Rod holder for trampolines

Abstract

The invention relates to a rod holder (2) for trampolines (1), for receiving a rod. The rod holder (2) has a first sleeve portion (9) and a second sleeve portion (10) which is connected to the first sleeve portion (9) such that the distance thereof can be changed and, together with the first sleeve portion, forms a receptacle for a circumferential trampoline frame which extends in the axial direction of the receptacle and has a circular cross-section, wherein the first sleeve portion (9) has a first partial receptacle (20) and the second sleeve portion (10) has a second partial receptacle (25) in order to form the receptacle. According to the invention, at least the first partial receptacle (20) is curved in the axial direction. This makes it possible for considerable clamping forces to be applied to the trampoline frame.

Description

[0001] S rodenha 11 erungf ür Trampolines

[0002] Description [As of: July 13, 2022]

[0003] The invention relates to a pole holder for trampolines, having a first and a second sleeve section, which is connected to the first sleeve section at a variable distance and forms with it a receptacle for a circumferential trampoline frame with a circular cross-section extending in the axial direction of the receptacle, wherein to form the receptacle the first sleeve section has a first partial receptacle and the second sleeve section has a second partial receptacle.

[0004] These trampolines are primarily fitness trampolines, which, unlike larger trampolines, such as garden trampolines, are only suitable for one person. Such trampolines have a surrounding frame and a jumping mat, which is stretched within the frame using spring elements. The spring elements are, for example, metallic coil springs or rubber-elastic rope sections, especially rope rings. Rod holders of this type are used to accommodate a

[0005] A bar that can serve as a support bar for the trampoline user. The user holds onto the bar with their hands while performing jumping exercises. The bars are often shaped like a "T" and are therefore also called a "T-bar."

[0006] DE 10 2016 103 072 A1 discloses a pole holder that is firmly connected to the frame of a trampoline. It has an opening in which the height-adjustable support pole is accommodated. The support pole is secured in the opening by moving an inner piece located in a housing relative to the housing, thereby clamping the support pole. Because the pole holder is welded to the frame, it is very stable.

[0007] The invention, however, is directed at retrofittable pole mounts. These can be retrofitted to existing trampolines. The user can then decide whether they want to use the trampoline without a handrail. In this case, the trampoline can be used without the pole mount. If the trampoline is desired to be used with a handrail, the pole mount can be attached to the trampoline.

[0008] DE 10 2015 116 961 A1 discloses a pole holder that is detachably connected to the trampoline. This pole holder can be retrofitted. For this purpose, the known pole holder has a first and a second sleeve section that surround the surrounding trampoline frame. Retrofittable pole holders must fulfill two tasks. First, they must ensure a stable fixation to the trampoline. This is particularly important given that strong leverage forces act on the pole holder during use.

[0009] The pole mount according to the aforementioned DE 10 2015 116 961 A1 ensures a stable fixation to the trampoline by having the two sleeve sections grip not only the surrounding trampoline frame but also one of the trampoline's legs. This prevents the pole mount from rotating around the surrounding frame, even under high leverage.

[0010] From DE 10 2019 125 210 Al a pole holder is known in which an anti-twist device is created by fixing it exclusively to the leg of the trampoline.

[0011] DE 20 2017 100 605 U1 discloses a trampoline with a frame featuring a square cross-section. The frame is enclosed by two cuff sections. Due to the square cross-section, the support bar is secured against twisting around the frame.

[0012] The second requirement for a retrofittable grab bar is that the grab bar is firmly secured in the bar mount. Otherwise, there's a risk that the grab bar will become loose and move downwards due to gravity, or upwards if the user pulls the grab bar upwards. The latter poses a particular danger if the grab bar completely comes out of the bar mount during exercises.

[0013] The invention is based on the object of creating a retrofittable pole mount that provides a secure hold on the trampoline. In particular, the pole mount should provide a secure hold against twisting relative to the trampoline frame, even for trampoline frames with a circular (round) cross-section.

[0014] To achieve this object, the rod holder mentioned at the outset is characterized according to the invention in that the first partial receptacle is curved in the axial direction.

[0015] The invention is based on the realization that the difference between a linear mount and one that advantageously features a curvature of the surrounding trampoline frame is quite significant. Tests have shown that a pole mount with a linear mount, i.e., a mount without curvature in the axial direction of extension, is not capable of absorbing higher leverage forces from the support pole, despite considerable preload. Even an additional positive connection between the pole mount and the frame using a screw did not produce satisfactory results. As described above, the desired stability to prevent rotation of the pole mount relative to the trampoline frame was achieved in the prior art exclusively by connecting the pole mount to at least one leg of the trampoline.Surprisingly, it was discovered that the curvature of the first partial support in the axial direction results in such significant torsional rigidity that even under high leverage forces acting on a pole mounted in the pole support, the pole support remains firmly attached to the trampoline frame. This is particularly surprising given that, for example, in a trampoline with a diameter of 120 cm, the curvature is barely noticeable to the naked eye, amounting to only a few tenths of a millimeter.

[0016] The basic concept of the invention is to design at least the first sleeve section with a curvature that corresponds to the axial curvature of the surrounding trampoline frame, for which the pole mount is intended. Since trampolines come in different diameters, the pole mount is advantageously adapted to the respective diameter. Additional support on a trampoline leg, as is known from the prior art, is not required. The curvature alone is sufficient to ensure a secure hold of the pole mount, even under high loads.

[0017] According to the invention, at least the first partial receptacle is curved in the axial direction. This is the axial extension direction of the trampoline frame to be accommodated or being accommodated. The trampoline frame according to the invention has a round cross-section. This cross-section is perpendicular to the axial extension of the surrounding trampoline frame.

[0018] Considerable clamping forces can be achieved simply by having the first part holder have a curvature in the axial

[0019] direction. Preferably, the second partial receptacle is also curved in the axial direction. This allows the clamping force to be increased even further. The curvature of the first and the second partial receptacles advantageously coincide.

[0020] Within the scope of the invention, the first partial receptacle and / or the second partial receptacle can be curved in the axial direction.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, when the pole holder is properly aligned, the first sleeve section is arranged above the second sleeve section, or vice versa. In the operating state of the pole holder (in which a retaining pole extends vertically), this advantageously results in a horizontal dividing plane. This has advantages when attaching the pole holder to the trampoline frame. It also offers manufacturing advantages. When the pole holder is installed, an inserted pole will preferably extend perpendicular to the horizontal dividing plane.

[0022] Preferably, the first sleeve section is screwed to the second sleeve section, with at least one first screw being arranged on one side of the receptacle and at least one second screw being arranged on the other side of the receptacle. By having at least one screw on each side of the receptacle, high clamping forces can be provided. It is considered advantageous if two first screws are arranged on one side of the receptacle and two second screws are arranged on the other side of the receptacle. This not only makes it possible to provide considerable clamping forces, but by having two screws on each side, a particularly compact design of the rod holder according to the invention is possible, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the direction of extension of the at least first screw and the at least second screw runs vertically when the pole holder is in the intended orientation. The intended orientation of the pole holder is such that the pole holder runs vertically when the trampoline is in an upright position with a horizontal jumping mat. As already mentioned above, when the trampoline is in the intended orientation, the received pole runs vertically at least in its lower section. The pole can be designed as a holding pole and have a horizontal handle. The vertical arrangement of the first screw(s) and the second screw(s) allows for particularly user-friendly attachment of the pole holder (when the trampoline is in its operating position).

[0024] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the first sleeve section has an opening for holding a pole. The opening serves to accommodate the pole and runs vertically when the trampoline is in its upright position. Preferably, the opening has an opening axis that extends in the direction of a support pole to be accommodated or already accommodated. The opening axis advantageously runs perpendicular to the aforementioned dividing plane.

[0025] The curvature of the first and / or second partial receptacle preferably extends around the opening. It advantageously forms a plane of curvature that corresponds to the plane in which a surrounding trampoline frame accommodated in the receptacle extends.

[0026] In addition to a secure fit of the rod holder even under higher loads, a firm and durable mount for the rod in the rod holder is also essential. The rod must not move during use or even slip out of the rod holder. In this context, it is advantageously proposed that the rod holder have a stop for the rod and a pulling piece for pulling a rod inserted into the opening towards the stop. When the pulling piece is actuated, the inserted rod is pressed against the stop. For this purpose, the pulling piece preferably has a second opening into which the rod can be inserted.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the stop is arranged in the direction of extension of the rod between the opening and the tension member. The latter is advantageously movable relative to the opening. When the rod is inserted and the tension member is actuated, the rod is pressed against the stop and thus clamped.

[0028] A structurally compact design is achieved by forming the stop by the second sleeve section. Alternatively or additionally, the second sleeve section forms a sliding surface for the pull piece, on which the pull piece slides when actuated. The sliding surface advantageously provides an anti-twist protection for the pull piece.

[0029] The tension piece is preferably movable relative to the second sleeve section. In an advantageous embodiment, the tension piece covers the at least one second screw in the assembled state. The tension piece is therefore arranged above or below the at least one second screw, depending on the orientation of the rod holder in the operating state. This results in visual advantages, as the first screw(s) are not visible. On the other hand, such a construction allows for a particularly compact design. This is particularly true if the second sleeve section, as mentioned above, provides a sliding surface for the tension piece and / or a stop for the rod, which is considered advantageous.

[0030] The compact design has already been mentioned several times above, which, according to the invention, is capable of securely fixing the pole holder to the trampoline frame despite a relatively small contact area with the frame. In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the opening is designed to rotationally secure a pole with a square cross-section, and that when the pole is inserted and fixed into the opening, two opposite corners of the pole lie on a radial axis of the trampoline. This pole position is also understood within the scope of the invention as radial alignment. In addition, it can be provided that the stop forms a notch which lies on a radial axis when the pole holder is mounted. The radial alignment of the pole - and thus of the opening - allows the pole holder to have a tapered shape in its front area, which faces inwards when mounted.In particular, the rod holder may have tapered outer walls that define the opening. Additionally, the tension member may also have tapered outer walls that define the second opening.

[0031] The invention will be explained in more detail below using a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the attached drawing. The drawing shows:

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a trampoline with a bar holder according to the invention;

[0033] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an enlarged section of the trampoline according to Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an enlarged section of the trampoline according to Figure 1;

[0035] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a view of the first cuff section from below;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the rod holder according to the invention;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the rod holder in assembled condition;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the rod holder; Figure 8 is a schematic bottom view of the rod holder;

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic side view of the rod holder with a loosely inserted rod; and

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic side view of the rod holder with a fixed rod.

[0041] Figures 1 and 2 show a trampoline 1 with a pole holder 2 according to the invention, into which a pole 3 is inserted and fixed. The pole 3 can be designed as a support pole. It can also be designed without handles and, for example, have a holder for a tablet computer or other device.

[0042] The trampoline 1 has a surrounding frame 4 and a jumping mat 5, which is suspended from the frame 4 by means of elastic rope sections. In this case, the rope sections are designed as rope rings 6, which are hooked into hooks 7 attached to the jumping mat 5. Such a suspension of the jumping mat is known from the prior art. The invention is not limited to this.

[0043] Legs 8 extend from the surrounding frame 4 and keep the frame 4 at a distance from the ground on which the trampoline 1 is set up. The legs 8 can be welded to the frame 4. In this case, they are rigid. They can also be designed as folding legs that can be folded towards the frame 4 in order to transport the trampoline 1 and store it in a space-saving manner. The frame 4 has a round basic shape. Such frames are also referred to as round frames. The frame 4 has a circular cross-section. This is what the invention is particularly directed to. The frame 4 is preferably formed from a tube. Such a construction is known.

[0044] The rod holder according to the invention has a first sleeve section 9 and a second sleeve section 10. The two sleeve sections 9, 10 encompass the frame 4 and thus fix the rod holder 2 to the frame 4.

[0045] The first sleeve section 9 has an opening 11 through which the rod 3 is inserted. The opening 11 preferably has a substantially square cross-section and may have rounded corners. The rod 3 preferably has a substantially square cross-section and may have rounded corners.

[0046] To secure the rod 3 in the rod holder 2, the rod holder 2 has an actuating device 13, which in this case comprises a lever 14. Instead of the lever 14, a hand screw or the like can also be provided. By turning the actuating device 13, the rod 3 is secured, as will be explained in more detail below. The actuating device 13 preferably extends through the second sleeve section 10.

[0047] Reference is made below to Figure 3, which shows a plan view of the pole holder according to the invention. The opening 11 preferably has two corners 15, which, in the plan view of the pole holder 2 in the assembled state, lie on a radial axis 16 of the trampoline. In round trampolines with a round frame, the radial axis emanates from the center of the round frame. Additionally or alternatively, the pole has two corners 17, which, in the inserted state, lie on the radial axis 16 in the plan view. For clarity, the pole is only indicated by dashed lines in Figure 3.

[0048] Furthermore, Figure 3 also clearly shows that the pole holder 2 has two side walls 18 that taper in the plan view of the pole holder 2. This taper not only has aesthetic advantages, but also reduces friction between the rope rings 6 and the pole holder 2. This is especially true when the rope rings 6 converge towards the center of the trampoline 1, as is the case with some known configurations of the jumping mat 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 18 taper towards the pole holder 2 at a 90° angle in the plan view. Advantageously, the end 19 of the pole holder 2 lies on the radial axis 16 in the plan view.

[0049] Whenever reference is made to a top view in this description, it refers to the pole mount 2 in its mounted orientation on a standing trampoline. It should be noted that, depending on the design, the pole mount can be mounted so that either the first sleeve section 9 or the second sleeve section 10 is positioned at the top.

[0050] Figure 4 shows a view of the first sleeve section 9 from below. The first sleeve section 9 has a first partial receptacle 20, with which the first sleeve section 9, in the assembled state, encompasses the trampoline frame 4 (only indicated in Figure 4). The frame 4 of the trampoline 1 is round and extends in the axial direction of the receptacle, as indicated by the receptacle axis 21. According to the invention, the first partial receptacle 20 is curved in the axial direction. The curvature advantageously corresponds to the curvature of the trampoline frame 4 of the trampoline for which the pole holder is intended. Standard dimensions have become established on the market, such as 100 cm, 112 cm, or 125 cm.

[0051] Preferably, the curve extends around the opening 11. This is advantageous in that the bar 3 can then be mounted inside the trampoline frame 4 (see, for example, Figures 1 and 2), which is also considered advantageous. Due to the closer position of the bar 3 to the jumping mat 5, lower leverage forces occur during use. Furthermore, the overall construction is more compact and does not protrude as far from the trampoline frame 4, which reduces the risk of injury.

[0052] As can also be clearly seen in Figure 4, the first sleeve section 9 has four threads 22 for two first screws 23 and two second screws 24 (see Figure 5), by means of which the two sleeve sections 9, 10 are detachably connected. It should be noted at this point that a high clamping force can already be provided if only a first screw 23 and a second screw 24 are used, wherein in the assembled state at least one first screw 23 is preferably arranged on one side of the partial receptacle 20 and at least one second screw 24 is arranged on the other side of the partial receptacle 20. However, it is also clear from the present illustration that two first screws 23 and two second screws 24 are particularly advantageous in terms of space. Between the screws 23, 24 and the associated threads 22 there is space for the opening 11, which extends with a corner 15 between two threads 22.

[0053] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the pole holder 2 according to the invention. As already described in connection with Figure 4, the first sleeve section 9 and the second sleeve section 10 are screwed together using the screws 23, 24. The first sleeve section 9 has the first partial receptacle 20 and the second sleeve section 10 has a second partial receptacle 25. The first partial receptacle 20 and the second partial receptacle 25 form a receptacle 26 for the trampoline frame, as can be seen from Figure 6. For clamping, the first and second sleeve sections 9, 10 are movable relative to one another so that a trampoline frame 4 can be clamped between them.

[0054] Reference numeral 27 designates a tension member that can be actuated by the actuating device 13. For this purpose, the actuating device 13 has a threaded rod 28 that interacts with a thread 29 of the tension member 27. By rotating the actuating device 13, the tension member 27 can be pulled toward the second sleeve section 10. The lever 14 allows for a high torque. Alternatively, a hand screw, for example, is possible.

[0055] The actuating device 13 preferably extends through the second sleeve section 10. For this purpose, a through-opening 30 is preferably formed in the second sleeve section 10. For space-saving reasons, the actuating device 13 extends between the first screws 23 and / or the second screws 24.

[0056] Advantageously, the second sleeve section forms a sliding surface 31 for the tension piece 27, on which the tension piece 27 can slide (see also Figure 8).

[0057] As can be seen from Figure 5, the second sleeve section 10 further comprises a stop 32, which is preferably designed as a notch. When the support rod 3 is fixed in the rod holder, the support rod 3 rests against the stop 32, as will be explained in more detail in connection with Figures 9 and 10.

[0058] Furthermore, the pull piece 27 advantageously has a second opening 33 through which the rod 3 can engage. The opening 33 allows the rod 3 to be pulled toward the stop 32.

[0059] Preferably, the tension member 27 has outer walls 34 that converge. This advantage was described in connection with the side walls 18, which are also advantageously designed as outer walls.

[0060] Figure 6 shows the rod holder 2 in the assembled state. This clearly shows that the openings 11 and 33 are advantageously aligned in the assembled state of the rod holder 2, so that a rod 3 can be inserted through it for its fixation. The tension piece 27 is preferably movable relative to the second sleeve section 10. The tension piece 27 is expediently guided movably on the second sleeve section 10.

[0061] In an advantageous embodiment, the openings 11 and 33 are movable relative to each other. This allows an inserted rod 3 to be clamped.

[0062] Figure 7 shows the pole holder 2 in a side view. The first sleeve section 9 and the second sleeve section 10 form the receptacle 26. As shown, the pole holder 2 is aligned when the trampoline is fastened to a frame 4 in such a way that a horizontal parting plane 35 results between the first sleeve section 9 and the second sleeve section 10. Furthermore, it is clear from Figure 7 that the actuating device 13, with its threaded rod 28, extends through the second sleeve section 10 and is in threaded engagement with the tension piece 27. For this purpose, the threaded rod 28 advantageously has an external thread at least at its free end.

[0063] Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the rod holder 2. In this view, the screws 23 are shown in dashed lines because they are concealed by the tension piece 27 in the assembled state, which is considered advantageous.

[0064] The threaded rod 28 of the actuating device 13 has a rotation axis 36, on which at least one corner 15 of the opening 11 (see Figure 3) and / or at least one corner 37 of the tension piece 27 advantageously lie. This allows a targeted clamping force to be applied. Reference is made below to Figures 9 and 10, which show a schematic section through the rod holder 2.

[0065] In Figure 9, the rod holder 2 is in a position in which the openings 11 and 33 are aligned so that a rod 3 can be inserted through both openings. To lock the retaining rod 3 in the rod holder 2, the actuating device 13 is actuated. This causes the tension piece 27 to move relative to the second sleeve section 10 and presses the rod 3 against the stop 32, as shown in Figure 10.

[0066] Advantageously, the stop 32 is arranged between the two openings 11, 33 in the side view of the rod holder 2. The situation in Figure 10 is exaggerated for clarity to show that the rod 3 rests against the stop 32. In reality, the support rod 3 is aligned approximately vertically in the fixed state.

[0067] List of reference symbols Trampole in pole holder Pole Trampole in frame Jumping mat Rope ring Hook Leg First sleeve section Second sleeve section Opening . / . Actuating device Lever Corner Radial axis Corner Side wall End First part holder Receptacle axis Thread First screw Second screw Second part holder Receptacle Tension piece Threaded rod Thread Through opening 31 Sliding surface

[0068] 32 stops

[0069] 33 second opening

[0070] 34 Outer wall 35 Division level

[0071] 36 axis of rotation

[0072] 37 Corner

Claims

Patent claims [As of: 13 July 2022] Pole holder (2) for trampolines (1) for holding a pole ( 3 ), with - a first cuff section (9), and - a second sleeve section (10) which is connected to the first sleeve section (9) at a variable distance and forms with it a receptacle (26) for a circumferential trampoline frame (4) with a circular cross-section extending in the axial direction of the receptacle (26), - wherein, to form the receptacle (26), the first sleeve section (9) has a first partial receptacle (20) and the second sleeve section (10) has a second partial receptacle (25), characterized in that - that the first partial receptacle (20) is curved in the axial direction. Rod holder (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second partial receptacle (25) is curved in the axial direction.

3. Rod holder (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the rod holder (2) is aligned as intended, the first sleeve section (9) is arranged above the second sleeve section (10) or vice versa.

4. Rod holder (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first sleeve section (9) is screwed to the second sleeve section (10), wherein at least one first screw (23) is arranged on one side of the receptacle (26) and at least one second screw (24) is arranged on the other side of the receptacle (26).

5. Rod holder (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the direction of extension of the at least first screw (23) and the at least second screw (24) runs vertically when the rod holder (2) is aligned as intended.

6. Rod holder (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first sleeve section (9) has an opening (11) for holding a rod (3).

7. Rod holder (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the rod holder (2) has a stop (32) for the rod (3) and a pulling piece (27) for pulling a holding rod (3) inserted into the opening (11) in the direction of the stop (32), wherein preferably the pulling piece (27) is movable relative to the second sleeve section (10). Rod holder (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the stop (32) is arranged in the direction of extension of the rod (3) between the opening (11) and the tension piece (27). Rod holder (2) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the stop (32) is formed by the second sleeve section (10). Rod holder (2) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the second sleeve section (10) forms a sliding surface (31) for the tension piece (27), on which the tension piece (27) slides when actuated. Rod holder (2) according to claim 4 and one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the tension piece (27) covers the at least one first screw (23) in the assembled state.Rod holder (2) according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the opening (11) is designed to receive a rod (3) with a square cross-section in a rotationally fixed manner, and that when the rod (3) is inserted and fixed into the opening (11), two opposite corners (15) of the rod (3) lie on a radial axis (16) of the trampoline (1).

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