U.S. patent application number 12/381963 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-23 for trampoline frame.
Invention is credited to Samuel Chen.
Application Number | 20100240496 12/381963 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42738148 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100240496 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Samuel |
September 23, 2010 |
Trampoline frame
Abstract
The assembly of the product begins with assembly of the
trampoline frame. The vertical post can be made in multiple
sections. The lower portion of the trampoline frame is assembled
first, followed by the enclosure. After the entire frame is
assembled, the bed is attached to the frame by springs. The springs
are connected between the trampoline frame and the bed. A
trampoline pad covers the springs. Finally, an enclosure is placed
over the enclosure portion of the frame. The enclosure includes a
net and preferably includes a zipper, or hook and loop straps for
securing the opening of the entrance to the structure. It is
preferred that the enclosure netting is secured to the enclosure
frame portion by a sleeve, which can be padded for extra safety.
The sleeve connection can be zippered for faster connection, or may
have no lateral opening for greater strength.
Inventors: |
Chen; Samuel; (Hong Kong,
CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF CLEMENT CHENG
17220 NEWHOPE STREET #127
FOUNTAIN VALLEY
CA
92708
US
|
Family ID: |
42738148 |
Appl. No.: |
12/381963 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 5/11 20130101; A63B
21/023 20130101; A63B 71/022 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/27 |
International
Class: |
A63B 5/11 20060101
A63B005/11 |
Claims
1. A trampoline frame comprising: a. a first T connector, wherein
the first T connector comprises a horizontal member formed as a
tube and a vertical member formed as a tube, wherein the horizontal
member has a horizontal member upper opening on a horizontal member
upper surface and a horizontal member lower opening on a horizontal
member lower surface, wherein the vertical member fits through the
upper opening and the lower opening, wherein between the upper
opening and the lower opening of the horizontal member, the
vertical member and the horizontal member form a double wall
construction; b. [a pair of horizontal member opposing flat
portions formed on the horizontal member; c. a pair of horizontal
member bolt holes passing through the flat portions of the
horizontal member;] d. a horizontal frame section; e. a second T
connector, wherein the second T connector has the same structure as
the first T connector; wherein the horizontal member of the first T
connector is connected to the horizontal frame section, and wherein
the horizontal frame section is connected to the horizontal member
of the second T connector; f. a first vertical frame section
connected to a bottom end of the vertical member of the first T
connector; and g. a second vertical frame section connected to a
bottom end of the vertical member of the second T connector.
2. The trampoline frame of claim 1, further comprising: a vertical
post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is
secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame
portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure
frame portion is formed as a rigid frame.
3. The trampoline frame of claim 1, further comprising: a vertical
post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is
secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame
portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure
frame portion is formed as a rigid frame, wherein the net is
attached to the enclosure frame portion via a sleeve
connection.
4. The trampoline frame of claim 1, further comprising: a vertical
member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt
passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion,
wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame
section flat portion received within the vertical member flat
portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a
section vertical frame section flat portion received within the
vertical member flat portion.
5. The trampoline frame of claim 1, further comprising: a vertical
member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt
passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion,
wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame
section flat portion received within the vertical member flat
portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a
section vertical frame section flat portion received within the
vertical member flat portion, further comprising: a vertical post;
an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured
to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion
is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame
portion is formed as a rigid frame.
6. The trampoline frame of claim 1, further comprising: a vertical
member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt
passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion,
wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame
section flat portion received within the vertical member flat
portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a
section vertical frame section flat portion received within the
vertical member flat portion; further comprising a vertical post;
an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured
to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion
is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame
portion is formed as a rigid frame, wherein the net is attached to
the enclosure frame portion via a sleeve connection.
