U.S. patent number 3,837,643 [Application Number 05/358,151] was granted by the patent office on 1974-09-24 for jumpolene game.
Invention is credited to Jay H. Lee.
United States Patent |
3,837,643 |
Lee |
September 24, 1974 |
JUMPOLENE GAME
Abstract
A jumpolene recreational apparatus type game consisting of a
trampolene having a generally rectangular frame and a trampolene
bed within the frame and connected to the sides and ends of the
frame by a plurality of spaced resilient connectors each under
tension to yieldingly hold the bed in a tightly stretched position
relative to the frame, the frame having adjustable legs spaced
thereabout to support the frame above the ground with the legs
being adjustable to control both the height of the frame above the
ground and the inclination of the frame relative to the ground, a
sloped runway leading up to the front end of the frame with the
elevated portion of the runway nearest the front end of the frame,
and a longitudinally extending jumping mat disposed on the opposite
end of the frame with one end thereof adjacent the rear end of the
frame with the mat projecting longitudinally outwardly therefrom
and marked off by transversely extending lines to indicate relative
distances from the rear end of the trampolene frame.
Inventors: |
Lee; Jay H. (West Chester,
PA) |
Family
ID: |
23408502 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/358,151 |
Filed: |
May 7, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
5/11 (20130101); A63B 21/023 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
5/11 (20060101); A63B 5/00 (20060101); A63b
005/18 () |
Field of
Search: |
;272/6R,65,59B,66,21,25 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Pinkham; Richard C.
Assistant Examiner: Taylor; Joseph R.
Claims
Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:
1. In a recreational apparatus, the combination comprising:
a trampolene having a generally rectangular frame and a trampolene
bed within the frame and connected to the sides and ends of the
frame by a plurality of spaced resilient connectors each under
tension to yieldingly hold the bed in a tightly stretched position
relative to the frame such that upon the downward movement of a
player on the bed it will flex downwardly with subsequent upwardly
directed movement to throw a player upwardly;
a plurality of spaced apart adjustable legs extending downward from
the trampolene frame at spaced locations about the trampolene frame
to support the frame above the ground;
means for selectively adjusting the legs to select both the height
of the frame above the ground and the inclination of the frame
relative to the ground;
a sloped longitudinally extending runway disposed with the elevated
base portion thereof adjacent the front end of the trampolene frame
and located at substantially the same height as the adjacent end of
the frame, and with the apex portion thereof spaced furthest from
the frame; and
a longitudinally extending jumping mat disposed with one end
thereof adjacent the rear end of the frame and with the opposite
end thereof spaced furthest from the frame, said jumping mat having
indicia disposed thereon for indicating the relative distances
therealong for determining the length of a player's jump;
whereby a player runs up the runway, jumps onto the trampolene bed,
and is propelled forwardly therefrom onto the jumping mat.
2. A trampolene game type recreational apparatus as claimed in
claim 1 further characterized by each adjustable leg having a first
member and a second member telescopically received by the
respective first member, one end of each first member connected to
the frame with the opposite free end projecting downwardly and
outwardly at an angle thereto, one end of each second member
received in a telescoping manner on the free end of the associated
first member with the opposite second member free end adapted to
engage the ground; a plurality of longitudinally spaced
transversely extending holes extending through the first and second
members; and a locking pin adapted for passing through one set of
holes in the second member to adjust the overall longitudinal
length of the leg and secure the first and second members together
at the selected leg length.
3. A trampolene game type recreational apparatus as claimed in
claim 2 further characterized by the pair of legs adjacent the
runway being adjusted to a greater length than the pair of legs
adjacent the jumping mat such that the trampolene frame is inclined
relative to the ground in a direction toward the jumping mat for
propelling the player forwardly onto the jumping mat.
4. A trampolene game recreational apparatus as claimed in claim 3
further characterized by a bracket extending longitudinally between
the front end of the trampolene frame and the adjacent end of the
runway and secured by fastening means thereto for securing and
aligning the trampolene frame relative to the runway.
5. A trampolene game type of recreational apparatus as claimed in
claim 4 further characterized by the indicia on the jumping mat
including a plurality of transversely extending lines thereon
marking the relative distances therealong from the rear end of the
trampolene frame for determining the length of a players jump.
6. A trampolene game type of recreational apparatus as claimed in
claim 5 further characterized by a transversely extending line
marked on the runway near the elevated base portion thereof
representing a foul line indicating the furthest point along the
runway which a player can run before having to jump therefrom onto
the trampolene bed without being disqualified.
