Trampoline

Abstract

Trampoline, featuring: - a surrounding frame (1), and - a plurality of legs (2) which are pivotable relative to the frame (1), characterized in that - that a plurality of support devices (5) extend laterally from the frame (1), and - that each support device (5) is connected to a base (8) onto which a leg (2) is attached in a way that can be attached or detached.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trampoline having a surrounding frame and a plurality of legs that are pivotable relative to the frame.

[0002] Such trampolines are known from the prior art. These are, in particular, so-called fitness trampolines, which have a jumping mat and elastic rope sections with which the jumping mat is suspended from the surrounding frame. The rope sections can be ring-shaped or open. It is also known to use steel springs instead of rope sections to connect the jumping mat to the surrounding frame.

[0003] The legs of a trampoline ensure that the frame—and thus the jumping mat—is positioned at a specific distance from the ground on which the trampoline is placed. This distance allows the jumping mat to move without touching the ground during normal use. When a trampoline is not in use, it is often stored away, for example, in a corner. With fixed legs, meaning legs rigidly connected to the surrounding frame, the trampoline takes up a certain amount of space. Therefore, trampolines with folding legs have become available. These are legs that are connected to the surrounding frame and can be pivoted relative to it. When the trampoline is not in use, the legs can be folded down. This makes the trampoline narrower, allowing it to be stored more compactly. Such a trampoline is known, for example, from WO 2011 / 083093 A1.

[0004] Trampolines with folding legs have generally proven their worth. However, it has been found that the stability of these trampolines could be further improved. This is partly due to the fact that during exercises on the trampoline, the user sometimes exerts lateral forces, which lead to a sideways load on the trampoline.

[0005] Based on the known state of the art, the invention aims to improve the stability of trampolines with folding legs.

[0006] To solve this problem, the trampoline mentioned at the outset is characterized according to the invention in that a plurality of support devices extend laterally from the frame, and that each support device is connected to a base onto which the leg can be attached or detached.

[0007] According to the invention, the stability is increased by providing support devices that extend laterally outwards from the frame when the trampoline is in use. This significantly increases the stability of the trampoline.

[0008] Preferably, the support devices extend laterally in a radial direction from the frame.

[0009] Each support structure is connected to a base onto which the leg can be attached. Preferably, the base is a separate component connected to the support structure. In particular, the base can also be made of a different material than the support structure. For example, the support structure can be made of metal and welded to the frame. This creates an extremely stable basic structure. A base, for example made of plastic, is mounted to the support structure, and the respective leg is attached to this base when the support structure is unfolded. To fold down the legs, the respective leg is pulled off the base and folded down towards the jumping mat. The base can therefore be manufactured as an injection-molded part, which offers advantages in terms of cost and weight. At the same time, the fit of injection-molded parts is particularly good, ensuring a secure fit of the leg on the base.

[0010] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the support device has a leg that is integrated into the base. This further increases stability. This is particularly advantageous when the leg extends downwards in the trampoline's operating position. The operating position is the position of the trampoline in which the user can perform exercises on it. In the trampoline's operating position, the leg can be arranged essentially vertically. A slight inclination is possible and can be compensated for by the base, which is preferably wider than the leg.

[0011] Preferably, the support structure has a side section from which the leg extends. Advantageously, the leg extends downwards from the side section. The side section is expediently connected to the frame and, in the trampoline's in use position, extends laterally outwards from the frame. Together with the downward-pointing leg, the side section forms an L-shape, with the leg and the side section, for example, enclosing a 90° angle. It should be noted that other angles are also possible, for example, if the side section does not extend horizontally from the frame but is slightly inclined downwards.

[0012] Because the support structure extends with one leg into the base, it lends the overall construction a high degree of stability. This is because forces introduced into the support structure via the surrounding frame are directly absorbed by the leg and transferred to the leg via the base. Furthermore, the base is also strengthened because the support structure's leg engages with it. This is particularly advantageous when the support structure is made of metal and the base of plastic.

[0013] According to the invention, each leg is designed to pivot. This requires a pivot axis around which the leg can pivot. Preferably, a (physical) pivot axis for one leg passes through the thigh. This is particularly advantageous when the thigh extends into the base.

