FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The invention relates to trampolines. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to trampolines without helical coil springs.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge.

[0003] For many years recreational trampolines have typically included a tubular steel frame which is supported on spaced apart legs with a flexible jumping mat secured to the frame by a large number of spaced apart extension springs, typically helical coil springs, which extend and contract as a user jumps on the mat, providing bounce.

[0004] The springs are usually connected to the tubular steel frame at one end via radial slots provided therein and to the mat via hooks or the like at the other end. At rest, the springs extend in the plane of the mat radially outwards towards the frame. However, this arrangement creates a void between the edge of the mat and the frame. Not only does this provide difficulties for users in getting onto and off the mat, but the springs and void also present a significant safety hazard. For example, it is well known for a user to injure themselves by landing outside the mat, typically by impacting the springs or frame or by falling into the void.

[0005] Consequently, modern trampolines typically include padding that extends around the perimeter of the mat and covers the springs and the void between the edge of the mat and the frame. The padding is typically tied to the mat and/or the frame by ribbon ties or the like. While such padding improves safety over unpadded trampolines, it still does little to overcome the possibility of a user landing outside the frame altogether. [0006] More recent trampolines therefore typically include a safety barrier in the form of a net that extends upwardly around the perimeter of the mat or the frame. The net is typically held up by net poles that extend upwards around the trampoline. Such nets enclose the jumping area to prevent users from falling off the trampoline. While these nets are effective and popular, it will be appreciated that such nets increase the overall complexity of the trampoline as additional infrastructure is required purely to support the net.

[0007] Other forms of trampolines which do not require a frame adjacent the edge of the jumping mat and do not use extension springs to support the mat have been developed in recent years. These trampolines are sometimes known as 'soft edged' trampolines. In soft edged trampolines the mat is typically supported by a large number of circumferentially spaced fibreglass rods. The rods are connected at their lower ends to a frame located under the mat, and at their upper ends to the edge of the mat. The rods are inclined, extending upwards, outwards and forwards around the periphery of the mat. As a load is applied to the mat, such as the weight of a user jumping, the rods cause a twisting motion between the mat and the frame as the rods flex resiliently around the circumference of the mat. This twisting action gives a different performance feel to users when compared with traditional extension spring trampolines. In general, although these 'soft edged' trampolines overcome some of the disadvantages of traditional extension spring trampolines, the twisting action is considered to provide a less desirable jumping experience.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an aim of this invention to provide a trampoline which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

[0009] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, there is provided a trampoline comprising:

a frame having a plurality of spaced apart first support members that that extend above and below a mat;

a plurality of second support members supporting the mat from above; and

at least one resiliently flexible spring member connecting upper ends of the first support members of the frame to at least one second support member.

[001 1 ] Preferably the resiliently flexible spring member connects directly between an upper end of a first support member and a respective second support member. Preferably the resiliently flexible spring member has a first connector portion that connects the resiliently flexible spring member to a first support member and a second connector portion that connects the resiliently flexible spring member to a second support member.

[0012] Preferably the resiliently flexible spring member comprises a leaf spring. Preferably the resiliently flexible spring member has at least a portion with a concave or convex cross section. Preferably the resiliently flexible spring member is curved at rest. Preferably the resiliently flexible spring member curves inwards toward the centre of the mat. Preferably the resiliently flexible spring member tensions the second support member and deforms when a load, such as the weight of a user, is applied to the mat. The leaf spring is preferably made substantially of a metallic material, even more preferably spring steel.

[0013] Preferably the resiliently flexible spring member is a leaf spring. In a form, two resiliently flexible spring members, preferably leaf springs, are provided. Preferably there is an inner leaf spring and an outer leaf spring. Preferably at least a portion of the inner leaf spring is spaced apart from the outer leaf spring. Preferably the inner leaf spring and the outer leaf spring are closer to each other at at least one end than they are in a mid portion. Preferably both the inner leaf spring and the outer leaf spring are curved. Each leaf spring may have a non-curved portion, but preferably at least a substantial portion of each leaf spring is curved.

[0014] Preferably at least the first support members of the frame are substantially rigid. Preferably the entire frame is substantially rigid. The frame may be integral or formed of connected parts. Preferably the frame has a base portion with a ground engaging portion adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality of spaced apart legs. Preferably the first support members extend upward and outward from the base portion. Preferably upper ends of the first support members are spaced further apart from each other than lower ends of the first support members.

[0015] Preferably the first support members of the frame are elongate. Preferably the first support members have a rounded cross section. Preferably the cross section of the first support members has a major and a minor axis. Preferably the major axes of the first support members are arranged radially. Preferably the first support members are substantially straight along at least a substantial portion of a longitudinal axis. Preferably at least a portion of each first support member is hollow. Preferably the first support members are substantially perpendicular to a plane of the mat. Preferably the first support members extend further above the mat than below the mat. In a form the first support members may be connected at or near their upper ends, preferably by at least one frame reinforcement member. Preferably the frame reinforcement member is substantially annular.

[0016] The second support members are preferably connected to the resiliently flexible spring members directly, but may be connected via an intermediary member. The second support members are preferably connected at opposite ends to the first support member and the mat. Preferably at least a portion of the second support member is received by the resiliently flexible spring member, preferably by a connector portion of the resiliently flexible spring member. Preferably the second support members are substantially aligned with the first support members. Preferably the second support members are under tension between the mat and the first support members. [0017] Preferably the second support members comprise at least one line member such as a cable or, more preferably, webbing (such as seat belt material). The webbing material may be integral with a safety net. The webbing may comprise a reinforced region of the safety net or, alternatively, it may be received in a sleeve of the safety net. The webbing preferably extends from the mat to at or near an upper end of the first support members. Preferably a single piece of webbing is provided for each first support member.

[0018] The webbing may extend from at or near an upper end of the first support members to the frame, preferably a base portion of the frame, via the mat. Preferably a connector is provided to connect the webbing to a periphery of the mat. The webbing may be shaped such that it is wider adjacent the mat end than an upper end at or near an upper end of the first support members. Preferably the end of the webbing adjacent the mat is flared. The webbing may extend around at least a substantial portion of the mat perimeter.

[0019] The trampoline preferably further comprises a plurality of third support members. The third support members are preferably connected to the frame at or adjacent one end and to the mat at the other end. Preferably each second support member has at least one corresponding third support member. Preferably the third support member connects to the mat by the same connector of the second support member. The third support members may be separate or integral with the second support members. Preferably the second and third support members are arranged at an angle, preferably an obtuse angle, to each other. Preferably the second support members extend above the mat and the third support members extend below the mat.

[0020] Preferably the third support members include at least one line member such as a cable or webbing which is connected at its opposite ends to the mat and the frame respectively. Preferably the third support members are connected to the frame substantially in-line with a longitudinal axis of the first support members. Preferably the third support members tension the second support members. In a preferred form the third support members comprise non-stretch line members. [0021 ] In one preferred form, the trampoline includes one or two third support members for each end of the second support member connected to the mat. In such form it is preferred that the second and third support members connect to the mat at substantially the same point. The second and third support members may effectively constitute a continuous line member with an intermediate connection point for connecting them jointly to the mat.

[0022] In a preferred form, the mat is connected to each set of second and/or third support members by a mat connector which is releasably secured to the mat. Preferably the mat connector is connected to the mat via spaced apart strapping loops of the mat. The mat connector may comprise one or more spreader bars. Preferably at least one spreader bar is provided per second and/or third support member. The spreader bar preferably spreads loads from the second and/or third support members to portions of the mat that are adjacent to the second and/or third support members. The spreader bar preferably extends circumferentially around a portion of the mat.

