U.S. patent application number 13/539475 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-02 for trampoline park framing system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Phillip Howell. Invention is credited to Phillip Howell.
Application Number | 20140005003 13/539475 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49778711 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140005003 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Howell; Phillip |
January 2, 2014 |
Trampoline Park Framing System
Abstract
The invention is a system for trampoline park framing,
distribution, and assembly. The trampoline parking framing system
includes frame sections, coupling plates, supports, springs,
material, and all the nuts and bolts needed for assembly. The
invention can be designed, built, shipped, and assembled without
the need to send over a support team. The frame levels itself with
the tightening of the plates and the supports are adjustable to
conform to uneven floor levels. The frame includes additional
accessories to secure the springs to the frame sections in order to
increase security of the apparatus. Also included can be safety
pads or mats to cover the frame sections and the springs to reduce
risk of serious injury.
Inventors: |
Howell; Phillip; (Farmers
Branch, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Howell; Phillip |
Farmers Branch |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49778711 |
Appl. No.: |
13/539475 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/10 20130101;
A63B 71/023 20130101; A63B 5/11 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/27 |
International
Class: |
A63B 5/11 20060101
A63B005/11 |
Claims
1. A trampoline park framing system comprising: a plurality of
frame sections wherein some trampolines share some of the frame
sections; a plurality of plates, each having three sections that
are a middle section with two wing sections on each opposite sides
of the middle section and each of the sections of the plate having
a plurality of holes and the plate is coupled to the bottom of each
end of each frame section making a flush side wherein the plates
are bolted together through the holes when coupling frame sections
together; a plurality of bolts and nuts to couple the plate
sections together coupling the frame sections; a plurality of
material pieces to substantially cover the area surrounded by frame
sections; a plurality of elastic elements coupling the material to
the frame sections; and a plurality of supports coupled to the
frame section bottom to elevate the frame sections off of a
floor.
2. The system in claim 1 wherein the elastic elements are coil
springs.
3. The system in claim 1 further comprising: a first cylindrical
rod coupled to the side of the frame sections that secure the
elastic elements of a first piece of material to the frame section;
a second cylindrical rod coupled to the side of some of the frame
sections opposite of the side of the first cylindrical rod and used
to couple springs from a second piece of material to the frame.
4. The system in claim 1 wherein the plates are welded to the end
of the frame sections.
5. The system in claim 1 wherein the supports are height
adjustable.
6. The system in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of shims
that fit underneath the base of the supports to adjust the height
of the support and eliminate gaps between the floor and the base of
the support.
7. A trampoline park apparatus comprising: one trampoline
comprising: four frame sections coupled together to form a
quadrilateral enclosing an area coupled via eight plates wherein
each plate is coupled to an end of each frame section and then the
plates are bolted together to secure and level the frame of the
trampoline; a plurality of supports each coupled to a frame section
to raise the frame section at an elevation above of a floor; a
first piece of material substantially covering the enclosed area
and coupled to each frame section via a plurality of elastic
elements; a second trampoline comprising: three frame sections
coupled together with one of the frame sections of the first
trampoline to form a second quadrilateral enclosing an second area
adjacent to the first trampoline via six new plates and two of the
existing plates in trampoline one where each plate is coupled to an
end of each frame section and the plates are then bolted together
to secure and level the frame; a plurality of supports each coupled
to a frame section to raise the frame to an elevation above the
floor; a second piece of material substantially covering the second
area and coupled to the frame sections via a plurality of elastic
elements.
8. The apparatus in claim 7 wherein the elastic elements are coil
springs.
9. The apparatus in claim 7 further comprising: four cylindrical
rods each coupled to the inside of the frame sections of the first
trampoline that secure the elastic elements of the first piece of
material to the frame sections; four more cylindrical rods each
coupled to the inside of the three frame sections and the side of
the frame section that is shared with the first trampoline where
the shared frame section has the cylindrical rods on each side and
these four rods are used to couple springs from a second piece of
material to the frame of the second trampoline.
