TRAMPOLINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trampoline with a frame comprising a plurality of frame segments.

[0002] The trampolines in question are primarily so-called mini-trampolines, also known as fitness trampolines. These types of trampolines have a maximum diameter of 2 to 3 meters and are used in physiotherapy and fitness settings.

[0003] Mini or fitness trampolines are available in two main types: those with spring suspension and those with bungee cord suspension. Spring suspension involves attaching a jumping mat to the frame via metal coil springs. Bungee cord suspension uses one or more elastic cord rings or (open) ropes to connect the jumping mat to the frame. The greater elasticity of a bungee cord suspension compared to metal springs results in a softer landing, thus protecting the joints and extending the muscular contraction and recovery phases during jumping, leading to beneficial training effects.

[0004] The invention applies to trampolines with spring suspensions as well as to trampolines where the suspension is designed as an elastic rope or elastic rope ring. In principle, the invention can be used with any type of trampoline, regardless of the type of suspension of the jumping mat and the geometry of the frame.

[0005] All trampolines have in common a surrounding frame from which legs extend. The jumping mat is stretched between the frame. The legs ensure that the frame is at a specific distance from the ground when the trampoline is set up. This allows the jumping mat to move towards the ground when jumping.

[0006] From WO 2012 167 313 A1, a trampoline is known whose frame is formed from a plurality of frame segments. The frame segments offer the advantage that the trampoline can be transported in a space-saving manner for on-site assembly. The known trampoline has a plurality of connecting pieces. The frame segments are inserted into these connecting pieces to assemble the trampoline.

[0007] US 2009 / 023558 A1 describes a trampoline with a frame having a plurality of frame segments and with a plurality of connecting pieces, each connecting piece being designed to connect two frame segments together.

[0008] Both round and polygonal frame shapes are known in practice. The invention is specifically directed towards polygonal trampolines.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of providing a trampoline constructed from several frame segments that is easy to assemble and, on the other hand, remains stable even during intensive use when assembled.

[0010] The problem is solved by a trampoline with the features of claim 1.

[0011] The trampoline according to the invention has a plurality of connecting pieces. Each connecting piece is designed to connect two frame segments together.

[0012] Each connector has at least one first centering section and at least one first support section. The centering section and the support section are spaced apart from each other and connected by a connecting section that has a smaller diameter than the centering section and the support section. Each connector can be inserted or plugged into a first frame segment via the first centering section and the first support section.

[0013] The invention is based on the understanding that a connecting piece can create a particularly stable connection between two frame segments if it is as long as possible, i.e., if it bears support over the longest possible section of the frame segments. However, a long section presents difficulties during assembly. Therefore, the invention takes a novel approach. It concludes that a stable connection can be achieved if the connecting piece has a centering section and a support section, which are spaced apart from each other by a connecting section with a smaller diameter.

[0014] A stable connection is understood to mean, in particular, a torsionally rigid connection. Especially when using a support bar connected to the frame, which the user can use for support during exercises, the frame is subjected to leverage forces that can lead to twisting. The connecting piece according to the invention is particularly well-suited to absorbing these torsional forces. To connect the frame segments, both the centering section and the support section are inserted into a frame segment. Preferably, the support section is fully inserted into a frame segment. Due to the distance between the centering section and the support section, the frame can absorb significant forces.

[0015] Besides its function as a spacer, the connecting piece offers another advantage. Its smaller diameter significantly simplifies the assembly of the individual frame segments. This advantage is particularly noticeable with polygonal trampolines, i.e., trampolines with multiple corners. Tests have shown that connecting the last two frame segments is made considerably easier, if not possible, by the connecting piece's smaller diameter compared to the centering and support sections. This smaller diameter allows the connecting piece to be inserted at an angle into a frame segment. This is especially helpful when connecting the last two frame segments of a polygonal frame.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, one end of the connecting piece is fixed in or to a frame segment, for example by gluing, pressing, or welding. The other end of the connecting piece can be inserted into another frame segment. For this purpose, the connecting piece has a centering section and a support section, which are connected to each other at a distance via a connecting section. The connecting piece is inserted into the other frame segment using the centering section and the support section.

[0017] In an alternative and equally advantageous embodiment, the connecting piece has a first and a second centering section as well as a first and a second support section, wherein each connecting piece is inserted or insertable into a first frame segment with its first centering section and first support section, and into a second frame segment with its second centering section and second support section. The first centering section is connected to the first support section at a distance via a connecting section, and the second centering section is also connected to the second centering section at a distance via a connecting section. This is a loose connecting piece that can be inserted or is inserted at one end into a first frame segment and at the other end into a second frame segment. The connecting piece can therefore connect two frame segments together.

[0018] The connecting piece according to the invention can, as described above, either be pre-installed, i.e., already permanently connected to a frame segment. Its free end, which carries the centering section, the support section, and the connecting section, can be inserted into a second frame segment. Alternatively, the connecting piece can be a separate (loose) component. In this case, the connecting piece has a centering section and a support section on each side, each connected to the other via a connecting section. Therefore, whenever the following refers to at least one centering section and / or at least one support section, this formulation encompasses both of the embodiments described above.Where specifications of only one centering section and / or one support section and / or one connecting section are discussed below, these specifications also apply to two centering sections, support sections and / or connecting sections, where this is reasonable.

[0019] According to the invention, the support section has a contact surface for contact with an inner surface of the frame segment. This contact surface must not be too large so that the connector can be inclined in the insertion direction. On the other hand, the contact surface must be dimensioned so that it can absorb the load forces during use of the trampoline. In initial tests, it proved advantageous if the contact surface of the support section is smaller than the contact surface of the centering section. Preferably, the extent of the contact surface along the axis of the connector is less than 2 cm.

[0020] It has already been mentioned above that the connecting piece according to the invention is particularly advantageous for use in polygonal trampolines.

[0021] According to the invention, two adjacent frame segments form a connection point located between two legs of the trampoline. At this point, one frame segment transitions directly into the adjacent frame segment. The legs are preferably positioned at the corners of the frame. Therefore, two adjacent frame segments advantageously share the same (straight) axis. The connecting piece preferably lies along this axis. An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the centering section, the support section, and advantageously also the connecting section lie on a common straight axis.

[0022] The frame segments are advantageously designed as tubes with an inner surface. The tube preferably has a round, and in particular a circular, cross-section. Such a cross-section particularly favorably allows elastic rope rings, which connect the jumping mat to the frame, to slide smoothly. The diameter of the tube is preferably between 3 and 4 cm, for example approximately 3.5 cm.

[0023] When the trampoline is assembled, the centering section and the support section rest against the inner surface. This allows the connecting piece to be supported at two spaced-apart points on the inner surface of each frame segment. Such a construction is stable and torsionally rigid. Preferably, the connecting section does not rest against the inner surface. Its primary function is to connect the centering section and the support section at a distance. At the same time, its smaller diameter allows for easier assembly of the trampoline frame.

[0024] High forces occur at the connection points when using a trampoline. These forces can be generated by jumping on the trampoline itself. Additionally, the trampoline may be equipped with a handlebar that the user holds onto during use. This handlebar exerts additional leverage forces on the frame. The connecting piece according to the invention is particularly well-suited to absorbing these forces and preventing the frame from twisting. This is especially true when the connecting piece is made of solid material, as is advantageously proposed. For example, the connecting piece can be made of metal. However, it can also be made of plastic. A combination of materials is also possible. For instance, the centering section and the support section could be made of plastic, while the connecting section is made of metal. Such a combination offers good fit properties while maintaining stability.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the connecting piece has a radial rib. The rib forms an insertion limit for the connecting piece. For this purpose, it projects from the centering section. The rib is expediently formed at least partially, preferably completely, circumferentially. It can thus absorb the forces occurring during the use of the trampoline particularly well (and evenly).

[0026] The bridge is conveniently positioned between the first and second centering sections. Such a design is compact.

