GB2428596A

GB2428596A - A collapsible trampoline

Info

Publication number: GB2428596A
Application number: GB0613810A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Shinner
Original assignee: Worlds Apart Ltd
Current assignee: Worlds Apart Ltd
Priority date: 2005-07-30
Filing date: 2006-07-12
Publication date: 2007-02-07
Also published as: GB0515716D0; GB0613810D0

Abstract

A trampoline arranged for manipulation between a storage condition and a usage condition. The trampoline has a frame with two or more frame members 12-18 for supporting a mat during use, said frame members being pivotally connected to an adjacent frame member and having at least one leg extending from the mat in the usage condition to space the mat from the support surface. The frame members are arranged to pivot between the storage and usage conditions in a direction to provide a tension in the mat when the trampoline is moved to the usage condition.

Description

Trampoline Assembly The present invention relates to trampolines and in

particular to trampolines which can be converted between a storage condition and an in-use condition.

Conventional trampolines generally include a circular or rectangular shaped matting at the centre of the trampoline and a peripheral frame supporting the matting above the ground or a surface upon which the trampoline is positioned for use. The matting is generally connected to the frame by a series of springs disposed around the periphery of the matting such that the forces exerted by one or more people Jumping on the matting can be communicated to the frame. In addition the springs provide an elastic connection between the matting and the frame which serves to dampen the jumping forces.

Traditional trampolines tend to be bulky and so it is generally known to provide a trampoline which can be erected by a user for use and subsequently dismantled for storage. However such trampolines often require a complicated setup procedure involving the aligning and bolting together of numerous frame parts such that the trampoline is safe to use. In addition the matting needs to be pulled taut to be resiliently attached to the frame, requiring a considerable amount of strength and dexterity. Thus the erection of a trampoline is time consuming and often requires two or more people.

It is also generally known to provide a trampoline with one or more "bungee" chords which can be threaded through eyes in the mat and around the frame. Whilst such an arrangement does allow the mat to be attached to the frame by a user, it is difficult to ensure that the mat is correctly centred within the frame such that jumping forces are distributed evenly and safely about the frame during use.

Similarly the dismantling of the trampoline can be arduous, often resulting in a trampoline being left for a considerable amount of time after use. Since trampolines are often used outside, this can cause a trampoline to degrade and thus become unfit for later use.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned problems by providing a trampoline which is simple to erect and take down after use. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a trampoline which is particularly compact when manipulated into a storage condition.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trampoline, said trampoline being arranged for manipulation between a storage condition and a usage condition, the trampoline having a frame for supporting a mat during use, said frame including at least two members pivotally connected and having at least one leg extending to space the mat from the support surface in the usage condition, wherein the frame members are arranged to pivot between the storage and usage conditions in a direction to provide a tension in the mat when the trampoline is in the usage condition.

According to a preferred embodiment, the frame members pivot about one or more of the legs, or else about one or more axes substantially parallel with one or more of said legs. Typically the legs are arranged obliquely or substantially perpendicular to the mat during use.

The present invention is particularly advantageous in that the force required to erect the trampoline is applied in a lirection which acts at an angle to the forces acting upon the trampoline during use. Preferably the force required to erect the trampoline, or at least a major component thereof, is applied in a direction substantially perpendicular to the load applied to the trampoline during use.

Preferably each frame member has two legs, each leg being pivotally connected with a leg of an adjacent frame merhber. In one embodiment, the frame members are formed integrally with said legs and typically the frame members comprise a U-shaped length of tubing. In this manner, a rectangular trampoline frame may comprise four such frame members.

According to one embodiment, the frame members may be pivotally connected by connection means including a first part arranged to receive a first leg of one frame member and a second part arranged to receive a second leg of an adjacent frame member, said first part being fixedly attached to said second part so as to hold said first and second legs in a spaced relationship. Preferably the first and/or second leg is rotatable with respect to the connection means and, in one preferred embodiment, the connection means includes two parallel tubes connected along their length. One or more of said connection means may include an alignment member interposed between the first and second parts such that the first and second parts are separated by a distance.

Typically the mat is attached to said frame members by an elastomeric material and preferably the elastomeric material forms one or more sleeves or tubes disposed around a frame member. According to one embodiment, the elastomerjc material is a sheet material forming a substantially continuous border along the edge of the mat. Preferably a single sheet of elastomeric material extends substantially the length of each side of the mat. In one embodiment the elastomeric material comprises Neoprene.

The use of elastomeric material tubes in conjunction with pivoting frame members is particularly advantageous in that the elastoineric tubes can deform and can slide along the frame members to a required degree, allowing manipulation of the frame members between usage and storage conditio4s. The range of elasticity offered by the elastic material such as Neoprene is particularly advantageous and the tubular arrangement of the material provides protection from injury from the metal frame.

Once the trampoline is arranged in the usage condition the forces acting upon the trampoline during use cause the mat to automatically become aligned in the centre of the trampoline such that the trampoline achieves an equilibrium position.

Thus, additional locking members which are required for conventional folding trampolines can be avoided and the trampoline of the present invention can be provided with a minimum of parts. In addition, the elastomeric material provides an even force distribution around the perimeter of the trampoline and avoids the need to attach a number of springs, or else thread an elastic cord between the mat and the frame, which can lead to misalignment of the mat.

Typically the frame members can be folded into a parallel arrangement for storage and can be manipulated into a right angled frame for use. A handrail may be attached to one or more of the frame members for use.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trampoline, said trampoline being arranged for manipulation between a storage condition and a usage condition, wherein the trampoline has a frame with at least two frame members for supporting a mat above a support surface during use, said frame members each pivotally connected to at least one adjacent frame member and wherein the relative pivoting movement of said frame members between the storage and usage conditions is performed with the frame members in connection.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trampoline, said trampoline having a frame with two or more pivotally connected frame members which can be manipulated between an inuse condition and a storage condition, wherein the trampoline is provided with a mat which is attached to said frame members in an in-use condition, said mat being attached to said frame members by way of sheet elastomeric material arranged in one or more tubular formations such that the tubular formations pass around said frame members so as to correctly align the mat with respect to the frame members for use.

Although it is preferred that the mat is tensioned by movement of the frame to the in-use position, it is possible that the mat is not attached until the frame has been moved to the in-use position.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure la -e show a trampoline according to the present invention in the in-use position; Figure 2 shows further detail of the legs of the trampoline of figure 1; Figure 3 shows the trampoline of figure 1 in a folded condition; and, Figures 4a-d show the trampoline of the invention at different stages during manipulation between a folded and an in use condition.

Turning now to the embodiment of figures la-c, there is shown a trampoline 10 provided in an in-use condition. The trampoline includes a number of frame members 12, 14, 16 and 18 and a mat 20 which, when the frame is in the in-use position is tensioned therebetween such that the mat 20 is held a short distance above and generally parallel with a supporting surface.

The frame members 12, 14, 16 and 18 are each formed of metal tubing which has been bent into a generally U-shaped member.

The U-shaped frame members 12, 14, 16 and 18 are connected in a manner to be described below in further detail, so as to form a rectangular base, across which the mat 20 is stretched so as to provide an elastic rebound surface.

The mat 20 is generally rectangular in shape and is held in place relative to the frame members by elastomeric material attached along the edges of the mat. The elastomeric material is provided in the form of a Neoprene tube or sleeve through which the frame members pass. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, a single sheet of Neoprene 22, 24, 26, 28 is attached along each edge of the mat 20, although it is envisaged that a number of Neoprene tubes can be provided along the mat edges.

The Neoprene sheet passes from an upper side of the mat 20 around a frame member and back to an underside of the mat such that stitching can be provided through the upper and lower layer of Neoprene and the mat therbetween.

The mat 20 and Neoprene edges 22, 24, 26, 28 form a substantially Continuous rebound surface. There is a gap 30 provided at each corner of the rebound surface, through which the frame members 12, 14, 16 and 18 extend, allowing slight movement of the rebound surface such that the mat 20 can be correctly aligned at the centre of the trampoline 10. In the particular embodiment shown, the Neoprene tubes have ends which are oriented obliquely to the mat edge, reducing the size of the gap 30 at each corner.

A supporting member 32 in the form of a rail extends zipwardly of the rebound surface from two adjacent corners of the trampoline 10. The rail 32 is a substantially U-shaped member with ends which are attached between the frame members 12, 14 and 16 as described in relation to figure 2 below. The rail 32 has a padded upper section 34 and acts as a handrail for a user.

Each U-shaped frame member 12, 14, 16, 18 has an elongate central supporting portion which is attached to the corresponding edge of the mat 20 and an integrally formed leg portion at each end thereof. The legs may be substantially perpendicular to the central portion or else may be slanted as shown in figure 1. Each leg portion of one frame member is pivotally attached to a leg of the adjacent frame member such that the adjacent frame members can pivot about an axis parallel to the legs.

The attachment between the legs 14a, 16a of the frame members 14 and 16 is shown in further detail in figure 2. The legs 14a, 16a are each received in respective tubular members 34, 36 which extend part-way along each leg. The tubular members 34, 36 are fixedly attached together so that they maintain a fixed spatial relationship and are of a larger diameter than the legs 14a, 16a, allowing the legs to rotate therein. In addition the tubular members are open-ended such that the legs can pass therethrough and support the toads exerted on the trampoline during use.

An alignment member 38 is disposed between the two tubular members, separating them by a short distance such that the tubular members 34, 36 and the alignment member 38 form a single part.

The alignment member 38 is also tubular in shape and has an end 39 with reduced diameter which is shaped to receive an end of handrail 32. The alignment member 38 has a sprun.g-loaded projection 40 extending therefrom which extends through a corresponding hole in the handrail 32, when attached, to ensure correct alignment. The projection 40 can be depressed by a user to allow the handrail to be disconnected from the alignment member 38 when dismantling the trampoline 10.

An arrangement similar to that shown in figure 2 is provided between the frame members 12 and 14. The pivoting connection between the frame members 12 and 18 and also between frame members 16 and 18 is provided by a tubular arrangement similar to that shown in figure 2, but without the alignment member 38. As such, the tubular members 34 and 35 are directly fixed together or else integrally formed to provide the pivoting connection.

