Patent ID: 6695096
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: A62B,B64D,Y10S

Abstract:
An inflatable escape slide assembly adapted to extend from an elevated supporting surface to a lower supporting surface, said inflatable escape slide assembly comprising:a flexible panel defining a slide surface having first and second lateral edges and extending from a head end of the inflatable escape slide assembly to a foot end of the inflatable escape slide assembly; first and second side rail members attached to said first and second lateral edges of said flexible panel, said first and second side rail members each comprising an inflatable tubular member extending from the head end to the foot end of the inflatable escape slide assembly, said first and second side rail members being disposed in a spaced-apart configuration for supporting said flexible panel; a head end transverse tube for maintaining the head end of said first and second side rail members in said spaced-apart configuration; and a toe end transverse tube for maintaining the foot end of said first and second side rail members in said spaced-apart configuration, said toe end transverse tube comprising an inflatable tubular member attached to said first and second side rail members proximal the foot end of said inflatable escape slide assembly and in fluid communication with at least one of said first and second side rail members; said toe end transverse tube having a first cross-sectional cylindrical diameter dimension at a first end proximal said first side rail member, a second cross-sectional cylindrical diameter dimension at a second end proximal said second side rail member and a third cross-sectional cylindrical diameter dimension medial said first and second ends, said third cylindrical diameter dimension being smaller than said first and second diameter dimensions.