like shape, i.e., eachconnector element 69 is tapered toward thebottom end 93. - This wedge-like configuration of the
connector elements 69 is important because it enables theflange 65 to be fully received in theslot 83, and it results in eachconnector element 69 snapping into theaperture 85, once theflange 65 is fully inserted into theslot 83. Preferably, the thickness of theflange 65 at theupper end 95 is significantly greater than the width of theslot 83, i.e., it is desirable that thetop end 95 should extend into theaperture 85 to a significant extent when theflange 65 is fully inserted in theslot 83, to facilitate engagement of theconnector element 69 with thesurfaces 89, and also to impede removal of theconnector element 69 from theaperture 85. Accordingly, after theflange 65 is fully inserted into theslot 83, theconnector elements 69 attach the upper and lower segments to each other, to facilitate insertion of thefastener 77. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 24 and 25 , theupstream wall 81 preferably includes abridge portion 97 disposed above theaperture 85. When theflange 65 is first inserted (i.e., when theflange 65 is only partly inserted) into theslot 83, the narrower part (i.e., that part of theflange 65 near thebottom end 95 of the connector element 69) passes downwardly past thebridge portion 97, but the broader part of the connector element 69 (i.e., toward the top end 95) tends to bind between the inner surface of thebridge portion 97 and the inner surface of thedownstream wall 79 defining theslot 83 at that point. However, after additional force is applied, theflange 65 is then pushed further into theslot 83. Once thetop end 95 has moved downwardly past thebridge portion 97, thetop end 95 snaps into position in theaperture 85. - As can be seen in
FIG. 26A , it is preferred that theflange 65 is connected by thefastener 77 to the preselectedportion 87 of the downstream wall, to secure thelower segment 53 and theupper segment 41 to each other. In addition, and as can be seen inFIGS. 18 and 19 , thelower segment 53 preferably includes one ormore tabs 99 projecting from thelower surface 63 thereof. Preferably, eachtab 99 is substantially aligned with the preselectedportion 87 of thedownstream wall 79 so that thefastener 77, upon installation thereof, connects thetab 99, the preselectedportion 87, and theflange 65, thereby securing thelower segment 53 and theupper segment 41 to each other. Also, thetab 99 and theflange 65 preferably define a trough 101 (FIGS. 18, 26C , 26D) in which an upper edge 103 (FIG. 20 ) of thedownstream wall 79 is receivable. - As can be seen in
FIG. 26B , theconnector element 69 preferably includes anindented surface 105 for directing thefastener 77 substantially along a predetermined path (indicated by arrow “X” inFIG. 26B ) through the preselectedportion 87 upon insertion of thefastener 77 therein. In addition, and as shown inFIG. 26B , theupstream wall 81 preferably includes a secondindented surface 107 which is complimentary to theindented surface 105. Preferably, theindented surfaces fastener 77. (In order to simplifyFIG. 22 , theindented surfaces 105 are not shown inFIG. 22 . It will be understood, however, that the indented surfaces preferably are included in theconnector elements 69.) - It is also preferred that the
connector element 69 includes aledge 109 with theindented surface 105, for supporting and directing thefastener 77 along the predetermined path upon insertion of thefastener 77 in the preselectedportion 87. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 17-21 , theupper segment 41 and thelower segment 53 includeside walls 111, 113 respectively positioned on opposite sides of therespective bed portions upper segment 41 includes, at itssecond end 49,cups mating element 67. Also, thelower segment 53 includes, at itsfirst end 59, plugs 119, 121 which are positioned on theside wall 113 and at opposite ends of theflange 65. Eachplug cup flange 65 is received in the mating element 67 (FIGS. 27, 28 ).FIGS. 27 and 28 show thecup 115 and (inFIG. 28 ) theplug 119 nested inside thecup 115. It will be understood that theplug 121 and thecup 117 are identical to theplug 119 and thecup 115 respectively in all material respects. - In the preferred embodiment, one or
more fasteners 123 connects each of thecups plugs lower segment 53 and theupper segment 41 to each other (FIG. 28 ). Preferably, thefastener 123 is a screw which is positioned substantially orthogonally to theupper surfaces lower segments second end 49 of theupper segment 41 and thefirst end 59 of thelower segment 53. - It will be understood that, as shown in
FIGS. 9-15B andFIG. 16 , the slide body of the invention can include more than two constituent body parts, or portions. In each case, however, the “upper segment” would be understood to be the portion which is to be positioned higher when the slide body is installed, and the “lower segment” would be understood to be the portion which is to be positioned lower-upon installation. - For example, another embodiment of the slide body of the
invention 239 is disclosed inFIGS. 9-15B . As can been seen inFIG. 15A , theslide body 239 includes anupper portion 225, amiddle portion 227, and alower portion 229. However, as between theupper portion 225 and themiddle portion 227, at the point where such portions join, theupper portion 225 would be considered to be the upper segment for the purposes hereof, and themiddle portion 227 would be considered to be the lower segment for the purposes hereof. That is, theportion 225 has a mating element (not shown), and theportion 227 has a flange (not shown) receivable in the mating element for attaching the two portions together, as described above. Similarly, it will be understood that, as between themiddle portion 227 and thelower portion 229, at the point where they meet, themiddle portion 227 has a mating element (not shown) and thelower portion 229 has a flange (not shown) receivable in the mating element to attach the two portions together, as described above. - In another embodiment, a slide body 439 of the invention is disclosed in