[0027] It is considered particularly advantageous if the web has an outer diameter that is at least equal to the outer diameter of an adjacent frame segment. If the web matches the outer diameter, the visual impression is created that the frame has a continuous, uniform thickness. Furthermore, the web does not obstruct tensioned rope rings, which can instead slide easily along it. The web can also extend radially beyond the frame, visually emphasizing the connection point.

[0028] As explained above, the web advantageously forms an insertion limit for the connector. Preferably, the web has at least one lateral abutment surface for a frame segment. During assembly of the frame, the frame segment comes to rest against this abutment surface. If the connector is designed as a separate component and has two centering sections, the web expediently has two abutment surfaces. One abutment surface interacts with one frame segment, and the other abutment surface interacts with the other frame segment. Advantageously, the at least one abutment surface forms a plane that, in the assembled state of the frame, is perpendicular to the axis of the adjacent frame segment.

[0029] The centering section and the support section provide support. Both sections absorb forces during trampoline use. They can have various contours for this purpose. It is important that their contact surfaces bear at least partial contact with the inner surface of the respective frame segment. A particularly stable design is characterized by the centering section and / or the support section having a cylindrical contact surface. The cylindrical contact surface allows for full contact with the respective frame segment, provided it is a round tube, which is considered advantageous. Simultaneously, a connector with cylindrical contact surfaces is easy to manufacture. It can, for example, be turned.

[0030] A chamfer is conveniently applied to the contact surface. This facilitates insertion into the respective frame segment.

[0031] The connecting section can advantageously be designed as a rod. The diameter of the rod is preferably smaller than the diameter of the centering and support sections. For ease of manufacturing the connecting piece, the rod is advantageously welded to the centering and / or support section. Alternatively, it is bonded. An interference fit is also possible.

[0032] The connecting section, for example the rod, can pass through the centering section. For this purpose, the centering section and / or the support section has a central opening into which the connecting section engages.

[0033] Furthermore, the connector can also be cast in one piece (e.g., plastic) or turned (e.g., metal).

[0034] As mentioned above, high forces occur when using the trampoline, both with and without a support bar. To absorb these forces, it is advantageous if the centering section and the support section are spaced apart. Tests have shown that a length of at least 3 cm for the connecting section is beneficial.

[0035] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the attached drawing. The drawing shows in Figure 1 is a schematic representation showing a perspective view of a trampoline according to the invention in its assembled state; Figure 2 is a schematic representation showing a side view of a connecting piece according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic representation showing a perspective view of the connecting piece according to the invention. Figure 2aFigure 3a in a schematic representation shows a state during the assembly of the trampoline according to the invention, in which the connecting piece is inserted into a first frame segment; Figure 3bin in a schematic representation shows a state during the assembly of the trampoline according to the invention, in which the connecting piece is inserted into a first frame segment and partially into a second frame segment; and Figure 3cin in a schematic representation shows a state during the assembly of the trampoline according to the invention, in which the connecting piece is completely inserted into the first and the second frame segment.

[0036] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a trampoline according to the invention in a perspective view. The trampoline is a hexagonal trampoline, i.e., a trampoline with six corners 1. The invention is fundamentally directed to any polygonal trampoline.

[0037] The trampoline according to the invention has a frame 2 and a plurality of legs 3. The legs 3 are arranged at the corners 1 of the frame 2. Reference numeral 4 denotes a jumping mat which is connected to the frame 2 in a known manner via elastic rope rings 5. The method of attaching the jumping mat 4 to the frame 2 is irrelevant for the invention. Other attachment methods are also possible, for example, open rope sections or a long continuous rope. According to the invention, the frame 2 consists of several frame segments 6a, 6b, 6c. This has the advantage that the trampoline can be transported in individual parts in a space-saving and therefore cost-effective manner. The frame segments 6a, 6b, 6c are connected to each other at connection points 7, as is the case in connection with the Figure 2 and 3This will be explained in more detail later. Preferably, the frame 2 has six corners 1 and three frame segments 6a, 6b, 6c. The connection points 7 are located between two corners 1. In particular, it may be advantageous to provide that two frame segments 6b, 6c or 6a, 6b or 6a, 6c form a straight frame section 8 and that the connection points 7 are arranged in the area of ​​the straight frame section 8. For the sake of clarity, only the straight section 8 of the frame segments 6a, 6b in the area of ​​the connection point 7 is shown here.

[0038] The following will refer to the Figure 2a and 2bReference is made to the figures showing a connecting piece 9 according to the invention, by means of which the frame segments 6a, 6b, 6c are connected. The connecting piece has a first centering section 10 and a second centering section 11, as well as a first support section 12 and a second support section 13. The support sections 12, 13 are connected to the respective centering sections 10, 11 via a connecting section 14 and are held at a distance. The centering sections 10, 11 have approximately the same outer diameter D1 as the support sections 12, 13, which implies that the support sections may be slightly smaller than the centering sections. The connecting sections 14 have an outer diameter d that is smaller than the outer diameter D1.

[0039] As it is particularly evident from Figure 2bAs can be seen, the centering sections 10, 11 and the support sections 12, 13 have cylindrical contact surfaces 15 which are easy to manufacture and provide good and large-area contact with the cylindrical inner surfaces 16 (see Figure 3a ) of the frame segments 6a, 6b, 6c. However, the support sections 12, 13 do not necessarily have to be cylindrical. A cross-sectional shape that is not round but allows the support sections to be centered within the frame segments 6a, 6b, 6c is also possible, such as an oval or triangular shape. In these cases, the non-round shape forms an effective diameter with which the respective section rests against the inner surfaces 16 of the frame segment.

[0040] The same applies to the connecting section 14. In the illustrated embodiment, it is designed as a rod. Here, too, different – ​​non-round – shapes are possible. Within the limits of the smaller diameter according to the invention, it is important that the respective connecting section 14 does not extend radially beyond the centering sections 10, 11 and the support sections 12, 13.

[0041] The first centering section 10 and the second centering section 11 are separated by a radially extending web 17. The web 17 is preferably (as shown) circumferential and has a diameter D2 which corresponds to the outer diameter D3 (see Figure 3c ) of the adjacent frame segments 6a, 6b, 6c. It can also be larger than the diameter D3.

[0042] The bridge 17 advantageously has lateral butt surfaces 18 against which the frame segments 6a, 6b, 6c abut when the frame 2 is assembled. The butt surfaces 18 limit the insertion depth of the connecting piece 9 into the respective frame segment 6a, 6b, 6c.

[0043] The centering sections 10, 11, the support sections 12, 13 and the connecting sections 14 preferably lie on a common axis A1. This can be an axis of symmetry.

[0044] As it is particularly evident from Figure 2bAs can be clearly seen, both the centering sections 10, 11 and the support sections 12, 13 have openings 19. The opening 19 of the centering sections 10, 11 can be designed as a through-hole, for example, a bore passing through both centering sections 10, 11. In this case, the connecting sections 14 can be designed as a continuous rod that is inserted through the through-hole and fixed in the opening, for example, by welding. Alternatively, the openings 19 of the centering sections 10, 11 are designed as blind holes, and the connecting sections 14 are each inserted into and fixed in the blind hole of the connecting section 10 and the connecting section 11, respectively.

[0045] The following refers to the Figure 3a to 3c , which show various states of assembly of the trampoline according to the invention. The straight frame section 8 is shown according to Figure 1, i.e., only a section of the respective frame segment.

[0046] In Figure 3a The connecting piece 9 is already inserted into the (left-hand) frame segment 6a. Its web 17 rests against the frame segment 6b. The support section 13 and the centering section 11 are incorporated into the frame segment 6a. Like the entire frame 2, the frame segment 6b is a tube with a round cross-section.

[0047] Figure 3bFigure 1 shows a situation during the joining of frame segments 6a and 6b, as it can occur shortly before the frame 2 is completely closed. Here, the advantage of the invention becomes clear. The support section 12 is already inserted into the frame segment 6b. Due to the smaller diameter of the connecting section 14 compared to the support section 12, the connecting piece 9 is able to be inserted into the frame segment even at an angle, i.e., inclined relative to the longitudinal axis A2 of the straight section of the frame segment 6b. This significantly facilitates the insertion process.

