AU2019100384B4 - Bi-directional toy and methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention is directed to a foldable bi-directional toy configured to be used as a trampoline and further to be used as at least one of the following usages: a playpen, a water pool, and a sphere pool, upon turning said bi-directional toy upside 10 down. The toy comprises at least a frame with legs configured to elevate the trampoline from the ground for enabling jumping thereon and also to serve as a basis for holding an encircling barrier for creating a delimited area when used as at least one of said usages; and a bounce mat configured to allow usage of the toy as a trampoline.

Description

BI-DIRECTIONAL TOY AND METHODS OF USE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of children toys and home use equipment. More specifically the invention is directed to a novel trampoline that may easily be transformed into a playpen, a sphere pool, a water pool, a baby crib, and the like.

BACKGROUND

Trampoline is a popular and commonly used toy for children that provide the child when bouncing on the trampoline, a recreational experience together with developing good coordination and fitness. Ttrampolines are usually consisting of a piece of taut, i.e., a strong fabric stretched over a metal frame using many coiled springs, a metal frame, and legs configured to elevate the trampoline to a certain height from the ground to allow safe jumping. The surface that the child bounces on (commonly known as the 'bounce mat' or 'trampoline bed') is not elastic in itself, and the elasticity is provided by the springs or elastic rubber that connects it to the frame, which store potential energy.

One of the main drawbacks of trampolines at home is the space that they occupy. When the trampoline is not in use, the large space that it captures is wasted and cannot be used by other toys, furniture, and other family members’ articles. When additional articles such as a playpen are being used, the home/garden space looks crowded, over filled and unpleasant to stay.

Another main drawback of standard trampolines currently available in the market is the extensive engagement required from the buyer for assembling the jumping apparatus into a functional toy after purchasing it.

Additional drawback of the common art trampoline is their stability. Common art trampolines usually have either a round or a square shape. Both shapes suffer from stability problems. The novel trampoline provided herein is configured and operable in a pentagon shape, wherein each side of the pentagon is supported by a dedicated leg, such that the stability of the trampoline is increased.

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Thus, it would be advantageous if there was provided a trampoline that was highly stable and safe to use. It would also be advantageous if the trampoline was multi-functional and utilizable for additional purposes other than bouncing. Still further, it would be advantageous if the trampoline could be transformed into a compact form almost in its entirety and be instantly retransformed into an open 10 functional form, that is delivered to the end user in assembled form that requires minimal preparation for use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVEMTION

In one main aspect, the present invention is directed to a bi-directional toy configured to be used in a first orientation as a trampoline and in a second orientation as a device with a delimited fenced area, said toy at least when assembled into its operational state, comprising: a) a frame with a bounce mat mounted thereto so as to allow jumping on the mat when the frame is elevated over a horizontal surface in the first orientation of the toy; b) a plurality of legs each having a proximal end securely 20 connected to the frame and a distal end free of permanent connection to any other leg or frame and spaced from the frame in a vertical direction; c) an encircling barrier configured to be held in place by said plurality of legs at least when the toy is used in its second orientation, the encircling barrier having a plurality of leg engaging portions corresponding to the plurality of legs, each configured to engage the 25 corresponding leg at least along a part of the distance between its proximal and distal ends, creating thereby a closed delimited fenced area bounded by the encircling barrier; wherein when the toy is to be used in its first orientation, the frame is brought into its horizontal position elevated relative to the distal ends of the legs and the legs extend downwardly from the frame to contact the horizontal surface, and when the toy 30 is to be used in its second orientation, the frame is disposed in its horizontal position lowered relative to the distal ends of the legs and the legs protrude upwardly therefrom allowing the leg engaging portions of the encircling barrier to be brought into the engagement with the legs to create thereby said fenced area bounded by the encircling barrier.

For simplicity of the description, all reference hereinbelow to a playpen further apply, mutatis mutandis, to any other functional form of the toy on the same

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 direction except the trampoline form. The ‘bi-directional toy’ described herein may also be referred in the text below as a ‘multifunctional trampoline’ and also as a ‘multifunctional toy’, thus, these terms are used hereinbelow interchangeably and they are all meaning the same.

In another main aspect of the invention the bi-directional toy is configured to 10 be folded, almost in its entirety, into a compact form that is suitable for shipping the toy from the manufactory to the stores and further for delivering the toy from the stores to the buyers houses.

The simple and fast folding of the toy into a compact flat form is further advantageous when the toy is not being in use at home and should be stored. The 15 ability of the toy to be folded into a compact flat form allows to keep the house tidy and to make room for other purposes and articles. The transformation of the toy into compact form may be carried out when the toy is almost fully assembled (only a handle for the trampoline should be detached if it is connected (optional feature)) to ensure a simple, and instant re-arrangement of the toy for playing with minimal 20 engagement and efforts of the adult that prepare the toy for use.

The multi-functional trampoline provided herein may be configured and operable to be sold to the end user in an assembled form, thus the user should only set the toy in a desired function position, and click the handle if he desire, when the toy is used as a trampoline. The multi-functional trampoline may be designed in different 25 dimensions to allow the buyer a choice according to the space he has available.

In some embodiments of the invention, the foldable trampoline may be used by adults either at home or in gyms.

The present invention in a further aspect is directed to a novel hook configured and operable to provide fast and reliable connection between the trampoline bounce 30 mat and the solid frame of the trampoline via a bungee cord looped onto the frame. The novel hook is designed in a manner that the approach and departure angles of the cord into and out of the hook minimize the friction between the hook and the cord to avoid any damage that may occur to the cord while bouncing.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples illustrative of embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to figures attached hereto. In the figures, identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with the same numeral in all the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of components and 10 features shown in the figures are generally chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. Many of the figures presented are in the form of schematic illustrations and, as such, certain elements may be drawn greatly simplified or not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The figures are not intended to be production drawings.

