Trampoline System Having Jumping Surfaces On Multiple Planes

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/694,624 filed Aug. 29, 2012, and 61/864,980 filed Aug. 12, 2013, the entire contents of which are each incorporated by reference herein as if each is being set forth in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Presently, trampolines have consisted of a single, flat jumping mat attached under the tension of elastic springs or cords to a rigid frame, such that a subject can bounce up and down on the jumping mat. While there have been many improvements to the design and quality of materials of trampolines, all these advancements have retained the general design of the jumping mat surface being on a single plane.

It is well known that trampolines introduce a risk of injury to the subject or subjects jumping on them. For example, subjects can inadvertently launch towards the perimeter of the trampoline, possibly falling into the trampoline framework, or even falling entirely off the trampoline, resulting in injury. In other examples, a subject can inadvertently slip through the trampoline in the region of the elastic springs or cords connecting the jumping mat to the frame, also resulting in injury.

To combat this, padding is typically used to cover the springs and frame components at the perimeter of the jumping mat. Additionally, netting is often suspended by poles extending generally upward from the trampoline frame to stop a subject from falling outside of the framework. Unfortunately, while these safety measures help to decrease the number of injuries, they significantly detract from the experience of trampoline use.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a trampoline system that enhances the trampoline experience while still improving safety of use. The present invention satisfies this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A trampoline system is described. The trampoline system includes a frame and a jumping mat and elastic means for connecting the jumping mat to the frame, wherein the jumping mat includes a first substantially horizontal jumping surface having a perimeter that is surrounded by and continuous with a second jumping surface that is angled tangentially from the first jumping surface. In one embodiment, the first substantially horizontal jumping surface is circular. In another embodiment, the first substantially horizontal jumping surface is rectangular. In another embodiment, the angle of the second jumping surface relative to the first jumping surface is between 1° and 90°. In another embodiment, the angle of the second jumping surface relative to the first jumping surface is between 30° and 60°. In another embodiment, the angle of the second jumping surface relative to the first jumping surface is about 35°.

A trampoline conversion kit is also described. The conversion kit includes a conversion frame, a jumping mat and elastic means for connecting the jumping mat to the frame, wherein the jumping mat includes a first substantially horizontal jumping surface having a perimeter that is surrounded by and continuous with a second jumping surface that is angled tangentially from the first jumping surface, and wherein the conversion frame securably attaches to the frame of an existing trampoline. In one embodiment, the conversion frame includes an upper attachment area and converts the existing trampoline frame into a lower attachment area. In another embodiment, the angle of the second jumping surface from the first jumping surface is between 30° and 60°.

In another embodiment, a trampoline is described, where the trampoline includes an adjustable frame, a jumping mat, wherein the jumping mat includes a first substantially horizontal jumping surface having at least one edge that is continuous with a second jumping surface that is angled tangentially from the first jumping surface, and elastic means for connecting the jumping mat to the frame, wherein the angle of the second jumping surface relative to the first jumping surface is adjustable.

In another embodiment, a trampoline is described, where the trampoline includes a frame, a first jumping mat, wherein the first jumping mat includes a substantially horizontal jumping surface having a perimeter that is surrounded by an adjacent second jumping mat that is angled tangentially from the first jumping mat, and elastic means for connecting the first and second jumping mats to the frame. In one embodiment, the first jumping mat is circular. In another embodiment, the first jumping mat is rectangular. In another embodiment, the angle of the second jumping mat relative to the first jumping mat is between 1° and 90°. In another embodiment, the angle of the second jumping mat relative to the first jumping mat is between 30° and 60°. In another embodiment, the angle of the second jumping mat relative to the first jumping mat is about 35°.