[0048] Figure 3c shows the composite state of frame segments 6a and 6b. Here, in contrast, Figure 3b The centering section 10 is now also included in the frame segment 6c. Only the web 17 is still visible. This preferably has the same outer diameter D2 as the frame segments 6a and 6b (diameter D3).

[0049] The described embodiment is a connecting piece designed as a separate component that can be inserted into a first frame segment and a second frame segment. Equally possible within the scope of the invention is a design in which the connecting piece is already connected to a frame segment and has only one centering section (instead of two centering sections) and one support section (instead of two support sections). Such a design corresponds externally to the one shown in Figure 3a The frame segment 6a shown is used, but the connecting piece (contrary to the described embodiment) is not inserted, but fixed to the frame segment 6a. In this case, for example, no support section within the frame segment 6a is required. Reference symbol list

[0050] 1 Corner 2 Frame 3 Leg 4 Jumping mat 5 Rope ring 6a Frame segment 6b Frame segment 6c Frame segment 7 Connection point 8 Straight section 9 Connector 10 Centering section 11 Centering section 12 Support section 13 Support section 14 Connection section 15 Contact surface 16 Inner surface 17 Web 18 Impact surface 19 Opening D1 diameter D2 diameter D3 diameter d diameter A1 axis A2 axis

Claims

1. Trampoline, with - a frame (2) comprising a plurality of frame segments (6a; 6b; 6c), and with - a plurality of connectors (9), - wherein each connector (9) is designed to connect two frame segments (6a; 6b; 6c) to each other, and - wherein legs (3) issue from the frame (2), characterized in that: - each connector (9) has at least one first centring section (10) and at least one first support section (12), - each connector (9) is inserted or insertable with the first centring section (10) and the first support section (12) into a first frame segment (6a; 6b; 6c), - the centring section (10) is connected to the support section (12) at a distance via a first connection section (14), which has a smaller diameter (d) than the centring section and the support section, - the support section (12) has a contact surface (15) for bearing on an inner surface (16) of the frame segment (6a; 6b; 6c), and - two mutually adjacent frame segments (6a; 6b; 6c) form a connection point (7) lying between two legs (3) of the trampoline.

2. Trampoline according to Claim 1, characterized in that the centring section (10), the support section (12) and preferably the first connection section (14) lie on a common straight axis (A1).

3. Trampoline according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the legs (3) are arranged at corners (1) of the frame.

4. Trampoline according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame segments (6a; 6b; 6c) are designed as a tube with an inner surface (16) and that, in the assembled state of the trampoline, the centring section (10) and the support section (12) bear on the inner surface (16).

5. Trampoline according to Claim 4, characterized in that the first connection section (14) does not bear on the inner surface (16) in the assembled state of the trampoline.

6. Trampoline according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connector (9) is made of solid material.

7. Trampoline according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connector (9) has a radial web (17), which limits the depth of insertion of the connector (9) into the first frame segment (6a; 6b; 6c).

8. Trampoline according to Claim 7, characterized in that the web (17) is designed extending at least partially, preferably completely, in the circumferential direction.

9. Trampoline according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the web (17) has an outer diameter (D2), which substantially corresponds to the outer diameter (D3) of an adjacent frame segment (6a; 6b; 6c).

10. Trampoline according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the web (17) forms at least one lateral abutment surface (18) for a frame segment (6a; 6b; 6c) .

11. Trampoline according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the centring section (10) and / or the support section (12) have a cylindrical contact surface (15).

12. Trampoline according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connection section (14) is formed as a rod.

13. Trampoline according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the centring section (10) and / or the support section (12) has a central opening (19) into which the connection section (14) engages.

14. Trampoline according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the length of the connection section (14) is at least 3 cm.

15. Trampoline according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that each connector (9) has a second centring section (11) and a second support section (13), wherein the second centring section (11) and the second support section (13) are connected at a distance via a second connection section (14), which has a smaller diameter (d) than the centring section (11) and the support section (13), and wherein each connector (9) is insertable or inserted with the second centring section (11) and the second support section (13) into a second frame segment (6a; 6b; 6c).