10. The apparatus in claim 9 wherein each of the eight cylindrical
rods is a plurality of cylindrical rods forming loops and connected
end to end along the frame sections for coupling elastic
elements.
11. The apparatus in claim 7 wherein the plates are welded to the
end of the frame sections.
12. The apparatus in claim 7 wherein the supports are height
adjustable.
13. The apparatus in claim 12 wherein the supports have an inside
tube and an outside tube wherein the inside tube slides within the
outside tube to adjust to a desired height and can be affixed at
the desired height with a pin that slides through aligned holes in
the sides of the inside tube and outside tube.
14. The apparatus in claim 12 wherein the supports have and inside
tube and an outside tube wherein the inside tube slides within the
outside tube to adjust to a desired height and can be affixed at
the desired height via a ratchet which locks the inside tube
movement.
15. The apparatus in claim 7 further comprising a plurality of
shims that fit underneath the base of the supports to adjust the
height of the support and eliminate gaps between the floor and the
base of the support.
16. A trampoline park apparatus comprising: a plurality of
trampoline sections with material secured to frame sections via
elastic elements and the trampoline sections are coupled together
via plates wherein each plate is secured to the end of each frame
section that comprises the trampoline and the plates are bolted
together to secure and level the trampoline sections wherein the
trampoline sections share at least one frame section with another
trampoline section; a plurality of supports coupled to the
trampoline sections to elevate the trampoline sections above a
floor.
17. The apparatus in claim 16 wherein at least one of the
trampoline sections is an angle trampoline and is elevated at an
incline and shares a level frame section with one of the other
trampoline sections.
18. The apparatus in claim 16 wherein the supports are height
adjustable.
19. The apparatus in claim 16 wherein the plates are brackets
comprising: an upper plate section that has a plurality of holes
and is coupled to the frame section; a lower plate section that has
the same features as the plates with a middle section and two wing
sections on each side each with a plurality of holes to be bolted
to other lower plate sections of other brackets wherein the upper
plate section and lower plate section are aligned at a right angle
to achieve the desired leveling ability when bolted to other
brackets and frame sections.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to trampolines, and
more particularly to trampoline parks.
Problem Statement
Interpretation Considerations
[0002] This section describes the technical field in more detail,
and discusses problems encountered in the technical field. This
section does not describe prior art as defined for purposes of
anticipation or obviousness under 35 U.S.C. section 102 or 35
U.S.C. section 103. Thus, nothing stated in the Problem Statement
is to be construed as prior art.
Discussion
[0003] A trampoline typically includes a frame assembly supported
on a floor by a plurality of supports. Other trampolines are
supported by cords or cables and then supported by end beams and
support legs. A trampoline is a jumping bed tightly stretched
within an opening in the frame assembly via a plurality of spaced
elastic elements. Elastic elements attach the jumping bed to the
support frame.
[0004] The jumping bed is usually made out of a woven polypropylene
material. The material is not elastic in itself. The elastic cords
or springs provide the elasticity for the trampoline. The jumping
bed is made to withstand significant force of jumpers and the
polypropylene material is strong and waterproof. The jumping bed is
the surface for which a person or persons can jump safely and feel
the spring from the elasticity of the springs. The force of the
trampoline pushes the jumper in the opposite direction from which
the jumper landed. A jump down goes straight up. A jump from an
angle in has the reciprocal angle out.
[0005] Recently, there is been an increased emphasis on trampoline
park development and usage. Trampoline parks are a plurality of
trampoline beds connected together to form a park our court. These
beds can be flat, angular, and share the same frame. Some companies
have used a cable method where the cable stretches across an
opening between the frames and cross cables connect adjacent frames
and intersect the first cable. Then the trampoline material is
coupled to the cables for form the jumping zones. The problem is
support of the cables and the system absorbtion of one jumper on
multiple beds where the cable distributes the force through the
entire cable. Other options have been cylindrical frames, but the
spring connects jump off of the frame and sit on top of the frame
as opposed to the side of the frame thus minimizing the spring
effectiveness.
