Air cushion-based safety and landing system ("AirPit") for gymnasiums with stable perimeter areas and safety suspension.

Abstract

Safety and landing system for gymnasiums comprising an air cushion (Fig.1, 1 / Fig. 2, 1) with a foam overlay and movable edge pads (Fig.1, 2), wherein the air cushion is connected to the foam overlay and edge pads via hook and loop fasteners to ensure improved stability and safety in the edge areas of the pit.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety and landing system specifically developed for use in artistic gymnastics in gymnasiums. The so-called "AirPits" are equipped with air cushions that serve as landing devices and help cushion the impact forces when gymnasts land. A known problem with conventional AirPits, however, is that stability and thus safety are insufficient near the edges of the pit. This can lead to increased risks, as gaps can form in these areas between the air cushion and the solid structures of the pit, potentially dangerous for gymnasts. This also applies to the pits currently on the market, which, in addition to the air cushion, have a thin foam padding, usually a maximum of 20 cm thick. Since landing pits, especially in gymnastics, are usually small compared to the take-off device, landings near the edges cannot be ruled out.

[0002] To address this problem, the invention proposes a system that uses the air cushion ( Fig. 1, Fig. 1 / Fig. 2, Fig. 1) combined with an overlying foam pad and specially developed movable edge cushions ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2). The air cushion forms the central component of the system and is directly connected to the foam pad and edge cushions via Velcro fasteners, allowing them to function as a single unit, significantly improving the stability and safety of the entire system in the edge area and raising it to the level of the middle area.

[0003] The edge cushions are designed to automatically fold in when the air cushion is deflated and to automatically unfold when inflated. Furthermore, the suspension of the air cushion prevents the components from sinking completely to the pit floor when deflated ( Fig. 1, 3-6 / Fig. 2, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). This ensures that the pit continues to provide a safe environment for gymnasts even in the event of an unexpected air leak or when not in use. This also eliminates the need to provide a railing around the pit when empty.

[0004] The modular design of the system allows for flexible adaptation to different spatial conditions and requirements in the gymnasium. The edge pads can be individually adjusted in size and shape and are easily installed and replaced, facilitating maintenance and adjustment of the system. The transition areas between the jumping equipment (e.g., a trampoline) and the pit can also be designed with a high level of safety.

[0005] The system represents a significant advance over conventional solutions and helps increase gymnasts' safety and confidence in using air pits.

Claims

[1] Safety and landing system for gymnasiums, which uses an air cushion ( Fig. 1, Fig. 1 / Fig. 2, Fig. 1) with a foam pad on top and movable edge cushions ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2), wherein the air cushion is connected to the foam pad and the edge pads via Velcro fasteners to ensure improved stability and safety in the edge areas of the pit. [2] Edge cushions designed to automatically fold in when the air cushion is deflated and unfold when inflated to ensure continuous safety in the pit's edge areas ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2). [3] Suspension of the air cushion, which prevents the components from sinking completely to the pit floor when deflated, thus maintaining a safe environment even when not inflated or in the event of a sudden loss of air ( Fig. 1, 3-6 / Fig. 2, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). This also eliminates the need to provide the pit with a railing to prevent falls when empty.

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