In another embodiment, a trampoline is described, where the trampoline includes a frame, a jumping mat, wherein the jumping mat includes at least one substantially horizontal jumping surface and at least one arcuated shaped jumping surface, and elastic means for connecting the jumping mat to the frame. In one embodiment, the jumping mat includes two arcuated shaped jumping surfaces at opposing ends of the substantially horizontal jumping surface. In another embodiment, the trampoline further includes a wrapping padding system to cover the elastic means. In a further embodiment, the wrapping padding system includes a balloon cushion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIGS. 1A-1C, are schematics of exemplary embodiments of the trampoline system having a generally circular first jumping surface and conical side walls forming a second jumping surface.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematics of alternative exemplary jumping mat shapes and configurations, according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematics of exemplary cut patterns of the second jumping surface material. FIG. 3A is exemplary cut patterns of the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1C, while FIG. 3B are exemplary cut patterns of the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of an exemplary attachment of the first and second jumping surfaces of the jumping mat suitable for any jumping mat shape or configuration, according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an exemplary trampoline having a generally circular first jumping surface and conical side walls forming a second jumping surface.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a padding system covering the frame and spring components between the first jumping surface and second jumping surface of the trampoline of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an exemplary trampoline having curved sidewalls, creating an arcuated shaped, multiple plane jumping surface.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a padding system covering the frame and spring components around the perimeter of the jumping mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many other elements found in typical trampoline systems. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable and/or required in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled in the art.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are described.

As used herein, each of the following terms has the meaning associated with it in this section.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

“About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±20% or ±10%, more preferably ±5%, even more preferably ±1%, and still more preferably ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods.

As used herein, the term “continuous” or “continuously” when referring to the connection of a first and second jumping surface, means that the first and second jumping surface materials (i.e. the jumping mat or mats) are connected via stitching, snaps, hooks, ties, adhesives, reinforcement strips and/or other connecting mechanisms that do not include any portion of the frame or elastic attachment means positioned between the connection point of the first and second jumping surface areas.

As used herein, the term “frame” refers to any sturdy structure suitable for supporting the jumping mat when attached by the elastic attachment means.

As used herein, the term “elastic attachment means” refers to any mechanical attachment component composed of an elastic material for attaching the jumping mat to the frame. Non-limiting examples of elastic attachment means includes metal springs, rubber cords and straps, and the like.

Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, 6 and any whole and partial increments therebetween. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

The present invention includes a trampoline system that allows a subject to bounce on both a central, substantially horizontal surface area, and a surrounding wall that is continuous with the central surface area and positioned at an angle about the perimeter of the central surface area.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, a trampoline system 10 of the present invention may include three primary components: a frame 20, a jumping mat 30 and elastic attachment means 40 for attaching the jumping mat to the frame.

As contemplated herein, jumping mat 30 includes at least two primary jumping surfaces. The first jumping surface 31 is substantially horizontal and resembles the basic, single plane mat of a typical trampoline assembly. The second jumping surface 32 forms a wall positioned at an upward angle 33 from first jumping surface 31. Second jumping surface 32 extends generally from the perimeter of first jumping surface 31 at angle 33 suitable for propelling a subject generally upward and/or back into the vicinity of first jumping surface 31. For example, in one embodiment, angle 33 may be any angle between substantially horizontal and substantially vertical. In another embodiment, angle 33 may be between 1° and 90°. Preferably, angle 33 is between 25° and 50°, more preferably between 30° and 40° and even more preferably, angle 33 is about 35°. It should be appreciated that there is no limitation to angle 33, provided that it allows second jumping surface 32 to be positioned tangentially from the plane of first jumping surface 31.

While FIGS. 1A-1C depict a circular trampoline system 10, there is no restriction to the general shape of trampoline system 10. For example, first jumping surface 31 may be circular, oval, square, rectangular, octagonal, or any other geometric or custom configuration having any number of sides and/or curved regions, examples of which are illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B. Further, there is no limitation to the radius, diameter, length, width, circumference or other measure of the size of first jumping surface 31. Accordingly, the dimensions of first jumping surface 31 may resemble any standard trampoline as understood by those skilled in the art, or it may be a customized dimension. Similarly, second jumping surface 32 may be of any length 34 desired. For example, length 34 may be between 2 and 10 feet. Preferably, length 34 may be between 4 and 8 feet, more preferably between 5 and 7 feet, and even more preferably, about 6 feet. Preferably, length 34 should provide enough surface area such that a subject can comfortably jump or fall into or away from second jumping surface 32.

