U.S. patent application number 14/031079 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-19 for decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline.
This patent application is currently assigned to Global IP, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Global IP, Inc., Pure Global Brands, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mitchell Carlin, Arien Hoogerwerf.
Application Number | 20150080186 14/031079 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52668502 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150080186 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carlin; Mitchell ; et
al. |
March 19, 2015 |
DECORATIVE AND SAFETY ASSEMBLY FOR DRESSING A TRAMPOLINE
Abstract
A decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which
can be easily secured to and removed from a trampoline is
described. The trampoline assembly is designed to enhance the
safety features associated with a trampoline, as well as enhance a
user's experience. The trampoline assembly may include a first
component coupleable to a horizontal frame of a trampoline, and a
second component independently coupleable to the horizontal frame
of a trampoline and covering the space between a rebounding surface
and a surface supporting a trampoline. The first component, the
second component, or combinations thereof may contain one or more
features that can be used to enhance an individual's experience
when using the device and may include indicia, such as colors,
wordings, symbols, lighting, audio devices, or combinations
thereof.
Inventors: |
Carlin; Mitchell; (West Palm
Beach, FL) ; Hoogerwerf; Arien; (West Palm Beach,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Global IP, Inc.
Pure Global Brands, Inc. |
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach |
FL
FL |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Global IP, Inc.
West Palm Beach
FL
|
Family ID: |
52668502 |
Appl. No.: |
14/031079 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A63B 2208/12 20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 5/11 20130101;
A63B 2071/009 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B 2220/56
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/27 |
International
Class: |
A63B 5/11 20060101
A63B005/11 |
Claims
1. A trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or
more portions of a trampoline comprising: a first component
coupleable to a horizontal frame of a trampoline, said first
component having at least one portion sized and shaped to mirror
the shape of said horizontal frame to cover one or more resilient
members coupled to a rebounding surface, and at least one portion
to cover at least a portion of the space between a rebounding
surface and a surface supporting a trampoline, a second component,
said second component independently coupleable to said horizontal
frame of a trampoline and covering the space between a rebounding
surface and a surface supporting a trampoline.
2. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 further
including a side foam insert.
3. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said
first component is configured to hold cushioning material, thereby
forming a pad.
4. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said
second component is configured to hold cushioning material thereby
forming a second pad, whereby said second pad is secured to a
trampoline at a position independent of said first pad.
5. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said
first component includes one or more securing members for securing
to a horizontal frame, said second component, or combinations
thereof.
6. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said
second component includes one or more securing members for securing
to a horizontal frame, said first component, or combinations
thereof.
7. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said
at least one portion to cover at least a portion of the space
between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline
includes one or more securing members for securing to a horizontal
frame, said first component, or combinations thereof.
8. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said
second component includes an inner housing having a cushioning
material therein.
9. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said
at least one portion covering space between a rebounding surface
and a surface supporting a trampoline extends partially about the
shape of said horizontal frame.
10. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said
first component, said second component, or combinations thereof
include indicia.
11. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 10 wherein said
indicia is a symbol, one or more words or lettering, or
combinations thereof.
12. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 10 wherein said
indicia is theme-based.
13. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 12 wherein said
indicia represents one or more components of an animal.
14. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 12 wherein said
indicia represents one or more components of a machine.
15. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said
first component, said second component, or combinations thereof
contain lighting.
16. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one
or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said
first component, said second component, or combinations thereof are
adapted to provide audio.
17. A trampoline dressing assembly kit comprising: at least one
first component coupleable to a horizontal frame of a trampoline,
said first component having at least one portion sized and shaped
to mirror the shape/contour of said horizontal frame to cover one
or more resilient members coupled to a rebounding surface, and at
least one portion to cover at least a portion of the space between
a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline; and at
least one second component, said second component independently
coupleable to said horizontal frame of a trampoline and covering
the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a
trampoline.
18. The trampoline dressing assembly kit according to claim 17,
further including at least one side foam insert.
19. The trampoline dressing assembly kit according to claim 17
wherein said first component, said second component, or
combinations thereof are adapted to provide lighting.
20. The trampoline dressing assembly kit according to claim 17
wherein said first component, said second component, or
combinations thereof are adapted to provide audio.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to exercise and/or
recreational devices; and more particularly to an assembly for
dressing a trampoline which provides decorative and safety
features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Trampolines are well known devices used for both
recreational use and for fitness reasons. Such devices are
increasingly popular as they provide efficient exercise, increase
cardiovascular fitness, provide for low impact exercising, and are
believed to provide detoxification resulting from the stimulation
of free flowing lymphatic drainage. Because using a trampoline does
not necessarily require complex movement, individuals of all ages
can obtain the many benefits of jumping up and down on the device.
