Patent Publication Number: US-7896779-B1

Title: Sliding exercise apparatus and recreational device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/819,256, entitled “Sliding Exercise Apparatus and Recreational Device,” filed on Mar. 27, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,483 issued May 15, 2001. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD AND INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an exercise apparatus and recreational system composed of a plurality of interconnecting parts which include a slide having a low friction, durable top layer upon which a user can traverse in both a wet or dry condition. The sliding aspects of this invention may be applied to a number of conventional board sports or may be adopted to novel uses including equipping apparel or shoes with low friction material to allow the user to slide without additional encumbrances. The invention can also be considered a recreational device whereby a user can slide upon a surface which can be inclined while being supported by a low friction, durable membrane either attached to a sports board or as stand-alone sheeting material. The sliding surface of the invention may be configured to simulate a variety of terrains. Such slides can be inflatably employed with or without structural frames, be portable or fixed and employed with bouncy surfaces and include trampolines and ramps to make complex recreational centers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Although there are a plethora of sliding devices which are employed for recreational purposes, the art is devoid of such devices which are provided with practical universal applicability to satisfy a number of diverse and seemingly unrelated characteristics. For example, it is oftentimes a design goal to provide a slide which is portable. Other times, slides which are bouncy are sought after. As will be more fully developed below, it is suggested that both design goals can be met by providing slides which are inflatable. Other users seek recreational complexes in which slides are employed with activity sections such as trampolines and ramps which are detachable from one another and thus can be configured into a variety of shapes and orientations to enhance a user&#39;s recreational experience. None of these design goals have been achievable in the past particularly when dealing with such devices which can be employed both wet and dry. 
     In addition to recreational use of sliding exercise apparatus and recreational devices, as will be more fully embellished below, the present invention deals with the enhancement of sports board skills and thus can be used as a training tool by the serious sports enthusiast. For example, virtually all sports board enthusiasts face the problem of how to maximize recreational practice, skill development and exercise during times of the year when use of such equipment is not feasible. For example, snow boarders find that after a full winter season, their skills are enhanced but after the spring, summer and fall months of inactivity, board skills must be redeveloped and tuned once winter conditions provide the appropriate backdrop for practicing the sport. 
     Not only do winter sports enthusiasts face the grim prospect of having to go long periods between board usage, others, such as surfers, face similar constraints. Obviously, the surfer can only effectively use a surfboard when ocean access is available. There are times when surfers must travel inland and away from major bodies of water preventing board usage. As such, the invention can be used with a wide and diverse list of sliding vehicles which currently exist or are configured specifically for use herein including roller skates, rollerblades, skateboards, skis, waterskis, sleds, air mats, rubber/foam mats, body boards, skimboards, knee boards, wake boards, ice skates, surfboards, snowboards, mountain boards, sand boards, sail boards, snow luge, street luge, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, clothes, suits, shoes, socks, plush vehicles, plush animals, plush objects, scooters, bikes, tricycles, snowmobiles, spheres, discs, sheets, bags and cases. 
     In addition to the above-noted uses, it has been recognized that certain advantages are inherent in providing a sliding surface which is either inflatable or padded. A sports enthusiast or recreational user can employ such a sliding surface to practice extreme skills knowing that the forgiving nature of the slide will substantially reduce the risk of injury. Even wheel-bearing sporting goods such as in-line skates and skate boards can be used in conjunction with the present exercise apparatus and recreational system providing a safer platform for such activity than would otherwise be available. 
     It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a sliding exercise apparatus and recreational system which can be both stationary and portable, have a number of subsidiary activity sections such as trampolines as well as ramps  10  which can be employed in both a wet and dry state. 
     It is further an object of the present invention to provide a sliding exercise apparatus and recreational system which is covered, on its top surface, with a low friction, durable sheeting material and which can be used both recreationally and further to enhance board skills in both a wet and dry condition. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a sliding exercise apparatus which can be employed with or without structural frame members and which can either be configured as a permanently fixed installation or be made portable for on-site assembly. 
