FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The invention relates to a trampoline enclosure. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a trampoline enclosure connection.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Modern trampolines include a trampoline enclosure in the form of a net extending around a trampoline mat. The trampoline enclosure is supported by poles around the trampoline and assists in keeping users safe whilst bouncing on the trampoline mat.

[0003] Trampoline enclosures can be attached to a frame of the trampoline or to the mat via strapping. When the mat deflects under pressure this has been known to create an opening between the enclosure and the mat which a user, or portion of the user, can slip through.

[0004] To prevent this, another approach is to attach the enclosure to the trampoline mat by sewing the trampoline enclosure thereto. This creates a fixed connection between the trampoline enclosure and the trampoline mat, whereby users are prevented from slipping out of the enclosure to the frame edge of the trampoline.

[0005] However, when a trampoline enclosure is damaged, the trampoline mat is discarded along with the damaged enclosure due to the fixed connection therebetween. Similarly, if the mat is damaged the trampoline enclosure is discarded along with the damaged mat. Discarding the trampoline mat or enclosure is wasteful if it is not damaged.

[0006] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in China or elsewhere. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an aim of this invention to provide a trampoline enclosure which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

[0008] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a trampoline enclosure, the trampoline enclosure including:

a barrier configured to extend around a mat; and

a releasable connector,

wherein the releasable connector is configured to releasably connect the barrier to the mat.

[0010] Preferably, the releasable connector includes a zip. Preferably the zip is configured to extend at least substantially around the periphery of the mat. Preferably one set of zipper teeth is located on the barrier which corresponds to another set of zipper teeth located on the mat. In an alternative form, the releasable connector includes a releasable fastener such as, for example, clips, buttons, and couplings.

[001 1 ] Preferably, the barrier includes netting. Preferably, holes in the netting are configured to prevent the catching of toes and fingers of a user. Preferably, the barrier is configured to substantially prevent a user grazing themself during use. Preferably, the barrier is substantially UV resistant.

[0012] Preferably, the barrier is configured to connect to a plurality of elongate members. Preferably, when the barrier is connected to the plurality of elongate members, the barrier is biased to be resiliently flexible. Preferably, the barrier is connected to an upper portion of each elongate member. [0013] Preferably, the trampoline enclosure further includes a cover. Preferably, the cover is configured to cover the releasable connector. Preferably, the cover is in the form of a flap. Preferably, the cover is connected to the trampoline enclosure. Preferably the cover is connected to the trampoline enclosure adjacent the releasable connector.

[0014] Preferably, the trampoline enclosure includes reinforcement adjacent the releasable connector. Preferably, the reinforcement is configured to assist in dispersing forces to the barrier and/or the mat. Preferably, the reinforcement is in the form of webbing such as seat belt material or the like.

[0015] In another form the invention resides in a trampoline, the trampoline including:

a frame;

a mat supported above at least a portion of the frame via spring members;

a trampoline enclosure; and

a releasable connector configured to releasably connect the trampoline enclosure to the mat.

[0016] Preferably, the releasable connector includes a zip. Preferably the zip at least substantially extends the periphery of the mat. Preferably one set of zipper teeth is located on the barrier and another set of zipper teeth, that corresponds to the zipper teeth on the barrier, is located on the mat. In an alternative form, the releasable connector includes a releasable fastener such as, for example, clips, buttons, and couplings.

[0017] Preferably, the frame includes a plurality of elongate members. Preferably, the plurality of elongate members support the trampoline enclosure above the mat. Preferably, the trampoline enclosure is connected to an upper portion of each elongate member. Preferably the elongate members are poles. [0018] Preferably, the trampoline further includes a cover. Preferably, the cover is configured to cover the releasable connector. Preferably, the cover is in the form of a flap. Preferably, the cover is connected to the trampoline enclosure. Preferably the cover is connected to the trampoline enclosure adjacent the releasable fastener.

[0019] Preferably, the trampoline includes reinforcement adjacent the releasable connector. Preferably, the reinforcement is configured to assist in dispersing forces to the trampoline enclosure and/or the mat. Preferably, the reinforcement is in the form of webbing such as seat belt material or the like.

[0020] In another form the invention resides in a method for assembling a trampoline enclosure, the method including the steps of:

releasably connecting the trampoline enclosure to a mat; and extending the trampoline enclosure above the mat.

[0021 ] Preferably, the step of releasably connecting the trampoline enclosure to the mat includes closing a zip around the periphery of the mat. In an alternative form, the step of releasably connecting the trampoline enclosure to the mat includes securing a releasable fastener. Preferably, the step of releasably connecting the trampoline enclosure to the mat includes arranging a cover over the releasable fastener.

[0022] Preferably, the step of extending the trampoline enclosure above the mat includes connecting the trampoline enclosure to a plurality of elongate members. Preferably, the step of extending the trampoline enclosure above the mat includes biasing the trampoline enclosure between the mat and the elongate members.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a trampoline according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 2 illustrates a close up cutaway section of the trampoline in Figure 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a trampoline 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 illustrates a close up cutaway section 5 of the trampoline 10 shown in Figure 1 . The trampoline 10 includes a frame 100, a trampoline enclosure 200 and a mat 300. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the trampoline 10 also includes a releasable connector 400.

[0026] The frame 100 includes spring members 120 in the form of leaf springs supporting the mat 300 and elongate members in the form of poles 140 extending above the mat 300. The spring members 120 are supported by an upper ring and a lower ring. The poles 140 are supported by at least the lower ring.

[0027] The trampoline enclosure 200 includes a barrier 220, an opening 240 and a cover 260. The barrier 220 extends around the mat 300 and is substantially in the form of a netting material. The opening 240 is formed in the barrier 220 and allows a user to enter and exit therethrough. The cover 260 is in the form of a flap and is connected to the barrier 220. The cover 260 covers the releasable connector 400, as further discussed below.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a cutaway section 5 of the trampoline 10 in Figure 1 with a user 2 lifting a portion of the cover 260 to show the releasable connector 400. The releasable connector 400 releasably connects the trampoline enclosure 200 to the mat 300. In this embodiment, the releasable connector 400 is in the form of a zip. The zip extends around the periphery of the mat 300 releasably connecting the enclosure 200 thereto. It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a number of releasable connections may be implemented in the present invention. For example, releasable connector 400 could also take the form of releasable fasteners including clips, buttons, couplings and so forth.

[0029] Adjacent the releasable connector 400 is reinforcement 320. The reinforcement 320 strengthens the connection between the mat 300 and releasable connector 400. That is, the reinforcement 320 is connected between the mat 300 and releasable connector 400 to assist in dispersing forces through the releasable connector 400 into the mat 300. Such forces may have originated from a user, for example, colliding with the trampoline enclosure 200. In this regard, it would also be appreciated that the same reinforcement (not shown) may reinforce the connection between the trampoline enclosure 200 and releasable connector 400. The reinforcement 320, in this embodiment, is in the form of webbing such as a seat belt like material.

[0030] To assemble part of the trampoline 10, the trampoline enclosure 200 is releasably connected to the mat 300 via the releasable connector 400. That is, the releasable connector 400 is zipped closed around the periphery of the mat 300 to releasably connect the trampoline enclosure 200 to the mat 300. The mat 300 is biased between the spring members 120 such that it is resiliently flexible. This allows a user to bounce on the mat 300.

[0031 ] The trampoline enclosure 200 is also extended above the mat 300 by connecting the trampoline enclosure 200 to an upper portion of each pole 140. Connecting the trampoline enclosure 200 to the upper portion of each pole 140 also biases the trampoline enclosure 200 between the mat 300 and poles 140. This allows the trampoline enclosure 200 to be resiliently flexible and to bounce users back towards the mat 300 when, for example, they collide with the trampoline enclosure 200. [0032] As the trampoline enclosure 200 is releasably connected to the mat 300, the mat 300 does not need to be discarded if the trampoline enclosure 200 is damaged and vice versa. Rather, the trampoline enclosure 200 may be released from the mat 300 and replaced with a new trampoline enclosure 200. Accordingly, the mat 300 is not unnecessarily discarded if the trampoline enclosure 200 is damaged. This reduces part replacement costs for the trampoline 10. Furthermore, re-assembly time is also reduced as, for example, the mat 300 does not need to be disconnected from the spring members 120 to replace the trampoline enclosure 200.

[0033] As mentioned above, the reinforcement 320 strengthens the connection between the trampoline enclosure 200, mat 300 and releasable connector 400. Accordingly, the trampoline 10 is less likely to fail during use.

[0034] The cover 260 assists in protecting the releasable connector 400 from environmental factors such as the weather. In addition, the cover 260 increases the aesthetics of the trampoline 10.

[0035] Using a releasable connector 400 in the form of a zip, for example, substantially prevents users from slipping out of the trampoline enclosure 200 and colliding with the frame 100 of the trampoline 10. The zip also assists to disperse forces evenly between the mat 300 and the enclosure 200. Still further, the zip enables easy connection of the enclosure 200 to the mat 300.

[0036] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[0037] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0038] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.