GB2461335A

GB2461335A - Multipurpose trampoline

Info

Publication number: GB2461335A
Application number: GB0811982A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cesar Kuberek
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-01
Filing date: 2008-07-01
Publication date: 2010-01-06
Also published as: GB0811982D0

Abstract

A trampoline is arranged with the jumping surface substantially horizontal and elevated above 1.5 metres from the bottom of the supporting structure 28 so as to provide access and usable space below the Jumping surface to a standing adult or child. The jumping surface preferably has a height of at least 1.8 metres from the floor or ground to accommodate a standing adult beneath. The jumping surface may form the roof of a room or building structure (see figures 2 and 4) such as a gazebo, pavilion, conservatory, greenhouse, garden house, study or play house, which may have a rigid, semi-rigid or solid floor. An object such as a swing 17, seat, bed, hammock or exercise bars (not shown) may hang beneath the jumping surface. The trampoline may include a slide 22, bridge (not shown), access ladder or steps (19, 20) and/or safety net (not shown). The trampoline may include a supporting frame of posts 28, and/or height adjustable members (7, 9, 13, 15, fig. 2). The ratio of jumping surface height to width is preferably at least 0.4. A kit of extension and/or structural members may be used to convert a normal trampoline with a low jumping surface into a trampoline having a more elevated jumping surface, and/or a building structure having a roof formed by a trampoline jumping surface.

Description

Multipurpose trampoline structure

Background

Trampolines are very popular with people of all ages can be normally found in house gardens providing fun and entertainment for all the family.

Commercially available retail trampolines mostly have dimensions that vary between 1 metre and 6 metres across. The shapes can also be varied, with the most usual shapes being rectangular, square, polygonal, round and oval. The trampolines are supported on legs, which generally vary between 0.3 and 1.0 metre high. Some trampolines are provided with detachable safety fences or nets on their peripheral edges to avoid the consequence of any fall from the trampoline.

The bounce effect in trampolines normally increases with the size and surface of the trampoline and the increased surface also allows more freedom of movement while the user or users are jumping.

However, the larger the surface of the trampoline, the larger the floor surface that is required to install it. The surface has to be generally flat and free of obstacles, which is an aspect that limits the number of places where the trampoline can be installed. When the trampoline is installed in a garden the surface below is no longer usable as a garden space, as access below is difficult.

Furthermore, another problem that arises with the presence of a trampoline in a garden is that it can make the garden visually cluttered and less appealing.

Objectives it is an object of the invention to provide a trampoline structure that provides easy access to the space belpw the trampoline and makes it usable for other purposes.

ft is a thrther object of the invention to provide a trampoline structure that provides the access of direct sunlight to a substantial portion of the surface that is left below the trampoline, so that plants can continue growing as normai, and so that by being able to place the trampoline over existing plants, the options for placing the trampoline in the garden are increased.

It is a further objectof the invention to raise the trampoline surface at or above the eyesight level of a normal adult, so that the profile of the trampoline surface is minimised and a person can see through below the trampoline surface to a much greater extent, providing visual depth and therefore avoiding in part the visual clutter effect due to the trampoline.

It is a further object of the invention to use the elevated structure of the trampoline to support other features which require elevated structural support, such as swings, slides, ropes, climbing ropes, climbing walls, hammocks, rings, ladders, bridges and other playground features.

It can also be used to hang or support equipment for physical exercise, and pulieys for lifting weights or tensioning lines (e.g. clothes lines).

As the structure is sufficiently high it can also be used to hang tables, desks or bed platforms.

If these are of rectangular shape, this can be done with four separate ropes, chains, cables or the like that are suitably placed in order to maintain those surfaces substantially horizontal (or at the desired angle). if the surfaces have other shapes, e.g. round, at least three ropes, cables or the like would be required, preferably attached at equal distance from each other.

The rectangular shape could also if necessary be hung with only three ropes or the like. It should be noted that the hung members could be hung by any type of flexible tension bearing member, including wires, cables, ropes, chains or tension lines. They could alsO be hung via rigid or semi-rigid tension bearing members, including for example, tubes or solid rods.

