AU2021261946A1

AU2021261946A1 - A trampoline play system, a trampoline basketball kit and a trampoline

Info

Publication number: AU2021261946A1
Application number: AU2021261946A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Scott Gladstone; Boris Zaitsev; Leo Zaitsev
Original assignee: Kmate Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Kmate Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-05
Filing date: 2021-11-05
Publication date: 2022-05-26

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a trampoline play system having a sensor, and an output device that emits a response output when the sensor detects and person or an objection. Another embodiment relates to a trampoline basketball kit having a sensor and an output device that emits a response output when the sensor detects a basketball ball passing through the basketball ring. Another embodiment relates to a trampoline. Figure 1 1 Figure 1 Trampoline 10 Object/User 11 Kit 20 Play system 37 Sensor 12 Controller 13 button 22 response outputs 23 Output device 14 Power input connector 38 Battery housing 15 1/4

Description

Figure 1

Trampoline 10

Object/User 11

Kit 20

Play system 37

Sensor 12 Controller 13 button 22 response outputs 23

Output device 14

Power input connector 38 Battery housing 15

1/4

A TRAMPOLINE PLAY SYSTEM, A TRAMPOLINE BASKETBALL KIT AND A TRAMPOLINE FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a trampoline having an output device. The present invention also relates to a trampoline play system having an output device and a trampoline basketball kit having an output device.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0002] Trampolines can be used by people of various ages and are used frequently by children as source of enjoyment and exercise. A number of accessories are presently available on the market that can further enhance the level of enjoyment of a user. Examples include different coloured pads about the perimeter of the trampoline, caricatures and other markings on the mat for users to jump between, and miniaturized basketball hoops specifically designed and mounted inside a trampoline enclosure.

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention are aimed at further increasing the level of enjoyment of a user on a trampoline, or stimulating a user to increase the level of exercise during use.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a trampoline that includes:

a frame that supports a mat,

a safety net extending upward about the mat that defines a trampoline enclosure to prevent a user from being ejected from the trampoline,

a sensor that detects an object or user within the trampoline enclosure and in turn produces an output signal, and

an electronic output device that receives the output signal and emits a response output based on the output signal that is either one of, or a combination of, an audio output and/or a visual output that can be seen or heard by the user.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a trampoline basketball kit for use with a basketball backboard and ring, the kit including:

a sensor that generates an output signal when the sensor detects that a basketball has passed through the ring, hit the backboard, or hit the ring;

an electronic output device that receives the output signal from sensor and emits one or combination of an audio output and a visual display output when a basketball has passed through the ring; and

a power input connector for powering either one or a combination of the sensor and the output device.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a trampoline play system, the system including:

a sensor that detects an object or user within the trampoline enclosure and in turn produces an output signal;

an electronic output device that receives the output signal and emits a response output based on the output signal that is either one of, or a combination of, an audio output and/or a visual output that can be seen or heard by the user; and

[0007] The sensor may be arranged to detect movement of the object or user within the trampoline enclosure or on the trampoline.

[0008] The sensor may be arranged to detect the presence ofthe object or user within a sensory field of the sensor. The sensor field of the sensor may be the distance over which the sensor operates. This will be dependent on the type of sensor.

[0009] The sensor may be arranged to detect when the object or user has directly or indirectly impacted on a part of the trampoline. For example, the sensor may be an impact sensor that detects when a user touches a part of the frame of the trampoline, a pad or part of the safety net.

[0010] The impact sensor may include a strain gauge sensor, or a vibration sensor, such as a piezoelectric sensor. The sensory field of an impact sensor will be dependent on the sensitivity of the sensor.

[0011] In another example, the sensor may include multiple switches that are manually operated by a user. When the user operates one of the switches the response output from the electronic output device may include directions on which of the switches the user must be operated next in order for the response output to include a selected response output. The response output may include a time frame in which the user must operate the next switch.

[0012] The or each switch may be mounted to particular part of the trampoline, including, for example, on a pad, on a structural member such as a pole, on the safety net, or on a mat.

[0013] The or each switch may be operated by the user from within the trampoline enclosure.

[0014] The impact sensor may be attached to a backboard or the ring of basketball hoop for detecting a basketball hitting and/or passing through the ring. The impact sensor may also be attached to parts of the trampoline such as the frame of the trampoline, in the horizontal or upright members, and the trampoline mat.

[0015] The sensor may be a photoelectric sensor having a transmitter and receiver that operates by the transmitter emitting light and the receiver receiving light that has reflected from the user or an object. The photoelectric sensor may be operated using visible and/or invisible light. Suitably, the photoelectric sensor operates using invisible light, such in as infrared light.

[0016] The sensory field of a photoelectric sensor may be field of view, or distance, over which the light is transmitted and received by the sensor.

[0017] The photoelectric sensor may include a proximity sensor having a transmitter for transmitting radiation and a receiver for receiving radiation that was transmitted by the transmitter and has been reflected from a person or object. In this instance, the sensor detects the object or the user when a threshold of reflected radiation is received by the receiver.

[0018] The photoelectric sensor may include a through-beam sensor having a transmitter for transmitting radiation and a receiver located within a line of sight of the transmitter. In this instance, the sensor detects the object or the user when a threshold of the radiation is blocked from being received by the receiver.

[0019] The photoelectric sensor may include a retroreflective sensor having a transmitter for transmitting radiation, and a receiver for receiving radiation and a reflector that is arranged to reflect the radiation from the transmitter back to the receiver. In this instance, the sensor detects the object or the user when a threshold of the radiation is blocked from being received by the receiver.

[0020] The sensor may include two or more sensors and the outputs of the sensors may be used to detect a user or object. In one instance, the sensors may be the same type of sensors or different types. In another, sensor may include two or more types of photoelectric sensors to detect that the user or the object. For example, the sensor may include a proximity sensor and a through beam sensor to detect, for example when a basketball has passed through the ring. In this instance, a first output signal of the proximity sensor and a second output signal of the through beam sensor may be used to detect that the basketball has passed through the ring.

[0021] Two or more of the sensors can be configured to detect an event, for example a basketball passing through a hoop, when one of the sensors detects an object. In other embodiments the sensor(s) can be configured to detect an event, for example a basketball passing through a hoop, when more than one sensor detects an object within a predefined time period of each other. In such examples, the processor receives the detection signals from the sensors and determines whether or not to activate the electronic output to indicate an event based on pre-defined requirements.

[0022] The electronic output device may include a lighting assembly. For example, the lighting assembly may include a strip of LEDs (light emitting diodes). The controller may operate the LEDs in accordance with a particular lighting pattern or illuminating sequence.

[0023] The electronic output device may include a loudspeaker for emitting audio instructions and/or music.

[0024] The electronic output device may include a display screen for displaying images and/or messages to the user.

[0025] The power source that can connected to the power input connector to power to either one or a combination of the sensor and/or the electronic output device. The power input may also supply power to the controller, if present.

[0026] The power input connector may include a battery housing in which at least one battery can be operably received.

[0027] The power input connector may include a low voltage input socket for connecting to a lower voltage power supply. In one example, the kit and system may also include a transformer for converting mains power into low voltage power.

[0028] The power input connector may include a mains input socket for connecting to mains power.

[0029] The trampoline may also include a controller that receives the output signal from the sensor, and the controller can be adjusted to match the output signal with particular response output. The kit and system may also include the controller.

[0030] In the situation in which multiple sensors are provided, the controller may allocate the output signals from particular sensors to response outputs.

[0031] The controller may be arranged to allow a user to assign a response output of the electronic output device to at least one output signal of the or each sensor. For example, the controller may have a button that a user can operate to assign the output signals from a plurality of the sensors to the response outputs of the electronic device. The controller may allow the user to select the response outputs from a group of response outputs prestored on the controller

[0032] This controller may be arranged to allow a user to select a response output of the electronic output device irrespective of the output signal of the sensor. For example, the controller may have a button that a user can operate to select response outputs from a prestored group of the response outputs.

[0033] The sensitivity of the sensor may be adjusted to enable the sensor to have different settings. In one example, this allows the sensors to be adjusted to have an adjustable field of view. For instance, this allows the field of view of the sensor to extend through the safety net of the trampoline. By way of example, when the sensor is detecting a basketball passing through a ring, the sensitivity of the sensor may be adjusted to reliably detect the basketball through the safety net and/or the net of the basketball hoop.

[0034] The sensitivity of the sensor may be adjusted by changing the power usage of the transmitter of a photoelectric sensor, and in turn, change the level of radiation being transmitted by the transmitter. The sensor may have a power button that a user can operate to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor.

[0035] The sensitivity of the sensor may be adjusted by changing the threshold of the receiver of a photoelectric sensor at which the sensor sends the output signal. For example, increasing the threshold of the receiver at which the sensor sends the output signal may include increasing the amount of radiation being received by the receiver to detect the basketball or the user. In another example, decreasing the threshold of the receiver at which the sensor sends the output signal may include decreasing the amount of radiation being received by the receiver. The sensor may have a threshold button that a user can operate to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor.

[0036] The controller may control the sensitivity of the sensor. For instance, the controller may have one or more sensitivity buttons for changing the sensitivity of the or each sensor. A first sensitivity button may adjust the transmitter, and a second sensitivity button may adjust the receiver. The first and sensitivity buttons receive user input to enable a user to control sensitivity of the system and the kit.

[0037] In one example, the battery housing may be configured for receiving replaceable batteries, such as a bank of AAA sized batteries. In another example, the battery housing may include a rechargeable battery. In this instance, the battery housing may be connectable to a suitable low voltage recharging module.

[0038] Depending on the type of trampoline, the trampoline may have protective pads for covering springs that tension the mat. The safety net may be position inside of the pads, or outside of the pads.

[0039] The sensor may be mounted to either one or a combination of the backboard and the ring.

[0040] The sensor may be mount to at least one of: a frame member of the trampoline, a frame member for mounting the basketball backboard and ring, or a safety net that forms an enclosure about the trampoline.

[0041] In one example, the sensor may include a proximity sensor for sensing when the basketball is, or has, passed through the hoop. The proximity sensor may include a photoelectric sensor having a light transmitter directed at or below the hoop, and a light receiver facing at or below the hoop, so that as a ball passes through or travels below the hoop, light is reflected from a ball.

[0042] The photoelectric sensor may be an invisible light sensor, such as an infrared light sensor or some other long wave emission. The photoelectric sensor may have an infrared LEDs as a light source, and a photodiode or a phototransistor.

[0043] In one example, the sensor may be an impact sensor that detects when a basketball has impacted on the hoop or the backboard. In this example, the impact sensor may be strain gauge sensor that is attached to the backboard or the hoop.

[0044] In another example, the sensor may be a vibration sensor, such as a piezoelectric sensor. The vibration sensor may be attached to the backboard or the hoop.

[0045] The output device may have a lighting assembly for lighting the hoop and/or the backing board. The lighting assembly may include one or more LEDs. The LEDs may be arranged as an LED strip, and LED rope.

[0046] The light assembly may also include a fibre optic cable. Examples include a side glow fibre optic cable, and end glow fibre optic cable, and a hybrid of both side glow and end glow fibre optic cables. The lighting assembly may also include a lighting source such as a LED for emitting light in the fibre optical cable. For example, the fibre optic cable may be arranged about the hook.

[0047] Ideally, sensor may be arranged on the outside of the safety net and infrared light source from the sensor may be arranged to face the hoop.

[0048] The present invention also relates to a trampoline basketball kit, the kit including:

a basketball backboard and a ring;

a sensor that generates an output signal when the sensor detects that a basketball has passed through the ring, hit the backboard, or hit the ring; and

an output device that receives the output signal from sensor and emits one or combination of an audio output and a visual display output indicating when the basketball has passed through the ring.

[0049] The trampoline basketball kit described herein may include any one or a combination of the features of the trampoline and trampoline play system described herein. Similarly, the trampoline play system described herein may include any one or a combination of the features of the trampoline or the trampoline basketball kit described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] A preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are summarised as follows.

[0051] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a trampoline play system and a basketball trampoline kit that can be fitted to a trampoline, including a sensor for sensing a user or an object on a trampoline, and an electronic output device for generating a visual and/or audio output.

