U.S. patent application number 10/756182 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-02 for leg structure for a trampoline.
Invention is credited to Alexander, Keith Vivian.
Application Number | 20040171461 10/756182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32906737 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040171461 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alexander, Keith Vivian |
September 2, 2004 |
Leg structure for a trampoline
Abstract
A leg structure 40 for a trampoline having a base frame formed
from a plurality of interconnectable base sections includes two end
sections 42, 44 arranged to support respective adjacent base
sections 46, 48, and a central section 54 arranged to support the
base sections 46, 48 supported by the end sections at the point of
attachment of the base sections. A trampoline support frame has the
base frame and a plurality of leg structures 40 supporting joins
between respective pairs of adjacent base sections 46, 48. A
trampoline has a flexible mat 1, a base frame formed from a
plurality of interconnectable base sections 46, 48, a plurality of
resiliently flexible rods 2 each having a lower end retained in the
base frame and an upper end retained in the flexible mat, and leg
structures 40 supporting joins between respective pairs of adjacent
base sections 46, 48.
Inventors: |
Alexander, Keith Vivian;
(Christchurch, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DANN, DORFMAN, HERRELL & SKILLMAN
1601 MARKET STREET
SUITE 2400
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-2307
US
|
Family ID: |
32906737 |
Appl. No.: |
10/756182 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 5/11 20130101; A63B
21/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/027 |
International
Class: |
A63B 005/11 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 15, 2003 |
NZ |
5235650 |
Claims
1. A leg structure for a trampoline having a base frame formed from
a plurality of interconnectable base sections comprising: two end
sections arranged to support respective adjacent base sections; and
a central section arranged to support the base sections supported
by the end sections at the point of attachment of the base
sections.
2. A leg structure as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
substantially U-shaped frame terminating in the two end
sections.
3. A leg structure as claimed in claim 2 wherein the central
section comprising a substantially V-shaped supporting brace
secured to the U-shaped frame.
4. A leg structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the end sections
are arranged to be secured to the respective base sections.
5. A leg structure as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
cradle mounted on the central section arranged to support the base
section.
6. A leg structure for a trampoline comprising: means for
supporting two adjacent base sections of a base frame formed from a
plurality of base sections; and means for supporting the point of
attachment of the adjacent base sections.
7. A leg structure for a trampoline as claimed in claim 6 wherein
the means for supporting the adjacent base sections is/are arranged
to be secured to the base sections.
8. A leg structure for a trampoline as claimed in claim 6 wherein
the means for supporting the point of attachment of the adjacent
base sections is/are not arranged to be secured to the base
sections.
9. A trampoline support frame comprising: a base frame formed from
a plurality of interconnectable base sections; and a plurality of
leg structures supporting joins between respective pairs of
adjacent base sections.
10. A trampoline support frame as claimed in claim 9 wherein at
least one leg structure further comprises: two end sections
arranged to support respective adjacent base sections; and a
central section arranged to support the base sections supported by
the end sections at the point of attachment of the base
sections.
11. A trampoline support frame as claimed in claim 10 wherein the
end sections of the leg structure are arranged to be secured to the
respective base sections.
12. A trampoline support frame as claimed in claim 10 wherein the
leg structure further comprises a cradle mounted on the central
section arranged to support the base sections.
13. A trampoline support frame as claimed in claim 9 further
comprising a plurality of tubular holders arranged to retain the
lower ends of respective resiliently flexible rods.
14. A trampoline support frame as claimed in claim 13 wherein
adjacent base sections are coupled by an extending tongue portion
of one base section engaging into a recess in an adjacent base
section.
15. A trampoline support frame as claimed in claim 14 wherein the
tubular holders are mounted on the exterior of the base
sections.
16. A trampoline support frame as claimed in claim 14 wherein the
tubular holders are located at least partly within the base
sections.
17. A trampoline support frame as claimed in claim 16 wherein the
tongue portion of each base section is provided with a slot
arranged to receive at least one of the tubular holders of the
adjacent base section.
18. A trampoline comprising: a flexible mat; a base frame formed
from a plurality of interconnectable base sections; a plurality of
resiliently flexible rods each having a lower end retained in the
base frame and an upper end retained in the flexible mat; and a
plurality of leg structures supporting joins between respective
pairs of adjacent base sections.
19. A trampoline as claimed in claim 18 wherein at least one leg
structure further comprises: two end sections arranged to support
respective adjacent base sections; and a central section arranged
to support the base sections supported by the end sections at the
point of attachment of the base sections.
20. A trampoline as claimed in claim 19 wherein the end sections of
the leg structure are arranged to be secured to the respective base
sections.