The figures (Figs.) are listed below.

Figures 1A is a schematic isometric view illustration of a bi-directional toy in accordance with example of the invention.

Figure IB is a schematic front view illustration of the bi-directional toy illustrated in Fig. 1 in a trampoline form;

Figure 1C is a schematic top view illustration of the bi-directional toy illustrated in Fig. 1 in a playpen form;

Figures 2A-2B are schematic isometric views of the solid frame of the bidirectional toy of Figure 1 in an open ready to use as a trampoline form (2A), and in a folded compact form ready for storage (2B).

Figures 3A-3B are schematic illustrations of the bi-directional toy in the multifunctional form as illustrated in figure 1 A; and in a trampoline form as illustrated in figure IB respectively, in a compact folded forms.

Figure 4 is a schematic exploded view illustration of a leg assembly of the bidirectional toy illustrated in figures 1A-1C, in accordance with examples of the 30 invention.

Figures 5A-5B are schematic cross section views of the leg assembly of the bi-directional toy illustrated in Figure 4 in an open form (Fig. 5A) and in a folded form (Fig. 5B) in accordance with examples of the invention.

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Figure 6A is a schematic illustration of a novel hook configured and operable to provide fast and reliable connection between the bounce mat and the frame of the multifunctional trampoline of the invention.

Figure 6B is a schematic close up view illustration demonstrating usage of the novel hook of Figure 6A within the multifunctional trampoline for connecting the 10 bounce mat to the trampoline frame via a bungee rope.

Figure 6C is a schematic illustration of the approach and departure angles of the bungee rope into and out of the hook illustrated in figure 6B.

Figure 7A is a partial side view of the multifunctional trampoline frame with a detachable handle.

Figure 7B is a cross section view of the attachment area of the handle to the frame and a covering connecting base.

Figure 7C is a close up view of the trampoline frame at the connection area of the handle.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, various aspects of a novel foldable multifunctional trampoline will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.

Although various features of the disclosure may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the disclosure may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the disclosure may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Furthermore, it should be understood that the disclosure can be carried out or practiced in various ways, and that the disclosure can be implemented in embodiments other than the exemplary ones described herein below. The descriptions, examples and materials presented in the description, as well as in the claims, should not be construed as limiting, but rather as illustrative.

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Terms for indicating relative direction or location, such as right and left, up and down, top and bottom, horizontal and vertical, higher and lower and the like, may also be used without limitation.

In accordance with one main aspect of the present invention a foldable multifunctional trampoline 100 is provided. The multifunctional trampoline comprises 10 a pentagon shape with rounded corners, each comer supported by an integral leg assembly. This unique structure provides an enhanced stability with maximal playing area. The novel multifunctional trampoline may be easily transformed to a playpen, a baby crib, a sphere pool, and the like by releasing a handle (if connected) and turning the trampoline upside down.

The multifunctional trampoline provided herein is preferably delivered to the end user in an assembled form, thus, reducing the need to engage with assembly of the different components of the trampoline, stretching the bounce mesh properly and connecting it to the frame of the trampoline via a suitable cord, a process that may not be easy to a non-skilled person.

The multi-functionality of the trampoline of the invention allows the user not only to save money for buying single-functional products, but also saves the user precious space that is usually a limited and assist in the creation of a calm, tidy surroundings.

The multi-functional trampoline provided herein is further configure to be 25 folded into a compact form almost in its entirety, a feature that allows substantive costs saving when shipping the toy from the manufactory to the stores and further down the delivery chain of the product to the final destiny of the buyer’s house. The folded compact form makes the toy convenient for delivery and cost saving. In addition, it may be inserted into any regular family vehicle for delivery from the store 30 after purchase.

Furthermore, the ability to fold the toy into a compact flat form when it is not in use allows convenient storage at home, as the space occupied by the toy in the folded form is minimized, and it can easily be pushed down the bed or positioned near the wall in a manner that allows open space in the activity area at home or at the yard.

The transformation of the toy from an open form into a compact folded form may be performed when the toy is fully assembled and the only thing that is required

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 to do from the adult handling the toy is to un-click a supporting handle if the trampoline comprises a handle, and such handle is connected. The mechanism allowing the simple transformation from a folded into an open form and vice versa will be described in details below with reference to Figs. 4-5.

Thus, in one main aspect of the invention, a foldable bi-directional toy configured and operable to be used as a trampoline and further to be used as at least one of the following usages: a playpen, a water pool, and a sphere pool, upon turning said bi-directional toy upside down is provided. The foldable bi-directional toy comprises at least: A frame having a pentagon shape connected at each vertex to a leg assembly; A leg assembly configured to allow folding of the toy into a compact flat form, to elevate the trampoline from the ground for enabling jumping, and to serve as a basis for dressing onto it an encircling fabric for creating a delimited area when used as at least one of said usages; A bounce mat configured to allow usage of the toy as a trampoline; and An encircling fabric having a pentagon shape configured to be attached to each of said legs for creating said delimited area when used as at least one 20 of said usages.

The foldable bi-directional toy may further comprises a detachable handle configured to be attached to said frame while using the toy as a trampoline and to be detached from the toy while using the toy in an opposite direction in any of said usages listed above.

The leg assembly preferably comprises at least: A housing having a top part and a bottom part assembled on the toy frame; A locker having a release trigger button, said locker is configured to allow folding of a leg toward the center of the toy from a vertical position relative to the toy frame into a flat horizontal position; A pin configured to allow movement of the leg upward and downward so as to allow folding of said leg; and a leg having a narrow upper portion suitable for insertion of said locker into it and having dedicated holes for insertion of said pin through it, said narrow portion of the leg together with said locker and pin are all inserted into said housing; Wherein, for transforming said toy into a folded flat form, each of said legs is folded from an open vertical position to a folded horizontal position.