It is a further object of the invention to give the trampoline structure, in part, the visual appearance of a gazebo or a pavilion.

It is a further object of the invention to give the trampoline structure, in part, the visual appearance of a tower or a fort.

It is yet a further object of the invention to enclose or partly enclose supporting structure below the trampoline so that it can provide a usable space that is in whole or in part protected from the elements.

It is a further object of the invention to enclose or partly enclose supporting structure below the trampoline so as to provide a garden house, or a study.

It is a further object of the invention to enclose or partly enclose supporting structure below the trampoline so as to provide a conservatory.

It is a further object of the invention to enclose or partly enclose supporting structure below the trampoline so as to provide a greenhouse.

It is a Ilirther object of the invention to enclose or partly enclose supporting structure below the trampoline so as to provide a playhouse for children.

It is a further object of the invention to enclose or partly enclose supporting structure below the trampoline so as to provide an enclosure for a pond, pool, bath tub or Jacuzzi.

It is a further object of the invention to enclose or partly enclose supporting structure below the trampoline so as to provide an enclosure for a sauna.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a supporting structure where the posts, legs or the walls, can be height adjusted.

Statement of invention

This invention relates to a trampoline structure as defined in the claims I to 52.

Detailed description

Description of the Figures:

Fig. I is a prior art trampoline

Fig.2 is a perspective of a first embodiment of the invention Fig.3 is a perspective of a second embodiment of the invention Fig.4 is a perspective of a third embodiment of the invention Fig. 1 shows a typical prior art trampoline 1 having a trampoline surface 11 with a tensioning frame 3 and a support structure formed by legs 7 which are attached to frame connectors S at their upper portion and to feet 9 at their lower portions. Optionally this type of trampoline is fitted with safety net fences (not shown).

The present invention refers to a trampoline structure wherein the surface of the trampoline is elevated at least I.Smetres with respect to the bottom of the structure supporting it in order to provide walk in easy access and usable space below to a standing adult or a child. Most preferable the trampoline surface should have a height between 1.8 metres and 3.3metres.

Even more preferably the height would be the height of the intended user plus the maximum downward deflection of the elastic sheet of the trampoline when used under normal conditions so as to avoid any risks of injury if a user is below the trampoline when there is another user jumping above.

Originally it was rare for trampolines to have protective fencing, and therefore it is believed that their usual low height was due to safety and stability reasons. The idea of fencing the trampolines with safety nets to increase their safety is relatively new, and different ways of fencing trampolines are shown in published patent applications US2005079954 Al, US 5941798 A, US 4569515 A, US 2006/0270524 Al, WO 98/58706. It is the availability of fencing or a safety net that allows an elevated trampoline to still remain relatively safe and therefore commercially viable. Once it is realised that the idea is viable and that elevating the structure provides a synergistic effect with many other benefits, it can also be seen that the safety net, although preferable, is not really essential. Indeed the larger the surface of the trampoline, the easier it is to stay at a safe distance from the edges, and the less necessary the safety net becomes.

The part of the structure that provides tension to the trampoline, i.e. the trampoline frame 3,

can be any of those types known in the prior art.

Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the invention where the structure that supports the tensioning frame 3, generally consists of extension legs 15 or longer unitaiy legs of length 15+7, that the prior art, which could be tubes, posts, poles, panels or other mechanical support structures known in the art of structures. These could be supporting the peripheral rim or tensioning frame 3 generally from below, but could also be from above (not shown), for example via tall posts where the rim 3 is supported by tension members having one end fixed to the top of a plurality of tall posts surrounding the rim, and the other end fixed to the rim, with the upper portion of the posts doubling as support for the safety fence or net (not shown).

Although the invention could be purpose made as a whole, or sold as a kit, it is envisaged that many prior art existing trampolines could be adapted so as to be converted into the trampoline of the invention.

The elevating structure could be one that is similar, as in Figure 2, or greater in height than the height of the trampoline surface, as in the case mentioned above (not shown), or it could be a supplementing structure (not shown) to elevate a prior art trampoline structure to a satisfactory height so as to render the space below as usable by a user, for example it could be a wooden stick and post structure following the periphery of the trampoline rim 3, or it could simply be a kit of replacement vertical tube replacement members iS that where longer than the original prior art members and having one end adapted to connect with the prior art trampoline frame (e.g. at 5) and the other with a foot 9, or to individual shoes or a spikes (not shown) for burying into the ground. Alternatively the replacement members 15, or alternatively replacement members of lengths shown as 7 + 15 in Fig.2, could have both ends adapted to connect to the upper 3and lower members 9 of the rest of the original prior art structure, in order to simply increase the height of the original structure.

Raising the height is not generally the result of scaling up prior art trainpolines; The invention preferably involves a novel relationship of trampoline surface height to trampoline width, which for the purposes of this disclose we shall call aspect ratio. The trampoline width will be the longest dimension of the trampoline jumping surface 11 in the case of non-circular shapes, e.g. rectangular, or the diameter of the tensioning frame or rim 3 in the case of a circular shape.

Therefore, Aspect ratio (trampoline jumping surface height, measured from surface to floor) / (longest width or diameter of the trampoline jumping surface) For smaller trampolines (i.e. less than 5 metres length) the ratio is preferably between 0.4 and 2.0, most preferably between 0.45 and 1.5 and ideally between 0.5 and 1.25. For reference, most prior art trampolines of less than 5 metres length have an aspect ratio of between 0.15 for the relatively larger ones and 0.35 for the relatively smaller ones, i.e. having less than 2.5 metres width. However when the surface of the trampoline is larger, the required height is smaller in relation to the width of the trampoline and the ratio is smaller for these larger trampolines. Therefore, preferably what is needed to define the invention is a ratio that varies with the length of the trampoline surface.

The trampolines of the invention would have an (x;y) relationship that would fall between two curves in an x,y Cartesian graph, wherein: x is the trampoline surface height measured from surface to floor (in metres), and y is the longest width or diameter of the trampoline jumping surface (in metres) and where: the lower curve is a best fit for the following (x;y) points (2.4; 1.5), (3.6; 1.8), (5.0; 2.0) and (10.0; 2,4), and the upper curve is a best fit the following (x;y) points: (2.4; 4.0), (3.6; 5.0), (5.0; 6.5) and (10.0; 7.0), where best fit means a curve with only one point of inflection, i.e. concavity in only one direction.

The lower curve could be, for example: y 0,004129x3 -0.08663x2 + O.65633x + 0.3655 And the upper curve could be, for example: y = -O.03202x3+ 0.443808 x2 -0.9534 x + 4.1745 Even more preferably the lower curve is a best fit for the following (x;y) points: (2.4; 1.7), (3.6; 1.9), (5.0; 2.1) and (10.0; 2.4), and this preferably lower curve could be, for example: y -0,000498542 x3 -0.00367355 x2 + 0.202348x + 1.24242 Whether the supporting structure is made of metal tubes or wooden posts, or indeed other materials, given the height of these upwardly extending members, they are subject to higher lateral forces, and in order to increase the stability of the structure, diagonal braces 13 could be provided between adjacent upwardly extending members, in a manner well know in the art of structures in order to increase the stability of the support structure. The braces can be rigid or flexible members. If flexible they can only take tensile load and at least two are needed in opposite diagonal directions, to increase structural stability. Alternatively a panel or panels fixed between the upwardly extending members (not shown) would provide increased stability in similar manner to the braces.

The supporting structure could also be in form of a curved trellis (not shown), as is used for example in the assembly of yurts.

The support structure can also comprise of brackets (not shown) in the case of a "lean to" structure, with the rim structure either fixed or hinged to a wall or to existing posts. In the case of the rim hinged to a wall or posts, depending on the dimensions and the fixing height, the trampoline could be folded down to a vertical position against the wall in the fashion of a foldable table hinged on a wall.

