US20120252634A1 - Trampoline with collapsible enclosure assembly - Google Patents
Trampoline with collapsible enclosure assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120252634A1 US20120252634A1 US13/493,970 US201213493970A US2012252634A1 US 20120252634 A1 US20120252634 A1 US 20120252634A1 US 201213493970 A US201213493970 A US 201213493970A US 2012252634 A1 US2012252634 A1 US 2012252634A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support
- arch
- support arch
- arches
- base frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B5/00—Apparatus for jumping
- A63B5/11—Trampolines
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/0054—Features for injury prevention on an apparatus, e.g. shock absorbers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/023—Wound springs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/12—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player specially adapted for children
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2244/00—Sports without balls
- A63B2244/08—Jumping, vaulting
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/0009—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for handicapped persons
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/02—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for large-room or outdoor sporting games
- A63B71/022—Backstops, cages, enclosures or the like, e.g. for spectator protection, for arresting balls
Definitions
- trampoline enclosures have become a popular means utilized to decrease the number of injuries that occur due to falls from trampolines.
- current trampoline enclosures typically use a straight support design that is not always strong enough or sturdy enough to prevent injuries when a person jumps into the side of the enclosure.
- current enclosures do not provide an adequate means for preventing or inhibiting unsupervised use of the trampolines. Accordingly, there is a need for a trampoline enclosure that can withstand a greater amount of direct force while still enabling the user to remain on the trampoline bed surface. Further, there is a need for a trampoline enclosure that can provide a means to inhibit unwanted and/or unsupervised use of the trampoline.
- the present invention is directed to an enclosure assembly for use with a trampoline assembly, the trampoline assembly including a base frame.
- the enclosure assembly comprises a plurality of support arches including at least three support arches that are hingably secured to the base frame. Each support arch overlaps and is selectively secured to two of the other support arches. Additionally, the plurality of support arches cooperate to extend substantially fully around a perimeter of the base frame. Further, the plurality of support arches are selectively movable between an upright configuration and a collapsed configuration.
- an inner edge of at least one of the plurality of support arches is connected to an outer edge of each of two of the other support arches, and (ii) an outer edge of at least one of the plurality of support arches is connected to an inner edge of each of two of the other support arches.
- the plurality of support arches includes a first support arch, a second support arch and a third support arch that are hingably secured to the base frame.
- the second arch overlaps the first support arch and is selectively secured to the first support arch
- the third support arch overlaps the second support arch and is selectively secured to the second support arch.
- the third support arch overlaps the first support arch and is selectively secured to the first support arch.
- the plurality of support arches can further include a fourth support arch that is hingably secured to the base frame.
- the fourth support arch can overlap the third support arch and can be selectively secured to the third support arch. Additionally, in some such embodiments, the fourth support arch overlaps the first support arch and is selectively secured to the first support arch.
- an inner edge of the first support arch is selectively secured to an outer edge of the second support arch and an outer edge of the fourth support arch;
- the outer edge of the second support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch 32 A, and an inner edge of the second support arch is selectively secured to an outer edge of the third support arch;
- the outer edge of the third support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the second support arch, and an inner edge of the third support arch is selectively secured to the outer edge of the fourth support arch;
- the outer edge of the fourth support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the third support arch and the inner edge of the first support arch.
- an inner edge of the first support arch is selectively secured to an outer edge of the third support arch and an outer edge of the fourth support arch;
- an inner edge of the second support arch is selectively secured to the outer edge of the third support arch and the outer edge of the fourth support arch;
- the outer edge of the third support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch and the inner edge of the second support arch;
- the outer edge of the fourth support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch and the inner edge of the second support arch.
- one or more of the other support arches can be inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration. Additionally and/or alternatively, when the first support arch is in the collapsed configuration, one or more of the other support arches can be inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration.
- the support arches when the plurality of support arches are in the collapsed configuration, the support arches are positioned substantially within the perimeter of the base frame.
- the enclosure assembly can further comprise an enclosure that is selectively coupled to the plurality of support arches.
- the present invention is also directed to a trampoline assembly including a base frame and an enclosure assembly as described above.
- the present invention is also directed to a method for making a trampoline assembly.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention
- FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the collapsed configuration;
- FIG. 2B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame is moved partially toward the upright configuration;
- FIG. 2C is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame is moved further toward the upright configuration;
- FIG. 2D is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame is moved still further toward the upright configuration;
- FIG. 2E is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the upright configuration;
- FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of still another embodiment of a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention
- FIG. 5A is a simplified perspective view of yet another embodiment of a trampoline assembly, wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the upright configuration;
- FIG. 5B is a simplified perspective view of the trampoline assembly illustrated in FIG. 5A , wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the collapsed configuration;
- FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a base connector usable with a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the base connector illustrated in FIG. 6A that is mounted on the base frame;
- FIG. 7A is a partially exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a base connector usable with the present invention.
- FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the base connector illustrated in FIG. 7A ;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a pair of support arches and an embodiment of an arch connector usable with a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention
- FIG. 9A is a simplified flowchart illustrating the movement of the enclosure assembly from the working configuration to the non-working configuration
- FIG. 9B is a simplified flowchart illustrating the movement of the enclosure assembly from the non-working configuration to the working configuration
- FIG. 10A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of still yet another embodiment of a trampoline assembly, wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the collapsed configuration;
- FIG. 10B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated in FIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame is moved partially toward the upright configuration;
- FIG. 10C is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated in FIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame is moved further toward the upright configuration;
- FIG. 10D is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated in FIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame is moved still further toward the upright configuration;
- FIG. 10E is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated in FIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the upright configuration;
- FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the base frame and still another embodiment of a base connector usable with the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a simplified perspective view of still another embodiment of a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a trampoline assembly 10 having features of the present invention.
- the trampoline assembly 10 includes a bed 12 (only partially illustrated in FIG. 1 ), a base frame 14 (a portion of which is illustrated in FIG. 1 ), a plurality of resilient members 16 (some of which are illustrated in FIG. 1 ), a cover 18 , a plurality of legs 20 , and an enclosure assembly 22 .
- the plurality of resilient members 16 connect the bed 12 to the base frame 14 , so as to place the bed 12 in tension.
- the trampoline assembly 10 is uniquely designed so that the enclosure assembly 22 exhibits improved strength and sturdiness characteristics during use. Additionally, the enclosure assembly 22 is uniquely designed to inhibit unwanted and/or unsupervised use of the trampoline assembly 10 . More particularly, the enclosure assembly 22 is designed so that the enclosure assembly 22 can be quickly and easily put up and taken down, i.e. moved between a working configuration and a non-working configuration, by one person so as to inhibit unwanted and/or unsupervised use of the trampoline assembly 10 .
- the design of the bed 12 can be varied depending upon the requirements of the trampoline assembly 10 and/or the base frame 14 .
- the bed 12 is substantially circular in shape.
- the bed 12 can have a diameter of approximately seven, nine, eleven, thirteen or fourteen feet.
- the bed 12 can have a diameter of greater than fourteen feet or less than seven feet.
- the bed 12 can be substantially oval shaped, square shaped, rectangle shaped, or some other shape.
- the bed 12 can be formed from various sturdy fabric materials that are designed to withstand the repeated impact from a person using the trampoline assembly 10 .
- the bed 12 can be formed from a mesh material or other similar material.
- the bed 12 can be formed from materials including heavy canvas, vinyl, or nylon.
- the design of the base frame 14 can be varied depending on the requirements of the trampoline assembly 10 , the bed 12 and/or the plurality of resilient members 16 .
- the base frame 14 is substantially circular in shape.
- the base frame 14 can have a diameter of approximately eight, ten, twelve, fourteen or fifteen feet.
- the base frame 14 can have a diameter of greater than fifteen feet or less than eight feet.
- the base frame 14 can be substantially oval shaped, square shaped, rectangle shaped, or some other shape.
- the base frame 14 can include a plurality of sections that can be secured together to form the base frame 14 .
- the base frame 14 is formed from a pair of sections that are each substantially semi-circular in shape. With this modular-type design, shipping and disassembly for storage of the base frame 14 is facilitated.
- the base frame 14 can be formed as a unitary structure.
- the base frame 14 can be formed from various materials such as metal, wood, plastic, composite materials, ceramic, or any other suitably rigid materials. Alternatively, a combination of any of such materials can be used.
- each resilient member 16 connects the bed 12 to the base frame 14 , so as to maintain the bed 12 in tension.
- Each resilient member 16 can include a spring, elastic, plastic, rubber, or other suitably resilient structure.
- the size and number of the resilient members 16 can vary.
- the trampoline assembly 10 can include approximately 48 similarly-sized extension springs that are equally spaced around the perimeter of the bed 12 .
- each spring can have a diameter of approximately twenty-two millimeters and be formed from 3.2 millimeter thickness spring steel.
- the trampoline assembly 10 can be designed to have greater than 48 or fewer than 48 springs, and the trampoline assembly 10 can utilize springs that have various dimensions and are made of various materials.
- the cover 18 substantially covers at least a portion of the plurality of resilient members 16 and at least a portion of the base frame 14 (a portion of the cover 18 is cut away in FIG. 1 to illustrate a portion of the base frame 14 and some of the plurality of resilient members 16 ).
- the cover 18 is designed to help protect the user from injury by preventing the user from getting hands or feet or other body parts caught or pinched within the plurality of resilient members 16 . Additionally, the cover 18 is designed to help protect the user from injury by preventing the user from directly contacting the rigid materials used to form the base frame 14 .
- the cover 18 can be made of nylon or other suitable, pliable material.
- a layer of padding (not illustrated in FIG. 1 ) can be positioned between the cover 18 and the plurality of resilient members 16 and between the cover 18 and the base frame 14 .
- the legs 20 are connected to the base frame 14 and are spaced apart around the base frame 14 , so as to maintain the base frame 14 and the bed 12 above a support surface 24 , such as a floor or the ground.
- the configuration of the legs 20 and the number of legs 20 can vary.
- the trampoline assembly 10 includes four legs 20 (only three are illustrated in FIG. 1 ) that are spaced apart around the base frame 14 .
- each leg 20 can be somewhat W-shaped for rigidity and strength. Further, with this design, each leg 20 has one or more contact points with the support surface 24 for increased stability.
- the trampoline assembly 10 can be designed to have more than four or less than four legs 20 , and the legs 20 can have other than a W-shaped design.
- the legs 20 can have a straight leg design.
- the enclosure assembly 22 is removably and hingably coupled to the base frame 14 . Additionally, the enclosure assembly 22 is selectively movable between a working configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure assembly 22 is positioned to protect the user during use of the trampoline assembly 10 , and a non-working configuration (not illustrated), wherein the enclosure assembly 22 is folded down and/or removed from the base frame 14 .
- the design of the enclosure assembly 22 can be varied depending on the requirements of the trampoline assembly 10 , the bed 12 , and/or the base frame 14 .
- the enclosure assembly 22 includes an enclosure frame 26 , an enclosure 28 , and a plurality of enclosure connectors 30 that selectively connect the enclosure 28 to the enclosure frame 26 .
- the enclosure frame 26 includes a plurality of support arches 32 that are removably and hingably secured to the base frame 14 and that are selectively secured to one or more of the other support arches 32 .
- each of the support arches 32 is selectively secured to two of the other support arches 32 .
- the enclosure frame 26 is selectively movable between an upright configuration (as illustrated In FIG. 2E ), wherein the enclosure assembly 22 can be positioned in the working configuration, and a collapsed configuration (as illustrated in FIG. 2A ), wherein the enclosure assembly 22 is positioned in the non-working configuration.
- the movement of the enclosure frame 26 between the collapsed configuration and the upright configuration is illustrated and described in greater detail below in relation to FIGS. 2A-2E .
- the enclosure frame 26 includes four support arches 32 , i.e. a first support arch 32 A, a second support arch 32 B, a third support arch 32 C, and a fourth support arch 32 D.
- the enclosure frame 26 can be designed to include more than four or less than four support arches 32 .
- the enclosure frame 26 includes three support arches 32 or five support arches 32 .
- the number of arches 32 is increased as the size of the trampoline is increased.
- An example of a suitable enclosure frame 26 for the trampoline assembly 10 is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,922, issued to Nissen. To the extent permitted, the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,922 is incorporated herein by reference.
- the plurality of support arches 32 are removably and hingably connected to the base frame 14 and extend upward away from the base frame 14 .
- each of the support arches 32 can be selectively pivoted relative to the base frame 14 between the upright configuration and the collapsed configuration.
- each support arch 32 extends slightly outward radially from the center of the bed 12 , so that an apex of each support arch 32 is substantially directly above the base frame 14 .
- each support arch 32 has a pair of spaced apart support arch ends 34 that are removably and hingably secured to the base frame 14 with a pair of base connectors 36 .
- the support arch ends 34 can extend somewhat below the level of the base frame 14 , with areas of the support arch 32 close to the support arch ends 34 being secured to the base frame 14 .
- a specific embodiment of the design of the base connectors 36 will be discussed in greater detail below.
- the cover 18 includes a plurality of cover apertures 18 A that are spaced apart around the perimeter of the cover 18 and that are adapted to be positioned adjacent to the base frame 14 .
- the cover apertures 18 A are designed to ensure the proper positioning of the support arches 32 around the base frame 14 , as each of the base connectors 36 is adapted to be properly positioned substantially within one of the cover apertures 18 A.
- the cover apertures 18 A enable the cover 18 to be utilized on alternative, yet similarly sized, base frames, while still ensuring that the support arches 32 can be properly positioned around the base frame.
- the cover 18 with the cover apertures 18 A can be used as a template to properly locate the base connectors 36 on the base frame 14 .
- the cover 18 can be used to as a template to retrofit existing trampolines.
- each support arch 32 can be further selectively connected to two of the other support arches 32 with one or more arch connectors 38 .
- the support arches 32 are able to create a much sturdier structure for the enclosure assembly 22 , to better support the enclosure 26 , and to better protect the user when using the trampoline assembly 10 .
- the arch connectors 38 can include some sort of bracket connector or some other type of connector that enables each support arch 32 to be securely attached to two of the other support arches 32 .
- the enclosure assembly 22 includes the first support arch 32 A, the second support arch 32 B, the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D that cooperate to extend substantially fully around the perimeter of the base frame 14 .
- the support arches 32 A- 32 D can cooperate to extend less than fully around the perimeter of the base frame 14 .
- each support arch 32 A- 32 D overlaps somewhat and is selectively connected to the adjacent support arches 32 A- 32 D with one of the arch connectors 38 .
- the first support arch 32 A overlaps with and is selectively connected to the second support arch 32 B with an arch connector 38 and overlaps with and is selectively connected to the fourth support arch 32 D with an arch connector 38
- the second support arch 32 B overlaps with and is selectively connected to the first support arch 32 A with an arch connector 38 and overlaps with and is selectively connected to the third support arch 32 C with an arch connector 38
- the third support arch 32 C overlaps with and is selectively connected to the second support arch 32 B with an arch connector 38 and overlaps with and is selectively connected to the fourth support arch 32 D with an arch connector 38
- the fourth support arch 32 D overlaps with and is selectively connected to the third support arch 32 C with an arch connector 38 and overlaps with and is selectively connected to the first support arch 32 A with an arch connector 38 .
- first support arch “second support arch”, “third support arch” and “fourth support arch” are used merely for purposes of convenience and for identifying relative positioning of similar features. Further, any of the support arches can equally be referred to as the first support arch, the second support arch, the third support arch and/or the fourth support arch.
- the height of the arch connectors 38 and the degree of overlap of the adjacent support arches 32 can be varied depending upon the requirements of the enclosure assembly 22 .
- the arch connectors 38 are positioned at a point that is approximately one-half of the way up the overall height of the support arch 32 .
- the adjacent support arches 32 are shown to overlap by between approximately fifteen and thirty degrees around the circumference or perimeter of the base frame 14 .
- the arch connectors 38 can be positioned so that they are higher or lower than shown in FIG. 1 , and the adjacent support arches 32 can overlap by more than thirty degrees or less than fifteen degrees around the circumference of the base frame 14 .
- the design of the enclosure 28 can be varied to suit the requirements of the trampoline assembly 10 and/or the enclosure assembly 22 . As illustrated, the enclosure 28 extends from a bottom edge 28 B that is at approximately the same height as the base frame 14 to an opposed top edge 28 T that is at a height that is at or near the height of the top of the support arches 32 . With this design, the enclosure 28 forms an enclosed area within which the user can jump on the bed 12 of the trampoline assembly 10 .
- the enclosure 28 can be formed from a lightweight but strong netting or resilient fabric material that is designed to be opaque or semi-opaque so as to enable the user to be viewed from outside the enclosure 28 and to allow the user to see outside of the enclosure 28 .
- suitable materials for the enclosure include polypropylene, nylon, high density polyethylene, and Dacron polyester.
- the flexible or resilient material utilized to form the enclosure 28 is designed to absorb the force of impact when a user collides against the side of the enclosure 28 and to prevent the user from falling off the bed 12 of the trampoline assembly 10 .
- the plurality of enclosure connectors 30 connect the enclosure 28 to the enclosure frame 26 , so as to maintain the top edge 28 T of the enclosure 28 in tension.
- the enclosure connectors 30 extend substantially between the top edge 28 T of the enclosure 28 and the enclosure frame 26 .
- the enclosure connectors 30 can be fixedly secured to the top edge 28 T of the enclosure 28 , and the enclosure connectors 30 can be selectively attached to the enclosure frame 26 .
- the enclosure connectors 30 can be selectively attached to the top edge 28 T of the enclosure 28 and/or the enclosure connectors 30 can be fixedly secured to the enclosure frame 26 .
- Each enclosure connector 30 can include a flexible or resilient tie, a spring, elastic, plastic, rubber, or other suitably resilient structure.
- the enclosure assembly 22 includes eight enclosure connectors 30 , wherein two enclosure connectors 30 are utilized to connect the enclosure 28 to each support arch 32 of the enclosure frame 26 .
- the enclosure assembly 22 can be designed to include more than eight enclosure connectors 30 or less than eight enclosure connectors 30 , and/or the specific positioning of the enclosure connectors 30 can be varied.
- the bottom edge 28 B of the enclosure 28 is further secured to one or more of the base frame 14 , the cover 18 , the bed 12 , and the plurality of resilient members 16 , so as to maintain the bottom edge 28 B of the enclosure 28 in tension.
- the enclosure 28 is able to better support and protect the user of the trampoline assembly 10 when and if the user contacts the enclosure 28 during use of the trampoline assembly 10 .
- FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate one non-exclusive example of the gradual movement of the enclosure frame 26 from the collapsed configuration (illustrated in FIG. 2A ) to the upright configuration (illustrated in FIG. 2E ).
- FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the collapsed configuration
- FIG. 2B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is moved partially toward the upright configuration
- FIG. 2C is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is moved further toward the upright configuration
- FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is moved further toward the upright configuration
- FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly 10 illustrated in FIG.
- FIG. 2D is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is moved still further toward the upright configuration; and
- FIG. 2E is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the upright configuration.
- each of the first support arch 32 A, the second support arch 32 B, the third support arch 32 C, and the fourth support arch 32 D are positioned substantially adjacent to one another in a folded down or collapsed position on the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the trampoline assembly 10 . More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 2A , the enclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the collapsed configuration, and the trampoline assembly 10 is protected from unwanted and/or unsupervised use.
- the support arches 32 A- 32 D can be adapted to be rotated upward into an upright position consecutively in a clockwise direction, in a counter-clockwise direction, or in some other order.
- the second support arch 32 B, the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D are inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration.
- FIG. 2B a portion of the enclosure frame 26 , i.e. the first support arch 32 A, has been moved to the upright position wherein the apex of the first support arch 32 A is positioned away from the base frame 14 . More particularly, with each support arch end 34 of the first support arch 32 A being hingably and/or pivotably coupled to the base frame 14 , the first support arch 32 A has been rotated in a generally upward direction so that the first support arch 32 A is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the trampoline assembly 10 . Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2B , the second support arch 32 B, the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D are still in the folded down or collapsed position on the bed 12 of the trampoline assembly 10 .
- the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D are inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration.
- FIG. 2C another portion of the enclosure frame 26 , i.e. the second support arch 32 B, has been moved to the upright position wherein the apex of the second support arch 32 B is positioned away from the base frame 14 .
- the second support arch 32 B is now positioned substantially adjacent to the first support arch 32 A in the upright position. More particularly, with each support arch end 34 of the second support arch 32 B being hingably and/or pivotably coupled to the base frame 14 , the second support arch 32 B has been rotated in a generally upward direction so that the second support arch 32 B is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the trampoline assembly 10 . Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2C , the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D are still in the folded down or collapsed position on the bed 12 of the trampoline assembly 10 .
- an arch connector 38 can be utilized to selectively secure the second support arch 32 B to the first support arch 32 A. More particularly, in one embodiment, the arch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the second support arch 32 B to the inner edge of the first support arch 32 A. Moreover, the use of the arch connector 38 better enables the maintaining of the first support arch 32 A and the second support arch 32 B in the upright position while the remaining support arches 32 C, 32 D are awaiting movement into the upright position.
- the fourth support arch 32 D is inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration.
- the first support arch 32 A is inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration.
- FIG. 2D another portion of the enclosure frame 26 , i.e. the third support arch 32 C, has been moved to the upright position wherein the apex of the third support arch 32 C is positioned away from the base frame 14 .
- the third support arch 32 C is now positioned substantially adjacent to the second support arch 32 B in the upright position. More particularly, with each support arch end 34 of the third support arch 32 C being hingably and/or pivotably coupled to the base frame 14 , the third support arch 32 C has been rotated in a generally upward direction so that the third support arch 32 C is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the trampoline assembly 10 . Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2D , the fourth support arch 32 D is still in the folded down or collapsed position on the bed 12 of the trampoline assembly 10 .
- an arch connector 38 can be utilized to selectively secure the third support arch 32 C to the second support arch 32 B. More particularly, in one embodiment, the arch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the third support arch 32 C to the inner edge of the second support arch 32 B. Moreover, the use of the arch connectors 38 better enables the maintaining of the first support arch 32 A, the second support arch 32 B and the third support arch 32 C in the upright position while the fourth support arch 32 D is awaiting movement into the upright position.
- the third support arch 32 C when the third support arch 32 C is in the upright configuration, the first support arch 32 A and the second support arch 32 B are inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration.
- FIG. 2E another portion of the enclosure frame 26 , i.e. the fourth support arch 32 D, has been moved to the upright position wherein the apex of the fourth support arch 32 D is positioned away from the base frame 14 .
- the fourth support arch 32 D is now positioned substantially adjacent to the third support arch 32 C and the first support arch 32 A in the upright position. More particularly, with each support arch end 34 of the fourth support arch 32 D being hingably and/or pivotably coupled to the base frame 14 , the fourth support arch 32 D has been rotated in a generally upward direction so that the fourth support arch 32 D is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the trampoline assembly 10 .
- an arch connector 38 can be utilized to selectively secure the fourth support arch 32 D to each of the third support arch 32 C and the first support arch 32 A. More particularly, in one embodiment, an arch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32 D to the inner edge of the third support arch 32 C, and an arch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32 D to the inner edge of the first support arch 32 A. Moreover, the use of the arch connectors 38 better enables the maintaining of the first support arch 32 A, the second support arch 32 B, the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D in the upright position.
- the fourth support arch 32 D when the fourth support arch 32 D is in the upright configuration, the first support arch 32 A, the second support arch 32 B and the third support arch 32 C are inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration.
- the inner edge of the first support arch 32 A is selectively secured to the outer edge of the second support arch 32 B and the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32 D (i.e. the first support arch 32 A is effectively positioned outside the second support arch 32 B and the fourth support arch 32 D); the outer edge of the second support arch 32 B is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch 32 A, and the inner edge of the second support arch 32 B is selectively secured to the outer edge of the third support arch 32 C (i.e.
- the second support arch 32 B is effectively positioned inside the first support arch 32 A and outside the third support arch 32 C); the outer edge of the third support arch 32 C is selectively secured to the inner edge of the second support arch 32 B, and the inner edge of the third support arch 32 C is selectively secured to the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32 D (i.e. the third support arch 32 C is effectively positioned inside the second support arch 32 B and outside the fourth support arch 32 D); and the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32 D is selectively secured to the inner edge of the third support arch 32 C and the first support arch 32 A (i.e. the fourth support arch 32 D is effectively positioned inside the third support arch 32 C and the first support arch 32 A).
- the support arches 32 A- 32 D are better able to share the load of impact if and when a user of the trampoline assembly 10 contacts the enclosure 28 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) during use of the trampoline assembly 10 .
- FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a trampoline assembly 310 having features of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a base frame 314 , a plurality of legs 320 , and an enclosure frame 326 that are substantially similar to the base frame 14 , the plurality of legs 20 and the enclosure frame 26 illustrated and described above in relation to FIG. 1 .
- the base frame 314 can be approximately fourteen feet in diameter and the trampoline assembly 310 includes five legs 320 that are spaced apart around the base frame 314 , so as to maintain the base frame 314 and the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) above the support surface 24 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ).
- the enclosure frame 326 includes five support arches 332 that are removably and hingably connected to the base frame 314 and extend upward away from the base frame 314 , and that cooperate to extend fully around the perimeter of the base frame 314 .
- FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of still another embodiment of a trampoline assembly 410 having features of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a base frame 414 , a plurality of legs 420 , and an enclosure frame 426 that are substantially similar to the base frame 14 , the plurality of legs 20 and the enclosure frame 26 illustrated and described above in relation to FIG. 1 .
- the base frame 414 can be approximately eight feet in diameter and the trampoline assembly 410 includes three legs 420 that are spaced apart around the base frame 414 , so as to maintain the base frame 414 and the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) above the support surface 24 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ).
- the enclosure frame 426 includes three support arches 432 that are removably and hingably connected to the base frame 414 and extend upward away from the base frame 414 , and that cooperate to extend fully around the perimeter of the base frame 414 .
- FIG. 5A is a simplified perspective view of yet another embodiment of a trampoline assembly 510 , wherein the enclosure frame 526 is positioned in the upright configuration.
- the trampoline assembly 510 is somewhat similar to the trampoline assemblies illustrated and described herein above.
- the trampoline assembly 510 includes a base frame 514 and a bed 512 that are substantially rectangle shaped. More particularly, the base frame 514 includes a pair of opposed frame sides 514 S and a pair of opposed frame ends 514 E.
- the enclosure frame 526 includes a pair of side support arches 532 S that extend substantially parallel to the frame sides 514 S and a pair of end support arches 532 E that extend substantially parallel to the frame ends 514 E. Due to the shape of the base frame 514 , the side support arches 532 S are somewhat larger and span a greater portion of the perimeter of the base frame 514 than the end support arches 532 E. However, each of the side arches 532 S and each of the end arches 532 E are still pivotally connected to the base frame 514 by a pair of base connectors 536 . Further, each of the side arches 532 S can be connected to each of the end arches 532 E by one or more arch connectors 538 so as to maintain the enclosure frame 526 in the upright configuration.
- FIG. 5B is a simplified perspective view of the trampoline assembly 510 illustrated in FIG. 5A , wherein the enclosure frame 526 is positioned in the collapsed configuration.
- the arch connectors 538 have been removed so that the side arches 532 S and the end arches 532 E can be and has been pivoted relative to the base frame 514 so that the enclosure frame 526 is in the collapsed configuration.
- FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a base connector 636 usable with a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention.
- the base connector 636 can be used with any of the trampoline assemblies 10 , 310 , 410 , 510 illustrated and described above in relation to FIGS. 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 A, respectively.
- the base connector 636 connects one of the support arch ends 34 of one of the support arches 32 to the base frame 14 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ).
- the design of the base connector 636 can be varied depending on the specific requirements of the trampoline assembly 10 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) and/or the support arches 32 .
- the base connector 636 includes a collar 640 , a connector base 642 , and a connector attacher 644 .
- the collar 640 is adapted to be selectively secured to the base frame 14 .
- the design of the collar 640 can be varied depending on the requirements of the base connector 636 .
- the collar 640 is substantially ring shaped and is adapted to substantially encircle the base frame 14 .
- the collar 640 can be made from two semi-circular collar members 640 A, 640 B that are selectively connected together to effectively position the collar 640 about the base frame 14 .
- one of the collar members 640 A, 640 B includes a hook portion 646 and the other collar member 640 A, 640 B includes one or more slots 648 that are adapted to alternatively receive the hook portion 646 so that the collar 640 can be properly sized as the collar 640 is positioned about the base frame 14 .
- each collar member 640 A, 640 B can include a pin aperture 650 that are positioned substantially adjacent to one another when the collar 640 is positioned about the base frame 14 , and that are adapted to receive a collar pin 651 , e.g., a screw, to secure the collar members 640 A, 640 B together about the base frame 14 .
- the collar 640 can be quickly and easily connected to and removed from the base frame 14 .
- the collar 640 further includes a connector receiver 652 that is adapted to receive the connector attacher 644 .
- the connector receiver 652 is substantially circular in shape and protrudes from the outer surface of the collar 640 and is internally threaded so as to effectively receive the connector attacher 644 .
- the connector receiver 652 can have a different shape and/or a different design. When in use, the connector receiver 652 is positioned substantially directly above the base frame 14 in order to receive the connector attacher 644 .
- the connector base 642 is adapted to be secured to the collar 640 .
- the connector base 642 can be somewhat U-shaped and includes a connector bottom 654 and a pair of spaced apart connector sides 656 .
- the connector bottom 654 further includes an attacher aperture 658 .
- the attacher aperture 658 is substantially circular in shape and the connector receiver 652 can extend through the attacher aperture 658 .
- the connector attacher 644 includes a threaded portion that is adapted to extend into and threadedly engage the connector receiver 652 to secure the connector base 642 to the collar 640 .
- the base connector 636 can be designed without the collar 640 , and the connector base 642 can be directly connected to the base frame 14 .
- the connector attacher 644 can extend through the attacher aperture 658 and through a frame aperture that extends substantially vertically through the base frame 14 .
- each of the connector sides 656 can include an arch aperture 660 .
- the support arches 32 can include an end aperture 662 positioned near each support arch end 34 of the support arch 32 .
- the end aperture 662 is adapted to be positioned in alignment with the arch apertures 660 , such that a connector pin 664 , e.g., a bolt or a screw, can extend through each of the arch apertures 660 and the end aperture 662 .
- the support arches 32 can be sturdily maintained in a coupled relationship with the base frame 14 via the base connector 636 . Additionally, this design allows the support arches 32 to rotate and/or pivot relative to the connector base 642 , thereby enabling the support arches 32 to be selectively moved between the upright configuration and the collapsed configuration.
- each of the support arches 32 can include two pairs of connector pins, e.g., detent buttons, such that one pair of connector pins are positioned substantially adjacent to and cantilever laterally away from each of the support arch ends 34 .
- Each of the connector pins is adapted to be positioned within and/or extend through one of the arch apertures 660 .
- each of the connector pins is biased to be in an extended position such that the connector pins can be effectively maintained within the arch apertures 660 to maintain the support arches 32 in a coupled relationship with the base frame 14 via the base connector 636 .
- each of the connector pins can be depressed to enable the connector pins to be quickly and easily positioned within and/or removed from the arch apertures 660 .
- the connector attacher 644 is adapted to extend through the attacher aperture 658 and into the connector receiver 652 to secure the connector base 642 to the collar 640 .
- the connector attacher 644 is a screw that is externally threaded so as to be effectively screwed into the connector receiver 652 .
- the connector attacher 644 can have a different design.
- a washer 666 can be positioned between connector attacher 644 and the connector bottom 654 of the connector base 642 .
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the base connector 636 illustrated in FIG. 6A that is connected to or mounted on the base frame 14 .
- the collar 640 substantially encircles the base frame 14 . More particularly, the hook portion 646 engages one of the one or more slots 648 , and the collar pin 651 extends through the pin apertures 650 (illustrated in FIG. 6A ) to secure the collar 640 of the base connector 636 to the base frame 14 .
- the connector base 642 is secured to the collar 640 by the connector attacher 644 as the connector attacher 644 extends through the attacher aperture 658 (illustrated in FIG. 6A ).
- FIG. 6B when the connector base 642 is secured to the collar 640 , the connector base 642 is positioned substantially directly above the base frame 14 and the connector sides 656 extend in a generally upward direction away from the connector bottom 654 , the collar 640 and the base frame 14 .
- the arch apertures 660 are positioned to receive the connector pin 664 (illustrated in FIG. 6A ) that is adapted to extend through the arch apertures 660 and the end aperture 662 (illustrated in FIG. 6A ) that are positioned near each support arch end 34 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the support arch 32 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ).
- FIG. 7A is a partially exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a base connector 736 usable with the present invention.
- the base connector 736 is somewhat similar to the base connector 636 illustrated and described above in relation to FIG. 6A .
- the connector receiver 752 is rectangle shaped and includes a substantially square shaped receiver aperture 768 that is adapted to receive the connector attacher 644 (illustrated in FIG. 6A ).
- the base connector 736 further includes a connector cap 770 that can be positioned substantially above and adjacent to the collar 740 when the base connector 736 is fitted about the base frame 14 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ).
- the connector cap 770 includes a cap aperture 772 that is sized and shaped to fit about the connector receiver 752 .
- FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the base connector 736 illustrated in FIG. 7A .
- FIG. 7B illustrates the base connector 736 with the connector cap 770 positioned substantially above an adjacent to the collar 740 so that the base connector 736 can be more securely connected to the base frame 14 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) and to otherwise inhibit contact between the user and the collar 740 and the collar pin 751 (illustrated in FIG. 7A ).
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a pair of support arches 832 and an embodiment of an arch connector 838 usable with a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention.
- the arch connector 838 can be used to connect the pair of support arches 832 , e.g., a first support arch 832 A and a second support arch 832 B, in any of the trampoline assemblies 10 , 310 , 410 , 510 illustrated and described above in relation to FIGS. 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 A, respectively.
- the design of the support arches 832 A, 832 B and the design of the arch connector 838 can be varied.
- the first support arch 832 A includes a first connector aperture 874 A that is adapted to receive a portion of the arch connector 838 .
- the second support arch 832 B includes a second connector aperture 874 B that is designed to be substantially aligned with the first connector aperture 874 A and is adapted to receive a portion of the arch connector 838 .
- the arch connector 838 includes a connector head 876 and a connector body 878 .
- the connector head 876 is adapted to selectively engage the connector body 878 so as to secure the first support arch 832 A to the second support arch 832 B.
- the connector head 876 includes a head aperture (not illustrated) that is internally threaded and that is sized and shaped to threadedly receive a portion of the connector body 878 .
- the connector body 878 e.g., a screw, is adapted to extend through the first connector aperture 874 A and the second connector aperture 874 B and be screwed into the head aperture of the connector head 876 .
- the connector body 878 includes a body end 882 , e.g., a nut, that inhibits the connector body 878 from being removed from the first connector aperture 874 A and the second connector aperture 874 B when the connector head 876 is selectively engaging the connector body 878 .
- the arch connector 838 can have a different design.
- the connector head 876 can be substantially triangle shaped so as to enable the user to more easily grip and rotate, i.e. to tighten and/or loosen, the connector head 876 relative to the connector body 878 .
- the connector head 876 can have a different shape.
- FIG. 9A is a simplified flowchart illustrating the movement of the enclosure assembly from the working configuration to the non-working configuration.
- each of the enclosure connectors that extend between the enclosure frame and the enclosure is disengaged from the enclosure frame and/or from the top edge of the enclosure.
- the bottom edge of the enclosure is disengaged from the base frame, the cover, the bed and/or the plurality of resilient members.
- step 905 the arch connectors that are utilized to connect the first support arch and the adjacent support arches, e.g., the second support arch and the fourth support arch, are disconnected so that the first support arch is no longer connected to any of the other support arches. Then, in step 907 , the first support arch is folded down or collapsed onto the bed of the trampoline assembly.
- step 909 the arch connector that is utilized to connect the second support arch and the third support arch is disconnected so that the second support arch is no longer connected to any of the other support arches. Then, in step 911 , the second support arch is folded down or collapsed onto the bed of the trampoline assembly.
- step 913 the arch connector that is utilized to connect the third support arch and the fourth support arch is disconnected so that the third support arch is no longer connected to any of the other support arches. Then, in step 915 , the third support arch is folded down or collapsed onto the bed of the trampoline assembly.
- step 917 the fourth support arch is folded down or collapsed onto the bed of the trampoline assembly.
- the enclosure assembly is fully in the non-working configuration and each of the support arches are folded down or collapsed substantially adjacent to one another onto the bed of the trampoline assembly.
- FIG. 9B is a simplified flowchart illustrating the movement of the enclosure assembly from the non-working configuration to the working configuration.
- the first support arch is rotated relative to the base frame so that the first support arch is in the upright position.
- the second support arch is rotated relative to the base frame so that the second support arch is in the upright position substantially adjacent to the first support arch.
- an arch connector is utilized to connect the first support arch and the second support arch. This enables the first support arch and the second support arch to be maintained substantially adjacent to one another in the upright position.
- step 927 the third support arch is rotated relative to the base frame so that the third support arch is in the upright position substantially adjacent to the second support arch.
- step 929 an arch connector is utilized to connect the second support arch and the third support arch. This enables the first support arch, the second support arch and the third support arch to be maintained substantially adjacent to one another in the upright position.
- step 931 the fourth support arch is rotated relative to the base frame so that the fourth support arch is in the upright position substantially adjacent to the first support arch and the third support arch.
- step 933 an arch connector is utilized to connect the third support arch and the fourth support arch, and an arch connector is utilized to connect the first support arch and the fourth support arch. This enables the first support arch, the second support arch, the third support arch and the fourth support arch to be maintained substantially adjacent to one another in the upright position.
- step 935 the bottom edge of the enclosure is engaged with the base frame, the cover, the bed and/or the plurality of resilient members.
- step 937 enclosure connectors are extended between the enclosure frame and the enclosure to connect and/or engage the enclosure frame with the top edge of the enclosure. At this point, the enclosure assembly is fully in the working configuration and the trampoline assembly is ready to be used by one or more users.
- FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate another non-exclusive example of the gradual movement of the enclosure frame 26 from the collapsed configuration (illustrated in FIG. 10A ) to the upright configuration (illustrated in FIG. 10E ).
- FIG. 10A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of still yet another embodiment of a trampoline assembly 1010 , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the collapsed configuration
- FIG. 10B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly 1010 illustrated in FIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is moved partially toward the upright configuration
- FIG. 10C is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly 1010 illustrated in FIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is moved further toward the upright configuration
- FIG. 10A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of still yet another embodiment of a trampoline assembly 1010 , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the collapsed configuration
- FIG. 10B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of
- FIG. 10D is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly 1010 illustrated in FIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is moved still further toward the upright configuration; and
- FIG. 10E is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly 1010 illustrated in FIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the upright configuration.
- each of the first support arch 32 A, the second support arch 32 B, the third support arch 32 C, and the fourth support arch 32 D are positioned substantially adjacent to one another in a folded down or collapsed position on the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the trampoline assembly 1010 . More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 10A , the enclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the collapsed configuration, and the trampoline assembly 1010 is protected from unwanted and/or unsupervised use.
- all of the support arches 32 A- 32 D are again positioned substantially within the perimeter of the base frame 14 such that no portion of any of the support arches 32 A- 32 D extends outside the perimeter of the base frame 14 .
- the second support arch 32 B, the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D are inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration.
- FIG. 10B a portion of the enclosure frame 26 , i.e. the first support arch 32 A, has been rotated to the upright position and the first support arch 32 A is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the trampoline assembly 1010 . Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 10B , the second support arch 32 B, the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D are still in the folded down or collapsed position on the bed 12 of the trampoline assembly 1010 .
- the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D are inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration.
- FIG. 10C another portion of the enclosure frame 26 , i.e. the second support arch 32 B, has been rotated to the upright position and the second support arch 32 B is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the trampoline assembly 1010 . Additionally, the second support arch 32 B is now positioned substantially directly across from the first support arch 32 A in the upright position. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 10C , the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D are still in the folded down or collapsed position on the bed 12 of the trampoline assembly 1010 .
- the fourth support arch 32 D is inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration.
- FIG. 10D another portion of the enclosure frame 26 , i.e. the third support arch 32 C, has been rotated to the upright position and the third support arch 32 C is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the trampoline assembly 1010 . Additionally, the third support arch 32 C is now positioned substantially adjacent to the first support arch 32 A and the second support arch 32 B in the upright position. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 10D , the fourth support arch 32 D is still in the folded down or collapsed position on the bed 12 of the trampoline assembly 1010 .
- an arch connector 38 can be utilized to selectively secure the third support arch 32 C to each of the first support arch 32 A and the second support arch 32 B. More particularly, in one embodiment, an arch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the third support arch 32 C to the inner edge of the first support arch 32 A, and an arch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the third support arch 32 C to the inner edge of the second support arch 32 B.
- the third support arch 32 C when the third support arch 32 C is in the upright configuration, the first support arch 32 A and the second support arch 32 B are inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration.
- FIG. 10E another portion of the enclosure frame 26 , i.e. the fourth support arch 32 D, has been rotated to the upright position and the fourth support arch 32 D is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the trampoline assembly 1010 . Additionally, the fourth support arch 32 D is now positioned substantially adjacent to the first support arch 32 A and the second support arch 32 B in the upright position, and the fourth support arch 32 D is positioned substantially directly across from the third support arch 32 C.
- an arch connector 38 can be utilized to selectively secure the fourth support arch 32 D to each of the first support arch 32 A and the second support arch 32 B. More particularly, in one embodiment, an arch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32 D to the inner edge of the first support arch 32 A, and an arch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32 D to the inner edge of the second support arch 32 B.
- the fourth support arch 32 D when the fourth support arch 32 D is in the upright configuration, the first support arch 32 A and the second support arch 32 B are inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration.
- the inner edge of the first support arch 32 A is selectively secured to the outer edge of the third support arch 32 C and the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32 D (i.e. the first support arch 32 A is effectively positioned outside the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D); the inner edge of the second support arch 32 B is selectively secured to the outer edge of the third support arch 32 C and the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32 D (i.e.
- the second support arch 32 B is effectively positioned outside the third support arch 32 C and the fourth support arch 32 D); the outer edge of the third support arch 32 C is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch 32 A and the inner edge of the second support arch 32 B (i.e. the third support arch 32 C is effectively positioned inside the first support arch 32 A and the second support arch 32 B); and the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32 D is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch 32 A and the inner edge of the second support arch 32 B (i.e. the fourth support arch 32 D is effectively positioned inside the first support arch 32 A and the second support arch 32 B).
- FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the base frame 14 and still another embodiment of a base connector 1136 usable with the present invention.
- the base connector 1136 is somewhat similar to the base connectors 636 , 736 illustrated and described above in relation to FIG. 6A and FIG. 7A , respectively.
- the base connector 1136 is designed without a collar, and the connector base 1142 is directly connected to the base frame 14 .
- the connector attacher 1144 is somewhat longer than in the previous embodiments so that the connector attacher 1144 can extend through the attacher aperture 1158 and through a frame aperture 1184 that extends substantially vertically through the base frame 14 .
- an attacher retainer 1186 to maintain the connector base 1142 securely connected to the base frame 14 .
- the attacher retainer 1186 is internally threaded so as to effectively receive and retain the externally threaded portion of the connector attacher 1144 .
- FIG. 12 is a simplified perspective view of still another embodiment of a trampoline assembly 1210 having features of the present invention.
- the trampoline assembly 1210 is somewhat similar to the previous embodiments.
- the trampoline assembly 1210 again includes a bed 1212 , a base frame 1214 , a plurality of first resilient members 1216 (some of which are illustrated in FIG. 12 ), a cover 1218 , a plurality of legs 1220 , and a support assembly 1222 .
- the plurality of first resilient members 1216 again connect the bed 1212 to the base frame 1214 , so as to place the bed 1212 in tension.
- the design of the bed 1212 can be varied depending upon the requirements of the trampoline assembly 1210 and/or the base frame 1214 .
- the bed 1212 is substantially circular in shape.
- the bed 1212 can be substantially oval shaped, square shaped, rectangle shaped, or some other shape.
- the bed 1212 is approximately thirty-one inches in diameter.
- the bed 1212 can be greater than or less than thirty-one inches in diameter.
- the design of the base frame 1214 can be varied depending on the requirements of the trampoline assembly 1210 , the bed 1212 and/or the plurality of first resilient members 1216 .
- the base frame 1214 is substantially circular in shape.
- the base frame 1214 can be substantially oval shaped, square shaped, rectangle shaped, or some other shape.
- the base frame 1214 is a tubular frame that is approximately four feet in diameter.
- the base frame 1214 can be greater than or less than four feet in diameter.
- the base frame 1214 can include a plurality of sections that can be secured together to form the base frame 1214 .
- the base frame 1214 is formed from a pair of sections that are each substantially semi-circular in shape. With this modular-type design, shipping and disassembly for storage of the base frame 1214 is facilitated.
- the base frame 1214 can be formed as a unitary structure.
- the base frame 1214 can be formed from various materials such as metal, wood, plastic, composite materials, ceramic, or any other suitably rigid materials. Alternatively, a combination of any of such materials can be used.
- the plurality of first resilient members 1216 connect the bed 1212 to the base frame 1214 , so as to maintain the bed 1212 in tension.
- Each first resilient member 1216 can include a spring, elastic, plastic, rubber, or other suitably resilient structure.
- the size and number of the first resilient members 1216 can vary.
- the trampoline assembly can include approximately 48 similarly-sized extension springs equally spaced around the perimeter of the bed 1212 .
- Each spring can have a one-inch diameter and be formed from 12-gauge steel.
- the trampoline assembly 1210 can be designed to have greater than 48 or fewer than 48 springs that have various dimensions and are made of various materials.
- the cover 1218 substantially covers at least a portion of the plurality of first resilient members 1216 (a portion of the cover 1218 is cut away in FIG. 12 to illustrate some of the plurality of resilient members 1216 ).
- the cover 1218 is designed to help protect the user from injury by preventing the user from getting hands or feet or other body parts caught or pinched within the plurality of first resilient members 1216 .
- the cover 1218 can be made of nylon or other suitable, pliable material.
- a layer of padding (not illustrated in FIG. 1 ) can be positioned between the cover 1218 and the plurality of first resilient members 1216 .
- the legs 1220 are connected to the base frame 1214 and are spaced apart around the base frame 1214 , so as to maintain the base frame 1214 and the bed 1212 above the support surface 24 .
- the configuration and the number of legs 1220 can vary.
- the trampoline assembly 1210 has eight substantially straight legs 1220 that are equally spaced around the base frame 1214 .
- the trampoline assembly 1210 can be designed to have more than eight or less than eight legs 1220 , and the legs 1220 can have other than a straight leg design.
- the support assembly 1222 is designed to help support the user and to help the user to maintain balance while he or she uses the trampoline assembly 1210 . Additionally, the support assembly 1222 is designed to enable the user to easily get on and off the trampoline assembly 1210 before and after each use. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 , the support assembly 1222 includes a plurality of support arches 1226 , a first support segment 1228 , a second support segment 1230 , a support bar 1232 , and a plurality of support resilient members 1234 .
- the plurality of support arches 1226 are connected to the base frame 1214 and cantilever upward away from the base frame 1214 . Further, the plurality of support arches 1226 can be formed from various materials such as metal, wood, plastic, composite materials, ceramic, or any other suitably rigid materials. Alternatively, a combination of any of such materials can be used.
- Each support arch 1226 has a pair of spaced apart support arch ends 1236 that are secured to the base frame 1214 with a pair of base connectors 1238 .
- the support arch ends 1236 can extend somewhat below the level of the base frame 1214 , with areas of the support arch 1226 close to the support arch ends 1236 being directly connected to the base frame 1214 .
- the base connectors 1238 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener, or some other type of connector that enables the support arch 1226 to be securely attached to the base frame 1214 .
- Each support arch 1226 is further connected to at least one of the other support arches 1226 with one or more arch connectors 1240 , so as create a much sturdier structure for the support assembly 1222 to better support the user when using the trampoline assembly 1210 .
- the arch connectors 1240 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener or some other type of connector that enables each support arch 1226 to be securely attached to one or more of the other support arches 1226 .
- the support assembly 1222 includes three support arches 1226 that extend around only a portion of the base frame 1214 . Each support arch 1226 overlaps somewhat and is connected to the adjacent support arch(es) 1226 with one of the arch connectors 1240 .
- a first support arch 1226 A overlaps with and is connected to a second support arch 1226 B with an arch connector 1240
- the second support arch 1226 B overlaps with and is connected to a third support arch 1226 C with an arch connector 1240
- the support assembly 1222 can be designed to have more than three or less than three support arches 1226 .
- the height of the arch connectors 1240 and the degree of overlap of the adjacent support arches 1226 can be varied depending upon the requirements of the support assembly 1222 .
- the arch connectors 1240 are positioned at a point that is approximately one-third to one-half of the way up the overall height of the support arch 1226 .
- the adjacent support arches 1226 are shown to overlap by approximately 20 degrees around the circumference of the base frame 1214 .
- the arch connectors 1240 can be positioned so that they are higher or lower than shown in FIG. 12 , and the adjacent support arches 1226 can overlap by more than 20 degrees or less than 20 degrees.
- the support arches 1226 are at an angle of approximately 75 degrees relative to bed frame 1214 .
- the support arches 1226 can be at an angle of greater than or lesser than 75 degrees relative to the bed frame 1214 .
- the support arches 1226 are collapsible. More specifically, the support arches 1226 are selectively pivotable relative to the bed frame 1214 (e.g., the support arches 1226 are hingably secured to the base frame 1214 with the pair of base connectors 1238 ) when the arch connectors 1240 are detached so that the trampoline assembly 1210 can be stored in a relatively small configuration. Alternatively, the trampoline assembly 1210 can be designed so that the support arches 1226 are not collapsible.
- the plurality of support arches 1226 extend around only a portion of the base frame 1214 .
- this design there is an open space 1245 between the first support arch 1226 A and the third support arch 1226 C that enables the user to easily get on and off of the trampoline assembly 1210 , while still maintaining a significant strength and structural integrity to the support assembly 1222 .
- the first support segment 1228 is connected to the base frame 1214 and the first support arch 1226 A, and the first support segment 1228 cantilevers upward away from the base frame 1214 .
- the first support segment 1228 includes a bottom end 1242 and a top end 1244 .
- the bottom end 1242 of the first support segment 1228 is connected to the base frame 1214 with a base connector 1238 .
- the bottom end 1242 can extend somewhat below the level of the base frame 1214 , with areas of the first support segment 1228 close to the bottom end 1242 being directly connected to the base frame 1214 .
- the base connector 1238 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener, or some other type of connector that enables the first support segment 1228 to be securely attached to the base frame 1214 .
- the base connector 1238 can be a hinge that enables the first support segment 1228 to pivot relative to the base frame 1214 .
- the first support segment 1228 is connected to the first support arch 1226 A with a segment connector 1246 .
- the segment connector 1246 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener, or some other type of connector that enables the first support segment 1228 to be securely attached to the first support arch 1226 A.
- the segment connector 1246 is positioned approximately halfway between the bottom end 1242 and the top end 1244 of the first support segment 1228 .
- the first support segment 1228 is collapsible (i.e. can pivot relative to the base frame 1214 ) when the segment connector 1246 is detached so that the trampoline assembly 1210 can be stored in a relatively small configuration.
- the second support segment 1230 is connected to the base frame 1214 and the third support arch 1226 C, and the second support segment 1230 cantilevers upward away from the base frame 1214 .
- the second support segment 1230 includes a bottom end 1242 and a top end 1244 .
- the bottom end 1242 of the second support segment 1230 is connected to the base frame 1214 with a base connector 1238 .
- the bottom end 1242 can extend somewhat below the level of the base frame 1214 , with areas of the second support segment 1230 close to the bottom end 1242 being directly connected to the base frame 1214 .
- the base connector 1238 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener, or some other type of connector that enables the second support segment 1230 to be securely attached to the base frame 1214 .
- the base connector 1238 can be a hinge that enables the second support segment 1230 to pivot relative to the base frame 1214 .
- the second support segment 1230 is connected to the third support arch 1226 C with a segment connector 1246 .
- the segment connector 1246 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener or some other type of connector that enables the second support segment 1230 to be securely attached to the third support arch 1226 C.
- the segment connector 1246 is positioned approximately halfway between the bottom end 1242 and the top end 1244 of the second support segment 1230 .
- the second support segment 1230 is collapsible (i.e. can pivot relative to the base frame 1214 ) when the segment connector 1246 is detached so that the trampoline assembly 1210 can be stored in a relatively small configuration.
- the top end 1244 of the first support segment 1228 curves somewhat toward the top end 1244 of the second support segment 1230
- the top end 1244 of the second support segment 1230 curves somewhat toward the top end 1244 of the first support segment 1228
- the top end 1244 of the first support segment 1228 and the top end 1244 of the second support segment 1230 are at a height that is equal to or approximately equal to the height of the support bar 1232 .
- the height of the support segments 1230 is within approximately 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 5 inches of that of the support bar 1232 .
- the first support segment 1228 and the second support segment 1230 are just portions of an incomplete arch that is similar in size and shape to the other arches 1226 .
- the support bar 1232 is positioned above the bed 1212 of the trampoline assembly 1210 to provide the user with a stabilizer to enhance balance and coordination when using the trampoline assembly 1210 . As shown, the support bar 1232 is positioned substantially horizontally (and substantially parallel with the bed 1212 ) approximately three feet above the bed 1212 of the trampoline assembly 1210 . Alternatively, the support bar 1232 can be positioned so that it is greater than or less than three feet above the bed 1212 of the trampoline assembly 1210 .
- the support bar 1232 has a semi-enclosed shape having a first end 1248 and a spaced apart second end 1250 . With this design the user can easily get on and off the trampoline assembly 1210 and gain access to the support bar 1232 within the semi-enclosed figure.
- the support bar 1232 can be substantially C-shaped.
- the support bar 1232 can be substantially U-shaped, substantially rectangle-shaped with one side or most of one side open or missing, substantially square-shaped with one side or most of one side open or missing, or some other shape.
- the plurality of support resilient members 1234 connect the support bar 1232 to the rest of the support assembly 1222 .
- Each support resilient member 1234 can include a spring, elastic, plastic, rubber, or other suitably resilient structure.
- each support resilient member 1234 can include a support cover 1252 that is designed to help protect the user from injury by preventing the user from getting hands or feet or other body parts caught or pinched within the support resilient member 1234 .
- the support cover 1252 can be made of nylon or other suitable, pliable material.
- the support assembly 1222 includes four support resilient members 1234 , wherein one support resilient member 1234 is positioned near the first end 1248 of the support bar 1232 , one support resilient member 1234 is positioned near the second end 1250 of the support bar 1232 , and two support resilient members 1234 are substantially evenly spaced along the support bar 1232 between the first end 1248 and the second end 1250 .
- two support resilient members 1234 connect the support bar 1232 to the second support arch 1226 B, one support resilient member 1234 connects the support bar 1232 to the first support segment 1228 near the top end 1244 of the first support segment 1228 , and one support resilient member 1234 connects the support bar 1232 to the second support segment 1230 near the top end 1244 of the second support segment 1230 .
- the support assembly 1222 can be designed to include more than four support resilient members 1234 or less than four support resilient members 1234 , one or more of the support resilient members 1234 can be connected to the first support arch 1226 A or the second support arch 1226 C, and/or the spacing between the support resilient members 1234 can be varied.
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Abstract
An enclosure assembly (22) for use with a trampoline assembly (10) comprises a plurality of support arches (32) including at least three support arches that are hingably secured to a base frame (1214). Each support arch (32) overlaps and is selectively secured to two of the other support arches (32). The support arches (32) cooperate to extend substantially fully around a perimeter of the base frame (1214). The support arches (32) are selectively movable between an upright configuration and a collapsed configuration. When the support arches (32) are in the upright configuration (i) an inner edge of at least one of the support arches (32) is connected to an outer edge of each of two of the other support arches (32), and (ii) an outer edge of at least one of the support arches (32) is connected to an inner edge of each of two of the other support arches (32).
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/116,149 filed on May 6, 2008, and entitled “MINI-TRAMPOLINE WITH SUPPORT BAR” which is currently pending. Additionally, this application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/009,782 filed on Jan. 19, 2011, and entitled “TRAMPOLINE WITH COLLAPSIBLE ENCLOSURE ASSEMBLY” which is currently pending. As far as is permitted, the contents of U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/116,149 and 13/009,782 are incorporated herein by reference.
- For many, many years bouncing on a trampoline has been viewed as a fun and entertaining activity for people of various ages. However, with the great increase in sales and popularity of home and backyard recreational trampolines, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of injuries. Many trampoline injuries result from a fall off of the trampoline due to loss of orientation and/or loss of control. Additionally, many of the injuries occur when the trampoline is being used by young and/or inexperienced people without proper supervision.
- In recent years, trampoline enclosures have become a popular means utilized to decrease the number of injuries that occur due to falls from trampolines. Unfortunately, current trampoline enclosures typically use a straight support design that is not always strong enough or sturdy enough to prevent injuries when a person jumps into the side of the enclosure. Additionally, current enclosures do not provide an adequate means for preventing or inhibiting unsupervised use of the trampolines. Accordingly, there is a need for a trampoline enclosure that can withstand a greater amount of direct force while still enabling the user to remain on the trampoline bed surface. Further, there is a need for a trampoline enclosure that can provide a means to inhibit unwanted and/or unsupervised use of the trampoline.
- The present invention is directed to an enclosure assembly for use with a trampoline assembly, the trampoline assembly including a base frame. In certain embodiments, the enclosure assembly comprises a plurality of support arches including at least three support arches that are hingably secured to the base frame. Each support arch overlaps and is selectively secured to two of the other support arches. Additionally, the plurality of support arches cooperate to extend substantially fully around a perimeter of the base frame. Further, the plurality of support arches are selectively movable between an upright configuration and a collapsed configuration. Moreover, when the plurality of support arches are in the upright configuration (i) an inner edge of at least one of the plurality of support arches is connected to an outer edge of each of two of the other support arches, and (ii) an outer edge of at least one of the plurality of support arches is connected to an inner edge of each of two of the other support arches.
- In some embodiments, the plurality of support arches includes a first support arch, a second support arch and a third support arch that are hingably secured to the base frame. In such embodiments, the second arch overlaps the first support arch and is selectively secured to the first support arch, and the third support arch overlaps the second support arch and is selectively secured to the second support arch. Additionally, in one such embodiment, the third support arch overlaps the first support arch and is selectively secured to the first support arch.
- Further, in certain embodiments, the plurality of support arches can further include a fourth support arch that is hingably secured to the base frame. In such embodiments, the fourth support arch can overlap the third support arch and can be selectively secured to the third support arch. Additionally, in some such embodiments, the fourth support arch overlaps the first support arch and is selectively secured to the first support arch.
- Moreover, in one embodiment, when the plurality of support arches are in the upright configuration, (i) an inner edge of the first support arch is selectively secured to an outer edge of the second support arch and an outer edge of the fourth support arch; (ii) the outer edge of the second support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the
first support arch 32A, and an inner edge of the second support arch is selectively secured to an outer edge of the third support arch; (iii) the outer edge of the third support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the second support arch, and an inner edge of the third support arch is selectively secured to the outer edge of the fourth support arch; and (iv) the outer edge of the fourth support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the third support arch and the inner edge of the first support arch. - Alternatively, in one embodiment, when the plurality of support arches are in the upright configuration, (i) an inner edge of the first support arch is selectively secured to an outer edge of the third support arch and an outer edge of the fourth support arch; (ii) an inner edge of the second support arch is selectively secured to the outer edge of the third support arch and the outer edge of the fourth support arch; (iii) the outer edge of the third support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch and the inner edge of the second support arch; and (iv) the outer edge of the fourth support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch and the inner edge of the second support arch.
- Still further, when the first support arch is in the upright configuration, one or more of the other support arches can be inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration. Additionally and/or alternatively, when the first support arch is in the collapsed configuration, one or more of the other support arches can be inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration.
- In one embodiment, when the plurality of support arches are in the collapsed configuration, the support arches are positioned substantially within the perimeter of the base frame.
- In some embodiments, the enclosure assembly can further comprise an enclosure that is selectively coupled to the plurality of support arches.
- Additionally, the present invention is also directed to a trampoline assembly including a base frame and an enclosure assembly as described above.
- Further, the present invention is also directed to a method for making a trampoline assembly.
- The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention; -
FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated inFIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the collapsed configuration; -
FIG. 2B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated inFIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame is moved partially toward the upright configuration; -
FIG. 2C is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated inFIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame is moved further toward the upright configuration; -
FIG. 2D is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated inFIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame is moved still further toward the upright configuration; -
FIG. 2E is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated inFIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the upright configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of still another embodiment of a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention; -
FIG. 5A is a simplified perspective view of yet another embodiment of a trampoline assembly, wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the upright configuration; -
FIG. 5B is a simplified perspective view of the trampoline assembly illustrated inFIG. 5A , wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the collapsed configuration; -
FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a base connector usable with a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention; -
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the base connector illustrated inFIG. 6A that is mounted on the base frame; -
FIG. 7A is a partially exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a base connector usable with the present invention; -
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the base connector illustrated inFIG. 7A ; -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a pair of support arches and an embodiment of an arch connector usable with a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention; -
FIG. 9A is a simplified flowchart illustrating the movement of the enclosure assembly from the working configuration to the non-working configuration; -
FIG. 9B is a simplified flowchart illustrating the movement of the enclosure assembly from the non-working configuration to the working configuration; -
FIG. 10A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of still yet another embodiment of a trampoline assembly, wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the collapsed configuration; -
FIG. 10B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated inFIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame is moved partially toward the upright configuration; -
FIG. 10C is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated inFIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame is moved further toward the upright configuration; -
FIG. 10D is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated inFIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame is moved still further toward the upright configuration; -
FIG. 10E is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the trampoline assembly illustrated inFIG. 10A , wherein the enclosure frame is positioned in the upright configuration; -
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the base frame and still another embodiment of a base connector usable with the present invention; and -
FIG. 12 is a simplified perspective view of still another embodiment of a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention. -
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of atrampoline assembly 10 having features of the present invention. In this embodiment, thetrampoline assembly 10 includes a bed 12 (only partially illustrated inFIG. 1 ), a base frame 14 (a portion of which is illustrated inFIG. 1 ), a plurality of resilient members 16 (some of which are illustrated inFIG. 1 ), acover 18, a plurality oflegs 20, and anenclosure assembly 22. The plurality ofresilient members 16 connect thebed 12 to thebase frame 14, so as to place thebed 12 in tension. - As an overview, the
trampoline assembly 10, as described in detail herein, is uniquely designed so that theenclosure assembly 22 exhibits improved strength and sturdiness characteristics during use. Additionally, theenclosure assembly 22 is uniquely designed to inhibit unwanted and/or unsupervised use of thetrampoline assembly 10. More particularly, theenclosure assembly 22 is designed so that theenclosure assembly 22 can be quickly and easily put up and taken down, i.e. moved between a working configuration and a non-working configuration, by one person so as to inhibit unwanted and/or unsupervised use of thetrampoline assembly 10. - The design of the
bed 12 can be varied depending upon the requirements of thetrampoline assembly 10 and/or thebase frame 14. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , thebed 12 is substantially circular in shape. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, thebed 12 can have a diameter of approximately seven, nine, eleven, thirteen or fourteen feet. Alternatively, thebed 12 can have a diameter of greater than fourteen feet or less than seven feet. Still alternatively, thebed 12 can be substantially oval shaped, square shaped, rectangle shaped, or some other shape. - Further, the
bed 12 can be formed from various sturdy fabric materials that are designed to withstand the repeated impact from a person using thetrampoline assembly 10. For example, thebed 12 can be formed from a mesh material or other similar material. Alternatively, thebed 12 can be formed from materials including heavy canvas, vinyl, or nylon. - The design of the
base frame 14 can be varied depending on the requirements of thetrampoline assembly 10, thebed 12 and/or the plurality ofresilient members 16. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , thebase frame 14 is substantially circular in shape. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, thebase frame 14 can have a diameter of approximately eight, ten, twelve, fourteen or fifteen feet. Alternatively, thebase frame 14 can have a diameter of greater than fifteen feet or less than eight feet. Still alternatively, thebase frame 14 can be substantially oval shaped, square shaped, rectangle shaped, or some other shape. - In certain embodiments, the
base frame 14 can include a plurality of sections that can be secured together to form thebase frame 14. For example, in one embodiment, thebase frame 14 is formed from a pair of sections that are each substantially semi-circular in shape. With this modular-type design, shipping and disassembly for storage of thebase frame 14 is facilitated. Alternatively, thebase frame 14 can be formed as a unitary structure. Further, thebase frame 14 can be formed from various materials such as metal, wood, plastic, composite materials, ceramic, or any other suitably rigid materials. Alternatively, a combination of any of such materials can be used. - As noted above, the plurality of
resilient members 16 connect thebed 12 to thebase frame 14, so as to maintain thebed 12 in tension. Eachresilient member 16 can include a spring, elastic, plastic, rubber, or other suitably resilient structure. The size and number of theresilient members 16 can vary. For example, in one embodiment, thetrampoline assembly 10 can include approximately 48 similarly-sized extension springs that are equally spaced around the perimeter of thebed 12. Further, in one embodiment, each spring can have a diameter of approximately twenty-two millimeters and be formed from 3.2 millimeter thickness spring steel. Alternatively, thetrampoline assembly 10 can be designed to have greater than 48 or fewer than 48 springs, and thetrampoline assembly 10 can utilize springs that have various dimensions and are made of various materials. - The
cover 18 substantially covers at least a portion of the plurality ofresilient members 16 and at least a portion of the base frame 14 (a portion of thecover 18 is cut away inFIG. 1 to illustrate a portion of thebase frame 14 and some of the plurality of resilient members 16). Thecover 18 is designed to help protect the user from injury by preventing the user from getting hands or feet or other body parts caught or pinched within the plurality ofresilient members 16. Additionally, thecover 18 is designed to help protect the user from injury by preventing the user from directly contacting the rigid materials used to form thebase frame 14. Thecover 18 can be made of nylon or other suitable, pliable material. In certain embodiments, a layer of padding (not illustrated inFIG. 1 ) can be positioned between thecover 18 and the plurality ofresilient members 16 and between thecover 18 and thebase frame 14. - The
legs 20 are connected to thebase frame 14 and are spaced apart around thebase frame 14, so as to maintain thebase frame 14 and thebed 12 above asupport surface 24, such as a floor or the ground. The configuration of thelegs 20 and the number oflegs 20 can vary. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , thetrampoline assembly 10 includes four legs 20 (only three are illustrated inFIG. 1 ) that are spaced apart around thebase frame 14. In this embodiment, eachleg 20 can be somewhat W-shaped for rigidity and strength. Further, with this design, eachleg 20 has one or more contact points with thesupport surface 24 for increased stability. Alternatively, thetrampoline assembly 10 can be designed to have more than four or less than fourlegs 20, and thelegs 20 can have other than a W-shaped design. For example, in certain embodiments, thelegs 20 can have a straight leg design. - The
enclosure assembly 22 is removably and hingably coupled to thebase frame 14. Additionally, theenclosure assembly 22 is selectively movable between a working configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 1 , wherein theenclosure assembly 22 is positioned to protect the user during use of thetrampoline assembly 10, and a non-working configuration (not illustrated), wherein theenclosure assembly 22 is folded down and/or removed from thebase frame 14. - The design of the
enclosure assembly 22 can be varied depending on the requirements of thetrampoline assembly 10, thebed 12, and/or thebase frame 14. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , theenclosure assembly 22 includes anenclosure frame 26, anenclosure 28, and a plurality ofenclosure connectors 30 that selectively connect theenclosure 28 to theenclosure frame 26. - The
enclosure frame 26 includes a plurality ofsupport arches 32 that are removably and hingably secured to thebase frame 14 and that are selectively secured to one or more of theother support arches 32. For example, in this embodiment, each of thesupport arches 32 is selectively secured to two of theother support arches 32. Theenclosure frame 26 is selectively movable between an upright configuration (as illustrated InFIG. 2E ), wherein theenclosure assembly 22 can be positioned in the working configuration, and a collapsed configuration (as illustrated inFIG. 2A ), wherein theenclosure assembly 22 is positioned in the non-working configuration. The movement of theenclosure frame 26 between the collapsed configuration and the upright configuration is illustrated and described in greater detail below in relation toFIGS. 2A-2E . - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 , theenclosure frame 26 includes foursupport arches 32, i.e. afirst support arch 32A, asecond support arch 32B, a third support arch 32C, and afourth support arch 32D. Alternatively, theenclosure frame 26 can be designed to include more than four or less than foursupport arches 32. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, theenclosure frame 26 includes threesupport arches 32 or fivesupport arches 32. In certain designs, the number ofarches 32 is increased as the size of the trampoline is increased. An example of asuitable enclosure frame 26 for thetrampoline assembly 10 is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,922, issued to Nissen. To the extent permitted, the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,922 is incorporated herein by reference. - The plurality of
support arches 32, as illustrated inFIG. 1 , are removably and hingably connected to thebase frame 14 and extend upward away from thebase frame 14. With this design, each of thesupport arches 32 can be selectively pivoted relative to thebase frame 14 between the upright configuration and the collapsed configuration. Additionally, eachsupport arch 32 extends slightly outward radially from the center of thebed 12, so that an apex of eachsupport arch 32 is substantially directly above thebase frame 14. Further, eachsupport arch 32 has a pair of spaced apart support arch ends 34 that are removably and hingably secured to thebase frame 14 with a pair ofbase connectors 36. Alternatively, the support arch ends 34 can extend somewhat below the level of thebase frame 14, with areas of thesupport arch 32 close to the support arch ends 34 being secured to thebase frame 14. A specific embodiment of the design of thebase connectors 36 will be discussed in greater detail below. - In certain embodiments, the
cover 18 includes a plurality ofcover apertures 18A that are spaced apart around the perimeter of thecover 18 and that are adapted to be positioned adjacent to thebase frame 14. Thecover apertures 18A are designed to ensure the proper positioning of thesupport arches 32 around thebase frame 14, as each of thebase connectors 36 is adapted to be properly positioned substantially within one of thecover apertures 18A. Additionally, thecover apertures 18A enable thecover 18 to be utilized on alternative, yet similarly sized, base frames, while still ensuring that thesupport arches 32 can be properly positioned around the base frame. Thus, thecover 18 with thecover apertures 18A can be used as a template to properly locate thebase connectors 36 on thebase frame 14. With this design, thecover 18 can be used to as a template to retrofit existing trampolines. - As shown in the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 , eachsupport arch 32 can be further selectively connected to two of theother support arches 32 with one or morearch connectors 38. With this design, thesupport arches 32 are able to create a much sturdier structure for theenclosure assembly 22, to better support theenclosure 26, and to better protect the user when using thetrampoline assembly 10. Thearch connectors 38 can include some sort of bracket connector or some other type of connector that enables eachsupport arch 32 to be securely attached to two of theother support arches 32. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 , theenclosure assembly 22 includes thefirst support arch 32A, thesecond support arch 32B, the third support arch 32C and thefourth support arch 32D that cooperate to extend substantially fully around the perimeter of thebase frame 14. Alternatively, thesupport arches 32A-32D can cooperate to extend less than fully around the perimeter of thebase frame 14. - As illustrated, each support arch 32A-32D overlaps somewhat and is selectively connected to the
adjacent support arches 32A-32D with one of thearch connectors 38. In other words, the first support arch 32A overlaps with and is selectively connected to thesecond support arch 32B with anarch connector 38 and overlaps with and is selectively connected to thefourth support arch 32D with anarch connector 38; thesecond support arch 32B overlaps with and is selectively connected to thefirst support arch 32A with anarch connector 38 and overlaps with and is selectively connected to the third support arch 32C with anarch connector 38; the third support arch 32C overlaps with and is selectively connected to thesecond support arch 32B with anarch connector 38 and overlaps with and is selectively connected to thefourth support arch 32D with anarch connector 38; and the fourth support arch 32D overlaps with and is selectively connected to the third support arch 32C with anarch connector 38 and overlaps with and is selectively connected to thefirst support arch 32A with anarch connector 38. - It should be noted the terms “first support arch”, “second support arch”, “third support arch” and “fourth support arch” are used merely for purposes of convenience and for identifying relative positioning of similar features. Further, any of the support arches can equally be referred to as the first support arch, the second support arch, the third support arch and/or the fourth support arch.
- The height of the
arch connectors 38 and the degree of overlap of theadjacent support arches 32 can be varied depending upon the requirements of theenclosure assembly 22. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , thearch connectors 38 are positioned at a point that is approximately one-half of the way up the overall height of thesupport arch 32. Further, theadjacent support arches 32 are shown to overlap by between approximately fifteen and thirty degrees around the circumference or perimeter of thebase frame 14. Alternatively, thearch connectors 38 can be positioned so that they are higher or lower than shown inFIG. 1 , and theadjacent support arches 32 can overlap by more than thirty degrees or less than fifteen degrees around the circumference of thebase frame 14. - The design of the
enclosure 28 can be varied to suit the requirements of thetrampoline assembly 10 and/or theenclosure assembly 22. As illustrated, theenclosure 28 extends from abottom edge 28B that is at approximately the same height as thebase frame 14 to an opposedtop edge 28T that is at a height that is at or near the height of the top of thesupport arches 32. With this design, theenclosure 28 forms an enclosed area within which the user can jump on thebed 12 of thetrampoline assembly 10. In certain embodiments, theenclosure 28 can be formed from a lightweight but strong netting or resilient fabric material that is designed to be opaque or semi-opaque so as to enable the user to be viewed from outside theenclosure 28 and to allow the user to see outside of theenclosure 28. For example, suitable materials for the enclosure include polypropylene, nylon, high density polyethylene, and Dacron polyester. The flexible or resilient material utilized to form theenclosure 28 is designed to absorb the force of impact when a user collides against the side of theenclosure 28 and to prevent the user from falling off thebed 12 of thetrampoline assembly 10. - The plurality of
enclosure connectors 30 connect theenclosure 28 to theenclosure frame 26, so as to maintain thetop edge 28T of theenclosure 28 in tension. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , theenclosure connectors 30 extend substantially between thetop edge 28T of theenclosure 28 and theenclosure frame 26. In particular, in one embodiment, theenclosure connectors 30 can be fixedly secured to thetop edge 28T of theenclosure 28, and theenclosure connectors 30 can be selectively attached to theenclosure frame 26. Alternatively, theenclosure connectors 30 can be selectively attached to thetop edge 28T of theenclosure 28 and/or theenclosure connectors 30 can be fixedly secured to theenclosure frame 26. - Each
enclosure connector 30 can include a flexible or resilient tie, a spring, elastic, plastic, rubber, or other suitably resilient structure. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , theenclosure assembly 22 includes eightenclosure connectors 30, wherein twoenclosure connectors 30 are utilized to connect theenclosure 28 to eachsupport arch 32 of theenclosure frame 26. Alternatively, theenclosure assembly 22 can be designed to include more than eightenclosure connectors 30 or less than eightenclosure connectors 30, and/or the specific positioning of theenclosure connectors 30 can be varied. - Additionally, the
bottom edge 28B of theenclosure 28 is further secured to one or more of thebase frame 14, thecover 18, thebed 12, and the plurality ofresilient members 16, so as to maintain thebottom edge 28B of theenclosure 28 in tension. By maintaining both thetop edge 28T and thebottom edge 28B of theenclosure 28 in tension, theenclosure 28 is able to better support and protect the user of thetrampoline assembly 10 when and if the user contacts theenclosure 28 during use of thetrampoline assembly 10. -
FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate one non-exclusive example of the gradual movement of theenclosure frame 26 from the collapsed configuration (illustrated inFIG. 2A ) to the upright configuration (illustrated inFIG. 2E ). In particular,FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of thetrampoline assembly 10 illustrated inFIG. 1 , wherein theenclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the collapsed configuration;FIG. 2B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of thetrampoline assembly 10 illustrated inFIG. 1 , wherein theenclosure frame 26 is moved partially toward the upright configuration;FIG. 2C is a simplified perspective view of a portion of thetrampoline assembly 10 illustrated inFIG. 1 , wherein theenclosure frame 26 is moved further toward the upright configuration;FIG. 2D is a simplified perspective view of a portion of thetrampoline assembly 10 illustrated inFIG. 1 , wherein theenclosure frame 26 is moved still further toward the upright configuration; andFIG. 2E is a simplified perspective view of a portion of thetrampoline assembly 10 illustrated inFIG. 1 , wherein theenclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the upright configuration. - In
FIG. 2A , each of thefirst support arch 32A, thesecond support arch 32B, the third support arch 32C, and thefourth support arch 32D are positioned substantially adjacent to one another in a folded down or collapsed position on the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thetrampoline assembly 10. More particularly, as illustrated inFIG. 2A , theenclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the collapsed configuration, and thetrampoline assembly 10 is protected from unwanted and/or unsupervised use. In different embodiments, thesupport arches 32A-32D can be adapted to be rotated upward into an upright position consecutively in a clockwise direction, in a counter-clockwise direction, or in some other order. - Moreover, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2A , when theenclosure frame 26 is in the collapsed configuration, all of thesupport arches 32A-32D are positioned substantially within the perimeter of thebase frame 14. Stated another way, when theenclosure frame 26 is in the collapsed configuration, no portion of any of thesupport arches 32A-32D extends outside the perimeter of thebase frame 14. With this design, a person cannot lean on a portion of thesupport arches 32A-32D outside the perimeter of thebase frame 14, which may cause thebase frame 14 to tip or may otherwise cause damage to thesupport arches 32A-32D and/or thebase frame 14. - Additionally, in this embodiment, when the
first support arch 32A is in the collapsed configuration, thesecond support arch 32B, the third support arch 32C and the fourth support arch 32D are inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration. - In
FIG. 2B , a portion of theenclosure frame 26, i.e. thefirst support arch 32A, has been moved to the upright position wherein the apex of thefirst support arch 32A is positioned away from thebase frame 14. More particularly, with each supportarch end 34 of thefirst support arch 32A being hingably and/or pivotably coupled to thebase frame 14, thefirst support arch 32A has been rotated in a generally upward direction so that thefirst support arch 32A is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thetrampoline assembly 10. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 2B , thesecond support arch 32B, the third support arch 32C and thefourth support arch 32D are still in the folded down or collapsed position on thebed 12 of thetrampoline assembly 10. - Additionally, in this embodiment, when the
first support arch 32A is in the upright configuration and thesecond support arch 32B is in the collapsed configuration, the third support arch 32C and the fourth support arch 32D are inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration. - In
FIG. 2C , another portion of theenclosure frame 26, i.e. thesecond support arch 32B, has been moved to the upright position wherein the apex of thesecond support arch 32B is positioned away from thebase frame 14. As illustrated, thesecond support arch 32B is now positioned substantially adjacent to thefirst support arch 32A in the upright position. More particularly, with each supportarch end 34 of thesecond support arch 32B being hingably and/or pivotably coupled to thebase frame 14, thesecond support arch 32B has been rotated in a generally upward direction so that thesecond support arch 32B is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thetrampoline assembly 10. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 2C , the third support arch 32C and thefourth support arch 32D are still in the folded down or collapsed position on thebed 12 of thetrampoline assembly 10. - Further, as illustrated in
FIG. 2C , once thesecond support arch 32B has been positioned in the upright position substantially adjacent to thefirst support arch 32A, anarch connector 38 can be utilized to selectively secure the second support arch 32B to thefirst support arch 32A. More particularly, in one embodiment, thearch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the second support arch 32B to the inner edge of thefirst support arch 32A. Moreover, the use of thearch connector 38 better enables the maintaining of thefirst support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B in the upright position while the remainingsupport arches - Additionally, in this embodiment, when the
first support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B are in the upright configuration, and the third support arch 32C is in the collapsed configuration, thefourth support arch 32D is inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration. Further, in this embodiment, with thesecond support arch 32B being in the upright configuration, thefirst support arch 32A is inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration. - In
FIG. 2D , another portion of theenclosure frame 26, i.e. the third support arch 32C, has been moved to the upright position wherein the apex of the third support arch 32C is positioned away from thebase frame 14. As illustrated, the third support arch 32C is now positioned substantially adjacent to thesecond support arch 32B in the upright position. More particularly, with each supportarch end 34 of the third support arch 32C being hingably and/or pivotably coupled to thebase frame 14, the third support arch 32C has been rotated in a generally upward direction so that the third support arch 32C is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thetrampoline assembly 10. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 2D , the fourth support arch 32D is still in the folded down or collapsed position on thebed 12 of thetrampoline assembly 10. - Further, as illustrated in
FIG. 2D , once the third support arch 32C has been positioned in the upright position substantially adjacent to thesecond support arch 32B, anarch connector 38 can be utilized to selectively secure the third support arch 32C to thesecond support arch 32B. More particularly, in one embodiment, thearch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the third support arch 32C to the inner edge of thesecond support arch 32B. Moreover, the use of thearch connectors 38 better enables the maintaining of thefirst support arch 32A, thesecond support arch 32B and the third support arch 32C in the upright position while the fourth support arch 32D is awaiting movement into the upright position. - Additionally, in this embodiment, when the third support arch 32C is in the upright configuration, the
first support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B are inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration. - In
FIG. 2E , another portion of theenclosure frame 26, i.e. thefourth support arch 32D, has been moved to the upright position wherein the apex of thefourth support arch 32D is positioned away from thebase frame 14. As illustrated, the fourth support arch 32D is now positioned substantially adjacent to the third support arch 32C and thefirst support arch 32A in the upright position. More particularly, with each supportarch end 34 of thefourth support arch 32D being hingably and/or pivotably coupled to thebase frame 14, the fourth support arch 32D has been rotated in a generally upward direction so that thefourth support arch 32D is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thetrampoline assembly 10. - Further, as illustrated in
FIG. 2E , once the fourth support arch 32D has been positioned in the upright position substantially adjacent to the third support arch 32C and thefirst support arch 32A, anarch connector 38 can be utilized to selectively secure the fourth support arch 32D to each of the third support arch 32C and thefirst support arch 32A. More particularly, in one embodiment, anarch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32D to the inner edge of the third support arch 32C, and anarch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32D to the inner edge of thefirst support arch 32A. Moreover, the use of thearch connectors 38 better enables the maintaining of thefirst support arch 32A, thesecond support arch 32B, the third support arch 32C and thefourth support arch 32D in the upright position. - Additionally, in this embodiment, when the
fourth support arch 32D is in the upright configuration, thefirst support arch 32A, thesecond support arch 32B and the third support arch 32C are inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration. - In summary, in this embodiment, when the enclosure frame 26 is fully in the upright configuration, the inner edge of the first support arch 32A is selectively secured to the outer edge of the second support arch 32B and the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32D (i.e. the first support arch 32A is effectively positioned outside the second support arch 32B and the fourth support arch 32D); the outer edge of the second support arch 32B is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch 32A, and the inner edge of the second support arch 32B is selectively secured to the outer edge of the third support arch 32C (i.e. the second support arch 32B is effectively positioned inside the first support arch 32A and outside the third support arch 32C); the outer edge of the third support arch 32C is selectively secured to the inner edge of the second support arch 32B, and the inner edge of the third support arch 32C is selectively secured to the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32D (i.e. the third support arch 32C is effectively positioned inside the second support arch 32B and outside the fourth support arch 32D); and the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32D is selectively secured to the inner edge of the third support arch 32C and the first support arch 32A (i.e. the fourth support arch 32D is effectively positioned inside the third support arch 32C and the first support arch 32A).
- With the design of the
enclosure frame 26, as described herein, thesupport arches 32A-32D are better able to share the load of impact if and when a user of thetrampoline assembly 10 contacts the enclosure 28 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) during use of thetrampoline assembly 10. -
FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of atrampoline assembly 310 having features of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 3 illustrates abase frame 314, a plurality oflegs 320, and anenclosure frame 326 that are substantially similar to thebase frame 14, the plurality oflegs 20 and theenclosure frame 26 illustrated and described above in relation toFIG. 1 . However, in this embodiment, thebase frame 314 can be approximately fourteen feet in diameter and thetrampoline assembly 310 includes fivelegs 320 that are spaced apart around thebase frame 314, so as to maintain thebase frame 314 and the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) above the support surface 24 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ). Additionally, in this embodiment, theenclosure frame 326 includes fivesupport arches 332 that are removably and hingably connected to thebase frame 314 and extend upward away from thebase frame 314, and that cooperate to extend fully around the perimeter of thebase frame 314. -
FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of still another embodiment of atrampoline assembly 410 having features of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 4 illustrates abase frame 414, a plurality oflegs 420, and anenclosure frame 426 that are substantially similar to thebase frame 14, the plurality oflegs 20 and theenclosure frame 26 illustrated and described above in relation toFIG. 1 . However, in this embodiment, thebase frame 414 can be approximately eight feet in diameter and thetrampoline assembly 410 includes threelegs 420 that are spaced apart around thebase frame 414, so as to maintain thebase frame 414 and the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) above the support surface 24 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ). Additionally, in this embodiment, theenclosure frame 426 includes threesupport arches 432 that are removably and hingably connected to thebase frame 414 and extend upward away from thebase frame 414, and that cooperate to extend fully around the perimeter of thebase frame 414. -
FIG. 5A is a simplified perspective view of yet another embodiment of atrampoline assembly 510, wherein theenclosure frame 526 is positioned in the upright configuration. As illustrated, thetrampoline assembly 510 is somewhat similar to the trampoline assemblies illustrated and described herein above. However, in this embodiment, thetrampoline assembly 510 includes abase frame 514 and abed 512 that are substantially rectangle shaped. More particularly, thebase frame 514 includes a pair ofopposed frame sides 514S and a pair of opposed frame ends 514E. - Additionally, as illustrated, the
enclosure frame 526 includes a pair ofside support arches 532S that extend substantially parallel to the frame sides 514S and a pair ofend support arches 532E that extend substantially parallel to the frame ends 514E. Due to the shape of thebase frame 514, theside support arches 532S are somewhat larger and span a greater portion of the perimeter of thebase frame 514 than theend support arches 532E. However, each of theside arches 532S and each of theend arches 532E are still pivotally connected to thebase frame 514 by a pair ofbase connectors 536. Further, each of theside arches 532S can be connected to each of theend arches 532E by one or morearch connectors 538 so as to maintain theenclosure frame 526 in the upright configuration. -
FIG. 5B is a simplified perspective view of thetrampoline assembly 510 illustrated inFIG. 5A , wherein theenclosure frame 526 is positioned in the collapsed configuration. In particular, inFIG. 5B , thearch connectors 538 have been removed so that theside arches 532S and theend arches 532E can be and has been pivoted relative to thebase frame 514 so that theenclosure frame 526 is in the collapsed configuration. -
FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of abase connector 636 usable with a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention. In particular, thebase connector 636 can be used with any of thetrampoline assemblies FIGS. 1 , 3, 4 and 5A, respectively. - As provided above, the
base connector 636 connects one of the support arch ends 34 of one of thesupport arches 32 to the base frame 14 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ). The design of thebase connector 636 can be varied depending on the specific requirements of the trampoline assembly 10 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) and/or thesupport arches 32. In this embodiment, thebase connector 636 includes acollar 640, aconnector base 642, and aconnector attacher 644. - The
collar 640 is adapted to be selectively secured to thebase frame 14. The design of thecollar 640 can be varied depending on the requirements of thebase connector 636. In this embodiment, thecollar 640 is substantially ring shaped and is adapted to substantially encircle thebase frame 14. Further, as shown, thecollar 640 can be made from twosemi-circular collar members collar 640 about thebase frame 14. More particularly, in this embodiment, one of thecollar members hook portion 646 and theother collar member more slots 648 that are adapted to alternatively receive thehook portion 646 so that thecollar 640 can be properly sized as thecollar 640 is positioned about thebase frame 14. Additionally, as illustrated, eachcollar member pin aperture 650 that are positioned substantially adjacent to one another when thecollar 640 is positioned about thebase frame 14, and that are adapted to receive acollar pin 651, e.g., a screw, to secure thecollar members base frame 14. With this design, thecollar 640 can be quickly and easily connected to and removed from thebase frame 14. - Additionally, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 6A , thecollar 640 further includes aconnector receiver 652 that is adapted to receive theconnector attacher 644. In this embodiment, theconnector receiver 652 is substantially circular in shape and protrudes from the outer surface of thecollar 640 and is internally threaded so as to effectively receive theconnector attacher 644. Alternatively, theconnector receiver 652 can have a different shape and/or a different design. When in use, theconnector receiver 652 is positioned substantially directly above thebase frame 14 in order to receive theconnector attacher 644. - The
connector base 642 is adapted to be secured to thecollar 640. As illustrated inFIG. 6A , theconnector base 642 can be somewhat U-shaped and includes aconnector bottom 654 and a pair of spaced apart connector sides 656. Theconnector bottom 654 further includes anattacher aperture 658. As illustrated in this embodiment, theattacher aperture 658 is substantially circular in shape and theconnector receiver 652 can extend through theattacher aperture 658. Additionally, theconnector attacher 644 includes a threaded portion that is adapted to extend into and threadedly engage theconnector receiver 652 to secure theconnector base 642 to thecollar 640. In one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, thebase connector 636 can be designed without thecollar 640, and theconnector base 642 can be directly connected to thebase frame 14. In such embodiment, theconnector attacher 644 can extend through theattacher aperture 658 and through a frame aperture that extends substantially vertically through thebase frame 14. - Further, as illustrated in
FIG. 6A , each of the connector sides 656 can include anarch aperture 660. Additionally, thesupport arches 32 can include anend aperture 662 positioned near each supportarch end 34 of thesupport arch 32. Theend aperture 662 is adapted to be positioned in alignment with thearch apertures 660, such that aconnector pin 664, e.g., a bolt or a screw, can extend through each of thearch apertures 660 and theend aperture 662. With this design, thesupport arches 32 can be sturdily maintained in a coupled relationship with thebase frame 14 via thebase connector 636. Additionally, this design allows thesupport arches 32 to rotate and/or pivot relative to theconnector base 642, thereby enabling thesupport arches 32 to be selectively moved between the upright configuration and the collapsed configuration. - In one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, each of the
support arches 32 can include two pairs of connector pins, e.g., detent buttons, such that one pair of connector pins are positioned substantially adjacent to and cantilever laterally away from each of the support arch ends 34. Each of the connector pins is adapted to be positioned within and/or extend through one of thearch apertures 660. Further, each of the connector pins is biased to be in an extended position such that the connector pins can be effectively maintained within thearch apertures 660 to maintain thesupport arches 32 in a coupled relationship with thebase frame 14 via thebase connector 636. Moreover, each of the connector pins can be depressed to enable the connector pins to be quickly and easily positioned within and/or removed from thearch apertures 660. - As provided above, the
connector attacher 644 is adapted to extend through theattacher aperture 658 and into theconnector receiver 652 to secure theconnector base 642 to thecollar 640. In one embodiment, theconnector attacher 644 is a screw that is externally threaded so as to be effectively screwed into theconnector receiver 652. Alternatively, theconnector attacher 644 can have a different design. Further, in one embodiment, as illustrated, awasher 666 can be positioned betweenconnector attacher 644 and theconnector bottom 654 of theconnector base 642. -
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of thebase connector 636 illustrated inFIG. 6A that is connected to or mounted on thebase frame 14. As illustrated, when thebase connector 636 is connected to thebase frame 14, thecollar 640 substantially encircles thebase frame 14. More particularly, thehook portion 646 engages one of the one ormore slots 648, and thecollar pin 651 extends through the pin apertures 650 (illustrated inFIG. 6A ) to secure thecollar 640 of thebase connector 636 to thebase frame 14. - Additionally, the
connector base 642 is secured to thecollar 640 by theconnector attacher 644 as theconnector attacher 644 extends through the attacher aperture 658 (illustrated inFIG. 6A ). As shown inFIG. 6B , when theconnector base 642 is secured to thecollar 640, theconnector base 642 is positioned substantially directly above thebase frame 14 and the connector sides 656 extend in a generally upward direction away from theconnector bottom 654, thecollar 640 and thebase frame 14. In this position, thearch apertures 660 are positioned to receive the connector pin 664 (illustrated inFIG. 6A ) that is adapted to extend through thearch apertures 660 and the end aperture 662 (illustrated inFIG. 6A ) that are positioned near each support arch end 34 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of the support arch 32 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ). -
FIG. 7A is a partially exploded perspective view of another embodiment of abase connector 736 usable with the present invention. As illustrated, thebase connector 736 is somewhat similar to thebase connector 636 illustrated and described above in relation toFIG. 6A . However, in this embodiment, theconnector receiver 752 is rectangle shaped and includes a substantially square shapedreceiver aperture 768 that is adapted to receive the connector attacher 644 (illustrated inFIG. 6A ). Moreover, as illustrated inFIG. 7A , thebase connector 736 further includes aconnector cap 770 that can be positioned substantially above and adjacent to thecollar 740 when thebase connector 736 is fitted about the base frame 14 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ). Theconnector cap 770 includes acap aperture 772 that is sized and shaped to fit about theconnector receiver 752. -
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of thebase connector 736 illustrated inFIG. 7A . In particular,FIG. 7B illustrates thebase connector 736 with theconnector cap 770 positioned substantially above an adjacent to thecollar 740 so that thebase connector 736 can be more securely connected to the base frame 14 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) and to otherwise inhibit contact between the user and thecollar 740 and the collar pin 751 (illustrated inFIG. 7A ). -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a pair ofsupport arches 832 and an embodiment of anarch connector 838 usable with a trampoline assembly having features of the present invention. In particular, thearch connector 838 can be used to connect the pair ofsupport arches 832, e.g., afirst support arch 832A and asecond support arch 832B, in any of thetrampoline assemblies FIGS. 1 , 3, 4 and 5A, respectively. - The design of the
support arches arch connector 838 can be varied. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 8 , thefirst support arch 832A includes afirst connector aperture 874A that is adapted to receive a portion of thearch connector 838. Somewhat similarly, thesecond support arch 832B includes asecond connector aperture 874B that is designed to be substantially aligned with thefirst connector aperture 874A and is adapted to receive a portion of thearch connector 838. - Additionally, in this embodiment, the
arch connector 838 includes aconnector head 876 and aconnector body 878. Theconnector head 876 is adapted to selectively engage theconnector body 878 so as to secure the first support arch 832A to thesecond support arch 832B. More particularly, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8 , theconnector head 876 includes a head aperture (not illustrated) that is internally threaded and that is sized and shaped to threadedly receive a portion of theconnector body 878. Theconnector body 878, e.g., a screw, is adapted to extend through thefirst connector aperture 874A and thesecond connector aperture 874B and be screwed into the head aperture of theconnector head 876. Further, theconnector body 878 includes abody end 882, e.g., a nut, that inhibits theconnector body 878 from being removed from thefirst connector aperture 874A and thesecond connector aperture 874B when theconnector head 876 is selectively engaging theconnector body 878. Alternatively, thearch connector 838 can have a different design. - Further, as illustrated, in one embodiment, the
connector head 876 can be substantially triangle shaped so as to enable the user to more easily grip and rotate, i.e. to tighten and/or loosen, theconnector head 876 relative to theconnector body 878. Alternatively, theconnector head 876 can have a different shape. -
FIG. 9A is a simplified flowchart illustrating the movement of the enclosure assembly from the working configuration to the non-working configuration. When moving the enclosure assembly from the working configuration to the non-working configuration, initially, instep 901, each of the enclosure connectors that extend between the enclosure frame and the enclosure is disengaged from the enclosure frame and/or from the top edge of the enclosure. Next, instep 903, the bottom edge of the enclosure is disengaged from the base frame, the cover, the bed and/or the plurality of resilient members. - Subsequently, in
step 905, the arch connectors that are utilized to connect the first support arch and the adjacent support arches, e.g., the second support arch and the fourth support arch, are disconnected so that the first support arch is no longer connected to any of the other support arches. Then, instep 907, the first support arch is folded down or collapsed onto the bed of the trampoline assembly. - Next, in
step 909, the arch connector that is utilized to connect the second support arch and the third support arch is disconnected so that the second support arch is no longer connected to any of the other support arches. Then, instep 911, the second support arch is folded down or collapsed onto the bed of the trampoline assembly. - Subsequently, in
step 913, the arch connector that is utilized to connect the third support arch and the fourth support arch is disconnected so that the third support arch is no longer connected to any of the other support arches. Then, instep 915, the third support arch is folded down or collapsed onto the bed of the trampoline assembly. - Finally, in
step 917, the fourth support arch is folded down or collapsed onto the bed of the trampoline assembly. At this point, the enclosure assembly is fully in the non-working configuration and each of the support arches are folded down or collapsed substantially adjacent to one another onto the bed of the trampoline assembly. -
FIG. 9B is a simplified flowchart illustrating the movement of the enclosure assembly from the non-working configuration to the working configuration. When moving the enclosure assembly from the non-working configuration to the working configuration, initially, instep 921, the first support arch is rotated relative to the base frame so that the first support arch is in the upright position. Next, instep 923, the second support arch is rotated relative to the base frame so that the second support arch is in the upright position substantially adjacent to the first support arch. Then, instep 925, an arch connector is utilized to connect the first support arch and the second support arch. This enables the first support arch and the second support arch to be maintained substantially adjacent to one another in the upright position. - Subsequently, in
step 927, the third support arch is rotated relative to the base frame so that the third support arch is in the upright position substantially adjacent to the second support arch. Then, instep 929, an arch connector is utilized to connect the second support arch and the third support arch. This enables the first support arch, the second support arch and the third support arch to be maintained substantially adjacent to one another in the upright position. - Next, in
step 931, the fourth support arch is rotated relative to the base frame so that the fourth support arch is in the upright position substantially adjacent to the first support arch and the third support arch. Then, instep 933, an arch connector is utilized to connect the third support arch and the fourth support arch, and an arch connector is utilized to connect the first support arch and the fourth support arch. This enables the first support arch, the second support arch, the third support arch and the fourth support arch to be maintained substantially adjacent to one another in the upright position. - Subsequently, in
step 935, the bottom edge of the enclosure is engaged with the base frame, the cover, the bed and/or the plurality of resilient members. Finally, instep 937, enclosure connectors are extended between the enclosure frame and the enclosure to connect and/or engage the enclosure frame with the top edge of the enclosure. At this point, the enclosure assembly is fully in the working configuration and the trampoline assembly is ready to be used by one or more users. - It should be noted that some of the steps as described herein can be combined or eliminated, further steps can be added, and/or the order of some of the steps can be altered without otherwise changing the purpose and/or results of the above-recited processes.
-
FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate another non-exclusive example of the gradual movement of theenclosure frame 26 from the collapsed configuration (illustrated inFIG. 10A ) to the upright configuration (illustrated inFIG. 10E ). In particular,FIG. 10A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of still yet another embodiment of atrampoline assembly 1010, wherein theenclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the collapsed configuration;FIG. 10B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of thetrampoline assembly 1010 illustrated inFIG. 10A , wherein theenclosure frame 26 is moved partially toward the upright configuration;FIG. 10C is a simplified perspective view of a portion of thetrampoline assembly 1010 illustrated inFIG. 10A , wherein theenclosure frame 26 is moved further toward the upright configuration;FIG. 10D is a simplified perspective view of a portion of thetrampoline assembly 1010 illustrated inFIG. 10A , wherein theenclosure frame 26 is moved still further toward the upright configuration; andFIG. 10E is a simplified perspective view of a portion of thetrampoline assembly 1010 illustrated inFIG. 10A , wherein theenclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the upright configuration. - In
FIG. 10A , each of thefirst support arch 32A, thesecond support arch 32B, the third support arch 32C, and thefourth support arch 32D are positioned substantially adjacent to one another in a folded down or collapsed position on the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thetrampoline assembly 1010. More particularly, as illustrated inFIG. 10A , theenclosure frame 26 is positioned fully in the collapsed configuration, and thetrampoline assembly 1010 is protected from unwanted and/or unsupervised use. - Moreover, in this embodiment, when the
enclosure frame 26 is in the collapsed configuration, all of thesupport arches 32A-32D are again positioned substantially within the perimeter of thebase frame 14 such that no portion of any of thesupport arches 32A-32D extends outside the perimeter of thebase frame 14. - Additionally, in this embodiment, when the
first support arch 32A is in the collapsed configuration, thesecond support arch 32B, the third support arch 32C and the fourth support arch 32D are inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration. - In
FIG. 10B , a portion of theenclosure frame 26, i.e. thefirst support arch 32A, has been rotated to the upright position and thefirst support arch 32A is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thetrampoline assembly 1010. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 10B , thesecond support arch 32B, the third support arch 32C and thefourth support arch 32D are still in the folded down or collapsed position on thebed 12 of thetrampoline assembly 1010. - Additionally, in this embodiment, when the
first support arch 32A is in the upright configuration and thesecond support arch 32B is in the collapsed configuration, the third support arch 32C and the fourth support arch 32D are inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration. - In
FIG. 10C , another portion of theenclosure frame 26, i.e. thesecond support arch 32B, has been rotated to the upright position and thesecond support arch 32B is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thetrampoline assembly 1010. Additionally, thesecond support arch 32B is now positioned substantially directly across from thefirst support arch 32A in the upright position. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 10C , the third support arch 32C and thefourth support arch 32D are still in the folded down or collapsed position on thebed 12 of thetrampoline assembly 1010. - Moreover, in this embodiment, when the
first support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B are in the upright configuration, and the third support arch 32C is in the collapsed configuration, thefourth support arch 32D is inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration. - In
FIG. 10D , another portion of theenclosure frame 26, i.e. the third support arch 32C, has been rotated to the upright position and the third support arch 32C is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thetrampoline assembly 1010. Additionally, the third support arch 32C is now positioned substantially adjacent to thefirst support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B in the upright position. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 10D , the fourth support arch 32D is still in the folded down or collapsed position on thebed 12 of thetrampoline assembly 1010. - Moreover, as illustrated in
FIG. 2D , once the third support arch 32C has been positioned in the upright position substantially adjacent to thefirst support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B, anarch connector 38 can be utilized to selectively secure the third support arch 32C to each of thefirst support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B. More particularly, in one embodiment, anarch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the third support arch 32C to the inner edge of thefirst support arch 32A, and anarch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the third support arch 32C to the inner edge of thesecond support arch 32B. - Still further, in this embodiment, when the third support arch 32C is in the upright configuration, the
first support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B are inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration. - In
FIG. 10E , another portion of theenclosure frame 26, i.e. thefourth support arch 32D, has been rotated to the upright position and thefourth support arch 32D is no longer folded down or collapsed on the bed 12 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) of thetrampoline assembly 1010. Additionally, the fourth support arch 32D is now positioned substantially adjacent to thefirst support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B in the upright position, and thefourth support arch 32D is positioned substantially directly across from the third support arch 32C. - Further, as illustrated in
FIG. 10E , once the fourth support arch 32D has been positioned in the upright position substantially adjacent to thefirst support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B, anarch connector 38 can be utilized to selectively secure the fourth support arch 32D to each of thefirst support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B. More particularly, in one embodiment, anarch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32D to the inner edge of thefirst support arch 32A, and anarch connector 38 selectively secures the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32D to the inner edge of thesecond support arch 32B. - Moreover, in this embodiment, when the
fourth support arch 32D is in the upright configuration, thefirst support arch 32A and thesecond support arch 32B are inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration. - In summary, in the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 10A-10E , when theenclosure frame 26 is fully in the upright configuration, the inner edge of thefirst support arch 32A is selectively secured to the outer edge of the third support arch 32C and the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32D (i.e. thefirst support arch 32A is effectively positioned outside the third support arch 32C and the fourth support arch 32D); the inner edge of thesecond support arch 32B is selectively secured to the outer edge of the third support arch 32C and the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32D (i.e. thesecond support arch 32B is effectively positioned outside the third support arch 32C and the fourth support arch 32D); the outer edge of the third support arch 32C is selectively secured to the inner edge of thefirst support arch 32A and the inner edge of thesecond support arch 32B (i.e. the third support arch 32C is effectively positioned inside thefirst support arch 32A and the second support arch 32B); and the outer edge of the fourth support arch 32D is selectively secured to the inner edge of thefirst support arch 32A and the inner edge of thesecond support arch 32B (i.e. the fourth support arch 32D is effectively positioned inside thefirst support arch 32A and the second support arch 32B). -
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of thebase frame 14 and still another embodiment of abase connector 1136 usable with the present invention. As illustrated, thebase connector 1136 is somewhat similar to thebase connectors FIG. 6A andFIG. 7A , respectively. However, in this embodiment, thebase connector 1136 is designed without a collar, and theconnector base 1142 is directly connected to thebase frame 14. Additionally, theconnector attacher 1144 is somewhat longer than in the previous embodiments so that theconnector attacher 1144 can extend through theattacher aperture 1158 and through aframe aperture 1184 that extends substantially vertically through thebase frame 14. Still further, also illustrated inFIG. 11 is anattacher retainer 1186 to maintain theconnector base 1142 securely connected to thebase frame 14. In particular, theattacher retainer 1186 is internally threaded so as to effectively receive and retain the externally threaded portion of theconnector attacher 1144. -
FIG. 12 is a simplified perspective view of still another embodiment of atrampoline assembly 1210 having features of the present invention. As shown, thetrampoline assembly 1210 is somewhat similar to the previous embodiments. In this embodiment, thetrampoline assembly 1210 again includes abed 1212, abase frame 1214, a plurality of first resilient members 1216 (some of which are illustrated inFIG. 12 ), acover 1218, a plurality oflegs 1220, and asupport assembly 1222. The plurality of first resilient members 1216 again connect thebed 1212 to thebase frame 1214, so as to place thebed 1212 in tension. - The design of the
bed 1212 can be varied depending upon the requirements of thetrampoline assembly 1210 and/or thebase frame 1214. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12 , thebed 1212 is substantially circular in shape. Alternatively, thebed 1212 can be substantially oval shaped, square shaped, rectangle shaped, or some other shape. In one embodiment, thebed 1212 is approximately thirty-one inches in diameter. Alternatively, thebed 1212 can be greater than or less than thirty-one inches in diameter. - The design of the
base frame 1214 can be varied depending on the requirements of thetrampoline assembly 1210, thebed 1212 and/or the plurality of first resilient members 1216. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12 , thebase frame 1214 is substantially circular in shape. Alternatively, thebase frame 1214 can be substantially oval shaped, square shaped, rectangle shaped, or some other shape. In one embodiment, thebase frame 1214 is a tubular frame that is approximately four feet in diameter. Alternatively, thebase frame 1214 can be greater than or less than four feet in diameter. - The
base frame 1214 can include a plurality of sections that can be secured together to form thebase frame 1214. In one embodiment, thebase frame 1214 is formed from a pair of sections that are each substantially semi-circular in shape. With this modular-type design, shipping and disassembly for storage of thebase frame 1214 is facilitated. Alternatively, thebase frame 1214 can be formed as a unitary structure. Further, thebase frame 1214 can be formed from various materials such as metal, wood, plastic, composite materials, ceramic, or any other suitably rigid materials. Alternatively, a combination of any of such materials can be used. - The plurality of first resilient members 1216 connect the
bed 1212 to thebase frame 1214, so as to maintain thebed 1212 in tension. Each first resilient member 1216 can include a spring, elastic, plastic, rubber, or other suitably resilient structure. The size and number of the first resilient members 1216 can vary. For example, in one embodiment, the trampoline assembly can include approximately 48 similarly-sized extension springs equally spaced around the perimeter of thebed 1212. Each spring can have a one-inch diameter and be formed from 12-gauge steel. However, thetrampoline assembly 1210 can be designed to have greater than 48 or fewer than 48 springs that have various dimensions and are made of various materials. - The
cover 1218 substantially covers at least a portion of the plurality of first resilient members 1216 (a portion of thecover 1218 is cut away inFIG. 12 to illustrate some of the plurality of resilient members 1216). Thecover 1218 is designed to help protect the user from injury by preventing the user from getting hands or feet or other body parts caught or pinched within the plurality of first resilient members 1216. Thecover 1218 can be made of nylon or other suitable, pliable material. In certain embodiments, a layer of padding (not illustrated inFIG. 1 ) can be positioned between thecover 1218 and the plurality of first resilient members 1216. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 12 , thelegs 1220 are connected to thebase frame 1214 and are spaced apart around thebase frame 1214, so as to maintain thebase frame 1214 and thebed 1212 above thesupport surface 24. The configuration and the number oflegs 1220 can vary. For example, in one embodiment, thetrampoline assembly 1210 has eight substantiallystraight legs 1220 that are equally spaced around thebase frame 1214. Alternatively, thetrampoline assembly 1210 can be designed to have more than eight or less than eightlegs 1220, and thelegs 1220 can have other than a straight leg design. - The
support assembly 1222 is designed to help support the user and to help the user to maintain balance while he or she uses thetrampoline assembly 1210. Additionally, thesupport assembly 1222 is designed to enable the user to easily get on and off thetrampoline assembly 1210 before and after each use. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12 , thesupport assembly 1222 includes a plurality ofsupport arches 1226, afirst support segment 1228, asecond support segment 1230, asupport bar 1232, and a plurality of supportresilient members 1234. - The plurality of
support arches 1226, as illustrated inFIG. 12 , are connected to thebase frame 1214 and cantilever upward away from thebase frame 1214. Further, the plurality ofsupport arches 1226 can be formed from various materials such as metal, wood, plastic, composite materials, ceramic, or any other suitably rigid materials. Alternatively, a combination of any of such materials can be used. - Each
support arch 1226 has a pair of spaced apart support arch ends 1236 that are secured to thebase frame 1214 with a pair ofbase connectors 1238. Alternatively, the support arch ends 1236 can extend somewhat below the level of thebase frame 1214, with areas of thesupport arch 1226 close to the support arch ends 1236 being directly connected to thebase frame 1214. Thebase connectors 1238 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener, or some other type of connector that enables thesupport arch 1226 to be securely attached to thebase frame 1214. - Each
support arch 1226 is further connected to at least one of theother support arches 1226 with one or morearch connectors 1240, so as create a much sturdier structure for thesupport assembly 1222 to better support the user when using thetrampoline assembly 1210. Thearch connectors 1240 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener or some other type of connector that enables eachsupport arch 1226 to be securely attached to one or more of theother support arches 1226. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12 , thesupport assembly 1222 includes threesupport arches 1226 that extend around only a portion of thebase frame 1214. Eachsupport arch 1226 overlaps somewhat and is connected to the adjacent support arch(es) 1226 with one of thearch connectors 1240. In other words, a first support arch 1226A overlaps with and is connected to asecond support arch 1226B with anarch connector 1240, and the second support arch 1226B overlaps with and is connected to athird support arch 1226C with anarch connector 1240. Alternatively, thesupport assembly 1222 can be designed to have more than three or less than threesupport arches 1226. - The height of the
arch connectors 1240 and the degree of overlap of theadjacent support arches 1226 can be varied depending upon the requirements of thesupport assembly 1222. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12 , thearch connectors 1240 are positioned at a point that is approximately one-third to one-half of the way up the overall height of thesupport arch 1226. Further, theadjacent support arches 1226 are shown to overlap by approximately 20 degrees around the circumference of thebase frame 1214. Alternatively, thearch connectors 1240 can be positioned so that they are higher or lower than shown inFIG. 12 , and theadjacent support arches 1226 can overlap by more than 20 degrees or less than 20 degrees. - In one embodiment, the
support arches 1226 are at an angle of approximately 75 degrees relative tobed frame 1214. Alternatively, thesupport arches 1226 can be at an angle of greater than or lesser than 75 degrees relative to thebed frame 1214. - In certain embodiments, the
support arches 1226 are collapsible. More specifically, thesupport arches 1226 are selectively pivotable relative to the bed frame 1214 (e.g., thesupport arches 1226 are hingably secured to thebase frame 1214 with the pair of base connectors 1238) when thearch connectors 1240 are detached so that thetrampoline assembly 1210 can be stored in a relatively small configuration. Alternatively, thetrampoline assembly 1210 can be designed so that thesupport arches 1226 are not collapsible. - As noted above, the plurality of
support arches 1226 extend around only a portion of thebase frame 1214. With this design there is an open space 1245 between the first support arch 1226A and thethird support arch 1226C that enables the user to easily get on and off of thetrampoline assembly 1210, while still maintaining a significant strength and structural integrity to thesupport assembly 1222. - The
first support segment 1228 is connected to thebase frame 1214 and thefirst support arch 1226A, and thefirst support segment 1228 cantilevers upward away from thebase frame 1214. Thefirst support segment 1228 includes abottom end 1242 and atop end 1244. As shown inFIG. 12 , thebottom end 1242 of thefirst support segment 1228 is connected to thebase frame 1214 with abase connector 1238. Alternatively, thebottom end 1242 can extend somewhat below the level of thebase frame 1214, with areas of thefirst support segment 1228 close to thebottom end 1242 being directly connected to thebase frame 1214. Thebase connector 1238 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener, or some other type of connector that enables thefirst support segment 1228 to be securely attached to thebase frame 1214. Alternatively, thebase connector 1238 can be a hinge that enables thefirst support segment 1228 to pivot relative to thebase frame 1214. - Additionally, the
first support segment 1228 is connected to thefirst support arch 1226A with asegment connector 1246. Thesegment connector 1246 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener, or some other type of connector that enables thefirst support segment 1228 to be securely attached to thefirst support arch 1226A. In this embodiment, thesegment connector 1246 is positioned approximately halfway between thebottom end 1242 and thetop end 1244 of thefirst support segment 1228. In embodiments where thebase connector 1238 hingably connects thefirst support segment 1228 to thebase frame 1214, thefirst support segment 1228 is collapsible (i.e. can pivot relative to the base frame 1214) when thesegment connector 1246 is detached so that thetrampoline assembly 1210 can be stored in a relatively small configuration. - The
second support segment 1230 is connected to thebase frame 1214 and thethird support arch 1226C, and thesecond support segment 1230 cantilevers upward away from thebase frame 1214. Thesecond support segment 1230 includes abottom end 1242 and atop end 1244. As shown inFIG. 12 , thebottom end 1242 of thesecond support segment 1230 is connected to thebase frame 1214 with abase connector 1238. Alternatively, thebottom end 1242 can extend somewhat below the level of thebase frame 1214, with areas of thesecond support segment 1230 close to thebottom end 1242 being directly connected to thebase frame 1214. Thebase connector 1238 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener, or some other type of connector that enables thesecond support segment 1230 to be securely attached to thebase frame 1214. Alternatively, thebase connector 1238 can be a hinge that enables thesecond support segment 1230 to pivot relative to thebase frame 1214. - Additionally, the
second support segment 1230 is connected to thethird support arch 1226C with asegment connector 1246. Thesegment connector 1246 can include some sort of bracket connector, fastener or some other type of connector that enables thesecond support segment 1230 to be securely attached to thethird support arch 1226C. In this embodiment, thesegment connector 1246 is positioned approximately halfway between thebottom end 1242 and thetop end 1244 of thesecond support segment 1230. In embodiments where thebase connector 1238 hingably connects thesecond support segment 1230 to thebase frame 1214, thesecond support segment 1230 is collapsible (i.e. can pivot relative to the base frame 1214) when thesegment connector 1246 is detached so that thetrampoline assembly 1210 can be stored in a relatively small configuration. - In
FIG. 12 , thetop end 1244 of thefirst support segment 1228 curves somewhat toward thetop end 1244 of thesecond support segment 1230, and thetop end 1244 of thesecond support segment 1230 curves somewhat toward thetop end 1244 of thefirst support segment 1228. In this embodiment, thetop end 1244 of thefirst support segment 1228 and thetop end 1244 of thesecond support segment 1230 are at a height that is equal to or approximately equal to the height of thesupport bar 1232. For example, in non-exclusive embodiments, the height of thesupport segments 1230 is within approximately 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 5 inches of that of thesupport bar 1232. In one embodiment, thefirst support segment 1228 and thesecond support segment 1230 are just portions of an incomplete arch that is similar in size and shape to theother arches 1226. - The
support bar 1232 is positioned above thebed 1212 of thetrampoline assembly 1210 to provide the user with a stabilizer to enhance balance and coordination when using thetrampoline assembly 1210. As shown, thesupport bar 1232 is positioned substantially horizontally (and substantially parallel with the bed 1212) approximately three feet above thebed 1212 of thetrampoline assembly 1210. Alternatively, thesupport bar 1232 can be positioned so that it is greater than or less than three feet above thebed 1212 of thetrampoline assembly 1210. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 12 , thesupport bar 1232 has a semi-enclosed shape having afirst end 1248 and a spaced apartsecond end 1250. With this design the user can easily get on and off thetrampoline assembly 1210 and gain access to thesupport bar 1232 within the semi-enclosed figure. In one embodiment, thesupport bar 1232 can be substantially C-shaped. Alternatively, thesupport bar 1232 can be substantially U-shaped, substantially rectangle-shaped with one side or most of one side open or missing, substantially square-shaped with one side or most of one side open or missing, or some other shape. - The plurality of support
resilient members 1234 connect thesupport bar 1232 to the rest of thesupport assembly 1222. Each supportresilient member 1234 can include a spring, elastic, plastic, rubber, or other suitably resilient structure. Further, each supportresilient member 1234 can include asupport cover 1252 that is designed to help protect the user from injury by preventing the user from getting hands or feet or other body parts caught or pinched within the supportresilient member 1234. Thesupport cover 1252 can be made of nylon or other suitable, pliable material. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 12 , thesupport assembly 1222 includes four supportresilient members 1234, wherein one supportresilient member 1234 is positioned near thefirst end 1248 of thesupport bar 1232, one supportresilient member 1234 is positioned near thesecond end 1250 of thesupport bar 1232, and two supportresilient members 1234 are substantially evenly spaced along thesupport bar 1232 between thefirst end 1248 and thesecond end 1250. As shown, two supportresilient members 1234 connect thesupport bar 1232 to thesecond support arch 1226B, one supportresilient member 1234 connects thesupport bar 1232 to thefirst support segment 1228 near thetop end 1244 of thefirst support segment 1228, and one supportresilient member 1234 connects thesupport bar 1232 to thesecond support segment 1230 near thetop end 1244 of thesecond support segment 1230. Alternatively, thesupport assembly 1222 can be designed to include more than four supportresilient members 1234 or less than four supportresilient members 1234, one or more of the supportresilient members 1234 can be connected to thefirst support arch 1226A or thesecond support arch 1226C, and/or the spacing between the supportresilient members 1234 can be varied. - While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of a
trampoline assembly 10 and anenclosure assembly 22 have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. Accordingly, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. No limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown.
Claims (28)
1. An enclosure assembly for use with a trampoline assembly, the trampoline assembly including a base frame, the enclosure assembly comprising:
a plurality of support arches including at least three support arches that are hingably secured to the base frame, wherein each support arch overlaps and is selectively secured to two of the other support arches, wherein the plurality of support arches cooperate to extend substantially fully around a perimeter of the base frame, the plurality of support arches being selectively movable between an upright configuration and a collapsed configuration, and wherein when the plurality of support arches are in the upright configuration (i) an inner edge of at least one of the plurality of support arches is connected to an outer edge of each of two of the other support arches, and (ii) an outer edge of at least one of the plurality of support arches is connected to an inner edge of each of two of the other support arches.
2. The enclosure assembly of claim 1 wherein the plurality of support arches includes a first support arch, a second support arch and a third support arch that are hingably secured to the base frame, the second arch overlapping the first support arch and being selectively secured to the first support arch, and the third support arch overlapping the second support arch and being selectively secured to the second support arch.
3. The enclosure assembly of claim 2 wherein the third support arch overlaps the first support arch and is selectively secured to the first support arch.
4. The enclosure assembly of claim 2 wherein the plurality of support arches further includes a fourth support arch that is hingably secured to the base frame, the fourth support arch overlapping the third support arch and being selectively secured to the third support arch.
5. The enclosure assembly of claim 4 wherein the fourth support arch overlaps the first support arch and is selectively secured to the first support arch.
6. The enclosure assembly of claim 4 wherein when the plurality of support arches are in the upright configuration, (i) an inner edge of the first support arch is selectively secured to an outer edge of the second support arch and an outer edge of the fourth support arch; (ii) the outer edge of the second support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch 32A, and an inner edge of the second support arch is selectively secured to an outer edge of the third support arch; (iii) the outer edge of the third support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the second support arch, and an inner edge of the third support arch is selectively secured to the outer edge of the fourth support arch; and (iv) the outer edge of the fourth support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the third support arch and the inner edge of the first support arch.
7. The enclosure assembly of claim 4 wherein when the plurality of support arches are in the upright configuration, (i) an inner edge of the first support arch is selectively secured to an outer edge of the third support arch and an outer edge of the fourth support arch; (ii) an inner edge of the second support arch is selectively secured to the outer edge of the third support arch and the outer edge of the fourth support arch; (iii) the outer edge of the third support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch and the inner edge of the second support arch; and (iv) the outer edge of the fourth support arch is selectively secured to the inner edge of the first support arch and the inner edge of the second support arch.
8. The enclosure assembly of claim 1 wherein when the first support arch is in the upright configuration, one or more of the other support arches are inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration.
9. The enclosure assembly of claim 1 wherein when the first support arch is in the collapsed configuration, one or more of the other support arches are inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration.
10. The enclosure assembly of claim 1 wherein when the plurality of support arches are in the collapsed configuration, the support arches are positioned substantially within the perimeter of the base frame.
11. The enclosure assembly of claim 1 further comprising an enclosure that is selectively coupled to the plurality of support arches.
12. A trampoline assembly including a base frame and the enclosure assembly of claim 1 .
13. An enclosure assembly for use with a trampoline assembly, the trampoline assembly including a base frame, the enclosure assembly comprising:
a plurality of support arches that are hingably secured to the base frame and that are selectively movable between a collapsed configuration and an upright configuration, the plurality of support arches including at least a first support arch, a second support arch and a third support arch, wherein the positioning of the first support arch inhibits one or more of the other support arches from being moved between the collapsed configuration and the upright configuration, and wherein when the plurality of support arches are in the upright configuration (i) an inner edge of at least one of the plurality of support arches is connected to an outer edge of each of two of the other support arches, and (ii) an outer edge of at least one of the plurality of support arches is connected to an inner edge of each of two of the other support arches.
14. The enclosure assembly of claim 13 wherein when the first support arch is in the upright configuration, one or more of the other support arches are inhibited from being moved from the upright configuration to the collapsed configuration.
15. The enclosure assembly of claim 13 wherein when the first support arch is in the collapsed configuration, one or more of the other support arches are inhibited from being moved from the collapsed configuration to the upright configuration.
16. The enclosure assembly of claim 13 wherein the plurality of support arches further includes a fourth support arch that is hingably secured to the base frame, the second support arch overlapping the first support arch and being selectively secured to the first support arch, the third support arch overlapping the second support arch and being selectively secured to the second support arch, and the fourth support arch overlapping the third support arch and being selectively secured to the third support arch.
17. The enclosure assembly of claim 16 wherein the fourth support arch overlaps the first support arch and is selectively secured to the first support arch.
18. The enclosure assembly of claim 13 wherein when the plurality of support arches are in the collapsed configuration, the support arches are positioned substantially within the perimeter of the base frame.
19. The enclosure assembly of claim 13 wherein the plurality of support arches cooperate to extend substantially fully around the perimeter of the base frame.
20. The enclosure assembly of claim 13 wherein each support arch overlaps and is selectively secured to two of the other support arches.
21. The enclosure assembly of claim 13 further comprising an enclosure that is selectively coupled to the plurality of support arches.
22. A trampoline assembly including a base frame and the enclosure assembly of claim 13 .
23. An enclosure assembly for use with a trampoline assembly, the trampoline assembly including a base frame, the enclosure assembly comprising:
a plurality of support arches including at least three support arches that are hingably secured to the base frame and that are selectively movable between a collapsed configuration and an upright configuration, wherein each support arch overlaps and is selectively secured to two of the other support arches, wherein the plurality of support arches cooperate to extend substantially fully around a perimeter of the base frame, and wherein when the support arches are in the collapsed configuration the support arches are positioned substantially within the perimeter of the base frame.
24. The enclosure assembly of claim 23 wherein the plurality of support arches includes a first support arch, a second support arch, a third support arch and a fourth support arch that are hingably secured to the base frame, the second support arch overlapping the first support arch and being selectively secured to the first support arch, the third support arch overlapping the second support arch and being selectively secured to the second support arch, and the fourth support arch overlapping the third support arch and being selectively secured to the third support arch.
25. The enclosure assembly of claim 24 wherein the fourth support arch overlaps the first support arch and is selectively secured to the first support arch.
26. The enclosure assembly of claim 23 wherein the plurality of support arches includes at least a first support arch, and wherein the positioning of the first support arch inhibits one or more of the other support arches from being moved between the collapsed configuration and the upright configuration.
27. The enclosure assembly of claim 23 further comprising an enclosure that is selectively coupled to the plurality of support arches.
28. A trampoline assembly including a base frame and the enclosure assembly of claim 23 .
Priority Applications (1)
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US13/493,970 US20120252634A1 (en) | 2008-05-06 | 2012-06-11 | Trampoline with collapsible enclosure assembly |
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US12/116,149 US8197390B2 (en) | 2008-05-06 | 2008-05-06 | Mini-trampoline with support bar |
US13/009,782 US8585557B2 (en) | 2010-02-23 | 2011-01-19 | Trampoline with collapsible enclosure assembly |
US13/493,970 US20120252634A1 (en) | 2008-05-06 | 2012-06-11 | Trampoline with collapsible enclosure assembly |
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US12/116,149 Continuation-In-Part US8197390B2 (en) | 2008-05-06 | 2008-05-06 | Mini-trampoline with support bar |
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US13/493,970 Abandoned US20120252634A1 (en) | 2008-05-06 | 2012-06-11 | Trampoline with collapsible enclosure assembly |
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US20090062078A1 (en) * | 2007-08-31 | 2009-03-05 | Vanelverdinghe Jeffry L | Flexible Enclosure For A Recreational Structure |
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