In other embodiments, first jumping surface 31 is not fully surrounded by second jumping surface 32, but instead simply includes one or more jumping surfaces 32 that are continuous with jumping surface 31, or alternatively, adjacent to jumping surface 31. For example, jumping surface 31 may be substantially rectangular, and include two jumping surfaces 32 located at opposing ends of jumping surface 31. In such embodiments, the trampoline system may resemble a “half-pipe” with two walls tangentially angled upward from jumping surface 31. In such embodiments, frame 20 can be constructed such that the angle 33 of one or more jumping surfaces 32 can be adjustable, for example, such as by using telescoping frame tubing, sliding clamps, locking spring pins or rigid pins, sliding rails, and any combination thereof.

Depending on the desired shape and positioning of first and second jumping surfaces 31 and 32, jumping mat 30 can be constructed from a single piece of jumping mat material, or it can be constructed from multiple pieces of jumping mat material attached together to form a continuous jumping mat surface. For example, when trampoline system 10 is circular, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, one way to construct jumping mat 30 would be to cut a first, circular piece and stitch it to one or more “C” shaped pieces as shown in FIG. 3A, where the circular piece will become first jumping surface 31 and the “C” shaped piece(s) will become second jumping surface 32 when stitched together. In another example, such as when the trampoline system is rectangular (see jumping mat 30 of FIGS. 2A and 2B), a first, rectangular piece can be cut and stitched to four trapezoid shaped pieces as shown in FIG. 3B, where the rectangular piece will become first jumping surface 31 and the trapezoid shaped pieces will become second jumping surface 32 when stitched together.

As shown in FIG. 4, first and second jumping surfaces 31 and 32 are joined together to form jumping mat 30 as a continuous surface. For example, the mat material of second jumping surface 32 can include an overlay region 35 that is stitched onto the top of the mat material of first jumping surface 31. As the remainder of the mat material of second jumping surface 32 extends away from first jumping surface 31, a fold or joint region 36 is created at the interface of first and second jumping surfaces 31 and 32. Optionally, a reinforcement strip 37 of material can be used to overlay joint region 36 and stitched into each of first and second jumping surfaces 31 and 32 to provide a stronger attachment. There is no limitation to the mechanism of attaching first and second jumping surfaces 31 and 32, meaning that any use of stitching, snaps, hooks, ties, adhesives, reinforcement strips and/or other connecting mechanisms may be used, provided that the attachment of surfaces 31 and 32 does not include any portion of the frame or elastic attachment means positioned between the connection point of the first and second jumping surface areas. In alternative embodiments, the first and second jumping mats can be adjacent, instead of continuous. In such embodiments, the second jumping surface may fully surround the perimeter of the first jumping surface, or in other words, the second jumping surface is adjacent to the entire perimeter edge of the first jumping surface mat. An example of this embodiment can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, described in greater detail hereinbelow.

The mat material of first and/or second jumping surfaces 31 and 32, as well as reinforcement strip 37, may be any standard trampoline mat material as would be understood by those skilled in the art, such as polypropylene or nylon or other durable fabric materials, which may also have UV resistant properties or coatings.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, frame 20 generally includes an upper mat attachment area 21 and lower mat attachment area 22, where elastic attachment means 40 connects jumping mat 30 to frame 20. For example, when trampoline system 10 is generally circular shaped, upper mat attachment area 21 may include an upper support ring 23 anchored by a plurality of support arms 25 ultimately connecting support ring 23 to a base component 26 positioned on the ground. Also connected to support arms 25 is a lower support ring 24 which forms lower mat attachment area 22. Frame 20 may optionally include one or more ladders 27 either integrated into frame 20 or releasably attached to frame 20, such that a subject can easily climb into and access first and second jumping surfaces 31 and 32. Frame 20 may be composed of any solid and/or sturdy material suitable for withstanding a subject jumping on trampoline system 10, such as galvanized metal tubing, sturdy polymer or any other framing materials understood by those skilled in the art. It should be appreciated that frame 20 can be constructed in any number of ways, and therefore there is no restriction to the particular design or manner frame 20 is constructed.

