U.S. patent application number 13/823988 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-14 for trampoline.
The applicant listed for this patent is Keith Vivian Alexander, David Jethro Miller. Invention is credited to Keith Vivian Alexander, David Jethro Miller.
Application Number | 20140228176 13/823988 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47357311 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140228176 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; David Jethro ; et
al. |
August 14, 2014 |
Trampoline
Abstract
A trampoline comprises a mat, a frame, and a plurality of
support rods connecting between the frame and the mat to hold the
mat in tension above the frame, the support rods extending or
bowing outwards from the frame and curving upwards from the frame
towards the mat. Each of the support rods may have an associated
shorter secondary support rod. The support rods may have a
rectangular cross-section.
Inventors: |
Miller; David Jethro;
(Christchurch, NZ) ; Alexander; Keith Vivian;
(Christchurch, NZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Miller; David Jethro
Alexander; Keith Vivian |
Christchurch
Christchurch |
|
NZ
NZ |
|
|
Family ID: |
47357311 |
Appl. No.: |
13/823988 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
June 15, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NZ2012/000101 |
371 Date: |
April 16, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61497600 |
Jun 16, 2011 |
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61510369 |
Jul 21, 2011 |
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61579717 |
Dec 23, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/026 20130101;
A63B 71/022 20130101; A63B 5/11 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/27 |
International
Class: |
A63B 5/11 20060101
A63B005/11 |
Claims
1.-61. (canceled)
62. A trampoline comprising: a flexible rebounding mat, a plurality
of support rods, a frame, the support rods having an approximately
rectangular cross-section and connecting between the frame and the
mat to hold the mat in tension and aligned in a substantially
horizontal plane above the frame, the upper ends of the support
rods connected to the mat around the periphery of the mat, the
lower ends connected to the frame, the free length of the support
rods between the upper ends and the lower ends support rods
extending or bowing outwards from the frame, the support rods
curving upwards from the frame towards the mat substantially
perpendicular to the frame.
63. A trampoline as claimed in claim 62 wherein the support rods
are flat when no external force is applied.
64. A trampoline as claimed in claim 63 wherein each of the support
rods has a secondary support rod located at the rear of the support
rod and extending along part of the rear of the support rod, the
length of the secondary support rod is approximately half to
two-thirds that of the main support rod, the lower ends of both the
main support rod and the secondary support rod co-located.
65. A trampoline as claimed in claim 64 wherein the secondary
support rod has a cross-sectional profile the same shape and size
as that of the main support rod.
66. A trampoline as claimed in claim 62 wherein the mat is fitted
with mat edge fittings by which the ends of the support rods are
coupled to the mat.
67.-76. (canceled)
77. A trampoline as claimed in claim 64 wherein each of the
secondary support rods has a cap, the body of which encloses an
upper end of the secondary support rod and also encloses an
adjacent portion of the main support rod to hold the upper end of
the secondary support rod against the main support rod.
78. A trampoline as claimed in claim 62 wherein the upper end of a
main support rod is fitted with an edge connector to connect the
upper end of the main support rod to the edge of the trampoline
mat.
79. A trampoline as claimed in claim 62 wherein the mat is fitted
with mat edge fittings by which the upper end of each support rod
is connected to the trampoline mat.
80. A trampoline as claimed in claim 79 wherein the mat edge
fittings are ganged as a unitary item connected to the
corresponding mat edge to form a row of multiple connectors on that
edge of the mat.
81. A trampoline as claimed in claim 62 also having an edge
accessory attachment rail having a base connected to the
trampoline, and at least one side wall portion, the at least one
side wall or walls extending from and angled to the base to define
and surround a hollow central area between the wall and the base,
and to further define a slot that passes from inside the hollow
central area to outside the rail.
82. A trampoline as claimed in claim 62 also having a safety
enclosure, comprising; at least one net, a plurality of net support
assemblies, each net support assembly having an outer upright
aligned substantially vertically, and an inner upright associated
with the inner upright, the upper and lower ends of the inner
upright connected to the outer upright in such a manner that the
body of the inner upright is bowed inwards towards the mat and away
from the outer upright, the net support assemblies spaced at
intervals along the edge of the mat, the net connected to the inner
uprights so that the net forms an inwardly-bowed vertically aligned
barrier along the edge of the mat.
83. A trampoline safety enclosure comprising a wall or walls
corresponding to each side of a trampoline mat and extending
upwards from edges of the mat substantially vertically, the wall or
walls each having a connector attached to or forming part of a
lower edge of the wall, the connector located in a hollow central
area to connect a base or lower edge of the wall to the trampoline
mat, the walls being supported by wall members or similar connected
between an upper part or portion of the wall and the remainder of
the trampoline mat.
84. A trampoline edge protector comprising an edge protector pad
shaped and sized to fit to and over an edge of a trampoline to
cover the edge of the trampoline, a lower surface of the pad having
a connector attached to or forming part of the lower surface, the
connector located in a hollow central area to connect a base or
lower edge of a side wall to the trampoline, the side wall
supported by wall members or similar connected between an upper
part or portion of the wall and the remainder of the
trampoline.
85. A trampoline safety enclosure comprising: at least one net, a
plurality of net support assemblies, each net support assembly
having an outer upright aligned substantially vertically, and an
inner upright associated with the inner upright, the upper and
lower ends of the inner upright connected to the outer upright in
such a manner that the body of the inner upright is bowed inwards
towards the mat and away from the outer upright, the lower edge of
the at least one net fitted with a net connector adapted to hold
the lower edge of the net against a trampoline of a trampoline
system, the net support assemblies spaced at intervals along the
edge of the trampoline system, the net connected to the inner
uprights so that the net forms an inwardly-bowed vertically aligned
barrier along the edge of the trampoline system.
86. A trampoline comprising: a frame, a flexible rebounding mat
above the frame, and a plurality of resiliently flexible support
rods connecting between the frame and an edge of the mat to hold
the mat in tension, the support rods having a square or rectangular
cross-section and comprising a main support rod having a lower end
connected to the frame, an upper end connected to the edge of the
mat, and a free length extending upwardly from the frame to the
edge of the mat and bowing outwards from the frame and curving
upwards from the frame towards the mat substantially perpendicular
to the frame, the support rods also comprising a secondary support
rod on one side of the main support rod, the secondary support rod
extending from the frame towards the mat along part of the length
of the main support rod and increasing the resistance of the
support rod to bending along said part of the length of the main
support rod.
87. A trampoline as claimed in claim 86 wherein the upper end of
the main support rod is fitted with an edge connector which engages
an edge connector at the periphery of the mat to connect the upper
end of the support rod to the edge of the trampoline mat.
88. A trampoline as claimed in claim 87 wherein the length of the
secondary support rod is approximately half to two-thirds that of
the main support rod.
89. A trampoline system as claimed in claim 86 wherein the
secondary support rod has a cross-sectional profile the same shape
and size as that of the main support rod.
90. A trampoline as claimed in claim 86 wherein the secondary
support rod at or towards a mat end thereof is connected to the
main support rod.
91. A trampoline comprising: a flexible rebounding mat, a frame, a
plurality of resiliently flexible support rods having an
approximately rectangular cross-section between the frame and the
mat, upper ends of the support rods connecting to the mat around a
periphery of the mat and lower ends of the support rods connecting
to the frame, the free length of the support rods between the upper
ends and lower ends bowing outwards and curving upwards from the
frame towards the mat substantially perpendicular to the frame to
hold the mat in tension above the frame, a safety enclosure having
a lower edge connected to edges of the trampoline mat, and upright
enclosure support members having lower ends connected to the frame
below the mat and not otherwise being supported by or to the
trampoline, and upper ends connected to the top of the enclosure to
support the enclosure above the mat.
92. A trampoline as claimed in claim 91 wherein the support rods
are substantially flat when no external force is applied.
