Field of invention

The present invention relates to trampolines, a method of exercising, a trampoline pole and a method of using the suspension of a trampoline pole.

Background to the invention

Trampolines have been described in the art. US 5624122 (Winkelhorn) discloses a trampoline field with two sets of parallel cables that cross each other and run from one to the other side of the trampoline field. The cables are attached to poles on each of the corners of the trampoline field. Panels are constructed of heavy fabric sheets. The unstable trampoline requires padding around each panel to cover the cables and springs, confining the bouncing space.

US2005130772 ( Levy) discloses hydraulic pistons to adjust the elasticity adjustment means.

GB 1056195 discloses a light weight, portable trampoline with a flexible frame to improve mat swinging. A wire connects the poles while a lower-placed tension wire provides inward and outward adjustments of the poles. The detachable connection of the rubber cords to the wire allows for sideway movement along the wire. The disclosed trampoline is flexible -and not rigid- while the cord movement will wear down the wire over time compromising the gymnast's safety. In fact, the entire trampoline will collapse upon breakage of the wire.

DE 195 35 693 discloses a portable trampoline with panels connected to a rigid frame that compromises the gymnast's safety. Pulling chain Kl and tension chain/wire K2 are placed below the plane of the panels respectively for folding the trampoline and for providing stability to the poles at both ends of the trampoline. Neither is connected to the resilient elements.

EP1038556 discloses a portable trampoline with multiple panels in a rigid frame that compromises the gymnast's safety. A chain or wire is mentioned but only for folding of the trampo line .

FR2684882 discloses a trampoline with a panel that covers an open concrete pit. The panel is attached with resilient elements to metal plates and to a cable that requires a cover to protect the padding. US5593368 discloses a trampoline with a lateral restraining mechanism to keep the gymnast away from the rigid frame of the trampoline. The mechanism involves a cable that is not connected or related to the resilient elements of the jumping panel. In fact, mechanism introduces even more rigid elements to the trampoline, potentially leading to more injuries.

FR 2844206 discloses a trampoline with panels and a solid bar. Bar (6) is supported by pivot (8), slide (9) and a suspension spring 10). In case a gymnast accidently hits the bar, the bar will descend upon the suspension, preventing injuries. When bouncing on the panel, the slide is locked with release pin (13). This pin however only moves - using an elastic intermediate- upon vertical movement of the panel, compromising the rigidity of the trampoline. Further, the proposed safety system actually fails when adjacent panels are being used at the same time.

FR2811901 discloses a trampoline with rigid frame that compromises the gymnast's safety and proposes an additional bar that extends outside the rigid frame. The additional bar unlocks moveable unit on to the suspension. However, the additional bar is not integrated into the pole, but extends beyond the perimeter of the trampoline field as it requires space to move downwards upon activation. This means that gymnast is not protected from injury when only hitting the rigid frame. Also, the proposed set-up requires activation of both suspension mechanisms at the same time to be effective, making this proposed safety feature undesirable.

There remains a need in the art for improved trampolines.

Summary of the invention

Surprisingly, we have found a way to improve trampolines and overcome one or more of the above or other problems of the prior art.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a trampoline device comprising a trampoline field with at least one panel that is connected to a frame of connected poles, wherein the poles are interconnected with connecting chains, wherein the panel is connected to the chains by way of resilient elements, and wherein the poles are further interconnected with connecting bars that are located below the chains.

Preferably, the interconnected poles are connected with at least two interconnecting bars below the connecting chain.

Preferably, the trampoline device of the invention comprises a trampoline field with at least 4 panels. Preferably, the frame comprises side and corner poles at the perimeter of the trampoline field, wherein the side and corner poles are interconnected with one or more field side connecting bars that are located in the plane of the panel and outside the perimeter of the panel and wherein the at least one panel is connect to the one or more field side connecting bars by way of resilient elements.

Preferably, the trampoline field is surrounded by an trampoline side that is at an angle to the trampoline field, the angled trampoline side comprising a frame and at least one panel that is continuous over at least a quarter of the perimeter of the trampoline field and that is only connected to the top and the bottom of the frame of the angled trampoline side by way of resilient elements.

Preferably, the trampoline field comprises at least 5 panels wherein the trampoline field comprises at least one tumbling lane that comprises a panel that extends from one side to the other side of the trampoline field.

Preferably, the resilient element is a spring.

Preferably, the padding covers the edge of the panel, the resilient elements, the chains and the connecting bars.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of exercising by bouncing on a trampoline device comprising a trampoline field with panels that are attached in a plane to a frame with poles and chains connecting the poles, wherein the panel is connected to the chain by way of resilient elements, and wherein the frame further comprises bars connecting the poles below the plane of the panels.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a trampoline pole comprising:

- a pole top (19) with a button (20) and a switch (21);

- a moveable unit (23) connected to chain (8);

- a release block (22) for the moveable unit; and

- a suspending means (24) for suspending the moveable unit and pole top once released by the release block.

Preferably, the trampoline pole further comprises suspending means (25) for repositioning the switch. Preferably, the pole has a connection to at least one chain (8) and at least one bar (9, 10) and wherein the bars is horizontal and located below the chain.

Surprisingly, we have found that the trampoline of the invention shows excellent bouncing characteristics, does not require extensive maintenance and can be easily constructed. Further, the particular trampolines of the present invention allow for construction of a tumbling lane without compromising the integrity of the trampoline and providing safety measures in case the gymnast lands on the side of the panel. Furthermore, the particular trampoline pole provides lower impact for gymnasts when accidently landing on a pole.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the trampoline field of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the pole according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a preferred trampoline field that may be used in the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a preferred trampoline field that may be used in the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a preferred pole that may be used in the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The trampoline device of the present invention comprises a trampoline field with at least one panel that is attached to and stretched within the trampoline frame with resilient elements. The frame and the resilient elements allow the panels to sufficiently stretched so that the panel can be used for bouncing. Trampolines can be used for exercising, such as gymnastics, gaming and/or fitness.

The present invention is in particular directed to a trampoline device comprising a frame with poles that are connected with chains wherein the poles are further interconnected with connecting bars. Preferably, these bars are located below the chains.

While the chains may be used to attach and stretch the panel, we have surprisingly found that the additional use of the connecting bars of the invention leads to better controlled trampoline jumps, reduced noise and less wear. Placement of the bars under the chain and outside the perimeter has been found to be beneficial as to avoid hitting the connecting bars. Surprisingly, we have also found that the invention also allows for stable construction of a tumbling lane, a panel that stretches from one side to the other side of the trampoline field without interruption or intermediate support structures that would interfere with the bouncing of the gymnast. In addition, integrity of the trampoline device of the invention is maintained while the use of the chain provides for enhanced safety when the gymnast does not land on the panel. The frame of the trampoline is rigid. Preferably, the frame is constructed of metal. Preferably, the frame comprises poles to provide a supporting structure for the trampoline with the panels. Preferably, the poles are rigidly interconnected with connecting bars. Preferably, the poles are interconnected with at least two connecting bars - an upper and a lower - to provide for further rigidity and thus forming a rigid rectangular open box frame with the poles extending upwards with the pole tops connected with a chain.

The poles of the frame are preferably vertical and placed in the line of the forces of gravity. Preferably, the poles are attached to the supporting floor with a bolt.

Preferably, the frame comprises side poles and corner poles and internal field poles. Depending on the number of panels and the set-up of the trampoline field, internal field poles are present, for instance a trampoline field with four rectangular panels has one internal field poles, 4 side poles and 4 corner poles. The bars of the frame of the invention are preferably rigidly connected to the poles of the frame, for instance fixed by welding or with bolts. Preferably, the bars are horizontal. Preferably, the bars are made of metal.

The internal field pole and the side poles (particularly on the side facing inwards of the frame) are preferably connected with a chain in the plane of the panel and outside the perimeter of the panel. Preferably, the chain is connected to the top of the pole. According to the invention, the poles are interconnected with connecting bars more preferably at least two connecting bars, an upper and a lower bar. The connecting bars are preferably located below the chains and preferably outside the perimeter of the panel. Preferably, the lower connecting bar is located near the underlying surface, more preferably up to 20% of the distance of the pole from the ground. The upper connecting bar is preferably located between the chain and the lower connecting bar, more preferably between 30 to 70% of the distance between the two. The lower placement of the horizontal connecting bars below the chain provides a safer bouncing experience for the gymnast.

The side and corner poles of the frame are preferably connected with a bar along the perimeter of the frame at the plane of the panels. Preferably, the side and corner poles are connected along the perimeter of the frame with a field side connecting bar, more preferably two field side connecting bars, an upper and a lower bar. Preferably, the upper field side connecting bar is connected to the top of the poles. Preferably, the side and corner poles are connected with a field side connecting bar at the plane of the panel to allowing for attaching the resilient elements thereto. Preferably, the side and corner poles are connected with a second field side connecting bar below the plane of the panel. We have found that such a frame exterior provides excellent bouncing characteristics. Preferably, the frame comprises internal field poles that are connected to at least three chains, more preferably 4 chains. Preferably, the internal field poles are connected to at least three connecting bars (preferably a set of 2 bars including an upper and a lower connecting bar), more preferably 4 connecting bars (preferably a set of 2 bars including an upper and a lower connecting bar). When next to a tumbling lane, the number of chains on the internal field poles is with one and the number of upper connecting bars on the internal field pole is also reduced with one. However, the lower connecting bar will still be present to provide rigidity to the tumbling lane construction. It will then be understood that, in case of two crossing tumbling lanes, the internal field poles on the corners will have two chains and two upper connecting bars but four lower connecting bars.

The invention relates to a chain. The chain preferably has ring that may have an external width of from 1 to 5 cm (for instance 2.5cm), an internal width of from 0.5 to 2 cm (for instance 1cm) and an external length of 1 to 7cm (for instance 5.5cm) and an internal length of 1 to 3 cm (for instance 2.5cm). Preferably, the chain provides a flexible tie with high tension strength. Use of the chain according to the invention increases the rigidity as well as the safety as compared to a sharp wire under tension. The resilient elements will not move sideways, resulting in more rigidity and less wear. Also, even when a chain breaks, the trampoline will stay in tact, while a trampoline constructed from wire would collapse under those circumstances, compromising the gymnast's safety. Further, the wire under tension can cut the padding or worse the gymnast. The panel (or bounce mat) of the present invention is used by the gymnast for jumping and bouncing upon. The panel is preferably made of fabric. Preferably, the panel is preferably positioned in a flat plane in the frame. The panel may have any shape, but is preferably selected from round and rectangular panels, more preferably rectangular panels. Preferably, the panels of the trampoline field are horizontal. Preferably, the panels of the trampoline side are at an angle to the trampoline field. Preferably, the panel is attached with resilient elements to the frame and more preferably to the chains internally in the trampoline field and to the field side connecting bar on the outside of the trampoline field.

The trampoline field preferably comprises at least 1 panel, more preferably at least 2 panels, most preferably at least 4 panels, and in particular at least 5 panels. A preferred trampoline field comprises from 1 to 6 by 1 to 10 panels, optionally extended with a tumbling lane. As an example, for instance 33 panels, of which 32 panels are placed in 4 lines of 8 panels with 1 extended panel, a tumbling lane being placed in the middle.

In a preferred embodiment, the trampoline of the invention comprises a trampoline field with at least one tumbling lane. Preferably, the trampoline field with a tumbling lane comprises at least 5 panels wherein one panel extends from one side of the trampoline field to the other side of the trampoline field. This tumbling lane is one continuous panel that extends beyond the size of the other panels. Preferably, the panel of the tumbling lane is connected with resilient elements to the chains that interconnect the poles that are located on the side of the tumbling lane. Preferably, these poles are also interconnected with bars below the plane of the panel, more preferably with 2 bars that run horizontal and parallel to the panel. Preferably, the lower of the two bars also runs below the tumbling lane at a level that is sufficiently low that it cannot be touched when bouncing on the tumbling lane.

A tumbling lane preferably covers the space of at least two consecutive panels and preferably extends in a continuous stretch from one side of the trampoline to the other side of the trampoline. Preferably, the poles along the side of the tumbling lane are connected by chains and the poles on either side of the tumbling lane are connected through a bar below the plane of the panel. The tumbling lane can be used by gymnasts for instance for performing gymnastics exercises over a longer distance on the trampoline.

The resilient elements of the invention provide the resilience of the panel when bouncing. The resilient element of the invention is preferably selected from springs and strings, more preferably springs. The resilient elements connect the panels to the frame. Preferably, resilient elements connect the panels to the chains inside the trampoline field. Preferably, the resilient elements connect the panels to the field side connecting bars on the external side of the trampoline field. Preferably, the resilient elements are in a flat plane which is preferably horizontal.

Preferably, the trampoline of the invention comprises padding. The padding of the invention provides protection against impact with the less resilient parts of the trampoline and lessens the impact of gymnasts hitting these parts. Preferably, the padding is provided to cover one or more of the following trampoline elements: the edge of the panel, the resilient elements, the chains, the bars and the poles. Preferably, the padding is made of resilient material, such as rubber or foam, optionally covered with a rubber or plastic material. Preferably, the padding is connected to the underlying material, such as the cable, for instance with valcro, tape or tie-wrap (also called zip tie or cable tie).

In a preferred aspect of the invention, the trampoline device comprises a trampoline side. The trampoline of the invention preferably comprises a trampoline field of one ore more panels that are surrounded by a trampoline side. Preferably, the trampoline side is at an angle to the trampoline field, more preferably at an angle of from 30 to 80 degrees raising from the trampoline field. The trampoline side preferably comprises at least one frame, at least one panel and resilient elements for attaching the panel to the frame. Preferably, the panel and the frame are also at an angle of from 30 to 80 degrees.

Preferably, the frame of the trampoline side comprises vertical external poles that are placed outside the perimeter of the trampoline field and extend above the trampoline field. The external poles are preferably interconnected at the top with an angled side top bar. Preferably, the external poles of the trampoline side are attached to the frame of the trampoline field, more preferably to the field side connecting bar between two side and/or corner poles and in the alternative to the side and/or corner poles. Preferably, the external poles are attached to the trampoline field with bars. Preferably, these bars are angled away from the panel covered, as compared to the vertical pole and the horizontal trampoline field. Preferably, the bars are attached to the poles by welding or with bolts.

Preferably, the panel of the trampoline side is continuous over the length of at least a quarter (1/4) of the perimeter of the trampoline field, more preferably at least half, most preferably at least three quarters (3/4), and in particularly preferred substantially the entire perimeter of the trampoline field in which case the ends of the panel can be made continuous, can be connected (for instance by way of valcro or a zipper) or can be left open serving as an entrance to the trampoline field.

Preferably, the top of the panel is attached to the frame of the trampoline side, more preferably to the trampoline side top bar, and the bottom of the panel is attached to the frame of the trampoline field, more preferably the upper field side connecting bar. Preferably, the panel of the trampoline side is connected only at the top and at the bottom of the panel to the frame of the trampoline by way of resilient elements. The trampoline device of the invention preferably provides one or more panels that are attached to the frame of the trampoline field with resilient elements. Preferably, the frame comprises poles that are placed outside the perimeter of the panel, more preferably at the corners. Preferably, the poles are interconnected with a chains that remains outside the perimeter of the panel and preferably is at the plane of the panel. According to the invention, the poles are preferably interconnected with connecting bars that are preferably located below the chain and preferably outside the perimeter of the panel when viewed from above. The panel is attached with resilient elements to the chain that connects two pools on the inside of the trampoline field. The panel is attached with resilient elements to the field size connecting bar on the outside of the trampoline field.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of exercising by bouncing on a trampoline device comprising a trampoline field with panels that are attached in a plane to a frame with poles and chains connecting the poles, wherein the panel is connected to the chain by way of resilient elements, and wherein the frame further comprises bars connecting the poles below the plane of the panels. Preferably, the panel is attached with resilient elements to the chains internally in the trampoline field and is attached to the field side connecting bar on the outside of the trampoline field.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a trampoline pole comprising:

- a pole top (19) with a button (20) and a switch (21);

- a moveable unit (23) with connection to chain (8);

- a release block (22) for the moveable unit; and

- a suspending means (24) for suspending the moveable unit and pole top once released.

In a further embodiment, the invention relates to a trampoline with at least one panel and at least one trampoline pole that comprises:

- a pole top (19) comprising an integrated button (20) and an integrated switch (21);

- a moveable unit (23);

- a release block (22) for the moveable unit; and

- a suspending means (24) for suspending the moveable unit and pole top once released by the release block.

Preferably, the trampoline according to this embodiment comprises a button (20) that is located on the corner and on the perimeter of the trampoline. Preferably, the moveable element is positioned around the pole top. Preferably, the pole comprises further suspending means (25) for repositioning the switch.

Preferably, the pole top pushes (is capable of moving) the release block, more preferably through the integrated switch. Preferably, the button and the switch are integrated into the pole top. Preferably, the pole top, the button and the switch are constructed from one piece or are fixed. Integration of the button and switch in the pole top minimizes the rigid mass, yet is effective in preventing injuries by directly moving the release block when gymnasts accidently jump on the pole.

Preferably, the poles of the trampoline are interconnected with connecting elements and more preferably trampoline frame may comprise wires, bars, chains or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the trampoline frame comprises at least a chain. Preferably, the pole has a connection to at least one chain (8) and at least one bar (9, 10) and wherein the bars is horizontal and located below the chain. Preferably, the pole is telescopic. Preferably, the pole has a connection to at least one chain (8), more preferably at least 2, most preferably at least 3 and in particular 4. Preferably, the pole has a connection to at least one bar (9, 10), more preferably at least 2, most preferably at least 3 and in particular 4. Preferably, the connecting bars are horizontal and located below a chain, as pointed out above.

Preferably, the moveable unit is preferably connected to the trampoline frame.

Preferably, the moveable unit is located below the button. Preferably, the moveable unit is located around the pole top. Preferably, the suspension means is located below the release block

Preferably, the trampoline pole further comprises a suspending means (25) for repositioning the switch. Preferably, suspension means (24) is selected from a spring and a hydraulic suspension system. Preferably, suspension means (25) is selected from a spring and a hydraulic suspension system.

Surprisingly, the trampoline pole of this aspect of the invention will lower the impact a gymnast experiences when jumping on the pole by accident. A further benefit of the trampoline pole of this aspect of the invention is that the suspension mechanism will not be activated unless the gymnast hits the pole top directly. For instance, when hitting the chain, the pole will stay upright.

Preferably, the trampoline pole functions as follows: The pole comprises a pole top (19) with button (20) and switch (21), moveable unit (23) (preferably with the connection to chain (8)), a release block (22) for the moveable unit, a suspension means (24) for suspending the moveable unit once released, and a suspension means (25) for suspending the switch. Upon pushing down button (20) of pole top (19), switch (21) is activated and moves downwards pushing release blocks (22) sideways (preferably such that the other end of release blocks (22) moves upwards), allowing moveable unit (23) with pole top (19) to move downwards onto suspension means (24) which subsequently suspends moveable unit (23) and pole top (19). Upon removing the pressure from button (20) of pole top (19), suspension means (24) preferably pushes up moveable unit (23) and pole top (19) and suspension means (25) preferably pushes up bar (21), allowing release blocks (22) - by way of springs that are not shown or the forces of gravity - to take their original position and support moveable unit (23).

The invention further relates to a method of using the suspension of a pole of a trampoline with at least one panel, wherein the pole comprises a pole top (19) comprising an integrated button (20) and an integrated switch (21), a release element (22) for the moveable unit (23), and a suspending means (24) for suspending the moveable unit and pole top once released by the release block, by pushing down the button of the pole top, whereby the switch of the pole top pushes the release elements sideways, and whereby the moveable unit moves downwards onto the suspension means.

Preferably, the pole top pushes the release block. Preferably, according to this embodiment, the suspension means subsequently pushes up the moveable unit, whereby the suspension means (25) pushes up the pole top, whereby the release element subsequently support the moveable unit. Preferably, suspension means (24) also moves up pole top (19). Preferably, the release blocks are moved to support the moveable unit (23).

Detailed description of the figures

Figure 1 schematically shows a three dimensional illustration of a trampoline according to the invention. Trampoline 1 has a trampoline field 2 with angled side 3, panels 4, padding 5 and tumbling lane 6. Angled side trampoline 3 provides a resilient surface that extends over the entire perimeter (length, width, length and width) of trampoline 1 and is not interrupted by any padding 5, thus providing an extensive uninterrupted bouncing surface. Panel 4 provides a horizontal bouncing surface. Padding 5 provides protection for the athlete from hitting the pole, the chain, the springs and possibly any bars. Tumbling lane 6 provides a space that allows a person to perform exercises over the entire length (and/or width) of the trampoline field and that is not interrupted by padding 5 or crossing bars or chains.

Figure 2 schematically shows a three dimensional illustration of a pole according to the invention. Pole (7) is attached to the underlying surface with bolt (11). Four chains (8) are connected to the top of pole (7). Upper connecting bar (9) and lower connecting bar (10) are connected to the pole below the chain and connect pole (7) to another pole that is part of the trampoline field of the present invention.

Figure 3 schematically shows a three dimensional illustration of a part of the trampoline field (2) with part of the side trampoline (3). The side trampoline (3) is placed at an angle of around 60 degree compared to the horizontal plane of trampoline field.

Poles (7, 12, 14) are interconnected with chain (8), upper connecting bars (9), lower connecting bars (10), and upper and lower field size bars (15). Angled side poles (13) are connected with angled side connecting bars (16) to the trampoline field (2). Poles (7,12,14) and angled side poles (13) are connected to the underlying surface with bolts (11).

Panel (4) of the trampoline field is connected with resilient elements (18) to chain (8) and to the - upper - field side connecting bar (15). Panel (4) of the angled trampoline side is connected with resilient elements (18) to angled side top bar (17) and) and to the - upper - field side connecting bar (15).

Padding (5) covers the edges of panel (4), the resilient elements (18), chain (8), poles (7, 12, 14), angled size top bar (17), the field side connecting bar (15), Figure 4 schematically shows a three dimensional illustration of a part of the trampoline field with a tumbling lane. Poles (7,12) are interconnected with chain (8), upper connecting bars (9), lower connecting bars (10), and upper and lower field size bars (15). Poles (7,12) are connected to the underlying surface with bolts (11).

Panel (4) of the trampoline field is connected with resilient elements (18) to chain (8) and to the - upper - field side connecting bar (15).

Middle panel (4) is tumbling lane (6) and extends beyond pole (7) in the middle of the figure to the other end of the trampoline field. Note that no chain (8) is crossing the tumbling lane (6). Also, no connecting bar (9) is place underneath tumbling lane (6). However, connecting bar (10) is located under the tumbling lane and is placed close to the underlying surface.

Padding (5) covers the edges of panel (4), the resilient elements (18), chain (8), the - upper - field side connecting bars (15), and poles (7, 12). Figure 5 schematically shows a three dimensional illustration of a trampoline pole (7) comprising a connection to at least one chain (8) and a connection to at least one bar (9, 10), wherein the pole comprises a pole top (19) with a button (20) and a switch (21), a moveable unit (23) with the connection to the chain (8), a release block (22) for the moveable unit, a spring (24) for suspending the moveable unit once released, and a spring (25) for suspending the switch. Upon pushing down button (20) of pole top (19), switch (21) is activated and moves downwards pushing release blocks (22) sideways and upwards, allowing moveable unit (23) with pole top (19) to move downwards onto spring (24) which suspends moveable unit (23) and pole top (19). Upon removing the pressure from button (20) of pole top (19) , spring (24) pushes up moveable unit (23) and pole top (19) and spring (25) pushes up bar (21), allowing release blocks (22) - by way of springs that are not shown or the forces of gravity - to take their original position and support moveable unit (23).