US20100240496A1

US20100240496A1 - Trampoline frame

Info

Publication number: US20100240496A1
Application number: US12/381,963
Authority: US
Inventors: Samuel Chen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-03-18
Filing date: 2009-03-18
Publication date: 2010-09-23

Abstract

The assembly of the product begins with assembly of the trampoline frame. The vertical post can be made in multiple sections. The lower portion of the trampoline frame is assembled first, followed by the enclosure. After the entire frame is assembled, the bed is attached to the frame by springs. The springs are connected between the trampoline frame and the bed. A trampoline pad covers the springs. Finally, an enclosure is placed over the enclosure portion of the frame. The enclosure includes a net and preferably includes a zipper, or hook and loop straps for securing the opening of the entrance to the structure. It is preferred that the enclosure netting is secured to the enclosure frame portion by a sleeve, which can be padded for extra safety. The sleeve connection can be zippered for faster connection, or may have no lateral opening for greater strength.

Description

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Trampoline structures preferably disassemble for transportation, and reassemble for use. A variety of connection structures have been used to provide a safety and convenience for users. Trampoline structures should be strong, and safe.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,123 to Rich is entitled T-Joint structure for trampolines and the like, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The Rich reference issued Jul. 13, 1982 provides for a T connector for connecting a variety of horizontal members of a trampoline frame. The Rich structure uses tongue connections 30 a that form a flange between a horizontal portion of a T connector and a vertical portion of a T connector. U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,744 to Chen entitled trampoline system provides a reinforcing structure on a trampoline T connector.
Other trampoline structures have incorporated a number of connection means, such as having vertical parallel tubing that is lashed together by bolts or ties. In any case, trampoline structures should also be light and easily transportable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a trampoline configuration which also provides a more robust connections. The present invention has a T connector made from a horizontal member and a vertical member. The horizontal member has an upper opening and a lower opening cut to allow vertical passage of a vertical member. The vertical member can be welded to the horizontal member at the interface of the upper opening and the vertical member; and also at the interface of the lower opening and the vertical member. The upper opening and a lower opening are opposed, and define a location for an upper circumferential weld and a lower circumferential weld.
The T connector horizontal member has flat portions pressed at opposite ends of the horizontal member. Each opposite end of the horizontal member, a left end and a right end for example preferably has a pair of flat portions. The flat portions of the horizontal member preferably engage flat portions disposed in horizontal sections. Thus, horizontal member flat portions abut horizontal section flat portions. Preferably, an upper surface of an upper horizontal member flat portion abuts a lower surface of an upper horizontal section flat portion. Analogously, a lower surface of a lower horizontal member flat portion abuts an upper surface of a lower horizontal section flat portion. The preferred method is to have the upper and lower surfaces of the flat portions of the horizontal member level with the ground. Also, the flat portions of the horizontal section of the trampoline frame should be level with the ground.
To connect the horizontal member of the T connector with the horizontal section of the frame, it is preferred to have a bolt, with a round smooth bolt head pass through the flat portions of the horizontal member and horizontal section. A bolt opening is preferably disposed through the flat portions of the horizontal member and horizontal section. The bolt opening passes through all of the members for allowing passage of a bolt.
The vertical member of the T connector preferably also has a pair of opposing flat portions. The vertical member flat portions are on an inside and outside facing orientation. The vertical member can be connected to a vertical section of the trampoline frame that also has flat portions for receiving the vertical member flat portions.
The horizontal sections of the trampoline frame that connect to the T connector are arranged to travel around the bed of the trampoline frame. The horizontal sections have regular interval openings for receiving hook shaped spring ends. A circular shaped bed has curved horizontal sections defining a bed circumferential frame. The bed frame further includes an enclosure structure having vertical posts connecting to and extending upward from the top of the vertical member of the T connector. The top of the vertical member protrudes above the horizontal member of the T connector to form a socket for mounting vertical posts. The vertical posts are rigidly connected at their tops to form an enclosure circumferential frame. The bed frame portion is below the enclosure frame portion. All of the members are secured for rigid connection. The enclosure frame portion is at an apex of the structure. Preferably, the enclosure frame portion is padded and has netting secured to the enclosure frame portion and also to the vertical posts for retaining users within the enclosure during jumping.
The vertical member of the T connector also preferably has a bolt opening for securing the flat portion of the vertical member to the flat portion of the vertical section of the trampoline frame. The vertical section of the trampoline frame can be bent for providing a U shaped support. The vertical member has an upper opening for receiving the vertical post and also a lower opening. The upper opening and the lower opening define a through passage. The lower opening receives a step defined on a reduced circumference portion of a vertical section of the trampoline frame. The upper portion of the vertical section of the trampoline frame defines the step. The step is sized and dimensioned for securing into the lower opening.
If the vertical post has a lower end that can fit inside the reduced dimension portion of the vertical section of the trampoline frame, a single bolt can secure the vertical post to the trampoline frame and the T connector. In this configuration, the vertical post also has a reduced dimension. Preferably, the vertical post has an inverted step formed at the reduced circumference portion. The inverted step should meet with the upper surface of the vertical member of the T connector so that tightening of a single bolt can secure all three parts snugly. The cross-section of all three parts at the interface of the three parts preferably are formed as a tube with a pair of opposing flat surfaces.
The assembly of the product begins with assembly of the trampoline frame. The vertical post can be made in multiple sections. The lower portion of the trampoline frame is assembled first, followed by the enclosure. After the entire frame is assembled, the bed is attached to the frame by springs. The springs are connected between the trampoline frame and the bed. A trampoline pad covers the springs. Finally, an enclosure is placed over the enclosure portion of the frame. The enclosure preferably includes a zipper, or hook and loop straps for securing the opening of the entrance to the structure. It is preferred that the enclosure netting is secured to the enclosure frame portion by a sleeve, which can be padded for extra safety. The sleeve connection can be zippered for faster connection, or may have no lateral opening for greater strength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a exploded view assembly diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an assembly diagram of the horizontal sections of the frame onto the T connector.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the T connector.

