GB2504951A - Two part post anchor for trampoline - Google Patents

Abstract

An anchoring device comprises at least one ballast formed of at least two parts the parts being co-operable to accept and restrain an independent continuous elongate member from movement in at least two orthogonal directions. The elongate member may be a leg of a trampoline. The ballast may include at least one fillable hollow section and the two parts may be hinged together in use and lockable to secure them together. The two parts may define a channel for receiving the elongate member, leg or post. The channel may be adjustable in shape by using packing or padding pieces or by changing the spacing between the parts. The device may include at least one wheel.

Description

N NC ORiNGPE CE * Ejid of the Invention * 5 The present invention relates to an anchoring device, more particularly but not exclusively to an anchoring device for stabilising, anchoring or ballasting larger outdoor items such as trampolines.

ackground A number of pieces of equipment for outdoor environments may require tethering or andhohng in order to prevent movement when in use or due to the effects of the wind. In particular larger items such as trampolines must be secured to safeguard the user and people or property in the immediate area by preventing the trampoline from lifting off or travelling across the ground as a result of windy conditions, Furthermore in particular trampolines require ballast or tethering in order to minimise all chances of movement when in use, which movement may also be promoted by use itself.

* 20 A variety of anchoring systems have been developed to provide a tether for such items, or provide additional ballast to the device so as to reduce the likelihood of it * moving.

Often ground stakes are used, wherein the stake is connected to the trampoline, typically by means of a line and the stake is then driven into the ground so as to provide a secure anchor point this limiting movement, however this is only viable on surfaces such as grass and can often be worked free after a period of time due to repeated movements, such as a user jumping on a trampoline, as well as causing holes.

However for larger items such as trampolines or tables, often: to ensure stability; equalise spread of weight; and cause minimal chance of damage to surfaces, and ensuing effect of levelness of the item; the item may have continuous or U-shape legs.

Prior Art

Accordingly a numberof patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 20 120 017 960 (DOELL) discloses an anchoring system for a portable shelter including a support frame having a plurality of legs and a canopy having a plurality of tensioning lines, the anchoring system comprising, in combination: a plurality of anchor assemblies each having a support surface for supporting one of the plurality of legs above the ground when the leg rests on the support surface such that the plurality of anchor assemblies are positionable under the plurality of legs to support the portable shelter above the ground; and wherein each of the plurality of anchor assemblies includes a container forming the support surface and having a hollow interior space for holding weighting material, a retainer for preventing the leg from sliding off of the container, and an attachrrient for removably attaching one of the plurality of tensioning lines to the anchor assembly, ". : Chinese utility model CN 201 120 069 (ZHENGDING) relates to a trampoline * connecting mechanism, in particular to a trampoline protecting wire net fixture, which 20 substantially solves the problems existing in the prior art that a connecting device is * *. not convenient to install, and a plurality of anchor bolts are needed to be installed to fix. The utility model further solves the technical problems that holes are needed to *** be preliminarily opened on a foot rest and a guard bar, the position of a joint is not *:** capable of being randomly adjusted according to demands, and the errors are formed in practical use. The utility model comprises two fixture blocks which are * articulated together, and is characterized in that the two fixture blocks are correspondingly arranged, the inner side of each fixtyre block is equipped with two arc edges, which respectively adapt to the radian of the outer surfaces of the foot rest of a trampoline and the guard bar, and a bolt is crossed between the two fixture blocks.

In contrast the present invention provides an easily used means of anchoring trampolines or similar items, that are liable to dangerous movement in many directions, and wherein the item includes legs that spread weight and maintain the item level.

Sumrnar of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided an anchoring device comprising: at least one ballast formed of at least two parts, wherein said parts are adaptable cooperatively to accept and restrain an independent continuous elongate member from movement in at least two orthogonal directions.

In this way continuous members turning during passage through the device, or U-shaped legs, such as found for example on a trampoline, tent, table or chair, so as to spread weight, may be anchored by the ballast in a plurality of axes and prevented from movement in a plurality of directions.

In preferred embodiments the ballast includes at least one continuous channel through which the continuous member may be accepted or clipped, or into which the member may be fastened or secured, so as to limit movement when the ballast is weighted.

Advantageously said channel predominantly runs in a vertical inclination but turns, deviates or extends horizontally, in preferred embodiments so as to accommodate arcuate sections in the member and so as to ensure that both the ballast and member are in contact with the ground when in use, with the ballast not resting on the member but encompassing the member within the channel.

In some embodiments there may be adjustability in the channel shape or form, *5** whereas in other embodiments it may be preferred that custom shapes may be * * available in line with the member or members.

Adjustability may be provided by channel padding, movement or spacing, for example wherein the channel may include a resiliently deformable, soft, elastomer material padding or plural rubber grommets or a movable route.

In other embodiments the ballasts may be square, rectangular, octagonal, or any other shape well-suited to splitting into parts, and well-suited to including a deviated channel.

In yet further embodiments the ballast or device may include or be in a form of steps so that the user may stand on the device in order to elevate themselves, so as to remove requirement for a ladder. In yet further embodiments the device may include or comprise a plurality of ballasts and/or a screen or fence.

Said steps may be secondary, independent or separable ladders from the ballast or ballasts or in further embodiments solid stepped shapes.