7. In a recreational apparatus, the combination comprising:
a trampolene having a generally rectangular frame and a trampolene
bed within the frame and connected to the sides and ends of the
frame by a plurality of spaced resilient connectors each under
tension to yieldingly hold the bed in a tightly stretched position
relative to the frame such that upon the downward movement of a
player on the bed it will flex downwardly with subsequent upwardly
directed movement to throw a player upwardly;
a sloped longitudinally extending runway disposed with the elevated
base portion thereof adjacent the front end of the trampolene frame
with the apex portion thereof spaced furthest from the frame;
a plurality of spaced apart adjustable legs extending downward from
the trampolene frame at spaced locations about the trampolene frame
to support the frame above the ground and means for selectively
adjusting the legs to select both the height of the frame above the
ground and the inclination of the frame relative to the ground,
each adjustable leg having a first member and a second member
telescopically received by the respective first member, one end of
each first member connected to the trampolene frame with the
opposite free end projecting downwardly and outwardly at an angle
thereto, one end of each second member received in a telescoping
manner on the free end of the associated first member with the
opposite second member free end adapted to engage the ground; a
plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending holes
extending through the first and second members, and a locking pin
adapted for passing through one set of holes in the second member
to adjust the overall longitudinal length of the leg and secure the
first and second members together at the selected leg length, the
pair of legs adjacent the runway being adjusted to a greater length
than the pair of legs adjacent the jumping mat such that the
trampolene frame is inclined relative to the ground in a direction
toward the jumping mat for propelling a player forward onto the
jumping mat;
bracket means extending between the front end of the frame and the
adjacent end of the runway and secured thereto by fastening means
for securing and aligning the trampolene frame relative to the
runway; and
a longitudinally extending jumping mat disposed with one end
thereof adjacent the rear end of the frame and with the opposite
end thereof spaced furthest from the frame, the jumping mat having
a plurality of transversely extending lines thereon marking the
relative distances therealong from the rear end of the trampolene
frame for determining the length of the jump of each player;
whereby a player runs up the runway, jumps onto the trampolene bed,
and is propelled forwardly therefrom onto the jumping mat.
8. A trampolene game type of recreational apparatus as claimed in
claim 7 further characterized by a transversely extending line
marked on the runway near the elevated base portion thereof
representing a foul line indicating the furthest point along the
runway which a player can run before having to jump therefrom onto
the trampolene bed without being disqualified.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to recreational apparatus and more
particularly to a novel jumpolene game utilizing a novel jumping
tranpolene having a runway associated with one end and a jumping
mat disposed relative to the opposite end providing a novel
combination jumping game.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There has long been in use trampolenes and other types of jumping
devices normally utilized by acrobats and the like in performing a
series of feats thereon, but such have always posed the danger of
injury to one not skilled with the same upon jumping thereon with
associated loss of equilibrium and risk of bodily injury upon
striking the frame or supporting springs of the trampolene or net.
Thus, while most individuals enjoy jumping on a trampolene, only a
very few attempt to do stunts or tricks thereon, but even to just
jump on the trampolene device poses risk of bodily harm if
equilibrium is lost.
In addition, prior art type of trampolene recreational devices are
quite expensive, require excessively large storage spaces, and are
difficult to set up for usage.
Running type games of numerous types and styles are known in the
prior art, and such have always proved popular with individuals of
all ages, with such prior art running games suffering the problem
of requiring excessively large free areas for playing the same.
Another type of game which has always proven quite popular is a
jumping type game where players pit their relative skills against
one another to determine who can jump either the furthest or the
highest.
Thus, prior art running games, jumping games, and trampolene using
games suffer many problems and difficulties as to the space
required for playing, the equipment required, and the like. It
would thus be preferable to provide a game utilizing the skills of
running, jumping, and trampolene in a manner readily available at a
reasonable cost to all individuals while requiring a minimum of
playing space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention remedies and overcomes all of the foregoing
deficiencies and disadvantages of presently available games by
providing a novel trampolene game employing running, free jumping,
trampolene propelled soaring and jumping, and landing on a
resilient jumping mat in manner providing the exhilaration of
running and soaring with all of the associated physical benefits
therewith.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide an individual
sized trampolene for jumping thereon in a manner to propell the
jumper upwardly and forwardly therefrom a distance depending upon
the skill and physical dexterity of the jumper.
A further feature of the present invention provides a sloping
runway having the trampolene device attached to the elevated end
thereof so that a jumper may run up the runway to a foul line
marked thereon, and jump therefrom onto the trampolene in a manner
to rebound upwardly from the trampolene in a soaring manner for
landing in a predetermined area.
