Patent Grant
11198028
This application claims priority to copending Patent Cooperation Treaty Application, No. PCT/AU2017/051318, filed on Nov. 29, 2017, which claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2017903015, filed on Jul. 31, 2017, which claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2016905218, filed on Dec. 16, 2016, which claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2016904899, filed on Nov. 29, 2016, the applications of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
This invention relates to a mat connection assembly for connecting adjacent mats of a trampoline. More specifically, it relates to a mat connection assembly for connecting adjacent mats of a trampoline park.
Trampoline parks typically include sections where multiple trampolines are arranged side by side with the jumping mats horizontal. In some parks, some trampolines can have part of the jumping mat extending horizontally and contiguous with a part which is inclined to the horizontal and perhaps even close to vertical. In some parks, some of the trampolines with horizontal mats are adjacent trampoline with mats inclined to the horizontal.
Trampolines which are currently used in trampoline parks typically include a steel frame with a rectangular flexible jumping mat secured to the frame by a large number of spaced apart extension springs, the axes of which are coplanar with the mat, and are arranged to extend and contract as a person jumps on the mat in order to give “bounce”.
In such trampolines the extension springs and the space between the jumping mat and the frame across which the extension springs extend is typically covered by a padded safety barrier (or “padding”) extending about the mat. That space is typically in the order of 300 mm wide but can be wider or narrower depending on the size of the trampoline. Thus, where two trampolines are arranged together with adjacent frames abutting, the spaces together can be in the order of 400 mm to 800 mm wide. Typically, a full width piece of safety padding is used to cover the adjacent springs of both trampolines and consequently such padding can be up to a metre wide in some cases. Such padded safety barriers are typically secured to the steel frame by straps, clips, hook and loop fasteners or the like to ensure that the springs and part of the jumping mat inwards from the edges are well covered for the protection of jumpers using the trampolines.
It will be appreciated that the safety padding interferes with movement of persons from one trampoline mat to the adjacent trampoline mat because safety padding is not intended to be jumped on to produce a bounce but rather to protect a person who misses the mat and accidentally lands on the spring space. Although the non-jumping regions are padded, the arrangement effectively limits the park to individual trampolines which, although close to one another, must necessarily be used as individual trampolines with a single jumper on each mat.
Trampolines have been developed which use leaf springs extending upwards from a frame resting on or supported above the ground and curving inwards or outwards to connect to the jumping mat. Such trampolines are not commonly known in the art, but seem to provide relatively good performance characteristics and can be arranged so that the leaf springs along the edge of one mat are each interposed between the leaf springs along the adjacent edge of an adjoining mat as described in our co-pending international patent application No. PCT/AU2015/000398. However, the bounce characteristics on the join itself may not be optimum.
Additionally, where coil springs are used for joining adjacent mats to each other with padding supporting the spring from below, expansion and contraction of the spring tends to saw through the padding with the result that the padding requires frequent replacement. Adjacent jumping mats are joined indirectly edge-to-edge to each other with an extensible joining strip fastened along each longitudinal edge to the edge of the jumping mat, the jumping mat being made of a substantially inextensible material of the kind typically used for traditional trampolines. The joining strip is typically formed from elastane or similar stretchable textile material.
As such, an improved mat connection system that overcomes one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, such as those previously described, is required.
The present invention is aimed to providing trampolines and connectors for trampolines whereby the trampolines and trampoline mats of adjacent or adjoining trampolines may be connected to one another for use, for example in a trampoline park. The invention also aims to address some of the issues arising from the arrangements of previously developed systems which work well, but may be prone to breakage or require frequent replacement of wear parts.
By way of example, our co-pending international patent application No. PCT/AU2016/051013 describes a trampoline park which uses hoop springs in a preferred arrangement to eliminate the non-bouncing regions between adjacent jumping mats and provide superior bounce compared to a version which uses leaf springs. However, it has been found that the hoop springs can suffer from mechanical failure over time. Additionally, it may be difficult to set or alter the spring parameters or resting tension of the hoop springs described in this application so as to provide optimum bounce characteristics at a joint portion between two adjacent jumping mats.
In view of the above, the present invention broadly relates to a hoop spring assembly and mat connection systems and trampolines including same. The invention has particular application to connecting adjacent trampolines side-by-side with the adjacent edges of the jumping mats joined to provide an effectively continuous jumping mat by providing resilient support along the joint portions thereof. The invention may also have application to trampolines having a single mat or “stand alone” trampolines.
In addition to the above, the present inventor has invented trampolines and trampoline systems which do not necessarily require horizontal coil springs between adjacent mats. Rather, the mats are connected to each other such that they effectively form a continuous mat and the joint lines are supported by leaf springs formed into a cylinder or something like a cylinder as can be seen in PCT/AU2015/000398 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by way of reference.
While the trampolines described therein are superior to earlier trampoline systems and will provide significant advantages in trampoline parks, the present inventor has found that the bounce in the region of the mat joints is particularly good and has now invented a trampoline for use particularly in trampoline parks which has improved bounce characteristics away from the joint regions.
In one aspect, the invention provides a hoop spring assembly for use in a mat connection system of a trampoline, the hoop spring assembly comprising:
a first hoop portion and a second hoop portion hingedly and operably connected by a pair of laterally positioned hinge members which each define a pivot point therebetween; and
a resilient member operably connected to each of the pair of hinge members and extending therebetween.
In one embodiment, the resilient member extends across the hoop spring assembly substantially between the hinge members.
In one embodiment, each of the first and second hoop portions comprise a leaf spring.
In certain embodiments, the resilient member comprises a coil spring. In alternative embodiments, the resilient member comprises an elastic member, such as an elastic strip or band.
Suitably, the resilient member is operably connected to each of the hinge members by a pair of respective retaining members, such as loop members. Preferably, each of the loop members is pivotably connected to their respective hinge member and extends inwardly therefrom. Preferably, each of the loop members comprise a pair of arms pivotably connected to their respective pivot point and a retaining bar extending perpendicularly therebetween.
Suitably, a resting tension of the resilient member is adjustable. To this end, the position of the retaining bar relative to the arms is preferably adjustable. More preferably, each of the arms comprises a series of two or more opposed apertures spaced therealong for receiving the retaining bar therethrough.
In another aspect, the invention provides a hoop spring assembly comprising:
In one embodiment, the hoop spring assembly further comprises a second resilient member disposed within the second hoop and extending between lateral portions of the second hoop so as to be operably connected thereto.
In certain embodiments, the first hoop is disposed substantially perpendicularly within the second hoop.
In particular embodiments, one or both of the first and second hoops comprise a pair of opposed flange portions extending inwardly from the respective lateral portions thereof, the flange portions configured to engage the respective end of their respective resilient member.
Suitably, one or both of the first and second resilient members comprises a coil spring.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a mat connection system for connecting adjacent jumping mats of a trampoline, the mat connection system comprising:
a hoop spring assembly connected to a frame of the trampoline and underlying a joint portion between first and second jumping mats, the hoop spring assembly according to that of the first and second mentioned aspects.
Suitably, the mat connection system further comprises a spring member disposed between the first and second jumping mats and operatively connected thereto for biasing the first and second jumping mats towards each other. Preferably, the spring member comprises a coil spring.
In one embodiment, the spring member is at least in part disposed within a housing.
Suitably, the mat connection system further comprises a resilient cover layer configured for covering the joint portion between the first and second jumping mats. Preferably, the cover layer is adapted to facilitate relative lateral displacement of the first and second jumping mats upon extension and retraction of the spring member.
In certain embodiments, the mat connection system further comprises upper and lower protective layers between which is disposed the spring member.
In one embodiment, the mat connection system further comprises an intermediate layer disposed between the cover layer and the upper protective layer that engages the first and second jumping mats and extends therebetween.
In another embodiment, the first and second jumping mats each further comprise a skirt extending from a respective end portion thereof so as to be disposed between the intermediate layer and the upper protective layer.
In one embodiment, the mat connection system further comprises a spring support disposed adjacent and underlying a base portion of the hoop spring assembly and extending circumferentially partly therearound. The spring support suitably comprises a further leaf spring.
In one embodiment, the mat connection system further comprises a resiliently compressible portion disposed between the lower protective layer and the hoop spring assembly.
In yet another aspect, the invention provides a trampoline system comprising:
a frame;
a plurality of jumping mats, including first and second jumping mats; and
the mat connection system of the aforementioned aspect for operatively connecting the plurality of jumping mats at respective joint portions therebetween.
In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a trampoline comprising:
a frame;
a jumping mat; and
the hoop spring assembly according to the first and second mentioned aspects connected to the frame and being disposed below the jumping mat so as facilitate biasing the jumping mat upwards.
In another form, the biasing means includes a coil spring formed from winding a flat resilient material into a spirally coiled, single pitch helix with its axis parallel to the join between adjacent jumping mats. In another form, the biasing means includes one or more inflatable vessels, preferably formed from elastically resilient material.
With the foregoing in view, the invention in one aspect resides broadly in a trampoline or trampoline system including:
a frame or other foundation;
biasing means mounted to said frame or other foundation; and
a jumping mat connected to selected first ones of said biasing means respectively above said frame or other foundation in side by side relationship, said selected first ones of said biasing means being arranged to bias said mats outwards to tension said mats, and said plurality of mats being operatively connected to each other along respective adjacent portions thereof, and selected second ones of said biasing means including means for translating substantially vertical motion to resiliently biased non-vertical motion to bias said mats upwards; and
adjacent mats being connected to each other along adjacent portions thereof by selected third ones of said biasing means arranged to bias adjacent mats towards each other.
In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampoline or trampoline system including:
a frame or other foundation;
biasing means connected to said frame or other foundation and extending therefrom;
a plurality of jumping mats operatively connected to each other along respective connecting portions thereof and/or to selected first ones of said biasing means respectively above said frame in side by side relationship, said selected first ones of said biasing means being arranged to bias said plurality of mats outward to tension said mats and said plurality of mats being supported by selected second ones of said biasing means along their respective connecting portions, said second ones of said biasing means including means for translating substantially vertical motion to resiliently biased non-vertical motion to bias said plurality of mats upwards; and
said adjacent mats being operatively connected to each other by other biasing means extending from the connecting portion of one mat to the adjacent connecting portion of the adjacent mat so as to bias adjacent mats towards each other.
In another aspect, the present invention resides broadly in a trampoline or trampoline system including:
a frame or other foundation;
first and second biasing means mounted on or to said frame or other foundation;
a plurality of jumping mats operatively connected to each other in side by side relationship along respective adjacent portions thereof to provide a substantially continuous or semi-continuous mat, the continuous or semi-continuous mat being connected to said first biasing means above said frame or foundation about its periphery and said first biasing means being arranged to bias said continuous or semi-continuous mat outward;
said second biasing means being arranged to support said continuous or semi-continuous mat above said frame or foundation at selected locations spaced inward from said periphery, the second basing means including means for translating substantially vertical motion to resiliently biased non-vertical motion; and
the adjacent mats or mat segments being connected to each other by third biasing means arranged to bias adjacent mats or mat segments towards each other.
In another aspect, the present invention resides broadly in a trampoline or trampoline system including a plurality of jumping mats supported in spaced relationship from a floor or ground by first biasing means for biasing said plurality of jumping mats outward for operative support by peripheral support means, each jumping mat being substantially inextensible and having a plurality of peripheral edges, at least one of said peripheral edges being a joining edge adapted to be joined to the joining edge or joining edges of one or more other jumping mats by joining means, the joining means being supported above the ground or floor by second biasing means, the joining means including:
third biasing means interposed between the joining edges for biasing the joining edges towards one another;
an extensible cover portion for covering the third biasing means and an edge portion of each joining edge; and
protection means above and below said third biasing means for protecting said third biasing means from wear against said second biasing means.
In another aspect, the present invention resides broadly in a trampoline or trampoline system including:
a frame or other foundation;
first and second biasing means mounted on or to said frame or other foundation;
a plurality of jumping mats operatively connected to each other in side by side relationship along respective adjacent portions thereof to provide a substantially continuous or semi-continuous mat, the continuous or semi-continuous mat being connected to said first biasing means above said frame or foundation about its periphery and said first biasing means being arranged to bias said continuous or semi-continuous mat outward;
said second biasing means including means for translating substantially vertical motion to resiliently biased non-vertical motion and arranged to support said continuous or semi-continuous mat above said frame or foundation at selected locations spaced inward from said periphery; and wherein
padding is interposed between the second biasing means and the continuous or semi-continuous mat, said padding including locating means adapted to engage said second biasing means at said selected locations to hold said padding in a predetermined position.
In another aspect, the present invention resides broadly in a trampoline or trampoline system including:
a frame or other foundation;
first and second biasing means mounted on or to said frame or other foundation;
a plurality of jumping mats operatively connected to each other in side by side relationship along respective adjacent portions thereof to provide a substantially continuous or semi-continuous mat, the continuous or semi-continuous mat being connected to said first biasing means above said frame or foundation about its periphery and said first biasing means being arranged to bias said continuous or semi-continuous mat outward;
said second biasing means being arranged to support said continuous or semi-continuous mat above said frame or foundation at selected locations spaced inward from said periphery and including means for translating substantially vertical motion to resiliently biased non-vertical motion; and wherein
padding is interposed between the second biasing means and the continuous or semi-continuous mat, said padding including locating means adapted to engage said second biasing means at said selected locations to hold said padding in a predetermined position.
In another aspect, the present invention resides broadly in a spring arrangement for resiliently supporting adjoining mats of a trampoline park, including means for translating substantially vertical motion to resiliently biased non-vertical motion.
In one embodiment, the spring arrangement or second biasing means includes one or more arcuate leaf springs and one or more resilient connection means pivotally connected to each end of the leaf spring or leaf springs directly or indirectly across the chord extending between the ends.
In one particular embodiment, the resilient connector is or comprises a coil spring. In a further preferred form, the resilient connector connects the ends of two leaf springs which together form a circular or lenticular hoop hinged at the connection points with the coil spring interposed directly or indirectly between the hinges. That is to say, the coil spring suitably extends diametrically across the circle or from point to point across the biconvex or lenticular form of the spring arrangement, that lenticular form being observable when viewing the spring arrangement side on.
In an alternative embodiment, the resilient connection means includes a continuous rubber loop or band looped around rods or tubes. In a further preferred form, the resilient connection means connects the ends of two leaf springs which together form a circular or lenticular hoop hinged at the connection points with the band interposed between the hinges. That is to say, the band extends diametrically across the circle or from point to point across the biconvex or lenticular form of the spring arrangement, that lenticular form being observable when viewing the spring arrangement side on.
Alternatively, the rubber band may be a coil spring or flat serpentine spring. However, the rubber band affords the advantage that when the arcuate leaf springs are compressed to their full extent, the rubber band is not prone to damage by being squeezed or squashed flat. Upper and lower padding is provided as a buffer stop arrangement, the rubber band also making a limited contribution to the buffer stop function.
The rubber band is preferably held in place with a predetermined amount of tension, the tension being adjustable by providing a buckle connector at each end connected to the pin connecting the parts of the hinge together. The buckle connector is provided with a plurality of locations along opposed stiles at which the rod about which the band is passed may be fastened, secured or otherwise held in place.
Alternatively, the second biasing means may include a diamond-frame having four arms pivotally joined end-to-end to form a quadrilateral loop akin to a pantograph. The arms are arranged for up and down movement, but biased so that the upper pivot is at a predetermined height position when the biasing is relaxed, but is resiliently resistant to being lowered by one or more springs or spring arrangements interconnecting opposed pivots of the pantograph. Moreover, the second biasing means may be constructed as one of several combinations or permutations of the leaf spring plus chord arrangement and the pantograph arrangement. Springs may be attached to the arms or other springs generally to achieve the aim of resiliently supporting the trampoline mat. Hereinafter, these arrangements, along with the preferred arrangement, will be referred to as a spring assembly.
In a preferred form, the tension means are provided by a plurality of coil springs extending between the adjacent edges of the adjacent trampoline mats. In a preferred form, the resilient joint support is provided by a plurality of spring assemblies each in the form of two arcuate leaf springs pivotally connected at each end to each other as well as by each end to an extensible connector extending between the ends and biasing the ends of each leaf spring towards each other. The leaf springs may also include one or more additional leaves extending part way along their length. The additional leaves may be centrally arranged between the ends on the outside of the curve.
In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a mat connector for connecting adjacent mats of a trampoline including a plurality of mats, the mat connector including:
a housing and a connecting block;
the housing including means such as a passage for connecting a leaf spring or other biasing means to the housing, and at least one cavity, recess or passage therein for receiving the connecting block, the cavity, recess or passage opening to a lower face of the housing for connection of the edge portions of adjacent mats to be connected thereto and to at least one end face of the housing for fitting the connecting block thereto, the housing being so made and arranged as to prevent the connecting block escaping from the opening to the lower face, the connecting block, two longitudinal spaced apart passages and each longitudinal passage having an opening thereto along its length for receiving therein the edge portion of a mat.
Preferably, the mat connection assembly is adapted for use in a trampoline park. Suitably, this is by virtue of the hoop spring assemblies each being configured for translating substantially vertical motion to resiliently biased non-vertical motion, such as substantially horizontal or lateral motion, as herein described.
The mats may be connected to the mat connection system via mat connectors which hold the adjoining mats a predetermined distance above the spring assemblies. Advantageously, the configuration of the spring assemblies allows the mat portion at the join to be an active part of the mat, allowing users to jump on the connection. The configuration also allows the spring assembly to “roll”, thereby providing a horizontal component of bias to the mat at the connecting edge (or join) when a person jumps on one mat as well as an upwards or vertical component of bias.
The layers of the trampoline mat connector may be formed of a material of greater elasticity than the main part of the mat in order to reduce the effect of “double bounce” from a person jumping on an adjacent mat. It is believed that the elastic material selected should approximate as closely as possible spaced apart horizontal coil springs along the length of the connecting portions. The layers preferably include the cover portion, the third biasing means and the protection means hereinbefore described.
The cover portion is formed from an elastomeric or elastane-like material capable of stretching without significant resistance, and contract again when the third biasing means contracts. The material is also preferably selected to feel as close as possible to the feel of the material of the jumping mat when jumping on the joint between adjacent trampolines. The selection is made so that in combination with the other materials forming the mat connector or mat joiner the jumper can comfortably jump on the join.
The third biasing means may be a coil spring, a flat serpentine spring or rubber band type material. The protection means preferably includes an upper pad interposed between the cover portion and the third biasing means and a lower pad interposed between the third biasing means and the second biasing means.
In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampoline including:
a frame and/or mount;
biasing means connected to said frame and/or mount and extending therefrom; and
a plurality of jumping mats operatively connected to each other along respective connecting portions thereof and/or to selected first ones of said biasing means respectively in side by side relation, said selected first ones of said biasing means being arranged to bias said plurality of mats outwards to tension said mats and said plurality of mats being operatively connected to selected second ones of said biasing means, said second biasing means being arranged to bias said plurality of mats upwards and wherein at least some of said selected second biasing means are arranged between adjacent connecting portions and spaced therefrom.
Preferably, selected ones of said second biasing means are arranged along the respective connecting portions to bias said plurality of mats upwards along those portions while the others are arranged to bias the mats upwards at selected lines, points or regions between the connecting portions.
In one form of the invention, the second biasing means are formed in an array of rows of leaf springs. Preferably, the array comprises intersecting rows of leaf springs and preferably such rows are arranged with some running in one direction and some in an orthogonal or perpendicular direction. However, in another form, where the mats are circular, it is preferred that some rows be circular and some radial from the centre of the middle mat and intersecting the circular rows.
In one form where the mats are rectangular it is preferred that the second biasing means along the connecting portions be leaf springs in loop form spaced apart and coaxial under the connecting portion. In such form, it is also preferred that each of the second biasing means between connecting portions (intermediate biasing means) be a combination of at least two leaf springs in loop form with the leaf springs being angularly spaced from each other and preferably concentric or near concentric. However, the intermediate biasing means in such form can be combined with any other desired second biasing means along the connecting portions although probably to less advantage.
In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampoline including:
a frame and/or mount;
biasing means connected to said frame and/or mount and extending therefrom; and
a plurality of jumping mats operatively connected to each other along respective connecting portions thereof and/or to selected first ones of said biasing means respectively in side by side relation, said selected first ones of said biasing means being arranged to bias said plurality of mats outwards to tension said mats and said plurality of mats being operatively connected to selected second ones of said biasing means along their respective connecting portions, said second biasing means being arranged to bias said plurality of mats upwards, said mats also being supported by selected third ones of said biasing means between adjacent connecting portions and spaced therefrom.
As mentioned previously, it is preferred that said second ones of said biasing means each comprise a leaf spring forming a loop. In such form it is preferred that such loop be closed at the top adjacent the mat and connect to the frame or mount at the bottom which might be a concrete floor or wall or a member connected the outer frame or as separate frame. In other words, in such form, the leaf spring has two opposed ends which connect to the frame and from which the leaf spring extends outwards and upwards for a predetermined distance and then upwards and inwards to form a leaf spring of substantially cylindrical form (“the cylindrical leaf springs”). In some forms of the invention, the cylindrical leaf springs can be continuous leaf springs formed into a helix or spiral so that each loop does not have free ends and the only free ends at the ends of the helix.
Performance of the mats is improved by ensuring that the mat is secured to each loop spring which in turn is secured to the frame or mount against relative translator movement the cylindrical leaf springs can “roll” by deforming the cylindrical shape and thereby providing a horizontal component of bias to the mat at any point of connection when a person jumps on one mat as well as an upwards or vertical component of bias. While the mats still perform reasonably well where the mats are loosely connected to the cylindrical leaf springs, performance is better where the mat is connected in a manner whereby the upper portion of the loop has to move with the mat in whatever direction it is pulled thereby applying the desired horizontal bias. The combination of two or more loop springs to form second biasing means is such as to provide a biasing force in any horizontal direction at the point of connection to the mat.
It will be appreciated that the leaf spring performance can be changed or altered by having multiple leaves or different numbers of leaves in some parts. Additionally, in one form, of the cylindrical leaf spring an extension coil spring is connected to opposite sides of the cylinder which is horizontal in use to increase the spring constant at the mid portions of the cylindrical leaf spring instead of adding leaves at the place.
The term “leaf spring” used herein is generally intended to refer to leaf springs having a rectangular cross section. However, it is to be understood that leaf springs of other cross section which might not generally be considered as “leaf springs” are intended to be included within the scope of that term, unless clearly not appropriate. For example, leaf springs of square cross section or round cross section which are capable of carrying out the equivalent function of the leaf springs described and illustrated are herein referred to as “leaf springs”.
The present invention lends itself to banks of trampoline mats of different polygonal shapes, particularly hexagonal mats which provide for better support in the corners than square or rectangular trampolines. In such form, it is preferred that the mats be joined by trampoline mat connectors according to the present invention.
In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some aspects of the prior art and wherein:
A trampoline park 10 is illustrated in
A plurality of jumping mats is shown typically at 13, each jumping mat 13 being connected to a first set of biasing members 14 above the frame 11 in side by side relationship, the first set of biasing members 14 being arranged or disposed around the periphery of the plurality of jumping mats 13 to bias the plurality of jumping mats 13 outwards to afford tension thereto.
Further to the above, the plurality of jumping mats 13 are operatively connected to each other along respective joint portions thereof shown typically at 15. Disposed or positioned below the joint portions 15 are a second set of biasing members (not shown), which are mounted on or to the frame 11 therebelow. At the joint portions 15, adjacent jumping mats 13 are further connected to each other along their respective adjacent outer portions by a third set of biasing members (not shown), which are arranged to bias said adjacent jumping mats 13 towards each other. The second set of biasing members are located below the third set of biasing members and the joint portions 15 between the mats 13 as described in more detail in respect of
An oblique wall 16 surrounds most of the trampoline park and having an opening in one side so as to allow access thereto. The oblique wall 16 is also formed of a plurality of jumping mats 15 supported and connected in a similar arrangement as previously described, but at an oblique angle extending upwards and outwards from an edge of the trampoline park 10. A safety wall or net 17 is mounted on or to an upper edge of the oblique wall 16. In
An embodiment of a mat connection system 1 is illustrated in
As illustrated in
The hoop spring assembly 30 may be formed by any means known in the art, such as bending a length of spring steel or a similarly resilient material until the leaf spring thus being formed is in of a substantially semi-circular, arcuate or curved form.
The mat connection system 1 further includes a leaf spring support 23b in the form of a further curved leaf spring that is disposed adjacent and underlying a lower or base portion of the second hoop portion 32 and extends circumferentially partly therearound and proximate thereto.
The hoop spring assembly 30 further comprises a laterally disposed or arranged continuous resilient or elastic loop or band 24 engaged to a pair of opposed retaining assemblies 25a,b and operably disposed therebetween so as to be arranged in a substantially diametrical disposition across the hoop spring assembly 30.
Each of the retaining assemblies 25a,b comprise a pair of planar arms 28a-d that are pivotably connected to the pivot point 27a,b of their respective hinge member 26a,b and extend inwardly therefrom into the central space defined by the hoop spring assembly 30. Extending perpendicularly through and between opposing apertures 29a,b in each of the planar arms 28a-d is a retaining bar 28e,f, which is reversibly fastened thereto by a pair of fastening elements, such as screws, nuts or the like.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The mat connection system 1 illustrated in
Directly underlying and proximate the cover layer 44 is provided above an intermediate layer 45 formed from a strip of carpet or similar textile material. The intermediate layer 45 is attached along respective outer edge portions thereof to an upper surface portion of each of the respective jumping mats 40a,b by a fastener, such as a hook and loop or velour crochet fastener or the like. As can be seen from
An extension skirt or flap 43a,b, which may be considered as lapping strips or the like, extends outwardly or laterally from a respective end portion of each of the first and second jumping mats 40a,b so as to be disposed between the intermediate layer 45 and the upper protective layer 46. Although the extension flaps 43a,b are shown in
The lower protective layer 47 also includes a skirt portion 49a,b extending laterally from each side edge thereof. As shown in
A body portion 41c of the coil spring member 41 is substantially encased in a cylindrical and corrugated housing or protector 41d. The cylindrical protector 41d is preferably comprised of a suitable plastic material that prevents or limits contact or impact between the coil spring member 41 and the respective overlying and underlying upper and lower protective layers 46, 47 upon a user bouncing on the respective joint portion 15 of the trampoline 10. Accordingly, the protector 41d prevents or inhibits the sawing action of the coil spring member 41 upon the upper and/or lower protective layers 46, 47 upon contact therewith.
The upper and lower protective layers 46, 47 are suitably made from a double layer of resilient textile material, such as jumping mat material, in order to provide an additional layer of support and protection from the coil spring member 41 for a user and distribute their weight across a larger surface area upon bouncing on the respective joint portion 15. It is intended that such an arrangement affords a more level and cushioned bounce when jumping on the joint portion 15. Further, the resiliently compressible portion 48 is provided for additional cushioning and to increase the distance between the cover layer 44 and the first hoop portion 31. It is intended that such an arrangement increases safety to a user and affords a substantially obstruction-free bounce.
A further embodiment of a hoop spring assembly 130, which may be used in respect of the previously described mat connection system 1 as a replacement or alternative to the hoop spring assembly 30, is illustrated in
As can be observed in
As can be seen in more detail in
It will be appreciated that the previously described embodiments of the hoop spring assemblies 30, 130 may be tilted for use with the sloping or oblique walls 16 of the trampoline park 10 shown in
A further embodiment of a trampoline 200 is illustrated in
The frame 211 comprises two spaced apart long side upper members (or rails) 213 and 215, two spaced apart short side or end upper members (or rails) 216 and 218 extending between the side members and welded thereto adjacent their respective opposite ends, and a plurality of lower cross members 220 also extending between the short side members 216, 218 and spaced apart along their length and at a substantially lower level therefrom. Inclined frames 250 extend upwards and outwards from the main frame 211 for supporting inclined mats as will be described in more detail later.
The side members 213, 215 and the end members 216, 218 are constructed of 100 mm×50 mm rolled hollow section steel tube while the cross members 220 are constructed of 100 mm by 50 mm rolled hollow section steel tube. However, it will be appreciated that other sections and sizes and configurations could be used if desired.
Five substantially identical rectangular jumping mats 221-225 are connected to the frame 211 via a plurality of coil spring members 226 spaced apart around the perimeter of the rectangular frame 211 and an array of a further embodiment of a mat connection system 210 which are spaced apart along the joint portions 214 between adjacent jumping mats 221-225.
Each mat connection system 210 includes a hoop spring assembly 230 comprising first and second cylindrical hoop spring members 228 and 229 as can be seen in
As can be seen in
The inclined mats 231-239 are supported at the joint portions thereof by a series or row of cylindrical further hoop spring members 244 which comprise a leaf spring, as can be seen in
It will be appreciated that the mat connection system 210 can be used with the jumping mats 221-225 under the joint portions as illustrated as well as or alternatively at any position between the joint portions, such as illustrated in
The further hoop spring members 244 disposed under the inclined mats 231-239 are all connected to the frame 211 in the same manner by locating or engaging their bottom end portions in the hollow of the RHS tube via spaced apart slots 251 respectively which are formed in the side walls of the tube and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube frame and secured therein by virtue of a bolt 252 as can be seen in
Advantageously, a player can jump on the mat immediately above the mat connection system 210 to obtain greater lift than between them. Advantageously, various games can be played whereby players can achieve better performance by being able to pick out the high lift jumping spots on the mat as they move around.
The foregoing description has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention and many modifications and variations which will be apparent to persons skilled in the art may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinbefore described.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016904899 | Nov 2016 | AU | national |
| 2016905218 | Dec 2016 | AU | national |
| 2017903015 | Jul 2017 | AU | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2017/051318 | 11/29/2017 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018/098529 | 6/7/2018 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1329145 | Seelig | Jan 1920 | A |
| 7314125 | Smaldone | Jan 2008 | B2 |
| 8911331 | DeBlanco | Dec 2014 | B2 |
| 9399153 | Green | Jul 2016 | B2 |
| 10124198 | Haggerty | Nov 2018 | B2 |
| 20080090704 | Denis | Apr 2008 | A1 |
| 20210138287 | Huting | May 2021 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190351274 A1 | Nov 2019 | US |