FIG. 4 is another exploded view assembly diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the connection of the enclosure frame portion.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view assembly diagram which includes instruction on assembling some of the soft parts such as the bed, springs, net enclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the finished product.

The following callout list of elements provides a convenient guide for understanding the drawings.
41 Vertical Section
43 Vertical Section Bolt Opening
47 Vertical Section Flat Portions
50 T Connector
51 Horizontal Member Of The T Connector
52 Horizontal Member Flat Portion
53 Horizontal Member Bolt Opening
54 Upper Circumferential Weld
55 Lower Circumferential Weld
56 Vertical Member Of The T Connector
57 Vertical Member Flat Portion
58 Vertical Member Bolt Opening
59 Upper Opening
159 Lower Opening
160 Bed Circumferential Frame
60 Horizontal Section Of The Frame
61 Spring Mount Opening
62 Horizontal Section Flat Portion
63 Horizontal Section Bolt Opening
64 Bolt Head
70 Vertical Post
80 Enclosure Structure
81 Bed
82 Springs
83 Pad
84 Net
85 Sleeve Connection
180 Enclosure Circumferential Frame
88 Bolt
90 Zipper

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The assembly of the product begins with assembly of the lower portion of the trampoline frame according to FIG. 1. Beginning with the T connector of FIG. 3, the user aligns flat portions of the parts according to FIG. 8 and pushes the horizontal sections in inward according to FIG. 2. The user repeats the process with the other T connectors. The vertical post 70 can be made in multiple sections which would be assembled according to FIG. 4. The enclosure frame portion is assembled per FIG. 5. Thus, the lower portion of the trampoline frame is assembled first, followed by the enclosure. After the entire frame is assembled, the bed 81 is attached to the frame by springs 82 per FIG. 6. The springs are connected between the trampoline frame and the bed. A trampoline pad 83 covers the springs. Finally, an enclosure is placed over the enclosure portion of the frame. The enclosure includes a net 84 and preferably includes a zipper 90, or hook and loop straps for securing the opening of the entrance to the structure. It is preferred that the enclosure netting is secured to the enclosure frame portion by a sleeve, which can be padded for extra safety. The sleeve connection 85 can be zippered for faster connection, or may have no lateral opening for greater strength as seen in FIG. 7.
The present invention provides a more robust T connector 50. The present invention has a T connector 50 made from a horizontal member 51 and a vertical member 56. The horizontal member 51 has an upper opening 59 and a lower opening 159 cut to allow vertical passage of a vertical member 56. The vertical member 56 is welded to the horizontal member 51 at the interface of the upper opening and the vertical member; and also at the interface of the lower opening and the vertical member. The upper opening and a lower opening are opposed, and define a location for an upper circumferential weld 54 and a lower circumferential weld 55.
The T connector horizontal member 51 has flat portions 52 pressed on a top and bottom surface at both opposite ends of the horizontal member 51. Each opposite end of the horizontal member 51, a left end and a right end for example preferably has a pair of flat portions 52. The flat portions 52 of the horizontal member 51 preferably engage flat portions 62 disposed in horizontal sections. Thus, horizontal member flat portions 52 abut horizontal section flat portions 62. Preferably, an upper surface of an upper horizontal member flat portion 52 abuts a lower surface of an upper horizontal section flat portion 62. Analogously, a lower surface of a lower horizontal member flat portion 52 abuts an upper surface of a lower horizontal section flat portion 62. The preferred method is to have the upper and lower surfaces of the flat portions of the horizontal member 51 level with the ground. Also, the flat portions of the horizontal section 60 of the trampoline frame should be level with the ground.
To connect the horizontal member 51 of the T connector 50 with the horizontal section of the frame 60, it is preferred to have a bolt 88, with a round bolt head 64 pass through the flat portions of the horizontal member and horizontal section. A horizontal member bolt opening 53 is preferably disposed through the horizontal member flat portion 52. A horizontal section bolt opening 63 is disposed through the horizontal section flat portion 62. The bolt openings are aligned to allow bolt passage through all of the members. The upper horizontal section flat portion is preferably the same dimension as the lower horizontal section flat portion.
The vertical member 56 of the T connector preferably also has a pair of opposing vertical member flat portions 57. A vertical member bolt opening 58 preferably passes through the vertical member flat portions 57. The vertical member flat portions 57 are on an inside and outside facing orientation. The vertical member can be connected to a vertical section 41 of the trampoline frame that has vertical section flat portions 47 for receiving the vertical member flat portions 57. A vertical section bolt opening 43 preferably orients to the vertical member bolt opening 58 so that a bolt 88 can pass through both of them.
The horizontal sections 60 of the trampoline frame that connect to the T connector are arranged to travel around the bed of the trampoline frame. The horizontal sections have regular interval openings for receiving hook shaped spring ends that are spring mount openings 61. A circular shaped bed has curved horizontal sections 60 defining a bed circumferential frame 160. The bed frame further includes an enclosure structure 80 having vertical posts connecting to and extending upward from the top of the vertical member of the T connector. The top of the vertical member protrudes above the horizontal member of the T connector to form a socket for mounting vertical posts 70. The vertical posts 70 are rigidly connected at their tops to form an enclosure circumferential frame 180. The bed frame portion is below the enclosure frame portion. All of the members are secured for rigid connection. The enclosure frame portion 180 is a preferably a ring made from sections of tubular steel and defines an apex of the structure. Optionally, the enclosure frame portion 180 is padded and has netting secured to the enclosure frame portion and also to the vertical posts for retaining users within the enclosure during jumping.
The vertical member of the T connector also preferably has a bolt opening for securing the flat portion of the vertical member to the flat portion of the vertical section of the trampoline frame. The vertical section of the trampoline frame can be bent for providing a U shaped support. The vertical member has an upper opening for receiving the vertical post and also a lower opening. The upper opening and the lower opening define a through passage. The lower opening receives a step defined on a reduced circumference portion of a vertical section of the trampoline frame. The upper portion of the vertical section of the trampoline frame defines the step. The step is sized and dimensioned for securing into the lower opening.
If the vertical post has a lower end that can fit inside the reduced dimension portion of the vertical section of the trampoline frame, a single bolt can secure the vertical post to the trampoline frame and the T connector. In this configuration, the vertical post also has a reduced dimension. Preferably, the vertical post has an inverted step formed at the reduced circumference portion. The inverted step should meet with the upper surface of the vertical member of the T connector so that tightening of a single bolt can secure all three parts snugly. The cross-section of all three parts at the interface of the three parts preferably are formed as a tube with a pair of opposing flat surfaces.
Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with reference only to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is defined only by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A trampoline frame comprising:

a. a first T connector, wherein the first T connector comprises a horizontal member formed as a tube and a vertical member formed as a tube, wherein the horizontal member has a horizontal member upper opening on a horizontal member upper surface and a horizontal member lower opening on a horizontal member lower surface, wherein the vertical member fits through the upper opening and the lower opening, wherein between the upper opening and the lower opening of the horizontal member, the vertical member and the horizontal member form a double wall construction;

