WO2017174567A1

WO2017174567A1 - Safety net for a trampoline, a trampoline and a method of arranging a safety net in a trampoline

Info

Publication number: WO2017174567A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/057961
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olof GÖRANSSON
Original assignee: Avero Ab
Priority date: 2016-04-05
Filing date: 2017-04-04
Publication date: 2017-10-12
Also published as: CN205683466U; SE539957C2; EP3439748A1; CN107281690A; SE1650460A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a safety net (9, 49)adapted to surround a trampoline mat (3) of a trampoline (1, 47). The safety net comprises a protection portion (25) adapted to prevent a user from falling off the trampoline mat and/or from stepping outside the trampoline mat, and an attachment portion (27, 27') allowing attachment of at least one resilient member (7) to the trampoline mat through the attachment portion, the resilient member being adapted to retain the trampoline mat under tension. The safety net further comprises an edge portion (31) and a fold zone (33, 33'), adapted to be folded around an edge (17) of the trampoline mat. The edge portion and the protection portion are located on opposite sides of the fold zone. The edge portion comprises one or more extension diminishing means (35, 37, 39, 41, 43) for tightening of the edge portion. The disclosure further relates to a trampoline (1, 47) comprising such a safety net and to a method of arranging a safety net in a trampoline.

Description

SAFETY NET FOR A TRAMPOLINE, A TRAMPOLINE AND A METHOD OF

ARRANGING A SAFETY NET IN A TRAMPOLINE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a safety net adapted to surround a trampoline mat of a trampoline. The disclosure further relates to a trampoline comprising such a safety net and to a method of arranging a safety net in a trampoline.

BACKGROUND

A trampoline comprises a trampoline mat, a frame and at least one resilient member. The trampoline mat is typically circular, oval, square or rectangular. The trampoline mat may comprise a cloth or net-shaped structure. It may be made of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene. The frame is normally made of metal. It encompasses the trampoline mat and typically has substantially the same shape as the trampoline mat. A circular or oval trampoline mat is then surrounded by a circular or oval frame having a larger diameter than the trampoline mat, and a square or rectangular trampoline mat is surrounded by a substantially square or rectangular frame, which however may comprise rounded-off edges.

The trampoline mat typically comprises a plurality of attachments distributed along the edge of the trampoline mat. The attachments are adapted to receive one or more resilient members for retaining the trampoline mat under tension. The resilient members may be a plurality of springs, e.g. helical springs, connecting the edge of the trampoline mat to the frame, thereby tensioning the trampoline mat. When a person is using the trampoline mat, i.e. jumping on it, the springs will be extended and thereafter strive to go back to their normal lengths. The spring may be attached to a loop, such as a D-shaped or triangle- shaped ring, comprised in the trampoline mat by means of a hook comprised in the spring.

As an alternative, the resilient member may comprise an elastic cord. Normally, the elastic cord is long enough to go back and forth between the edge of the trampoline mat and the frame a couple of times. Each portion connecting the trampoline mat to the frame then forms a segment, which correspond to a spring in the above example. The elastic cord may be so long, that only one elastic cord is utilized for the whole trampoline mat, or a plurality of elastic cords may be used.

The trampoline mat is often surrounded by an edge pad, which is adapted to at least partly cover the at least one resilient member and/or the frame. The edge pad will help preventing a user from stepping or landing between the resilient members, e.g. when climbing onto the trampoline mat. The edge pad may also be arranged to cover the frame, thereby dampening a possible impact with the frame in case of stepping or landing on the frame. The edge pad is often made as a number of segments, the shapes of which are adapted to the frame and the trampoline mat. For a circular or oval trampoline mat, the segments may therefore be arc-shaped. For a square or rectangular mat, rectangular segments may be used.

It is further known to use a safety net in order to prevent a user from falling off the trampoline mat. The safety net is retained by a safety net retainer, e.g. a number of support poles extending upwardly from the frame for carrying the safety net surrounding the trampoline mat. The safety net may be attached to the trampoline mat. This helps to prevent the user from stepping on or between the resilient members.

However, even if using a safety net attached to the trampoline mat in a conventional way, there is still a risk that a foot or an arm of the user, e.g. if landing unfortunately in the vicinity of the edge of the trampoline mat, would slip out between the trampoline mat and the safety net, e.g. in the interspace between two attachments of the resilient member to the trampoline mat. If this would occur, there is a risk of discomfort and even injury to the user of the trampoline.