21. A trampoline as claimed in claim 19 wherein the leg structure
further comprises a cradle mounted on the central section arranged
to support the base sections.
22. A trampoline as claimed in claim 18 further comprising a
plurality of tubular holders arranged to retain the respective
lower ends of the resiliently flexible rods.
23. A trampoline as claimed in claim 22 wherein adjacent base
sections are coupled by an extending tongue portion of one base
section engaging into a recess in an adjacent base section.
24. A trampoline as claimed in claim 23 wherein the tubular holders
are mounted on the exterior of the base sections.
25. A trampoline as claimed in claim 23 wherein the tubular holders
are located at least partly within the base sections.
26. A trampoline as claimed in claim 25 wherein the tongue portion
of each base section is provided with a slot arranged to receive at
least one of the tubular holders of the adjacent base section.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a trampoline for sporting and/or
recreational use which is soft-edged relative to conventional
trampolines which support the mat of the trampoline via a solid
peripheral frame exposed to the springs between the frame and the
mat. More particularly, the invention relates to a leg structure
for a soft-edged trampoline.
BACKGROUND TO INVENTION
[0002] U.S. Pat. specification No. 6,319,174 discloses a form of
soft-edged trampoline in which the mat of the trampoline is
supported by a plurality of resiliently flexible rods received in a
frame of the trampoline at the lower ends of the rods and coupled
to the periphery of the bouncing mat of the trampoline at their
upper ends, and which avoids the need for a solid frame about the
exterior of the bouncing mat and exposed springs between the frame
and periphery of the mat.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0003] The invention provides improved or at least alternative leg
structure for a soft-edged trampoline.
[0004] In this specification (including claims) the term
"trampoline" is intended to extend to smaller trampolines commonly
referred to as rebounders also, as well as larger trampolines of
all sizes.
[0005] In broad terms in one form the invention comprises the leg
structure for a trampoline having a base frame formed from a
plurality of interconnectable base sections comprising: two end
sections arranged to support respective adjacent base sections; and
a central section arranged to support the base sections supported
by the end sections at the point of attachment of the base
sections.
[0006] In another form in broad terms the invention comprises the
leg structure for a trampoline comprising means for supporting two
adjacent base sections of a base frame formed from a plurality of
base sections; and means for supporting the point of attachment of
the adjacent base sections.
[0007] In a further form in broad terms the invention comprises a
trampoline support frame comprising a base frame formed from a
plurality of interconnectable base sections; and a plurality of leg
structures supporting joins between respective pairs of adjacent
base sections.
[0008] In another form in broad terms the invention comprises a
trampoline comprising a flexible mat; a base frame formed from a
plurality of interconnectable base sections; a plurality of
resiliently flexible rods each having a lower end retained in the
base frame and an upper end retained in the flexible mat; and a
plurality of leg structures supporting joins between respective
pairs of adjacent base sections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Preferred forms of the leg structure for a trampoline are
described with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of
example and without intending to be limiting, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred form
trampoline;
[0011] FIG. 1A is an enlarged view showing the connection of two of
the adjacent base sections of the trampoline of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a base section of a further preferred form
trampoline in which the tubular holders are located at least partly
within each base section;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a tongue section forming part of the base
section of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further preferred form
trampoline; and
[0015] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the leg structure of the
trampoline of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED FORMS
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, one preferred form trampoline comprises
a flexible mat 1 on which users may bounce, a plurality of
resiliently flexible rods 2, and a base frame 3. The preferred form
trampoline is circular in shape but it will be appreciated that the
trampoline could be any other desired shape, such as oval, square,
rectangular or similar.
[0017] The preferred form base frame 3 is in turn formed from a
plurality of interconnectable base sections. Each base section is
preferably formed from steel, aluminium or other suitable
material.
[0018] FIG. 1A shows an enlarged version of two of the base
sections 4 and 5. Each base section is provided with a tongue
portion at one end, for example tongue portion 6 shown on base
section 5. Each base section is also provided with a recess, for
example recess 7 into which the extending tongue portion of one
base section is arranged to engage. As shown in FIG. 1A, the base
sections could have a substantially square cross-section and the
tongue portion 6 could be of substantially circular cross-section
although it will be envisaged that the cross-section of the base
section, the recess in the base section and/or the tongue section
could be of oval, square, rectangular or similar
cross-sections.
[0019] Each base section is preferably provided with a plurality of
tubular holders, for example 8, arranged to retain the lower ends
of the flexible rods 2. The tubular holders 8 could be mounted on
the exterior of the base sections as shown. It will be appreciated
that the holders could be mounted in the base sections such that
they are positioned on either the interior or exterior of the
assembled trampoline.