Still a further feature of the present invention provides a
jumpolene game utilizing a trampolene type device with the
supporting legs thereof adapted for adjusting the inclination of
the trampolene bed relative to the ground to assist in directing
the rebound forces acting on a jumper who jumps on a trampolene
bed.
Yet still a further feature of the present invention provides a
jumpolene game utilizing a trampolene type device adapted for
securement to a runway for safety purposes to assure no movement of
the trampolene device upon being jumped upon by a jumper.
The provision of a jumpolene game, such as briefly outlined above,
and possessing the stated advantages, constitutes the principal
features of the present invention. The provision of a jumpolene
game which is simple in its construction and which therefore may be
readily manufactured at low cost by simple manufacturing methods;
one which is rugged and durable and which therefore may be
guaranteed by the manufacturer to withstand rough usage; one which
is aesthetically pleasing and refined in appearance; one which may,
in its entirety, be manufactured and sold as a single game unit, or
which may be sold as replacement components for a game unit
previously purchased wherein one of the components requires
replacement; and one which, otherwise, is well adapted to perform
the services required of it, are further desirable features which
have been borne in mind in the production and development of the
present invention.
Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent
during the course of the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification,
and in which like reference characters are employed to designate
like parts throughout the same:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a jumpolene game according to
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the jumpolene game
of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the jumpolene game of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view taken along
Line 4--4 of FIG. 3; and
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the brackets
adapted for securing the trampolene frame to the adjacent end of
the runway.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings in detail there is illustrated a
preferred form of a jumpolene game in accord with the invention and
which is comprised of three component parts, namely a sloped runway
11, a trampolene device 12 disposed adjacent one end of the runway,
and a jumping mat 13 disposed adjacent the opposite end of the
trampolene device.
The runway 11 is about 15 feet long and about 5 feet wide and is
adapted to rest on the ground 10. The runway is manufactured out of
metal, wood, plastic, or any other suitable satisfactory material
providing an aesthetically pleasing and refined appearance. The
runway 11 includes tapered longitudinally extending transversely
opposed parallel side edges 21, a sloping top surface running board
22 supported on the side edges, a front end 23 disposed furthest
from the trampolene device 12 where the running board touches or
approximately touches the ground 10, and an elevated end 24
disposed adjacent the trampolene device. A foul line 25
transversely extends across a portion of the elevated part of the
running board 22, the use of which will be described hereafter. A
transversely extending longitudinally disposed compartment 26 is
defined in the elevated end 24 of runway 11 with a pair of
transversely spaced threaded studs 27 projecting downwardly from
running board 22 into compartment 26 with each stud having a nut 28
threadedly secured thereon.
A pair of substantially flat longitudinally extending brackets 31
are provided, each bracket having a longitudinally extending slot
32 in the forward end thereof and a longitudinally extending slot
33 in the rearward end thereof. Each bracket 31 is associated with
one of the studs 27 with the slot 32 being of a width greater than
the diameter of the stud to be received therearound, but being of
of a lesser width than the outside diameter of the nut 28 such that
the brackets 31 may be fixed to the runway 11 by inserting slots 32
about their respective studs 27 in a position interposed between
respective nut 28 on the bottom side and running board 22 on the
top side with the bracket projecting longitudinally outwardly from
compartment 26 with nuts 28 being tightened to secure the brackets
firmly in position onto the runway 11.
The trampolene device 12 consists of a rectangular frame 41 and a
circular substantially flat trampolene bed 42 about 5 feet in
diameter disposed within the frame and connected to the opposed
sides 43 and 44 and the opposed ends 45 and 46 of the frame by a
plurality of spaced resilient connectors 47, such as coiled springs
or the like, each having one end connected to the frame and the
opposite end connected to the trampolene bed, with each of the
resilient connectors being under tension to yieldingly hold the
trampolene bed by a jumper thereon, with subsequent upward directed
rebounding movement to throw the jumper upwardly therefrom. The
trampolene bed 42 may be made of perforated sheet material,
interlaced webbing, one piece woven material, metal, wood, plastic,
or of any other suitable satisfactory material.
