In-ground trampoline and method of installation therefor

Abstract

An in-ground trampoline and method of installation therefor, wherein a homeowner, trampoline enthusiast, athlete, gymnast, or the like, is provided with a safer, more accessible, ground level trampoline jumping surface configuration in view of conventional above-ground trampolines, and is further provided with a relatively inexpensive, easily constructed and transportable in-ground trampoline jumping surface support system in view of current in-ground trampoline methods of construction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to trampolines, and more specifically to in-ground trampolines and methods of installation therefor. The present in-ground trampoline apparatus is particularly advantageous for provision of a safer, more accessible configuration in view of conventional above-ground trampoline systems, and a more cost-efficient, more easily installed and transported configuration in view of conventional in-ground trampoline systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Trampolines have long provided popular recreational and sports related activities, and are increasingly utilized for establishing physical fitness via cardiovascular, strength and resistance training, and for improving physical control, coordination, and mental acuity. In particular, trampolines have found popular recreational use amongst children and young adults. Trampolines have also historically been utilized by athletes engaged in competitive gymnastics. Other uses inclu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide an in-ground trampoline to effectuate a ground level trampoline jumping surface.

[0015] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its provision of a segmented retaining wall for effectively providing the requisite lateral support of ground adjacent the in-ground trampoline installation without need for expensive concrete pours or the like.

[0016] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its provision of a segmented retaining wall formed from sheets of corrugated, galvanized metal for enhanced durability and structural support.

[0017] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a ground-level trampoline jumping surface, thereby providing a safer, more accessible configuration in view of conventional above-ground trampoline systems.

[0018] Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to adapt to and receive a pre-assembled above-ground trampoline for in-ground installation.

[0019] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its provision of segmented retaining walls and removable upper and lower support rings for facilitating the disassembly and relocation of the present in-ground trampoline apparatus.

Problems solved by technology

Although popular in use, above-ground trampolines are often characterized as unsafe recreational and / or sports training implements, due in large part to the significant and ever-increasing number of trampoline-related injuries.

Many such injuries occur when the trampoline user falls from the above-ground trampoline and sustains injury upon impact with the surface below and / or with other fixed objects in the area surrounding the trampoline.

When combined with the jump height, the added height of the trampoline increases the energy of impact, which, in turn, increases the extent and severity of the injuries.

Notwithstanding such recommendations, there have been barriers to implementing trampoline systems having a ground-level jumping surface, including cost, non-standard design and construction requirements, difficulties in construction, and / or difficulties in disassembling and relocating the in-ground trampoline unit.

In recognition of the advantage of placing the trampoline mat at ground-level for the safety of users, methods and devices have been developed to accommodate the trampoline mat at ground level; however, most such ground-level trampoline jumping surfaces are located indoors, typically within gymnasiums or other sports training centers, and are often formed and / or installed during initial construction of the building via an elaborate and expensive matrix of supports, and / or expensive concrete pouring procedures.

Although recreational users recognize the need for an in-ground trampoline system (i.e., placing the trampoline jumping mat or surface at ground level), there has heretofore not been a cost effective, convenient mechanism for individual homeowners or recreational users to install an in-ground trampoline system to effectuate a safer jumping environment.

Many homeowners have sought the skill and advice of professional landscapers in an attempt to construct an outdoor in-ground trampoline; however, many such landscapers often still resort to expensive and highly complex construction via railroad tie wall systems, concrete pours, timber lattices, or the like, wherein such solutions are often impractical and / or financially problematic for the average homeowner.

Additionally, because such available methods and constructs of outdoor in-ground trampoline systems are fixed or stationary structures incapable of being easily disassembled for subsequent relocation and reconstruction, homeowners are disadvantageously forced to limit and gauge future landscaping alterations around and in view of the original site of construction of the in-ground trampoline and the expense of moving same.

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