FIG. 16 . As can be seen inFIG. 16 , the slide body 439 includes anupper portion 431, a firstmiddle portion 433, a secondmiddle portion 435, and alower portion 437. It will be understood that the pattern may be repeated, to form slide bodies with several additional portions. It will also be understood that, in the slide body 439, the portion immediately adjacent to and above a portion is an “upper segment”, and the other portion would be a “lower segment”. For instance, at its lower end, theportion 433 includes a mating element (not shown) in which a flange (not shown) forming part of theportion 435 is receivable, for attachingportions portion 433 includes a flange (not shown) receivable in a mating element (not shown) which is at the lower end of theportion 431, to attachportions - In use, and as can be seen in
FIG. 18 , thesecond end 49 of theupper segment 41 and thefirst end 59 of thelower segment 53 are positioned in proximity to each other, so that the elements positioned on theupper segment 41 and thelower segment 53 are aligned for mating (as indicated by center lines “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D”). Next, theflange 65 is received in theslot 83, and thepreselected portions 87 of thedownstream wall 79 are positioned in thetrough 101 formed between thetabs 99, and theflange 65. Simultaneously, theplugs cups - As described above, when the
flange 65 is seated in theslot 83, theconnector elements 69 snap into position in theapertures 85, engaging one or more of thesurfaces 89 which define theaperture 85 as they snap into place. At this point, theupper segment 41 and thelower segment 53 are attached together, and held in place by the cooperation of theconnector elements 69 with thesurfaces 89 defining theapertures 85 to form a relatively secure connection. Because this connection is relatively secure, an installer (not shown) is not required to hold the upper and lower segments together while the fasteners are installed. - Next, the
fasteners FIG. 26B , once theflange 65 is fully received in theslot 83, theindented surfaces fastener 77 into theflange 65. Also, because of their configuration, theindented surfaces fastener 77 along the predetermined path defined by arrow “X” inFIG. 26B as thefastener 77 is driven through theflange 65, thedownstream wall 79, and into thetab 99, to secure theupper segment 41 and thelower segment 53 to each other. - As can be seen in
FIG. 28 , thefastener 123 preferably is inserted substantially at the respective centers of thecups plugs plugs cups - In another embodiment, the upper
segment bed portion 43 has an upper segment bed profile 50 which substantially defines a path taken by the user sliding from thefirst end 47 to thesecond end 49 of the upper segment 41 (FIG. 3B ). Also, the lowersegment bed portion 55 has a lowersegment bed profile 52 which substantially defines a path taken by the user sliding from thefirst end 59 to thesecond end 61 of thelower segment 53. Preferably, the upper segment bed profile 50 and the lowersegment bed profile 52 form a substantially continuous profile between theupper end 71 and thelower end 73 of theslide body 39. The substantially continuous profile may be sinusoidal, however, it is preferred that only the lowersegment bed profile 52 is substantially sinusoidal. - As described above, in another embodiment, the
slide body 239 includes upper, middle, andlower portions middle bed profile 254 which substantially defines a path taken by the user sliding from afirst end 256 to asecond end 258 of themiddle portion 227. As can be seen inFIG. 10 , an uppersegment bed profile 250, themiddle bed profile 254, and a lowersegment bed profile 252 form a substantially continuous profile between anupper end 271 and alower end 273 of theslide body 239. Such substantially continuous profile may be sinusoidal, however, it is preferred that only the lowersegment bed profile 252 is substantially sinusoidal. - As can be seen in
FIG. 7 , theslide body 39 includes acurved portion 60 which extends a first predetermined distance from theupper end 71 towards thelower end 73 to an intermediate transition zone (indicated at 62 inFIG. 7 ), and a substantiallylinear portion 64 extending between thelower end 73 and the intermediate transition zone. It is preferred that thelinear portion 64 has a profile substantially defining a path taken by the user sliding from theintermediate transition zone 62 to thelower end 73 which is substantially sinusoidal. Preferably, thecurved portion 60 substantially defines at least a part of a helical path. - Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112 paragraph 6.
- It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can take many forms, and that such forms are within the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the descriptions of the preferred versions contained herein.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/455,215 US20070078015A1 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2006-06-16 | Spiral wave slide |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US29/232,304 USD529980S1 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2005-06-16 | Spiral slide |
US11/455,215 US20070078015A1 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2006-06-16 | Spiral wave slide |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US29/232,304 Continuation-In-Part USD529980S1 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2005-06-16 | Spiral slide |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070078015A1 true US20070078015A1 (en) | 2007-04-05 |
Family
ID=46325610
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/455,215 Abandoned US20070078015A1 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2006-06-16 | Spiral wave slide |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20070078015A1 (en) |
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