Latest news with #Chesterfield
Associated Press
10 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Slick Slide Overcomes Competitor Challenges to Win Two UK Dry Slide Technology Patents, Powering Success of Slick City Action Park Attractions
CHESTERFIELD, Mo., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a clear win for innovation and intellectual property, Slick Slide, a trailblazer in the slide industry and the dedicated manufacturing and R&D arm of Slick City Action Park, today announced a significant intellectual property victory over its competitors, with the grant of two key UK utility patents. The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) granted UK patents GB2618973 and GB2623710 on May 27, 2025, following rigorous examination and despite numerous challenges from competitors. The issuance of these patents marks a significant victory for Slick Slide, underscoring the unique advancements of Slick Slide's innovative sliding solutions. These patent grants are a testament to Slick Slide's pioneering work, particularly given the meticulous examination process that included challenges in the form of eight distinct third-party submissions (typically made by competitors trying to thwart the granting of the patents and circumvent their restrictions). Slick Slide argued that the submissions were unpersuasive and responded by effectively showcasing the novelty and inventiveness of its dry slide technology. The UKIPO agreed, granting UK patents GB2618973 and GB2623710, which will serve as a strong precedent globally for the future of Slick Slide and Slick City's cutting-edge products and associated intellectual property. Slick Slide has been aggressive in defending its intellectual property, with 63 patents and patent applications filed globally, and counting. The company has already leveraged its IP portfolio to secure favorable settlements, which serve to strengthen the unrivaled experience within every Slick City Action Park. Its recent success in the UK underscores the strength and originality of Slick Slide's dry slide technology, especially as the U.S. patent directed to the dry slide technology (issued on June 4, 2024) is facing a post grant review requested by Urban Air (through UATP IP, LLC), a common practice by competitors. Backed by a growing franchise footprint, proprietary R&D and a firm legal stance on protecting innovation, Slick Slide and Slick City continue to lead the category it helped reinvent. 'Slick Slide began as a dream in my garage with Serena Greene, my partner in both life and business, and the principal designer behind both Slick Slide and Slick City. It's our relentless passion project to truly revolutionize attractions with unparalleled safety and innovation,' said Gary Schmit, founder of Slick Slide and co-founder of Slick City Action Park. 'What began as a mission to revolutionize attractions has evolved into a patented innovation setting new industry standards. These UK patent grants are an unequivocal triumph, affirming our leadership and sending a clear message: we will vigorously defend our innovations. This is a huge victory for Slick Slide, a safeguard for Slick City's unique offerings and a crucial step in ensuring the long-term success and protection of every single one of our franchisees.' Slick Slide's revolutionary dry slide technology has redefined what many once considered a dated amusement, the classic dry slide. By reimagining the classic dry slide with modern engineering and materials, Slick Slide has reintroduced dry slides as high-performance attractions suitable for action parks and high-throughput family entertainment venues. With success comes persons and entities seeking to capitalize on Slick Slide's I.P. and innovation. This is nothing new to Slick Slide; the brand has been defending successfully for years to date, and legally, has had a 100% success rate thus far. Slick Slide realizes the value of what has been created and continues to create. Gary Schmit continues, 'Slick Slide will spare no expense defending what is rightfully ours. Copycats at all levels, domestically and internationally, have been and will be aggressively pursued at every level.' Slick City, the world's first indoor slide park using proprietary dry slide technology, was founded in 2021 by Bron Launsby and Gary Schmit. Known for delivering the thrill of a waterslide without the water, Slick City offers a unique, high-speed experience unlike anything else on the market. With safety as a core value, the brand supports franchisees with strong operational standards to ensure a safe, exciting environment for all guests. To learn more about Slick City Action Park, visit and to learn more about Slick Slide, visit About Slick Slide: Slick Slide stands at the forefront of revolutionizing the slide industry through its groundbreaking 'Dry Slide Technology.' The company's multidisciplinary team of experts has dedicated years of expertise to create exhilarating slide designs that defy conventional limits. To learn more visit About Slick City Action Park Founded in 2021 by Bron Launsby and Gary Schmit, Slick City's mission is to combine proprietary, 'We've gotta do that!' attractions with an exceptional guest experience to inspire, engage and entertain thrill seekers of all ages. Slick City offers a first-of-its-kind experience as the world's 'waterless slide park' and unlike other brands in the family entertainment industry, it is truly made for everyone. Slick Slide, in collaboration with Slick City, is constantly working on what's next, unveiling new slides and other attractions frequently and focusing on keeping all innovation processes in-house, with 63 patents and patent applications filed for their proprietary slides and ride vehicles so far, and counting. Slick City has 60 locations open or signed across 27 states, and continues to build momentum. The brand is eager to continue expanding throughout the U.S. and is looking for potential franchise owners who are experienced in business management, family entertainment, or franchise industries. To find the closest location near you or to learn more about franchise opportunities, visit MEDIA CONTACT RACHEL CHICK MEKKY MEDIA RELATIONS 847-331-5861 [email protected]