     These and further objects will be more readily apparent when considering the following disclosure and appended claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a low friction, durable sheeting material which can be used in both a wet and dry condition as well as a sliding exercise apparatus and recreational system which includes a slide for supporting a user, such slide having a top surface, at least a portion of which can be inclined to facilitate gravity-induced sliding. The top surface is provided with said low friction, durable sheeting material which enables the user to traverse thereon whether the top surface is wet or dry. The slide can be inflatable or padded and can be optionally fixed to a rigid frame or made free standing without a frame. It can be made to reside in a fixed location or made to be portable. The slide can be designed to reside on land or on water and can be employed with a variety of ancillary expedients such as pumps and related tubing to circulate water over the top surface of the slide to provide a wet surface as well as a refrigerator unit to create snow or ice to more closely replicate wintry conditions. 
     The present invention further is directed to a sliding activity center comprising in combination, a slide as recited above and a plurality of appended activity sections. It is contemplated that these activity sections can be removably and interchangably appended to the slide to both add to the recreational experience in employing the present invention and provide skill enhancing stations for those so inclined. Activity sections can include additional slides with surfaces of varying frictional characteristics and profiles as well as trampolines, water pools, zip lines, tubes, ramps, barrels and chutes to name just a few. The activity sections are positioned such that a user can transition between the slide and the appended activity without constraint enabling a user to take full advantage of the recreational and skill development opportunities which are available in practicing this invention. 
     As one embodiment, the present invention contemplates the use of a sports board, being of sufficient size and rigidity to support a user on the present exercise and recreational center. The sports board is provided with a top for contacting the user and a bottom for sliding upon a slide. As in the previous embodiments, the slide is provided with a top surface which can, in one embodiment, be inclined to facilitate gravity-induced sliding thereon. The top surface is further characterized as having a low friction, durable sheeting layer which enables a user to traverse thereon whether the top surface is wet or dry and an additional low friction, durable sheeting layer appended to and supported by the bottom of the sports board such that each low friction, durable sheeting layer is designed to engagingly contact one another as a user is supported by the sports board for sliding on the top surface. Alternatively, the sports board can support wheels, thus obviating the need for the sheeting layer thereon. In addition, the present invention contemplates, instead of the use of a sports board, the use of a highly durable low friction membrane which acts as a sheeting layer for supporting a user as the user traverses the top surface of the slide. The membrane itself can be composed of a low friction, durable sheeting material which enables the user to traverse the slide in both a wet and dry condition. This membrane, in addition to being used as a stand-alone flexible sheet, can also be employed in small sections which are appended to the clothing of a user such as the bottom of one&#39;s feet and the outer surface of typically employed knee pads. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a slide configured pursuant to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  are perspective views of the combination of a slide, trampoline, ramp and other additional elements constituting further embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a sports board useful in practicing the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a membrane useful in supporting a rider when employing the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a modification of the membrane shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a user of the present invention employing yet a further embodiment thereof. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a portion of a slide for use herein, shown in partial cross-section. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a side plan view of a slide and user thereof pursuant to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 12A ,  12 B,  12 C and  12 D are perspective views of three embodiments of “vehicles” used to support a user in practicing the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the present invention showing the use of a 10 tent structure and tented “pipe” as a further embodiment. 
         FIGS. 14A-14E  are a series of perspective views of various ramp and ramp-like structures for use herein. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the present invention wherein indicia is provided to enhance the recreational use thereof. 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  are perspective views of the present invention in its simplest iteration. 
         FIG. 17  is a plan view of a series of modifications being made to an existing ski for use in the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a surfboard modified for use in practicing  20  the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a modified snowboard to illustrate the use of dedicated vehicles for use herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts slide  10  used as the focal point of the exercise apparatus and recreational system of the present invention. As shown, optional framework  11  supports stairs  12  and railing  13  to enable a user to enjoy slide  10  as a recreational device. Slide is provided with top surface  20  which, need not be, but in this illustration is inclined to facilitate gravity-induced sliding thereon. Top surface  20  is composed of a flexible sheeting layer of a durable, low friction material enabling the user to traverse the slide whether the top surface  20  is wet or dry. 
     As further noted by reference to  FIG. 1 , slide  10  is provided with bumpers  14  and  15  to define top surface  20  and to prevent the inadvertent slippage from top surface  20 .  FIG. 1  shows water pump  16  and hosing  17  to enable slide  10  to be used dry (as shown) or wet by introducing water through piping  21 . Alternatively, element  16  could be a refrigerator unit which could supply snow or ice to the slide surface through hosing  17  in order to replicate wintry conditions. Slide  10  is shown as having a top or beginning portion  22  in the form of a substantially flat pad. The pad can be of higher friction material to prevent inadvertent slippage and can be, for example, a bouncy surface such as a trampoline to enable a user to create a bouncing motion prior to launch upon top surface  20 . 
       FIG. 1  further illustrates an infant as user  18  clearly employing slide  10  as a recreational device. In this instance, user  18  is supported by membrane  19  in the form of low friction durable sheeting material as more clearly depicted in  FIG. 6  and discussed hereinafter with regard to that figure. Both membrane  6  and top surface  20  can each be composed of low friction high durable material such as a member selected from the group consisting of nylon, Teflon, sailcloth, Dacron, vinyl, artificial turf, synthetic carpet and polyester resins. This enables user  18  to traverse top surface  20  in a dry state without need for an optionally induced wet surface through the injection of water through jets  21 . 
     Slide  10  of  FIG. 1  can be constructed permanently in a single location or be made portable. Portability is enhanced by producing slide  10 , at least as to its bumpers  14  and  15  and support area below top surface  20  as inflatable membranes which can be collapsed when deflated for storage and portability. Inflation can be maintained through the use of one or more blowers  9 . In addition, inflatable membranes add to the bouncing characteristic which many users find appealing. For example, as noted previously, top or launch pad  22  can be in the form of a trampoline which enables a user to commence use of slide  10  by bouncing first on pad  22  whereupon user  18  progresses along top surface  20 . Alternatively, the slide can be made of padded elements which, although not enhancing portability, can create a safe recreational system. Further, the slide can be made in sections shown joined along seam  8  and held together by fasteners  7 . Area  20   a  can be a continuation of surface  20  or can be filled with water or plastic or Styrofoam balls (not shown). When filled with water, a simulated wave machine can be employed to create wave action for user  18 . To facilitate exiting from area  20   a , ladder  6  can be draped over the bumper to step on area  5 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts yet another example of the present invention. In this instance, the invention is depicted as a sliding activity center  30  including a number of elements which are selectively combined to produce such an activity center which can function not only as a recreational device but also as a skill enhancement sports tool. Sliding activity center  30 , in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , includes stairway  31  to enable a user to climb to an elevation as defined by launch pad  32 . Slide  33 , as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , is provided with a top surface  43  of a durable low friction layer which can either be permanently bonded to slide  33  or consist of a sheeting material that lays across a padded or inflated membrane as desired. 
     As noted previously, activity center  30  is composed of a number of elements some of which are depicted in  FIG. 2  while others are shown in later drawings and each of which can optionally be detachable from one another so that their component parts can be rearranged as well for storage and portability. As such, sliding activity center  30  is merely illustrative of one of an almost limitless number of combinations constituting the present invention. In this instance, top surface  43  of slide  33  leads directly into activity section  34  which, in this instance, comprises a trampoline having a bouncy trampoline surface  35  held in place by framework  36  and  37 . As shown, user  41  on sports board  42  is depicted bouncing upon trampoline surface  35  having progressed along top surface  43 . As in the previous embodiment, all of the component parts of the present invention including the top surface of trampoline  35  as well as the bottom surface of sports board  42  can be optionally provided with durable low friction sheeting material so that the present invention can be employed in a dry condition. Other add-on features can also be appended to enhance the recreational and skill building aspects of the present invention. For example, pontoon pole  44  and bungee line  44   a  can be used as well as zip line  45  elevated above surface  35  to support user  46 . 
