Method and system for adjusting the height of a trampoline

Abstract

A height adjustment device configured to adjust the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, as well as a method for the same. The height adjustment device may comprise a first support configured to interface and join with a portion of a frame of a trampoline that supports the jumping mat; a second support operable with the first support and configured to interface and join with a portion of a leg of the trampoline in contact with the support surface and that supports the frame; and an adjustment configuration configured to facilitate the adjustment of the first support relative to the second support, and thus the height of the jumping mat of the trampoline. The height adjustment device may also comprise a u-shaped leg operable with a similar first support, wherein the u-shaped leg is designed to completely replace an existing leg of the trampoline. The adjustment of the height adjustment device may be carried out using any one of a plurality of different methods or configurations specifically designed to facilitate the quick and easy adjustment of the jumping mat to one of a plurality of adjustment positions or heights.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/696,614, filed Jul. 5, 2005, having a title of “Method and System for Adjusting the Height of a Trampoline,” which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to trampolines, and more particularly to a method and system for adjusting the height of a trampoline relative to the ground or other surface supporting the trampoline, wherein the trampoline may be made safer and more accommodating to younger children, and wherein the trampoline height can be adjusted to optimally accommodate jumpers of all sizes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

Since their advent, trampolines have steadily increased in popularity. Currently, there are about 500,000 trampolines sold each year, with most of these being intended for residential use. Notably, the increased use of trampolines has spanned both residential and competition settings, such that the trampoline is now a well recognized piece of sporting or exercise equipment, in addition to the more familiar play device found in numerous households. Indeed, trampoline use is more than a recreational pastime, it is a great form of aerobic exercise for athletic training and a great way to showcase practiced skill and talent in a competitive manner.

Despite the enjoyment and satisfaction that can be realized from jumping on a trampoline, there are many risks involved. What is seemingly a source of fun and way to foster competitive sport, a trampoline can quickly become a cause of serious injury and even death if not used properly. The increased popularity of trampolines has unfortunately resulted in a dramatic increase in serious injuries, including broken necks, spinal cord injuries, damage to internal organs, and disabling head traumas, many of which result in permanent paralysis or even death. In addition, trampolines are responsible for many less serious injuries such as broken bones, including legs, arms, and other parts of the body, as well as different types of dislocations and muscle damage. To make matters worse, the majority of these injuries occur among children under the age of 14 who do not recognize the inherent risks associated with jumping on a trampoline. While two-thirds of trampoline related injuries occur on the jumping mat, a large number of injuries are sustained while mounting and dismounting the trampoline. This is especially true for younger children who are smaller, and thus have a more difficult time getting on and off the trampoline because of its height with respect to the ground or other support surface.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that roughly 80,000-100,000 people are treated each year for injuries sustained while jumping on a trampoline or otherwise using or attempting to use a trampoline. Accordingly, the CPSC has recognized the need and has called for the development of safety advancements to help reduce the number of trampoline injuries.

A typical trampoline, namely the frame and the jumping mat supported by the frame, comprises a jumping height between 32 and 34 inches as measured from its support surface, such as the ground, depending upon the particular make of the trampoline. This particular Jumping height has been calculated to provide a safe jumping experience, while still achieving good trampoline performance. This particular jumping height has also been determined as the most optimum height for accommodating the greatest number of people, including children and adults, based on both age and weight, as well as the stiffness of the springs coupling the jumping mat to the frame. Indeed, most people can utilize a trampoline of this height with the jumper and the jumping mat displacing a sufficient distance without contacting the ground.

Despite the seeming advantages of providing a trampoline with a standard height, there are many instances where such a standard height is excessive. One particular instance is when the trampoline is purchased for use by children. Statistics show that the most common practice for consumers of trampolines is to purchase a trampoline not for themselves, but for their children. Occasionally adults will utilize the trampoline, but the majority of time it will be used by their children and their friends. As such, a trampoline having a standard height between 32 and 34 inches, or rather a height to accommodate the majority of the population, including adult jumpers, is unnecessary. More importantly, such an unnecessary height can lead to injuries that may otherwise be prevented or mitigated. As indicated above, among the many accidents that occur each year from trampoline use is children attempting to mount or dismount the trampoline. This is an especially daunting task for children trying to mount or dismount a trampoline having a standard height as the frame and jumping mat can be far over their heads or beyond their stepping or even leaping capabilities. As such, they resort to placing various objects in close proximity to the trampoline, the most common object being a chair, which they scale or otherwise climb onto to assist them in mounting or dismounting of the trampoline. Such practices lead to injuries as the child must dismount an object being used in a way other than as intended. For example, a chair may fall out from under the child as the child leans away from the chair to mount the trampoline. Furthermore, injury may result from children falling off of the trampoline, or even from their being catapulted from the trampoline. A trampoline with a standard height can provide an unnecessary and potentially dangerous fall for a child.

Another disadvantage to prior related trampolines is that they must be placed on a level surface in order to obtain a level jumping surface, as there is no mechanism or means available to modify the level of the jumping surface of the trampoline. As such, uneven support surfaces, such as an uneven ground surface, will result in the trampoline being on an undesirable incline, which may make jumping difficult and even dangerous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art, the present invention seeks to overcome these by providing a height adjustment device configured to selectively adjust the height of a trampoline. In one embodiment, the height adjustment device may be an intermediate height adjustment device configured to replace a portion of an existing leg assembly and to interface and join with an existing frame of a trampoline. In another embodiment, the height adjustment device may replace the leg assembly altogether.

In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, and in one exemplary embodiment, the present invention features an intermediate height adjustment device configured to adjust the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, the intermediate height adjustment device comprising: (a) a first support configured to interface and join with a portion of a frame of a trampoline that supports the jumping mat; (b) a second support operable with the first support and configured to interface and join with a portion of a leg of the trampoline in contact with the support surface and that supports the frame; and (c) an adjustment configuration configured to facilitate the adjustment of the first support relative to the second support, and thus the height of at least a portion of the jumping mat of the trampoline.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention features a height adjustment device configured to adjust the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, the height adjustment device comprising: (a) a first support configured to interface and join with a portion of a frame of a trampoline that supports the jumping mat; (b) a u-shaped leg operable with the first support to adjustably support the frame of the trampoline about the support surface, the u-shaped leg comprising first and second vertical extensions and a horizontal ground support portion extending therebetween; and (c) an adjustment configuration configured to facilitate the adjustment of the first support relative to the u-shaped leg, and thus the height of at least a portion of the jumping mat of the trampoline.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention features a height adjustment device configured to adjust the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, the intermediate height adjustment device comprising: (a) means for interfacing and joining with a portion of a frame of a trampoline configured to support the jumping mat; (b) means for interfacing and joining with a portion of a leg of a trampoline configured to support the frame above the support surface; and (c) means for adjusting the means for interfacing and joining with respect to one another to adjust a height of at least a portion of the frame and the jumping mat with respect to the support surface.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention features a system for adjusting the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, the system comprising: (a) at least one interchangeable support, wherein each support has a fixed, pre-determined length corresponding to a desired height, and wherein each support is configured to replace a portion of an existing leg of the trampoline and to interface and join with at least a portion of a frame and a remaining portion of the existing leg of the trampoline to achieve the desired height. Typically, two or more supports for each leg of the trampoline will be provided, which may be selectively interchanged with one another to achieve a variety of heights, and/or a variety of inclines or different heights between leg assemblies, such as for leveling purposes.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention features a trampoline system configured to provide a jumping mat with a plurality of jumping heights comprising: (a) a trampoline comprising: (i) a jumping mat; (ii) a frame configured to support the jumping mat, the frame comprising a closed loop, horizontal frame assembly and a plurality of sleeves extending downward from the closed loop, horizontal frame assembly; (iii) a plurality of biasing means configured to couple the jumping mat to the frame in a biased manner; (iv) at least one u-shaped leg configured to support the frame and the jumping mat about the support surface, the u-shaped leg comprising first and second vertical supports and a horizontal ground support extending therebetween, the first and second vertical supports each being configured to releasably join to one of the plurality of sleeves; and (b) a height adjustment device configured to interface and join with a portion of the frame and a portion of the u-shaped leg to adjust a height of at least a portion of the jumping mat with respect to the support surface.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention features a method for adjusting a height of a jumping mat of a trampoline, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a trampoline having a frame supporting a jumping mat and a plurality of legs supporting the frame about a support surface; (b) replacing at least a portion of at least one of the legs with a height adjustment device configured to interface and join with a portion of the frame and a portion of the leg to adjust the height of at least a portion of the jumping mat and the trampoline with respect to the support surface; and (c) adjusting the height adjustment device to adjust the height of at least a portion of the jumping mat and the trampoline to one of a plurality of heights.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the present invention still further features a method for adjusting a height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, the method comprising: (a) providing a height adjustment device configured for use with an existing trampoline; (b) facilitating the replacement of at least a portion of a leg of a trampoline with the height adjustment device; and (c) facilitating the selective adjustment of the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the jumping mat to one of a plurality of heights.

The above height adjustment devices, systems, and methods feature the ability to adjust one leg assembly (e.g., an existing leg joined with another height adjustment device, or the complete replacement of a leg with a height adjustment device) to one height and a different leg assembly to another height to achieve different heights for one or more purposes. For example, providing the ability to adjust different legs or leg assemblies of the trampoline to different heights, a leveling function may be introduced to the trampoline in the event of an uneven support surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciated that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary trampoline comprising a plurality of height adjustment devices operable therewith to enable selective height adjustment of the frame and the jumping mat supported by the frame, wherein the height adjustment devices are adjusted to provide a relatively low adjustment position and a corresponding jumping height, and wherein the height adjustment devices are configured according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary trampoline and plurality height adjustment devices of FIG. 1, wherein the height adjustment devices are adjusted to provide a relatively high adjustment position and corresponding jumping height;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of a height adjustment device and adjustment configuration according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of the height adjustment device and adjustment configuration of FIG. 3 in an assembled state and positioned in a lowermost adjustment position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of the height adjustment device and adjustment configuration of FIG. 3 in an assembled state and positioned in an uppermost adjustment position;

FIG. 6 illustrates partial perspective view of an alternative height adjustment device and adjustment configuration similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 3, only the sleeve of the frame and the vertical extension of the leg of the trampoline are caused to be supported on respective fasteners or stabilizing pins;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of a height adjustment device and adjustment configuration according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the height adjustment device further comprises an adapter configured to facilitate the interchangeability of the height adjustment device on a number of different sized trampolines;

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial perspective view of a height adjustment device and adjustment configuration according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the adjustment configuration comprises thread configurations formed in each of the first and second supports of the height adjustment device, wherein the thread configurations are configured to engage and mate with one another to provide an infinite number of adjustment positions and corresponding jumping heights;

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial perspective view of a height adjustment device and adjustment configuration according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the height adjustment device comprises a u-shaped leg configured to replace an existing u-shaped leg and to be operable with a first support; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial perspective view of a height adjustment system according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the height adjustment system comprises a plurality of interchangeable supports, each having a fixed, pre-determined length corresponding to a desired height, and each being configured to replace a portion of an existing leg of said trampoline.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 10 is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe the features and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth the best mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims.

The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention are designated by numerals throughout.

In a general sense, the present invention describes a method and system for adjusting the height of a trampoline, and more specifically the height of a jumping mat and supporting frame of a trampoline using a height adjustment device or system. The height adjustment device or system is preferably configured to selectively adjust to a plurality of adjustment positions that enable the trampoline, and the jumping mat, to be adjusted to a plurality of corresponding jumping heights. Moreover, although designed to replace all or a portion of the standard legs of the trampoline, the height adjustment device or system is configured to provide the necessary structural support to the frame and jumping mat of the trampoline in a similar manner as the standard leg assembly. A more detailed description of the height adjustment device and similar systems is presented below.

The height adjustment feature of the present invention provides many significant advantages over prior related trampolines. First, the height adjustment device may operate to eliminate many of the safety issues discussed above with respect to the height of trampolines. For instance, the trampoline may better accommodate children by providing an easier time of mounting and dismounting the trampoline. Second, support surfaces supporting the trampoline are often uneven or on an incline. Unlike prior related trampolines, one or several portions of the trampoline utilizing the present invention height adjustment system may be adjusted to comprise a different height than other portions, which are particularly useful for leveling purposes in the event the trampoline is placed an uneven or inclined support surface.

It is noted that the advantages specifically recited herein are not meant to be limiting in any way. Indeed, one skilled in the art will recognize other advantages upon reading the disclosure as presented herein, and/or practicing the present invention, each of which are contemplated herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrated are a perspective views of an exemplary trampoline 10 comprising a plurality of height adjustment devices 70 configured to selectively adjust the jumping height of the trampoline 10. The trampoline 10 may comprise any type of trampoline, such as those manufactured for residential use, or those used in commercial or competitive settings. As one skilled in the art will recognize, the trampoline 10 may be various configurations, such as square, round, or octagonal. The trampoline 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises as an exemplary common backyard or residential trampoline. Although the present invention is intended to be operable with different types and sizes of trampolines, the exemplary trampoline illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be used for discussion purposes herein. However, it is specifically noted that the present invention is not limited for use with this specific type and configuration of trampoline only. Indeed, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be used on a variety of different types and sizes of trampolines and that those illustrated in the figures and described herein are not intended to be limiting in any way.

The trampoline 10 comprises a frame 14 consisting of a closed loop, horizontal frame assembly 16 and a plurality of sleeves 30 extending downward from said frame assembly 16. Common to most trampolines, the horizontal frame assembly 16 comprises a plurality of members that couple together to form the closed loop configuration. The closed loop, horizontal frame assembly 16, and particularly the, trampoline 10 is shown as comprising a circular configuration.

The trampoline 10 further comprises a jumping mat 18 supported by the frame 14, and particularly the horizontal frame assembly 16, via a plurality of biasing members, shown as springs 22, which are annularly spaced about the perimeter of the jumping mat 18 and are configured to connect the jumping mat 18 to the horizontal frame assembly 16 in a manner commonly known in the art. The jumping mat 18 functions to provide the trampoline 10 with its jumping surface, with the springs enabling a trampoline effect. The trampoline 10 may further comprise a protective cover 26 configured for placement over the springs 22 and the frame 14 for added protection to jumpers.

The trampoline 10 further comprises a plurality of legs, shown as u-shaped legs 40-a, 40-b, 40-c, and 40-d, or similarly structured legs, not to be limited. Unlike prior related trampolines, the legs 40-a, 40-b, 40-c, and 40-d of the trampoline 10 are each configured with one or more height adjustment devices 70 designed to enable the selective adjustment of the jumping height, shown as jumping height h₁, of the trampoline 10, and more particularly the jumping mat 18 and the frame 14 supporting the jumping mat 18. Of course, as one skilled in the art will recognize, leg configurations other than u-shaped are contemplated herein, including those making up the height adjustment device 10 as described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the height adjustment devices 70 are adjusted to a relatively low adjustment position corresponding to a jumping height h₁ of the trampoline 10 and the jumping mat 18 with respect to the supporting surface (not shown) on which the legs 40 rest. At this height, the clearance between the jumping mat 18 and the support surface is reduced, thus making the trampoline 10 much more accessible to smaller individuals, such as dwarfs or children. Since the jumping mat 18 and the frame 14 are less of a distance from the supporting surface or ground than standard height trampolines, smaller individuals desiring to use the trampoline 10 may do so without incurring the risk of climbing onto the trampoline by scaling its frame or by placing a foreign object, such as a chair, next to the trampoline to assist in mounting the trampoline, each of which pose significant hazards to the child. By lowering the height of the trampoline 10, mounting the trampoline 10 becomes much easier and much safer. Moreover, since smaller individuals do not typically weigh as much as adults, the proximity of the jumping mat 18 to the supporting surface (e.g., the ground) will not be problematic. Indeed, the trampoline 10 or the height adjustment device 70 itself may be equipped with specific instructions or guidelines for adjusting the trampoline to accommodate a specific weight range. For safety purposes, the jumping height of the trampoline 10 should always be high enough so that those jumping on the trampoline are never in danger of hitting the ground when jumping in a reasonable and intended or expected manner. Of course, an adult desiring to use the trampoline 10 will be required to raise the trampoline 10 and each of the height adjustment devices 70 from its/their lowered adjustment position to a higher adjustment position.

FIG. 2 illustrates the trampoline 10 of FIG. 1 in a raised adjustment position, such as a standard height position. More particularly, the height adjustment devices 70 operable with each of the legs 40-a, 40-b, 40-c, and 40-d are shown adjusted to a relatively high adjustment position corresponding to a jumping height h₂ of the jumping mat 18 with respect to the supporting surface. In this position, the trampoline 10 functions much the same way as prior related trampolines by accommodating those that require a greater amount of clearance between the jumping mat 18 and the supporting surface or ground.

In light of the exemplary trampoline illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is noted herein that a trampoline comprises a plurality of legs, each perhaps with two or more vertical support structures. It is also noted that each vertical support structure operating to support the frame and jumping mat of a trampoline may comprise a height adjustment device or system as taught herein, although, for purposes of discussion, only a single height adjustment device is described below. As such, it is to be understood that a trampoline will most likely utilize a plurality of height adjustment devices or systems in order to achieve a proper and level height adjustment.

With reference to FIG. 3, illustrated is a partial perspective view of a height adjustment device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As indicated, the height adjustment device 70 is designed to build height adjustability into a trampoline. Specifically, FIG.3 illustrates the height adjustment device 70 as comprising a first support 74 operable with a second support 104 to provide a plurality of selective adjustment positions corresponding to different jumping heights. The first support 74 comprises a first end 78, a second end 82, and an elongate portion 84 extending therebetween. In one aspect, the first support 74 may comprise a uniform cross-section along its entire length, including the first and second ends 78 and 82, respectively. This configuration is illustrated in FIG. 3 by those lines shown in phantom, with the entire first support 74 comprising a uniform outside diameter d₀₂. In another aspect, the first end 78 may comprise a reduced diameter portion, such as the reduced diameter portion 86 about first end 78, as is also shown in FIG. 3. This will largely depend upon the size and configuration of the portion of the frame segment with which the first support 74 is to interface and join with. In the embodiment shown, the reduced diameter portion 86 comprises a circular cross-section with an outside diameter d_o1, wherein the elongate portion 84 comprises a circular cross-section having a diameter d_o2. As such, the exemplary first support 74, as shown, comprises a non-uniform cross-section. As shown, the reduced diameter portion 86 comprises a substantially uniform cross-section. In an alternative embodiment, the reduced diameter portion 86 may comprise a tapered configuration that enables the first support 74 to interface and join with sleeves of different sizes. The first support 74 further comprises a plurality of adjustment apertures 94 formed therein through its sidewall.

Likewise, the second support 104 comprises a first end 108, a second end 112, and an elongate portion 114 extending therebetween. The first and second ends 108 and 112 may or may not further comprise a reduced diameter portion 116 depending upon the size and configuration of the frame and/or leg to which they are being joined. FIG. 3 illustrates each of these configurations. In the embodiment shown, the second support 104 comprises an outside diameter d_o1, and a reduced diameter portion 116 formed about the second end 112, having an outside diameter d_o2. Furthermore, the second support 104 comprises an inside diameter di that is slightly greater than the outside diameter d₀₂ of the first support 74, thus allowing the first support 74 to be inserted within and slidably coupled to the second support 104. The second support further comprises one or more adjustment apertures 124 formed therein through its sidewall.

The first support 74 comprises a length x₁ and the second support 104 comprises a length x₂, wherein lengths x₁ and x₂ may or may not be the same. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the length x₁ of the first support 74 is longer than the length x₂ of the second support 104, thereby allowing a portion of the first support 74 to extend from the second support 104, even in a lowermost adjustment position, to provide stability and support to the height adjustment device 70 and the trampoline.

The height adjustment device may be designed to function as an intermediate component, wherein the height adjustment device interfaces and joins with a portion of an existing frame of the trampoline as well as a portion of an existing leg of the trampoline to introduce a height adjustability feature into the trampoline. In one embodiment, the height adjustment device replaces only a portion of the existing leg of a trampoline. However, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate a height adjustment device that replaces all of the existing legs of the trampoline. Each of these is discussed in greater detail below.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the height adjustment device 70 is configured to interface and join with at least a portion of the frame 14 of the trampoline, as well as at least a portion of an existing leg 40 of the trampoline. More specifically, the first support 74 is configured to interface and join with at least a portion of the frame 14 of the trampoline, with the second support 104 being configured to interface and join with at least a portion of the existing leg of the trampoline. As shown, the first support 74 is configured to interface and join with a sleeve 30 extending down from a portion of the frame 14 of an existing trampoline, wherein the sleeve 30 comprises an outside surface with an outside diameter d_o, and an inside surface (not shown) having a diameter d_i. The sleeve 30 is configured to receive the reduced diameter portion 86 of the first support 74 as located on its first end 78. As the inside diameter d_i of the sleeve 30 is slightly greater than the outside diameter d_o1 of the reduced diameter portion 86, the first support 74 is capable of securely fitting within the sleeve 30. The first support 74 further comprises a rim 98 that engages and rests against a portion of an outside surface of the horizontal frame assembly 16 contained within the sleeve 30 when the first support 74 is fully inserted into the sleeve 30. In another arrangement, when fully inserted, a rim 38 of the sleeve 30 may be caused to engage and rest against a lip 90 formed at the intersection of the elongate body 84 and the reduced diameter portion 86 of the first support 74, thus securely releasably coupling the first support 74 to the frame 14. This joining configuration of the first support 74 with the sleeve 30 is intended to be similar to the joining configuration of the sleeve 30 with an existing leg of the trampoline. As such, the sleeve 30 functions to provide support for the first support 74 of the height adjustment device 70.

The second support 104 is configured to interface and join with at least a portion of the leg 40 of the trampoline. Most legs of a trampoline comprise, as part of their structure, a u-shaped portion to provide better stability and ground support to the trampoline. As shown, the second support 104 is configured to interface and join with a vertical extension 48 of a u-shaped leg 40, wherein the u-shaped leg further comprises a horizontal ground support 44 extending between first and second vertical extensions as commonly known in the art. The vertical extension 48 comprises an outside diameter d_o2 that merges into a reduced diameter portion 52, leaving lip 56, wherein the reduced diameter portion 52 has an outside diameter d_o1, which is common to most trampoline legs. The second end 112 of the second support 104 is configured to be inserted over the reduced diameter portion 52 of the leg 40, with a rim 132 of the second support 104 engaging and resting against a lip 56 formed within the vertical extension 48 of the leg 40, thus securely releasably coupling the second support 104 to the leg 40. An alternative coupling arrangement may be where the second support 104 does not comprise a reduced diameter portion 116. In this case, the inside diameter d_i of the second support 104 may be configured to be slightly greater than the outside diameter d_o2 of the vertical extension 48, thus allowing the second support 104 to slide over the vertical extension 48 with the rim 132 extending beyond the lip 56 and engaging and resting upon at least a portion of the horizontal ground support 44, namely the bend in the leg 40 in which the ground support 44 transitions into the vertical extension 48.

In still another embodiment, the second support 104 may be eliminated altogether and the first end 78 of the first support 74 configured to interface with the leg 40. In this embodiment, the first end 78 may be configured with the same diameter as the elongate portion 114, or it may comprise a reduced diameter portion 86, each of which are discussed above. The first end 78 may be configured to rest on the lip 56 of the leg 40 (such as in the embodiment having a reduced diameter), or first end 78 may be configured to fully receive the vertical extension 48, with the first end 78 extending over the lip 56 and coming to rest at the bend in the let 40.

The height adjustment device 70 further comprises an adjustment configuration configured to facilitate the adjustment of the first support 74 relative to the second support 104, and thus the height of the jumping mat of the trampoline. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment configuration comprises a at least one and preferably a plurality of adjustment apertures 94 formed in the first support 74, at least one and preferably a plurality of adjustment apertures 124 formed in the second support 104, and a slidable relationship between the first and second supports 74 and 104 to effectuate a plurality of selectable adjustment positions corresponding to a plurality of desired jumping heights of the jumping mat of the trampoline.

As indicated, the first support 74 is slidably related to the second support 104, wherein the first support 74 slides within the second support 104 to provide a plurality of adjustment positions. To adjust the height of the trampoline, one or more adjustment apertures 94 formed in the first support 74 are selected and aligned with one or more adjustment apertures 124 formed in the second support 104. Once aligned, a fastener 140 is inserted through the aligned and selected adjustment apertures 124 and 94 and secured in place, thus preventing either of the first or second supports 74 and 104 from sliding with respect to the other. The fastener 140 may comprise any fastener known in the art suited for the purpose intended herein. For example, the fastener 140 may comprise a bolt and nut assembly, as shown in FIG. 1, a pin, a quick-release assembly, or any others commonly known. This procedure may be repeated as often as necessary on each of the height adjustment devices supporting the trampoline to adjust the height of the jumping mat of the trampoline.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the height adjustment device 70 is shown in a lowermost adjustment position with the first and second supports 74 and 104 collapsed upon each other. In this position, the rim 38 of the sleeve 30 is caused to engage and rest upon the rim 128 of the second support 104. The first support (shown in phantom) is completely contained within the sleeve 30, the second support 104, and the leg 40. However, as can be seen, the first support extends upward from the second support 104 into the sleeve 30 even in this lowermost position to provide stability and lateral support to the trampoline. The height of the jumping mat with the height adjustment device in this particular adjustment position is relatively low as compared to a standard height trampoline, thus facilitating much safer mounting and dismounting of the trampoline by a jumper of smaller size and weight. In this position, the risk of children and other small individuals falling off of the trampoline are significantly reduced, thus making the jumping environment much safer and relaxing. In this position, children no longer need to be creative in attempting to mount or dismount the trampoline. In addition, the distance from the jumping mat to the supporting surface or ground is much less, thus reducing the likelihood of injury in the event of a fall. An exemplary jumping height with the height adjustment device in this adjustment position may be 19 inches as measured from the supporting surface or ground.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the height adjustment device 70 is shown in an extended adjustment position to provide a relatively high jumping height as compared to the jumping height provided by the adjustment position illustrated in FIG. 4. In this adjustment position, the first support 74 is slid to extend a distance above the rim 128 of the second support 104, thereby exposing the plurality of adjustment apertures 94 formed in the first support 74. As shown in FIG. 4, the first support 74 is extended to a maximum height, with its adjustment aperture most proximate to the second end 82 aligned with the adjustment aperture 124 formed in the second support 104. As so aligned, the fastener 140 is inserted therethrough to secure the selected adjustment position. In this extended position, a significant portion of the first support 74 is still contained and supported within the second support 104 in order to maintain the structural integrity of the height adjustment device 70 in its capacity as a support leg for the trampoline. An exemplary jumping height with the height adjustment device in this adjustment position may be 25 inches as measured from the supporting surface or ground. As can be seen, the jumping height of the jumping mat with the height adjustment device 70 in its uppermost and extended adjustment position may be less than the jumping height achieved by a standard leg assembly. However, if such a standard jumping height is desirable, the height adjustment device 70 may be removed and replaced once again with the standard leg assembly.

FIG. 5 further illustrates a plurality of adjustment apertures 94 formed in the first support 74 that allow the first support 74 to be adjusted relative to the second support 104 to achieve a plurality of adjustment positions. These different adjustment positions correspond to different jumping heights and may be selected as needed or desired.

Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is an alternative coupling arrangement between the first support 74 and the sleeve 30 of the frame 14, and the second support 104 and the vertical extension 48 of the leg 40. The function of the height adjustment device 70 is similar to the embodiment discussed above. However, in this embodiment the sleeve 30 is caused to engage and rest upon a fastener 140-a as inserted through the uppermost adjustment aperture 94 formed in the first support 74. In this configuration, the rim of the first support is disengaged and offset a distance from a portion of the frame 14. However, much of the first end 78 of the first support 74 is still inside the sleeve 30 for support and stability purposes. Likewise, the rim 60 of the reduced diameter portion 116 of the leg 40 is caused to engage a fastener 140-c inserted through the adjustment aperture formed in the second support 104. In this configuration, the second support 104 is supported about the leg 40 via the fastener 140-c. As such, the rim 132 of the second support 104 is offset a distance and disengaged from the lip 56 of the vertical extension 48. A third fastener 140-c is used to secure the height adjustment device 70 in one or more selected adjustment positions as taught herein.

The height adjustment device may further comprise one or more adapters configured to facilitate the interchangeability of the height adjustment device and its use on different sized and configured trampolines. With reference to FIG. 8, illustrated is another exemplary embodiment of an adjustment configuration of a height adjustment device 70 utilizing an adapter 150. As shown, the adapter 150 comprises a two-stage cylindrical configuration having a first end 154 as a first stage, a second end 158, and a reduced diameter portion 162 as a second stage. The first end 154 comprises a rim 156 defining an inside diameter d_i1 that is larger than the outside diameter d_o of the sleeve 30 of the frame 14. With this configuration, the adapter 150 is designed to interface and join with, and particularly to fit over the outer surface 34 of, the sleeve 30 with the rim 156 either caused to rest against the horizontal frame assembly 16 or caused to be offset a distance from the frame assembly 16. The adapter 150 further comprises a plurality of, and preferably three, apertures 166 formed in its first end 154 that are spaced an equidistance around the perimeter and that are configured to receive corresponding securing fasteners, shown as securing pins 168, therethrough to secure the adapter to the sleeve 30. The securing pins 168 may be selectively adjusted as needed depending upon the respective sizes of the sleeve 30 and the adapter 150. The adapter 150 is preferably sized and configured to accommodate sleeves of different sizes existing on different types or sizes of trampolines. The securing pins 168 function similar to set screws, wherein they adjust to engage the sleeve 30 no matter its diameter, thereby securing the adapter 150 to the sleeve 30.

The second end 158 of the adapter 150 comprises a rim 160 defining an inside diameter d_i2 that is slightly larger than the outside diameter d_o1 of the reduced diameter portion 86 of the first support 74, thus enabling the adapter to interface and join with the first support 74. The second end 158 of the adapter 150 further comprises an aperture 170 formed therein. A fastener 174 is used to securely and releasably couple the adapter 150 to the first support 74. The first support 74 functions to slidably operate with a second support (not shown) in a similar manner as discussed above.

With use of the adapter, not only can the height adjustment device 70 be utilized on a number of different types and sizes of trampolines, but additional adjustment positions and corresponding jumping heights are made available over the use of just the first and second supports alone. Indeed, the adapter comprises a function very similar to a spacer in which the adapter increases the available adjustment positions of the height adjustment device 70 due to its added length and presence of one or more adjustment apertures. Other configurations of the adapter 150 are contemplated herein, and thus the one specifically presented herein is not meant to be limiting in any way.

Although not shown, the height adjustment device may further comprise an adapter configured for use with the second support, wherein the adapter interfaces and joins with a portion of the leg of a trampoline. This adapter may be similar in form and function to the one just discussed, or may comprise another configuration.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment configuration comprises a rotational adjustment configuration. With reference to FIG. 8, the first support 74 of the height adjustment device 70 comprises a thread configuration 182 formed on at least a portion of its outer surface. The first support 74 interfaces and joins with the sleeve 30 of the frame 14 in a similar manner as discussed above, which description is incorporated herein.

Likewise, the second support 104 comprises a thread configuration 186 formed on at least a portion of an inner surface (not shown). The second support 104 interfaces and joins with the vertical extension 48 of the leg 40 in a similar manner as discussed above, which description is incorporated herein. The thread configuration 182 on the first support 74 corresponds with and matches the thread configuration 186 on the second support 104, thereby rotatably relating the first support 74 with the second support 104. The thread configurations 182 and 186, and the operable rotational relationship between the first and second supports 74 and 104 function to provide an infinite number of adjustment positions and jumping heights based on the relative rotation of the first support 74 with respect to the second support 104. By rotating the first support 74 in one direction with respect to the second support 104, the frame and jumping mat of the trampoline may be lowered. Conversely, by rotating the first support 74 in the opposite direction with respect to the second support 104, the frame and jumping mat may be raised. All other aspects of the first and second supports, as they relate to the frame and leg of the trampoline, respectively, are similar to those discussed above, where applicable.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment configuration comprises a compression member supported about the second support and configured to compress against the first support to secure it in one a plurality of adjustment positions. A quick release device may be incorporated into the compression member for quick and efficient adjustment. The type of compression member contemplated for use herein is commonly known in the art.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the adjustment configuration may comprise a telescoping configuration in which, in one aspect, the first and second supports are formed from a series of coupled components or elements that may collapse and expand upon one another as commonly known in the art. In another aspect, a single telescoping support may be used rather than fist and second supports. In either embodiment, the telescoping configuration may further comprise a locking system for locking the various telescoping supports in a fixed position, and relative to one another, so as to provide a desired trampoline height.

Essentially, the present invention contemplates any system, mechanism, configuration, etc. capable of providing adjustable height to a trampoline. As such, the specific embodiments discussed herein are not meant to be limiting in any way.

In each of the embodiments discussed above, the first and second supports 74 and 104 are designed to be releasably coupled to their respective frame and leg counterparts thus allowing the height adjustment device 70 to be removed for one or more purposes as desired. More particularly, the first and second supports 74 and 104 are designed to be universal, meaning the height adjustment device 70 may be removed from one trampoline and incorporated into another trampoline, even if the other trampoline is of a different size or make or configuration. Stated another way, the height adjustment device of the present invention is interchangeable and configured for use on a variety of different sized and configured trampolines.

The preset invention further features a height adjustment device according to another exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIG. 9, the height adjustment device 70-a comprises a first support 74-a that is configured and that functions similar to the first support discussed above, which description is incorporated herein, where applicable. However, unlike the height adjustment device discussed above and shown in FIGS. 3-8 in which a second support is operable with the first support, the height adjustment device 70-a of FIG. 9 comprises a u-shaped leg 196 operable with the first support to adjustably support the frame 14 and jumping mat (not shown) of the trampoline about the support surface or ground. As shown, the u-shaped leg 196 comprises a vertical extension 204-a and a horizontal ground support 200 extending between the vertical extension 204-a and a second vertical extension 204-b. The vertical extension 204-a comprises a cylindrical configuration with an outside diameter do and an inside diameter d_i. The inside diameter d_i is slightly larger than the outside diameter d_o2 of the first support 74-a, thereby allowing the first support 74-a to be inserted into and slidably engage the vertical extension 204-a of the u-shaped leg 196. The vertical extension 204-a further comprises an adjustment aperture 212-a formed therein configured to align with one of a plurality of adjustment apertures 94-a formed in the first support 74-a to effectuate the adjustment of the first support 74-a with respect to the vertical extension 204-a and the adjustment of the jumping mat and corresponding jumping height of the trampoline. As can be seen, the vertical extension 204-a and the first support 74-a are operably related and function much like the second support discussed above and depicted in FIGS. 3-6.

The height adjustment device 70-a may be adjusted to a lowermost adjustment position by collapsing the first support 74-a with respect to the vertical extension 204-a and causing the rim 38-a of the sleeve 30-a to engage and rest upon the rim 208-a of the vertical extension 204-a. The height adjustment device 70-a may be adjusted to any one of a plurality of interim adjustment positions or an uppermost adjustment position by selectively aligning a different adjustment aperture 94-a with the adjustment aperture 212-a and inserting a suitable fastener (not shown) to secure the adjustment position. Furthermore, one or more adapters may be used with the height adjustment device 70-a, which adapters may be configured in a similar manner as discussed above.

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the illustrated height adjustment device 70-b is configured and operates in a similar manner as the height adjustment device 70-a, and is therefore not discussed in detail herein. The height adjustment device 70-b is configured about and comprises as one of its component parts the vertical extension 204-b, which is opposite the vertical extension 204-a and joined by the common horizontal ground support 200.

FIG. 9 further illustrates the present invention as comprising a length adjustment 220 configured to facilitate the adjustability of a length of the horizontal ground support 200 and to interconnect the two height adjustment devices 70-a and 70-a as separated by a joint or break formed in the horizontal ground support. The length adjustment 220 operates to facilitate the relative distance between the height adjustment devices 70-a and 70-b by slidably relating the separated ends of the horizontal ground support 200. As shown, the length adjustment 220 comprises a cylindrical collar configuration having a length L and an inside diameter d_i that is slightly greater than an outside diameter d_o of the horizontal ground support 200, thereby allowing the length adjustment 220 to slidably couple to and contain the exposed ends of the horizontal ground support 200. The length adjustment 220 further comprises a plurality of adjustment apertures, shown as adjustment apertures 224-a and 224-b formed within and located about respective ends of the length adjustment 220. The length adjustment 220 is configured to slide about the horizontal ground support 200, and the adjustment apertures 224-a and 224-b are configured to align with apertures 216-a and 216-b, respectively, formed in the horizontal ground support 200 to provide a plurality of selectable adjustment positions. As such, the horizontal ground support 200 may be selectively lengthened or shortened, which functions to adjust the relative distance between the height adjustment devices 70-a and 70-b. By configuring the u-shaped leg 196 with one or more length adjustments 220, the u-shaped leg 196, and the corresponding height adjustment devices 70-a and 70-b, may be incorporated into trampolines in which the sleeve portions of the frame are spaced apart at different distances. As the length adjustment is not required to bear large loads, various types of adjustment configurations may be incorporated other than the one specifically described herein and illustrated in FIG. 9. For example, the adjustment configuration may comprise a pin and slot assembly, or any others commonly known in the art for slidably relating two components.

The present invention further features a system for adjusting the height of a trampoline with respect to a support or ground surface. The system comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of interchangeable supports, each having a fixed pre-determined length corresponding to a desired jumping height. The interchangeable supports are designed to replace a vertical portion of an existing leg of a trampoline and to interface and join with at least a portion of a frame and a remaining portion of the existing leg to achieve the desired jumping height. With reference to FIG. 10, illustrated are four separate and individual interchangeable supports, shown as supports 230-a, 230-b, 230-c, and 230-d, each having a pre-determined, fixed length, shown as lengths x₁, x₂, x₃, and x₄, respectively. Specifically, with reference to interchangeable support 230-a, a reduced diameter portion 234-a is configured for insertion into sleeve 30, wherein rim 38 rests upon the lip 238-a of the interchangeable support 230-a, or alternatively wherein a rim of the interchangeable support 230-a, 230-b, 230-c, and 230-d engages and rests against a portion of an outside surface of the horizontal frame assembly 16 contained within the sleeve 30 when the first support 74 is fully inserted into the sleeve 30, as is similar to first support 74 of FIG. 1. Likewise, the interchangeable support 230-a is configured to interface and join with the vertical extension 48 of the leg 40 in a similar manner as a standard vertical extension. To adjust the height of the trampoline, one simply interchanges a support of one length with a support of a different length. This is repeated for each leg of the trampoline. The specific pre-determined lengths of the interchangeable supports are not limited in to any length, but may be any as desired.

As mentioned above, the above height adjustment devices, systems, and methods feature the ability to adjust one leg assembly (e.g., an existing leg joined with another height adjustment device, or the complete replacement of a leg with a height adjustment device) to one height and a different leg assembly to another height to achieve different heights for one or more purposes. For example, providing the ability to adjust different legs or leg assemblies of the trampoline to different heights, a leveling function may be introduced to the trampoline in the event of an uneven support surface. Although this concept is not shown in the drawings, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

The foregoing detailed description describes the invention with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are to be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, and all such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.

More specifically, while illustrative exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but includes any and all embodiments having modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the foregoing detailed description. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the foregoing detailed description or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term “preferably” is non-exclusive where it is intended to mean “preferably, but not limited to.” Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; b) a corresponding function is expressly recited; and c) structure, material or acts that support that structure are expressly recited. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given above.

Claims

1. An intermediate height adjustment device configured to adjust a height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, said intermediate height adjustment device comprising:

a first support configured to interface and join with a portion of a frame of a trampoline that supports said jumping mat;

a second support operable with said first support and configured to interface and join with a portion of a leg of said trampoline in contact with said support surface and that supports said frame; and

an adjustment configuration configured to facilitate the adjustment of said first support relative to said second support, and thus at least a portion of said height of said jumping mat of said trampoline.

2. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein said first and second supports are configured to releasably couple to said frame and said leg of said trampoline, respectively.

3. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein said first and second supports are universal and configured to be interchangeable and used on different types of trampolines, thus making said intermediate height adjustment device universal and interchangeable with said different types of trampolines.

4. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, further comprising an adapter having a first end configured to interface and join with a portion of a frame of a second trampoline, and a second end configured to interface and join with said first support, said adapter being configured for use with said first support to enable said first support to be operable with said second trampoline.

5. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, further comprising an adapter having a first end configured to interface and join with said second support, and a second end configured to interface and join with a portion of a leg of a second trampoline, said adapter being configured for use with said second support to enable said second support to be operable with said second trampoline.

6. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein said portion of said frame comprises a sleeve having a cylindrical configuration and extending in a downward direction from said frame.

7. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 6, wherein said first support comprises a cylindrical configuration, and wherein at least a portion of said first support comprises a diameter less than a diameter of said sleeve, thus enabling said portion of said first support to fit within said sleeve for support.

8. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 7, wherein said portion of said first support, having said diameter less than said diameter of said sleeve, comprises a tapered configuration configured to enable said first support to interface and join with sleeves of different sizes.

9. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein said leg comprises a unshaped leg having first and second vertical extensions and a horizontal ground support portion extending therebetween, wherein said second support interfaces and joins with one of said first and second vertical extensions.

10. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 9, wherein said portion of said leg comprises one of said vertical extensions, and wherein said vertical extensions comprise a cylindrical configuration.

11. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 10, wherein said second support comprises a cylindrical configuration, and wherein at least a portion of said second support comprises a diameter greater than a diameter of said vertical extension, thus enabling said vertical extension to fit within and support said second support.

12. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein said first support is slidably related with said second support.

13. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 12, wherein said adjustment configuration comprises:

at least one adjustment aperture formed in said first support;

at least one adjustment aperture formed in said second support and configured to correspond to and align with said adjustment apertures formed in said first support, upon sliding said second support with respect with said first support, to provide a plurality of selectable adjustment positions; and

a fastener configured to be inserted through said adjustment apertures of said first and second supports when aligned to secure said first and second supports in one of said plurality of adjustment positions.

14. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 13, wherein said first and second supports collapse about one another to provide a lowermost adjustment position.

15. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 14, wherein a portion of said frame is caused to rest upon a rim of said second support when said first and second supports are collapsed about one another in said lowermost adjustment position.

16. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 14, wherein said first and second supports comprise different lengths to increase the stability of said intermediate height adjustment device in said adjustment positions.

17. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein said first support comprises a lip, and wherein said portion of said frame is configured to rest upon said lip when said first support is joined with said portion of said frame.

18. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said second support comprises a tapered segment configured to increase the stability and support of said second support as interfaced and joined with said portion of said leg, said tapered segment terminating in a rim configured to engage and rest upon a lip of said portion of said leg.

19. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 4, wherein said adjustment configuration comprises:

at least one adjustment aperture formed in said adapter;

at least one adjustment aperture formed in said first support and configured to correspond to and align with at least one of said adjustment apertures formed in said adapter to provide a plurality of selectable adjustment positions;

at least one aperture formed in said second support and configured to correspond to and align with at least one of said adjustment apertures formed in said first support to provide a plurality of selectable adjustment positions; and

a plurality of fasteners configured to be inserted through said adjustment apertures of said adapter and said first and second supports when aligned to secure said adapter and said first and second supports in one of said plurality of adjustment positions.

20. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 19, wherein said adapter comprises a two stage cylindrical configuration, with a first stage comprising a diameter to allow said first stage to fit over a downward extending sleeve of a frame of a trampoline and a second stage comprising a diameter to receive a portion of said first support.

21. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 20, wherein said adapter further comprises at least three apertures formed within said first stage at an equidistance around said first stage, said apertures being configured to receive securing fasteners therein, wherein each of said securing fasteners are caused to adjustably engage said vertical sleeve to secure said adapter to said vertical sleeve.

22. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 9, wherein said horizontal ground support further comprises a length adjustment configuration operable therewith and configured to facilitate the adjustability of a length of said horizontal ground support, thereby enabling said u-shaped leg and said first support to be operable with different trampolines having corresponding sleeve components of different distances from one another.

23. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein said adjustment configuration comprises:

a thread configuration formed on at least a portion of an outer surface of said first support; and

a thread configuration formed on at least a portion of an inner surface of said second support operable with said thread configuration on said first support to facilitate the rotatable adjustment of said first support with respect to said second support into one of a plurality of adjustment positions.

24. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 1, wherein said adjustment configuration comprises:

a compression member operable with said second support to apply a compression force to said first support, thereby securing said first and second supports in one of a plurality of adjustment positions.

25. The intermediate height adjustment device of claim 24, wherein said compression member comprises a quick-release system.

26. A height adjustment device configured to adjust the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, said height adjustment device comprising:

a first support configured to interface and join with a portion of a frame of a trampoline, said frame configured to support said jumping mat;

a u-shaped leg operable with said first support to adjustably support said frame of said trampoline about said support surface, said u-shaped leg comprising first and second vertical extensions and a horizontal ground support portion extending therebetween; and

an adjustment configuration configured to facilitate the adjustment of said first support relative to said u-shaped leg, and thus at least a portion of said height of said jumping mat of said trampoline.

27. The height adjustment device of clam 26, wherein said adjustment configuration comprises:

at least one adjustment apertures formed in said first support;

at least one adjustment aperture formed in said u-shaped leg and configured to correspond to and align with said adjustment apertures formed in said first support, upon sliding said u-shaped leg with respect with said first support, to provide a plurality of selectable adjustment positions; and

a fastener configured to be inserted through said adjustment apertures of said first support and said u-shaped leg when aligned to secure said first support and said u-shaped leg in one of said plurality of adjustment positions.

28. The height adjustment device of claim 26, further comprising an adapter configure to facilitate the coupling of said first support and said u-shaped leg to a second trampoline.

29. The height adjustment device of claim 26, wherein said horizontal ground support further comprises a length adjustment configuration operable therewith and configured to facilitate the adjustability of a length of said horizontal ground support, thereby enabling said u-shaped leg and said first support to be operable with different trampolines having corresponding sleeve components of different distances from one another.

30. The height adjustment device of claim 29, wherein said length adjustment configuration comprises:

a collar slidably disposed about and supporting first and second horizontal components of said horizontal ground support; and

a plurality of selectable adjustment positions between said collar and said first and second horizontal components.

31. A height adjustment device configured to adjust the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, said intermediate height adjustment device comprising:

means for interfacing and joining with a portion of a frame of a trampoline, said frame configured to support said jumping mat;

means for interfacing and joining with a portion of a leg of a trampoline configured to support said frame above said support surface; and

means for adjusting said means for interfacing and joining with respect to one another to adjust a height of at least a portion of said frame and said jumping mat with respect to said support surface.

32. The height adjustment device of claim 31, further comprising means for interchanging said means for interfacing and joining with said portion of said frame and said portion of said leg, respectively, for use on one of a second trampoline.

33. The height adjustment device of claim 32, wherein said second trampoline is of a different type.

34. The height adjustment device of claim 31, wherein said means for adjusting comprises a series of lockable telescoping elements operably supported together, and configured to collapse on one another to achieve a desired height of said jumping mat.

35. A trampoline system configured to provide a jumping mat of a trampoline with a plurality of different jumping heights, said trampoline system comprising:

a trampoline comprising: a jumping mat; a frame configured to support said jumping mat, said frame comprising a closed loop horizontal frame assembly and a plurality of sleeves extending downward from said closed loop horizontal frame assembly; a plurality of biasing means configured to couple said jumping mat to said frame in a biased manner; at least one u-shaped leg configured to support said frame and said jumping mat about said support surface, said u-shaped leg comprising first and second vertical supports and a horizontal ground support extending therebetween, said first and second vertical supports each being configured to releasably join to one of said plurality of sleeves; and

a height adjustment device configured to interface and join with a portion of said frame and a portion of said u-shaped leg to adjust a height of at least a portion of said jumping mat with respect to said support surface.

36. The trampoline system of claim 35, wherein said height adjustment device comprises:

a first support configured to interface and join with one of said sleeves of said frame;

a second support operable with said first support and configured to interface and join with a portion of said u-shaped leg; and

an adjustment configuration configured to facilitate the adjustment of said first support relative to said second support, and thus the height of said jumping mat of said trampoline.

37. The trampoline system of claim 35, wherein said height adjustment device comprises:

a first support operable with said u-shaped leg and configured to interface and join with one of said sleeves of said frame; and

an adjustment configuration configured to facilitate the adjustment of said first support relative to said u-shaped leg, and thus the height of said jumping mat of said trampoline.

38. A method for adjusting at least a portion of a height of a jumping mat of a trampoline, said method comprising:

obtaining a trampoline having a frame supporting a jumping mat and a plurality of legs supporting said frame about a support surface;

replacing at least a portion of at least one of said legs with a height adjustment device configured to interface and join with a portion of said frame and a portion of said leg to adjust said height of at least a portion of said jumping mat and said trampoline with respect to said support surface; and

adjusting said height adjustment device to adjust said height of at least a portion of said jumping mat and said trampoline to one of a plurality of heights.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said replacing comprises:

joining a first support to a portion of said frame; and

joining a second support to a portion of one of said plurality of legs, said second support being adjustable with respect to said first support.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting said first support with respect to said second support via an adjustment configuration.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein said replacing comprises:

joining a first support to a portion of said frame; and

joining a u-shaped leg with said first support to replace all of one of said plurality of legs, said u-shaped leg comprising first and second vertical extensions and a horizontal ground support portion extending therebetween, said u-shaped leg being configured to adjustably support said frame of said trampoline about said support surface;

42. The method of claim 41, wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting said first support with respect to said u-shaped leg via and adjustment configuration.

43. The method of claim 38, further comprising interchanging at least a portion of a leg of another trampoline with said height adjustment device.

44. The method of claim 38, further comprising adjusting said height adjustment device to enable a leg to which said height adjustment device is attached to to comprise a different height than at least one other leg assembly of said trampoline, thereby introducing a leveling function to said trampoline in the event of an uneven support surface.

45. A method for adjusting a height of at least a portion of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, said method comprising:

providing a height adjustment device configured for use with an existing trampoline;

facilitating the replacement of at least a portion of a leg of a trampoline with said height adjustment device; and

facilitating the selective adjustment of said height adjustment device to adjust said height of at least a portion of said jumping mat to one of a plurality of heights.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising facilitating the interchangeability of said height adjustment device with another trampoline.

47. A system for adjusting the height of a jumping mat of a trampoline with respect to a support surface, said system comprising:

at least one interchangeable support, each having a fixed, pre-determined length corresponding to a desired height, and each being configured to replace a portion of an existing leg of said trampoline and to interface and join with at least a portion of a frame and a remaining portion of said existing leg of said trampoline to achieve said desired height.