b. [a pair of horizontal member opposing flat portions formed on the horizontal member;

c. a pair of horizontal member bolt holes passing through the flat portions of the horizontal member;]

d. a horizontal frame section;

e. a second T connector, wherein the second T connector has the same structure as the first T connector; wherein the horizontal member of the first T connector is connected to the horizontal frame section, and wherein the horizontal frame section is connected to the horizontal member of the second T connector;

f. a first vertical frame section connected to a bottom end of the vertical member of the first T connector; and

g. a second vertical frame section connected to a bottom end of the vertical member of the second T connector.

2. The trampoline frame of claim 1, further comprising: a vertical post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame.

3. The trampoline frame of claim 1, further comprising: a vertical post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame, wherein the net is attached to the enclosure frame portion via a sleeve connection.

4. The trampoline frame of claim 1, further comprising: a vertical member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion, wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a section vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion.

5. The trampoline frame of claim 1, further comprising: a vertical member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion, wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a section vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion, further comprising: a vertical post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame.

6. The trampoline frame of claim 1, further comprising: a vertical member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion, wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a section vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion; further comprising a vertical post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame, wherein the net is attached to the enclosure frame portion via a sleeve connection.

7. A trampoline frame comprising:

b. a pair of horizontal member opposing horizontal member flat portions formed on the horizontal member;

c. a pair of horizontal member bolt holes passing through the flat portions of the horizontal member;

d. a horizontal frame section, wherein the horizontal frame section has a first horizontal frame flat portion matching with the horizontal member flat portion of the first T connector and a second horizontal frame flat portion matching with the horizontal member flat portion of the second T connector;

8. The trampoline frame of claim 7, further comprising: a vertical post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame.

9. The trampoline frame of claim 7, further comprising: a vertical post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame, wherein the net is attached to the enclosure frame portion via a sleeve connection.

10. The trampoline frame of claim 7, further comprising: a vertical member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion, wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a section vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion.

11. The trampoline frame of claim 7, further comprising: a vertical member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion, wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a section vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion, further comprising: a vertical post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame.

12. The trampoline frame of claim 7, further comprising: a vertical member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion, wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a section vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion; further comprising a vertical post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is supported by the vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame, wherein the net is attached to the enclosure frame portion via a sleeve connection.

13. A trampoline frame comprising:

a. a first T connector, wherein the first T connector comprises a horizontal member formed as a tube and a vertical member formed as a tube, wherein the horizontal member has a horizontal member upper opening on a horizontal member upper surface and a horizontal member lower opening on a horizontal member lower surface, wherein the vertical member fits through the upper opening and the lower opening, wherein the vertical member is welded to the horizontal member at the upper opening and at the lower opening, wherein between the upper opening and the lower opening of the horizontal member, the vertical member and the horizontal member form a double wall construction;

f. a first vertical frame section connected to a bottom end of the vertical member of the first T connector;

g. a second vertical frame section connected to a bottom end of the vertical member of the second T connector; and

h. a first vertical post that fits in an upper aperture of the first T connector, and a second vertical post that fits in an upper aperture of the second T connector, wherein the vertical member of the T connector rises above the horizontal member.

14. The trampoline frame of claim 13, further comprising: a vertical member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion, wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a section vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion; further comprising an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is supported by the first vertical post in the second vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame, wherein the net is attached to the enclosure frame portion via a sleeve connection.

15. The trampoline frame of claim 13, further comprising: an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is supported by the first vertical post in the second vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame.

16. The trampoline frame of claim 13, further comprising: a vertical post; an enclosure frame portion; and a net; wherein the net is secured to the enclosure frame portion, wherein the enclosure frame portion is supported by the first vertical post in the second vertical post, wherein the enclosure frame portion is formed as a rigid frame, wherein the net is attached to the enclosure frame portion.

17. The trampoline frame of claim 13, further comprising: a vertical member flat portion disposed on the vertical member, and a bolt passage disposed on a surface of the vertical member flat portion, wherein the first vertical frame section has a first vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion, and wherein the second vertical frame section has a section vertical frame section flat portion received within the vertical member flat portion.