     Once user  41  decides to exit trampoline bouncy surface  35 , several routes can be taken. For example, user  41  can progress along ramp  38  which again can be covered with a low friction durable sheeting material. As an alternative, user  41 , if appropriately skilled, can exit bouncy surface  35  and onto adjustable sliding rail  39  which itself can be optionally covered with a low friction durable material. Both rail  39  and ramp  38  can be made adjustable as they connect to trampoline frame  36  so that their angles of inclination with respect to surface  35  can be altered as the skill level of the user so dictates. Again, each of the component parts including trampoline  34 , ramp  38  and rail  39  can optionally detach from one another and the various component parts rearranged. For example, one could configure the sliding activity center of  FIG. 2  such that a user would, upon exiting slide  33 , proceed to adjustable sliding rail  39 , and, upon leaving adjustable sliding rail  39 , enter trampoline  34  whereupon the activity center is exited by proceeding along ramp  38 . 
     It is further noted that ramp  38  of  FIG. 2  can assume a number of alternative embodiments. In this regard, reference is made to  FIGS. 14A-E . In  FIG. 14A , take-off ramp  1400  can be installed within activity center  30  in place of ramp  38 . Horizontal ramp surface  1401  and sloping ramp surface  1402  supported by base  1403  can be coated with durable low friction sheeting material to enable wet or dry use. Turning to  FIG. 14B , fly box  1410  which is made up of nested elements in the form of ramps  1411  and  1413  which each abut central (horizontal) box portion  1412 . As a further alternative, reference is made to  FIG. 14C  showing ramp  1420  having inclined surfaces  1421  and  1422  which, at their joint apex, is provided spine  1423  enabling skate boarders and similar enthusiasts to confront an edge to hone their skills. Similarly, reference is made to  FIG. 14D  showing pyramid structure  1430  having four sloping side walls  1431  and top flat pad  1432 . Again, this surface can be coated with a low friction durable coating material and used as a ramp as previously discussed. Finally, reference is made to  FIG. 14E  showing a half pipe  1440  having curved pipe surface  1441  used by skating and sports board enthusiasts. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of a sliding exercise apparatus and recreational system further embodying various elements constituting the present invention. Sliding exercise apparatus and recreational system  50  is shown with various interrelated component parts. Specifically, slide  52  is shown as having an incline to induce rider  53  on sports board  54  to travel along top surface  55 ; the top surface, as in the previous embodiments, being optionally composed of durable low friction sheeting material. This particular embodiment shows horizontally oriented launch pad surface  51  which can be comprised of a relatively high friction material to enable a user to achieve a sense of stability. At the bottom of slide  52  is shown trampoline  56  enabling rider  53 , upon exiting slide  52 , to practice jumping on the bouncy trampoline surface atop sports board  54 . User  53  would then have a number of options including exiting from the trampoline along chute  57 , adjustable rail  58  or adjustable ramp  59 . In each instance, these surfaces can be optionally covered with highly durable low friction sheeting material. 
     Again, turning to  FIG. 3 , it is noted that ramp  59  can be pivoted along axis  60  so that the inclination of ramp  59  can be varied as ramp  59  proceeds upwardly or downwardly in direction shown by arrow  61 . Similarly, rail  58  can be received by any one of openings  62 ,  63  or  64  within frame  65  in order to vary the angle of inclination of rail  58  with respect to trampoline  56 . Further, as previously noted, each of the component parts leading to trampoline  56  can be selectively removable from the trampoline so that the order in which the components are confronted by a user can be varied. Along these lines, reference is made to  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 4  discloses sliding exercise apparatus and recreational device  70  including slide  71  having bumpers or rails  73  in order to establish lanes upon top surface  83 . In this embodiment, bumpers  72  are included within slide  71  which is optionally made up of air inflatable membranes much like that shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 4  shows slide  71  transitioning to ramp  74  having uneven surface  75  to create somewhat of a mogul-like effect. This embodiment can be used to practice a number of board sports as well as be employed for recreational purposes. As such, rider  80  is shown on a snow board  82  at the top of slide  71  while user  79  is shown atop skis  81 . As noted, rider  79  upon exiting ramp  74  transitions onto trampoline  76 . The rider could then simply depart the trampoline by swinging his or her skis  81  over its edge or by progressing down adjustable rail  77  in a manner previously discussed. In each instance, the bottom surfaces of snowboard  82  and skis  81  as well as top surface  83  of slide  71 , surface  75  of ramp  74  and surface  78  of trampoline  76  can be covered with low friction high durability sheeting material of the type previously recited. As noted previously, the sliding exercise apparatus and recreational system of  FIG. 4  can be employed in both a wet and dry state while practicing the present invention. Further, the sliding exercise apparatus and recreational system of  FIG. 4  could be selectively coated with ice or snow to more closely replicate real life conditions when climactic conditions make this feasible. As an example, area  78  could be in the form of a frozen layer of ice or a tub filled with plastic balls. However, to reiterate, the present invention is usable in a dry condition and without snow or ice being applied to any of the above-recited top surfaces. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a sports board such as that shown as board  82  of  FIG. 4 . In this instance, board  100  having bindings  112  is of the shape of a snowboard having a rigid top surface  111 , bindings  112  and bottom surface  116 . As noted previously, durable low friction sheeting material  114  can be applied to bottom surface  116  by applying adhesive  115  to sheeting material  114  and adhering it to board  111 . As an alternative to a sports board, a rider such as user  18  of  FIG. 1  can employ a flexible membrane shown as element  90  of  FIG. 6 . Membrane  90  can take on a number of geometrical shapes as well as thicknesses and physical characteristics so long as bottom surface  91  is composed of low friction durable sheeting material. In other words, membrane  90  can be a single sheet of such material in the form of a rectangle or any other geometric shape upon which a user would sit or lie upon when employing the present invention or, alternatively, a durable low friction membrane  121  could be adhered to a three-dimensional sliding element  120  as depicted in  FIG. 7 . In this instance, low friction durable sheeting material  121  is adhered to a body section  122  which can be inflated or provided with stuffing material to take on a three-dimensional configuration thus providing additional cushioning to a user. Because the present invention can be employed in a dry condition, the body of sliding element  120  need not necessarily be water repellent while being functional in practicing the present invention. 
     As a further embodiment, reference is made to  FIG. 8  where, instead of employing durable low friction sheeting material as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  upon which a user would reside, it depicts similar material shown as being selectively adhered to clothing or protective gear of a user so that one could employ the present invention without the need for a separate sports board or slidable membrane material whatsoever. Specifically, user  160  is provided with shin pads  161  and elbow pads  162 , each of which can be provided with patches of durable low friction membrane material  163  and  164 . Further, sandals or shoes  165  can be provided with similar low friction high durability membrane material  166  on the bottoms or sole portions thereof. One could even employ socks composed entirely of said low friction durable material for use herein. As such, user  160  could progress along the various slides, ramps, rails and trampolines of the present invention on one&#39;s knees, elbows or even in a standing orientation; thus one is able to enhance one&#39;s balance as well as engage in an enjoyable recreational pursuit. 
     Next, reference is made to  FIG. 9  showing a portion of an inflatable slide  180 . In this embodiment, membrane  182  encloses internal volume  181  which is ideally under sufficient pressure to support the structure of slide  180 . In this instance, low friction durable sheeting material  183  is placed on the top surface of slide  180  and over seams  184  and  185 . Along the top surface of slide  180 , seams  184  and  185  create indents which can further enhance employment of the present invention. Specifically, rider  186  can employ board  187  which, in turn, supports in-line wheels  188 . This board can traverse slide  180  along seams  184  or  185  as a means of engaging in both a recreational pursuit and skill enhancement in the use of an in-line skate or skate board. 