[0023] In a form, the mat connector comprises a primary spreader bar and one or more secondary spreader bars. In a preferred form, a primary spreader bar is connected to two secondary spreader bars, wherein the primary spreader bar is connected to the second and/or third support members and the secondary spreader bars are connected to the mat. Preferably the secondary spreader bars are connected at or near ends of the primary spreader bar. Preferably the secondary spreader bars are connected to the primary spreader bar in a central region of the secondary spreader bar. Preferably the secondary spreader bars are connected to the mat at least at or near their ends. Preferably the mat connector connects a single second support member to the mat at a plurality of spaced apart locations. Preferably the secondary spreader bars are received in strapping loops of the mat, preferably spaced apart strapping loops of the mat. Preferably the secondary spreader bars collectively extend at least substantially around the perimeter of the mat. In a form the primary and/or secondary spreader bars are made of metal. Preferably at least the primary spreader bars are made of a resiliently flexible material, preferably a metal material such as spring steel. [0024] The trampoline may comprise a plurality of mats arranged in parallel planes. In a form, two mats are arranged concentrically in parallel planes. The mats are preferably connected by second and/or third support members. The mats are preferably spaced apart to define an air gap therebetween. Preferably the mats are spaced apart such that at rest they do not touch. Preferably the mats are spaced apart such that under a sufficient load, such as the weight of a jumping user, an upper mat engages with a lower mat.

[0025] Preferably the trampoline further comprises a safety net. Preferably the safety net is attached to the mat at or adjacent its periphery and extends upwards towards the resiliently flexible spring members located at upper ends of the first support members. Preferably the safety net has a reinforced edge, preferably made of webbing, at or near an upper edge of the safety net. Preferably the reinforced edge extends around the entire perimeter of, or at least a substantial portion of, the safety net.

[0026] Preferably the safety net includes netting material. In a form the safety net may include a grid portion. The grid portion preferably comprises crossing material strips which define openings. Preferably the grid portion comprises webbing. Preferably the webbing is interlaced. Preferably the grid portion has openings which, even more preferably, comprise a majority portion of the area of the grid portion. Preferably the grid portion is connected to a netting material portion. Preferably the netting material portion is located below the grid portion. Preferably the netting material portion and the grid portion collectively define a substantially enclosed jumping chamber.

[0027] In a preferred form the safety net is connected to at least a portion of the second support members. In another form, the safety net receives at least a portion of the second support members. The safety net preferably extends towards the upper ends of the second support members. In one form the second su pport mem bers extend along the outside of the safety net, thereby allowing the safety net to protect users from the second support mem bers. [0028] Preferably the safety net has sleeves that receive a portion, preferably a majority portion, of the second support members. The sleeves preferably extend substantially the height, preferably at least a majority portion of the height, of the safety net. Preferably the sleeves are shaped to correspond to the shape of the second support members. Preferably the second support members tension the net via the sleeves. The sleeves may comprise a cushioning material that preferably enshrouds at least a portion of the second support members for added protection of users. Alternatively or additionally, the sleeves may be connected to the safety net via a web portion. Preferably the web portion distances the sleeves of the net from an inner surface of the net.

[0029] In forms of the invention, the second support members are cables or webbing that pass through sleeves on the outside of the safety net so that the net is held in place by the second support members and the sleeves protect the cables and users of the trampoline from the second support members and the net is made such that the second support members keep the net taut in its non- use disposition. In such forms, users of the trampoline can rebound off the net using the tension in the second support members to give momentum urging them back towards the centre of the mat.

[0030] Preferably the safety net encloses the mat in its entirety. Preferably the safety net has an opening to allow passage therethrough. Preferably the opening comprises an overlap in the safety net such that the safety net extends around the full perimeter of the mat. The safety mat may comprise a cover portion that receives mat connectors adjacent an outer edge of the mat. Preferably the cover portion has cut-outs to allow access to at least a portion of the mat connectors.