Preferably the ballast splits or displaces into two parts or halves, wherein the ballast is divided along the channel so that in use the ballast can be positioned around the continuous member, or more particularly in preferred embodiments the trampoline leg or legs, without requirements to move the member.

In preferred embodiments the ballasts are formed from a lightweight, strong durable material such as synthetic plastic for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).

Advantageously the parts may have a means of connection such as a hinge or clips to enable the ballast to be opened, separated and readily positioned around or r": 20 closed over a leg when in use. Typically in use the ballast is in two similar parts or * ** halves, and the two halves are closed around the leg or legs so that each ballast forms a concentric section surrounding the leg.

In addition the ballast may include connectors or catches or locks which join together the at least two parts of the ballast when they are closed so as to form a secure ynit * that does not easily open in use.

Typically one half of the ballast includes indents, lacunae, hooks or clips that may receive a projection on the opposing part of the ballast, or otherwise including corresponding male and females.

Preferably at least qne of the parts may be shaped so as to include or accommodate indents that house component parts of the trampoline such as poles to support protective netting to prevent a person falling off a side of a trampoline.

In preferred embodiments the ballast or more particularly at least one of the parts is or includes a hollow structure or includes a reservoir, capable df receiving liquid or fluid solid filler sych as water or sand. When not in use the ballast may be emptied so as to contain no filler, so as to enable easy transportation and storage.

When in use filler may be added to the ballast so as to increase weight of the ballast and to provide stability to the member to which it is fitted or around which the parts are closed.

Preferably each ballast or ballast part may be able to receive 25kg of weight so that an item such as a trampoline may be securely anchored, and wherein the amount of filler may vary depending upon the item the ballast is to be used with.

Typically each ballast or ballast part includes an opening through which the filler or ballast material may be received. The opening is preferably on top of the ballast so as to enable maximal filling of the ballast.

It may be envisaged that the opening may be sealed by means of a lid or cap.

Typically the lid may be connected to the opening by means of a screw or detent * . 20 mechanism, clip, clamp plug or other semi-permanent means disinclined to * .* tampering. Advantageously the lid may include a lanyard attachment means so as not to lose the lid whilst filling.

In preferred embodiments the device minimises chances of unauthorised movement or tampering. * *

In some embodiments there may be provided an outlet or valve at a lower position in use on the ballast or ballast part so as to allow filler to be emptied or released.

In other embodiments the ballast or ballast part may include a handle to allow the anchoring device to be easily lifted and transported. Preferably the handle may be an integrated and/or moulded hollow section of the ballast and/or also capable of also being filled with weight. It is envisaged that the handle may positioned on the top or sides of the ballast.

Alternatively the handle may be a non-integrated separate attachment mounted on the surface of the ballast. The non integrated handle may be formed from a rigid material such as synthetic piastic or from a flexible material such as webbing fabric.

In yet further embodiments it is envisaged that a handle or area of the ballast may accept a strap, which strap connects to an area such as the legs, member or the rim of the trampoline so as to provide further stability and in particular to limit lifting when in use or due to the wind. Typically the strap is adjustable so as to be fit to different sized items.

In some embodiments the ballast may include at least one wheel so as to facilitate the device and/or ballast to be rolled from one location to another allowing less able users to easier to move the device, even when the ballast is loaded with the filler.

The handle may act to engage or disengage the wheel or wheels when required.

The wheels may also be provided on castors or springs, as well as including a locking mechanism in other embodiments.

In yet further embodiments the ballast's base may include a resiliently deformable * layer of material such as rubber so as to dampen vibrations created or formed when 20 in use, to prevent undesirable movement on hard surface and to limit damage to the hard surfaces such as paving. S..

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing S...

from the scope of invention.

* . . .5S

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows isometric views of a preferred embodiment of the device with pals closed and parts opened; Figure 2 shows two side views of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows two top views and a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1; a Figure 4 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 1. and

Figures 5 show end views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Descrirftion of Figures The pictured embodiment includes the following: Two synthetic plastic parts 1 Large and sturdy rotational acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) hinge 2 allows the weights to be manoeuvred around the trampoline legs easier Two polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic screw caps 3 to cover orifices used for emptying both halves. S. *

Two PVC plastic screw caps 4 cover orifices used for filling both halves

S

* ** Resiliently deformable detent mechanism male and female clips 5 keep the weight together when wrapped around trampoline legs. **.

S

Two bhunky handles 6to help with carrying when full *. * 25

* Channel 7 with a diameter to accomhiodate all thicknesses of trampoline legs.

Arched undercarriage B so that the ballast can sit comfortably on the ground When a user is satisfied with positioning of the ballast, the device can be snapped shut by pulling the two parts together along the hinge.

The male and female clips will hold the two halves together tightly.

When the time comes to empty the ballast, the two parts can be pulled apart with a small degree of force to break the lock of the male to female clips. The screw caps inside will be revealed to allow contained fluid to be emptied out.

Some embodiments may include a tap for fast or more controlled emptying.

Some further embodiments may include at least one strap to be threaded through to keep the parts together.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification ** are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. * .

* ** Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to *..

those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and **** - * 25 equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. **** * * Ciars