Foldable trampoline frame assembly
A foldable trampoline frame assembly comprises spaced apart frame segments, a travel limiting member and an engagement member. The spaced apart frame segments are pivotably attached to each other for enabling a first one of the frame segments to be pivoted with respect to a second one of the frame segments between a use configuration and a folded configuration. The travel limiting member is positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with a mating portion of the first frame segment and is movable to a non-limiting position. The engagement member is fixedly attached to the second frame segment. The engagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of the frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting the frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration.
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The disclosures made herein relate generally to hinge structures, more particularly, to hinge structures for foldable trampolines.
BACKGROUNDA trampoline typically includes a frame assembly supported on a floor by a plurality of supporting legs, and a jumping bed tightly stretched within an opening in the frame assembly via a plurality of spaced elastic elements. Helically wound extension springs, elastic bands, etc are examples of such elastic elements. A user may continuously jump on and rebound from the jumping bed for the purpose of exercise, entertainment, training, etc.
A trampoline that has a non-foldable frame assembly has a major drawback of storage and shipping of the trampoline being compromised due to the physical size of the frame. To address these drawbacks, various configurations of trampolines with foldable frame assemblies have been devised. While such foldable trampoline frame assemblies at least partially alleviate drawbacks leading to compromises in storage and shipping, the folding action of a trampoline frame creates a potential safety issue when folding the frame. The tension exerted by elastic elements between frame segments and a jumping mat of a foldable trampoline provides for a considerable amount of stored energy in the trampoline. This tension can be used to secure the frame segments of a frame assembly in a use configuration (e.g., via an over center action at hinges of the frame assembly). It is not typical or desirable to have to remove all or a portion of the spaced elastic elements for the purpose of releasing such tension prior to moving the frame segments from a use configuration toward a folded configuration. Thus, releasing the frame segments from the use configuration and moving it toward the folded configuration can result in tension in the spaced elastic elements causing a rapid and forceful release of such tension. This rapid and forceful release of tension exerts a ‘self-closing force’ on the frame segments that causes the frame segments to pivot toward the folded configuration at a rate of movement and with sufficient force to startle and, potentially, injure a nearby person or persons. For example, initial movement of the frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration may be very controlled due to the self-closing force being initially low in magnitude. But, with further pivoting of one frame segment with respect to the other, the self-closing force increases, thereby causing rapid movement of the frame segments towards the folded configuration. Due to the magnitude of such self-closing force and/or its presence being unanticipated, the frame segments may begin to move toward the folded position at an extreme rate and contact with a person may result in bodily injury. Thus, a hinge assembly that mitigates, if not eliminates, the adverse aspects of the folding the frame of a trampoline having tensioned elastic elements would be advantageous, desirable and useful.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREEmbodiments of the present invention address adverse aspects of foldable trampoline frame segments being moved from a use configuration to a folded configuration while elastic elements are still in tension between the frame segments and a jumping mat. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention limit the degree of folding that can unrestrictedly take place during folding of such trampoline frame segments, which limits the amount of self-closing force that is uncontrollably and/or suddenly exerted on the frame segments while moving the frame segments toward the folded configuration. In doing so, embodiments of the present invention advantageously overcome one or more shortcomings associated with conventional foldable trampoline frame assemblies.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable trampoline frame assembly comprises a first frame segment, a second frame segment and a travel limiting member. The first frame segment has a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto. The travel limiting member is positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with a mating portion of the pivot arm of the first frame segment and is movable to a non-limiting position. The second frame segment has a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto. The pivot arm of the second frame segment is pivotably attached to the pivot arm of the first frame segment for enabling the frame segments to be pivoted with respect to each other between a use configuration and a folded configuration. The pivot arm of the second frame segment includes an engagement member fixedly attached thereto. The engagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of the frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting the frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a foldable trampoline frame assembly comprises a first frame segment, a second frame segment and a travel limiting member. The first frame segment has spaced apart pivot arms rigidly attached thereto. The travel limiting member is positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with mating portions of the pivot arms of the first frame segment and is movable to a non-limiting position. The second frame segment has spaced apart pivot arms rigidly attached thereto. The pivot arms of the second frame segment are pivotably attached to the pivot arms of the first frame segment for enabling the first frame segment to be pivoted with respect to the second frame segment between a use configuration and a folded configuration. At least one of the pivot arms of the second frame segment includes an engagement member fixedly attached thereto. The engagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of the frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting the frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a foldable trampoline frame assembly comprises spaced apart frame segments, a travel limiting member and an engagement member. The spaced apart frame segments are pivotably attached to each other for enabling a first one of the frame segments to be pivoted with respect to a second one of the frame segments between a use configuration and a folded configuration. The travel limiting member is positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with a mating portion of the first frame segment and is movable to a non-limiting position. The engagement member is fixedly attached to the second frame segment. The engagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of the frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting the frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position.
Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment, each one of the spaced apart pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective engagement member integral therewith.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mating portion of the pivot arms of the first frame segment is a hole in each pivot arm of the first frame segment and the travel limiting member is removably engagable through each hole.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the travel limiting member is an elongated generally straight member and the holes of the pivot arms are positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the travel limiting member extends generally parallel with a pivot axis of the frame segments when the travel limiting member is engaged within the holes.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the holes are located between a pivot axis of the frame segments and bottom edges of the frame segments when the frame segments are in the use configuration.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a self-closing force is exerted on the frame segments by elastic elements connected to the frame segments when the frame segments are in the partially folded configuration.
These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.
As shown in
It is disclosed herein that a foldable trampoline in accordance with the present invention may be constructed using known fabrication techniques and materials. For example, in one embodiment, the frame segments (22, 24) are bent steel tubing, the legs 14 are lengths of steel tubing having threaded portions that screw into mating threaded portions of the frame segments (22, 24), and the jumping mat 16 is a fabric mat made from natural and/or synthetic material and having eyelets provide therein around its perimeter edge. It is further disclosed herein that extension springs are one embodiment of an elastic member suitable for supporting and tensioning the jumping mat 16. For example, a bungee cord is another embodiment of an elastic member suitable for supporting and tensioning the jumping mat 16. Thus, it is disclosed herein that a trampoline in accordance with the present invention is not unnecessarily limited to being constructed using any specific fabrication technique, components and/or materials.
Referring now to
As best shown in
A travel limiting member 44 (i.e., a hitch pin) is engagable within engagement holes 46 (
The pivot arms 40 of the second pivot body 32 each include an engagement member 48 (
It is disclosed herein that in other embodiments of the present invention, various aspects of the embodiment pf the present invention disclosed above may be altered while still being captured within the scope and spirit of the present invention. In one alternate embodiment of the present invention, the pivot pin extend through only one pivot arm of each pivot body. In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, the pivot pin is precluded from being fully detached from both pivot bodies. In still another alternate embodiment of the present invention, the pivot arms are integral with at least one of the frame segments such that at least one frame segment does not have a discrete pivot body attached thereto. In still another alternate embodiment of the present invention, each hinge structure includes only one engagement member as opposed to two as depicted in
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A foldable trampoline frame assembly, comprising:
- a first frame segment having a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto;
- a travel limiting member positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with a mating portion of the pivot arm of the first frame segment and movable to a non-limiting position; and
- a second frame segment having a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto, wherein the pivot arm of the second frame segment is pivotably attached to the pivot arm of the first frame segment for enabling said frame segments to be pivoted with respect to each other between a use configuration and a folded configuration, wherein the pivot arm of the second frame segment includes an engagement member fixedly attached thereto and wherein the engagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of said frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting said frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position.
2. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the engagement member is integral with the pivot arm of the second frame segment.
3. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 1 wherein:
- the mating portion of the pivot arm of the first frame segment is a hole; and
- the travel limiting member is removably engagable within the hole.
4. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the hole in the pivot arm of the first frame segment is located between a pivot axis of said frame segments and bottom edges of said frame segments when said frame segments are in the use configuration.
5. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 1 wherein a self-closing force is exerted on said frame segments by elastic elements connected to said frame segments when said frame segments are in the partially folded configuration.
6. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 4 wherein:
- the engagement member is integral with the pivot arm of the second frame segment;
- the mating portion of the pivot arm of the first frame segment is a hole;
- the travel limiting member is removably engagable within the hole; and
- the hole in the pivot arm of the first frame segment travel limiting member is located between a pivot axis of said frame segments and bottom edges of said frame segments.
7. A foldable trampoline frame assembly, comprising:
- a first frame segment having spaced apart pivot arms rigidly attached thereto;
- a travel limiting member positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with mating portions of said pivot arms of the first frame segment and movable to a non-limiting position; and
- a second frame segment having spaced apart pivot arms rigidly attached thereto, wherein said pivot arms of the second frame segment are pivotably attached to said pivot arms of the first frame segment for enabling the first frame segment to be pivoted with respect to the second frame segment between a use configuration and a folded configuration, wherein at least one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment includes an engagement member fixedly attached thereto and wherein the engagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of said frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting said frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position.
8. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 7 wherein a first one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective engagement member integral therewith.
9. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 8 wherein a second one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective engagement member integral therewith.
10. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 7 wherein:
- the mating portion of said pivot arms of the first frame segment is a hole in each one of said pivot arms of the first frame segment; and
- the travel limiting member is removably engagable through the holes of said pivot arms.
11. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 10 wherein:
- the travel limiting member is a elongated generally straight member; and
- the holes of said pivot arms are positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the travel limiting member extends generally parallel with a pivot axis of said frame segments when the travel limiting member is engaged within said holes.
12. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 11 wherein:
- a first one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective engagement member integral therewith; and
- a second one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective engagement member integral therewith.
13. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 12 wherein said holes are located between a pivot axis of said frame segments and bottom edges of said frame segments when said frame segments are in the use configuration.
14. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 7 wherein a self-closing force is exerted on said frame segments by elastic elements connected to said frame segments when said frame segments are in the partially folded configuration.
15. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 14 wherein:
- the mating portion of said pivot arms of the first frame segment is a hole in each one of said pivot arms of the first frame segment;
- the travel limiting member is removably engagable through the holes of said pivot arms;
- the travel limiting member is an elongated generally straight member;
- the holes of said pivot arms are positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the travel limiting member extends generally parallel with a pivot axis of said frame segments when the travel limiting member is engaged within said holes;
- a first one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective engagement member integral therewith; and
- a second one of said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective engagement member integral therewith.
16. A foldable trampoline frame assembly, comprising:
- spaced apart frame segments pivotably attached to each other for enabling a first one of said frame segments to be pivoted with respect to a second one of said frame segments between a use configuration and a folded configuration;
- a travel limiting member positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with a mating portion of said first frame segment and movable to a non-limiting position;
- an engagement member fixedly attached to said second frame segment, wherein the engagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of said frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting said frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position.
17. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 16 wherein:
- the mating portion of said pivot arms of the first frame segment includes a hole; and
- the travel limiting member is removably engagable through the hole.
18. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 17 wherein:
- the travel limiting member is an elongated generally straight member; and
- the holes of said pivot arms are positioned such that a longitudinal axis of travel limiting member extends generally parallel with a pivot axis of said frame segments when the travel limiting member is engaged within the hole.
19. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 16 wherein a self-closing force is exerted on said frame segments by elastic elements connected to said frame segments when said frame segments are in the partially folded configuration.
20. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 19 wherein:
- the mating portion of the first frame segment includes a hole;
- the travel limiting member is removably engagable through the hole;
- the travel limiting member is an elongated generally straight member; and
- the holes of said pivot arms are positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the travel limiting member extended generally parallel with a pivot axis of said frame segments when the travel limiting member is engaged within the hole.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 12, 2006
Publication Date: Apr 17, 2008
Applicant:
Inventors: Alain Romuald Denis (Cedar Park, TX), Xiongyi Xu (Lexington, MA)
Application Number: 11/546,738
International Classification: A63B 5/11 (20060101);