[0031 ] The first support members may connect to the base portion of the frame by being received in hollows of the base portion. The base portion of the frame may comprise tubular posts shaped to receive a portion of the first support members therein. In a preferred form, the frame comprises two vertically spaced apart tubes, preferably steel tubes, extending around the mat with spaced apart tubular posts connected thereto. Preferably the spaced apart tubular posts are arranged in a ring around the two vertically spaced apart tubes. Preferably the tubular posts extend above and/or below the vertically spaced apart tubes.

[0032] In another form, there is provided a trampoline comprising:

a substantially rigid frame having a base portion adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality of spaced apart legs and a plurality of spaced apart first support members extending upwards therefrom;

a plurality of spaced apart second support members connected to the first support members at their upper ends by resiliently flexible spring members;

a jumping mat operatively connected to said second support members towards their lower ends about its perimeter; and

a plurality of third support members operatively connected to said frame at or adjacent one end and to said mat at or adjacent its perimeter at the other end; the parts being so made and arranged that said second support members pull on the resiliently flexible spring members upon a load, such as the weight of a user, being applied to said mat.

[0033] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a trampoline;

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates a simplified side elevation view of a trampoline design that corresponds to figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a spring member portion of a trampoline; [0038] Figure 4 illustrates a simplified side elevation view of another trampoline design;

[0039] Figure 5 illustrates a close up view of a mat connector system;

[0040] Figure 6 illustrates another close up view of the mat connector system illustrated in figure 5; and

[0041 ] Figure 7 illustrates a side perspective view of another trampoline design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate trampoline 10 having a frame 100 with a plurality of spaced apart first support members 150, a mat 200, resiliently flexible spring members 300 in the form of leaf springs; and a plurality of second support members 400 in the form of webbing. The resiliently flexible spring members 300 connect upper ends of the first support members 150 of the frame to the second support members 400. The second support members 400 extend downwards from the resiliently flexible spring members 300 adjacent a safety net 500 that extends around and upwards from the mat 200. Although the frame 100 and mat 200 illustrated in the figures are circular, it will be appreciated that other shaped frames 100, mats 200, and therefore trampolines 10, could also be constructed, and no limitation is meant thereby.

[0043] The frame 100 is rigid, having a base portion 1 10 adapted to rest on the ground as illustrated and first support members 150 which extend upward therefrom. The first support members 150 extend from the base portion below the mat 200 to well above the mat 200. The first support members 150 are free standing and inclined such that they are generally closer to each other at the base portion than they are at their upper ends 152. The first support members 150 of the frame 10 are preferably hollow, effectively tubular, over their entire length. The resiliently flexible spring members 300 seal the hollow at the upper ends 152 of the first support members 150. Preferably the resiliently flexible spring members 300 have a rubber stopper portion which not only seals the hollow of the first support members 150 but also provides a damping effect between the flexible spring members 300 and the frame 100.

[0044] The frame 100 also has two vertically spaced tubes, a lower tube 102 and an upper tube 104, extending around the mat 200 with the first support members 150 connected thereto. The first support members also extend below the lower tube 102, effectively providing feet 1 12 to the base portion 1 10. Each first support member 150 may be made up from a number of parts joined together. For example, as illustrated in figure 2, an upper portion 150A may connect with a lower portion 150B at join 160. The join 160 may be a sleeve or swage join, or any other suitable join.

[0045] The first support members 150 of the frame 10 have a rounded cross section which is preferably in the form of a rounded rectangle or oval cross section with flat sides parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cross section. The cross section is substantially constant over the length of the first support members 150 of the frame 10, but it will be appreciated that a variable cross section may also be utilised. The first support members 150 of the frame 10 are arranged such that a longitudinal axis of the cross section is perpendicular to a perimeter of the mat 200.

[0046] Resiliently flexible spring members 300 are connected to upper ends 152 of the first support members 150 of the frame 100 such that they are located entirely above the mat 200.