     Turning to  FIG. 10 , yet another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in an attempt to demonstrate the breadth of the present invention. Ramp  191  can act as the launching point for slide  190  or can be the continuation of a previous or upstream recreational device. User  193  on sports board  192  can traverse ramp  191  which, itself, can optionally be selectively covered with a durable low-friction material so that the invention can be used in a dry state. Rider  193  can then progress within metal or plastic cylinder  194  which can, as a preferred embodiment, be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise through the use of motor  195  driving motorized wheels  196 . As with ramp  191 , the interior of cylindrical member  294 , can be selectively coated with a durable, low-friction surface enabling user  193  to employ the present invention in a dry state. As a further embodiment permanent magnets  198  could be installed below cylindrical member  294  with other magnets  199  embedded in a user&#39;s vehicle of the same facing or repelling polarity. This would reduce any friction between the user&#39;s vehicle and cylindrical member. User  193  can remain within cylindrical member  194  sliding along its inner surface as motor  195  turns cylinder  194  as desired. At any time, rider  193  can exit cylinder  194  by progressing down ramp  197 . 
     Turning back to  FIG. 9 , it is noted that in any particular sliding structure, it is possible to selectively provide low friction durable sheeting material  183  to the top surface of slide  180 . For example, border  189  can be devoid of such material thus providing a higher friction border about sheeting material  183 . Such selective high friction areas can be employed as safety means to slow a user upon approaching an edge of the slide. Additionally, areas of relatively high friction can be dispersed about low friction high durable sheeting material  183  to act as obstacles to be traversed by the skilled enthusiast. 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 11  which shows user  201  traversing down the top surface  202  of slide  200 . In this illustration, user  201  employs a parachute or kite  207  which could act to pull user  201  while grasping lines  208 . 
     Virtually any riding element can be employed by a user while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in developing sports board skills, a user might wish to employ snow boards, surf boards, boogie boards, skis, skate boards and body boards in employing the exercise apparatus and recreational system of the present invention. Further, dedicated boards consisting of nothing more than a solid core surrounded by selective padding and a bottom surface of a durable low friction sheeting material can be employed as well. As previously noted, stand-alone sheets of such material can be employed to support a user as one traverses along the slide and related elements of the present invention and can even employ patches of such material adhered to selected body portions such as the soles of one&#39;s shoes or on the surfaces of knee and elbow pads. 
     In order to further illustrate the breadth of the present invention, reference is made to  FIGS. 12A ,  12 B,  12 C and  12 D showing just several of the myriad of diverse riding elements contemplated for use herein. For example,  FIG. 12A  depicts sled  220  having bottom portion  221  for supporting a user and handle portion  222  to enable a user to maintain one&#39;s balance and steer sled  220  by shifting the user&#39;s body weight. As in previous embodiments, ideally, bottom surface  223  is wholly or partly covered with a low friction durable sheeting material to enhance sliding of sled  220  over the top surface of the slide and related components of the present invention. Sled  22  can also be provided with wheel  224  for control and brake  225  for the same purpose. 
       FIG. 12B  shows an inflated or foam padded hollow sphere sized to capture user  233  within open area  231 . The user can slide along inner surface  232  with or without sports board  234  which can be coated with a durable, low friction layer of material while sphere  230  rolls down the slide and appended components of the present invention. Sphere  230  is provided with inner frame  237  supporting air or foam padded membrane  236  and outer durable shell  235 . User  233  can enter and exit sphere  230 . 
     Finally,  FIG. 12C  shows a modified sports board  240  for use by children. In this instance, board  242  having seating area  241  is intended to support a toddler who might grasp onto a configured animal head portion  243  for sliding on the slide of the present invention. 
     As noted, the present invention can be employed with sleds of various configurations. As an illustration, reference is made to  FIG. 12D  wherein saucer sled  260  is provided with handles  261 . As in previous embodiments, sled  260  can have a durable, low friction layer applied to bottom surface  262 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 13 , slide  1300  includes slide surface  1301  again composed of a low friction, highly durable material which, in this embodiment, is shown terminating by means of inflatable bumpers  1304  thus preventing rider  1306  residing upon membrane  1307  from inadvertently progressing beyond the slide surface. To enhance the recreational nature of the present invention, tent  1302  is erected at the launch point of slide surface  1301  while tent fabric  1303  can be provided in the form of a pipe or tube by means of spaced wire ribs  1308  anchored to the surrounding surface by anchor bolts  1309 . In doing so, rider  1306  upon exiting tent structure  1302  would be caused to progress down slide  1301  while experiencing a tunnel-like ride. 