Disposed relative to each corner of the frame 41 is a supporting
leg assembly generally designated in its entirety by reference
numeral 51 which is comprised of two component parts, namely a
first member 52 having one end 53 attached to the bottom surface of
frame 41 with the member extending downwardly and outwardly at an
angle therefrom terminating at free end 54, and a second member 55
received over end 54 and onto first member 52 in a telescoping
manner having an end 56 nearest the frame 41 with an opposite free
end 57 having a foot like member 58 secured thereto and adapted for
engaging and resting on the ground 10. Tubular member 52 is
provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely
extending holes 61 therein, with tubular member 55 being similarly
provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely
extending holes 62 therein, the axis of holes 62 being parallel to
the axis of holes 61 so that any selected hole 61 may be axially
aligned with any selected hole 62. Each of the legs 51 are adjusted
to the desired length for supporting frame 41 in a manner as will
be discussed hereafter by aligning a selected hole 61 with a
selected hole 62 and retaining such alignment by passing a bolt 63
therethrough and securing the same by a nut or the like (not shown)
to lock the leg assembly 51 in the desired length.
The trampolene device 12 is secured to the runway 11 by a pair of
threaded studs 71 which are transversely spaced apart and project
downwardly from the front end 45 of the frame 41, the transverse
spacing between studs 71 being substantially identical to the
transverse spacing between studs 27 of runway 11 such that slots 33
of brackets 31 are each received about a respective stud 71 and
secured thereto by a respective wing nut or bolt 72 and washer
arrangement 73.
The jumping mat 13 is about 15 to 20 feet long and about 5 feet
wide and is of a substantially uniform thickness throughout its
entire length. The jumping mat includes a top surface 81,
longitudinally extending transversely spaced parallel side edge
surfaces 82, a front end 83 to be disposed adjacent the trampolene
device 12, a rear edge 84 to be disposed furthest from the
trampolene device, and a bottom surface 85 parallel to top surface
81 and adapted for resting on the ground 10. The top surface 81 is
provided with a plurality of transversely extending marking lines
86 spaced approximately at 1 foot intervals for measuring the
distances therealong from the front end 83 to the back end 84.
Referring to FIG. 4, it is seen that frame 41 is preferably
adjusted such that front end 45 is elevated a distance above ground
10 approximately equal to the distance running board 22 is elevated
above ground 10 at runway end 24, with the frame 41 being inclined
downwardly therefrom in a direction towards the jumping mat 13 so
that the rebounding action of the trampolene device is in a forward
direction toward the jumping mat.
To play the game, a player runs along runway 11 up to foul line 25
and then jumps therefrom onto the trampolene bed 42 in a manner to
yieldingly flex the same downwardly, after which the trampolene bed
subsequently rebounds upwardly to throw the player upwardly and
forwardly therefrom in a direction toward the jumping mat 13. The
idea being for the player to jump as far forward onto the jumping
mat as possible in order to win the game. The foul line assures
that all players leave the runway 11 at the same location, as
should a player step onto or over the foul line the jump is then
disqualified. The rules of the jumpolene game are flexible as to
the total number of fouls permitted each player before the player
is declared out of the game, as well as being flexible as to
competing on the basis of each individual jump, or adding the total
of two or more individual jumps, or any similar type scoring manner
wherein the highest score or scores win. A further method of play
would be that the players would alternate in turn with the winner
of the game being the first player who scores a total of exactly 21
points, this being determined by totalling the length of different
jumps with it being required that the player total exactly 21
points, no more or no less.
It is to be appreciated that by adjusting the legs 51 it is
possible to select the desired inclination of the frame 41 relative
to the ground 10 so that the most preferable angle of inclination
can be obtained to assure the maximum distance for a jump thereby
increasing the exhilaration of soaring which makes jumping and
throwing one's self through the air appealing to individuals of all
ages and physical abilities. Further, by inclining the frame 41 in
a direction toward the jumping mat, this provides a safety feature
as the player is assured to be propelled off of the trampolene bed
42 in a direction to land on the jumping mat 13 whereas without
such an inclination the player must be of sufficient skill and have
sufficient forward momentum to direct himself in the direction of
the jumping mat after being propelled upwardly by the trampolene
bed 42. A player without having such sufficient skill or
experience, and without any inclination of the trampolene frame 41,
could find himself being propelled sideways or at an angle to the
jumping mat so as not to land on the same.
There is thus provided in the present invention a jumpolene game
utilizing the skills of running, jumping, soaring, and landing thus
providing a novel game appealing both to individuals as a family
game as well as to those individuals which are athletic and
completitively minded.
It is to be understood that the form of this invention herewith
shown and described is to be taken as preferred examples of the
same, and that this invention is not to be limited to the exact
arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawings or
described in this specification as various changes in the details
of construction as to shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be
resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention, the
scope of the novel concepts thereof, or the scope of the sub-joined
claims.
* * * * *