The support structure can also comprise of spikes or pointed members for burying into the ground in order to secure the structure in relation to the ground (not shown). These could be provided on the replacement members themselves, or adapted to engage with the replacement members, the feet of the members (if provided) or to the existing prior art members that make contact with the ground. Generally these prior art support members that make contact with the ground are "U" shaped. One example is member 9 in Fig. 1. This type of support members can be seen for example in published patent applications US 2006/0270524 Al, US 6053845 A, US 2006/0116243 Al and US 2004/0 171462 Al.

In order to cope with inclined terrain, either the vertical supporting members can be height adjustable, for example, in the manner shown in published patent application US 2007/002 1272 Al the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively the spikes or pointed members could have adjustable depth-limiting elements known in the prior art, e.g. a surface extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spike and being selectively fixable along this axis, so that when using a plurality of spikes, the upper portion of the spikes when buried in the ground could all be set at the same level height in an uneven terrain.

Because of the fact that the tensioning rim 3 and the supporting structure of a trampoline are inherently strong in order to cope with the large forces imposed on a trampoline, part of the elevated structure either comprising the tensioning structure (or the support structure below in the case of a trampoline of the type show in the above mentioned US 2004/017 1462 Al and shown as 3 of that document) can also be used to support various types of playground features generally without any reinforcement.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the trampoline structure where a swing hangs from the rim 3 of the trampoline, although other objects could also be hanged. These can be catenary ropes, climbing ropes, ladders 19, 20, bridges, slides 22, nets, swings 17, rings, etc. For example a bridge could be used to connect with a building, a ground surface, or to another trampoline structure. Also slide 22 could have the upper end adapted for connection to the frame of the trampoline and its Lower end 26 supported on the ground. This slide is different from a conventional slide in that it would not need its own ladder structure and it could be inextricably linked to the trampoline frame via specially adapted connection means.

It could be supplied as part of the trampoline, but it is obvious that it could be provided separately as an accessory in a manner so as to be removably attachable to the trampoline structure via mechanical fixing means well known in the art of fasteners. Most preferably the upper portion 24 of the slide would be provided with clamps or hooks fitted over or around the horizontal peripheral tube or rim 3 of the trampoline frame. Generally these tubes need to be strong and are over 35mm external diameter.

The structure can also be used for hammocks, hanging beds, hanging planters, tables, desks, hanging lights, and other practical things.

The ladder 19 could be merely supported against or fix to the rim 3 or another part of the structure, and ladder 20 could be made as part of a leg or legs 28 of the support structure.

The supporting structure below the trampoline surface can be optionally enclosed with a fabric or flexible web, with or without windows, or it could also be cladded with wood or other conventional building materials.

The space below the trampoline can be left as an open garden, or it can be used as some sort of shelter, such as a garden house, a playhouse, a canopy, gazebo, a pavilion, a conservatory, a greenhouse, a study, a pooi house, bathtub shelter, a sauna, etc. Figure. 4 shows the invention in the form of a pavilion having a trampoline surface as its canopy. The pavilion may also have a further roof below the trampoline at a suitable distance (not shown). The legs in this case are wooden posts 38 and between them are enclosure panels 36, which could be solid or of balustrade type. In this case the pavilion can be provided with a solid floor 34, for example a wooden floor.

The sheltered space could a landscape floor or indeed could have its own solid floor, for example a decking floor or a wooden floor.

Although rain would normally permeate through the surface of a trampoline, it is common in the prior art to provide the trampoline structures with a tarpaulin cover that fits around the rim 3, or a full span impermeable tent. One of such tents is shown in published patent application US 5711743 A which is also incorporated herein by reference. These solutions would shelter the space below from the rain, if desired, when the trampoline was not in use.

Alternatively any of the types of shelters mentioned above, could have its own roof below the surface of the trampoline (not shown).

The invention allows by simply elevating the level of the trampoline surface to convert what is a cumbersome structure taking up valuable space, into a multipurpose one that opens a universe of further possibilities, as it doubles as a sheltered usable space and also as a suitable high support structure for hanging objects or supporting other features. Adding height in this case, represents a small increase of material in relation to the whole support structure, and when the height is such that a person can stand below it extends the uses of the structure from a single use to at least three distinct uses. It addition it allows sunlight underneath the structure so it can be placed over existing plants or ponds without affecting them, therefore providing a lot more liberty locating the structure.

Claims

IIClaims 1. A trampoline structure arranged so that the jumping surface of the trampoline is substantially horizontal and elevated above 1.50 metres with respect to the bottom of the upwardly extending structure supporting it on the floor in order to provide walk-in, or step-in, easy access and usable space below the trampoline surface to a standing adult or child.
2. A trampoline structure as per claim 1, wherein the trampoline surface has a height of or above 1 80 metres, with respect to the floor.
3. A trampoline structure as per claim 1, wherein the trampoline surface has a height of or above 2.00 metres, with respect to the floor.
4. A trampoline structure as per claim 1, wherein the trampoline surface has a height of or above 2.20 metres.
5. A trampoline structure as per claim 1, wherein the trampoline surface has a height of or above 2.40 metres.
6. A trampoline structure as per claim 1, wherein the trampoline surface has a height of or above 2.60 metres.
7. A trampoline structure as per claim 1, wherein the trampoline surface has a height of or above 2.80 metres.
8. A trampoline structure as per claim 1, wherein the trampoline surface has a height between 2.00 and 5.00 metres.
9. A trampoline structure as per claim I, wherein the trampoline surface has a height between 2.00 and 4.00 metres.
10. A trampoline structure as per claim 1, wherein the trampoline surface has a height between 2.00 and 3.50 metres.
11. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim comprising a safety net.
12. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim comprising a safety fence at and/or above the level of the trampoline surface.
13. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim comprising a pavilion below the trampoline surface.
14. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim comprising a pavilion wherein the trampoline surface forms the canopy of the pavilion.
15. A trampoline structure as in claims I to 12 comprising a gazebo below the trampoline surface.
16. A trampoline structure as in claims 1-12 & 15 comprising a pavilion wherein the trampoline surface forms the canopy of the gazebo.
17. A trampoline structure as in claims 1 to 12 comprising a partially enclosed room below the trampoline surface.
18. A trampoline structure as in claims Ito 12 & l7comprising a partially enclosed room wherein the trampoline surface forms the canopy or roof of the room.
19. A trampoline structure as in claims 1-14 comprising a substantially enclosed room below the trampoline surface.
20. A trampoline structure as in claims 1-14 & 19 comprising a substantially enclosed room wherein the trampoline surface forms the canopy or roof of the room.
21. A trampoline structure as in claims 1-14 & 19 comprising a partially or substantially enclosed room below the trampoline surface, said room being a walk-in or step-in room having a rigid or semi-rigid floor.
22. A trampoline structure as in claims 1-14 & 19-21 comprising a partially or substantially enclosed room below the trampoline surface, said room having a solid floor.
23. A trampoline structure as claims 1-14 & 19-21 comprising a partially or substantially enclosed room below the trampoline surface, said room having a floor comprising earth or vegetation.
24. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim supporting a fully-deployed hanging swing.
25. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim connected to the upper portion of slide or a bridge.
26. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim connected to and supporting the upper portion of slide or a bridge.
27. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim wherein an object is hanging from the structure via tension bearing members which are at least 1.40 metres long.
28. A trampoline structure as in claims 2 to 27 wherein an object is hanging from the structure via tension bearing members which are at least 1.7 metres long.
29. A trampoline structure as in claims 27 or 28 wherein the tension bearing members are flexible tension bearing members.
30. A trampoline structure as in claims 27 or 28 wherein the tension bearing members are rigid or semi-rigid tension bearing members.
31. A trampoline structure as in claims 27 to 30 wherein the object is one selected from a group consisting of swing, seat, armchair, table, bed, bed platform, hammock, rings, exercise bars, lights, light fitting or planter.
32. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim where the structure supporting the trampoline frame is made of wood.
33. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim where the structure supporting the trampoline frame is made of wooden posts.
34. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim where the upwardly extending structure supporting the trampoline frame comprises diagonal bracing members for increasing the structural stability of the structure.
35. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim where the upwardly extending structure supporting the trampoline frame comprises panel members for increasing the structural stability of the structure.
36. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim where the upwardly extending structure supporting the trampoline frame comprises height adjustable members.
37. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim where the upwardly extending structure supporting the trampoline frame comprises pointed members for burying into the ground.
38. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim wherein the pointed members have adjustable depth-limiting elements for selectively limiting the depth that is buried into the ground.
39. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim wherein the support structure comprises at least a bracket for fixing to a vertical wall.
40. A trampoline structure as in claim 39 wherein the bracket allows the frame of the trampoline to hinge from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position.
41. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim comprising a removable impermeable trampoline cover or a tent.
42. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim wherein the aspect ratio is greater than 0.4.
43. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim wherein the aspect ratio is greater than 0.5.
44. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim wherein the aspect ratio is greater than 0.75.

45, A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim wherein the aspect ratio is greater than 1.0.

46, A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim wherein the height from the jumping surface of the trampoline to the floor is defined by "y" and the width of the jumping surface of the trampoline taken externally of the tension frame 3 is defined by "x", both values referenced to an (x,y) coordinate system, and wherein the point defined by the two (x,y) values of the trampoline structure fall between the following upper and lower curves: r 0,004129x3-0.08663x2 + O.65633x + 0.3655 y = -0.03202x3 + 0.443808 x2 -0.9534 + 4.1745 47. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim wherein the height from the jumping surface of the trampoline to the floor is defined by "y" and the width of the jumping surface of the trampoline taken externally of the tension frame 3 is defined by "x", both values referenced to an (x,y) coordinate system, and wherein the point defined by the two (x,y) values of the trampoline structure fall between the following upper and lower curves: y = -0.000498542 x3-0.00367355 x2+ 0.202348x+ 1.24242 y -0.03202x3+ 0.443808 x2 -0.9534 x + 4.1745 48. A trampoline structure as in any preceding claim, wherein the structure is a garden structure comprising a ladder or ramp connected to the rim or tension frame.49. A trampoline structure as in claim 48, wherein the lower portion of the ladder is on or proximate to the ground.50. A gazebo, pavilion, conservatoiy, greenhouse, garden house, study or play house having a trampoline structure as a roof or canopy.51. A gazebo, pavilion, conservatory, greenhouse, garden house, study or play house having a trampoline structure as a roof or canopy, wherein the trampoline structure is according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 39.52. A gazebo, pavilion, conservatory, greenhouse, garden house, study or play house having a trampoline structure as a roof or canopy, wherein the trampoline comprises a removable impermeable cover or tent.53. A gazebo, pavilion, conservatory, greenhouse, garden house, study or play house as claimed in claims 49-51 comprising a ladder or ramp connected to the rim or tension frame of the trampoline.54. A kit of trampoline extension members, specially adapted for transforming a prior art trampoline into a trampoline structure according to any of the preceding claims.55. A kit of extension members, specially adapted for transforming a prior art trampoline into any of a gazebo, pavilion, conservatory, greenhouse, garden house, study or play house, having a trampoline surface as a roof or canopy, wherein the trampoline structure is according to any of the preceding claims.56. A readily assembled structure, or a kit for building a structure, specially adapted for transforming a prior art trampoline into a finished structure selected from the group consisting of a gazebo, pavilion, conservatory, greenhouse, garden house, study or play house, having the trampoline surface over a, or as a, roof or a canopy.57. A kit for building a structure, or a readily assembled structure, specially adapted for transforming a prior art trampoline into a finished structure selected from the group consisting of a gazebo, pavilion. conservatory, greenhouse, garden house, study or play house, having the trampoline surface over a, or as a, roof or canopy, wherein the finished structure is according to any of claims 1 to 49.58. A slide with a length of over 2.0 metres equipped in its upper portion with connection means specially adapted for connection to the peripheral tube frame of a trampoline structure as defined in any of the preceding claims.59. A slide as in the previous claim, wherein the connection means are one of a clamp or a hook adapted to fit around or over a substantially horizontal tube of at least 35mm external diameter.60. A trampoline structure as herewith described with respect to the drawings.61. A finished structure as herewith described with respect to the drawings.