93. A trampoline as claimed in claim 91 wherein the mat is larger
than the frame so that the periphery of the mat overlaps the
frame.
94. A trampoline as claimed in claim 91 wherein the support rods
comprise a main support rod having a lower end connected to the
frame, an upper end connected to the edge of the mat, and a free
length extending upwardly from the frame to the edge of the mat and
bowed towards the mat, and a secondary support rod on one side of
the main support rod, the secondary support rod extending from the
frame towards the mat along part of the length of the main support
rod and increasing the resistance of the support rod to bending
along said part of the length of the main support rod.
95. A trampoline as claimed in claim 91 wherein the trampoline has
an at least approximately oval or circular shape.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a trampoline.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A trampoline generally comprises a rebounding mat fixed to a
support frame supported above the ground. A user jumps or bounces
on the mat. Usually, trampolines are equipped with a safety
enclosure, which extends upwards from the mat to surround or
enclose the mat to prevent a user from falling from the trampoline
Typically the safety enclosure is formed from mesh or netting and
is supported in position by poles which extend upwards from around
the edge of the trampoline. Usually these poles are connected to
the frame.
[0003] A conventional trampoline incorporates a peripheral metal
frame with the mat tensioned within frame by extension springs
spaced about the edge of the mat and extending outwards from the
mat to the frame. An example of this type of trampoline design is
shown in FIG. 1b. The trampoline may have a safety enclosure held
in position by a number of enclosure support members.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,174 discloses a form of soft-edged
trampoline in which the mat of the trampoline is supported by a
plurality of resiliently flexible rods received in a frame of the
trampoline at the lower ends of the rods, the upper end of the rods
coupled to the periphery of the bouncing or rebounding mat of the
trampoline, this arrangement avoiding the need for a solid frame
about the exterior of the bouncing mat, and exposed springs between
the frame and periphery of the mat. The rods are angled or
spiralled around the frame, extending outwards and upwards from the
frame. An example of this type of arrangement is shown in FIG. 1a.
Again the trampoline may have a safety enclosure held in position
by a number of enclosure support members.
[0005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,053,845 and 7,854,687 disclose enclosures
similar to those shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,538 discloses a trampoline in which the
mat is supported by a series of plane springs formed from a
material such as steel, the plane springs having the shape of
pre-curved flat bars, the lower part of the bars forming a base for
the trampoline. The bars are formed to have a `Z`-shape or a
recurved shape, bending outwards, then inwards, and then outwards
again before connecting to the edge of the mat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved or
at least an alternative form of trampoline.
[0008] In a first aspect the invention may broadly be said to
consist in a trampoline system comprising:
[0009] a flexible rebounding mat,
[0010] a plurality of support rods,
[0011] a frame,
[0012] the support rods connecting between the frame and the mat to
hold the mat in tension and aligned in a substantially horizontal
plane above the frame, the upper ends of the rods connected to the
mat around the periphery of the mat, the lower ends connected to
the frame,
[0013] the free length of the rods between the upper ends and the
lower ends rods extending or bowing outwards from the frame along
the entire free length, the rods curving upwards from the frame
towards the mat, the rods aligned to extend outwards substantially
perpendicular to the frame.
[0014] Preferably the rods are flat when no external force is
applied.
[0015] Preferably the rods have a square or rectangular
cross-section.
[0016] Preferably the rods are formed from fibreglass.
[0017] Preferably the frame has the overall form of a rectangle in
plan view, the mat rectangular and having a perimeter which
overlaps with the frame.
[0018] Preferably each of the support rods has a secondary support
rod located at the rear of the support rod and extending along part
of the rear of the support rod.
[0019] Preferably the length of the support rod is approximately
half to two-thirds that of the main rod, the lower ends of both the
support rod and the secondary support rod co-located.
[0020] Preferably the secondary support rod has a cross-sectional
profile the same shape and size as that of the support rod.
[0021] Alternatively the secondary support rod has a
cross-sectional profile smaller than that of the main rod.
[0022] Preferably the long sides of the support rod are fully
radiused.
[0023] Preferably the long sides of the secondary support rod are
fully radiused.
[0024] Most preferably each of the secondary support rods has a
cap, the body of which encloses the upper end of the secondary
support rod and also encloses the adjacent portion of the main
support rod to hold the upper end of the secondary support rod
against the main support rod.
[0025] Preferably the upper end of the main support rod is fitted
with an edge connector to connect the upper end of the support rod
to the edge of the trampoline mat.
[0026] Most preferably the mat is fitted with mat edge fittings
which have a female portion that fits with or corresponds to the
edge connector, the edge connector fitting or slotting into the
corresponding female connector.
[0027] Preferably the mat edge fittings are ganged as a unitary
item connected to the corresponding mat edge to form a row of
multiple female connectors on that edge of the mat.
[0028] Preferably the edge connector is substantially cylindrical,
the cylinder aligned substantially horizontally and perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis of the support rod.
[0029] Preferably the mat edge fitting has connector portions and
attachment portions, the connector portions interspersed with the
attachment portions in a 1:1 ratio, the attachment portions
generally having the form of triangular wedges with two long faces
and a convexly curved smaller face located between the two longer
faces, each connector portion formed as a hollow elongate structure
with a rectangular opening aligned facing inwards towards the
centre of the mat and an outwards-facing opening or outer opening,
one long face of the wedge positioned against the lower surface of
the mat, the second long face sloping towards the mat and the
convexly curved portion overhanging the edge of the mat, the
trampoline system also having webbing straps passing in a loop
around the attachment portion and attached to the mat.
[0030] Preferably the mat edge fitting has connector portions and
attachment portions, the connector portions interspersed with the
attachment portions in a 2:1 ratio, the mat edge fitting generally
having the form of a triangular wedge with two long faces and a
convexly curved smaller face located between the two longer faces
in cross-sectional profile, one long face of the wedge positioned
against the lower surface of the mat, the second long face sloping
towards the mat and the convexly curved portion overhanging the
edge of the mat, the trampoline system also having webbing straps
passing in a loop around the attachment portion and attached to the
mat, at least the underside of each attachment portion recessed
into the mat edge fitting, each connector portion having a recess
adapted to receive the edge connector.
[0031] Preferably the trampoline system also has an edge accessory
attachment system fitted to the top of the mat around substantially
the whole perimeter edge.
[0032] Alternatively the mat edge fitting has connector portions
and attachment portions, the connector portions interspersed with
the attachment portions in a 1:1 ratio, the attachment portions
generally having the form of triangular wedges with two long faces
and a smaller straight face located between the two longer
faces.
[0033] Preferably the mat edge fitting or attachment component is
open internally along the full length of the attachment
component.
[0034] Preferably each connector portion is formed as recess with
and open front and base, with a rear hook portion that extends
downwards and inwards from the rear wall of the main body of the
recess, and a lip extending downwards at the top front edge.
[0035] Preferably the edge connector has a generally T-shaped side
profile, the upright connected to and extending along the upper end
of the support rod, that arm of the `T` closest to the mat forming
a hook adapted to connect with the rear hook portion, the edge
connector having a substantially semi-circular notch across the
front face of the edge connector.
[0036] Preferably the trampoline system further comprises a catch
rod, located at the lower front of the attachment component, and
extending the length of the attachment component, the rear of the
catch rod locating into the notch to hold the upper end of the
support rod in position in the recess.
[0037] Preferably the trampoline system further has a plurality of
sleeves, each sleeve associated with and at least partly covering
and surrounding the free length one of the support rods.
[0038] Preferably the lower end of the sleeve is split so as to
form two free ends above the point at which the free length extends
from the aperture, the two free ends of the sleeve passed one each
around the top and the bottom of the frame member and reconnected
to each other on the inner side of the frame member to hold the
lower end of the rod in position on the frame member.
[0039] Preferably the top portion of the sleeve extends beyond the
upper end of the support rod and is closed, the upper end of the
support rod positioned just outside the edge of the mat, the top
portion of the sleeve folded over onto, and connected to, the top
surface of the mat.
[0040] Alternatively the upper end of the support rod is fitted
with a buckle having a main body with a recess on the underside, an
outer aperture on the outer side of the body, and a pair of inner
apertures located on the inner side of the body, the apertures
passing through the buckle, the recess receiving the upper end of
the support rod, the buckle located relative to the mat so that the
recess is located outside the edge of the mat, the body of the
buckle extending over the top of the mat.
[0041] Preferably the outer aperture, the recess, and the pair of
inner apertures are aligned in a row substantially perpendicular to
the edge of the mat, the upper end of the sleeve split to form an
outer end and an inner end, the inner end passing up through the
outermost one of the inner apertures and down through the innermost
one of the inner apertures and extending inwards across and
attached to the upper surface of the mat, the outer end passing
upwards through the outer aperture, downwards through the innermost
one of the inner apertures and extending over the top of the inner
end, the outer end attached to the mat, or the inner end, or
both.
[0042] Preferably the trampoline system also has a foam pad fitted
to and over the edge or each edge of the trampoline so as to cover
the edge of the mat and provide a cushion, a lower surface of the
foam pad fitted with a male connector which corresponds with the
attachment rail to connect the foam pad to the trampoline, the male
connector fitting between and gripped by the side portions.
[0043] Alternatively the trampoline system also has a safety
enclosure with a wall or walls corresponding to each side of the
mat and extending upwards from the edges of the mat substantially
vertically, the wall or walls each having a connector attached to
or forming part of the lower edge of the wall, the connector
slotting in between the two side portions of the rail so that the
base or lower edge of the side wall is connected to the mat, the
walls supported by wall members or similar connected between an
upper part or portion of the wall and the remainder of the
trampoline system.
[0044] Alternatively the trampoline system also has a safety
enclosure, comprising;
[0045] at least one net,
[0046] a plurality of net support assemblies, each net support
assembly having an outer upright aligned substantially vertically,
and an inner upright associated with the inner upright, the upper
and lower ends of the inner upright connected to the outer upright
in such a manner that the body of the inner upright is bowed
inwards towards the mat and away from the outer upright, the net
support assemblies spaced at intervals along the edge of the mat,
the net connected to the inner uprights so that the net forms an
inwardly-bowed vertically aligned barrier along the edge of the
mat.
[0047] Preferably each of the at least one nets has a plurality of
sleeves, located and aligned to coincide with the inner uprights,
the inner uprights located in the sleeves to connect the net to the
inner uprights so that the net forms an inwardly-bowed vertically
aligned barrier along the edge of the mat.
[0048] Preferably the outer uprights are formed from pultruded
fibreglass and have the form of a flat elongate bar with a
generally rectangular cross-section, the larger flat faces or sides
of the flat elongate bar aligned facing inwards and outwards
substantially parallel to the edge of the mat.
[0049] Preferably the inner uprights are formed from pultruded
fibreglass and have the form of a flat elongate bar with a
generally rectangular cross-section, the larger flat faces or sides
of the flat elongate bar aligned facing inwards and outwards
substantially parallel to the edge of the mat.
[0050] Preferably the lower edge of the at least one net is fitted
with a net connector, and the mat is fitted with a corresponding
rail, the connector and rail interacting to hold the lower edge of
the net against the edge of the mat.
[0051] Preferably each of the inner uprights is fitted with an
upright connector, the rail and upright connector interacting to
hold the inner upright in position relative to the mat.
[0052] Preferably each of the side assemblies also has a base unit,
the lower end of the outer upright connected to the base unit, the
base unit resting against the floor or surface on which the
trampoline system is located.
[0053] Preferably one, some or all of the side assemblies also have
a brace, the inner end of the brace connected to the outer surface
of the inner upright, the body of the brace extending outwards to
connect with the inner face of the outer upright.
[0054] Preferably the inner end of the brace connects to the outer
surface of the inner upright at or just above the point where the
inner upright meets the mat, the body of the brace angled upwards
to connect with the inner face of the outer upright.
[0055] Preferably the brace is a fibreglass bar having the same
cross-sectional profile as the inner and outer uprights.
In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in
a safety enclosure for a trampoline system, comprising:
[0056] at least one net,
[0057] a plurality of net support assemblies,
[0058] each net support assembly having an outer upright aligned
substantially vertically, and an inner upright associated with the
inner upright, the upper and lower ends of the inner upright
connected to the outer upright in such a manner that the body of
the inner upright is bowed inwards towards the mat and away from
the outer upright, the lower edge of the at least one net fitted
with a net connector adapted to hold the lower edge of the net
against the trampoline of the trampoline system, the net support
assemblies spaced at intervals along the edge of the trampoline
system, the net connected to the inner uprights so that the net
forms an inwardly-bowed vertically aligned barrier along the edge
of the trampoline system.
[0059] Preferably each of the at least one nets has a plurality of
sleeves, located and aligned to coincide with the inner uprights,
the inner uprights located in the sleeves to connect the net to the
inner uprights so that the net forms an inwardly-bowed vertically
aligned barrier along the edge of the mat.
[0060] Preferably the outer uprights are formed from pultruded
fibreglass and have the form of a flat elongate bar with a
generally rectangular cross-section, the larger flat faces or sides
of the flat elongate bar aligned facing inwards and outwards
substantially parallel to the edge of the mat.
[0061] Preferably the inner uprights are formed from pultruded
fibreglass and have the form of a flat elongate bar with a
generally rectangular cross-section, the larger flat faces or sides
of the flat elongate bar aligned facing inwards and outwards
substantially parallel to the edge of the mat.
[0062] Preferably each of the inner uprights is fitted with an
upright connector, the rail and upright connector interacting to
hold the inner upright in position relative to the mat.
[0063] Preferably each of the side assemblies also has a base unit,
the lower end of the outer upright connected to the base unit, the
base unit resting against the floor or surface on which the
trampoline system is located.
[0064] Preferably one, some or all of the side assemblies also have
a brace, the inner end of the brace connected to the outer surface
of the inner upright, the body of the brace extending outwards to
connect with the inner face of the outer upright.
[0065] Preferably the inner end of the brace connects to the outer
surface of the inner upright at or just above the point where the
inner upright meets the mat, the body of the brace angled upwards
to connect with the inner face of the outer upright.
[0066] Preferably the brace is a fibreglass bar having the same
cross-sectional profile as the inner and outer uprights.
[0067] The term "comprising" as used in this specification and
indicative independent claims means "consisting at least in part
of". When interpreting each statement in this specification and
indicative independent claims that includes the term "comprising",
features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be
present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be
interpreted in the same manner.
[0068] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or
both.
[0069] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural
and/or singular forms of the noun.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0070] Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from
the following description which is given by way of example only and
with reference to the accompany drawings which show an embodiment
of the device by way of example, and in which:
[0071] FIG. 1a shows a first form of prior art trampoline system,
the trampoline system having a frame, a jumping mat and an
enclosure net held above, and surrounding, the jumping mat to form
an enclosed jumping area, the frame and jumping mat connected via a
number of fiberglass rods extending upwards from the frame to the
edge of the mat.
[0072] FIG. 1b shows a second form of prior art trampoline system,
the trampoline system also having a frame, a jumping mat and an
enclosure net held above, and surrounding, the jumping mat to form
an enclosed jumping area, the frame and jumping mat connected via a
number of springs aligned generally horizontally and extending
outwards from the mat to the frame.
[0073] FIG. 2 shows a first preferred form of trampoline, the mat
of the trampoline is supported above a frame of the trampoline by a
plurality of resiliently flexible rods which extend outwards from
the frame to the mat, substantially perpendicular to the frame, the
rods curving outwards and upwards from the frame, the upper ends of
the rods connected to the periphery of the mat.
[0074] FIGS. 3a-d show an exploded perspective view of the
preferred form of frame for the trampoline, the sides of the frame
formed from separate frame members connected at their corners by
separate corner connectors to form a hollow rectangle.
[0075] FIG. 4a shows the preferred form of resiliently flexible
support rod, the support rod having a main support rod and a
secondary support rod, and FIG. 4b is an exploded view of same.
[0076] FIGS. 5a-c show a first preferred component used for
connecting the upper end of the support rods to the mat, a single
attachment component forming a gang of female connectors aligned in
a row, the female connector portions alternating with attachment
portions, each connector portion having a hollow elongate form with
a rectangular opening aligned facing inwards towards the centre of
the mat and an outwards-facing opening or outer opening.
[0077] FIGS. 6a-e show second form of attachment component shown in
FIG. 5, a single attachment component forming a gang of female
connectors aligned in a row, with the female connector portions
interspersed with attachment portions in a ganged female row in a
2:1 ratio of female connector portions to attachment portions, the
female connector portions having a recesses which in use receive an
edge connector on the upper end of the support rod.
[0078] FIGS. 7a and b show the trampoline of FIG. 2 fitted with an
enclosure, the edge of the trampoline fitted with an edge accessory
attachment rail that forms a female connector, the lower edge of
the enclosure fitted with a corresponding male connector.
[0079] FIG. 8 shows a foam pad fitted to and over the edge of the
trampoline to cover the edge of the mat and any hard or rigid items
on or close to the edge of the mat, the edge of the trampoline
fitted with an edge accessory attachment rail the same or similar
as that shown in FIG. 7.
[0080] FIGS. 9a-d shows a sleeve that is fitted over the support
rod, the lower end or ends of the sleeve used to assist in
attaching the support rod to the trampoline frame, the upper end or
ends of the sleeve connected to the mat to hold the rod in position
relative to the mat.
[0081] FIGS. 10a-d shows a variant of the sleeve arrangement shown
in FIG. 9, with the lower end or ends of the sleeve used to assist
in attaching the support rod to the trampoline frame, and the upper
end of the support rod fitted with a buckle, the upper end or ends
of the sleeve interacting with the buckle and connected to the mat
to hold the rod in position relative to the mat.
[0082] FIGS. 11a-d shows another form of component used for
connecting the upper end of the support rods to the mat, a single
attachment component forming a gang of female connectors aligned in
a row, the female connector portions alternating with attachment
portions, the attachment component open internally along the full
length of the attachment component, the attachment component having
a rear hook portion that forms part of the rear wall of the main
body of the recess, the front and base of the attachment component
open except for a lip at the top front edge of the main body of the
attachment component, the support rod fitted with an edge connector
with a generally T-shaped outline, a catch rod running along the
lower front internal corner of the attachment component.
[0083] FIG. 12 shows a preferred from of enclosure for use with the
trampoline of the first preferred form.
[0084] FIGS. 13a and b shows a similar enclosure to that of FIG.
12.
[0085] FIGS. 14a and b shows a similar enclosure to that of FIG.
12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0086] A trampoline system 1 according to the invention is shown in
FIG. 2. The trampoline system 1 has a flexible rebounding mat 2 and
a frame 3, the mat 2 and frame 3 held in position relative to one
another by a plurality of support rods 4.
Frame
[0087] The frame 3 of the preferred embodiment is generally
rectangular in plan view, with a hollow centre. While the preferred
form is rectangular, the frame 3 could have any suitable shape,
such as square, oval or circular. In the preferred rectangular form
of frame, and with reference to FIG. 3, each side of the frame is
formed from a separate frame member 5, the frame members 5
connected at their corners by separate corner connectors 6 to form
a hollow rectangle. The preferred material used to form the frame
members that form the sides of the frame 3 is steel tubing, with
the corner connectors formed from injection moulded plastic.
Mat
[0088] The mat 2 has the same shape as the frame 3, but larger, so
that when the mat 2 is placed above the frame 3, each edge of the
mat 2 overlaps the frame 3. The mat 2 is formed from a resiliently
flexibly material such as woven polypropylene.
Support Rods
[0089] The mat 3 is held above the frame 2 in tension by a
plurality of support rods 4. Each of the support rods 4 has a lower
end 7 which is connected to the frame 3, and an upper end 8 which
is connected to the mat 3. In the preferred embodiment, the lower
end 7 is connected to one of the frame members 5 or frame members 5
in such a manner that the lower end 7 is angled outwards and
upwards from the frame member 5, with the longitudinal axis of the
support rod 4 aligned substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the frame member 5. Each support rod 4 has a
free length 9, which is that length of the rod between the upper
end 8 (connected to the mat) and the lower end 7 (connected to the
frame). The free length 9 bows, bends or extends outwards from the
frame 3 (more specifically, the hollow centre of the frame 3) along
the entirety of the free length to form an outwardly bowed arc.
[0090] The support rods 4 are, in the preferred embodiment, formed
from fibreglass or a similar material. The support rods 4 are
formed as flat bars--that is, elongate members with a square or
more preferably rectangular cross-section. However, the rods 4 can
be formed to have any other suitable cross-sectional shape. The
support rods 4 are flat or straight when no external force is
applied--that is, they are not pre-formed with a curve. The sides
of the rods (that is, the narrower ones of the longer faces aligned
along or with the longitudinal axis of the rod) are, in the
preferred embodiment, fully radiused.
[0091] In the most preferred form, the rods 4 form a row along each
side of the frame 2 and mat 3. The corners of the trampoline do not
have support rods associated with them. In the most preferred form,
the corners of the rectangular mat 3 are `cut off` diagonally
between the end one of each row of support rods, to avoid an
unsupported or loose portion of material at the corner.
[0092] In the most preferred form, each of the support rods 4
includes a secondary support rod or bar 10 or half-bar 10 connected
to the rear of the main support rod 4. The length of the support
rod is approximately half to two-thirds that of the main rod. The
lower end of the secondary support rod 10 is also connected to the
frame 3, so that the secondary support rod 10 extends along the
rear of the main secondary support rod 10 for approximately half to
two-thirds the length (the lower half) of the support rod 10. The
secondary support rod 10 is also straight or un-curved when no
external force acts on it.
[0093] The preferred form of the secondary support rod 10 has a
cross-sectional profile the same shape and size as the main rod.
However, the support rod can have any suitable cross-sectional
shape and size, and could for example have a rectangular
cross-section that is smaller than the cross-section of the main
support rod.
[0094] It should be noted that the use of the secondary support rod
10 is preferred, but not absolutely necessary. In this
specification, references to support rods should not be taken to
mean always inclusive or always exclusive of the secondary support
rod: the reference could be to a support rod by itself (support rod
4), or to a support rod formed from support rod 4 in combination
with a secondary support rod 10.
[0095] The preferred form of main support rod 4 and secondary
support rod 10 is shown in FIG. 4a, and exploded in FIG. 4b.
[0096] The lower end of each of the support rods 4 and rods 10 are
connected to the frame as follows: a series of holes or apertures
11 are formed in a row along the frame tubes 5, along the outer
side of the frame tube 5 and slightly towards the upper part of the
frame tube 5. The lower ends 7 of the support rods 4 and secondary
support rods 10 are inserted into these apertures 11. The sides of
the apertures can be reinforced with a support insert 12 or similar
if required. As described above, the free length 9 curves upwards
and outwards from the frame 2 to the mat 3. The curve of the main
support rod 4 also causes the secondary support rod to bend or
curve outwards to follow the curve of the main support rod 4.
[0097] In the most preferred form, the secondary support rods have
a cap 13, the body of which encloses the upper end of the secondary
support rod 10 and also encloses the adjacent portion of the main
support rod 4 to hold the upper end of the secondary support rod
against the main support rod 4. In practice, as the curve bends the
main support rod 4 backwards against the secondary support rod, the
two rods are forced against one another along the length of their
contacting faces.
[0098] In one embodiment, the upper end 8 of the main support rod 4
is fitted with an edge connector 14 to connect the upper end 8 to
the edge of the mat 2 in co-operation with an edge fitting fitted
to the edge of the mat. The edge connector and the co-operative
relationship will be described in more detail below. In the
preferred form the edge connector 14 has the general form of a
cylinder with its axis aligned horizontally, and perpendicular to,
the longitudinal axis of the support rod 4. The cylindrical edge
connector 14 has a slot 17 which passes through the centre of the
cylinder perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, to allow the edge
connector 14 to be slipped over the end of the support rod 4. The
edge connector 14 also has a pair of holes 16 which are aligned at
right angles to the slot, and a pair of corresponding pins 15. The
pins 15 and holes 16 correspond to a pair of notches 18 on the
support rod 4, just behind the tip of the upper end 8. The edge
connector 14 is held in place on the end of the rod 4 by the pins,
which pass through the edge connector 14 and through the notches
18. If required, one end of the holes 16 can be countersunk to
correspond to a wider end on the pin 15, this countersinking
stopping the pin passing all the way through the hole 16 and
potentially dropping out of the hole 16.
[0099] There are two preferred ways in which the pins may be
formed.
[0100] The first method is as follows: the pins 15 are moulded as
one piece with the edge connector 14. A thin diaphragm is used to
connect the pins 15 to the edge connector 14 to allow the cavity to
fill. To fit the edge connector 14 to the rod, the pines 15 are
pressed in and the diaphragm shears through.
[0101] The second method is to form two separate pins separately
from the edge connector, and to press them into place.
Mat Edge Rod Connection
[0102] There are several ways in which the support rods can be
connected to the edge of the mat. Several preferred ways shall now
be described.
Webbing Sleeve
[0103] A first preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 9. Each of the
support rods (and secondary support rods if used) is fitted with a
sleeve 33. The preferred form of sleeve is two generally flat
pieces of material connected by sewing or similar along each long
edge. The sleeve is slipped over the rod so that the seams along
each long edge align with the smaller sides or faces of the support
rod. The lower end of the sleeve 33 is split. That is, the two
edges are not connected at the lower end. The two faces of the
sleeve are left intact, and the result is that two free ends 35 are
formed at the lower end. The non-connected or split portion starts
just above the point at which the free length 9 of the support rod
4 extends from the aperture 11. The two free ends 35 of the sleeve
are passed one each around the top and the bottom of the frame
member 5. The two free end 35 are reconnected to each other on the
other side or inner side of the frame member 5, preferably by
stitching or similar, to hold the lower end 7 of the rod 4 in
position on the frame member 5.
[0104] The first preferred way to attach the upper end 8 to the mat
is as follows: the top portion 34 of the sleeve is closed, and
extends beyond the upper end 8 of the support rod 4. The upper end
8 of the rod 4 is positioned just outside the edge of the mat 2 and
the top portion of the sleeve is folded over onto the top surface
of the mat, and stitched into place to hold the support rod 4 in
position.
[0105] The second preferred way to attach the upper end to the mat
is as follows: the rod is fitted with sleeve 33 as described above.
The lower end is connected to the frame member 5 in the same manner
as described above. However, in this embodiment, and with reference
to FIG. 10, the upper end 8 of the support rod 4 is fitted with a
buckle 36. The buckle 36 has a main body, with a recess 37 on the
underside, and an outer aperture 39 on the outer side of the
buckle, on the outer side of the recess 37. A pair of inner
apertures 38a and 38b are located on the inner side of the body of
the buckle 36, with the aperture 38a closer to the edge of the mat
and the recess 37 than the aperture 38b. The outer aperture 39, the
recess 37, and the inner apertures 38a and 38b are all aligned in a
row, substantially perpendicular to the edge of the mat 2. All of
the apertures 38a, 38b, and 39 pass through the buckle 36 from top
to bottom. The upper end 8 of the support rod 4 slots into the
corresponding recess 37 in the body of the buckle 36. The buckle 36
is located relative to the mat so that the recess 37 is just
outside the edge of the mat 2, with the majority of the body of the
buckle 36 extending over the top of the mat 2, so that the
apertures 38a and 38 b are positioned over the top of the mat 2. In
this embodiment, the upper end of the sleeve 33 is also split into
two free ends--an outer end 40 and an inner end 41. The inner end
41 passes up through the aperture 38a and is folded inwards across
part of the body of the buckle 36 and down through the aperture 38b
and then extends inwards onto the upper surface of the mat 2, where
it is connected or attached in any suitable fashion to the mat 2,
but most preferably by sewing or stitching. The outer end 40 passes
upwards through the aperture 39 and is then folded across the top
of the buckle 36, passing downwards through the aperture 38b over
the top of the inner end 41 and is connected in any suitable
fashion but preferably by sewing or stitching to the mat over the
top of the inner end 41. Use of the buckle 36, and in particular
the manner in which the upper end 8 is inserted into the recess 37
of the buckle 36, helps to prevent wear on the components of the
trampoline.
[0106] The sleeve can also be used in conjunction with a plastic
insert (not shown) that is located over the main body, or free
length, of the support rod, between the support rod and the sleeve,
the plastic insert supporting the support rod and helping to
prevent wear and tear on the support rod during use.
Edge Connectors
[0107] The edge connector 14 is used as a part of a mechanism to
connect the upper end of the support rod 4 to the edge of the mat
2. In the preferred form, the mat 2 is fitted with a mat edge
fitting or fittings which fit with or correspond to the edge
connector 14. In the preferred form, the mat edge fittings are
female connectors which correspond to the male edge connector 14.
The female connectors are ganged in a single unitary item which is
then connected to the edge of the mat to form a row of multiple
female connectors on the edge of the mat 2. In the preferred form,
the ganged female connectors are formed as a separate component to
the mat 2, and then connected to the edge of the mat 2. A first
preferred way to connect the ganged female connectors is shown in
FIG. 5. The ganged female connectors are formed as a single
attachment component 20a with the female connectors aligned in a
row. In attachment component 20a, connector portions 21 alternate
with attachment portions 23. Each connector portion 21 has a hollow
elongate form with a rectangular opening 22 aligned facing inwards
towards the centre of the mat and an outwards-facing opening or
outer opening 24. The connector portions 21 are interspersed with
attachment portions 23 in a 1:1 ratio. The attachment portions 23
have the form of generally triangular wedges with two long faces
and a convexly curved smaller face between the two longer faces.
One long face of the wedge is positioned against the lower surface
of the mat. The second long face (opposite the first) slopes
towards the mat 2 with the thin end of the wedge aligned pointing
or facing towards the centre of the mat 2. The attachment component
20a is positioned along one edge of the mat so that the convexly
curved portion at the thick end of the wedge slightly overhangs the
end of the mat 2. Lengths of webbing or webbing straps 25 are sewn
to the mat so that they pass in a loop around the attachment
portion 24, fitting snugly to the attachment portion 23. These
straps hold the attachment component 20 in position on the mat. The
attachment component 20a is prevented from slipping sideways
through the webbing loops by the connector portions 21, which have
a side profile that overhangs or extends above the sides of the
wedge shape of attachment portion 23, preventing sideways movement
through the webbing loop.
[0108] As part of the assembly of the trampoline system 1, the
lower end 7 of the support rod 4 is passed through the connector
portions 21 from the inside, extending out through the outer
opening 24. The upper end 8 is fitted with the edge connector 14.
The connector portions 21 and edge connector 14 mutually fit
together in such a way that the edge connector 14 is held in
position inside the connector portion 21, but can rotate around an
axis parallel to the edge of the mat 2. The range of rotation is
not required to be more than a few degrees each way in use. The
support rod 4 is then flexed or bent with the lower end located in
the aperture 11.
[0109] A variation of the attachment component described
above--attachment component 20b--is shown in FIG. 6. The attachment
component 20b is similar to the component 20a described above.
However, in this variant, the connector portions 21b are
interspersed with attachment portions 23 in a 2:1 ratio. The
`female` component or connector portions 21b of the attachment
component 20b are recesses 26. The edge connector 14 is fitted into
the recess 26 from below, and can rotate around an axis parallel to
the edge of the mat in a similar manner to that described above.
Also as above, the range of rotation is not required to be more
than a few degrees each way in use. As above, a webbing strap 25b
passes around the connector portion 21b from the top of the mat 2
to the underside to hold the elongate attachment component 20b in
position. Sideways movement of the attachment component 20b is
prevented by the connector portion 21b being slightly inset into
the elongate attachment component 20b.
[0110] Yet another variation of the edge connection mechanism is
shown in FIG. 11. A third variant of mat edge fitting or attachment
component--attachment component 20c--is shown connected to the edge
of the mat 2. The attachment component 20c is similar to both the
components 20a and 20b described above. Connector portions 21c
alternate with attachment portions 23c in a 1:1 ratio. In a similar
manner to that described above, the attachment component 20c is
connected to and along the edge of the mat by a series of webbing
straps 25c that are looped over the attachment component 20c with
the ends stitched or sewn to the upper and lower surfaces of the
mat 2, the webbing straps aligned substantially perpendicular to
the edge of the mat 2 and passing across and over the attachment
portions 23c.
[0111] In this embodiment, the recess 126 is formed so that the
attachment component 20c is open internally along the full length
of the attachment component 20c. The recess 126 is shaped so that
it contains a rear hook portion 43 that extends downwards and
inwards from, and forms part of the rear wall of the main body of
the recess 126. The front of the attachment component 20c, opposite
the hook portion 43, is open, as is the base, except for a lip 42
at the top front edge of the main body of the attachment component
20c, extending downwards.
[0112] In this embodiment, the upper end 8 of the rod 4 is fitted
with an edge connector 114 that has a generally T-shaped outline
from the side. The upright is connected to and extends along the
upper end of the rod. The rear (or right) arm of the `T` forms a
hook with a rear top surface that is angled upwards (from right to
left) in relation to the lower surface of the arm (if the `T` shape
were viewed with the upright vertical). The front arm of the `T` is
shaped by forming a semi-circular notch 45 across the front face of
the edge connector 114. The portion of the edge connector 114 above
the notch forms a front face that slopes inwards from the top of
the arm, the upper face sloping upwards to an apex where it meets
the rear top surface.
[0113] A catch rod 44 is passed in through one of the open ends of
the attachment component 20c. The rod 44 is the same length as the
attachment component 20c. The body of the catch rod 44 rests at the
lower front internal corner of the attachment component 20c. The
preferred form of rod is circular in cross-section.
[0114] The lower end of the support rod 4 is attached to the frame
in a similar manner to that outlined above. When the lower end is
first connected to the frame, the support rod 4 extends upwards and
outwards from the frame. To connect the support rod 4 to the
attachment component 20c, the upper end 8 of the support rod 4 is
bent backwards/inwards towards the mat 2 and the connected
attachment component 20c. The angled rear top surface or face
pushes the catch rod 44 upwards within the recess. When the upper
end is pushed fully backwards towards the mat, the catch rod 44
passes over the top of the edge connector 114 and down the front
face. The notch 45 has substantially the same radius as the rod 44.
The spring energy contained in the rod from being bent backwards
towards the mat 2 causes the upper end of the rod 4 to move
outwards. However, once the rod 44 drops over the front face, and
the notch 45 moves forward as the upper end of the support rod 4
moves outwards, the notch 45 moves forward over and around that
portion of the body of the rod 44 which is next to the notch 45,
the rod 44 preventing the upper end of the support rod 4 from
moving out of position within the attachment component 20c. The
rear arm of the `T` slots into and over the hook portion 43.
[0115] Inside the recess 126, the top surface of the recess bears
down on the portion of the edge connector 114 above the notch which
forms a front face that slopes inwards from the top of the arm.
[0116] In use, the rear arm of the `T` slots into and over the hook
portion 43 to allow some movement of the rod and the attachment
component 20c relative to one another as a user bounces on the mat
2. Similarly, there is a space between the inner wall of the recess
126 and the front face of the front arm of the `T` to allow some
movement of the rod and the attachment component 20c relative to
one another.
Edge Accessory Attachment System
[0117] The trampoline system 1 also has an edge accessory
attachment system. In one embodiment the rail 27 is fitted to the
top of the mat 2 around substantially the entire perimeter edge of
the mat 2 (except for the corners in the preferred embodiment). The
edge accessory attachment rail 27 is an extruded rail, having a
continuous base 28 and two side portions 29 that extend upwards
from each side of the base 28 to form an arch shape. The base 28
lies flat against, and is attached to, the mat 2. The top of the
arch formed by the two side portions 29 is an open slot. The side
portions 29 are not continuous: there are gaps at intervals on each
side. In the embodiment shown, this is to allow the rail 27 to be
connected to the mat 2 by straps (not shown) which loop around the
rail 27 and the edge of the mat 2 with the ends pointing inwards.
The ends of the straps are connected by stitching or similar to the
mat 2 to hold the rail in position, a portion of the body of each
of the straps located in one of the gaps.
[0118] An alternative way to connect the rail 27 to the mat 2 is to
use a single fastener on the bottom or base 28 of the rail, for
example by passing the fastener through the base 28 and the mat 2
to connect the mat 2 and the rail 27 in a manner which does not
require the gaps in the side portions 29.
[0119] Accessories for the trampoline system 1 are fitted with a
connector 30 that corresponds to the attachment rail 27. The
connector 30 fits between the sides 29 of the arch, the sides 29
forming a female portion and the connector 30 forming a male
portion which interlock. The connector 30 extends upwards through
the slot and is connected to the main body of the accessory. The
accessory can for example be an item such as the wall of a safety
enclosure or similar such as for example the enclosure wall 32
shown in FIG. 7. The connector 30 is attached to or forms part of
the lower edge of the wall of the enclosure, and as shown in FIG. 7
slots into the rail 27 so that the base or lower edge of the side
wall is connected to the edge of the trampoline mat. Alternatively
the accessory could be a foam pad 31 such as the one shown in FIG.
8, which is fitted to and over the edge of the trampoline 1 to
cover the edge of the mat 2 and also any hard or rigid items on or
close to the edge of the mat 2. The foam pad 31 provides a cushion
which can help to prevent injury if a user falls at or close to the
edge of the mat 2. As shown in FIG. 8, a lower surface of the foam
pad 31 is fitted with the connector 30, which fits into the slot on
rail 27 to connect the foam pad 31 to the trampoline.
[0120] Four preferred forms or variants of accessory attachment
system suitable for use with the trampoline will now be described.
For each of the first two preferred forms, as shown in FIGS. 7b and
8, the accessory attachment system has two main parts: an accessory
attachment rail 27 fitted in use to the trampoline 1, and a
connector 30 that corresponds to the attachment rail 27, and which
is fitted to the accessory.
[0121] For both of these first two preferred embodiments, the
accessory attachment rail 27 is an extruded rail, having a
continuous base 28 and two side wall portions 29 that extend
upwards and angle inwards over the base, one from each side of the
base 28. An open slot is formed in the top of the structure formed
by the two side portions 29. Although it is preferred that the slot
is open, the two edges could be touching each other, and forced
apart when the accessory is pulled into the slot. It can be seen
that the accessory attachment rail is a hollow structure with a
slot at the top.
[0122] In the first two preferred forms as shown in FIGS. 7b and 8,
the side wall portions are co-extruded with the base 28, but could,
if required, be manufactured separately and then connected to the
base.
[0123] The accessory attachment rail is, in the preferred use,
fitted to the top of the mat around substantially the entire
perimeter edge of the mat (except for the corners in the preferred
embodiment--the rail in this embodiment is actually four separate
(sub-)rails, which are fitted one to each edge). However, it should
be noted that the rail could be fitted to the trampoline wherever
it is required--e.g. close to the centre of the mat, on the frame,
on the enclosure, etc. The base 28 lies flat against, and is
attached to, the mat. In the first preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 7b, the side portions 29 are not continuous: there are gaps at
intervals on each side. This is to allow the rail to be connected
to the mat by straps (not shown) which loop around the rail and the
edge of the mat with the ends pointing inwards. The ends of the
straps are connected by stitching or similar to the mat to hold the
rail in position. A portion of the body of each of the straps is
located in one of the gaps, passing across and preferably
contacting the inner surface of the base 15.
[0124] In the second preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the side
portions 29 are continuous. The rail is connected to the mat by
fasteners on the bottom or base of the rail. The fasteners 9 can be
rivets or similar.
[0125] Accessories for use with the trampoline are fitted with a
connector 30 that corresponds to the attachment rail.
Alternatively, the connector 30 could be integrally formed with the
accessory. In the preferred embodiment, the connector 30 has a main
body portion that fits between the sides 29 of the rail, and an
extension portion that extends from the main body upwards through
the slot to the accessory. The connector 30 fits between the sides
29, the sides 29 forming a female portion that corresponds to the
male portion 30, the male and female portions interlocking in use.
That is, the sides 29 curve or angle around the main body portion
of the connector 30 to hold the accessory in position. The
extension portion extends upwards through the slot 11 to connect
with the main body of the accessory.
[0126] The preferred manner in which an accessory is fitted to the
trampoline is by sliding one end of the connector 30 between the
sides 29 from one open end of the rail. However, in the most
preferred embodiment, the main body portion of the connector is
formed from a non-rigid foam, and it is possible to push the main
body portion directly down through the slot into the rail, the
connector body contracting and then expanding again once it is
between the sides 29, the sides 29 also bending outwards and then
back into position once the main body has been fully pushed down
through the slot.
[0127] In the first preferred embodiment described above, with gaps
in the side walls, then the connector 30 passes over the top of the
strap(s).
[0128] The arrangement described above can be used to attach a
number of different accessories to the trampoline. The accessory
could be an edge protector pad such as the foam pad 31 shown in
FIG. 8, which is fitted to and over the edge of the trampoline to
cover the edge of the mat and also any hard or rigid items on or
close to the edge of the mat. The foam pad provides a cushion which
can help to prevent injury if a user falls at or close to the edge
of the mat. Another benefit is that by completely attaching the
pad, a uniform surface is presented, with no "gaps" for legs or
arms to slide under and catch on things like the hook end of a
spring. As shown in FIG. 8, a lower surface of the foam pad 31 is
fitted with the connector 30, which fits into the slot on rail 27
to connect the foam pad to the trampoline.
[0129] Alternatively, the accessory could for example be an item
such as the wall of a safety enclosure or similar. The enclosure
wall shown in FIG. 7b could be fitted with a connector 30 on or
close to its lower edge, so that it can be fitted to the
trampoline. The connector 30 is attached to or forms part of the
lower edge of the wall of the enclosure, and as shown in FIG. 7b
slots into the rail 27 so that the base or lower edge of the side
wall is connected to the edge of the trampoline mat.
[0130] Other auxiliary accessories can be fitted with the connector
30 for use as required. For example, a protective or weather cover
could be fitted with the connector 30 so that the trampoline can be
easily covered when not in use. A ladder, slide or similar can be
fitted with the connector 30 to allow it to be easily fitted to the
trampoline.
[0131] As described above, the first two preferred embodiments of
the rail have both ends open. One or both of these could be closed
rather than open. Also, the hollow area does not have to run the
full length of the rail. If required for structural reinforcement
or similar, the rail could be wholly or partly `filled` or solid
along at least part of the length of the rail.
[0132] Further forms or variants of accessory attachment system
suitable for use with the trampoline 1 will now be described with
reference to FIG. 8 and also FIGS. 13b and 14b.
[0133] The accessory attachment rail 121 shown in FIG. 6b is
similar to the rails shown in FIG. 8. However, the side wall
portions 122 extend downwards, and the base portion 123 upwards. In
use, the base portion 123 is connected to the enclosure or other
accessory, and a corresponding mat connector 124 is attached to the
trampoline mat (although as outlined for the connector 117 of the
first two embodiments above, it may also be connected to the frame,
or close to the centre of the mat, or in any other suitable and
desirable location. The main body of the connector 124 is the same
as in the preferred form, and the same as for the connector 117 of
the first two preferred embodiments described above: circular in
cross-section. The main body of the connector 124 is in use located
between the side wall portions 122, which curve or angle towards
one another over the body of the connector 124 to hold it in
position. A portion of the connector 124 extends away from the main
body, through the slot, to e.g. the mat to attach to the mat. The
connector 124 is formed by folding a piece of webbing in half and
sewing along its length to create a pocket which is filled with a
plastic tube, a length of rope/cord, or a fibreglass rod. This
piece of webbing is then sewn to the mat surface.
[0134] The bottom edge of the enclosure can be formed in a similar
way: a section of the enclosure fabric can be folded over and sewn
to form a cavity that in use holds a tube. Alternatively, the edge
of the fabric can be rolled into a tube. The edge is then sewn
through to form a more solid edge. Another alternative would be to
knit the tubular form as part of the edge.
[0135] The walls of the accessory attachment rail 121 are, in the
embodiment shown, continuous. However, they could be discontinuous,
in a similar fashion to the rail embodiment shown in FIG. 8.
[0136] The upwards-facing base portion 123 includes a slot or
groove 125 running substantially the full length of the attachment
rail 121, aligned running parallel to the groove formed by the two
side wall portions 122, with an upward-facing opening. In use, a
lower edge of the enclosure or other accessory is located into the
upper groove 125. In the most preferred embodiment, each of the
side walls of the base portion each side of the slot include at
least one cut-out trench each side, aligned running substantially
horizontally, substantially the length of the side wall, so that
the trench 126 on the outer side faces outwards and the trench on
the inner side (not shown) faces inwards. The trenches are located
substantially at the same position or height on the inner and outer
side walls. The trenches are formed so that the thickness of the
wall between the trenches and the groove 125 is thin enough to be
sewn through by a sewing machine needle or similar. In this
fashion, the lower edge of the enclosure or accessory can be
attached by sewing to the attachment rail 121.
[0137] It should be noted that although sewing is the most
preferred way of attaching the enclosure or accessory to the rail
121, other ways are also envisaged, such as gluing, plastic
welding, riveting, etc. It should also be noted that the rail could
be arranged to face the other way up, with the base downwards and
sewn to e.g. the mat, frame, etc.
[0138] The fourth form of accessory attachment rail 130 shown in
FIG. 14b has a double pair of side walls, one pair 131 facing
upwards in use, and the second pair 132 facing downwards, from a
central base portion. In cross-sectional profile, the accessory
attachment rail 130 has the overall appearance of a capital `H`,
with the ends of each one of the four uprights curved or angled
inwards towards the other one of the pair, and the central base
portion forming the `horizontal` or cross-piece of the `H`. The
walls are continuous in the preferred form, by may be discontinuous
if required, on one or both sides.
[0139] In use, a mat connector 133 is attached to e.g. the mat of
the trampoline, facing upwards, and a second accessory or enclosure
connector 134 is connected to the lower edge of the enclosure or
accessory, facing downwards. Each of the connectors 133 and 134 in
the preferred embodiments are circular in cross-section. The
connectors are pushed between the pairs of side walls on the upper
and lower side respectively, and the side walls arc or curve around
the circular bodies to hold the connectors in position. In this
fashion, the accessory attachment rail 30 is attached to the mat,
and the enclosure or accessory is attached to the attachment rail
30, thus holding the enclosure or accessory in position relative to
the mat.
[0140] As outlined above, the attachment rail 130 could be
connected to an item other than the mat if required, such as the
frame or similar. The connectors 133 and 134 can be formed in the
same or similar manner to that outlined above.
Safety Enclosure
[0141] A preferred form of safety enclosure for use with the
preferred form of trampoline system 1 will now be described with
reference to FIG. 12.
[0142] The safety enclosure is generally designated as safety
enclosure 50 in FIG. 12. The preferred form of trampoline system 1
is rectangular (i.e. with four sides) as described above, and the
safety enclosure described below is for use with that preferred
rectangular form. However, the safety enclosure could be adapted
for use with a circular, oval, triangular, hexagonal or any other
outline shape of trampoline system.
[0143] The preferred form of safety enclosure 50 has four separate
main components or side assemblies 51, each side assembly 51
corresponding to a side of the trampoline enclosure. Each of the
side assemblies 51 is substantially identical to the others (with
minor differences with regard to length, etc, if the sides of the
trampoline have sides of different lengths, for example if the
trampoline is rectangular rather than square). Each side assembly
has an enclosure net 53, and at least two and preferably three or
more upright net support arrangements or assemblies, each net
support assembly formed from an outer upright 54, an inner upright
55, and a base unit 52. The body of each of the outer uprights 54
is preferably aligned substantially vertically. Each of the outer
uprights 54 is connected to a base unit 52 at its lower end 56. The
outer uprights 54 are, in the preferred embodiment, formed from
pultruded fibreglass and have the form of a flat elongate bar, with
a generally rectangular cross-section. The larger flat faces or
sides of the flat elongate bars are aligned facing inwards and
outwards, parallel to the edge of the mat 2.
[0144] The preferred embodiment of the base units 52 is that of a
flat elongate bar, with the same cross-sectional profile as the
outer uprights 54. The base units 52 are connected one each to each
of the lower ends 56 of the outer uprights 54, and aligned
perpendicular to the outer uprights 54 to extend inwards towards
the mat 2 from the lower ends 56. The base units 52 have the same
cross sectional profile as the outer uprights 54. The outer
surfaces of the base units 52 lies flat against the floor or
surface on which the trampoline system 1 rests. The base units 52
are not mandatory: the lower end of the outer uprights 54 could be
adapted to rest on the floor, for example, or the safety enclosure
50 could be connected to the trampoline system 1 in such a manner
that the safety enclosure 50 does not contact the floor.
[0145] The inner uprights 55 also preferably have the same
cross-sectional profile and size as the outer uprights 54 and the
base units 52. The inner uprights 55 are connected to the outer
uprights 54 at the upper ends 57 and at the lower ends 56, on the
inner faces of the outer uprights 54. The inner uprights are longer
than the outer uprights 54, and so each of the inner uprights is
bowed or curved inwards towards the mat 2. The connection location
as just described is at the ends of the outer uprights, but could
be at any suitable location along their length. It is not strictly
necessary for a physical connection to be made at the upper ends:
the upper end of the inner upright 52 could rest against the inner
face of the outer upright without being connected. The same effect
could also be achieved by `recurving` the inner upright at one or
both ends (i.e. curving one or both of the ends back on
themselves), so that the points of contact with the outer upright
are not directly at the ends of the inner upright, but are close to
the ends. If it would be appropriate to do so, `end` should be
taken to mean either the connection point, or the actual end.
[0146] As described above, the outer upright and base unit are
connected in such a way that each one of the base units 52 has an
outer upright 54 extending substantially vertically upwards from
the outer end of the base unit 52. Preferably the inner upright 55
is connected so that it extends upwards from substantially the same
point, bending or bowing towards and then away from the mat 2 to
connect with the outer upright 54 at the upper end 57.
[0147] In the preferred embodiment, three of these net support
arrangements (base unit 52, outer upright 54 and inner upright 55)
are located on each side or edge of the mat 2, with two at or close
to each end, and the third located equidistant from the end two.
However, two, four, five or more of these arrangements could be
used as required, depending on the size of the mat 2. If using a
circular or oval mat, then a number could be located around the
circumference at suitable intervals. If using a trampoline with a
different number of sides, the appropriate number can be connected
at the appropriate points to provide the necessary coverage.
[0148] The enclosure net 53 is formed from a suitable material,
such as nylon webbing. The net 53 has a generally rectangular form,
and is fitted or formed with vertically-oriented sleeves 58, open
at their lower ends. The location of the sleeves 58 coincides with
the location of the inner uprights 55. Two of the sleeves are
located at each vertical edge of the net 52. In the preferred
embodiment, the net has one remaining sleeve (three in total), the
remaining sleeve located vertically bisecting the net 53. The open
ends of the sleeves 58 are in use slipped over the inner uprights
55 so that the net 53 forms an inwardly-bowed vertically aligned
barrier along the edge of the mat 2, the open ends preferably
coinciding with the edge of the mat 2. The lower edge of the net 53
is also aligned with, and co-located with, the edge of the mat 2,
and is connected to the edge of the mat 2 in a manner that will be
described below. The uppermost portion of the net 53 extends
slightly beyond the upper end 57, and is folded over and down so
that it aligns with the outer faces of the outer uprights 54. If
the inner and outer uprights are connected at their upper ends,
then it is preferred that the net is placed in position before this
connection takes place, with the net formed suitably (e.g. with an
aperture or similar) to allow the connection to take place.
Alternatively, the connection of the inner and outer uprights could
be made via the (intervening) net.
[0149] The net 52 is fitted with a connector on or close to the
lower edge, such as the connector 30 described above. The edge of
the mat 2 is fitted with the corresponding rail 27. The connector
30 fits to the rail 27 to hold the lower edge of the net 52 against
the edge of the mat 2. It is most preferred that each of the inner
uprights 55 is also fitted with a connector (not shown) suitable
for slotting into the rail 27 to hold the inner uprights in
position relative to the mat 2.
[0150] In use, a user may fall against the net 52 either where it
covers one of the inner uprights 55, or where it is freely
supported. In each case, the inner uprights 55 and the outer
uprights 54 will bend outwards, or bow towards the outer upright,
or both, to absorb the impact force. In particular, when an inner
upright is impacted directly, the inner upright will bow outwardly
(towards the outer upright) at the point of impact, as well as flex
at its lower end, to absorb the impact.
[0151] As further shown in FIG. 12, the safety enclosure 50 can be
fitted with a brace 59, which in the preferred embodiment is a
fibreglass bar having the same cross-sectional profile as the base
52 and the inner and outer uprights 55, 54. The inner end of the
brace 59 is connected to the outer surface of the inner upright 55
at or just above the point where the inner upright 54 meets the mat
2. The body of the brace 59 is straight, and angled upwards to
connect with the inner face of the outer upright 54. It is
preferred that the brace is used on all of the net support
arrangements. However, it could be used on one, some or all of the
net support arrangements and left off the others, as required.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 12, the corners of the safety enclosure 50,
between the ends of each of the side assemblies 51, are open. These
openings can be used to access the jumping surface of the mat 2,
and can be closed by flaps of netting or similar (not shown) in
use, to prevent a user inadvertently exiting the enclosed area.
[0153] FIGS. 13a and 14a show similar forms of safety enclosure on
a trampoline of the invention.
[0154] The foregoing description of the invention includes
preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
accompanying claims.
* * * * *