Alternatively, frame 20 may be designed to attach to an existing, standard trampoline. For example, frame 20 may include upper support ring 23, support arms 25 and base component 26, and further include clamps or other attachment components attaching some of support arms 25 to the existing trampoline framework, such that the existing trampoline framework effectively becomes or replaces lower support ring 24. Then by replacing the existing standard trampoline mat with jumping mat 30 of the present invention, a subject can effectively convert their existing trampoline into the trampoline system of the present invention. Accordingly, trampoline system 10 of the present invention may be provided as an all-inclusive trampoline system, or it may be provided as a “conversion kit” for transforming an existing trampoline into the trampoline system of the present invention.

Elastic attachment means 40 are used at both upper and lower mat attachment areas 21 and 22, and may include any mechanical component or mechanism that provides an elastic attachment of jumping mat 30 to frame 20 at upper and lower mat attachment areas 21 and 22. For example, elastic attachment means 40 may include the use of metal springs, rubber cords or straps such as bungee cords, and the like, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, jumping mat 30 may include a series of loops anti/or secured metal rings at its perimeter that springs can hook on to. Similarly, upper and lower support rings 23 and 24 may include holes or knobs for the springs to also hook into or onto to provide the proper tension and spring bounce to jumping mat 30 when a subject is jumping on it.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the trampoline system may include two adjacent jumping mats, wherein the mats are at different planes and the second mat surrounds the entire perimeter edge of the first mat. For example, FIG. 5 shows a trampoline system 50, having a frame 51, a first jumping mat 54 and a second jumping mat 55, each connected to frame 51 via springs or other elastic attachment means. For example, frame 51 may include an upper support ring 52 and lower support ring 53, to which the springs attach and further connect to the jumping mats as described elsewhere herein. Specifically, first jumping mat 54 may be connected to lower support ring 52 via a first set of springs. Second jumping mat 55 may be connected to lower support ring 53 and upper support ring 52 via a second and third set of springs. Second jumping mat 55 may be set at an angle anywhere between 1° and 90° relative to first jumping mat 54. Non-limiting exemplary angles may be 30°, 35°, 40° and 45°. Preferably, the angle is between 25° and 50°, more preferably between 30° and 40° and even more preferably, is about 35°. It should be appreciated that there is no limitation to the angle of reference between the first and second jumping mats, provided that it allows the second jumping mat surface to be positioned tangentially from the plane of first jumping mat surface.

Trampoline 50 may include a padding system 57 at the top perimeter edge, covering the springs connecting second jumping mat 55 to upper support ring 52. This padding system may be a standard padding, or it may be a padding wrap system as illustrated in FIG. 8 and described in more detail hereinbelow. Trampoline 50 may further include a padding system 56, shown in greater detail in FIG. 6. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, padding system 56 may generally include a cover 62, liner 66 and cushion 64. Liner 66 may be used (if desired) to cover the first set of springs 70 and the second set of spring 72 and lower support ring 53 between adjacent jumping mats 54 and 55. Cushion 64 is placed on top of liner 66, and cover 62 overlays cushion 64, with attachments to each of jumping mats 54 and 55 at attachment regions 68. Attachment regions 68 serve to securely anchor cover 62 and optionally liner 66 of padding system 56 to jumping mats 54 and 55. Attachment regions 68 may be permanently secured or they may be detachably secured. In one embodiment, cover 62 is permanently attached to jumping mats 54 and 55 via stitching cover 62 at regions 63 to the perimeter of jumping mats 54 and 55, such that regions 63 of cover 62 overlay V-ring straps 73 and 74. In another embodiment, regions 63 of cover 62 may be detachably secured to the perimeter of jumping mats 54 and 55 via Velcro®, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other mechanism that allows for cover 62 to be securely attached and subsequently detached to jumping mats 54 and 55.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the trampoline system may include a single jumping mat, wherein the jumping mat is curved at one or more ends, creating an arcuated shaped surface that present multiple jumping planes. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, trampoline 80 may include a frame 81 and a substantially rectangular jumping mat 82, and a set of springs (not shown) connecting the perimeter of jumping mat 82 to a support ring 86 of frame 81. Support ring 86 may include 1 or more regions 83 that are curved, thereby creating an arcuated shaped end of frame 81. As illustrated in FIG. 7, when opposing ends of frame 81 are arcuated shaped, trampoline 80 takes the form of a “half pipe.” In this embodiment, jumping mat 82 is also curved, or arcuated shaped, thereby creating a arcuate jumping surface region 85 to complement the substantially horizontal surface region 84 of jumping mat 82.

