Abstract:
A fiberglass step for a water slide comprising a horizontally disposed tread and a vertically disposed riser. The tread of the step comprises vertically spaced-apart members which define a space therebetween having a polypropylene honeycomb material positioned therebetween. The steps are positioned between step supports and are secured thereto.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a step for a water slide or the like and more particularly to a step for a water slide which is comprised of a fiberglass material having a plastic honeycomb core provided therein. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Water slides have become increasingly popular during the last several years. Water slides which are found in amusement parks normally include a steel framework having a slide secured thereto which extends from the upper end of the framework downwardly to a splash pool or the like. Persons using the water slide normally move to the top of the slide by a series of steps which may be comprised of metal or wood. If the steps are comprised of metal, they tend to rust over a period of time since they are constantly exposed to water. If the steps are comprised of wood, the steps, even though treated, will rot over a period of time. It is also important that the steps be very strong since more than one person may be standing on a particular step at one time. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A step for a water slide or the like is disclosed wherein the water slide includes a framework having a slide secured thereto which has upper and lower ends. The framework also includes a pair of upstanding step supports which are horizontally spaced-apart, each of which have inner and outer surfaces and upper and lower ends. A plurality of steps are secured to the step supports and extend therebetween. The steps are comprised of a fiberglass material. Each of the steps includes a horizontally disposed tread having upper and lower members which are spaced-apart to define a space therebetween with that space being filled with a polypropylene honeycomb material. Each of the steps also includes a vertically disposed riser which extends upwardly from the tread. 
     It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an improved step for a water slide or the like. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a step for a water slide or the like wherein the tread of the step includes upper and lower fiberglass members which define a space therebetween and which is filled with a plastic honeycomb material. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a step for a water slide or the like which is extremely strong. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a step for a water slide or the like which will not rust or rot. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a fiberglass step for a water slide or the like wherein the top surface of the tread has anti-slip material provided thereon. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide fiberglass step for a water slide or the like wherein the upper surface thereof has channels formed therein for permitting the drainage of water from the step. 
     These and other objects will be obvious to those skilled in the art. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water slide having the steps of this invention provided thereon; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the step of this invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the steps of this invention; and 
     FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the step of this invention with portions thereof cut away to more fully illustrate the invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The numeral  10  refers generally to a water slide such as commonly found in an amusement park. Although the step invention which will be described hereinafter is well-suited for use with large water slides such as found in amusement parks, the step of this invention may be used on any water slide, regardless of size. 
     Slide  10  includes a framework  12  which is normally comprised of a metal material such as steel but which may also be comprised of a wood material in some cases. Platform  14  is provided at the upper end of the framework  12  to enable the persons utilizing the slide to gain access to the upper end of the slide member  16  which extends downwardly from the platform  14  to a splash pool or the like referred to generally by the reference numeral  18 . 
     To enable the persons using the slide to move from ground level to the platform  14 , a step assembly is provided which is referred to generally by the reference numeral  19 . Normally, the step assembly will include horizontally spaced-apart metal step supports  20  and  22  which are normally comprised of steel. Normally, metal or wooden steps are secured to the supports  20  and  22  and extend therebetween. Inasmuch as the conventional metal steps tend to rust over time, and in as much as the wooden steps tend to rot over time, applicant has designed a fiberglass step which is referred to generally by the reference numeral  24 . Step  24  generally includes a tread  26  and riser  28  which are integrally formed. For purposes of description, tread  26  will be described as having a top member  30 , sides  32  and  34 , front  36  and bottom member  38 . Top member  30  and bottom member  38  are spaced-apart to define a space therebetween is which is filled with a plastic honeycomb material referred to generally by the reference numeral  40 . Honeycomb material  40  is comprised of a plurality of individual cells  42 , the longitudinal axes of which are vertically disposed, as best seen in FIG.  4 . Preferably, the honeycomb material  40  is comprised of polypropylene such as sold under the trademark “Nida-Core” by Nida-Core Corporation, 541 NW Interpark Place, Port St. Lucie, Fla. 34986. The polypropylene honeycomb material, as opposed to paper honeycomb material, does not deteriorate or delaminate when exposed to water. The honeycomb material  40  adds great strength to the step so that the step may support more than one person thereupon. 
     Preferably, the upper surface of upper member  30  is provided with anti-slip material  44  to provide secure footing for the people using the slide. Also, the upper surface of member  30  is preferably provided with a pair of channels  46  and  48  formed therein which serve to drain water from the top surface of member  30 . 
     The steps  24  are secured to the supports  20  and  22  by extending screws, bolts, or the like, through the supports  20  and  22  and into the sides  32  and  34  of the step or vice versa. Preferably, the steps are arranged as seen in FIG.  3 . As seen in FIG. 3, the upper end of the riser  28  is received by the underside of the step immediately thereabove. 
     Thus it can be seen that a novel fiberglass step has been provided for a water slide or the like which will not rust or rot and will have great strength due to the polypropylene honeycomb material provided therein. 
     Thus, it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.