In order to reduce this risk, it has been suggested to sew the safety net to the trampoline mat in the vicinity of the edge of the trampoline mat. However sewing is quite cumbersome, especially since it is made after the trampoline has been mounted, such that the sewing can be made over the attached resilient members. SUMMARY

The object of the present disclosure is to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. The object above may be achieved by the subject-matter of claim 1. Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

Thus, the present invention relates to a safety net adapted to surround a trampoline mat of a trampoline. The safety net comprises a protection portion adapted to prevent a user from falling off the trampoline mat and/or from stepping outside the trampoline mat, and an attachment portion allowing attachment of at least one resilient member to the trampoline mat through the attachment portion, the resilient member being adapted to retain the trampoline mat under tension. The safety net further comprises an edge portion and a fold zone, being adapted to be folded around an edge of the trampoline mat. The edge portion and the protection portion are located on opposite sides of the fold zone. The edge portion comprises one or more extension diminishing means for tightening of the edge portion.

The safety net has a first direction forming a height direction when mounted to the trampoline mat and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and forming a circumferential direction when mounted to the trampoline mat. Before mounting the safety net to the trampoline mat, the safety net may a substantially rectangular shape. In that case, the second direction could correspond to an x-direction and the first direction could correspond to a y-direction, the y-direction being perpendicular to the x-direction. The safety net may comprise a cloth or net-shaped structure.

The attachment portion allows attachment of the at least one resilient member to the trampoline mat through the attachment portion. It is common to arrange the above- mentioned attachments for the at least one resilient member at the edge of the trampoline mat, e.g. D-shaped or triangle-shaped rings, but it would also be possible to arrange the attachments for the at least one resilient member at the upper side in the vicinity of the edge or at the underside in the vicinity of the edge of the trampoline mat.

The safety net further comprises an edge portion and a fold zone. The fold zone is adapted to be folded around the edge of the trampoline mat. Hence a width w of the fold zone is preferably adapted to the thickness of the edge of the trampoline mat, which typically is in the range of from 1 to 10 mm, e.g. in the range of from 2 to 5 mm. The thickness of the trampoline mat itself is typically in the range of from 0.2 mm to 1 mm, such as in the range of from 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, or in the range of from 0.4 mm to 0. 5mm. However, the trampoline mat is usually reinforced at the edge, resulting in a higher thickness at the edge. The width w is determined in the first direction of the safety net assuming the safety net is in an untensioned state. The edge portion and the protection portion are located on opposite sides of the fold zone. The safety net comprises a protection portion, which may be adapted to prevent a user from falling off the trampoline mat and/or from stepping outside the trampoline mat, e.g. stepping on or between the resilient members.

When mounted in the trampoline, the protection portion of the safety net may be retained by the safety net retainer in a way common in the art, such that it extends in the first direction_. If the trampoline is placed in a hole in the ground, over which hole the trampoline mat is positioned, the protection portion may have a lower height or even be dispensed with. In that case also the safety net retainers may be dispensed with. As an alternative or a complement, the protection portion of the safety net may be attached to, or attachable to, an edge pad comprised in the trampoline mat in order to prevent the user from stepping outside the trampoline mat, e.g. to prevent from stepping or landing on or between portions of the resilient members, if e.g. being an elastic cord, or on or between resilient members, if e.g. being a plurality of springs.

When the safety net is mounted in the trampoline, the edge portion is located under the trampoline mat, i.e. vertically below and laterally inside the edge of the trampoline mat. The width b of the edge portion may be in the range of 0 cm < b < 50 cm, preferably 2 cm < b < 30 cm, more preferably 5 cm < b < 20 cm. The width b is determined in the first direction of the safety net assuming the safety net is in an untensioned state.

There may be a minimum distance d between the fold zone and the extension diminishing means in the range of 0 cm < d < 40 cm, preferably 1 cm < d < 20 cm, more preferably 2 cm < d < 10 cm. The minimum distance is the least distance between the fold zone and the extension diminishing means. The minimum distance d is determined in the first direction of the safety net assuming the safety net is in an untensioned state.

When the safety net is mounted in the trampoline and if the trampoline mat is circular, the minimum distance may be determined in the radial direction of the trampoline mat. If the trampoline mat has a non-circular shape, e.g. square or rectangular, the minimum distance may be determined perpendicularly to the edge of the trampoline mat.

As mentioned above, it is common to arrange the above-mentioned attachments for the at least one resilient member, e.g. the D-shaped or triangle-shaped rings, at the edge of the trampoline mat. In that case, the order of the portions of the safety net is, when starting at a lower edge: the edge portion, the fold zone, the attachment portion and the protection portion. In that case, the attachment portion of the safety net adjoins the protection portion and the fold zone delimits the edge portion from the attachment portion. This would also be the order if the attachments for the at least one resilient member were located at the upper side of the trampoline mat.