[0006] Another problem, when moving a trampoline park into a new
facility, the floors are not often perfectly level, but the
trampoline park needs to be level. To solve the problem, some
courts design the parks from inside the facility using welds and
different size support pieces to make up the difference. Many
industry trampoline parks weld supports at an angle that depends on
the levelness of the floor and the trampoline park. This system is
costly as trampoline park manufacturers must build the frame pieces
and angle supports and ship to a new location and then send in a
team of workers and welders to assemble the park and weld in the
supports to achieve a level set up.
[0007] There is a need to design a trampoline park system that
eliminates the need for welding, an assembly team, and is easily
assembled on location by one who can follow simple instructions
with simple wrench tools. This invention is that system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Various aspects of the invention, as well as an embodiment,
are better understood by reference to the following detailed
description. To better understand the invention, the detailed
description should be read in conjunction with the drawings and
tables, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an isometric side view of the frame
section.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a plate.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows the side view of two frame sections connected
via plates and a support connected to one of the frame
sections.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a plate or bracket with an
upper plate section and lower plate section.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows two intersections of three of the frame
sections and two supports, one with shims, the other with the
adjustable support.
[0014] FIG. 6a/6b shows frame sections with the cylindrical rod for
coupling the springs options, one rod per side or multiple
rods.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of how three frame sections
couple together and a support.
[0016] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a trampoline with the
framing system.
[0017] FIG. 9 shows an isometric trampoline park comprised of the
framing system.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE
Interpretation Considerations
[0018] When reading this section (An Exemplary Embodiment of a Best
Mode, which describes an exemplary embodiment of the best mode of
the invention, hereinafter "exemplary embodiment"), one should keep
in mind several points. First, the following exemplary embodiment
is what the inventor believes to be the best mode for practicing
the invention at the time this patent was filed. Thus, since one of
ordinary skill in the art may recognize from the following
exemplary embodiment that substantially equivalent structures or
substantially equivalent acts may be used to achieve the same
results in exactly the same way, or to achieve the same results in
a not dissimilar way, the following exemplary embodiment should not
be interpreted as limiting the invention to one embodiment.
[0019] Likewise, individual aspects (sometimes called species) of
the invention are provided as examples, and, accordingly, one of
ordinary skill in the art may recognize from a following exemplary
structure (or a following exemplary act) that a substantially
equivalent structure or substantially equivalent act may be used to
either achieve the same results in substantially the same way, or
to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way.
[0020] Accordingly, the discussion of a species (or a specific
item) invokes the genus (the class of items) to which that species
belongs as well as related species in that genus. Likewise, the
recitation of a genus invokes the species known in the art.
Furthermore, it is recognized that as technology develops, a number
of additional alternatives to achieve an aspect of the invention
may arise. Such advances are hereby incorporated within their
respective genus, and should be recognized as being functionally
equivalent or structurally equivalent to the aspect shown or
described.
[0021] Second, the only essential aspects of the invention are
identified by the claims. Thus, aspects of the invention, including
elements, acts, functions, and relationships (shown or described)
should not be interpreted as being essential unless they are
explicitly described and identified as being essential. Third, a
function or an act should be interpreted as incorporating all modes
of doing that function or act, unless otherwise explicitly stated
(for example, one recognizes that "tacking" may be done by nailing,
stapling, gluing, hot gunning, riveting, etc., and so a use of the
word tacking invokes stapling, gluing, etc., and all other modes of
that word and similar words, such as "attaching").