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The folding of each leg of the bi-directional toy may be obtained upon pressing on said release trigger button of the locker, pulling of the leg out of said housing and then folding the leg inward toward the center of said bounce mat.

In some embodiments, the bounce mat comprises a plurality of connecting means for connecting the bounce mat to said frame via an elastic rope. Preferably, the connecting means are hooks configured to hold said elastic rope with minimal friction force applied on it in order to avoid damage to said elastic rope upon usage.

In a preferred embodiment, the approach and departure angles of the elastic rope into said hook and out of said hook are in the range of 30 degree to 70 degree to prevent damage that may occur to the rope.

In some embodiments of the invention, the encircling fabric comprises a sleeve at each vertex of the toy; said sleeve is configured to be dressed onto corresponding leg for obtaining delimited fenced area within the toy. The encircling fabric may be configured to cover parts of said bounce mat in a manner that the bottom side of the bounce mat is configured to serves as the floor of said playpen and/or sphere pool.

In a specific embodiment, the encircling fabric may be made of a waterproof material and configured to cover said bounce mat in its entirety so as to allow filling of water into it to be used as a water pool.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a hook for holding an elastic rope with minimal friction force to be applied on the rope for preventing damage that may occur to said elastic rope upon usage, said hook comprising: an upper area having a saddle like shape for holding a rope below it, a bottom area for stitching said hook to a fabric to be connected, and a middle area configured to connect between the upper and bottom areas and to provide additional length between said areas to allow convenient sawing of the hook to the fabric and further to allow a convenient threading of the rope through it.

Preferably, the approach and departure angles of said elastic rope into said hook and out of said hook are in a range of 30 degree to 70 degree.

Yet, in a further aspect, the invention is directed to a method for folding a bidirectional toy into a flat compact form, said bi- directional toy is configured to be used as at least one of a trampoline, a playpen, a sphere pool, and a water pool, said

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 toy comprising a double safety locking mechanism operated by leg assembly having a release trigger button, said method comprising: a) pressing said release trigger button to unlock a pin for enabling movement of the leg upward and downward; b) pulling said leg out of a housing that holds the leg in when it is in an open position; and

c) bending said leg from a vertical position to a horizontal position.

The bidirectional toy suitable for applying this method comprises at least the following: a) a frame having a pentagon shape connected at each vertex to said leg assembly; b) a leg assembly configured to allow folding of the toy into a compact flat form, to elevate the trampoline from the ground for enabling jumping, and to serve as a basis for dressing onto it an encircling fabric for creating a delimited area when used 15 as at least one of said usages; said leg assembly comprises at least: a housing having a top part and a bottom part assembled on the trampoline frame; a locker having a release trigger button to allow folding of a leg toward the center of the trampoline from a vertical position relative to a flat horizontal position; a pin configured to allow movement of the leg upward and downward so as to allow ejecting of the leg from 20 said housing and folding it in a perpendicular axis; and a leg having a narrow upper portion suitable for insertion of said locker into it and having dedicated holes for insertion of said pin through it, wherein said narrow portion of the leg together with said locker and pin are all inserted into said housing; c) a bounce mat configured to allow usage of the toy as a trampoline; and d) an encircling fabric having a pentagon 25 shape configured to be attached to each of said legs for creating said delimited area when used as at least one of said usages.

Yet, in a further aspect this invention is directed to a foldable trampoline having a fast opening/folding mechanism allowing a user to transform the trampoline from an open form into a flat folded form and vice versa said trampoline comprises at 30 least:

a. A frame having a pentagon shape connected at each vertex to a leg assembly;

b. A leg assembly configured to allow folding of the legs from a vertical position into a compact flat form; and

c. A bounce mat configured to allow usage of the toy as a trampoline.

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The leg assembly of the foldable trampoline comprises at least: a housing having a top part and a bottom part assembled on the trampoline frame; a locker having a release trigger button to allow folding of a leg toward the center of the trampoline from a vertical position relative to a flat horizontal position; a pin configured to allow movement of the leg upward and downward so as to allow 10 ejecting of the leg from said housing and folding it in a perpendicular axis; and a leg having a narrow upper portion suitable for insertion of said locker into it and having dedicated holes for insertion of said pin through it, wherein said narrow portion of the leg together with said locker and pin are all inserted into said housing.

The foldable trampoline may further comprise an encircling fabric having a pentagon shape configured to be attached to each of said legs of the trampoline when they are in an open position and while the trampoline is inversed upside down for creating a delimited area within said trampoline legs for usage as at least one of the following usages: a playpen, a water pool, and a sphere pool.

The foldable trampoline preferably comprises a double safety locking 20 mechanism that requires from a user for folding a leg to first press a release trigger button and then pull the leg out of said housing and bend it toward the center of the trampoline, from a vertical position to horizontal position. The track of the leg during folding is similar to “L” shape track.

To re-open the leg from a folded form, the leg should be aliened to a vertical 25 position on top of said housing and be clicked into the housing while applying force.

Following is a description, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figure which are a diagrammatic representation, of one method of carrying the current subject matter into effect.

Figure 1A is a schematic isometric view of a multifunctional trampoline 100 in accordance with examples of the invention. Multifunctional trampoline 100 is configured and operable to serve as a trampoline and further to be transformed into a playpen 101 as will be described in details below. Multifunctional trampoline 100 is viewed in this figure in a combined state in which the toy is open and positioned with the trampoline function on top, ready to be used, wherein the legs supporting the 35 trampoline frame are dressed with an encircling fabric 132 that functionally creates a

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 delimited area that serves for the other functionalities of the toy (besides the trampoline) when the multifunctional trampoline is inversed.

In the specific implementation of the invention encircling fabric 132 comprises five outer sleeves 1321; each sleeve 1321 is configured to be dressed on a leg 126 of the trampoline so as to create a fence, delimiting the area stretched around 10 the inner side of the trampoline frame, in order to be used as either one of a playpen, a water pool, a sphere pool, and the like. The transformation from the trampoline form to the playpen form is simply obtained by un-clicking a handle 130 if the handle is connected to the trampoline (optional feature) and turning the toy upside down.

Multifunctional trampoline 100 comprises a bounce mat 120 connected to a 15 frame 124 (not shown in this view). The connection area of the bounce mat 120 and frame 124 is covered by a cover 125 configured to hide the solid frame, and also to hide the hooks and bungee rope that are used for connecting the mat to the frame. Cover 125 is preferably but not necessarily made of a two layer, wherein the bottom layer is a made of a soft padding textile and the upper layer is a made of a colorful 20 waterproof nylon or leatherette fabric. Thus, it may serve for both aesthetic and safety purposes to provide the toy fashionable look and also protect the child from injuries when he/she falls on frame 124. Bounce mat 120 is preferably made of a breathable fabric that allows passage of water. This character is extremely important when the trampoline is used outdoor to avoid accumulation of rain water on it.

In the specific embodiment illustrated in this figure, multifunctional trampoline 100 comprises a set of five leg assemblies 160, each comprising a leg 126, and a leg folding mechanism within a housing 128. Each leg 126 is connected to the frame by a dedicated housing 128 that comprises the folding mechanism of said leg. As will be described below, the multifunctional trampoline comprises a double safety 30 locking mechanism, to ensure that the leg will not be folded accidently. The multifunctional trampoline 100 has a unique pentagon shape with five sides 121A12IE connected to each other by the housing of the leg folding mechanism 128. This structure creates five corners that provide maximal stability to the trampoline together with maximal bounce space. The folding mechanism of the legs will be described in 35 details with reference to figures 4-5.

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The legs may be made of various materials including without limitation, various polymers such as polypropylene, metal, and wood. Optionally, the tip of the leg may be covered by a none-slip pad 127 at the distal end of the leg that is proximal to the floor/ground that is preferable a plastic/rubber/silicon cover. None-slip pad 127 is configured to protect the leg from abrasion that may result during bouncing and 10 further to protect the floor from scratches that may occur during bouncing.

Optionally, trampoline 100 may further comprise a removable handle 130 configured to provide the child or adult (especially very young children and elderly people) a holding bar to enhance its stability during jumping. The handle may be made of any strong material capable of stably holding the body weight of the child.

Handle 130 preferably but not necessarily designed as an inverse “U” shape, having a gripping area 1301 that optionally is covered by a soft material, and two descending arm 1302. In the non-limiting examples illustrated in this figure, each arm of handle 130 is connected to frame 124 via an extension of the frame shaped as a cylindrical body (shown in Figure 7C) that is housed within a dedicated connecting body housing 20 133 that is assembled onto it. Handle 130 may be clicked into the cylindrical body when the toy is used as a trampoline and be unclicked when the toy is turned upside down to be used as a playpen. Detailed description of the handle, the cylindrical body, and the connecting base housing is illustrated with reference to figures 7A- 7C. Also shown in this figure is release trigger button 422 of leg assembly 160 that is 25 configured to allow the folding of the toy into a flat compact form.

Figure IB is a front view illustration of the multifunctional trampoline 100 of figure 1A, wherein the encircling fabric 132 is removed from the legs. In this view legs 126 are uncovered. Shown in this view are bounce mat 120, cover 125, leg assembly 160 that comprises the legs 126, the housings of the legs folding mechanism 30 128 with release trigger button 422, and the none-slip pad 127, the five arms of the pentagon shape 121A-121E of the multifunctional trampoline, handle 130 with gripping area 1301 and tubes area 1302, and connecting body housing 133 of the handle connecting mechanism.

Figure 1C is a top view illustration of the multifunctional trampoline of figure

1A in a playpen form 101. In this form of the toy handle 130 is detached from the toy and the trampoline is being inversed to the opposite direction in order to make use of the concave shape of the inverted trampoline to create a playpen or sphere pool for

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 toddlers. As seen in this view the encircling fabric 132 is dressed onto the trampoline legs to create a close fenced area. This is achieved by dressing the encircling fabric sleeves 1321, each onto a respective leg. In accordance with implementations of the invention the assembly of the encircling fabric 132 is performed at the manufactory so as to minimize the engagement required for preparing the toy for usage. Preferably, 10 sleeves 1321 are predesigned in dimensions that require applying force when applying them onto the legs to ensure minimal movements. In addition, limiters 1264 at the bottom edge of legs 126 (shown in details in figure 4) further insure that the sleeves will remain at their position. Also shown in this view are: bottom side of cover 125 with connecting buckles 1252 and connecting straps 1251 for ensuring a stable 15 connection of the cover to the bounce mat, and bottom side of the leg’s folding mechanism housing 128. In the example illustrated in this figure the coverage of encircling fabric 132 is partial and as such, the bottom of the playpen is actually the bounce mat 120. Alternatively, encircling fabric 132 may be designed to provide a full coverage of the delimited area including the bottom surface in a manner that covers 20 the entire bounce mat 120. Preferable, encircling fabric 132 is made of materials that are easy to clean and relatively stable to ensure that it will not be easily tom upon usage. When it is used as a sphere pool or as a playpen it is preferred to use a breathable fabric.

In further embodiments, encircling fabric 132 may be made of a waterproof 25 material suitable for filling water into it, and as such may be used at this form as a water pool.

Figures 2A-2B are schematic isometric views of the structural components of the bi-directional toy of figure 1A-1C without the covers and fabrics, in an open ready to use as a trampoline form (2A), and in a folded compact form ready for storage with 30 the folded legs positioned on the top(2B).

Referring to figure 2A, frame 124 is uncovered. The frame 124 is preferably made of a rigid material suitable for such purpose such as but not limited to a metal. The housing 128 of the leg’s folding mechanism is shown from top. The housing 128 is assembled onto the frame at its rear, while on the front that is facing the 35 surroundings a release trigger button 422 is shown. Leg 126 is connected to the bottom side of housing 128, while part of the leg is positioned in the open form within the housing as will be described in details with reference to the folding and unfolding

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 mechanism of the trampoline legs. In the open form view shown in this figure, handle

130 is attached to the frame. In this specific example, the two edges of the descending tubes 1302 are inserted into connecting bodies’ housings 133 each assembled on frame 124. Housings 133 are located on the frame in a manner that between them the leg assembly 160 is positioned. In other words, leg 126 together with housing 128 is 10 positioned and protruding outward for creating an opposite momentum when jumping on the trampoline. This unique structure stabilizes the trampoline in order to avoid unintentional reversal of the toy while jumping, which is a very popular drawback of prior art trampolines and major cause for injuries of children playing with trampolines. The position of the protruding leg between the two arms of handle 130 is 15 located as opposite support to create leaning support that prevents from the trampoline to tip over during jumping. Also shown in this view are: none-slip pad 127, release trigger button 422, and gripping area 1301.

Figure 2B illustrates the legs in a folded form while the frame is positioned in opposite direction shown in the open form illustrated in Figure 2A. At this view, 20 housing 128 of the leg’s folding mechanism is viewed from its bottom side, together with release trigger button 422 and a stage 1262 (described in details with reference to figure 4 below). Handle 130 is not connected to frame 124, and the legs 126 are folded toward the center of the space encompassed by frame 124. Also shown in this view are: pad 127, and connecting base housing 133 with opening 502’ for releasing 25 the handle (described in details with reference to figures 7A-7C below).

Reference is now made to Figures 3A-3B that schematically illustrate the bidirectional toy of the invention in the multifunctional form as illustrated in figure 1A, and in a trampoline form as illustrated in figure IB respectively, in a compact folded form together with the covers and fabrics.

As seen in the drawings, folding of the trampoline may be performed together with the entire fabrics and covers of the multifunctional trampoline in order to insure minimal engagement with assembling and disassembling of the toy before and after storage. For folding the multifunctional trampoline it is required to detach handle 130, if it is connected to the frame, before folding it. That is to say, that when 35 the toy is used as a trampoline with the handle, the handle should be detached before folding the toy for storage, and when the toy is being used as a playpen or a pool, it is only required to take out objects that were placed inside during playing (if there are

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 such objects) and fold the multifunctional toy without detaching anything. This simple mechanism allows transforming the toy from one form to the others to take less than one minute. In addition, the fact that the folding of the toy is performed with the entire parts that are required for operation (besides the handle) make it easy and fast to reopen the toy for playing and insure that no parts will be lost, as all the components 10 remain attached for safety in the folded form as will be described in details with reference to figures 5A-5B.

When the bi-directional toy is folded after serving as a playpen 101 (Fig.3 A), the legs that are covered with the encircling fabric sleeves 1321 are folded towered the center of the toy, together with the encircling fabric 132. Also shown in this view 15 is the bottom side of cover 125. Cover 125 in the example illustrated in this figure is secured to the frame by Velcro straps 1251 at the leg assembly area and further connecting one or more buckles 1252 at about the center of each pentagon arm, however, other attachment mechanism of the cover may be used. The bottom side of the housing of the leg folding mechanism 128 is shown. At this position release 20 trigger button 422 of the leg folding mechanism is shown facing upward. Also shown are: pad 127, screws 432 connecting the leg assembly to the frame, and stage 1262. At this position, connecting base 133 is also shown from the bottom side together with openings 502’ for the handle spring (shown in details in Figs 7A-7B). At the center of the figure, bounce mat 120 is shown.

When the encircling fabric 132 is removed (Fig. 3B) the legs 126 are shown and the connection of bounce mat 120 to the frame is revealed. At this view it can be seen that the bounce mat 120 at the edge is stitched to another webbing textile 122, this webbing is used as an infrastructure for connecting means 200 that at this specific example, are novel hooks that encircle bounce mat 120. Webbing 122 contains such 30 connecting means (hooks) for connecting the bounce mat 120 to the frame. Textile 122 is stitched to hooks 200. Novel hooks 200 will be described in details below with reference to figures 6A-6C. Each hook is configured to hold a cord that is looped over the frame, in order to connect the bounce mat 120 in a stretched manner to the frame to allow jumping on it. In a preferred embodiment, the cord is a bungee rope. Also 35 shown in this view are: the leg assembly 160 with leg 126 having stage 1262, noneslip pad 127, and housing 128 together with release trigger button 422 and screws 432, the handle connecting body housing 133 with release button openings 502’,

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 cover 125, and straps 1251. Optionally, cover 125 comprising at its bottom side that is shown in this view additional securing means such as connecting buckle 1252 for connecting cover 125 to webbing 122, preferably at the center of each arm 121A to 12IE of the pentagon structure of the trampoline, for ensuring that cover 125 will remain connected and stretched over the frame at all times, unless the user wish to 10 remove it purposely, and Velcro straps 1251 around the leg assembly 160. It should be clear that the connection of the bounce mat to the trampoline frame illustrated above is only one none limiting example and the connection between them may be performed by other means including without limitations by other hooks available in the market, by springs or else. In addition, the bi-directional toy illustrated herein may 15 have an integral bounce mat that is permanently attached to the frame or a separated part therefrom that may be attached to the frame by any known means available in the art.