[0020] Rods 2 are typically fibreglass rods but may alternatively
be formed of spring steel, for example. The lower ends of the rods
are retained in the tubular holders mounted on the exterior of the
base sections and the upper ends of the rods are each retained in
the flexible mat 1 in a suitable fitting, for example.
[0021] It will be appreciated that the number of base sections
forming the assembled trampoline could be varied but is preferably
in the range from 4 to 6.
[0022] In one preferred form, the base frame 3 could be positioned
on the ground or other substantially horizontal surface.
Alternatively, the trampoline could include a plurality of leg
structures, for example leg 9. As shown in FIG. 1, leg 1 could
include a pair of end sections 10 and 11 arranged to support
respective adjacent base sections. The end sections of the leg 9
could be secured to the respective base sections and each base
section could include sockets arranged to retain respective end
sections of the legs.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative form base section 20 in
which the tubular holders, for example tubular holders 22 and 23,
that are arranged to retain the lower ends of the flexible rods,
are located at least partly within base section 20. Recess 24
provided in base section 20 that is arranged to receive an
extending tongue portion of an adjacent base section could be
partially obstructed by the lower end of tubular holder 23.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, the tongue portion 26 of the adjacent
base section is formed so as to engage in recess 24. The preferred
form tongue 26 is provided with a slot 28 or other suitable
aperture. The slot 28 is shaped and positioned so as to receive at
least one of the tubular holders of the adjacent base section, for
example tubular holder 23. In this way, the tongue portion 26 is
able to engage completely within the recess 24 in the adjacent base
section.
[0025] It will be appreciated that the tongue section 26 is shaped
and sized so as to engage within recess 24. It will also be
appreciated that further configurations of tongue section are
possible. For example, the tongue section could be shaped to be
positioned to one side only of the tubular holder 23 within recess
24. The base section(s) of FIGS. 2 and 3 are shown as having
circular cross-section although it is possible to have other
configurations of cross-section.
[0026] In use, the trampoline is subject to a twisting moment
caused by the mat tension positioned above the frame. Connections
between the base sections must successfully carry this twisting
moment. It is important that the assembled trampoline retain the
desired oval, square or rectangular shape regardless of this
twisting moment. The use of shorter tongues, or tongues provided
with recesses, can result in an assembled frame that is less able
to resist the twisting moment caused by the mat tension.
Furthermore, the larger the number of interconnectable base
sections forming the base frame, the less able the connected base
frame is able to resist these forces.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows an alternative preferred form leg structure
intended to increase the stability of the base frame. The leg 40
includes end sections 42 and 44 that are arranged to support
adjacent base sections 46 and 48 respectively of the base frame.
Referring to FIG. 4A, each base frame is provided with a tubular
socket into which the end section 42 of the leg structure 40 is
arranged to locate. Recess 50 could also have an associated
fastening component, for example clamp bolt 52 so that end section
42 is secured to base section 46.
[0028] As shown in both FIGS. 4 and 4A, the leg structure is
preferably formed as a substantially U-shaped frame terminating in
the end sections 42 and 44. Leg structure 40 also includes central
section 54 secured to the U-shaped frame of the leg structure. The
central section 54 preferably comprises a substantially V-shaped
supporting brace secured to the U-shaped frame.
[0029] The leg structure 40 may also further comprise a cradle 56
or cup mounted on the central section. In use, the leg structure is
positioned and shaped so that the end sections 42 and 44 support
respective adjacent base sections and the central section is
arranged to support the same base sections at the point of
attachment of the base sections. Cradle 56 is positioned in use
directly beneath the point of attachment of base sections 46 and 48
for example.
[0030] Cradle 56 is preferably shaped so as to have an access of
curvature similar to the cross-section of the base sections, and is
arranged to support the point of attachment of the adjacent base
sections in which the cradle 56 is not secured to either of the
base sections 46 or 48. The base sections are positioned unsecured
on the cradle.
[0031] Central section 54 prevents or reduces the relative twisting
of the base sections by an opposing moment comprising an upward
reaction from central structure 54 and a downward reaction
resulting from the clamp 52 or other fastening within the leg
socket 50. In this way, the moment is effectively converted to
tension in the lower member of the leg and compression at the joint
between the base sections. This couple is reacted by an equal and
opposite couple from the next frame section.
[0032] The foregoing describes the invention including preferred
forms thereof. Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated within the
scope hereof, as defined by the accompanying claims.
* * * * *