7. A trampoline frame comprising: a. a first T connector, wherein
the first T connector comprises a horizontal member formed as a
tube and a vertical member formed as a tube, wherein the horizontal
member has a horizontal member upper opening on a horizontal member
upper surface and a horizontal member lower opening on a horizontal
member lower surface, wherein the vertical member fits through the
upper opening and the lower opening, wherein between the upper
opening and the lower opening of the horizontal member, the
vertical member and the horizontal member form a double wall
construction; b. a pair of horizontal member opposing horizontal
member flat portions formed on the horizontal member; c. a pair of
horizontal member bolt holes passing through the flat portions of
the horizontal member; d. a horizontal frame section, wherein the
horizontal frame section has a first horizontal frame flat portion
matching with the horizontal member flat portion of the first T
connector and a second horizontal frame flat portion matching with
the horizontal member flat portion of the second T connector; e. a
second T connector, wherein the second T connector has the same
structure as the first T connector; wherein the horizontal member
of the first T connector is connected to the horizontal frame
section, and wherein the horizontal frame section is connected to
the horizontal member of the second T connector; f. a first
vertical frame section connected to a bottom end of the vertical
member of the first T connector; and g. a second vertical frame
section connected to a bottom end of the vertical member of the
second T connector.
8. The trampoline frame of claim 7, further comprising: a vertical
post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is
secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame
portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure
frame portion is formed as a rigid frame.
9. The trampoline frame of claim 7, further comprising: a vertical
post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is
secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame
portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure
frame portion is formed as a rigid frame, wherein the net is
attached to the enclosure frame portion via a sleeve
connection.
10. The trampoline frame of claim 7, further comprising: a vertical
member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt
passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion,
wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame
section flat portion received within the vertical member flat
portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a
section vertical frame section flat portion received within the
vertical member flat portion.
11. The trampoline frame of claim 7, further comprising: a vertical
member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt
passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion,
wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame
section flat portion received within the vertical member flat
portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a
section vertical frame section flat portion received within the
vertical member flat portion, further comprising: a vertical post;
an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured
to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion
is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame
portion is formed as a rigid frame.
12. The trampoline frame of claim 7, further comprising: a vertical
member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt
passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion,
wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame
section flat portion received within the vertical member flat
portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a
section vertical frame section flat portion received within the
vertical member flat portion; further comprising a vertical post;
an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured
to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion
is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame
portion is formed as a rigid frame, wherein the net is attached to
the enclosure frame portion via a sleeve connection.
13. A trampoline frame comprising: a. a first T connector, wherein
the first T connector comprises a horizontal member formed as a
tube and a vertical member formed as a tube, wherein the horizontal
member has a horizontal member upper opening on a horizontal member
upper surface and a horizontal member lower opening on a horizontal
member lower surface, wherein the vertical member fits through the
upper opening and the lower opening, wherein the vertical member is
welded to the horizontal member at the upper opening and at the
lower opening, wherein between the upper opening and the lower
opening of the horizontal member, the vertical member and the
horizontal member form a double wall construction; b. a pair of
horizontal member opposing horizontal member flat portions formed
on the horizontal member; c. a pair of horizontal member bolt holes
passing through the flat portions of the horizontal member; d. a
horizontal frame section, wherein the horizontal frame section has
a first horizontal frame flat portion matching with the horizontal
member flat portion of the first T connector and a second
horizontal frame flat portion matching with the horizontal member
flat portion of the second T connector; e. a second T connector,
wherein the second T connector has the same structure as the first
T connector; wherein the horizontal member of the first T connector
is connected to the horizontal frame section, and wherein the
horizontal frame section is connected to the horizontal member of
the second T connector; f. a first vertical frame section connected
to a bottom end of the vertical member of the first T connector; g.
a second vertical frame section connected to a bottom end of the
vertical member of the second T connector; and h. a first vertical
post that fits in an upper aperture of the first T connector, and a
second vertical post that fits in an upper aperture of the second T
connector, wherein the vertical member of the T connector rises
above the horizontal member.
14. The trampoline frame of claim 13, further comprising: a
vertical member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a
bolt passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat
portion, wherein the first vertical frame section has a first
vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical
member flat portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section
has a section vertical frame section flat portion received within
the vertical member flat portion; further comprising an enclosure
frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the
enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is
supported by the first vertical post in the second vertical post,
wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame,
wherein the net is attached to the enclosure frame portion via a
sleeve connection.
15. The trampoline frame of claim 13, further comprising: an
enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to
the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is
supported by the first vertical post in the second vertical post,
wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame.
16. The trampoline frame of claim 13, further comprising: a
vertical post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the
net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the
enclosure frame portion is supported by the first vertical post in
the second vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is
formed as a rigid frame, wherein the net is attached to the
enclosure frame portion.
