Trampoline Patents (Class 482/27)
  • Patent number: 6939270
    Abstract: A foldable trampoline includes a frame consisting of multiple frame sections, a jumping bed, and a plurality of legs connected to each joint of two adjacent frame sections. At least two knuckle mechanisms are provided at two opposite joints of the frame sections. Each knuckle mechanism includes two clamp brackets that are fixedly connected to two adjacent frame sections at their opposed ends. Each clamp bracket has two spaced arms that forward extend beyond the end of the frame section by a predetermined length and then turn downward to form two lug portions. The lug portions of the two clamp brackets are overlapped and pivotally connected to each other via a shaft pin extended therethrough. The shaft pin also extends through the leg located at the joint, so that the two adjacent frame sections may be pivotally turn about the shaft pin without the need of dismounting the leg thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Leisure Kingdom Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Teng Yi Wang, Chang I Wu
  • Patent number: 6923744
    Abstract: A trampoline system has a frame with horizontal and supporting members raising the frame above the ground. The trampoline bed and springs have a pad body attached to the trampoline frame by straps. Each strap pair has an upper and lower strap attached to the pad body at a junction. Flange braces are mounted on the junction between the horizontal members and supporting members. A limiting member connecting each strap pair at a distance from the junction defines a pad strap gap as the distance from the junction to the limiting member. The pad strap gap is an elastic slack space sized according to the distance between the trampoline frame and the outer periphery of the trampoline pad body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 6918846
    Abstract: The inflatable basketball structure includes an inflatable basketball backboard, an inflatable basketball rim, a basketball net, an inflatable supporting pole, and an inflatable safety enclosure. The inflatable basketball structure on a trampoline allows height challenged users the opportunity to slam-dunk and otherwise fulfill athletic basketball fantasies in a safe environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 6846271
    Abstract: A trampoline system has a rebounding bed and a resilient member located below the bed at such a position that the bed depresses the resilient member when the bed is sufficiently depressed by a person jumping on the bed. The presence of the resilient member makes it easy to tune the system to adjust the performance of the trampoline and to minimize impacts on a jumper and thereby reduce the likelihood of bed-impact injuries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Mark W. Publicover
  • Patent number: 6840891
    Abstract: Springs (10) or other elastic connectors used to support a bed (14) within the frame of a trampoline or the like are attached using methods that systematically vary the tension (or the travel distance required to reach limit of elasticity) between adjacent (or sets of adjacent) springs (10). These spring attachment methods increase the time it takes a given trampoline to absorb a given amount of energy, increasing the shock absorption time and thereby reducing the likelihood of an injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Mark W. Publicover
  • Publication number: 20040259689
    Abstract: An exercise device having position verification feedback capabilities. In one embodiment, the exercise device generally includes a base unit defining a support surface, at least two position sensors arranged along a sensing plane relative to the support surface for detecting the presence of the user along the sensing plane, and a controller in communication with the position sensors to determine the user's position relative to the sensing plane. In another embodiment, the exercise device is configured to simulate the activity of jumping rope. In a further embodiment, an exercise device is provided that is capable of measuring one or more parameters associated with a user's vertical jumping ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Larry C. Wilkins, Vaughan Scott
  • Publication number: 20040176214
    Abstract: A connector for trampoline safety fence post includes a short supporting tube and a short connecting tube fixedly and parallelly connected to one side of the supporting tube. The supporting tube is fixedly connected at an upper end to a lower side of one of many frame pipes forming a trampoline frame, so that a corresponding tube-connecting end of one trampoline supporting leg may be upward inserted into a lower open end of the supporting tube, and a tube-connecting end of the safety fence poet may be downward inserted into an upper open end of the connecting tube. The connectors enable the trampoline supporting legs and the safety fence posts to be quickly connected to the frame supporting a jumping bed of the trampoline and ensure an enhanced structural strength at the connected points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Shen-Tai Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wang Lo Chun Yueh
  • Publication number: 20040171462
    Abstract: A trampoline support frame is made up of a base frame 3 and tubular holders 8 arranged to retain the lower ends of respective resiliently flexible rods 2, with the tubular holders 8 located at least partly within the base frame 3. The base frame may have a number of interconnectable base sections 4, 5. The base sections may be coupled by an extending tongue portion 6 of one base section engaging into a recess 7 in an adjacent base section. The tongue portion of each base section may be provided with a slot arranged to receive at least one of the tubular holders of the adjacent base section. A trampoline has a flexible mat 1, the base frame 3, and a number of resiliently flexible rods 2 each having an upper end retained in the flexible mat and a lower end retained in a respective tubular holder 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Keith Vivian Alexander
  • Publication number: 20040171461