Figure 4 is a schematic exploded view illustration of a leg assembly 160 of the bi-directional toy of figures 1A-1C, in accordance with examples of the invention.

Leg assembly 160 comprises a housing 128, a locker 420, a leg 126, and optionally a none-slip pad 127.

Housing 128 comprises a top housing portion 128A and a bottom housing portion 128B connected to each other, preferably but not necessarily by self-taping screw 433 that is inserted via hole 4331 into a threaded boss 4332 positioned at the 25 bottom housing portion 128B. Additional two screws 432 are inserted via dedicated holes 4321 at the top housing portion 128A through dedicated holes at the trampoline frame 124 (not shown in this view) up to the bottom housing portion 128B. These screws are used for connecting the top portion of housing 128A to the bottom portion of housing 128B using nuts and to fasten both portions onto the trampoline frame 124. 30 At this area, which is the posterior portion of housing 128, each portion comprises a niche 1244 in a half tube shape in a manner that the two niches are facing one another to create a hole in a size suitable to contain frame 124. The top portion of housing 128A as well as the screws are covered by a top rubber cover 128C that is clicked onto top housing portion 128A via snap fit 128C’. Rubber cover is configured to 35 provide both, a softer safer layer if the child accidently fell on it, and also to play an aesthetic role by providing housing 128 a clean look as it covers the screws that are

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 used for the connection of the elements, and also play a role as anti-slip legs when using the toy as sphere pool or swimming pool.

Bottom housing portion 128B further comprises an opening 4221 for release trigger button 422 that is part of locker 420. Locker 420 is inserted into upper portion 1261 of leg 126 and both are inserted into bottom housing 128B.

Leg assembly 160 further comprises a locker 420 having a release trigger button 422 connected to a spring 424. Spring 424 is inserted at one end into locker 420 via opening 4241 at the posterior wall of locker 420 in a vertical position to button 422 and provide it its springiness. Locking 420 further comprises at its upper portion windows 4261 for insertion of a pin 426.

Leg assembly 160 further comprises a leg 126 having a narrow upper portion

1261 that is structurally designed to house locker 420. As such, upper portion 1261 of the leg comprises dedicate opening 422’ for release trigger button 422, and openings 426’ for pin 426.

The connection area between the upper narrow portion 1261 of leg 126 to the tube portion 1263 of the leg is designed as a protruding stage 1262 that functionally defines the movement range of the leg from an open to a folded form. When the leg transforms from a close form into open form, stage 1262 defines the final stage of the open form of leg 126. Stage 1262 is designed in a complimentary shape and size to an opening in the bottom side of housing 128 such that in an open form of the leg, stage

1262 is elevated upward until it reaches and inserted into the opening in bottom housing 128B. Upper portion 1261 may further comprise ribs such as 15 and 17 in various dimensions and orientations configured to lead leg 126 to a proper position when transformed from a folded to an open form and to stabilize it (i.e. minimize undesired movement of the leg assembly components). The bottom end of tube portion 1263 comprises a limiter 1264 configured for securing encircling fabric 132 to its proper position around the leg and preventing its release from the leg.

Preferably but not necessarily, leg assembly 160 comprises a none-slip pad 127. None-slip cover 127 is made of a narrow upper portion 1271 in a diameter suitable to be inserted into the bottom end of leg 126 for establishing a stable 35 connection between them. The narrow portion 1271 ends with a flat base 1272

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 configured to prevent abrasion of the floor, and also to prevent grinding of the leg itself during usage and further to improve the leg’s grip to the floor.

Leg assembly 160 comprises a pin 426 that is configured to move upward and downward and to allow the movement of the leg from an open form into a folded form and vice versa (L shape movement of the leg). Since the locker 420 is 10 configured to be inserted into the upper portion 1261 of the leg and both are configured to be inserted into housing 128, all parts contain dedicated openings for pin 426 to thereby allow its movement. A shown in this figure, bottom portion of the housing 128B comprises opening 4262 for the pin, locker 420 comprises openings 4261 for the pin, and upper portion 1261 of leg 126 comprises holes 426’ for the pin. 15 The folding mechanism of the leg assembly 160 will be described with reference to figures 5A-5B below.

Figures 5A-5B are schematic cross section views of leg assembly 160 of Figure 4 in an open form (Fig. 5A) and in a folded form (Fig. 5B) in accordance with examples of the invention.

As mentioned above, the multifunctional trampoline comprises a double safety locking mechanism. Thus, in order to fold leg 126, the user should first press release trigger button 422 of locker 420, pull the leg 126 downward and fold it toward the center of the trampoline, from a vertical position to horizontal position. The track of the leg during folding is similar to “L” shape track. During the folding process of leg 25 126, upper portion 1261 is pulled down (this is enabled when pressing on button 422), stage 1262 is being distant from the bottom opening of bottom housing 128B and pin 426 is moving downward along space 4262. At this stage leg 126 changes its axis relative to the frame of the trampoline from a vertical position to horizontal position. At this folded position the leg is locked by a plunger 30 (Shown in Figure 5A).

In order to re-open leg 126 from a folded form, the user should align the leg to a vertical position on top of housing 128 and click it into housing 128 while applying force. When the leg transforms from a close form into an open form, stage 1262 defines the final stage of the open form of leg 126, when it reaches the complementary opening on the bottom side of housing 128B. When stage 1262 is 35 elevated upward reaches the opening in bottom housing 128B and inserted into it, the opening process of leg 126 is completed.

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Figure 5A is a cross section view of the leg assembly 160 when the leg is open. In that form leg 126 is on the same axis with housing 128 (on a continuous imaginary line). The top portion 128A of the housing is connected to bottom portion 128B by screw 433 that is covered by rubber cover 128C. At this form locker 420 together with button 422 and spring 424 are inserted into housing 128 and positioned 10 near the top housing 128A. Stage 1262 at this view is positioned on the bottom opening 1238 of bottom housing 128B and closing it. The medial part of housing 128 that is assembled on frame 124 of the multifunctional trampoline is shown in this view with screw 432 that connects housing 128 and frame 124 in a parallel position to locker 420 and vertical position to spring 422. Below it a plunger 30 is shown in this 15 view that is aimed to support the leg in a folded form to remain stably folded (locked).

Also shown in this view are: niche 1244, tube portion 1263 of leg 126, limiter 1264, the narrow portion of none-slip pad 1271 inserted into the bottom end of the leg, and base 1272.

In the folded form illustrated in Figure 5B, leg 126 is laid onto housing 128 and they are no longer on the same axis as now they are perpendicular one to the other. Connecting screws 432 and 433 are shown in a parallel position to spring 422, and locker 420 is viewed distanced from the top housing 128A and from rubber layer 128C. Pin 426 is at the most bottom point it can range, and the top portion 1261 of leg 126 is out of housing 128. At this view, stage 1262 is positioned near the outer surface 25 of bottom housing 128B away from the bottom opening 1283 where locker 420 and button 422 are now positioned. Also shown in this view are: niche 1244, tube portion 1263 of leg 126, limiter 1264, the narrow portion of none-slip pad 1271 inserted into the bottom end of the leg, and base 1272.

Figure 6A is a schematic illustration of a novel hook 200 configured and 30 operable to provide fast and reliable connection of the bounce mat to the frame of the multifunctional trampoline of the invention.

Hook 200 is composed of three main areas: an upper area 220, a bottom area 210, and a middle area 214. Upper area 220 also referred hereinafter as the: “hook’s head”, has a saddle like shape, and is configured to hold a cord 300. The cord is 35 preferably a bungee rope that is being enwrapped over the trampoline frame and during connection to the hook it is positioned below the saddle like area 222 of hook 200.

2019100384 08 Apr 2019

Bottom area 210 of hook 200, also referred hereinafter as the: “hooks base” is a flat area and contains a stitching area 212 for stitching the hook to webbing fabric 122 encompassing bounce mat textile 120. Middle area 214 is also flat and serves as a “neck” connecting the head of the hook and the base, providing additional length between the hook’s head and the hook’s base to allow convenient sawing of the hook 10 to the textile on one hand, and also to allow a convenient threading of the cord through it. Middle area is preferable but not necessarily, narrower that the base area. This area may further be used for positioning of a logo 216 or other symbols within it. It should be clear the novel hook described herein may be used for various different appliances on the same concept described herein and is not limited to the usage 15 described herein.

Jumping on the trampoline is enabled thanks to the elasticity of the bungee rope that stretches when the child is jumping on the bounce mat 120 and then returns to its normal upstretched position. The bounce mat has no elasticity by itself.

The unique structure of the hook’s head 220 and the positioning of the bungee 20 rope below the head within area 222 protect the bungee rope from damage that may occur to it during jumping, as the unique structure of the hook minimize friction between the hook and the rope during jumping, and insure long lifetime of the rope. Thus, the safety and reliability of the trampoline as a toy increases relative to other trampolines available in the market that make use of bungee rope.

In addition the unique structure of hook 200 allows simple and quick connection of the bounce mat 120 to the trampoline frame 124 as the bungee rope 300 is first looped over the frame, and afterward the bounce mat is connected to the frame by hooking the looped rope to the hooks stitched to the webbing fabric 122 encompassing bounce mat textile 120.

Figure 6B is a schematic close up bottom view illustration demonstrating usage of the novel hook 200 of Figure 6A within the multifunctional trampoline of the invention for connecting the bounce mat 120 to the trampoline frame 124 via bungee rope 300.

When looking at the bottom side of the bounce mat 120, it can be seen that 35 hook 200 is stitched to webbing 122 at area 212. The middle area leads the head of the hook 220 to be positioned beyond the bounce mat edge near the frame, while bungee

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 rope 300 is threaded below the saddle like area 222 of hook, 200 while it is looped over the trampoline frame 124. The positioning of the rope 300 inside area 222 allows smooth movements of the rope when it is stretched with minimal friction with the hook head, thus, damage to the rope that may occur during jumping is diminished.

Figure 6C is a schematic illustration of the approach and departure angles of 10 the bungee rope 300 into and out of hook 200. In this figure, the longitudinal axis of hook 200 is denoted as line A-A, while the longitudinal axis of the rope is denoted as line B-B. When the bungee rope goes into the hook the approach angle Alfa (a) should be in the range of 30 to 70 degrees, as out of this range the rope may be damaged and be tom. When the bungee rope 300 goes out of the hook the departure 15 angle beta (β) should also be in the range of 30 to 70 degrees, as out of this range the rope will be damaged. The approach angle and the departure angle may be similar or differ from each other; however both should be within the above range in order to keep the rope safe.

Figures 7A-7C are schematic illustrations showing the connection of the 20 handle 130 to frame 124. The connection is established by insertion of the handle into an extended cylindrical body 1247 that is welded to frame 124 via extension 1244, wherein the cylindrical body and the connection area to frame 124 are covered by connecting body housing 133, one for each side of the handle. Figure 7A is a partial side view of the trampoline skeleton with the detachable handle. Figure 7B, is a cross 25 section view of the attachment area of the handle into cylindrical body 1247 housed by connecting body housing 133 that is assembled on the frame of the trampoline. Figure 7C is a close up view of the connection of cylindrical body 1247 welded to frame 124.

Handle 130 has an inversed “U shape and comprises a holding area 1301 and 30 two parallel descending tubes 1302 each ends with narrower (embossing) area 1303 configured to be inserted into cylindrical body 1247 covered by connecting body housing 133 via opening 133’. Area 1303 comprises within it a be-directional spring 500 having a central body 501 and two pressable tips 502.

Connecting body housing 133 comprises two parts: an upper housing 133A 35 and a bottom housing 133B, both parts are assembled onto cylindrical body 1247 extended from frame 124 and connected to each other by screws 533. The screws are

2019100384 08 Apr 2019 positioned on both sides of opening 133’ to provide strong and stable connection between connecting body housing 133 and frame 124. The connection area between the two parts 133A and 133B is show in the figure as 133AB.

In order to connect handle 130 to the trampoline frame 124, the user should simply insert each embossing area 1303 into opening 133’ and push the handle 130 10 downward through cylindrical body 1247 until the loaded springs reach a dedicated openings 502’ and protrude out of bottom housing 133B. The structure of embossing area 1303 causes pressable tips 502 to be pressed inward, and when pressable tips 502 are reaching openings 502’ they are automatically released and protrude out through openings 502’and shown from bottom housing 133B. At this state the handle is 15 assembled and locked on frame 124.

In order to disassemble the handle from the trampoline an opposite action should be performed. The user should first press protruding tips 502 into opening 502’ and pull the handle upward to eject embossing area 1303 from cylindrical body 1247. The handle is out when embossing area 1303 is fully removed from cylindrical body 20 1247. In the specific example the insertion and ejection actions should be performed for each side of handle 130.

In the cross section view of Figure 7B, embossing area 1303 of handle 130 is shown while it is inserted into cylindrical body 1247 that is covered by connecting body housing 133. Bidirectional spring 500 is positioned within it in a releases, 25 unloaded state as the two pressable tips 502 are un-pressed and protrude out of openings 502’. At this state the handle is locked onto the multifunctional trampoline frame. Also shown in this view are: the bidirectional spring body 501, handle tube 1302, and frame 124.

Figure 7C schematically illustrates frame 124 welded to cylindrical body 1247 30 via extension 1244. Cylindrical body comprised two openings 502’ for release of pressable tips 522 of spring 500. Cylindrical body 1247 is housed by connecting body 133 to provide this area an esthetic smooth look. Also shown in this view is leg assembly 160.

In some embodiments of the invention, the foldable bi-directional toy of the 35 invention may be designed without a handle as the handle is an optional feature only.

2019100384 08 Apr 2019

In a further example, the foldable toy may be used in a single function as a foldable trampoline to be used at home and in gyms. In such embodiment the trampoline may also be designed without a handle.

It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, 10 without limiting its scope. It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention.

In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” 15 sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of’. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise, comprised and comprises where they appear.

The preceding description is provided in relation to several embodiments 20 which may share common characteristics and features. It is to be understood that one or more features of any one embodiment may be combinable with one or more features of the other embodiments. In addition, any single feature or combination of features in any of the embodiments may constitute additional embodiments.

In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the inventions, 25 and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

Furthermore, the inventions have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be 30 understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the inventions. Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to 35 realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

Claims (5)

1. A bi-directional toy configured to be used in a first orientation as a trampoline and in a second orientation as a device with a delimited fenced area, said toy at least when assembled into its operational state, comprising:

a. a frame with a bounce mat mounted thereto so as to allow jumping on the mat when the frame is elevated over a horizontal surface in the first orientation of the toy;

b. a plurality of legs each having a proximal end securely connected to the frame and a distal end free of permanent connection to any other leg or frame and spaced from the frame in a vertical direction;

c. an encircling barrier configured to be held in place by said plurality of legs at least when the toy is used in its second orientation, the encircling barrier having a plurality of leg engaging portions corresponding to the plurality of legs, each configured to engage the corresponding leg at least along a part of the distance between its proximal and distal ends, creating thereby a closed delimited fenced area bounded by the encircling barrier;

wherein when the toy is to be used in its first orientation, the frame is brought into its horizontal position elevated relative to the distal ends of the legs and the legs extend downwardly from the frame to contact the horizontal surface, and when the toy is to be used in its second orientation, the frame is disposed in its horizontal position lowered relative to the distal ends of the legs and the legs protrude upwardly therefrom allowing the leg engaging portions of the encircling barrier to be brought into the engagement with the legs to create thereby said fenced area bounded by the encircling barrier.

2. A bi-directional toy according to claim 1, wherein the encircling barrier has a plurality of vertexes, and said leg engaging portions are each in the form of a sleeve extending outwardly from its corresponding vertex and configured to be dressed on one of the legs when inserted in the sleeve with the leg distal end.

3. A bi-directional toy according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a detachable handle configured to be attached to said frame while using the toy in the first

2019100384 21 Aug 2019

5 orientation and to be detached from the toy while using the toy in the second orientation.

4. A bi-directional toy according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the toy is foldable to take a non-operational state at least by changing orientation of each leg so that its distal end becomes spaced from the distal ends of the other legs to a distance

10 smaller than that in the operational state of the toy, thereby allowing folding of the toy into a compact flat form.

5. A bi-directional toy according to claim 4, wherein the engaging portions of the encircling barrier are configured to stay engaged with said legs when the orientation of the legs is changed to fold the toy.