As an alternative, the attachments for the at least one resilient member, e.g. the D-shaped or triangle-shaped rings, may be arranged at the underside of the trampoline mat. In that case, the order of the portions of the safety net is, when starting at a lower edge: the edge portion, the attachment portion, the fold zone and the protection portion. In that case, the attachment portion of the safety net adjoins the edge portion and the fold zone delimits the protection portion from the attachment portion. A portion of, or the whole of, the edge portion may be of another material than the rest of the safety net. In that case, the edge portion may be joined to the rest of the safety net by means of sewing, welding and/or an adhesive. Also the fold zone and/or the attachment portion may be of another material than the rest of the safety net. The edge portion, the fold zone and/or the attachment portion may comprise reinforcements.

The edge portion comprises one or more extension diminishing means, which are provided to be able to tighten the edge portion, thereby being able to obtain a desired location of the edge portion in the mounted trampoline, i.e. under the trampoline mat. Thereby it is ascertained that even if a user of the trampoline accidentally would step or land at the edge of the trampoline mat, there would not be any risk that his/her foot or arm would slip out in between the safety net and the trampoline mat, since the folded position of the edge portion results in that such a foot or arm would instead land in the safety net, probably in the fold zone. Further, since the edge portion can be tightened by means of the one or more extension diminishing means, it is quick and easy to obtain the desired safety.

The attachment portion may comprise a first plurality of apertures distributed along the attachment portion, preferably evenly distributed along the attachment portion, allowing attachment of the at least one resilient member to the trampoline mat through the apertures of the first plurality. The apertures of the first plurality are then distributed along the attachment portion as seen in the second direction. The first plurality of apertures allows passage of the above-mentioned loops, e.g. D-shaped or triangle-shaped rings, for attachment of the at least one resilient member. The first plurality of apertures may be provided by the normal openings in the safety net or may be purposely shaped apertures.

The safety net may further comprise a tightening strap and the extension diminishing means of the edge portion may be located along the edge portion, preferably evenly distributed along the edge portion. The tightening strap is adapted to be connected to the extension diminishing means such that the tightening strap is adapted to tightening of the edge portion. The extension diminishing means are distributed along the edge portion as seen in the second direction. When the tightening strap is tightened, it also tightens the edge portion, thereby obtaining the desired location of the edge portion under the trampoline mat, i.e. vertically below and laterally inside the edge of the trampoline mat. The tightening strap may be elastic. A single tightening strap may be used around the whole circumference of the trampoline mat or a plurality of tightening straps may be used. The tightening strap may comprise a quick-lock, such that the tightening strap quickly and easy can be locked relative to the extension diminishing means, when the edge portion has obtained its desired position. As an alternative or a complement, the tightening strap may be tied to itself, when the edge portion has obtained its desired position. As yet an alternative the tightening strap may comprise a belt and a buckle, such that it can be buckled up at the desired length. The tightening strap may be comprised in the safety net, e.g. being attached to it at at least one location, or the tightening strap may be a separate unit. The extension diminishing means may comprise a second plurality of apertures distributed along the edge portion, preferably evenly distributed along the edge portion, the tightening strap being adapted to go through the apertures of the second plurality. The apertures of the second plurality are distributed along the edge portion as seen in the second direction. The second plurality of apertures may be provided by the normal openings in the safety net or may be purposely shaped apertures.

The number of apertures of the second plurality may be the same, less than or more than the number of apertures of the first plurality. Further, the positions of the apertures of the second plurality relative to the positions of the apertures of the first plurality as seen in the second direction may be the same or different. However, it has been found appropriate to use the same number of apertures for the first and second plurality and to locate them pairwise, i.e. one aperture under the other. As an alternative, or a complement, the extension diminishing means may comprise a channel extending along the edge portion, the tightening strap being adapted to go through the channel. The channel extends in the second direction. The channel may comprise, or be constituted by a hem of the material of the safety net. Alternative, the channel may be made in a reinforcement of the edge of the edge portion.

As yet an alternative, or a complement, the extension diminishing means may comprise a hook portion or a loop portion of a hook-and-loop attachment, a portion of a snap-in connection or a button connection. In that case, the trampoline mat is preferably provided with a corresponding receiving means adapted to cooperate with the extension diminishing means of the edge portion. Since the edge portion thereby is attached to the underside of the trampoline mat inside the edge of the trampoline mat, the edge portion is tightened in relation to the edge of the trampoline mat. Thereby it is possible to obtain the desired location of the edge portion in the mounted trampoline, which is under the trampoline mat, i.e. vertically below and laterally inside the edge of the trampoline mat.

The invention also relates to a kit comprising the safety net as described herein and an edge pad, which is adapted to at least partly cover the at least one resilient member and/or the frame of the trampoline, wherein the safety net, preferably its protection portion, is attached to or attachable to, the edge pad. In addition to the safety net attached to or attachable to, the edge pad, there may also be an additional safety net, which may be attached on top of the edge pad, at the outside of the edge pad, or at the frame of the trampoline. This additional safety net may be according to known technology, i.e. without any edge portion or extension diminishing means.

The edge pad may be like the one described above. The edge pad typically has a rectangular cross-section, with a first side facing upwards, a second side facing towards the centre of the trampoline mat, a third side facing downwards and fourth side facing outwards. The safety net may be attached to or attachable to the edge pad along one or more of the sides of the rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the safety net is attached to or attachable to the edge pad in such a way that the user of the trampoline does not step on the safety net. Hence, the safety net preferably is attached to the second, third and/or the fourth side/sides of the rectangular cross-section. The safety net may be permanently fixed to the edge pad, e.g. by means of a seam and/or an adhesive. Alternatively, the safety net may be attachable to the edge pad by means of a releasable attachment, e.g. a hook-and-loop attachment, a snap-in connection or a button connection. The invention further relates to a trampoline comprising a trampoline mat, a frame, adapted to encompass the trampoline mat, at least one resilient member, adapted to retain the trampoline mat under tension and being connectable between the trampoline mat and the frame, a safety net as described herein, adapted to surround the trampoline mat in order to prevent a user from falling off the trampoline mat and/or from stepping outside the trampoline mat, or a kit comprising the safety net as described herein and an edge pad. The at least one extension diminishing means of the edge portion of the safety net is/are adapted to retain at least a portion of the edge portion in a position wherein the fold zone of the safety net is at least partly folded around an edge of the trampoline mat. The trampoline may further, as an option, comprise a safety net retainer adapted to retain the safety net.

In the trampoline according to the invention, it is possible to obtain a desired location of the edge portion in the mounted trampoline, which is under the trampoline mat, i.e.

vertically below and laterally inside the edge of the trampoline mat. Optionally, the trampoline comprises at least one edge pad, which would form part of the kit, the edge pad being adapted to at least partly cover the at least one resilient member and/or the frame. In the trampoline, and when the edge portion is tightened, the safety net of the invention is mounted such that a first distance between at least one of the extension diminishing means and a centre of the trampoline mat is less than a second distance between the edge of the trampoline mat and the centre of the trampoline mat. The second distance is determined at a location of the edge having the least distance to the extension diminishing means from which the first distance is determined. If the trampoline mat has a circular shape, the first and second distances are determined in the radial direction. If the trampoline mat has a non-circular shape, e.g. square or rectangular, the first and second distances may be determined perpendicularly to the edge of the trampoline mat.

Preferably, the first distance is less than the second distance around the whole or substantially the whole circumference of the trampoline mat.

The fold zone is folded around the edge of the trampoline mat, preferably around the whole or substantially the whole circumference of the trampoline mat. In the fold zone, the safety net may change direction by at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, more preferably at least 60°, most preferably 90° or substantially 90°.

In case the safety net comprises the above-mentioned tightening strap, the tightening strap may be arranged to move the extension diminishing means of the edge portion of the safety net closer to the centre of the trampoline mat when the tightening strap is tightened. The tightening strap may be comprised in the safety net or it may be a separate unit.

An underside of the trampoline mat may comprise one or more receiving means adapted to cooperate with the extension diminishing means of the edge portion, such as the above-mentioned hook portion or a loop portion of a hook-and-loop attachment, a portion of a snap-in connection or a button connection. Purely as an example, one of the extension diminishing means of the edge portion or one of the receiving means of the trampoline mat may be a hook portion of a hook-and-loop attachment and the other a loop portion. The invention also relates to a method of arranging a safety net or a kit as described herein in a trampoline as described herein, the method comprising

- attaching the at least one resilient member between the trampoline mat and the frame, such that the at least one resilient member extends through the attachment portion of the safety net thereby retaining the trampoline mat under tension,

- tightening the edge portion by means of the extension diminishing means, such that at least a portion of the edge portion of the safety net obtains a position wherein the fold zone of the safety net is at least partly folded around an edge of the trampoline mat.

Thereby, it is possible to obtain a desired location of the edge portion in the mounted trampoline, which is under the trampoline mat, i.e. vertically below and laterally inside the edge of the trampoline mat. The step of tightening may be performed by means of tightening the tightening strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be further explained by means of non-lim examples with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a trampoline according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the trampoline of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a detail of a safety net according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 shows a detail of a safety net according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a detail of a safety net according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a detail of a safety net according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a detail of a safety net according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows a detail of a safety net according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9 shows how to mount a safety net.

Fig. 10 shows a detail of the trampoline of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 1 1 shows a detail of the trampoline of Fig. 1 seen from below.

Fig. 12 shows a detail of a trampoline with a safety net according to a seventh

embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that the appended drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that the dimensions of some features of the present invention may have been exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will, in the following, be exemplified by embodiments. It should however be realized that the embodiments are included in order to explain principles of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. Details from two or more of the embodiments may be combined with each other.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a trampoline 1 according to the invention. The trampoline 1 comprises a trampoline mat 3, a frame 5, a plurality of resilient members 7, illustrated as helical springs, a safety net 9, a safety net retainer 1 1 and an edge pad 13. In Figure 2, the safety net 9 and the safety net retainer 1 1 are removed for visibility reasons to show details of the trampoline mat 3, the resilient members 7 and the edge pad 13. A first direction D-i forms a vertical direction and a second direction D₂ perpendicular to the first direction D-i forms a circumferential direction. The trampoline mat 3 is intended for jumping. It is encompassed by the frame 5. The frame 5 comprises legs 15, such that the trampoline 1 stands on the ground via the legs 15. The edge pad 13, which may be divided into segments, covers the resilient members 7 and the frame 5, which is best seen in Figure 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the trampoline mat 3 and the surrounding frame 5 are shown as circular, but they may also be e.g. oval, square or rectangular.

The trampoline mat 3 is retained in tension by the resilient members 7. The resilient members 7 are attached at or adjacent to an edge 17 of the trampoline mat 3 by means of attachments, e.g. D-shaped or triangle-shaped rings 19. When the trampoline 1 is mounted, as in Figures 1 and 2, and nobody uses it, the trampoline mat 3 is in a substantially flat state, having an upper side 21 and an underside 23.

The safety net 9 comprises a protection portion 25 adapted to prevent a user from falling off the trampoline mat 3 and/or from stepping outside the trampoline mat 3, e.g. stepping on or between the resilient members 7. The protection portion 25 is retained by the safety net retainer 1 1 in a way common in the art, such that it extends in the first direction D-i .

Figures 3-8 illustrate details of a couple of different embodiments of a safety net according to the invention. The details illustrate a lower portion of the safety net before the safety net is mounted in the trampoline 1 .

The lower portion illustrated in Figures 3-7 comprises an attachment portion 27 adjoining the protection portion 25. The attachment portion 27 allows attachment of the resilient members 7 to the trampoline mat 3 through the attachment portion 27. The attachment portion 27 is therefore provided with a first plurality of apertures 29, which are distributed along the attachment portion 27 as seen in the second direction D₂, preferably evenly distributed. The first plurality of apertures 29 allows passage of the above-mentioned D- shaped or triangle-shaped rings 19 for attachment of the resilient members 7. The first plurality of apertures 29 may be provided by the normal openings in the safety net 9 or may be purposely shaped apertures as illustrated in Figures 3-7.

The safety net further comprises an edge portion 31 , which is delimited from the attachment portion 27 by a fold zone 33. The fold zone 33 is adapted to be folded around the edge 17 of the trampoline mat 3. Hence the width w of the fold zone 33 is preferably adapted to the thickness of the edge 17 of the trampoline mat 3, which typically is in the range of from 1 to 10 mm, e.g. in the range of from 2 to 5 mm. The thickness of the trampoline mat itself is typically in the range of from 0.2 mm to 1 mm, such as in the range of from 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, or in the range of from 0.4 mm to 0. 5mm. However, the trampoline mat is usually reinforced at the edge, resulting in a higher thickness at the edge. The measures of the width w of the fold zone 33 given herein are determined when the safety net 9 is in an untensioned state.

When the safety net 9 is mounted in the trampoline 1 according to the invention, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the edge portion 31 is located under the trampoline mat 3, i.e. vertically below and laterally inside the edge 17 of the trampoline mat 3. The width b of the edge portion 31 may be in the range of 0 cm < b < 50 cm, preferably 2 cm < b < 30 cm, more preferably 5 cm < b < 20 cm. The measures of the width b of the edge portion 31 given herein are determined when the safety net 9 is in an untensioned state. The edge portion 31 comprises one or more extension diminishing means, which are provided to be able to tighten the edge portion 31 , thereby being able to obtain the desired location of the edge portion 31 , i.e. under the trampoline mat 3. Thereby it is ascertained that even if a user of the trampoline 1 accidentally would step at the edge 17 of the trampoline mat 3, there would not be any risk that his/her foot would slip out in between the safety net 9 and the trampoline mat 3, since the folded position of the edge portion 31 results in that such a foot would instead land in the safety net 9, probably in the fold zone 33. Figures 3-7 illustrate different variants of extension diminishing means. The illustrated embodiments of Figures 3-5 and 7 have in common that the extension diminishing means are adapted to cooperate with a tightening strap, which is further described in conjunction with Figure 1 1 . When the tightening strap is tightened, it also tightens the edge portion 31 , thereby obtaining the desired location of the edge portion 31 , i.e. under the trampoline mat 3. With the measures given above for the edge portion 31 , there is a minimum distance d between the fold zone 33 and the extension diminishing means being in the range of 0 cm < d < 40 cm, preferably in the range of 1 cm < d < 20 cm, more preferably in the range of 2 cm < d < 10 cm. In the embodiments of Figures 3-5, the edge portion 31 is provided with a second plurality of apertures 35, 37, 39, which are distributed along the edge portion 31 as seen in the second direction D₂, preferably evenly distributed. The apertures 35, 37, 39 provide passages for the tightening strap. The number of apertures 35, 37, 39 of the second plurality may be the same, less than or more than the number of apertures 29 of the first plurality. Further, the positions of the apertures 35, 37, 39 of the second plurality relative to the positions of the apertures 29 of the first plurality as seen in the second direction D₂ may be the same or different. However, it has been found appropriate to use the same number of apertures and locate them under each other, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The second plurality of apertures 35, 37, 39 may be provided by the normal openings in the safety net 9 or may be purposely shaped apertures as illustrated in Figures 3-5.

In the embodiment of Figure 6, the edge portion 31 is provided with patches 41 adapted to form a hook and loop configuration together with the underside 23 of the trampoline mat 3, e.g. the patches 41 forming a hook member. The underside 23 of the trampoline mat 3 may be suitable for attaching the patches 41 and/or the underside 23 of the trampoline mat 3 may be provided with mating patches, e.g. forming a loop member. As an alternative, or a complement, other fastening arrangements known by the skilled person may be provided, such as an adhesive, a button or a snap-in connection. One portion of the fastening arrangement may be provided on the side of the edge portion 31 facing the trampoline mat 3 and a mating portion of the fastening arrangement may then be provided on the underside 23 of the trampoline mat 3.

In the embodiment of Figure 7, the edge of the edge portion 31 is provided with a channel 43 forming a passage for the tightening strap. The channel may comprise or be constituted by a hem of the edge portion 31 .

Figure 8 illustrate an embodiment of the safety net, which is adapted for a trampoline mat having the attachments for the at least one resilient member, e.g. the D-shaped or triangle-shaped rings, at the underside 23 of the trampoline mat 3. In that case, the order of the portions is, when starting at a lower edge of the safety net: the edge portion 31 , the attachment portion 27', the fold zone 33' and the protection portion 25. Any one of the extension diminishing means described for the embodiments of Figures 3-7 would work also with the embodiment of Figure 8. Similar as for the other embodiments of the safety net 9, the attachment portion 27' allows attachment of the resilient members 7 to the trampoline mat 3 through the attachment portion 27'. The attachment portion 27' is therefore provided with a first plurality of apertures 29 corresponding to those described in conjunction with Figure 3.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a first step of a method of arranging the safety net 9 as described herein in the trampoline 1 as described herein. The method comprises attaching the at least one resilient member, here the helical springs 7, between the trampoline mat 3 and the frame 5, such that the at least one resilient member extends through the attachment portion 27 of the safety net 9. The arrows in Figure 9 indicate that the triangle-shaped ring 19 of the trampoline mat 3 is intended to be inserted through an aperture 29 of the first plurality. See also Figure 10 illustrating that the triangle-shaped rings 19 protrude through the apertures 29 of the first plurality providing first anchor points for the at least one resilient member, here the helical springs 7. The at least one resilient member retain the trampoline mat 3 under tension. The frame 5 provides second anchor points 44 for the at least one resilient member. Figure 1 1 illustrates a subsequent step of the method: The trampoline 1 is seen from below showing the underside 23 of the trampoline mat 3. The edge portion 31 is tightened by means of the extension diminishing means. This is illustrated in Figure 1 1 by the tightening strap 45 going through the apertures 37 of the second plurality, which apertures 37 are provided with a respective grommet or eyelet. When tightening the tightening strap 45, the edge portion 31 obtains the desired location, i.e. under the trampoline mat 3. The tightening strap 45 may be elastic. The fold zone 33 is folded around the edge 17 of the trampoline mat 3. Thereby the safety net 9 changes direction by at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, more preferably at least 60°, most preferably 90° or substantially 90° in the fold zone 33, in Figure 1 1 illustrated as substantially 90°.

As is most easily gleaned in Figure 1 1 , the safety net 9 of the invention is mounted such that a first distance Ri between at least one of the extension diminishing means, here illustrated as an aperture 37 of the second plurality, and a centre C of the trampoline mat 3 is less than a second distance R₂ between the edge 17 of the trampoline mat 3 and the centre C of the trampoline mat 3, see also Figure 2. The second distance R₂ is determined at a location of the edge 17 having the least distance to the extension diminishing means from which the first distance Ri is determined. If the trampoline mat has a non-circular shape, e.g. square or rectangular, the first R-i and second R₂ distances may be determined perpendicularly to the edge of the trampoline mat.

Figure 12 shows a detail of a trampoline 47 with a safety net 49 according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. The trampoline 47 comprises an edge pad 13 similar to the one described above. Further, the trampoline mat 3, the frame 5 and the plurality of resilient members 7, illustrated as helical springs, are similar as already described for the trampoline of Figures 1 and 2. This trampoline 47 however differs from the trampoline 1 of Figures 1 and 2 in that the protection portion of the safety net 49 is attached to, or attachable to, the edge pad 13. The safety net 49 may be permanently fixed to the edge pad 13, e.g. by means of a seam and/or an adhesive. Alternatively, the safety net 49 may be attachable to the edge pad 13 by means of a releasable attachment, e.g. a hook-and-loop attachment, a snap-in connection or a button connection. The edge pad 13 typically has a rectangular cross-section, as may be gleaned from Figure 12, with a first side 51 facing upwards, a second side 53 facing towards the centre of the trampoline mat 3, a third side 55 facing downwards and fourth side 57 facing outwards. The protection portion of the safety net 49 may be attached to, or attachable to, the edge pad 13 along one or more of the sides 51 , 53, 55, 55, 57 of the rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the protection portion of the safety net 49 is attached to, or attachable to, the edge pad 13 in such a way that the user of the trampoline 47 does not step on the safety net 49. Hence, the protection portion of the safety net 49 preferably is attached to the second 53, third 55 and/or the fourth 57 side/sides of the rectangular cross-section, herein illustrated as attached to the second side 53.

In addition to the safety net 49 being attached to, or attachable to, the edge pad 13, there may also be an additional safety net 59, which is attached on top of the edge pad 13, i.e. at the first side 51 of the rectangular cross-section, at the outside of the edge pad 13, i.e. the fourth side 57 of the rectangular cross-section or at the frame 5, as is illustrated in Figure 12. This additional safety net 59 may be according to known technology, i.e.

without any edge portion or extension diminishing means. Further modifications of the invention within the scope of the appended claims are feasible. As such, the present invention should not be considered as limited by the embodiments and figures described herein. Rather, the full scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, with reference to the description and drawings.

Claims

A safety net (9, 49) adapted to surround a trampoline mat (3) of a trampoline (1 , 47),

said safety net (9, 49) comprising

- a protection portion (25) adapted to prevent a user from falling off said trampoline mat (3) and/or from stepping outside said trampoline mat (3),

- an attachment portion (27, 27') allowing attachment of at least one resilient member (7) to said trampoline mat (3) through said attachment portion (27, 27'), said resilient member (7) being adapted to retain said trampoline mat (3) under tension,

characterized in that

said safety net (9, 49) further comprises

- an edge portion (31 ), and

- a fold zone (33, 33'), adapted to be folded around an edge (17) of said trampoline mat (3),

said edge portion (31 ) and said protection portion (25) being located on opposite sides of said fold zone (33, 33'),

said edge portion (31 ) comprising one or more extension diminishing means (35, 37, 39, 41 , 43) for tightening of said edge portion (31 ).

The safety net (9, 49) according to claim 1 , wherein there is a minimum distance d between said fold zone (33, 33') and said extension diminishing means (35, 37, 39, 41 , 43) of said edge portion (31 ) being in the range of 0 cm < d < 40 cm, preferably 1 cm < d < 20 cm, more preferably 2 cm < d < 10 cm.

The safety net (9, 49) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said fold zone (33, 33') has a width w being in the range of 0 mm < w < 20 mm, preferably 1 mm < w < 10 mm, more preferably 2 mm < w < 5 mm. 4. The safety net (9, 49) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said attachment portion (27, 27') comprises a first plurality of apertures (29) distributed along said attachment portion (27, 27'), preferably evenly distributed along said attachment portion (27, 27'), allowing attachment of said at least one resilient member (7) to said trampoline mat (3) through said apertures (29) of said first plurality. The safety net (9, 49) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said safety net (9, 49) further comprises a tightening strap (45) and wherein said extension diminishing means (35, 37, 39, 43) of said edge portion (31 ) are located along said edge portion (31 ), preferably evenly distributed along said edge portion (31 ), said tightening strap (45) being adapted to be connected to said extension diminishing means (35, 37, 39, 43), such that said tightening strap (45) is adapted to tightening of said edge portion (31 ).

The safety net (9, 49) according to claim 5, wherein said extension diminishing means comprises a second plurality of apertures (35, 37, 39) distributed along said edge portion (31 ), preferably evenly distributed along said edge portion (31 ), said tightening strap (45) being adapted to go through said apertures (35, 37, 39) of said second plurality.

The safety net (9, 49) according to claim 5, wherein said extension diminishing means comprises a channel (43) extending along said edge portion (31 ), such as a hem, said tightening strap (45) being adapted to go through said channel (43).

The safety net (9, 49) according to any one of claims 1 -4, wherein at least one of said extension diminishing means (41 ) comprises a hook portion or a loop portion of a hook-and-loop attachment, a portion of a snap-in connection or a button connection.

A kit comprising

- a safety net (49) according to any one of the preceding claims, and

- an edge pad (13) adapted to at least partly cover said at least one resilient member (7) and/or a frame (5) of said trampoline (47),

wherein said safety net (49) is attached to, or attachable to, said edge pad (13).

0. A trampoline (1 , 47) comprising

- a trampoline mat (3),

- a frame (5), adapted to encompass said trampoline mat (3),

- at least one resilient member (7), adapted to retain said trampoline mat (3) under tension and being connectable between said trampoline mat (3) and said frame (5),

- a safety net (9, 49) according to any one of claims 1 -8, adapted to surround said trampoline mat (3) in order to prevent a user from falling off said trampoline mat (3) and/or from stepping outside said trampoline mat (3), or a kit according to claim 9, and

- an optional safety net retainer (1 1 ) adapted to retain said safety net (9),

characterized in that

said at least one extension diminishing means (35, 37, 39, 41 , 43) of said edge portion (31 ) of said safety net (9) is adapted to retain at least a portion of said edge portion (31 ) in a position wherein said fold zone (33, 33') of said safety net

(9) is at least partly folded around an edge (17) of said trampoline mat (3).

1 1 . The trampoline (1 , 47) according to claim 10, wherein said fold zone (33, 33') folded around said edge (17) of said trampoline mat (3) around the whole or substantially the whole circumference of said trampoline mat (3).

2. The trampoline (1 , 47) according to claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein said safety net (9, 49) changes direction by at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, more preferably at least 60°, most preferably 90° or substantially 90° in said fold zone (33, 33').

3. The trampoline (1 , 47) according to any one of claims 10-12 when comprising a safety net (9, 49) according to any one of claims 5-7, said tightening strap (45) being arranged to move said extension diminishing means (35, 37, 39, 43) of said edge portion (31 ) of said safety net (9, 49) closer to a centre (C) of said trampoline mat (3) when said tightening strap (45) is tightened.

14. The trampoline (1 , 47) according to any one of claims 10-12, when comprising a safety net (9, 49) according to claim 8, wherein an underside (23) of said trampoline mat (3) comprises one or more receiving means adapted to cooperate with said extension diminishing means (41 ) of said edge portion (31 ).

15. A method of arranging a safety net (9, 49) according to any one of claims 1 -8 or a kit according to claim 9 in a trampoline (1 , 47) according to any one of claims 10- 14, said method comprising

- attaching said at least one resilient member (7) between said trampoline mat (3) and said frame (5), such that said at least one resilient member (7) extends through said attachment portion (27, 27') of said safety net (9, 49) thereby retaining said trampoline mat (3) under tension,

- tightening said edge portion (31 ) by means of said extension diminishing means (35, 37, 39, 41 , 43), such that at least a portion of said edge portion (31 ) of said safety net (9, 49) obtains a position wherein said fold zone (33, 33') of said safety net (9, 49) is at least partly folded around said edge (17) of said trampoline mat (3). 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said safety net (9, 49) is according to any one of claims 5-7, said step of tightening being performed by means of tightening said tightening strap (45).