    Abstract: A leg structure 40 for a trampoline having a base frame formed from a plurality of interconnectable base sections includes two end sections 42, 44 arranged to support respective adjacent base sections 46, 48, and a central section 54 arranged to support the base sections 46, 48 supported by the end sections at the point of attachment of the base sections. A trampoline support frame has the base frame and a plurality of leg structures 40 supporting joins between respective pairs of adjacent base sections 46, 48. A trampoline has a flexible mat 1, a base frame formed from a plurality of interconnectable base sections 46, 48, a plurality of resiliently flexible rods 2 each having a lower end retained in the base frame and an upper end retained in the flexible mat, and leg structures 40 supporting joins between respective pairs of adjacent base sections 46, 48.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Keith Vivian Alexander
  • Publication number: 20040147370
    Abstract: A quick-coupling post for trampoline safety fence is formed from a plurality of sequentially connectable hollow sections and an elastic connecting element mounted in each section. Each of the hollow sections has an upper portion adapted to fitly extend into a lower portion of another section to align two through holes separately provided at the upper and the lower portion of the two hollow sections, respectively. The elastic connecting element is in the form of a letter V to include two normally outward stretched arms that naturally elastically press against two opposite inner surfaces of the hollow section. One of the two arms is provided at a free end with a short shaft tube that elastically extends through the two aligned through holes on two coupled hollow sections to hold the two coupled sections in place relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Shen-Tai Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teng Yi Wang, Chang I. Wu
  • Publication number: 20040142800
    Abstract: An exerciser including a movable body support mounted on an exerciser frame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A movable foot support extends from the exerciser frame. The movable foot support is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body support in the opposite direction. The movable foot support may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body support and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame. Also disclosed are methods for enabling users to exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: STAMINA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin Gerschefske
  • Publication number: 20040121883
    Abstract: A fence surrounds a trampoline and extends above the rebounding surface, reducing the risk of injury. Shock absorption is aided by a support system of independent poles. Variable placement net fasteners also are detailed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Mark W. Publicover
  • Publication number: 20040092366
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elasticity-controllable trampoline using a plate spring that can be manufactured in small size and in low height compared with existing trampolines using coil springs, thereby proving stability to a user. Also, it has a mechanical structure, thereby providing a semi-permanent life term. Under the principles of a lever using the third law of motion, particularly, the plate spring carries out action in smooth manner, in operation and also carries out reaction with the jumping operation of the user, such that the trampoline of the present invention will have a strong elasticity. In addition, a plate spring support movable stand on the plate spring is moved in simple manner according to the principles of the lever, thereby allowing the elasticity of the plate spring to be controlled. With the adjustment of the upward and downward motion of an action point operation bolt, the height of the upward and downward motion can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Oh Kyoung-chan, Oh Ju-whan
  • Patent number: 6733420
    Abstract: A rectangularly-shaped exercise apparatus (20) having an endless frame (22) formed by angular elements (24) joined together at their adjacent corners (25) that include shoulders (45) and gussets (46). A bed (29) of fabric is disposed within frame (20) and joined to it by coiled springs (31) attaching the bed's grommets (33) to pins (38) extending from horizontally-oriented flanges (26) of angular elements (24), being held to pins (38) by washer-nuts 41/42). A socket (29) is securely mounted at the corners (25) to the undersides (39) of flanges (26) and into which deep-stroked leg assemblies (52) having springs (56) are slip fit. The leg assemblies (52) include an additional stroke displacement over the spring's stroke displacement by a plunger (53) over which the spring's tubular cylinder (54) displaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Herbert E. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20040058782
    Abstract: An exercise device for use in performing a variety of physical exercises includes a low impact cushioned, resilient surface in association with a fixed structure, positioned adjacent thereto. A resistive element having a first end and a second end is coupled to the fixed structure by its first end. A harness is coupled to the second end of the resistive element. The harness provides a structure for restraining the user in a preselected position atop the resilient surface and for applying selective resistive forces to the user during an exercising session performed on the resilient surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen R. Spencer, James G. Felt
  • Publication number: 20040058781
    Abstract: A bounce apparatus that includes a continuous inflatable support, an apron attached to the support, the apron including a sheet having a plurality of apertures and being folded over upon itself to form a plurality of loops, a mat that includes loops, and a cord passing through the apron loops and the mat loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas M. Plante
  • Patent number: 6679811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protection device for a trampoline, wherein the protection device comprises a plurality of support parts, the two ends of each support part being separately installed with an upper half part and a lower half part; and a protection film being installed between two support parts. Finally, the protection device is combined with a trampoline in order to ensure the safety of a person exercising on the trampoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Sam Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 6663538
