U.S. patent application number 11/546738 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-17 for foldable trampoline frame assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Amazing Goods, LLC. Invention is credited to Alain Romuald Denis, Xiongyi Xu.
Application Number | 20080090704 11/546738 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39303704 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080090704 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Denis; Alain Romuald ; et
al. |
April 17, 2008 |
Foldable trampoline frame assembly
Abstract
A foldable trampoline frame assembly comprises spaced apart
frame segments, a travel limiting member and an engagement member.
The spaced apart frame segments are pivotably attached to each
other for enabling a first one of the frame segments to be pivoted
with respect to a second one of the frame segments between a use
configuration and a folded configuration. The travel limiting
member is positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged
with a mating portion of the first frame segment and is movable to
a non-limiting position. The engagement member is fixedly attached
to the second frame segment. The engagement member engages the
travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the
travel limiting position during pivoting of the frame segments from
the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting
the frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded
configuration.
Inventors: |
Denis; Alain Romuald; (Cedar
Park, TX) ; Xu; Xiongyi; (Lexington, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID ODELL SIMMONS
7637 PARKVIEW CIRCLE
AUSTIN
TX
78731
US
|
Assignee: |
Amazing Goods, LLC
|
Family ID: |
39303704 |
Appl. No.: |
11/546738 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/28 ;
482/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 5/11 20130101; A63B
21/023 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/28 ;
482/27 |
International
Class: |
A63B 5/11 20060101
A63B005/11 |
Claims
1. A foldable trampoline frame assembly, comprising: a first frame
segment having a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto; a travel
limiting member positionable in a travel limiting position when
engaged with a mating portion of the pivot arm of the first frame
segment and movable to a non-limiting position; and a second frame
segment having a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto, wherein the
pivot arm of the second frame segment is pivotably attached to the
pivot arm of the first frame segment for enabling said frame
segments to be pivoted with respect to each other between a use
configuration and a folded configuration, wherein the pivot arm of
the second frame segment includes an engagement member fixedly
attached thereto and wherein the engagement member engages the
travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the
travel limiting position during pivoting of said frame segments
from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for
limiting said frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded
configuration when the travel limiting member is in the travel
limiting position.
2. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the
engagement member is integral with the pivot arm of the second
frame segment.
3. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 1 wherein: the
mating portion of the pivot arm of the first frame segment is a
hole; and the travel limiting member is removably engagable within
the hole.
4. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the
hole in the pivot arm of the first frame segment is located between
a pivot axis of said frame segments and bottom edges of said frame
segments when said frame segments are in the use configuration.
5. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 1 wherein a
self-closing force is exerted on said frame segments by elastic
elements connected to said frame segments when said frame segments
are in the partially folded configuration.
6. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 4 wherein: the
engagement member is integral with the pivot arm of the second
frame segment; the mating portion of the pivot arm of the first
frame segment is a hole; the travel limiting member is removably
engagable within the hole; and the hole in the pivot arm of the
first frame segment travel limiting member is located between a
pivot axis of said frame segments and bottom edges of said frame
segments.
7. A foldable trampoline frame assembly, comprising: a first frame
segment having spaced apart pivot arms rigidly attached thereto; a
travel limiting member positionable in a travel limiting position
when engaged with mating portions of said pivot arms of the first
frame segment and movable to a non-limiting position; and a second
frame segment having spaced apart pivot arms rigidly attached
thereto, wherein said pivot arms of the second frame segment are
pivotably attached to said pivot arms of the first frame segment
for enabling the first frame segment to be pivoted with respect to
the second frame segment between a use configuration and a folded
configuration, wherein at least one of said pivot arms of the
second frame segment includes an engagement member fixedly attached
thereto and wherein the engagement member engages the travel
limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel
limiting position during pivoting of said frame segments from the
use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting said
frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration
when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting
position.
8. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 7 wherein a
first one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a
respective engagement member integral therewith.
9. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 8 wherein a
second one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a
respective engagement member integral therewith.
10. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 7 wherein: the
mating portion of said pivot arms of the first frame segment is a
hole in each one of said pivot arms of the first frame segment; and
the travel limiting member is removably engagable through the holes
of said pivot arms.
11. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 10 wherein: the
travel limiting member is a elongated generally straight member;
and the holes of said pivot arms are positioned such that a
longitudinal axis of the travel limiting member extends generally
parallel with a pivot axis of said frame segments when the travel
limiting member is engaged within said holes.
12. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 11 wherein: a
first one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a
respective engagement member integral therewith; and a second one
of said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective
engagement member integral therewith.
13. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 12 wherein said
holes are located between a pivot axis of said frame segments and
bottom edges of said frame segments when said frame segments are in
the use configuration.
14. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 7 wherein a
self-closing force is exerted on said frame segments by elastic
elements connected to said frame segments when said frame segments
are in the partially folded configuration.
15. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 14 wherein: the
mating portion of said pivot arms of the first frame segment is a
hole in each one of said pivot arms of the first frame segment; the
travel limiting member is removably engagable through the holes of
said pivot arms; the travel limiting member is an elongated
generally straight member; the holes of said pivot arms are
positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the travel limiting
member extends generally parallel with a pivot axis of said frame
segments when the travel limiting member is engaged within said
holes; a first one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment
has a respective engagement member integral therewith; and a second
one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective
engagement member integral therewith.
16. A foldable trampoline frame assembly, comprising: spaced apart
frame segments pivotably attached to each other for enabling a
first one of said frame segments to be pivoted with respect to a
second one of said frame segments between a use configuration and a
folded configuration; a travel limiting member positionable in a
travel limiting position when engaged with a mating portion of said
first frame segment and movable to a non-limiting position; an
engagement member fixedly attached to said second frame segment,
wherein the engagement member engages the travel limiting member
when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position
during pivoting of said frame segments from the use configuration
toward the folded configuration for limiting said frame segments to
be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when the travel
limiting member is in the travel limiting position.
17. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 16 wherein: the
mating portion of said pivot arms of the first frame segment
includes a hole; and the travel limiting member is removably
engagable through the hole.
18. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 17 wherein: the
travel limiting member is an elongated generally straight member;
and the holes of said pivot arms are positioned such that a
longitudinal axis of travel limiting member extends generally
parallel with a pivot axis of said frame segments when the travel
limiting member is engaged within the hole.
19. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 16 wherein a
self-closing force is exerted on said frame segments by elastic
elements connected to said frame segments when said frame segments
are in the partially folded configuration.
20. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 19 wherein: the
mating portion of the first frame segment includes a hole; the
travel limiting member is removably engagable through the hole; the
travel limiting member is an elongated generally straight member;
and the holes of said pivot arms are positioned such that a
longitudinal axis of the travel limiting member extended generally
parallel with a pivot axis of said frame segments when the travel
limiting member is engaged within the hole.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The disclosures made herein relate generally to hinge
structures, more particularly, to hinge structures for foldable
trampolines.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A trampoline typically includes a frame assembly supported
on a floor by a plurality of supporting legs, and a jumping bed
tightly stretched within an opening in the frame assembly via a
plurality of spaced elastic elements. Helically wound extension
springs, elastic bands, etc are examples of such elastic elements.
A user may continuously jump on and rebound from the jumping bed
for the purpose of exercise, entertainment, training, etc.
[0003] A trampoline that has a non-foldable frame assembly has a
major drawback of storage and shipping of the trampoline being
compromised due to the physical size of the frame. To address these
drawbacks, various configurations of trampolines with foldable
frame assemblies have been devised. While such foldable trampoline
frame assemblies at least partially alleviate drawbacks leading to
compromises in storage and shipping, the folding action of a
trampoline frame creates a potential safety issue when folding the
frame. The tension exerted by elastic elements between frame
segments and a jumping mat of a foldable trampoline provides for a
considerable amount of stored energy in the trampoline. This
tension can be used to secure the frame segments of a frame
assembly in a use configuration (e.g., via an over center action at
hinges of the frame assembly). It is not typical or desirable to
have to remove all or a portion of the spaced elastic elements for
the purpose of releasing such tension prior to moving the frame
segments from a use configuration toward a folded configuration.
Thus, releasing the frame segments from the use configuration and
moving it toward the folded configuration can result in tension in
the spaced elastic elements causing a rapid and forceful release of
such tension. This rapid and forceful release of tension exerts a
`self-closing force` on the frame segments that causes the frame
segments to pivot toward the folded configuration at a rate of
movement and with sufficient force to startle and, potentially,
injure a nearby person or persons. For example, initial movement of
the frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded
configuration may be very controlled due to the self-closing force
being initially low in magnitude. But, with further pivoting of one
frame segment with respect to the other, the self-closing force
increases, thereby causing rapid movement of the frame segments
towards the folded configuration. Due to the magnitude of such
self-closing force and/or its presence being unanticipated, the
frame segments may begin to move toward the folded position at an
extreme rate and contact with a person may result in bodily injury.
Thus, a hinge assembly that mitigates, if not eliminates, the
adverse aspects of the folding the frame of a trampoline having
tensioned elastic elements would be advantageous, desirable and
useful.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention address adverse aspects
of foldable trampoline frame segments being moved from a use
configuration to a folded configuration while elastic elements are
still in tension between the frame segments and a jumping mat. More
specifically, embodiments of the present invention limit the degree
of folding that can unrestrictedly take place during folding of
such trampoline frame segments, which limits the amount of
self-closing force that is uncontrollably and/or suddenly exerted
on the frame segments while moving the frame segments toward the
folded configuration. In doing so, embodiments of the present
invention advantageously overcome one or more shortcomings
associated with conventional foldable trampoline frame
assemblies.
[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable
trampoline frame assembly comprises a first frame segment, a second
frame segment and a travel limiting member. The first frame segment
has a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto. The travel limiting
member is positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged
with a mating portion of the pivot arm of the first frame segment
and is movable to a non-limiting position. The second frame segment
has a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto. The pivot arm of the
second frame segment is pivotably attached to the pivot arm of the
first frame segment for enabling the frame segments to be pivoted
with respect to each other between a use configuration and a folded
configuration. The pivot arm of the second frame segment includes
an engagement member fixedly attached thereto. The engagement
member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting
member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of the
frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded
configuration for limiting the frame segments to be pivoted to a
partially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is
in the travel limiting position.
[0006] In another embodiment of the present invention, a foldable
trampoline frame assembly comprises a first frame segment, a second
frame segment and a travel limiting member. The first frame segment
has spaced apart pivot arms rigidly attached thereto. The travel
limiting member is positionable in a travel limiting position when
engaged with mating portions of the pivot arms of the first frame
segment and is movable to a non-limiting position. The second frame
segment has spaced apart pivot arms rigidly attached thereto. The
pivot arms of the second frame segment are pivotably attached to
the pivot arms of the first frame segment for enabling the first
frame segment to be pivoted with respect to the second frame
segment between a use configuration and a folded configuration. At
least one of the pivot arms of the second frame segment includes an
engagement member fixedly attached thereto. The engagement member
engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member
is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of the frame
segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration
for limiting the frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded
configuration when the travel limiting member is in the travel
limiting position.
[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, a foldable
trampoline frame assembly comprises spaced apart frame segments, a
travel limiting member and an engagement member. The spaced apart
frame segments are pivotably attached to each other for enabling a
first one of the frame segments to be pivoted with respect to a
second one of the frame segments between a use configuration and a
folded configuration. The travel limiting member is positionable in
a travel limiting position when engaged with a mating portion of
the first frame segment and is movable to a non-limiting position.
The engagement member is fixedly attached to the second frame
segment. The engagement member engages the travel limiting member
when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position
during pivoting of the frame segments from the use configuration
toward the folded configuration for limiting the frame segments to
be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when the travel
limiting member is in the travel limiting position.
[0008] Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in
at least one embodiment, each one of the spaced apart pivot arms of
the second frame segment has a respective engagement member
integral therewith.
[0009] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
mating portion of the pivot arms of the first frame segment is a
hole in each pivot arm of the first frame segment and the travel
limiting member is removably engagable through each hole.
[0010] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
travel limiting member is an elongated generally straight member
and the holes of the pivot arms are positioned such that a
longitudinal axis of the travel limiting member extends generally
parallel with a pivot axis of the frame segments when the travel
limiting member is engaged within the holes.
[0011] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
holes are located between a pivot axis of the frame segments and
bottom edges of the frame segments when the frame segments are in
the use configuration.
[0012] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a
self-closing force is exerted on the frame segments by elastic
elements connected to the frame segments when the frame segments
are in the partially folded configuration.
[0013] These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or
distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent
upon further review of the following specification, associated
drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a foldable trampoline
in accordance with the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the foldable trampoline
shown in FIG. 1 with an edge cover being omitted.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing configuration of frame
segments and hinge structure of the foldable trampoline shown in
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in
FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0018] FIGS. 1-4 depict various aspects of an embodiment of a
foldable trampoline in accordance with the present invention, which
is referred to herein as the trampoline 10. While the trampoline 10
is of a relatively small size, it is disclosed herein that the
present invention is not limited to a foldable trampoline of any
particular size. More broadly, the present invention is useful with
foldable trampolines of various sizes, shapes and physical
constructions.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the trampoline 10 includes a
frame assembly 12, legs 14 a jumping mat 16, extension springs 18
and an edge cover 20. The frame assembly 12 includes a first frame
segment 22, a second frame segment 24 and hinge structures 26. The
hinge structures 26 are connected between the first frame segment
22 and the second frame segment 24 for enabling the frame segments
(22, 24) to pivot with respect to each other thereby providing for
foldability of the frame assembly 12. The legs 14 are attached to
the frame segments (22, 24) in a spaced apart manner for supporting
the frame assembly 12 above a support surface. The frame segments
(22, 24) are curved such that the frame segments (22, 24) are
connected to form a ring-like structure when the frame segments
(22, 24) are in a use configuration U (FIGS. 1 and 2). When in the
use configuration U, the frame segments (22, 24) jointly define an
opening 28 in a central portion of the ring structure. The jumping
mat 16 is positioned within the opening 28 and each one of the
extension springs 18 is connected in a spaced apart and tensioned
manner between a respective one of the frame structures (22, 24)
and the jumping mat 16. The edge cover 20 covers the frame segments
(22, 24) and the extension springs 18, thereby protecting users and
by-standers from dangers associated with the extension springs 18
and the open space between the jumping mat 16 and the frame
segments (22, 24).
[0020] It is disclosed herein that a foldable trampoline in
accordance with the present invention may be constructed using
known fabrication techniques and materials. For example, in one
embodiment, the frame segments (22, 24) are bent steel tubing, the
legs 14 are lengths of steel tubing having threaded portions that
screw into mating threaded portions of the frame segments (22, 24),
and the jumping mat 16 is a fabric mat made from natural and/or
synthetic material and having eyelets provide therein around its
perimeter edge. It is further disclosed herein that extension
springs are one embodiment of an elastic member suitable for
supporting and tensioning the jumping mat 16. For example, a bungee
cord is another embodiment of an elastic member suitable for
supporting and tensioning the jumping mat 16. Thus, it is disclosed
herein that a trampoline in accordance with the present invention
is not unnecessarily limited to being constructed using any
specific fabrication technique, components and/or materials.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, each hinge structure 26 includes
a first pivot body 30 and a second pivot body 32. The first pivot
body 30 is attached to end portions 34 of the first frame segment
22 and the second pivot body 32 is attached to end portions 36 of
the second frame segment 24. Preferably, but not necessarily, the
pivot bodies (30, 32) are made from steel and are welded to the
respective end portions of the frame segments (22, 24). A frame
segment and attached pivot body jointly define a frame segment
structure.
[0022] As best shown in FIG. 3, the first pivot body 30 includes
spaced apart pivot arms 38 that are rigidly attached thereto and
the second pivot body 32 includes spaced apart pivot arms 40
rigidly attached thereto. The pivot arms 38 of the first pivot body
30 are pivotably attached to the pivot arms 40 of the second pivot
body 32 via a pivot pin 42 that extends through the pivot arms (38,
40). The pivotable attachment of the pivot arms 38 of the first
pivot body 30 to the pivot arms 40 of the second pivot body 32
enable the first frame segment 22 to be pivoted with respect to the
second frame segment 24 between the use configuration U and a
folded configuration F (FIG. 4).
[0023] A travel limiting member 44 (i.e., a hitch pin) is engagable
within engagement holes 46 (FIGS. 2 and 4) of the pivot arms 38 of
the first frame segment 22. Preferably, but not necessarily, the
holes 46 are located between a longitudinal axis of the pivot pin
42 and bottom edges 47 (FIG. 4) of the frame segments (22, 24) when
the frame segments (22, 24) are in the use configuration U. When
engaged within the holes 46 of the pivot arms 38 of the first frame
segment 22, the travel limiting member 44 is in a travel limiting
position and, when removed from the holes 46 of the pivot arms 38
of the first frame segment 22, the travel limiting member 44 is in
a non-limiting position. The holes 46 of the pivot arms 38 of the
first frame segment 22 are positioned such that a longitudinal axis
of the travel limiting member 44 extends generally parallel with a
pivot axis of the frame segments (22, 24) when the travel limiting
member 44 is engaged within the holes 46.
[0024] The pivot arms 40 of the second pivot body 32 each include
an engagement member 48 (FIGS. 3 and 4) fixedly attached thereto.
The engagement members 48 engage the travel limiting member 44 when
the travel limiting member 44 is engaged within the holes 46 of the
pivot arms 38 of the first frame segment 22 during pivoting of the
frame segments (22, 24) from the use configuration U toward the
folded configuration F thereby limiting the frame segments (22, 24)
to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration P (FIG. 4) when
the travel limiting member 44 is in the travel limiting position.
At least a portion of the self-closing force exerted on the frame
segments (22, 24) by extension springs 18 is still being exerted by
the extension springs 18 when the frame segments (22, 24) are in
the partially folded configuration P. As such, the frame assembly
12 is advantageously and usefully configured for precluding a
self-closing force exerted by the extension springs 18 from causing
the frame segments (22, 24) to move from the use configuration U to
the folded configuration F in an unrestricted manner. When a person
moves the frame segments (22, 24) from the use configuration U
toward the folded configuration F, engagement of the engagement
members 48 with the travel limiting member 44 limits the frame
segments (22, 24) to being pivoted to the partially folded
configuration P and, thus, limits unrestricted self-folding of the
frame segments (22, 24). This allows a person to more readily
control any self-folding tendencies stemming from release of
tension in the extension springs 18, which provides for increased
safety.
[0025] It is disclosed herein that in other embodiments of the
present invention, various aspects of the embodiment pf the present
invention disclosed above may be altered while still being captured
within the scope and spirit of the present invention. In one
alternate embodiment of the present invention, the pivot pin extend
through only one pivot arm of each pivot body. In another alternate
embodiment of the present invention, the pivot pin is precluded
from being fully detached from both pivot bodies. In still another
alternate embodiment of the present invention, the pivot arms are
integral with at least one of the frame segments such that at least
one frame segment does not have a discrete pivot body attached
thereto. In still another alternate embodiment of the present
invention, each hinge structure includes only one engagement member
as opposed to two as depicted in FIG. 3.
[0026] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been
made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in
which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in
which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments,
and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient
detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments
of the present invention. It is to be understood that other
suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical,
chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from
the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid
unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known
to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is,
therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set
forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *