Exercise devices – Gymnastic – Projector
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-03
2001-07-24
Richman, Glenn E. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Gymnastic
Projector
Reexamination Certificate
active
06264583
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to trampolines. More particularly, the present invention relates to an attachment system for connecting a trampoline mat to a trampoline frame.
2. Description of the Related Art
Trampolines and other springboards have been used for decades for sport, entertainment, and fitness purposes. Significant health risks, however, accompany the use of a trampoline. For instance, should the user lose control, he or she may land incorrectly on the trampoline or, even worse, fall off the trampoline causing significant injuries.
A conventional trampoline includes a central mat connected to an outer frame by a plurality of springs having open hooks at their ends. The springs hook into slots or holes at the top of the frame and connect to the mat at the opposite end. This construction leaves large spaces between adjacent springs. Often, the trampoline may include a foam pad covering the frame and loosely attached to the frame with string. The pad typically vibrates and moves during use and leaves these large spaces uncovered or only partially covered with only a thin foam pad. Should the user lose control, he or she may fall into these spaces and be injured.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the inventive trampoline includes 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. The inventive trampoline therefore incorporates the mat, the elastic mechanism, and the frame into an integral construction.
According to another aspect of the invention, a trampoline includes a trampoline mat, a frame surrounding the trampoline mat, an elastic portion connected to a periphery of the trampoline mat and extending between the trampoline mat and the frame to cover substantially all of a space between the trampoline mat and the frame, and at least one connector for connecting the elastic portion to the frame.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
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Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner L.L.P.
Richman Glenn E.
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