DECORATIVE AND SAFETY ASSEMBLY FOR DRESSING A TRAMPOLINE
A decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which can be easily secured to and removed from a trampoline is described. The trampoline assembly is designed to enhance the safety features associated with a trampoline, as well as enhance a user's experience. The trampoline assembly may include a first component coupleable to a horizontal frame of a trampoline, and a second component independently coupleable to the horizontal frame of a trampoline and covering the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline. The first component, the second component, or combinations thereof may contain one or more features that can be used to enhance an individual's experience when using the device and may include indicia, such as colors, wordings, symbols, lighting, audio devices, or combinations thereof.
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The present invention relates to exercise and/or recreational devices; and more particularly to an assembly for dressing a trampoline which provides decorative and safety features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTrampolines are well known devices used for both recreational use and for fitness reasons. Such devices are increasingly popular as they provide efficient exercise, increase cardiovascular fitness, provide for low impact exercising, and are believed to provide detoxification resulting from the stimulation of free flowing lymphatic drainage. Because using a trampoline does not necessarily require complex movement, individuals of all ages can obtain the many benefits of jumping up and down on the device. In addition, because the use of a trampoline is thought to be fun, use may have a positive impact on an individual's mental health. While these devices have many benefits, care must be undertaken when using to avoid injury.
As trampolines became popular, finding their way into backyards and home basements, the number of injuries associated with trampoline use increased. Recent developments in the design of trampolines have helped lower the number of associated injuries. One such improvement is the use of trampoline mats which are designed to cover portions of the trampoline frame and springs. These pads are typically a gymnasium style floor mat adapted to fit the trampoline. In addition, many current trampolines include trampoline enclosures, typically some type of netting surrounding the trampoline perimeter and preventing the user from unwanted “jumping off” of the rebounding surface.
The present invention improves upon traditional trampolines utilizing standard safety features by providing a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which is easy to apply to and/or remove from the trampoline frame and can be used to enhance a user's experience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA unique decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which can be easily secured to and removed from a trampoline is described. The trampoline assembly is designed to enhance the safety features associated with a trampoline, as well as enhance a user's experience. The trampoline assembly may include a first component coupleable to a horizontal frame of a trampoline, and a second component independently coupleable to the horizontal frame of a trampoline and covering the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline. The first component comprises at least one portion sized and shaped to mirror the shape of the horizontal frame to cover one or more trampoline springs coupled to a rebounding surface, and at least one portion to cover at least a portion of the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline. The first component, the second component, or combinations thereof may contain one or more features that can be used to enhance an individual's experience when using the device, and may include indicia such as colors, wordings, symbols, lighting, audio devices, or combinations thereof.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a safety assembly for dressing recreational or exercise equipment.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a decorative assembly for dressing recreational or exercise equipment.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which can be easily secured to and removed from the trampoline.
It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which includes a plurality of safety pads attached thereto to independent regions of the trampoline.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which includes a plurality of safety pads attached thereto to independent regions of the trampoline and contains visual enhancement features to enhance a user's experience.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which includes a plurality of safety pads attached thereto to independent regions of the trampoline and contains visual enhancement features, audio enhancement features, or combinations thereof to enhance a user's experience.
It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly kit for dressing a trampoline.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly kit for dressing a trampoline which includes a plurality of safety pads attached thereto to independent regions of the trampoline.
Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
The present invention is directed towards a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline, referred to generally as a trampoline dressing or assembly 10. Referring to
Referring to
Referring back to
Both the upper portion 40 and the lower portion 42 contain expandable edges 46A and 46B respectively. The expandable edges 46A and 46B are formed by using a stretchable and resilient material or band secured thereto, through for example being sewn within, to allow the edges to expand in size and be secured to a portion of the horizontal frame 14. In use, the lower portion 42 can be secured to a portion of the horizontal frame 14, see
The fold line 50 is positioned at or extends past an outer edge 52 of the horizontal frame 14 and may include a stretchable and resilient band. The fold line 50 defines the inner edge 54 of the trampoline dressing 10, and the upper portion 40 and the lower portion 42 when folded over define the outer edge 56 (see
The pad assembly 34 may alternatively be constructed as an enclosed unit similar to a pillow, see
Referring back to
Both the skirt first end 62 and the opposing skirt second end 64 are adapted to be securable to the second component 32. Accordingly, each end 62 and 64 contains a first member of a first component to second component securing assembly 65, illustrated herein as either the hook or loop portions of a hook and loop fastener such as VELCRO. Positioned at various locations along the body of the skirt are fastening members 66 illustrated herein as string ties. The fastening members 66 are designed to provide for securing the skirt 58 to a plurality of positions on the trampoline, such as the vertical support members 16. While the illustrated embodiment is shown as string ties, other mechanisms may be used including buttons, snaps, VELCRO, or the other means known to one of skill in the art. Additionally, the trampoline dressing 10 may include a foam insert 59, see
Referring to
A plurality of handrail guards 86, such as foam bodies, are secured to one or more portions of a handrail 28 if a handrail is used, and prevents or minimizes injury if a user contacts the handrail 28.
As described previously, the trampoline dressing 10 is designed to provide both safety and decorative features. As such, the trampoline dressing 10 can be applied to any trampoline, thereby allowing the trampoline to assume a decorative or theme-based appearance. As illustrated in
All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline comprising:
- a first component coupleable to a horizontal frame of a trampoline, said first component having at least one portion sized and shaped to mirror the shape of said horizontal frame to cover one or more resilient members coupled to a rebounding surface, and at least one portion to cover at least a portion of the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline,
- a second component, said second component independently coupleable to said horizontal frame of a trampoline and covering the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline.
2. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 further including a side foam insert.
3. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said first component is configured to hold cushioning material, thereby forming a pad.
4. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said second component is configured to hold cushioning material thereby forming a second pad, whereby said second pad is secured to a trampoline at a position independent of said first pad.
5. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said first component includes one or more securing members for securing to a horizontal frame, said second component, or combinations thereof.
6. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said second component includes one or more securing members for securing to a horizontal frame, said first component, or combinations thereof.
7. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said at least one portion to cover at least a portion of the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline includes one or more securing members for securing to a horizontal frame, said first component, or combinations thereof.
8. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said second component includes an inner housing having a cushioning material therein.
9. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said at least one portion covering space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline extends partially about the shape of said horizontal frame.
10. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said first component, said second component, or combinations thereof include indicia.
11. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 10 wherein said indicia is a symbol, one or more words or lettering, or combinations thereof.
12. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 10 wherein said indicia is theme-based.
13. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 12 wherein said indicia represents one or more components of an animal.
14. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 12 wherein said indicia represents one or more components of a machine.
15. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said first component, said second component, or combinations thereof contain lighting.
16. The trampoline dressing assembly for substantially covering one or more portions of a trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said first component, said second component, or combinations thereof are adapted to provide audio.
17. A trampoline dressing assembly kit comprising:
- at least one first component coupleable to a horizontal frame of a trampoline, said first component having at least one portion sized and shaped to mirror the shape/contour of said horizontal frame to cover one or more resilient members coupled to a rebounding surface, and at least one portion to cover at least a portion of the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline; and
- at least one second component, said second component independently coupleable to said horizontal frame of a trampoline and covering the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline.
18. The trampoline dressing assembly kit according to claim 17, further including at least one side foam insert.
19. The trampoline dressing assembly kit according to claim 17 wherein said first component, said second component, or combinations thereof are adapted to provide lighting.
20. The trampoline dressing assembly kit according to claim 17 wherein said first component, said second component, or combinations thereof are adapted to provide audio.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 19, 2013
Publication Date: Mar 19, 2015
Applicant: Global IP, Inc. (West Palm Beach, FL)
Inventors: Mitchell Carlin (West Palm Beach, FL), Arien Hoogerwerf (West Palm Beach, FL)
Application Number: 14/031,079