Trampoline 80 may further include a standard padding system to cover the springs, or it may include a wrapping padding system 87, shown in greater detail in FIG. 8. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, padding system 87 may generally include a trampoline, cover 90, a liner 91 and a cushion 92. Cover 90 is securely attached to the trampoline jumping mat 82 at an attachment region 93, and wraps over cushion 92 and around the outermost frame ring 86 to which the trampoline springs 94 are anchored, such that cover 90 can be secured by a hook 95 or other attachment means to the D-rings or V-rings 96 of jumping mat 82 from underneath. In some embodiments, cushion 92 is not included in wrapping padding system 87. In some embodiments, liner 91 is not included in system 87.

Cushion 92 may be any cushioning material understood by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, cushion 92 is a foam material. In another embodiment, cushion 92 is a balloon composed of PVC, nylon or an elastic material that can be filled with a gas, such as air, or even water. Cushion 92 may come in multiple pieces or sections. The actual number of cushion 92 sections will be dependent on the particular shape and size of the trampoline jumping mat perimeter needing the padding system of the present invention.

Liner 91 may provide a protective layer between the springs and/or frame components of the trampoline and cushion 92, if desired. Liner 91 may be a single layer or a multi-layer, and may be composed of any material desired. Preferrably, liner 91 is composed of PVC, nylon or other lightweight material that resists puncture. In some embodiments, liner 91 lays on top of the springs and/or framing components of the trampoline. In other embodiments, liner 91 is at least partially attached to at least one region of the springs and/or framing components of the trampoline. In other embodiments, liner 91 is attached to cover 90, such that cushion 92 is encased within an interior region formed between cover 90 and liner 91. In still other embodiments, liner 91 is attached to jumping mat 82 and cover 90 at attachment region 93.

Attachment region 93 serves to securely anchor cover 90 and optionally liner 91 of wrapping padding system 87 to jumping mat 82. Attachment region 93 may be permanently secured or it may be detachably secured. In one embodiment, cover 90 is permanently attached to jumping mat 82 via stitching cover 90 at region 97 to the perimeter of jumping mat 82, such that region 97 of cover 90 overlays V-ring straps 98. In another embodiment, region 97 of cover 90 may be detachably secured to the perimeter of jumping mat 82 via Velcro®, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other mechanism that allows for cover 90 to be securely attached and subsequently detached to jumping mat 82.

As contemplated herein, the trampoline systems of the present invention not only increases the user experience of multiple jumping surfaces on two or more planes, but it also enhances safety of use. For example, when a subject inadvertently launches towards the perimeter of the first jumping surface, the subject may “bounce” off the second jumping surface and be propelled back into the vicinity of the first jumping surface, instead of falling into the trampoline framework, the springs or even falling entirely off the trampoline. As the length of the wall of the second jumping surface is increased, the likelihood of a subject being able to bounce over the second jumping surface wall decreases, thereby reducing the likelihood that a subject will inadvertently contact the framing material, attachment springs, or even fall all the way out of the trampoline.

Further, the trampoline system of the present invention may additionally include any standard safety components as understood by those skilled in the art, such as soft mat coverings to cover the springs or cords, or netting extending above the upper ring of the frame. For example, because upper support ring is positioned above the height of the first substantially horizontal jumping surface, such netting would not need to extend very far beyond the height of the upper support ring of the frame. Alternatively, the netting can be shaped as a dome over the jumping mat, where the dome is formed by sturdy or flexible poles anchored to the upper support ring and arching overtop the jumping mat.

The disclosures of each and every patent, patent application, and publication cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

While this invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments and variations of this invention may be devised by others skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. The appended claims are intended to be construed to include all such embodiments and equivalent variations.