    Abstract: A safety trampoline is described herein. The trampoline comprises a generally circular inner canvas, a plurality of inner plane springs distributed about the perimeter of the inner canvas. The trampoline also comprises a generally circular outer canvas having a hole in its center substantially the same diameter as the perimeter of the inner canvas. The trampoline further comprises a plurality of outer plane springs distributed about the perimeter of the outer canvas and a plurality of binding ropes for attaching the plurality of inner plane springs to the inner canvas and the outer canvas, and for attaching the plurality of outer plane springs to the outer canvas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Jung-Ho Yoon
  • Patent number: 6659914
    Abstract: A bounce apparatus that includes a continuous inflatable support, an apron attached to the support, the apron including a sheet having a plurality of apertures and being folded over upon itself to form a plurality of loops, a mat that includes loops, and a cord passing through the apron loops and the mat loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rave Sports Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Plante
  • Patent number: 6652419
    Abstract: An integrated exercise machine system that is utilized to facilitate overall physical fitness which includes the detoxification of the body along with the aerobic conditioning of the cardiovascular system. The system was primarily designed to facilitate a proactive approach to the conditioning of muscles that have become fatigued or atrophied in various occupations, such as computer operators, clerical personnel, or other occupations that have limited range of motions, and improve mobility of the elderly and physically impaired. It is a uniquely shaped, portable rebounder that folds with a safety hinge and collapsing legs. An overhead upper body exercise system is adapted to the environment utilizing a dual telescopic primary horizontal overhead bar, adapts to a door frame or wall, and is housed in a cradle unit. There are two adjustable securing straps with a device for attaching and suspending the secondary horizontal bar and/or elastic resistance ropes with varying degrees of elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: James Eugene Rota
  • Publication number: 20030216220
    Abstract: An integrated exercise machine system that is utilized to facilitate overall physical fitness which includes the detoxification of the body along with the aerobic conditioning of the cardiovascular system. The system was primarily designed to facilitate a proactive approach to the conditioning of muscles that have become fatigued or atrophied in various occupations, such as computer operators, clerical personnel, or other occupations that have limited range of motions, and improve mobility of the elderly and physically impaired. It is a uniquely shaped, portable rebounder that folds with a safety hinge and collapsing legs. An overhead upper body exercise system is adapted to the environment utilizing a dual telescopic primary horizontal overhead bar, adapts to a door frame or wall, and is housed in a cradle unit. There are two adjustable securing straps with a device for attaching and suspending the secondary horizontal bar and/or elastic resistance ropes with varying degrees of elasticity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: James Eugene Rota
  • Patent number: 6648799
    Abstract: An exercise device, such as a trampoline, that is foldable with long-lasting rigidity in the framework. The trampoline is made foldable by using hinges to connect sections of the frame of the trampoline. The hinges are configured to provide lateral flexibility in the framework, thereby decreasing the stress applied to the hinges (and increasing the life of the hinges) when the trampoline is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: David Hall
  • Patent number: 6638199
    Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible structure device for practicing elastics-assisted trampoline, an activity called “acro-bungy”. It includes a central mast (4) along which can vertically move, while being actuated through mechanical means (43), with a possibility of being locked in the upper position, a slide (6) on which are fitted, through their one end (51), legs aimed at being unfolded on both sides of the mast (4), while passing above one or several trampolines, and to which elastics are fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Bruno Annesi, Pascal Michel
  • Publication number: 20030196580
    Abstract: A floating playground includes floating modules which provide buoyancy to a variety of recreational implements. Rigid flotation vessels filled with foam provide buoyancy to the modules. The modules have a frame and plurality of posts which can support a variety of recreational implements. The modules float individually or can be connected together to from a floating playground with a variety of recreational implements. The modules are also mobile so they can be moved from location to location and interchanged with other modules to form a dynamic playground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Nauticblue Corp.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Broderick, LaVon F. Broderick
  • Patent number: 6607468
    Abstract: A trampoline system includes a frame comprising a border rail encircling an opening and a plurality of support legs projecting from the frame. A trampoline bed is disposed within the opening and is secured to the border rail by a plurality of springs. The trampoline bed has a perimeter edge that is inwardly spaced apart from the border rail. A plurality of poles each upwardly project from the frame at spaced apart locations around the border rail. One or more tubular cushions encircle each of the poles. A flexible enclosure wall vertically upwardly extends above the trampoline bed so as to encircle the trampoline bed at the perimeter edge thereof. A plurality of elongated elastomeric ties extend from each pole to the enclosure wall so as to tightly support the enclosure wall in the vertical orientation. Stitching is used to secure the bottom edge of the enclosure wall adjacent to the perimeter edge of the trampoline bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventors: Albert G. Nichols, Jr., David B. Nichols, Jeffrey E. Kollmeier
  • Patent number: 6599221
    Abstract: A foldable trampoline including a resilient web, a web frame assembly and a plurality of springs includes peripheral frame members pivotally connected to each other such that the web can be positioned between a first position oriented in an approximately horizontal configuration forming a trampoline, and a second position where a portion of the web is oriented at an angle of less than 180° relative the other portion of the web to thereby form a backstop for ball games. Frame assembly members dampen the movement of the frame members relative to each other to thereby control the rate at which the trampoline is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Brian L. Goldwitz
  • Publication number: 20030125163
    Abstract: A bounce apparatus that includes a continuous inflatable support, an apron attached to the support, the apron including a sheet having a plurality of apertures and being folded over upon itself to form a plurality of loops, a mat that includes loops, and a cord passing through the apron loops and the mat loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas M. Plante
  • Publication number: 20030104905
    Abstract: A trampoline system has a rebounding bed and a resilient member located below the bed at such a position that the bed depresses the resilient member when the bed is sufficiently depressed by a person jumping on the bed. The presence of the resilient member makes it easy to tune the system to adjust the performance of the trampoline and to minimize impacts on a jumper and thereby reduce the likelihood of bed-impact injuries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Mark W. Publicover
  • Publication number: 20030064861
    Abstract: An improved trampoline consists of an air mattress equipped with a first inflation valve having a first fastening section attached to an inner peripheral rim and a jumping pad mounted to the inner periphery of the air mattress having a second fastening section attached to an outer peripheral rim thereof to couple with the first fastening section through a fastening element. The air mattress has a plurality of guarding struts mounted thereon to surround the jumping pad to form a jumping space. The air mattress is filled with air pressure to allow the jumping pad generating resilient force for people to jump in the jumping space up and down for exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Sportspower Limited
    Inventor: Jimmy Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20030036460
    Abstract: Springs (10) or other elastic connectors used to support a bed (14) within the frame of a trampoline or the like are attached using methods that systematically vary the tension (or the travel distance required to reach limit of elasticity) between adjacent (or sets of adjacent) springs (10). These spring attachment methods increase the time it takes a given trampoline to absorb a given amount of energy, increasing the shock absorption time and thereby reducing the likelihood of an injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Mark W Publicover
  • Publication number: 20030029369
    Abstract: A floating playground includes floating modules which provide buoyancy to a variety of recreational implements. Rigid flotation vessels filled with foam provide buoyancy to the modules. The modules have a frame and plurality of posts which can support a variety of recreational implements. The modules float individually or can be connected together to from a floating playground with a variety of recreational implements. The modules are also mobile so they can be moved from location to location and interchanged with other modules to form a dynamic playground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Nauticblue Corp.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Broderick, LaVon F. Broderick
  • Patent number: 6508682
    Abstract: The water trampoline includes a generally doughnut-shaped inflatable tube having an open center area. A mesh rebound member extends over the open center area and is secured around its entire periphery to the tube on the upper surface of the tube member. The attaching/securing elements include a plurality of side-by-side loop elements which extend toward the open center area of the tube from the upper surface thereof and a plurality of side-by-side loop elements which extend from the periphery of the rebound member. A first cord extends through the loop members, alternately between alternate tube loop members and rebound element loop members. A second cord member extends through the loop members through which the first cord does not extend. The cord members are tightened, moving the loop members together endwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: David P. Clark
  • Publication number: 20020137598
    Abstract: A fence surrounds a trampoline and extends above the rebounding surface, reducing the risk of injury. Shock absorption is aided in the preferred embodiment by a support system of independent poles, linked at their tops by a flexible strap or line. An impact anywhere on the fence causes the posts to flex inwardly, absorbing the force. Much of this impact injury is stored in system components and is subsequently returned, helping propel an errant jumper back onto to the rebounding surface. Numerous other embodiments and accessories are also detailed. Similar arrangements are suitable for use with above ground pools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Mark W. Publicover, Jon H. Greiner, J. Scott Publicover, Byron L. Bertsch
  • Patent number: 6447426
    Abstract: A water trampoline including a supporting shell and a plurality of concentrically disposed inflatable rings disposed within the supporting shell to form a stable, low profile buoyant platform. A trampoline mat is attached to an inner edge of the supporting shell to resiliently support it over the central opening of the platform. A zippered access opening is provided on the inner edge of the shell below the trampoline mat to provide access to the inflatable rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Sportstuff, Inc.
    Inventor: Leroy L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20020115535
    Abstract: A child activity device for entertaining and promoting activity in a child is disclosed. The child activity device is configurable between a use and storage position and may also include a frame providing bouncing motion for a child. The activity device includes a support frame extending vertically upwards from a lower end proximate to a support surface and terminating at an upper end, a supporting portion, and may further include a seat, coupled to the supporting portion, that is rotatable about a first axis relative to the support frame to allow a child placed in the seat to rotate about the first axis. A coupling assembly is also disclosed. The coupling assembly secures the supporting portion to the support frame upper end and permits rotation of the supporting portion about a second axis for configuring the seat and supporting portion in a storage position. An activity device with foldable support legs is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl M. Stern, Andrew M. Weiman, Timothy J. Snyder, Brian S. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20020111250
    Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible structure device for practicing elastics-assisted trampoline, an activity called “acro-bungy”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Bruno Annesi, Pascal Michel
  • Publication number: 20020098948
    Abstract: A safety trampoline is described herein. The trampoline comprises a generally circular inner canvas, a plurality of inner plane springs distributed about the perimeter of the inner canvas. The trampoline also comprises a generally circular outer canvas having a hole in its center substantially the same diameter as the perimeter of the inner canvas. The trampoline further comprises a plurality of outer plane springs distributed about the perimeter of the outer canvas and a plurality of binding ropes for attaching the plurality of inner plane springs to the inner canvas and the outer canvas, and for attaching the plurality of outer plane springs to the outer canvas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Hee-Sun Yoon
  • Publication number: 20020077222
    Abstract: A recreational air board used for “surf-bouncing” on a trampoline. The board is made of at least one soft cushioning layer and a support layer. The cushioning layer provides protection against damage caused to the trampoline and other objects by impact with the board. The cushioning layer also minimizes the risk of injury to the user. The support layer provides stiffness to the board so that the board maintains its proper form. The board may be fastened to a user's feet by a pair of elastic cords. The elastic cords form loops to receive a user's feet and are attached to the board through openings in the board. The elastic cords can stretch to snugly fit different sized feet without the need for special boots and bindings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: John Daly
  • Patent number: 6402662
    Abstract: A trampoline pad assembly for securement to a trampoline of the type including a rebound surface suspended by springs from an elevated ring includes an annular top wall and an annular bottom wall secured together at congruent inner and outer edges to form an annular enclosure defining an interior pocket. At least one radial opening is formed in the bottom wall adjacent to the outer edge thereof which opening extends into the pocket. Resilient material is introduced into the pocket through the opening and an annular flexible skirt is secured to top wall adjacent to the outer edge thereof so that the skirt lies flat against the top wall. The skirt has a free edge and is foldable around those outer edges so that the skirt closes the opening thereby protectively enclosing the resilient material within the pocket and secures the pad assembly to the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Hedstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick M. Rieber
  • Patent number: 6364782
    Abstract: An amusement system for infants is provided which gives a player a special bodily sensation that cannot be experienced in daily life. The amusement system comprises: a main body (10) including a mattress (11) of a generally flat rectangular solid shape housed in a frame (13), and pressing means (17) for externally pressing the mattress (11); and an enclosure (20) surrounding the frame (13). The mattress (11) comprises a bag (12) formed of a transparent flexible urethane sheet, and a liquid component including differently colored water and oil filled in the bag (12). The pressing means (17) includes a driver (18) incorporating a hydraulic cylinder, and a press plate (19) connected to a piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. The press plate (19) is pivoted by the operation of the hydraulic cylinder to press a side face of the mattress (11) from the outside toward the inside, whereby the upper surface of the mattress (11) is waved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Oriental Sangyo, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Ochi
  • Publication number: 20020010053
    Abstract: A water trampoline including a supporting shell and a plurality of concentrically disposed inflatable rings disposed within the supporting shell to form a stable, low profile buoyant platform. A trampoline mat is attached to an inner edge of the supporting shell to resiliently support it over the central opening of the platform. A zippered access opening is provided on the inner edge of the shell below the trampoline mat to provide access to the inflatable rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: LEROY L. PETERSON
  • Patent number: 6336893
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protection device for a trampoline, wherein the protection device comprises a predetermined amount of support parts, the two ends of each support part being separately installed with an upper half part and a lower half part; and a protection film being installed between two support parts. Finally, the protection device is combined with a trampoline in order to ensure the safety of a person exercising on the trampoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Sportspower Limited
    Inventor: Jimmy Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 6319174
    Abstract: A trampoline which incorporates a flexible mat supported above a support frame by a number of spaced flexible rods; each rod is secured at one end to the mat and at the other end to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Keith Vivian Alexander
  • Patent number: 6283894
    Abstract: A trampoline pad assembly for securement to a trampoline of the type including a rebound surface suspended by springs from an elevated ring includes an annular top wall and an annular bottom wall secured together at congruent inner and outer boundaries to form an annular enclosure defining an interior pocket. At least one opening is formed in the bottom wall, which opening extends into the pocket. Resilient material is introduced into the pocket through the opening and an annular flexible skirt is secured to top wall adjacent to the outer boundary thereof so that the skirt lies flat against the top wall. The skirt has a free edge which is shorter than the wall outer boundary and the skirt is foldable around those outer boundaries so that the skirt overlaps the opening thereby enclosing the resilient material within the pocket and secures the pad assembly to the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Hedstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph E. Steger
  • Patent number: 6280367
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an exercise device wherein a user 12 exercises the abdominal muscles by throwing a ball 14 against a net system 20, 40, 42. The user 12 places his head 34 and back 32 on a pivotable platform 18 and his buttocks 30 and feet 56 on a stationary platfoin 22 which pivots about spring 36. The spring 36 provides lift assistance when the user 12 throws the ball 14 and shock dissipation when the user 12 catches the ball 14. Foot straps 28 are provided for securing the feet 26 of the user 12. The nets 20, 40, 42 are mounted on supports 48, 50 which are vertically adjustable using locking means 52. Nets 40, 42 also have pivot means 46 for folding for storage against central net 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher Arsenault
  • Patent number: 6264583
    Abstract: A trampoline including a trampoline mat, a frame surrounding the trampoline mat, and an attachment system for connecting the frame to the trampoline mat. The attachment system includes a plurality of elastic straps connected to the periphery of the trampoline mat and a plurality of connectors for connecting the elastic straps to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Rolland Wayne Rich
  • Patent number: 6261207
    Abstract: A fence surrounds a trampoline and extends above the rebounding surface, reducing the risk of injury. Shock absorption is aided in the preferred embodiment by a support system of independent poles, linked at their tops by a flexible strap or line. An impact anywhere on the fence causes the posts to flex inwardly, absorbing the force. Much of this impact injury is stored in system components and is subsequently returned, helping propel an errant jumper back onto to the rebounding surface. Numerous other embodiments and accessories are also detailed. Similar arrangements are suitable for use with above ground pools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: JumpSport, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Publicover, Jon H. Greiner, J. Scott Publicover, Byron L. Bertsch
  • Patent number: 6237169
    Abstract: A foldable trampoline having a jump cloth, a plurality of pull rods secured to cloth ears extending around the jump cloth, a frame having a plurality of hook holes formed on a top surface thereof, a plurality of spring elements engaged with the pull rods and within the hook holes, and a plurality of support rods respectively engaged within a plurality of thread holes formed on the frame. The frame is formed of a plurality of sections. One pair of sections has an L-shaped member with a thread hole formed at one end thereof. This pair of sections also has an upper strut extending outwardly from an upper end thereof. The thread hole of the L-shaped member is received within the end having the upper strut such that the thread hole of the L-shaped member is aligned with a thread hole formed on a bottom surface of the opposite end of the frame. Support rods can be extended through the various thread holes formed on the bottom sides of the frame so as to lock the frame sections together in a foldable arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Lai Fen Ying
  • Patent number: 6223673
    Abstract: A floatable park that includes a trampoline and a first inflatable object attached to the trampoline. The first inflatable object is constructed to support a human being thereon. The park is floatable on water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Rave Sports Inc.
    Inventors: Norman P. Mears, Patrick S. Golden, Charles P. Brewer, Kirk M. Johnsen, Leo A. Riley, Ronald D. Romens, Jeffrey J. Carlson, Wendell L. King
  • Patent number: D462103
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Sportspower Limited
    Inventor: Jimmy Ching Chen