[0047] As seen more clearly in figure 3, the resiliently flexible spring members 300 comprise a pair of spaced apart leaf springs, namely an inner leaf spring 320 and an outer leaf spring 340. Both the inner leaf spring 320 and the outer leaf spring 340 are curved. The curve of the leaf springs 320, 340 is from the longitudinal axis of the first support members 150 inwards towards the mat 200. A portion of the leaf springs 320, 340 has a generally convex cross section as shown by cross section detail 'A' of the outer leaf spring 340.

[0048] The leaf springs 320, 340 are connected by a respective first connector portion 322, 342 to a first support member 150 of the frame 10 and by a respective second connector portion 324, 344 to a second support member 400. The first connector portions 322, 342 shown in figure 3 comprise a channel which receives a connection member 154 of the first support member 150. The connection member 154 of the first support member 150 is a plate mounted within a hollow portion of the first support member 150. At the other end of the leaf springs 320, 340 is the second connector portion 324, 344, which connects to the second support member 400, and net 500, by receiving a portion of the second support member 400 and/or net 500 therein. The second connector portions 324 and 344 effectively clamp the second support member 400 and/or net 500 therein.

[0049] The second support members 400 extend downwards from the first support members 150 of the frame 10 via the resiliently flexible spring members 300. The net 500 has sleeves which receive the second support members 400 therein. Alternatively the second support members 400 can be integral with the net 500. The second support members 400 are connected to the mat 200 via mat connectors, which will be described in more detail in relation to figures 5 and 6. The second support members 400 are preferably non-elastic webbing is tensioned between the resiliently flexible spring members 300 and the mat 200.

[0050] The third support members 600 are preferably non-elastic webbing tensioned between the mat 200 and the frame 100. The third support members 600 extend between the mat 200 and the lower tube 102 and/or the upper tube 104 of the base portion 1 10.

[0051 ] The third support members 600 and second support members 400 together effectively provide support and tension to the mat 200. As the mat 200 is smaller in area than the area bounded by the frame 10 where the third support members 600 connect thereto, and the area bounded by the resiliently flexible members 300 mounted on the first support members 150 where the second support members 400 connect thereto, the second support members 400 and third support members 600 support the mat centrally with respect to the frame 100 and first support members 150 of the frame 10.

[0052] The net 500 is attached, preferably releasably attached, to the mat 200 at the periphery of the mat 200, but it will be appreciated that in some forms the net may be integral with the mat 200. The net 500 encloses, and extends upwards from, the mat 200 towards the upper ends 152 of the first support members 150 of the frame 10 such that it defines a jumping chamber above the mat 200. The net 500 is generally frustroconical in shape and is held in place and tensioned by the second support members 400. The net 500 may also optionally have a skirt portion 502 that extends below the mat 200.

[0053] The mat 200 is suspended between the base portion 1 10 of the frame 100 and upper ends 152 of the first support members 150 of the frame 10. The mat 200 is supported by the second support members 400 and is anchored to the base portion 1 10 of the frame 100 via the third support members 600. The mat is made of typical trampoline jumping mat material which deflects as a load, such as the weight of a user, is applied.

[0054] Figure 4 illustrates and alternative trampoline 10 where the resiliently flexible spring members 300 connect between the first support members 150 and an intermediary member 156 which then connects to a second support member 400 and the net 500. In this embodiment the resiliently flexible spring members 300 are smaller with the intermediary members 156 providing a leverage effect.

[0055] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a mat connector having spreader bars 222, 224. The second and third support members 400, 600 are formed of a single piece of webbing which has a fastener 420 that receives a central portion of a primary spreader bar 222 which is made of spring steel. The primary spreader bar 222 is then connected to two secondary spreader bars 224 via connector blocks 226.

[0056] The connector block 226 preferably connects ends of the primary spreader bar 222 to central regions of the secondary spreader bars 224. The primary spreader bar 222 is bowed to tension the secondary spreader bars 224. Although the secondary spreader bars 224 are illustrated as being substantially straight, it will be appreciated that they could be other shapes, such as curved to more closely follow the perimeter of the mat 200. [0057] The secondary spreader bars 224 are received by strapping loops 218 of the mat 200. The strapping loops are spaced around the perimeter of the mat 200 such that the secondary spreader bars 224 tension the mat evenly around its perimeter. The secondary spreader bars 224 are in turn tensioned by primary spreader bars 222 which are in turn tensioned by the second support members 400 and third support members 600.

[0058] Adjacent secondary spreader bars 224 are coupled to either other via the mat 200, but are otherwise substantially independent allowing tension to be applied substantially evenly around the perimeter of the mat 200 while also allowing the shape and circumference of the mat 200 to change as loads are applied. For example, as a user jumps on the mat 200 the perimeter contracts and the individual secondary spreader bars 224 allow contraction of the mat while also applying even tension around the perimeter via the primary spreader bars 222.

[0059] Figure 7 illustrates a different trampoline design having resiliently flexible spring members in the form of single leaf springs 300, a plurality of mats in the form of an upper mat 200 and lower mat 220, and a net having a netting portion 510 and a grid portion 520. The leaf springs 300 curve inwards towards the upper mat 200 with second support members 400 depending therefrom. The second support members extend down sides of the grid portion 520 and netting portion 510 of the net 500 to the upper mat 200. The upper mat 200 is connected to the lower mat 220 via the second support members and/or third support members 600. The upper mat 200 and lower mat 220 are concentric in parallel planes defining an air gap therebetween.

[0060] The net 500 in figure 7 is approximately half netting portion 510 and half grid portion 520, but it will be appreciated that other ratios could also be used (e.g. more netting portion 510 than grid portion 520 and vice versa). The netting portion 510 is made of a netting material which is typically in the form of a fine mesh. The grid portion 520 comprises crossing material strips, preferably webbing, which define openings. An upper portion of the second support members 400 is preferably integral with the grid portion 520 and a lower portion of the second support members 400 is preferably integral with the netting portion 510.

[0061 ] In use, a load, such as the weight of a user, is applied to the mat 200. As the user jumps on the mat the second support members 400 pull on the resiliently flexible spring members 300 supported by the first support members 150 such that they flex downwards and inwards towards the mat 200, allowing the mat 200 to travel downwards. As this happens the resiliently flexible spring members 300 bias the mat 200. The resiliently flexible spring members 300 then provide a spring effect, pulling the mat 200 upwards via the second support members 400, springing the user into the air in the chamber defined by the net 500. The third support members 600 keep the mat 200 centred while also preventing the mat 200 from travelling too far upward from the frame 100, such that momentum of the user causes the user to disengage from the mat in a typical trampoline manner.

[0062] The trampoline 10 provides a new, effective trampoline 10 that provides a superior jumping experience. Advantageously, the trampoline 10 provides a safe trampoline that overcomes safety hazards of traditional extension spring trampolines while also overcoming the undesirable twisting motion caused by known soft edged trampolines. The design is relatively simple and light weight, with not only less parts that are also less complex than regular trampolines. This not only makes transportation and construction easier, but also reduces costs.

[0063] Furthermore, no separate net infrastructure, such as net poles, to hold the net 500 above the mat 200. The second support members 400 allow the net 500 to be held in place and tensioned effectively. Additionally, the second support members 400 assist in giving an amount of bounceback to any user that impacts the safety net 500.

[0064] The net design shown in figure 7 provides a more open experience by allowing users to see out more clearly through openings in the grid portion 520 of the net 500. The upper mat 200 and lower mat 220 arrangement allows for different mat characteristics to be employed. Furthermore, having a double mat can also reduce potentially dangerous 'double bounce' effects when more than one user is using the trampoline at the same time.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.