Thus the trampoline according to the present invention can be constructed out of four substantially identical frame members and can be provided to a user in a folded storage condition with the rebound surface already attached as shown in figure 3. In this state, the frame members 16 and 18 have been folded inside the members 12 and 14 by way of the pivotal connections between the legs as shown in figure 2, allowing the trampoline to lie substantially flat.

The process of manipulating the trampoline from a folded condition into an in-use condition is now described with reference to figures 4a-d.

In figure 4a, the free end of frame members 14 and 16 is pulled away from frame members 12 and 18 in the direction shown by arrow A such that the frame members open out into a V-shape.

In figure 4b, the V-shape has been opened out such frame members 12 and 18 are substantially perpendicular to frame members 14 and 16.

In figure 4c, the attached legs of frame members 16 and 18 are pulled away from frame members 12 and 14 in the direction of arrow B so as to form the rectangular shape of figure 4d. It will be noted that during this step the elastomeric tubing 22 and 24 can slide along frame members 12 and 14 so as to allow frame members 12 and 14 to open beyond an angle of 900. In addition, the fact that the frame legs are not directly connected to each other, but are instead free to rotate about their own axes and to move relative to the adjacent leg, by virtue of the tubular arrangement shown in figure 2, allows the frame to be easily manipulated into the generally square arrangement shown in figure 4d.

By manipulation of the trampoline into the arrangement shown in figure 4d, the mat 20 will be pulled taut across the frame in readiness for use. The forces applied during use generally act in a direction perpendicular to the force required to erect the trampoline. Furthermore, once oriented as shown in figure 1, the trampoline will automatically achieve a stable condition since any tension applied to the mat will act inwardly on the sides, rather than the apexes, of the trampoline, such that the trampoline finds a position of equilibrium. Thus, in contrast to conventional trampolines, no locking mechanisms are needed to hold the frame members in place, although bolts and/or other locking mechanisms can be applied to the legs to further improve the stability thereof, if desired.

Once the trampoline has been manipulated into the generally rectangular arrangement shown, the armrail 32 can be attached to the alignment members 38 in readiness for use. After use, the trampoline can be converted for storage simply by reversing the steps of figs 4a-d.

The entire setup process for the above described trampoline can be completed in under I minute and without the need for any tools or separate parts. The pivoting of the frame members about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the mat during use allows the mat to be easily tensioned during setup of the trampoline.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A trampoline, said trampoline being arranged for

manipulation between a storage condition and a usage condition, the trampoline having a frame for supporting a mat during use, said frame including at least two members pivotally connected and having at least one leg extending to space the mat from the support surface in the usage condition, wherein the frame members are arranged to pivot between the storage and usage conditions in a direction to provide a tension in the mat when the trampoline is in the usage condition.
2. A trampoline according to claim 1, wherein tbe frame members pivot about one or more axes, said one or more axes being substantially parallel with one or more legs.
3. A trampoline according to claim 1, wherein the frame members pivot about one or more legs.
4. A trampoline according to claim 1, wherein the frame members pivot about an axis which is at an angle to the plane of the mat in the usage condition.
5. A trampoline according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame members further comprise a support portion for attachment to the mat.
6. A trampoline according to claim 5 wherein the support portion is formed integrally with the one or more legs.
7. A trampoline according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame members have two or more legs, each leg being pivotally connected with a leg of an adjacent frame member.
8. A trampoline according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame members comprise a U-shaped length of material.
9. A trampoline according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame members are pivotally connected by connection means comprising a first part arranged to receive a first leg of one frame member and a second part arranged to receive a second leg of an adjacent frame member.
1 0. A trampoline according to claim 9, wherein the first and second parts comprise adjacent tubing portions.
11. A trampoline according to any preceding claim, wherein the mat is attached to the frame members by one or more elastomerjc sleeves.
12. A trampoline according to claim 11, wherein a sleeve extends substantially along the entire length of the or each edge of the mat.
13. A trampoline according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the elas tomeric material comprises Neoprene.
14. A trampoline according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame members are arranged in a substantially parallel configuration in the storage condition.
15. A trampoline according to any preceding claim,wherein the frame members form a substantially right-angled support frame in the usage condition.
16. A trampoline according to any preceding claim wherein the trampoline includes an arm rail which when attached to the trampoline extends to a height above the mat.
17. A trampoline, said trampoline being arranged for manipulation between a storage condition and a usage condition, wherein the trampoline has a frame with at least two frame members for supporting a mat above a support surface during use, said frame members each pivotally connected to at least one adjacent frame member and wherein the relative pivoting movement of said frame members between the storage and usage conditions is performed with the frame members in Connection.
18. A trampoline, said trampoline having a frame with two or more pivotally connected frame members which can be manipulated between an inuse condition and a storage condition, wherein the trampoline is provided with a mat which is attached to said frame members in an in-use condition, said mat being attached to said frame members by way of sheet elastomeric material arranged in one or more tubular formations such that the tubular formations pass around said frame members so as to correctly align the mat with respect to the frame members for use.
19. A trampoline as hereinbefore desired with reference to the accompanying drawings.