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the trampoline play system and the basketball trampoline kit shown in Figure 1 having three optical sensors located outside the safety net of the trampoline, two optical sensors located inside the safety net in which output signals of the sensors are received by a controller which in turn controls an output device that emits an audible and/or visual output.

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the basketball trampoline kit which is an application of the block diagram shown in Figure 1. To assist in maintaining clarity of Figure 3, only a post of the trampoline has been included. Other parts of the trampoline to which to the kit can be fitted have been omitted, including the safety net, mat and so forth.

[0054] Figure 4 is a side view of the trampoline basketball kit shown in Figure 3. In order to demonstrate the special positioning of the kit, a safety net of the trampoline has been included.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] A preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures which include reference numerals. However, to maintain clarity of the figures all reference numerals are not be included each figure.

[0056] Figure 1 is block diagram that schematically depicts a trampoline 10, a trampoline play system 37 that has an electronic output device 14 that produces outputs. The block diagram of Figure 1 also schematically depicts a trampoline basketball kit 20, which is hereafter referred as the kit 20, which also has an electronic output device 14 that generates outputs. The trampoline 10, the trampoline play system 37 and the kit 20 have a sensor 12 that detects an object or user 11 within a trampoline enclosure, defined by the mat 19 and a safety net 32. The trampoline play system 37 and the kit 20 may be retrofitted to an existing trampoline 10 or it may be incorporated into new trampoline. In the latter situation, the trampoline play system 37 may include components of a trampoline such as a mat 19, frame, springs, pads 21 for covering the springs, a safety net 32 and so forth.

[0057] The sensor 12 sends an output signal and is arranged to detect an object 11, such as a user, within a particular area of the trampoline enclosure. For example, a basketball, passing through a basketball hoop within the trampoline enclosure. The sensor 12 may also be arranged to detect the presence of, or movement of, a user 11 or an object 11 within the trampoline enclosure. Upon detection, the electronic output device 14 emits or plays a response output 35.

[0058] The output signal from the sensor 12 is received either by a controller 13 or directly by the electronic output device 14 that generates and emits a response output 35 that can be observed by a user 11. That is the response output 35 may be seen or heard by the user 11. The controller 13 may be adjusted by a user 11 to assign particular response outputs 35 from a group of response outputs 23, see Figure 2, to the output signals received from the sensor 12. This in turn allocates a control output of the controller 13 that is received by the electronic output device 14 to play the audible and/or visual information to the user 11.

[0059] The controller 13 may be arranged to allow a user 11 to assign a response output 35 of the electronic output device 14 to at least one output signal of the or each sensor 12. For example, the controller 13 may have a button 22 that a user 11 can operate to assign the output signals from a plurality of the sensors 12 to the response outputs 35 of the electronic output device 14. The controller 13 may allow the user 11 to select the response outputs 35 from a group of response outputs 23 prestored on the controller 13.

[0060] The controller 13 may be arranged to allow a user 11 to select a response output of the electronic output device 14 irrespective of the output signal of the sensor 12. For example, the button 22 of the controller 13 may be used by a user 11 to select and allocate response outputs 35 from a group of the response outputs 23 that are stored on the controller 13. The group of response outputs 23 may be hardwired into the controller 13, or stored via some other data storage medium.

[0061] In one example, the controller 13 may also be hardwired. In another example, the controller 13 may have a computer processor.

[0062] A power input connector 38 may be connectable to low voltage power source for powering the sensor 12, the electronic output device 14 and the controller 13. In one example, the power input connector 38 may include a battery housing 15 for powering the sensor 12, the electronic output device 14 and the controller 13. The power input connector 38 may be separate to, or it may be incorporated into at least one of the other units, including the sensor 12, electronic device 14 or the controller 13. The battery housing 15 may be configured to operably receive replaceable batteries such as AAA sized batteries, or one or more rechargeable battery that can be connected to a suitable charging transformer. The rechargeable battery may be removable from the battery housing 15.

[0063] The sensor 12 may include an impact sensor or a vibration sensor, such as a strain gauge or a piezoelectric sensor that sends output signals when a user or an object 11 impacts a part of the trampoline 10 to which the sensor is directly or indirectly mounted, thereby detecting the user or object 11. The sensor 12 may also include an photoelectric sensor 12, having a light source (or transmitter 16) and a receiver 17, in which part of light emitted from the light source and reflected from the user or object 11 is captured by the receiver 17 to detect the user or object 11. The sensor 12 sends an output signal on detecting the presence of the user or an object 11. Ideally, the photoelectric sensor 12 uses non-invisible radiation, typically infrared light. Other non-visible frequencies could also be used, however, infrared is the most reliable. Infrared sensors having a short operating field of view, say in the range of up to 1 metre have an operating frequency range of the 700 nm to 1400 nm. The light source may include at least one infrared LEDs (light emitting diode) and a receiver 17 may be an infrared photodiode or a phototransistor.

[0064] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a trampoline basketball kit 20 having an electronic output device 14. Similarly, Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a trampoline 10 having a trampoline play system 37 and an electronic device 14. As can be seen, three photoelectric sensors 12 are located outside the perimeter of the mat 19 and operate through the safety net 32. These sensors 12 are referred to as outer sensors 12. The outer sensors 12 may be mounting to posts 31 of the trampoline, see Figures 3 and 4, such as posts 31 for the safety net 32 or the roof (not illustrated) of the trampoline. The transmitter 16 and receiver 17 of the outer sensors 12 may be located in a single sensor housing. In addition, two photoelectric sensors 12 are located inward of the safety net 32. These sensors 12 are referred to as inner sensors 12. The inner sensors 12 may be attached to the pads 21, the mat 19, or an inner surface of the safety net 32.

[0065] It will be appreciated that any number of the sensors 12, and all of the sensors 12 may be located inside the safety net 32, outside the safety net 32 or a combination of inside and outside the safety net 32 as shown in Figure 2.

[0066] In addition, the sensors 12 may all be photoelectric sensors, a combination of photoelectric sensors and impact sensors. Similarly, all of the sensors may be impact sensors. In particular, depending on the particular trampoline or kit, the inside sensors may be replaced with impact sensors in the form of switches that the user(s) can manually operate.

[0067] Each of the photoelectric sensors 12 may be proximity sensors having a transmitter 16 and a receiver 17 have an operating field of view 18, represented by the triangular shapes in Figure 2, which may be up to 1 metre in length passing through the safety net 32, as with the case of the outer sensors 12. Specifically, the sensors 12 are arranged and operable so that light being transmitted, preferably infrared light, is able to pass through the safety net 32, reflected from the basketball 36 as the basketball 36 passes through ring 25, hits the backboard 24, or hits the ring 25, and then is able to be received by a receiver 17 on the outside of the safety net 32. Ideally the transmitter 16 and receiver 17 are arrange in the single housing. However, it is also possible that the transmitter 16 and receiver 17 can be arranged in separate housings. By way of example, the transmitter 16 can be located outside the safety net 32 and the receiver 17 could be located inside the safety net 32. Vice versa, the transmitter 16 could be located inside the safety net 32 and the receiver 17 could located outside the safety net 32. When the photoelectric sensor 12 is directed through the safety net 32, the field of view 18 may be a reduced field of view, for example up to 1 metre, and typically in the range of 0.5 to 1.0m. When the photoelectric sensor 12 is partially obstructed by the safety net 32, the field of view 18 may be greater, for example in the range of 0.75 to 1.25m.

[0068] The sensitivity of the sensors 12 may be adjusted depending on whether the field of view of the sensors 12 extends through the safety net 32, or not, to improve the reliability of the sensor 12. For example, the sensitivity of the sensor may be changed (decreased or increased) by changing the amount of radiation required for the receiver to trigger an output signal from the sensor 12.

[0069] To enable the system 37 and kit 10 to be fitted into different types of trampolines, it is advantageous for the sensitivity of the sensors to be adjustable. For example, when the sensor includes a proximity sensor that has a field of view that extends through the safety net of the trampoline, it may be necessary to reduce the sensitivity of the sensor compared to when the field of view of the sensor does not extend through the safety net. In this instance, the sensitivity of the sensor may be changed (or decreased) by increasing the amount of reflected radiation received at the receiver required for the receiver to trigger an output signal from the sensor.

[0070] Being able to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor(s) can enable the sensor(s) to operate reliably in different environments. For example, in a set up in which there are no obstructions in the field of view between the sensor and the object, then the level of reflected radiation when an object is not present is very low. In this case, the threshold of reflected radiation needed to detect an object is very low (since the detection of radiation is due to the presence of an object) and the sensor can be set with a high sensitivity to reflected radiation. In a different environment in which a safety net of the trampoline is positioned within the field of view between the sensor and the object then the presence of the safety net will result in radiation from the transmitter being reflected by the net back to the receiver. Therefore, even in the absence of an object, a baseline level of reflected radiation is received at the receiver due to the presence of the safety net. In order not to generate a false positive alert based this baseline level of detected radiation reflected by the net, the threshold level of radiation required to be detected to determine the presence of an object must be increased above the baseline level of radiation reflected by the safety net. Then, when an object is within the proximity of the sensor additional radiation is reflected back from the object resulting in the sensor detecting an increased amount of reflected radiation above the background threshold and an event can be signalled.

[0071] In systems including safety nets with a smaller mesh size (i.e. more (and smaller) holes per square cm), the baseline level of reflected radiation is increased again since there is less overall space in the net for the radiation to pass through. So the threshold of radiation required to be detected in order to detect an object should be increased.

[0072] Thus embodiments which provide user adjustment of sensor sensitivity advantageously allow the system to be implemented in different trampoline set ups.

[0073] The output signals from the sensors 12 may be sent to the electronic output device 14 either directly or via the controller 13. The electronic output device 14 may include one or a combination of a loud speaker, a display screen or a lighting assembly. The lighting assembly may include any form of luminaire including LEDs, a strip of LEDs, and fibre optics, such as end glow or side glow fibre optics.

[0074] It will be appreciated that the trampoline 10, the trampoline play system 37 or the kit 20 may have any number of the sensors 12, including outer and inner sensors.

[0075] Figures 3 and 4 are perspective and side views of a trampoline basketball kit 20. The kit 20 may be retrofitted to an existing basketball hoop comprising a backboard 24, a ring 25 mounted to the backboard 24, and a mounting bracket 29 for attaching the backboard 24 to a frame member of the trampoline, such as a post 31. The kit 20 may also include a basketball hoop comprising a backboard 24, a ring 25 mounted to the backboard 24, and a mounting bracket 29 for attaching the backboard 24 to a frame member.

[0076] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the kit 20 has a photoelectric sensor 12 comprising a transmitter 16 and a receiver 17 that are directed at the ring 25 so that the field of view 18 of the sensor 12 detects when a basketball is near the ring 25, or a ball has passes through the ring 25. The photoelectric sensor 12 includes at least one infrared LED that emits infrared light, and a photodiode or a phototransistor that receives infrared light that has been reflected by the basketball 36. The field of view 18 of the sensor 12 is such that the basketball 36 can be detected through the safety net 32 and the ring net 26. To maintain clarity of the drawings, the safety net 32 is shown in Figure 4, but it is not shown in Figure 3.

[0077] The kit 20 also includes power input connector 38 which includes a battery housing 15 that contains AAA batteries that power the sensor 12 and the electronic device 14. The battery housing 15 has a ON/OFF switch for supplying power to the sensor 12 and the electronic device 14. Although not shown in detail the Figures, the battery housing 15 and the photoelectric sensor 12 can be attached to the post 31 using any suitable means such as double sided self adhesive tape, cable ties, or hook and loop fasteners that can be adhered to the post 31 and the battery housing 15.

[0078] The electronic output device 14 includes an LED strip 27 comprising multiple LEDs that are illuminated when a ball passes through the ring 25. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, a ring net 26 extends down from the ring 25, and a cover 30 with loops extends about the ring 25. The loops of the cover 30 are spaced about the circumference of the ring 25. The LED strip 27 is supported in an operative position by passing through the loops. However, it will be appreciated that the LED strip 27 can be fixed to the ring 25 by other fasteners including, cold press adhesives, double-sided adhesive tape, cable ties, and so forth. The LED strip 27 may be enclosed in a transparent or translucent tube, such as a PVC tube.