     As yet a further embodiment, reference is made to  FIG. 15  whereby slide  1500  is shown having written indicia  1501 / 1502  etc. In doing so, slide  1500  is converted into a game whereby rider  1503  can either progress down slide  1500  exercising whatever sliding skills he or she might happen to have to enable rider  1503  to either travel down slide  1500  on membrane  1504  to selectively stop in a predetermined numbered area or alternatively to employ slide  1500  in a shuffleboard-like fashion by propelling membrane  1504  upon slide  1500  for the same purpose. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 16A and 16B . In its simplest iteration, the present invention is directed to a sheet or membrane of highly durable low friction material  1600  enabling user  1601  to slide upon sheet  1600  even when sheet  1600  is in a dry state. Up to now, membranes employed for this purpose have only been used with a wet surface in order to create the necessary low friction surface characteristics promoting sliding. Similarly, slide  1602  of  FIG. 16B  shows that top surface  1603  of a low friction highly durable sheeting material can be supported by substructure  1604  which can be an inflatable membrane whose three-dimensional confirmation is maintained by air blower  1605  or, alternatively, membrane  1604  can be stuffed with a core of foam or rubber for the same purpose. In addition, various sliding elements  1606  can be added end-to-end or side-to-side to slide element  1602  in order to create slides of additional length and/or width. Attachment can be by any well-recognized means such as through the use of Velcro hook and loop connectors, snaps, zippers, ropes, springs, nylon netting and similar expedients. 
     As previously noted, the present invention can be employed with commercially available sports vehicles which have been modified for use herein. In this regard, reference is made to  FIGS. 17 and 18  in order to illustrate this point. Specifically,  FIG. 17  discloses the bottom surface ski  1701  including metal runners  1702 . Metal runners  1702  are normally sharpened to enable a skier to catch an edge which is quite helpful when traversing icy terrain. However, metal runners  1702  could cause damage to the slides of the present invention. As such, as noted in  FIG. 17 , metal runners  1702  are removed from the bottom surface of slide  1701  exposing runner indent or slot  1703 . At that point, rubber runners  1704  can be installed within slot  1703  to provide the user with a well-defined edge but one which is composed of a material which would not be detrimental to the slide upon which it is used. 
     Similarly, reference is made to  FIG. 18  showing surf board  1801  which, commercially, is sold with fin  1802  for stability. However, when surf board  1801  is used on a slide of the present invention, it is quite apparent that fin  1802  would severely harm the top surface of the slide. As such, as noted in  FIG. 18 , fin  1802  is removed when using a commercially available surf board for the present invention.  FIGS. 17 and 18  represent two of a wide variety of commercially available sports boards which could be modified for use herein. 
     Similarly, reference is made to  FIG. 19  which displays a sports vehicle similar to that shown in  FIG. 5 . In the iteration shown in  FIG. 19 , sports board  2001  supporting bindings  2002 , from its top surface, looks like a fairly traditional snow board. However, in this instance, removable wheels  2003  can be appended to the bottom surface of the skateboard in a traditional fashion. When done, there is no need for use of a durable low-friction sheeting material to be applied to the bottom of sports board  2001  although, optionally, this could be considered a further embodiment, noting that wheels  2003  can be made removable. 
     Although practice of the present invention can involve the use of commercially available sports vehicles or commercially available sports vehicles such as sports boards which have been modified for use herein, it is quite apparent that, as an alternative, one could produce a dedicated sports vehicle from the outset. 
     It should be quite apparent from the above discussion that the present invention contemplates a broad range of configurations. The exercise apparatus and recreational system of this invention which can be both fixed or portable, inflated or padded, and used either wet or dry, alone or with a broad range of appended systems is uniquely adapted to provide one with a platform for skill enhancement and recreational pursuit.