[0022] Fourth, unless explicitly stated otherwise, conjunctive
words (such as "or", "and", "including", or "comprising" for
example) should be interpreted in the inclusive, not the exclusive,
sense. Fifth, the words "means" and "step" are provided to
facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and do not
mean "means" or "step" as defined in .sctn.112, paragraph 6 of 35
U.S.C., unless used as "means for -functioning-" or "step for
-functioning-" in the Claims section. Sixth, the invention is also
described in view of the Festo decisions, and, in that regard, the
claims and the invention incorporate equivalents known, unknown,
foreseeable, and unforeseeable. Seventh, the language and each word
used in the invention should be given the ordinary interpretation
of the language and the word, unless indicated otherwise.
[0023] It should be noted in the following discussion that acts
with like names are performed in like manners, unless otherwise
stated. Of course, the foregoing discussions and definitions are
provided for clarification purposes and are not limiting. Words and
phrases are to be given their ordinary plain meaning unless
indicated otherwise.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The trampoline park has developed recently with the market
growing quickly across the United States. There are now over 100
trampoline parks in use in the United States. These parks are made
of different frames, orientations, material, angles, trampoline
designs, and accessories. The trampoline park is comprised of a
court that is comprised of the flat beds and then the court is
coupled to any number of angular trampoline beds. A trampoline
court is a plurality of trampoline beds sharing frame sections so
that the beds are coupled together or adjacent to each other.
[0025] The trampoline park framing system removes the need for
extra assembly and welding. The resultant frame is a park that is
easily assembled and self-leveling. Shown in FIG. 1 is the design
of one frame section 110. This frame section 110 is square tubing,
for example, a 4.times.4 inch hollow square tube made of a metal
alloy such as a cast iron. Coupled to each end of the tube 110 are
three sided plates 120. The plates 120 fit across the bottom each
end of the tube 110 where the width of the bottom end 112 of the
tube 110 equals the middle side 122 of the plates. The square frame
piece 115 can be a scalable elongated piece. The range of length is
restricted by the rigidity of the metal alloy and the size of the
jumping area of the trampoline. The tubing can also be cylindrical,
but would require adjustments to the end piece plating. The shown
example is the square tube embodiment 110.
[0026] The plate 120 is coupled to the bottom end 112 of the frame
section 110. In this embodiment, the plate 120 is welded onto the
bottom end 112. The plate 120 maintains a 90 degree angle with the
frame section bottom 114 to provide the leveling capability.
Alternative coupling options include another plate option where the
plate is a bracket with two section pieces, one that couples to the
frame section and another that couples to other plate sections.
Another option is the dual plate option, but welding one section to
the bottom of the frame section. The dual plate option is in a 90
degree shape.
[0027] The frame section 110 shown has the additional spring
securing rods 130. The rods 130 shown are smaller rods that are
coupled to the frame section. The springs can couple to the rods
130 securing the springs and reduce the springs from disconnecting.
The securing rods 130 are welded to the frame section 110 in the
embodiment. The rods 130 can be bolted in alternative
embodiments.
[0028] Shown in FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one of the end
plates 210 that are attached to the end of the frame sections for
connecting another end piece and a cross piece to enclose the
corner of a trampoline bed. The plate 210 secures the frame
sections together and serves the purpose for self-leveling the
entire trampoline court and park. The plate 210 has a flat middle
section 220 with a plurality of holes 225, shown with 4 in this
embodiment. The holes 225 are for bolts to secure sections
together. Each side section 230 of the plate 210 has a plurality of
holes 235, 2 shown per side section 235 in this embodiment. These
holes 235 are also for bolts to secure the frame to an intersecting
frame section.
[0029] The design of the plate 210 is what creates the intersection
and leveling of the trampoline park. When two plate middle sections
connect via back to back, the sides line up to create a plate that
would line up with the middle section of a third plate. The third
plate would be the intersecting frame plate. Shown in FIG. 3 is a
side view of two plates 320, 330 coupled where the middle sections
are back to back and their accompanying frame sections 322, 332.
The side section 325 of the first plate 320 line up with the side
section 335 of the second plate 335 to create a four holed section
that would match up with a third plate middle section and frame.