17. The trampoline frame of claim 13, further comprising: a
vertical member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a
bolt passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat
portion, wherein the first vertical frame section has a first
vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical
member flat portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section
has a section vertical frame section flat portion received within
the vertical member flat portion.
Description
DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
[0001] Trampoline structures preferably disassemble for
transportation, and reassemble for use. A variety of connection
structures have been used to provide a safety and convenience for
users. Trampoline structures should be strong, and safe.
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,123 to Rich is entitled T-Joint
structure for trampolines and the like, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference. The Rich reference issued Jul.
13, 1982 provides for a T connector for connecting a variety of
horizontal members of a trampoline frame. The Rich structure uses
tongue connections 30a that form a flange between a horizontal
portion of a T connector and a vertical portion of a T connector.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,744 to Chen entitled trampoline system provides
a reinforcing structure on a trampoline T connector.
[0003] Other trampoline structures have incorporated a number of
connection means, such as having vertical parallel tubing that is
lashed together by bolts or ties. In any case, trampoline
structures should also be light and easily transportable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is a trampoline configuration which
also provides a more robust connections. The present invention has
a T connector made from a horizontal member and a vertical member.
The horizontal member has an upper opening and a lower opening cut
to allow vertical passage of a vertical member. The vertical member
can be welded to the horizontal member at the interface of the
upper opening and the vertical member; and also at the interface of
the lower opening and the vertical member. The upper opening and a
lower opening are opposed, and define a location for an upper
circumferential weld and a lower circumferential weld.
[0005] The T connector horizontal member has flat portions pressed
at opposite ends of the horizontal member. Each opposite end of the
horizontal member, a left end and a right end for example
preferably has a pair of flat portions. The flat portions of the
horizontal member preferably engage flat portions disposed in
horizontal sections. Thus, horizontal member flat portions abut
horizontal section flat portions. Preferably, an upper surface of
an upper horizontal member flat portion abuts a lower surface of an
upper horizontal section flat portion. Analogously, a lower surface
of a lower horizontal member flat portion abuts an upper surface of
a lower horizontal section flat portion. The preferred method is to
have the upper and lower surfaces of the flat portions of the
horizontal member level with the ground. Also, the flat portions of
the horizontal section of the trampoline frame should be level with
the ground.
[0006] To connect the horizontal member of the T connector with the
horizontal section of the frame, it is preferred to have a bolt,
with a round smooth bolt head pass through the flat portions of the
horizontal member and horizontal section. A bolt opening is
preferably disposed through the flat portions of the horizontal
member and horizontal section. The bolt opening passes through all
of the members for allowing passage of a bolt.
[0007] The vertical member of the T connector preferably also has a
pair of opposing flat portions. The vertical member flat portions
are on an inside and outside facing orientation. The vertical
member can be connected to a vertical section of the trampoline
frame that also has flat portions for receiving the vertical member
flat portions.
[0008] The horizontal sections of the trampoline frame that connect
to the T connector are arranged to travel around the bed of the
trampoline frame. The horizontal sections have regular interval
openings for receiving hook shaped spring ends. A circular shaped
bed has curved horizontal sections defining a bed circumferential
frame. The bed frame further includes an enclosure structure having
vertical posts connecting to and extending upward from the top of
the vertical member of the T connector. The top of the vertical
member protrudes above the horizontal member of the T connector to
form a socket for mounting vertical posts. The vertical posts are
rigidly connected at their tops to form an enclosure
circumferential frame. The bed frame portion is below the enclosure
frame portion. All of the members are secured for rigid connection.
The enclosure frame portion is at an apex of the structure.
Preferably, the enclosure frame portion is padded and has netting
secured to the enclosure frame portion and also to the vertical
posts for retaining users within the enclosure during jumping.
[0009] The vertical member of the T connector also preferably has a
bolt opening for securing the flat portion of the vertical member
to the flat portion of the vertical section of the trampoline
frame. The vertical section of the trampoline frame can be bent for
providing a U shaped support. The vertical member has an upper
opening for receiving the vertical post and also a lower opening.
The upper opening and the lower opening define a through passage.
The lower opening receives a step defined on a reduced
circumference portion of a vertical section of the trampoline
frame. The upper portion of the vertical section of the trampoline
frame defines the step. The step is sized and dimensioned for
securing into the lower opening.