[0079] The LED strip 27 may include different coloured LEDs, such as white, yellow, blue, green, red, purple and so forth. The LEDs may be illuminated according to any illuminating sequence or mode, including a flashing mode in which at least of some of the LEDs flash ON and OFF for a known period. For instance, the LEDs may flash ON and OFF for a period of 2 to 10 seconds. In another mode, the LEDs may not flash, and rather turn ON for the certain period.

[0080] The kit 20 may include a controller 13 that can be located in a separate housing, but is suitably located in either in the battery housing 15 or the sensor housing. Ideally, the controller 13 is located in the battery housing 15. The controller 13 may be hardwired to illuminate the LEDs according to one or more modes when the sensor 12 detects that the basketball in the ring net 26.

[0081] Cabling or leads for conducting power and/or signals are arranged between the battery housing, the sensor and the LEDs. Specifically, a first lead 33 connects between the battery housing 15 and the sensor 12, a second lead 34 connects between the sensor 12 and the LED strip 27.

[0082] In one instance, the kit 20 may be fitted to the existing basketball ring and backboard. In another instance, the kit 20 may include a basketball ring 25, a backboard 24, a ring bracket 28 of attaching the basketball ring 25 to the backboard 24, and a mounting bracket 29 for attaching the backboard 24, basketball ring 25 and so forth to the frame work of the trampoline 10, namely a post 31. The mounting bracket 29 may include a member that interconnects the backboard 24 and the post 31, and fastener, such as nut and bolts arrangement for attaching the member to the backboard 24 and for attaching to the post 31.

[0083] Those skilled in the art of the present invention will appreciate that many variations and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, two or more sensors may be arranged to detect an object or user in the same area. For instance, a proximity sensor may be arranged to detect a basketball passing the ring by having a field of view passing through the safety net and the ring net, and a through-beam sensor may be arranged to have a line of sight arranged to pass through the field of view of the proximity sensor. In this instance, the output signals of both the proximity sensor and the through-beam sensor may determine the output of the electronic device.

REFERENCENUMERALTABLE trampoline 10 backboard 24 user/object 11 ring 25 sensor 12 ring net 26 controller 13 LED strip 27 output device 14 ring bracket 28 battery housing 15 mounting bracket 29 transmitter 16 cover with loops 30 receiver 17 post 31 field of view 18 safety net 32 mat 19 first lead 33 Kit 20 secondlead 34 Pads 21 response output 35 Button 22 basketball 36 group of response output 23 trampoline play system 37 power output connector 38

Claims

1. A trampoline play system, the system including:

a sensor that detects an object or user on a trampoline and in turn produces an output signal;

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is arranged to detect movement of the object or user on the trampoline.

3. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is arranged to detect the presence of the object or user within a sensory field of the sensor.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor includes a photoelectric sensor having a transmitter and receiver that operates by the transmitter emitting light and the receiver receiving light that has reflected from the user or the object.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the photoelectric sensor emits infrared light and the receiver receives the infrared light.

6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the photoelectric sensor includes a proximity sensor having a transmitter for transmitting radiation and a receiver for receiving radiation that was transmitted by the transmitter and has been reflected from a person or object, and the sensor detects the object or the user when a threshold of reflected radiation is received by the receiver.

7. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the photoelectric sensor includes a through-beam sensor having a transmitter for transmitting radiation and a receiver located within a line of sight of the transmitter, and the sensor detects the object or the user when a threshold of the radiation is blocked from being received by the receiver.

8. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the photoelectric sensor includes a retroreflective sensor having a transmitter for transmitting radiation, and a receiver for receiving radiation and a reflector that is arranged to reflect the radiation from the transmitter back to the receiver, and the sensor detects the object or the user when a threshold of the radiation is blocked from being received by the receiver.

9. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the sensitivity of the sensor can be adjusted to enable the sensor to be used in different settings.

10. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the sensitivity of the sensor can be adjusted by changing the power usage of the transmitter of a photoelectric sensor, and in turn, change the level of radiation being transmitted by the transmitter.

11. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the sensitivity of the sensor can be adjusted by changing the threshold of the receiver of a photoelectric sensor at which the sensor sends the output signal.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein increasing the threshold of the receiver at which the sensor sends the output signal can include increasing the amount of radiation being received by the receiver to detect the object or the user, and /or decreasing the threshold of the receiver at which the sensor sends the output signal can include decreasing the amount of radiation being received by the receiver, and a threshold button is provided for a user to operate to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor includes an impact sensor that detects when an object or a user touches or impacts on a part of a frame of the trampoline, a pad or part of a safety net.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the impact sensor includes a strain gauge sensor, or a vibration sensor, such as a piezoelectric sensor.

15. The system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the impact sensor can be attached to: (a) a backboard or the ring of basketball hoop for detecting a basketball hitting and/or passing through the ring; and/or (b) parts of the trampoline such as the frame of the trampoline, or the trampoline mat, or trampoline pads.

16. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor includes multiple switches that are manually operated by a user.

17. The system according to claim 16, whereby when the user operates one of the switches the response output from the electronic output device includes directions on which of the switches the user must be operated next in order for the response output to include a selected response output.

18. The system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the or each switch can be operated by the user from on the trampoline enclosure.

19. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic output device includes a lighting assembly having one or a combination of a strip of LEDs (light emitting diodes); and/or a fibre optic cable.

20. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic output device includes either one or a combination of a loudspeaker for emitting audio instructions and/or music, and a display screen for displaying images and/or messages to the user.

21. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a controller that receives the output signal from the sensor, and the controller can be adjusted to match the output signal with particular response output of the electronic output device.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein when the system has multiple sensors, the controller may allocate the output signals from particular sensors to response outputs of the electronic output device.

23. The system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the controller is arranged to allow a user to assign a response output of the electronic output device to at least one output signal of the or each sensor, and the controller allows the user to select the response outputs from a group of prestored response outputs.

24. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein power input connector includes a power source that can connected to either one or a combination of the sensor, the electronic output device, and the controller, if the latter is present.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the power source includes a battery housing that receives at least one battery.

26. The system according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the power input connector includes a low voltage input socket for connecting to a lower voltage power supply, and the system includes a transformer for converting mains power into low voltage power.

27. A trampoline basketball kit for use with a basketball backboard and ring, the kit including:

28. The kit according to claim 27, wherein the sensor includes a photoelectric sensor that detects when the basketball is or has passed through the ring.

29. The kit according to claim 28, wherein the photoelectric sensor has a field of view that is operable to detect the basketball through at least one of the ring netting extending from the ring, or a safety net extending about the trampoline.

30. The kit according to claim 29, wherein sensitivity of the photoelectric sensor is adjustable.

31. The kit according to claim 30, wherein the sensitivity of the sensor may be adjusted to enable a field of view of the sensor to be adjusted to different settings.

32. The kit according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the photoelectric sensor has a field of view that can extend through the safety net of the trampoline.

33. The kit according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the photoelectric sensor is operable to be located inside a safety netting of the trampoline.

34. The kit according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the photoelectric sensor is a proximity sensor having a light transmitter directed at or below the hoop, and a light receiver facing at or below the hoop, so that as a ball passes through or travels below the hoop, light is reflected from a ball.

35. The kit according to any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein the sensor includes an impact sensor having a strain gauge sensor that is attached to the backboard or the hoop.

36. The kit according to any one of claims 27 to 35, wherein the sensor includes a may be a vibration sensor having a piezoelectric sensor that is attached to the backboard or the hoop.

37. The kit according to any one of clams 27 to 36, wherein the electrical output device has a lighting assembly including LEDs for lighting either one or a combination of a ring and/or the backboard.

38. A trampoline including the kit according to any one of claims 27 to 37.

39. A trampoline including the trampoline play system according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

Figure 1

Trampoline 10 2021261946

Object/User 11

Kit 20 Play system 37

Sensor 12 Controller 13 button 22 response outputs 23

Output device 14

Power input connector 38 Battery housing 15

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