When three or four sections are coupled together with these plates,
the tightening of the bolts levels the intersection. A support 350
is coupled beneath the frame section 332 with the support's 350 top
355 underneath the frame section 332 supporting the weight of the
frame. The support 350 is bolted to the frame section 332 via a
support bracket 360. Another option is that the support is coupled
a plate inside the three side of the plate so that the middle
section of the plate bolts to one side of the support and the side
sections of the plate bolt to the adjacent sides of the support.
The bolt can couple another frame sections plate and the
support.
[0030] Shown in FIG. 4 is an alternative design plate 410 or
bracket that would bolt to a frame section instead of being welded
to a frame section. The addition is the upper plate section 420 to
bolt to the frame section. The upper plate section 420 has a first
wing 430 and a second wing 440. The wings 430, 440 fit about a
frame section. The frame section can have prethreaded holes, welded
nuts, or open end access to allow tightening of nuts inside the
frame section to affix the bolts. The first wing 430 has two bolt
holes 435 to affix the upper plate section 420 horizontally to the
frame section. The second wing 440 has two bolt holes 445 to add
additional security when affixed to the frame section. The bottom
plate piece 450 of the upper plate section 420 can have additional
holes for bolts for additional security to the frame section. The
bottom holes are not shown nor required but understood by those
with ordinary skill in the art. The lower plate section 460 of the
bracket 410 is similar to the plate shown in FIG. 2. The lower
plate section 460 has 2 wings as well. The first wing 470 is shown,
but the second wing is not but is similar in orientation and design
as the wings or side section in FIG. 2. The middle section 462 of
the lower plate section 460 has four holes 465 for securing another
plate similar to the coupling fashion shown in FIG. 3. The first
wing 470 has two holes 475 similar to the plate shown in FIG. 2.
Those holes 475 are for securing intersection frame sections via
their plate. These plate sections 410 or brackets are more easily
installed, more easily shipped and easier for assembly
purposes.
[0031] Shown in FIG. 5 are several coupled frame sections with
supports and shims. Often times, facilities do not have level
floors. The floors may be off in elevation by a few inches in the
low spots versus the high spots. The trampoline park has to adjust
for these inconsistencies. The trampoline court 510 levels itself
with the bolts and plates, but the supports 560, 570 have to be
adjustable to fit different heights. One solution is to have the
same height supports 560 with additional shims 565 included to fill
the gaps located in low spots in the floor where there is distance
between the base of the support and the floor. This embodiment is
shown in FIG. 5. The supports 560, 570 can be similar to the frames
520 such that they are of similar material and size such as the
4''.times.4'' square tube. The first support uses shims, but the
second support leaves a gap between its base and the floor. Located
in the gap is a plurality of shims 565 to fill in the gap between
the support 560 and the floor thus maintaining the frames 520 level
surface and eliminating a weak point in the trampoline court 510
establishing consistency throughout the trampoline park even on an
un-level floor.
[0032] Also shown in FIG. 5 is the adjustable support 570. This
support 570 has an inside section 575 and outside section 576 where
the inside section 575 is coupled to a base 577 and slides in and
out of the outside section 576. The inside section 575 drops down
for low levels in the floor lengthening the support 570. Once
trampoline court 510 is leveled with the plates 512 for a plurality
of frame sections 520 being bolted together at intersections, the
support 570 is adjusted for the height between the frame 520 and
the floor. The inside section 575 of the support 570 drops to make
contact with the floor and is then secured inside the outside
section 576 of the support 570 with a locking pin 580 through an
option of holes. The locking pin 580 is shown in FIG. 5, but
alternative locking options can be substituted such as a piston, a
tightening screw option, a ratchet option which can be more exact
in height options. The adjustable height support is more stable and
secure than the shims 565, and maintains the simplicity for
trampoline park assembly and design.