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Championship striker who has ambitions of playing at 2026 World Cup attracts interest from multiple clubs
Luton Town striker Bim Pepple is attracting interest from the likes of MK Dons and Scottish Premier League side St Mirren. A number of League One, League Two and Scottish sides have been alerted to the 22-year-old's availability with Luton believed to be willing to sell for around £150,000. The powerful forward, who has ambitions of playing for Canada when they host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and the United States, scored five goals and notched one assist on loan at Chesterfield as they sneaked into the play-offs but lost to Walsall in the semi-finals. He returned to his parent club, relegated Luton but they are understood to have told him they are unable to guarantee a starting berth. Though born in Kettering, Pepple and his family moved to Canada when he was five and he started his career there with Calgary Foothills as a 15-year-old before having a brief spell with Getafe in Spain. He joined Luton in 2022 and has had a series of loans impressing at Southend United and Chesterfield last season. Pepple scored 11 goals in 23 appearances for Southend before adding five in his short spell at Chesterfield. He is keen to play regularly to stake his claim for a place with the Canadian national team. Pepple has expressed interest in staying at League One level or moving to Scotland but will assess all options. He said: 'I am Luton a player. I am going to get back into Luton for pre-season. Obviously, they have just come down to League One and I just played League Two last year and did pretty well. 'League One is not too far off so we will see. I will sit down with the gaffer and have a conversation with him about what is next for me. 'The biggest thing for is I want to be playing football. I want to keep developing. 'I am a Luton player, my future is in their hands, so we will see what the club has planned for me.'
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Chesterfield Police search for suspect in late-night shooting in Chester
Police in Chesterfield County are on the hunt for the suspect in a Chester-area shooting that left the victim severely injured. It happened late in the evening of May 24 at a residence in the 2400 block of Vicki Court, according to a statement from police. The victim, an unidentified adult male, was taken to a local hospital with what were described as life-threatening injuries. The suspect police are looking for is an adult male, age and race not indicated. He was last seen wearing grey pants, a black coat and a face mask. Anyone with information is asked to call Chesterfield Police at (804) 748-1251; or anonymously through Crime Solvers at (804) 748-0660 or the P3Tips mobile app. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Chesterfield Police investigate Chester neighborhood shooting
The Guardian
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
119 days on top, a 13-game winless run … next stop Wembley on Walsall's rollercoaster
The team that has gatecrashed their way up into the playoffs so often has the momentum in seeking the final promotion place. Walsall are hoping this year it is the team that has crashed down into them that prevails when they take on AFC Wimbledon in Monday's League Two final. Mat Sadler's team were 12 points clear in January. They had won nine successive league games for the first time in their history. Their 6ft 4in teenage goal sensation, who ended up as the League Two young player of the year, was finishing off much of the high pressing and long balls of a well-drilled, young side. Then Stoke recalled Nathan Lowe from his loan spell. Walsall's results nosedived and on the final day of the season, and despite winning for the first time in 14 games at Crewe, they slipped out of the third automatic promotion place as Bradford scored a 96th-minute winner against Fleetwood. Clubs with more fragile constitutions might have crumbled. Instead, Walsall overcame Chesterfield, the team who did surge late into the playoffs, in the semi-final, winning 4-1 on aggregate. At Walsall's homespun training ground last week, optimism entwined neatly with quiet diligence as the squad prepared for the club's second visit to Wembley in their 137-year history, 10 years after a Johnstone's Paint Trophy loss to Bristol City. Perspective is everything and Walsall staff and players can see cause for celebration in what is an outstanding season after averaging 15th place since relegation in 2019. 'Before the season, no one expected us to be in the position we are now or were in January,' says Liam Gordon, Walsall's talented left wing-back. 'For us as players, we understand how disappointing it is that we let that lead slip, but everyone wrote us off anyway, so it's a massive achievement to reach the final. 'We were disappointed in losing Lowey but he's a great player. We knew he wasn't going to come back to us, so we had to take that out of our minds. 'It's a lot of adversity that we have had to [process]. At times, fear did come into play, naturally when the gap started closing. But we've been able to bounce back and show our mental resilience.' Walsall had been playing to Lowe's strengths and the youngest team in the division looked like they would storm to their first promotion in 18 years. But they still finished as League Two's top scorers, even with the third-lowest possession. Sadler, who had two spells at Walsall as a player, says 'it was late doors' when Lowe was recalled. 'How many did Nathan score in the league – 15? So there are another 60 goals scored from other players that were very effective for us as well,' he says. 'The main thing for me is remaining consistent.' Lowe's departure coincided with injuries to key creative players, including George Hall, one of two talented loanees from Birmingham, now fit again, and Jack Earing, who is likely to be back in the squad for Wembley. 'For sure, that maybe affected confidence but there was a real element of fortune that went the wrong way as well,' Sadler adds. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Averaging 2.3 points a game while spending 119 days at the top of the table was never sustainable for Walsall. Yet if the season had played out in expected goals, for and against, Walsall would have edged Doncaster for the title. Their XG against was 43; they conceded 54 goals. They also possess one of the best records for goals scored in the last 15 minutes. 'For the majority part of the season we've been direct, and we feel we can run over teams,' says Gordon, who spent two years in AFC Wimbledon's academy. 'This is the fittest group I've been a part of. We use that to our advantage and try to suffocate teams when we don't have the ball. 'I'm not going to get too far ahead of myself as anything can change in football, but we feel back to what we do best. Those three wins [in a row] are only going to push us in the right direction towards the final goal, which is promotion.' Walsall travel to London on Sunday exactly three years since Gordon, out of contract this summer, signed. On his first day of training he collapsed after a standard 2.5km run. Blood flow problems in his leg led to infection and the 26-year-old had to have three surgeries in five days for acute compartment syndrome. 'The doctor said I may never get the feeling back and I may never be able to function as I had before, so I was thinking about football being done,' says Gordon, who has gone on to captain Guyana. 'But I had the resilience and faith to push through. Every day I have that perspective and understanding that it could've been a different scenario for me. It makes me appreciate life and football even more.'
Buzz Feed
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
14 Best Sofa Sets To Furnish Your Living Room
Hi there! I'm Sally Elshorafa — Home and Garden Editor here at BuzzFeed. A mid-century modern-inspired sofa set that'll make your living room look professionally styled, even if your design strategy is the "buy now" button on Amazon. This two-piece set includes a full-size sofa and matching loveseat, both with tapered wooden legs and button-tufted backs. It's a great option if you want a cohesive, space-conscious seating arrangement that doesn't scream "starter furniture." Promising review: "I have pelvic issues, so I prefer firmer couches. This couch is of amazing quality, and I love its flatness. Bringing this into my room has increased my quality of life so much. I can't believe I'm writing this, but I'm truly ecstatic about this couch because finding a comfortable seat for myself has been so difficult." —Elizabeth Kim "We were very satisfied with this purchase. They look great, not cheap, and are comfortable." —David SchultzGet it from Amazon for $639.99 (be sure to clip the $30 off coupon). A sofa set with more hidden storage than your average New York City apartment. Each piece — even the ottoman — lifts up to reveal ample storage space under the seat. The design is simple and streamlined, so it won't overwhelm your space, but it's also an overachiever when it comes to stashing blankets, toys, or anything else you want out of sight. Promising review: "I adore this! It is much sturdier and heavier than expected, which I love. Wonderful quality, beautiful color." —Lori Get it from Wayfair for $1,420+ (available in beige or gray). A three-piece Chesterfield set if you want your living room to look like it belongs in a glossy magazine spread. With its classic rolled arms, deep button tufting, and nailhead trim, it's giving old-school glam without the old-money price tag. Promising review: "I cannot recommend this set enough. I went to well over a dozen different furniture stores in my area; tufted sets were difficult to find, and the ones I tried felt cheap and uncomfortable. It's mind-blowing to think I found such an amazing living room set on Amazon! The pieces are beautiful and so comfortable. They are velvety soft with firm (but comfortable!) cushions. There is Velcro on the back of the cushions so that they stay in place, which means the cushions are not reversible. The tufts are beautiful and create diamond-shaped ruching. If you're thinking about buying this set, DO IT!" —Olivia B. Get it from Amazon for $599.99+ (available in 11 colors and four set combinations; be sure to clip the $110 off coupon when applicable). A basic (in the best way) sofa set that'll go with pretty much anything. The set includes a sofa, matching chair, and ottoman — and when you scoot that ottoman over, boom: instant chaise lounge. It's simple, it's neutral, and it plays well with just about every design style, so you won't have to start from scratch if you ever decide to repaint or redecorate. Promising review: "I love the color. The size of the couch and chair is perfect. I get so many compliments.." —Sue R. Get it from Bed Bath & Beyond for $585.22+ (available in eight colors). A comfy sofa set if you want something supportive but still relaxed — not stiff, not sloppy. It's a great pick if you need seating that blends with any living room style or just want your furniture to play a strong supporting role while the rest of your space does the talking. Promising review: "I love this set, it's perfect. I looked at so many options, and one is perfect for me and my family. It's very soft yet firm, and very spacious." —DIANE R Get it from Raymour & Flanigan for $1,759.95 (available in gray or beige). A slipcovered sofa set you'll love because it brings easy, breezy, beachy energy without trying too hard. It's upholstered in a soft blue-striped cotton that'll instantly make your space feel more relaxed, *and* you can remove the covers and wash them. With loose cushions and eight throw pillows included, it's basically an open invitation to sit back and stay awhile. (Perhaps with your favorite beach read?) Promising review: "We are very pleased with our new furniture. The quality is very good. The thickness of the cushioned seats is comfortable and thicker than normal couches. All of the material is easily removable for easy washing." —KEVIN K Get it from Raymour & Flanigan for $2,029.93 (available in three colors). A teddy fabric sofa set if you want something that feels like you're cuddling a giant stuffed animal. The curved shape and fuzzy upholstery scream "I care about aesthetics," while the deep cushions whisper "take a nap, you've earned it." Promising review: "Love everything about this set. It looks exactly as described, and overall looks even beautiful in person. Definitely recommended." —Cherelle Get it from Amazon for $659.99 (available in four colors). A three-piece sofa set perfect for small spaces, or just people who hate bulky furniture. The upholstery is linen (gorg), and the sofa has one long seat cushion (which means no one has to sit on the crack, thank you very much). A real win for those with tricky layouts or tiny rooms. Promising review: "As described and at a great price. Won't find a better deal anywhere online. I went shopping and found a similar set for 3x the price, wow." —mohamed a. Get it from Bed Bath & Beyond for $735.19+ (available in white or beige). A sofa set that comes with nine reversible throw pillows so you can flip between solids and stripes depending on your mood. The set comes with a sofa, loveseat, and chair-and-a-half (great for snuggling up with your latest #BookTok score), all with rolled arms, contrast piping, and plenty of room to stretch out. Promising review: "We love our new set! The whole family and our dog have found a spot to call their own. These couches and the chair are very comfortable." —JESSICA R Get it from Raymour & Flanigan for $2,589.95 (available in four color combinations). A bold living room sofa set because neutral isn't the only color option you need to consider. The set includes a sofa, loveseat, and armchair, all in a bright, unapologetic red. The lines are clean, the cushions are firm yet comfortable, and since they're all matching, you don't need to overthink it. Add a throw blanket or a stack of coffee table books, and you'll be all set. Promising review: "Made with very nice material, solid and strong. Good size for a medium-sized living room. I would recommend it for a small family." —Terry Get it from Wayfair for $840. A leather sofa set that says "grown-up" without saying "don't touch that." The set comes in a rich seafoam green color (or ivory if you're more into neutrals) that'll immediately elevate your space, plus it's real leather, meaning it's built to last through years of spills, naps, and movie marathons. The tufted cushions and solid construction make it feel polished, but without being too precious. Promising review: "I absolutely love my new living room set! The quality of the furniture is top-notch. It's very classy and brightens up the room. I would highly recommend purchasing this set. You won't be disappointed one bit." —RACHELE D Get it from Raymour & Flanigan for $2,184.90 (available in seafoam green or ivory). A petite velvet sofa set to bring serious drama to your living room. The set includes an armless sofa and two chairs, perfect if you need ample seating but don't have a lot of room. The pieces are wrapped in velvet and finished with gold-toned legs and channel tufting. Promising review: "Really spacious and fits two full-sized adults! I'm so happy with this purchase and love the matching chairs!" —Michelle it from Wayfair for $580+ (available in four colors). A sofa set that says, "I dare you not to fall asleep immediately." It includes a sofa, loveseat, and armchair that are all generously padded and ready for serious lounging. Each seat has a manual recliner (no outlet needed), and the plushness makes it feel like you're sinking into a cloud (that happens to be in your living room). Promising review: "This set is just what I had been looking for. Love it. Very comfortable and looks just like I thought it would." —Anonymous Get it from Wayfair for $1,770. Or a more modern reclining set if you want something that's a bit sleeker. This three-piece getup includes a sofa, loveseat, and armchair upholstered in a vegan leather that looks way more expensive than it is. The hidden cupholders (!!!!) and manual recline make it great for movie nights, and the clean lines and low profile keep it from looking bulky and outdated. Promising review: "I had this loveseat and the matching sofa in my cart for weeks before deciding to buy. I went to different furniture stores in person and couldn't find what I wanted. Wayfair didn't disappoint. The quality, color, comfort, and price are all spot on. I spent less on a sofa and love seat than I would've for just one sofa. Also, Wayfair had excellent delivery service. So happy!" —Audra Get it from Wayfair for $1,580+ (available in three colors).