[0010] If the vertical post has a lower end that can fit inside the
reduced dimension portion of the vertical section of the trampoline
frame, a single bolt can secure the vertical post to the trampoline
frame and the T connector. In this configuration, the vertical post
also has a reduced dimension. Preferably, the vertical post has an
inverted step formed at the reduced circumference portion. The
inverted step should meet with the upper surface of the vertical
member of the T connector so that tightening of a single bolt can
secure all three parts snugly. The cross-section of all three parts
at the interface of the three parts preferably are formed as a tube
with a pair of opposing flat surfaces.
[0011] The assembly of the product begins with assembly of the
trampoline frame. The vertical post can be made in multiple
sections. The lower portion of the trampoline frame is assembled
first, followed by the enclosure. After the entire frame is
assembled, the bed is attached to the frame by springs. The springs
are connected between the trampoline frame and the bed. A
trampoline pad covers the springs. Finally, an enclosure is placed
over the enclosure portion of the frame. The enclosure preferably
includes a zipper, or hook and loop straps for securing the opening
of the entrance to the structure. It is preferred that the
enclosure netting is secured to the enclosure frame portion by a
sleeve, which can be padded for extra safety. The sleeve connection
can be zippered for faster connection, or may have no lateral
opening for greater strength.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a exploded view assembly diagram of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an assembly diagram of the horizontal sections of
the frame onto the T connector.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the T connector.
[0015] FIG. 4 is another exploded view assembly diagram of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows the connection of the enclosure frame
portion.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded view assembly diagram which includes
instruction on assembling some of the soft parts such as the bed,
springs, net enclosure.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the finished product.
[0019] The following callout list of elements provides a convenient
guide for understanding the drawings.
[0020] 41 Vertical Section
[0021] 43 Vertical Section Bolt Opening
[0022] 47 Vertical Section Flat Portions
[0023] 50 T Connector
[0024] 51 Horizontal Member Of The T Connector
[0025] 52 Horizontal Member Flat Portion
[0026] 53 Horizontal Member Bolt Opening
[0027] 54 Upper Circumferential Weld
[0028] 55 Lower Circumferential Weld
[0029] 56 Vertical Member Of The T Connector
[0030] 57 Vertical Member Flat Portion
[0031] 58 Vertical Member Bolt Opening
[0032] 59 Upper Opening
[0033] 159 Lower Opening
[0034] 160 Bed Circumferential Frame
[0035] 60 Horizontal Section Of The Frame
[0036] 61 Spring Mount Opening
[0037] 62 Horizontal Section Flat Portion
[0038] 63 Horizontal Section Bolt Opening
[0039] 64 Bolt Head
[0040] 70 Vertical Post
[0041] 80 Enclosure Structure
[0042] 81 Bed
[0043] 82 Springs
[0044] 83 Pad
[0045] 84 Net
[0046] 85 Sleeve Connection
[0047] 180 Enclosure Circumferential Frame
[0048] 88 Bolt
[0049] 90 Zipper
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0050] The assembly of the product begins with assembly of the
lower portion of the trampoline frame according to FIG. 1.
Beginning with the T connector of FIG. 3, the user aligns flat
portions of the parts according to FIG. 8 and pushes the horizontal
sections in inward according to FIG. 2. The user repeats the
process with the other T connectors. The vertical post 70 can be
made in multiple sections which would be assembled according to
FIG. 4. The enclosure frame portion is assembled per FIG. 5. Thus,
the lower portion of the trampoline frame is assembled first,
followed by the enclosure. After the entire frame is assembled, the
bed 81 is attached to the frame by springs 82 per FIG. 6. The
springs are connected between the trampoline frame and the bed. A
trampoline pad 83 covers the springs. Finally, an enclosure is
placed over the enclosure portion of the frame. The enclosure
includes a net 84 and preferably includes a zipper 90, or hook and
loop straps for securing the opening of the entrance to the
structure. It is preferred that the enclosure netting is secured to
the enclosure frame portion by a sleeve, which can be padded for
extra safety. The sleeve connection 85 can be zippered for faster
connection, or may have no lateral opening for greater strength as
seen in FIG. 7.
[0051] The present invention provides a more robust T connector 50.
The present invention has a T connector 50 made from a horizontal
member 51 and a vertical member 56. The horizontal member 51 has an
upper opening 59 and a lower opening 159 cut to allow vertical
passage of a vertical member 56. The vertical member 56 is welded
to the horizontal member 51 at the interface of the upper opening
and the vertical member; and also at the interface of the lower
opening and the vertical member. The upper opening and a lower
opening are opposed, and define a location for an upper
circumferential weld 54 and a lower circumferential weld 55.
[0052] The T connector horizontal member 51 has flat portions 52
pressed on a top and bottom surface at both opposite ends of the
horizontal member 51. Each opposite end of the horizontal member
51, a left end and a right end for example preferably has a pair of
flat portions 52. The flat portions 52 of the horizontal member 51
preferably engage flat portions 62 disposed in horizontal sections.
Thus, horizontal member flat portions 52 abut horizontal section
flat portions 62. Preferably, an upper surface of an upper
horizontal member flat portion 52 abuts a lower surface of an upper
horizontal section flat portion 62. Analogously, a lower surface of
a lower horizontal member flat portion 52 abuts an upper surface of
a lower horizontal section flat portion 62. The preferred method is
to have the upper and lower surfaces of the flat portions of the
horizontal member 51 level with the ground. Also, the flat portions
of the horizontal section 60 of the trampoline frame should be
level with the ground.
[0053] To connect the horizontal member 51 of the T connector 50
with the horizontal section of the frame 60, it is preferred to
have a bolt 88, with a round bolt head 64 pass through the flat
portions of the horizontal member and horizontal section. A
horizontal member bolt opening 53 is preferably disposed through
the horizontal member flat portion 52. A horizontal section bolt
opening 63 is disposed through the horizontal section flat portion
62. The bolt openings are aligned to allow bolt passage through all
of the members. The upper horizontal section flat portion is
preferably the same dimension as the lower horizontal section flat
portion.
[0054] The vertical member 56 of the T connector preferably also
has a pair of opposing vertical member flat portions 57. A vertical
member bolt opening 58 preferably passes through the vertical
member flat portions 57. The vertical member flat portions 57 are
on an inside and outside facing orientation. The vertical member
can be connected to a vertical section 41 of the trampoline frame
that has vertical section flat portions 47 for receiving the
vertical member flat portions 57. A vertical section bolt opening
43 preferably orients to the vertical member bolt opening 58 so
that a bolt 88 can pass through both of them.
[0055] The horizontal sections 60 of the trampoline frame that
connect to the T connector are arranged to travel around the bed of
the trampoline frame. The horizontal sections have regular interval
openings for receiving hook shaped spring ends that are spring
mount openings 61. A circular shaped bed has curved horizontal
sections 60 defining a bed circumferential frame 160. The bed frame
further includes an enclosure structure 80 having vertical posts
connecting to and extending upward from the top of the vertical
member of the T connector. The top of the vertical member protrudes
above the horizontal member of the T connector to form a socket for
mounting vertical posts 70. The vertical posts 70 are rigidly
connected at their tops to form an enclosure circumferential frame
180. The bed frame portion is below the enclosure frame portion.
All of the members are secured for rigid connection. The enclosure
frame portion 180 is a preferably a ring made from sections of
tubular steel and defines an apex of the structure. Optionally, the
enclosure frame portion 180 is padded and has netting secured to
the enclosure frame portion and also to the vertical posts for
retaining users within the enclosure during jumping.
[0056] The vertical member of the T connector also preferably has a
bolt opening for securing the flat portion of the vertical member
to the flat portion of the vertical section of the trampoline
frame. The vertical section of the trampoline frame can be bent for
providing a U shaped support. The vertical member has an upper
opening for receiving the vertical post and also a lower opening.
The upper opening and the lower opening define a through passage.
The lower opening receives a step defined on a reduced
circumference portion of a vertical section of the trampoline
frame. The upper portion of the vertical section of the trampoline
frame defines the step. The step is sized and dimensioned for
securing into the lower opening.
[0057] If the vertical post has a lower end that can fit inside the
reduced dimension portion of the vertical section of the trampoline
frame, a single bolt can secure the vertical post to the trampoline
frame and the T connector. In this configuration, the vertical post
also has a reduced dimension. Preferably, the vertical post has an
inverted step formed at the reduced circumference portion. The
inverted step should meet with the upper surface of the vertical
member of the T connector so that tightening of a single bolt can
secure all three parts snugly. The cross-section of all three parts
at the interface of the three parts preferably are formed as a tube
with a pair of opposing flat surfaces.
[0058] Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with
reference only to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided
without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is defined only by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *