Exercise devices – Gymnastic – Projector
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-01
2001-09-04
Crow, Stephen R. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Gymnastic
Projector
Reexamination Certificate
active
06283894
ABSTRACT:
This application relates to a trampoline of the type having an elevated ring which supports a flexible rebound surface by means of springs stretched between the rebound surface and the ring. It relates especially to an annular pad for covering the ring and springs to protect those using the trampoline.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional trampolines are usually provided with an annular pad to cover the outer edge margin of the trampoline's rebound surface and the resilient connections of that surface to the ring which supports the rebound surface.
Conventional trampoline pad assemblies, which may or may not be filled with a resilient insert such as foam, usually include a gusset or skirt which is attached perpendicular to the plane of the pad surface. The circumference of the pad around the points of attachment to the trampoline frame is usually equal to the circumference of the bottom edge of the gusset. To install a pad on a trampoline, the pad is dropped down over the trampoline frame so that the gusset hangs downward around the perimeter of the ring which supports the trampoline's rebound surface. Usually, a draw cord is installed at the bottom edge of the gusset to reduce the circumference of that edge to a degree that prevents the cover from being lifted up from the trampoline frame. Since the materials used for the gusset are often stiff, the gusset does not gather neatly around the perimeter of the frame as the draw cord is tensioned. This leads to insufficient closure or diameter reduction of the gusset with result that those pads sometimes separate from the trampoline frame in the presence of high winds or during vigorous use of the trampoline.
In an attempt to alleviate that problem, some prior trampolines incorporate straps or ties which are used to attach the pad directly to various parts of the trampoline frame. However, with such direct connections, impacts on the pad when the trampoline is in use can cause the pad to shift relative to the frame resulting in the tearing of those straps or the pad itself.
Another disadvantage of the conventional trampoline pad assemblies of the type filled with a resilient insert such as foam is that the insert has to be installed at the factory when the pad envelope cover is stitched together. Therefore, the insert complicates the pad assembly process. Also, the factory-installed insert makes the pad relatively bulky so that it has to be shipped in a relatively large container. Further, if the insert should become damaged, it is difficult to repair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved pad for a trampoline.
Another object of the invention is to provide a trampoline pad assembly which permits installation of foam material after the pad envelope is sewed together so that someone other than the sewing crew which assembled the pad envelope or cover can install the inserts at a remote location.
A further object of the invention is to provide a trampoline pad assembly having removable foam inserts which are securely retained in place when the pad is installed on a trampoline.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a trampoline pad assembly which, when installed on a trampoline, cannot be lifted up from the trampoline frame.
A further object of the invention is to provide a pad of this type which suffers minimum stress when in use.
A further object of the invention is to provide a trampoline pad which can be manufactured and assembled relatively easily at relatively low cost.
Other objects will, in part, be obvious and will, in part, appear hereinafter.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the following detailed description, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
Briefly, my trampoline pad assembly, when properly dimensioned, can be installed on more or less any conventional trampoline having an elevated, flexible rebound surface resiliently connected to a rigid frame surrounding the rebound surface. The pad is positioned on the trampoline so that it covers the edge margin of the rebound surface and its connections to the frame. The pad includes an annular, flexible cover composed of upper and lower walls which are secured together at their inner and outer edges to form an annular enclosure for containing a resilient filler material such as foam. Superimposed on, and parallel to, the cover top wall is an annular skirt whose outer edge margin is secured to the cover top wall at the same time the top wall is secured to the cover bottom wall. Also, at least one opening is provided in the cover bottom wall adjacent the outer edge margin thereof so that filler material can be inserted through that opening into the cover interior after the cover has been assembled.
Preferably the assembly is composed of a plurality of arcuate pad segments secured together end to end to form a ring. Each segment defines a pocket for containing a foam insert which can be inserted into the pocket through an opening in the bottom wall of that segment.
After the cover has been filled with filler material, the pad may be installed on a trampoline by centering the pad on the trampoline and folding the skirt down around the ring on the trampoline frame. While the outer edge of the skirt is large enough to fit over the frame ring, the inner edge is not with a result that when the skirt is folded down over the frame ring, its free edge margin does not hang downward but rather extends inward under tension toward the center of the trampoline. The skirt thus not only prevents the pad assembly from inadvertently lifting from the trampoline, it also closes the openings into the pockets containing the filler material.
To accommodate the legs of the trampoline frame, notches are provided at the ends of the skirt segments to provide clearance for the legs. To positively secure the pad in place, ties are provided at the ends of the skirt segments. By lacing the ties through loops secured to the cover bottom wall, the lower or inner edge of the skirt is secured to the bottom wall so that the trampoline ring is positively captured by the skirt. With this arrangement, however, the pad assembly is not connected directly to the trampoline frame, but only to itself. Therefore, the pad assembly is free to move to some extent relative to the trampoline frame so that it does not become overstressed when the trampoline is in use.
As we shall see presently, the trampoline pad assembly is composed of relatively few parts which can be made and assembled quite easily. Therefore, the pad assembly should not add appreciably to the overall cost of the trampoline.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4431182 (1984-02-01), Reynolds
patent: 4900011 (1990-02-01), Nolet
patent: 5299989 (1994-04-01), Boyd et al.
patent: 5385518 (1995-01-01), Turner
patent: 6017292 (2000-01-01), Gift et al.
patent: 6193632 (2001-02-01), Steger
Cesari and McKenna
Crow Stephen R.
Hedstrom Corporation
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