[0033] Shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b are the preferred frame section
embodiments 610, 620. FIG. 6a is the embodiment 610 where the frame
section 612 has individual loops 611 to correspond to individual
springs. In FIG. 6a, the frame section 612 includes small bars 611
used to secure the elastic elements or springs to the frame
section. Individual bar sections 611 are secured to the sides of
the frame section 612. Each bar section or bar loop 611 is to
couple each individual spring which would be coupled to the
material used for the trampoline (not shown here, but shown in a
later figure). Shown in FIG. 6a is the individual bar section 610,
in FIG. 6b is one bar per side of each frame section 620. The one
bar 621 is affixed to the frame section 622 on the side and secures
all of the springs for the corresponding side of material (not
shown here, but shown in a later figure). The one bar option 620
allows flexibility for doubling up springs or for material with
unusual coupling options. For example, if a material coupling
option was for a spring every 3 inches and the loops in FIG. 6a
were for a spring every 4 inches, then there would be a problem.
However, the unusual coupling option is not a problem for the bar
design in FIG. 6b. The embodiment in FIG. 6b has only one bar, but
an option with more bars can be used from 1 spring per bar to a
plurality of springs per bar. For example, the embodiment could
have four bar sections connected to the frame where when one bar
section ends, the next one begins. When more bars are used,
stability increases while the flexibility decreases. When shorter
bars are used, stability decreases, but flexibility increases.
[0034] Shown in FIG. 7 is the set up for the intersection of three
frame sections 710, 720, 730 showing the bolting 740 and leveling
section and showing how the third intersecting frame 730 section
can be coupled. The first frame section 710 bolts to the second
frame section 720. The plates 711, 721 are aligned and bolted
together with four bolts. The view shows that the side sections
712, 722 of the plates 711, 721 fit together to create four holes
that would align with the third frame section 730 plate 731. The
result would be three frame sections that are level. The support
750 is bolted together with the plate section 711 where the top of
the support 750 is abutted to the bottom of the frame section 710.
Longer bolts are used to couple the plates 711, 721 to the support
750.
[0035] Shown in FIG. 8 is a trampoline using the trampoline park
framing system. The four frame sections 810, 820, 830, 840, the
first frame section 810, second frame section 820, third frame
section 830, and fourth frame section 840, are coupled together to
form a polygon. The frame sections 810, 820, 830, 840 each have a
support 811, 821, 841 (the third support is not shown, blocked by
the trampoline material, but understood by description for those
with ordinary skill in the art). The material 850 is coupled to the
frame sections via springs 851. One end of each spring 851 is
coupled to the material, the other end of each spring 851 hooks
about the spring rods 822, 832 which are affixed to the
corresponding frame sections 820, 830. When coupled together and
tightened, the plates 815, 825, 835 force the frame sections 810,
820, 830, 840 to create a uniform level surface. The supports 811,
821, 841 are coupled to the frame sections 810, 820, 840 via the
plates 813, 823, 843. If the floor was not level, the user could
use the provided shims or use the adjustable supports (as shown in
earlier figure). The frame sections 810, 820, 830, 840 can have
pads coupled to the top of the frame section which cover the frame
section and the springs 851. The pad covers the frame and the
springs up to the trampoline material 850. The pad minimizes the
risk of injury of someone falling into the frame or in between the
springs 851. The pad is not shown as it would block the view of the
springs and the rods, but is understood by those with ordinary
skill in the art. The pad would be coupled to the frame
sections.
[0036] Shown in FIG. 9 is the trampoline park 900 comprised of the
trampoline park framing system. The trampoline park 900 has 6
trampoline sections 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906 including two
angular sections 905, 906. The outer frame sections 910 only need
the rods 911 on the inside of the frame section 910 to couple the
springs 915. The inside frame sections 920 need the rods 921 on
both sides of the frame sections 920 to secure the springs. The
inside frame sections 920 couple springs 921 on both sides of the
frame section 920. Two trampoline beds share one frame section to
form the trampoline park. The springs could couple directly to the
frame sections without the rods, but the rods add additional
security. The inner and outer frame sections 910, 920 are coupled
together via the plates 930. The plates 930 are bolted together to
create a level frame or base frame for the trampoline park 900. The
resultant frame is coupled to a plurality of supports 940 to adjust
the height of the level frame.
[0037] The angular frame sections 950 are affixed to the base frame
sections 910, 920 such that the angular frame sections 950 are made
special beyond the regular frame sections 910, 920. The angular
frame sections 950 have a base frame section 951 and the angle
frame section 952. The base frame section 951 is similar to the
regular frame section 910 except that the rod 957 stops at the
angle intersection 956 of the base frame. There is no need to a rod
where springs or material will not be located. At the angle
intersection 956, a new rod 960 or rods are coupled to the inside
angular frame section 952. A regular frame section 958 can couple
to the peak end of the angular frame section 952 and a second
angular frame section 970 to enclose a trampoline bed area which is
substantially covered by the material 990. In this embodiment, the
angular bed that runs from the base section up through the angular
section would be one piece of material. Alternative embodiments
would occur where the angular section was an attachment to the base
section and the angular section would be one bed, one piece of
material, coupled to the base section which would be a separate
bed, another piece of material. In this embodiment, the angular
frame section 950 has a cross frame section 965 that couples the
angular section 952 to the base section 951 for additional support.
In this embodiment, the angular frame section 952, base frame
section 951, and cross frame section 965 are all one piece. They
can be 3 individual pieces coupled together, but as 1 piece, the
frame is stronger.
[0038] The frame section 966 that encloses the bottom of the base
frame sections 951 has a spring rod 967. The rod 967 operates for
springs 968 and straps 969 that are coupled trampoline material at
the angle intersection to add optimum operation of the continuous
bed that covers two plane levels (a flat plane and an incline
plane). This feature is an option that the trampoline park framing
system can embody.
[0039] The trampoline park can have the padding to cover the frames
and springs as discussed along with FIG. 8. The padding is extra
protection to reduce injury. The pads can be coupled with each
frame section including the angular frame sections. The padding
covers the inside frame sections from the trampoline material of
one bed to the trampoline material of the adjacent beds to allow an
individual to jump on the bed, but not fall into the frame or in
between the springs.
[0040] The trampoline park can be comprised of multiple
combinations of bed sections such as the embodiment discussed
above. Other options include a park with multiple sides that have
angular beds such as three sides. The limitation to scalability is
the facility size such that a larger facility can have more than 6
of the trampoline bed sections. Also, a trampoline park can have
different bed sizes composed together such that a third bed is as
long as two beds combined and the two beds share their side frame
sections with the longer third bed. The options allow for the
flexibility to customize a trampoline park design to fit any
facility.
[0041] The trampoline court framing system is a collection of
frames coupled together via a plurality of plates which when bolted
together create a level frame from end to end similar to a table.
The frame height is accomplished by a plurality of supports. The
supports have shims or are adjustable to compensate for unlevel
floors of trampoline park facilities or warehouses. The trampoline
court framing system can be assembled with simple ratchet and
socket sets to couple the plates together via bolts and nuts. The
resultant trampoline park does not need on site welding. The
resultant trampoline park does not need specialized individuals to
assemble. The system simplifies the trampoline parks by allowing a
wholesaler to design, machine, and ship the entire park in boxes to
a remote location for the owner to assemble himself. The system
saves money on assembly teams and on shipping and design, because
it is an adjustable system that accommodates a wide range of
facilities.
[0042] The trampoline park framing system is a method of receiving
facility dimensions, designing a park to fit within those
dimensions, machining the frame sections with plates or brackets,
the supports, the bolts, the springs and the jumping material. The
trampoline park is then built as individual parts and shipped to
the remote location with simple instructions and all the nuts and
bolts needed and the recipient can assemble the trampoline park
with a ratchet and socket set.
[0043] In concluding the detailed description, it should be noted
that it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many
variations and modifications may be made to the preferred
embodiment without substantially departing from the 10 principles
of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are
intended to be included herein within the scope of the present
invention, as set forth in the following claims.
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