[0014] The pivot axis advantageously extends between two inner sides of the leg. This allows a leg rod to be pivoted between the two inner sides, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0015] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the pivot axis passes through the base. The respective leg is therefore not only pivoted around the base, but also held by the base.

[0016] Preferably, the pivot axis passes not only through the base but also through the support structure. Such a design is advantageous when the support structure has a leg that engages with the base, offering significant stability benefits and manufacturing advantages. The pivot axis can, for example, be inserted from the outside through the base and through the support structure (or its leg) and attached to the base. It is advantageous for the leg to have at least one opening through which the pivot axis passes. If two inner surfaces are provided, as described above as expedient, each inner surface preferably has a through opening.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the base rests against the support structure. The forces are thus transferred directly from the support structure into the base and therefore into the leg. Advantageously, the base rests directly against the support structure. Such a construction is particularly stable.

[0018] As previously described, the primary function of the base is to hold the leg in position when unfolded. To achieve this, the leg overlaps the base when unfolded. The base, when unfolded, fits as precisely as possible into the leg (or one end of the leg). As also described above, it is advantageous if the pivot axis passes through the base. In particular, the base can support the pivot axis. An advantageous embodiment is characterized by the leg overlapping the pivot axis when unfolded. It should be noted here that the unfolded state (or the unfolded position) corresponds to the trampoline's operating position. With the legs folded down, the trampoline can be stored particularly easily.

[0019] One function of the base is therefore to provide the most stable support possible for the leg. At the same time, the base can provide the pivot axis. In this context, it has proven advantageous for the base to be radially open inwards. The base thus forms a radial opening directed towards the center of the trampoline. This opening is preferably located in the pivot plane of the leg and can be suitably slot-shaped. If the leg is held to the base by a bar, which is considered advantageous in itself, the bar can pivot within the radial opening. In this way, the base not only provides a seat for the leg but also allows the bar to pivot.

[0020] The support structure serves two purposes: firstly, to position the legs laterally to the frame. This lateral leg positioning makes the trampoline particularly stable. Secondly, the support structure effectively transfers weight forces through the frame into the legs. Such forces can be considerable and include not only the user's own weight but also the dynamic forces generated when bouncing or jumping on the trampoline. For a particularly stable construction, it is advantageous for the support structure to extend at least partially beneath the trampoline frame. For example, if the frame has a round cross-section, the support structure could extend at an angle of approximately 90°, for instance, laterally from the center of the frame to beneath it.This means that both vertical and lateral forces can be effectively supported by the support device.

[0021] The trampoline frame is typically made of metal, such as steel or stainless steel. The support structure is preferably welded to the frame. The frame can have a round cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible, for example, rectangular or elliptical.

[0022] The primary function of the support structure is to provide support. However, higher-quality trampolines are expected to also meet certain design requirements. Furthermore, it is important that the risk of injury is minimized. Against this background, a further development of the invention proposes that the support structure be housed within a casing. The casing allows the support structure to be concealed so that it is no longer visible. The design of the casing is largely unrestricted. It is considered advantageous if the casing, particularly its underside, forms the base.

[0023] Since the base is designed to absorb and dissipate forces, a secure connection to the support structure is essential. Therefore, it is advantageous for the housing to have a lower and an upper part, preferably bolted together. The support structure is advantageously located between the lower and upper parts of the housing.

[0024] The lower and upper parts can be screwed together. It can be advantageous for the lower or upper housing part to have a threaded extension that passes through the support structure. This positive locking mechanism further strengthens the connection.

[0025] The upper housing part can partially or completely cover the support structure. An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that a cap is arranged on the upper housing part, which overlaps the frame. The cap advantageously overlaps both the housing and the frame. It is preferably slid onto the upper housing part.

[0026] The invention provides a trampoline that is both stable and highly flexible due to its foldable legs. Stability is particularly important when the trampoline is unfolded. However, it is also advantageous for the legs to remain in the folded position when the trampoline is folded, even when it is moved for storage. For this purpose, the housing advantageously has two centering lugs arranged at a distance from the base, between which the leg can be held when folded. The leg is conveniently clipped between the two lugs.

[0027] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the centering lugs are arranged on the housing, and in particular attached to it. This is advantageous both visually and from a manufacturing perspective. To ensure that the leg is held particularly securely between the centering lugs, it is proposed that they be made of a different material than the housing. For example, the housing can be made of a hard material, in particular a hard plastic, whereas the centering lugs are made of a softer plastic. The centering lugs are expediently inserted into the housing, for example by clipping and / or gluing. Screwing them in place is also conceivable.

[0028] As mentioned earlier, a good fit between the leg and the base is essential to prevent unwanted rattling of the legs during trampoline use, as well as instability of the connection between the leg and the base. The leg can generally be designed as a tube that, when unfolded, is slipped over the base. Tests have shown that there are limits to the strength of the tube's wall thickness. While a thin wall makes the leg lightweight (which is desirable), it can lead to material stretching and consequently a looser fit of the leg on the base. A thicker wall might provide sufficient strength, but it increases the overall weight, which is also undesirable.Against this background, tests have revealed a particularly advantageous design in which each leg has an insert that secures the leg to the base when unfolded. The insert can be made of plastic and / or be integrated into the leg. This creates a construction that is both lightweight and stable throughout the trampoline's lifespan.

[0029] Reference is again made to the leg's position on the base in the unfolded state. In a preferred embodiment, the legs can be folded down in a pivot plane and each has guide lugs arranged on both sides of the pivot plane. These lugs engage in lateral recesses in the base when the leg is unfolded. This preferably positive-locking engagement provides the assembly with additional stability. The guide lugs and / or the recesses can be made particularly advantageously of plastic. This means, for example, that the insert described above forms the guide lugs, while the base or the lower part of the housing forms the recesses.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the legs can be folded down in a pivot plane and each has a projection arranged in the pivot plane that engages in a recess in the base when the leg is unfolded. This central projection also provides additional stability. In particular, it is also able to stabilize the folding and unfolding process, namely because the base has a slot-like opening, especially a free end with a frontal and preferably slot-like opening, and the projection engages in this opening when the leg is folded down. Preferably, the projection also engages in the slot-like opening during the folding movement. This provides additional guidance to the leg during movement, resulting in exceptional stability.

[0031] As mentioned above, it is possible to make the support structure from a different material than the base. In particular, it is considered advantageous if the support structure is made of metal and the base of plastic. The metal support structure provides high stability, while the plastic base allows for a particularly precise fit.

[0032] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the attached drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 in a schematic representation a perspective view of a trampoline according to the invention, wherein the legs of the trampoline are unfolded; Fig. 2 in a schematic representation a perspective view of the trampoline according to Fig. 1 without a jumping mat, with the legs of the trampoline folded down; Fig. 3 in a schematic representation a perspective view of a surrounding frame of the trampoline in isolation, to which a plurality of support devices are attached; Fig. 4 in a schematic representation a split view of a detail of the trampoline (without leg); Fig. 5 in a schematic representation a perspective view of a support device attached to the frame; Fig. 6 in a schematic representation a perspective view of a detail of the trampoline with an indicated leg raised from a base; Fig. 7 in a schematic representation a perspective view of a leg in the unfolded state; Fig. 8 in a schematic representation a perspective view of the leg after Fig. 7 in a detached state; Fig. 9 in a schematic representation a perspective view of the leg according to Fig. 7 in a partially folded-down state; and Fig. 10 in a schematic representation the leg analogously Fig. 9 in a fully folded-down state.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows a trampoline according to the invention, comprising a surrounding frame 1, a plurality of legs 2, and a flexible jumping mat 3. The jumping mat 3 is connected to the frame 1 via elastic rope sections 4 such that it is held elastically within the frame 1. When jumping (or bouncing) on ​​the jumping mat 3, the rope sections 4 give way. Such a construction is known in principle.

[0034] Legs 2 are foldable legs, which are in Fig. 1. The legs are unfolded. In this leg position 2, the trampoline is in use and can therefore be used for exercises.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows the trampoline with its legs folded down, although the jumping mat is not shown for clarity. The trampoline can be stored in this position. Because the legs are folded down, it is very narrow, which saves space. The folded legs point advantageously radially inwards from the frame.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 shows the surrounding frame 1 in isolation, i.e., without the jumping mat and legs. From this view, it is particularly clear that, in the trampoline's operating position, several support structures 5 extend outwards from the sides of the frame 1. The support structures 5 are attached to the frame 1. In particular, the support structures 5 may be welded to the frame 1, provided the frame 1 is made of metal.

[0037] Fig. Figure 4 shows a detail of the surrounding frame 1 with the support device 5 already described. In its operating position, the support device 5 extends laterally outwards from the frame 1 and has a downward-pointing leg 6.

[0038] Preferably, the support structure has a side section 7 from which the leg 6 extends. Advantageously, the leg 6 extends downwards from the side section 7. The side section 7 is expediently connected to the frame 1 and, in the trampoline's operating position, extends laterally outwards from the frame 1.

[0039] According to the invention, the trampoline has a base 8 onto which a leg 2 is detachably attached or can be attached, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0040] The support device 5 is connected to the base 8 in its assembled state. Preferably, the leg 6 engages with the base 8. This advantageously creates a positive-locking, stable connection. It should be noted that it is also possible, in principle, to design the support device 5 with only a horizontal leg connected to the base. However, this creates the following: Fig. The construction shown in Figure 2, in which the downward-facing leg 6 engages in the base 8, is a particularly stable construction.

[0041] In order for the leg 6 to engage with the base 8, the base preferably has a receptacle 9. The receptacle 9 is advantageously designed such that the leg 6 is positively engaged in the receptacle 9.

[0042] The base 8 is advantageously formed by a housing lower part 10. The housing lower part 10 has a recess 11 in which the surrounding frame 1 is received.

[0043] Together with a housing upper part 12, the housing lower part 10 forms a housing in which the support device 5 (in the assembled state) is received. In the present embodiment, the housing lower part 10 and the housing upper part 12 are screwed together. For this purpose, the housing lower part 10 has a threaded projection 13 that extends through an opening 14 in the support device 5. The housing lower part 10 and the housing upper part 12 are screwed together by means of a screw 15 that passes through the threaded projection 13. The engagement of the threaded projection 13 through the opening 14 of the support device 5 gives the connection between the housing and the support device particularly good stability.

[0044] Reference numeral 16 designates a cap which, in the assembled state, is arranged on the housing upper part 12, in particular clipped onto the housing upper part 12. The cap 16 overlaps the surrounding frame 1 and has a recess 17 for this purpose, in which the frame is received.

[0045] As previously described, base 8 is there to support one leg 2 each ( Fig. 2) to be included. The leg 2 is pivotally connected to the base 8 about a pivot axis 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot axis 18 is supported on the base 8 and is, for example, glued or pressed into an opening 19. It passes through an axial opening 20 of the leg 6. Alternatively, the pivot axis 18 is only connected to the leg 6. In this case, the base 8 does not need to have an opening 19.

[0046] In the embodiment according to the invention, the legs 2 are designed to pivot about the pivot axis 18, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 2 is shown. As is also shown from Fig. As shown in section 2, leg 2 is received in the folded-down state between two centering lugs 21. Fig. Figure 4 shows that the centering lugs 21 are attached to the housing, in particular to the lower housing part 10. This allows the centering lugs 21 to be made of a different material than the housing or the lower housing part 10. For example, a different material might offer a better grip than the housing material, ensuring that the legs 2 are held particularly securely in the folded position.

[0047] Fig. Figure 5 shows how the support device 5 can be attached to the surrounding frame 1. Preferably, the support device 5 engages the frame 1 (in the trampoline's in-use state) at least partially. For this purpose, the support device 5 has two projections 22 in this case. It is understood that one projection 22 is sufficient. Several projections are also possible.

[0048] How it looks Fig. As further shown in Figure 5, the support device has two opposing inner surfaces 23, between which the pivot axis 18 extends, which is indicated here only by a dashed line. The two inner surfaces 23 are formed here by two side walls 24 of the leg 6.

[0049] Fig. Figure 6 shows a partial representation of the construction according to the invention. From this view it becomes clear that the leg 2 has an insert 25 at its end, which is inserted into a tube 26 of the leg, which is shown only with dashed lines for clarity.

[0050] Leg 2 is pivotally connected to base 8 via a rod 27 and can be pulled away from the base against a spring force in order to be pivoted into the folded position. Such a construction is known in principle. Fig. Figure 6 shows the state in which leg 2 is detached from the base. From the perspective shown, it is clear that the base 8 has a radial opening 28, allowing leg 2 to be folded radially inwards. This means that the respective leg can be folded towards the center of the trampoline. In its folded position, leg 2 is held between the two centering lugs 21, which are arranged at a distance from the base 8.

[0051] The Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. Figures 10 show a sequence of movements in which leg 2 moves from an extended position ( Fig. 7) into a folded-down position ( Fig. 10). For clarity, the trampoline is only shown in part and upside down, i.e., with legs 2 pointing upwards.

[0052] In Fig. In step 7, leg 2 is in an extended position. In this leg position, the trampoline can be used for exercises on the trampoline.

[0053] In Fig. In figure 8, leg 2 is subtracted from base 8. In this leg position, rod 27 is visible, by means of which leg 2 is pivotably connected to base 8.

[0054] In Fig. In Figure 9, leg 2 is partially folded down, pivoting in a plane as indicated by arrow 29. This illustration shows that leg 2 has a projection 30 located in the plane of pivoting, which, when unfolded, engages in a recess 31 of the base 8. Leg 2 also has two lateral guide lugs 32 which, when unfolded, engage positively in lateral recesses 33 of the base 8.

[0055] In Fig.10. Leg 2 is fully folded down and positioned between the two centering lugs 21. In this position, the projection 30 engages advantageously in the opening 28. Reference symbol list 1 frame 2 legs 3 Jumping mat 4 rope sections 5 Support device 6 thighs Section 7 8 Base 9th entry 10 Housing lower part 11 Recess (lower part of housing) 12 Housing top 13 Thread start 14 Opening (support device) 15 screws 16 caps 17. Cutout (cap) 18 Swivel axis 19 Opening (Base) 20 axle opening 21 Centering nose 22 Approach 23 Inside 24 side wall 25 deployment 26 pipe 27 bars 28 radial opening 29 Arrow 30 lead 31 recess 32 lateral guide nose 33 lateral recesses QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2011 / 083093 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Trampoline, featuring: - a surrounding frame (1), and - a plurality of legs (2) which are pivotable relative to the frame (1), characterized by , - that a plurality of support devices (5) extend laterally from the frame (1), and - that each support device (5) is connected to a base (8) onto which a leg (2) is attached in a way that can be attached or detached. [2] Trampoline according to claim 1, characterized by that the support device (5) has a leg (6) which is connected to the base (8), in particular is received in the base (8) and preferably extends downwards. [3] Trampoline according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a pivot axis (18) passes through the base (8) and / or the support device (5). [4] Trampoline according to claims 2 and 3, characterized by, that the pivot axis (18) extends between two opposing inner sides (23) of the leg (6). [5] Trampolines according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the base (8) rests against the support device (5). [6] Trampoline according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the base (8) is radially open inwards. [7] Trampoline according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the support device (5) at least partially engages the frame (1). [8] Trampoline according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the support device (5) is enclosed in a housing. [9] Trampoline according to claim 8, characterized by , that the housing has a housing lower part (10) and a housing upper part (12) which are preferably screwed together. [10] Trampoline according to claim 9, characterized by, that a cap (16) is arranged on the upper part of the housing (12) which overlaps the frame (1). [11] Trampoline according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by , that the lower part of the housing (10) or the upper part of the housing (12) has a threaded projection (13) that passes through the support device (5). [12] Trampoline according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by , that the housing has two centering lugs (21) arranged at a distance from the base (8), between which the leg (2) can be received in the folded-down state. [13] Trampoline according to claim 12, characterized by that the centering lugs (21) are attached to the housing and are preferably made of a different material than the housing. [14] Trampoline according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the legs (2) each have an insert (25) with which the leg (2) sits on the base (8) in an unfolded state. [15] Trampoline according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by , that the legs (2) can be folded down in a pivot plane and each has guide lugs (32) arranged on both sides of the pivot plane which engage in lateral recesses (33) of the base (8) when the leg (2) is folded out. [16] Trampoline according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by , that the legs (2) can be folded down in a pivot plane and each have a projection (30) arranged in the pivot plane which engages in a recess (31) of the base (8) when the leg (2) is folded out. [17] Trampoline according to claim 16, characterized by , that the base (8) has a preferably slot-like opening (28), and that the projection (30) engages in the opening (28) in a folded-down state. [18] Trampoline according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized bythat the base (8) is made of a different material than the support device (5), preferably being made of metal and the base (8) of plastic.

Images