In addition, because the use of a trampoline is thought to be fun,
use may have a positive impact on an individual's mental health.
While these devices have many benefits, care must be undertaken
when using to avoid injury.
[0003] As trampolines became popular, finding their way into
backyards and home basements, the number of injuries associated
with trampoline use increased. Recent developments in the design of
trampolines have helped lower the number of associated injuries.
One such improvement is the use of trampoline mats which are
designed to cover portions of the trampoline frame and springs.
These pads are typically a gymnasium style floor mat adapted to fit
the trampoline. In addition, many current trampolines include
trampoline enclosures, typically some type of netting surrounding
the trampoline perimeter and preventing the user from unwanted
"jumping off" of the rebounding surface.
[0004] The present invention improves upon traditional trampolines
utilizing standard safety features by providing a decorative and
safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which is easy to apply to
and/or remove from the trampoline frame and can be used to enhance
a user's experience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A unique decorative and safety assembly for dressing a
trampoline which can be easily secured to and removed from a
trampoline is described. The trampoline assembly is designed to
enhance the safety features associated with a trampoline, as well
as enhance a user's experience. The trampoline assembly may include
a first component coupleable to a horizontal frame of a trampoline,
and a second component independently coupleable to the horizontal
frame of a trampoline and covering the space between a rebounding
surface and a surface supporting a trampoline. The first component
comprises at least one portion sized and shaped to mirror the shape
of the horizontal frame to cover one or more trampoline springs
coupled to a rebounding surface, and at least one portion to cover
at least a portion of the space between a rebounding surface and a
surface supporting a trampoline. The first component, the second
component, or combinations thereof may contain one or more features
that can be used to enhance an individual's experience when using
the device, and may include indicia such as colors, wordings,
symbols, lighting, audio devices, or combinations thereof.
[0006] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide a safety assembly for dressing recreational or exercise
equipment.
[0007] It is a further objective of the present invention to
provide a decorative assembly for dressing recreational or exercise
equipment.
[0008] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline
which can be easily secured to and removed from the trampoline.
[0009] It is a still further objective of the invention to provide
a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which
includes a plurality of safety pads attached thereto to independent
regions of the trampoline.
[0010] It is a further objective of the present invention to
provide a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline
which includes a plurality of safety pads attached thereto to
independent regions of the trampoline and contains visual
enhancement features to enhance a user's experience.
[0011] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline
which includes a plurality of safety pads attached thereto to
independent regions of the trampoline and contains visual
enhancement features, audio enhancement features, or combinations
thereof to enhance a user's experience.
[0012] It is a still further objective of the invention to provide
a decorative and safety assembly kit for dressing a trampoline.
[0013] It is a further objective of the present invention to
provide a decorative and safety assembly kit for dressing a
trampoline which includes a plurality of safety pads attached
thereto to independent regions of the trampoline.
[0014] Other objectives and advantages of this invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this
specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a standard
mini-trampoline;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a schematic representation of a resilient member,
showing attachment to mini-trampoline frame and rebounding
surface;
[0017] FIG. 2B illustrates an alternative embodiment for attaching
the rebounding surface to the mini-trampoline frame;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the trampoline dressing in
accordance with the present invention with a standard
mini-trampoline;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a standard
mini-trampoline with an illustrative embodiment of a trampoline
dressing;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the mini-trampoline
with the trampoline dressing;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the mini-trampoline with the
trampoline dressing;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the mini-trampoline with the
trampoline dressing;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a top view of the mini-trampoline with the
trampoline dressing;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a bottom side view of the mini-trampoline with the
trampoline dressing;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a partial view of an illustrative example of the
pad assembly showing the various components;
[0026] FIG. 11 is an additional partial view of the components of
the assembly;
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a partial view of the pad assembly
secured to a portion of the horizontal frame of a trampoline;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an additional
embodiment of the pad assembly;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an illustrative
embodiment of the second component of the trampoline dressing
assembly;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the second component
of the trampoline dressing assembly;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a back perspective view of the second component
of the trampoline dressing assembly;
[0032] FIG. 17 illustrates a standard mini-trampoline with an
illustrative embodiment of a trampoline dressing depicting a race
car;
[0033] FIG. 18 illustrates a standard mini-trampoline with an
illustrative embodiment of a trampoline dressing depicting a lady
bug;
[0034] FIG. 19 illustrates a standard mini-trampoline with an
illustrative embodiment of a trampoline dressing depicting a
turtle;
[0035] FIG. 20 illustrates a standard mini-trampoline with an
illustrative embodiment of a trampoline dressing with additional
visual and audio features;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a schematic drawing illustrating electronic
connection to support visual and audio features;
[0037] FIG. 22 illustrates a standard mini-trampoline with an
illustrative embodiment of a sports-themed trampoline dressing with
decorative rebounding surface;
[0038] FIG. 23 illustrates an additional embodiment of the
sports-themed trampoline dressing with decorative rebounding
surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment
with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be
considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments
illustrated.
[0040] The present invention is directed towards a decorative and
safety assembly for dressing a trampoline, referred to generally as
a trampoline dressing or assembly 10. Referring to FIG. 1, a
standard mini-trampoline 12 is illustrated. The mini-trampoline 12
embodiment is used for illustrative purposes, and any trampoline
known to one of skill in the art may be used with the trampoline
dressing 10. The trampoline 12 contains a horizontal frame 14
having a generally circular configuration. While such configuration
may be preferred, the circular configuration is for illustrative
purposes and not intended to be limiting as the horizontal frame 14
can assume, for example, a square shape, a hexagonal shape, or a
rectangular shape. A plurality of vertical support frames or legs
16 provide elevated support for the horizontal frame 14. The
plurality of vertical support frames or legs 16 allow the
horizontal frame 14 to be positioned above the floor or ground.
Coupled to the horizontal frame 14 via a plurality of resilient
members, illustrated herein as coil springs 18, is a rebounding
surface or trampoline mat 20. The plurality of resilient members is
designed to provide elasticity or bounce to the rebounding surface
or trampoline mat 20. One end of the coil spring 18 contains a
hook-like structure 21 which connects to a metal ring 22 coupled to
a band 23 secured to the rebounding surface or trampoline mat 20
and positioned at or near the inner edge margin 24 of the
rebounding surface 20, see FIGS. 1 and 2A. At the opposite end of
the coil spring 18 is a second hook-like structure 25 which
connects to an opening 26 positioned within the horizontal frame
14. Such arrangement provides for a highly resilient surface when
in use, i.e. a user jumps up and down on the rebounding surface 20.
Alternative mechanisms for and providing elasticity or bounce and
for attaching the rebounding surface 20 to the horizontal frame 14
known in the art can be used as well. FIG. 2B illustrates a partial
view of the trampoline 12 illustrating one such mechanism through
the use of a foam strap for attaching the rebounding surface 20 to
the horizontal frame 14. As shown, the horizontal frame 14 contains
a foam cover 29. Alternatively, the rebounding surface 20 can
attach to the horizontal frame 14 using a bungee cord. Attached to
the trampoline 12 is a handrail 28. The handrail 28 could be
constructed as a single unit and coupled to, for example, the
vertical support frames or legs 16. Alternatively, the handrail 28
may be made of individual parts which can be fit and secured
together, using, for example, male/female connecting means, to
provide for ease of shipping and/or assembly.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 3-9, an illustrative example of the
trampoline dressing 10 secured to a trampoline 12 resting on a
floor surface 31 is shown. The trampoline dressing 10 comprises a
first component 30 constructed to couple or secure to at least one
portion of the trampoline 12 and a second component 32 constructed
to couple to or secure to at least one portion of the trampoline
12. When both the first component 30 and the second component 32
are secured or coupled to the trampoline 12, the trampoline 12 is
preferably transformed to contain safety features as well as a
theme-based motif. As shown in FIGS. 4-9, the trampoline 12 is
fitted with a trampoline assembly or dressing 10 so as to transform
the trampoline 12 to appear as a bug when viewed in different
views. In addition to animals, the theme-based motif may include
but is not limited to machines such as cars, trucks, boats, or
airplanes, sports related such as a general sport i.e. football,
baseball, or basketball, or team specific such as a National
Football League (NFL) team, or character related such as DISNEY
characters, comic book characters, or superheroes such as
SPIDERMAN.
[0042] Referring back to FIG. 3, the first component 30 is designed
to cover multiple portions of the trampoline 12 to provide for the
theme-based motif appearance. The upper portion of the first
component 30 is designed to secure or couple to at least one
portion of the horizontal frame 14 of the trampoline 12 in order to
cover at least a portion of the horizontal frame 14 and the spring
coils 18. Accordingly, the first component 30 comprises a pad
assembly 34 formed of cover material 36 and a cushioning material
38, such as, for example, a foam strip, see FIG. 10. As illustrated
in FIG. 10, the cover material 36 contains an upper portion 40
which when secured to the trampoline 12 is visualized by the user,
forming the upper surface 41 of the trampoline dressing 10, a lower
portion 42 which contacts and covers the spring coils 18 and forms
the lower surface 44 of the trampoline dressing 10. The cushioning
material 38 is inserted between the upper portion 40 and the lower
portion 42, see FIG. 11. Alternatively, the cushioning material 38
may be secured directly to either the upper portion 40 or the lower
portion 42 via stitching.
[0043] Both the upper portion 40 and the lower portion 42 contain
expandable edges 46A and 46B respectively. The expandable edges 46A
and 46B are formed by using a stretchable and resilient material or
band secured thereto, through for example being sewn within, to
allow the edges to expand in size and be secured to a portion of
the horizontal frame 14. In use, the lower portion 42 can be
secured to a portion of the horizontal frame 14, see FIG. 12, by
stretching the expandable edge 46B on and over the outer edge 48 of
the horizontal frame 14. As the band retracts back, it secures the
lower portion 42 thereto. Once secured in position, the cushioning
material 38 is inserted and rests on top of the lower portion 42.
The upper portion 40 is then folded over the cushioning material at
a fold line 50, and using expandable edge 46A is secured to the
outer edge 48 of the horizontal frame 14.
[0044] The fold line 50 is positioned at or extends past an outer
edge 52 of the horizontal frame 14 and may include a stretchable
and resilient band. The fold line 50 defines the inner edge 54 of
the trampoline dressing 10, and the upper portion 40 and the lower
portion 42 when folded over define the outer edge 56 (see FIG. 3).
In this construction, the first component 30 can be easily removed
and secured to the trampoline. Such feature aids the user by
providing ease of assembly, ease of removal, and ease of replacing
the cushioning pad when need. Such construction further allows the
first component 30 to be removed from the trampoline 12 and cleaned
without the risk of damaging the cushioning material 38.
[0045] The pad assembly 34 may alternatively be constructed as an
enclosed unit similar to a pillow, see FIG. 13. The cushioning
material 38, therefore, is secured between the upper portion 40 and
lower portion 42 through stitching lines 58. Alternatively, the
stitching may be replaced by other sealing mechanisms, such as but
not limited to, a zipper, buttons, snaps, or hook and loops
fastener such as VELCRO.
[0046] Referring back to FIG. 3, the first component 30 further
includes a skirt 58 integrally formed or attached thereto to
provide a side wall which covers at least a portion of the space
60, preferably the entire space, between the rebounding surface 20
or the horizontal frame 14 and the floor surface 31 supporting a
trampoline. The skirt 58 further provides for the transformation of
the trampoline 12 to a theme-based appearance. The skirt 58 is
positioned along the outer edge perimeter of the pad assembly 34,
but does not extend completely around the perimeter and is aligned
in a generally perpendicular manner with respect to the pad
assembly 34. As such, a portion of the pad assembly 34 extends out
past a skirt first end 62 and the opposing skirt second end 64.
[0047] Both the skirt first end 62 and the opposing skirt second
end 64 are adapted to be securable to the second component 32.
Accordingly, each end 62 and 64 contains a first member of a first
component to second component securing assembly 65, illustrated
herein as either the hook or loop portions of a hook and loop
fastener such as VELCRO. Positioned at various locations along the
body of the skirt are fastening members 66 illustrated herein as
string ties. The fastening members 66 are designed to provide for
securing the skirt 58 to a plurality of positions on the
trampoline, such as the vertical support members 16. While the
illustrated embodiment is shown as string ties, other mechanisms
may be used including buttons, snaps, VELCRO, or the other means
known to one of skill in the art. Additionally, the trampoline
dressing 10 may include a foam insert 59, see FIG. 9.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 14-16, an illustrative example of the
second component 32 is illustrated. The second component 32
includes a first surface 68 secured to a second surface 70 thereby
forming an enclosed area. The enclosed area is filled with
cushioning material to form a front pad. At each end 72 and 74 is
an extension or flap 76 which contains a second member 78 of the
first component to second component securing assembly, illustrated
herein as either the hook or loop portions of a hook and loop
fastener such as VELCRO. The second component 32 is designed to
couple to the first component 30 within the area defined by the
portion of the pad assembly perimeter which does not include the
skirt 58. The second component provides for an additional,
independent padded area that protects the front portion of the
trampoline 12 below the padded assembly 34. Positioned on the back
surface 70 is a recessed area 80 having a looped securing member 82
for receiving and securing thereto a vertical or leg support 16. A
plurality of fastening members 84, illustrated herein as string
ties, may be used as well for securing to other parts of the
trampoline 12 or trampoline dressing 10.
[0049] A plurality of handrail guards 86, such as foam bodies, are
secured to one or more portions of a handrail 28 if a handrail is
used, and prevents or minimizes injury if a user contacts the
handrail 28.
[0050] As described previously, the trampoline dressing 10 is
designed to provide both safety and decorative features. As such,
the trampoline dressing 10 can be applied to any trampoline,
thereby allowing the trampoline to assume a decorative or
theme-based appearance. As illustrated in FIGS. 4-8, the trampoline
dressing 10 is designed to provide for the appearance of a bug. As
such, one or more components of the trampoline dressing 10 may
contain one or more colors, and indicia such as words, letterings,
symbols. For example, the trampoline dressing 10 illustrated in
FIGS. 4 and 5 have eyes 88, a mouth 90, and dots 92. In addition,
external features may be coupled to one or more portions of the
trampoline dressing 10, such as bug antenna 94. Referring to FIGS.
17-19, additional theme-based appearances are shown. FIG. 17
represents a race car having head lights 96, attached wheels 98,
and a colored yellow racing strip 100 against a red back drop 102.
FIG. 18 represents a lady bug having a red body with spots 104,
eyes 106, mouth 108, and antenna 110. FIG. 19 represents a turtle
having eyes 112, mouth 114, and external features attached such as
legs 116.
[0051] FIG. 20 illustrates additional features associated with the
trampoline dressing 10. In addition to all the featured as
described previously, the trampoline dressing 10 is designed to
provide visual and/or audio features. As such, the trampoline
dressing 10 may include the necessary electronics to provide such
features and may include a circuit board or microprocessor 118
electronically coupled, via wiring or wirelessly, to a light source
122 such as LED lights, white or colored, a speaker 124 for
producing sound, and a sensor 126, see FIG. 21, which may induce
the circuit board or microprocessor to produce sound or light based
on a user jumping on the trampoline surface. A control unit 128 may
be used to turn the lights or sound on and off, or to provide
control of the volume of sound or type of lights produced, i.e.
constant on or flashing. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20,
the control unit 128 and wires 120 secure to portions of the
handrail 28. A pressure sensor 126 within the rebounding surface or
trampoline mat 20 may be used to send a signal to the
microprocessor (not shown) each time a person jumps on the mat 20.
LED lights 122 placed in the headlights 96 may be turned on and off
as a result of the jumping. Speaker 124 may be imbedded within the
trampoline dressing 10, such as within the skirt, to provide a
sound, such as a car roar, screech or honk.
[0052] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an embodiment of the trampoline
dressing 10 having a sports-based theme. FIG. 22 is shown having a
football based theme. The first component 30 contains features that
indicate a football, including images that depict football white
lacing 126. In addition to or alternatively, the first component 30
may contain images that represent a specific professional or
college football team, such as team colors, mascots,
name/nick-names, or other symbols that represent the specific team.
In addition to the features described throughout the specification,
the trampoline dressing includes an additional feature in which the
rebounding surface 20 forms part of the decorative image. As
illustrated, the rebounding surface 20 includes printed images or
overlays of a football field, illustrating the various components
of a football field including hash marks 128, yard lines 130, and
numerals 132 that indicate numerical values for the yard lines.
[0053] FIG. 23 illustrates a trampoline dressing 10 depicting a
basketball theme. The first component 30 may contain images that
represent the sport in a general manner or represent specific
professional or college basketball teams, such as team colors,
mascots, name/nick-names, or other symbols that represent the
specific team. As shown, first component 30 is designed to depict a
basketball net 134. The rebounding surface 20 includes printed
images or overlays of a basketball 136 and components of the
basketball court, including the free throw circles 138, half-court
line 140, three point lines 142, and free-throw lines 144.
[0054] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
[0055] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention, and the
invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and
described in the specification and any drawings/figures included
herein.
[0056] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *