Trampoline including an inflatable support structure
The inflatable trampoline with a drop-stitch structure and elastic connections addresses the challenge of ease of setup and compactness, offering durable, safe, and efficient bouncing performance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023010543
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-10-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing trampolines are not easily installable, removable, or compact, and do not efficiently transition between a compact and rigid state for optimal bouncing performance.
A trampoline design featuring an inflatable support structure with a drop-stitch construction, comprising two main walls connected by threads, and a jumping mat connected via elastic elements or springs, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and transition between compact and rigid states.
The design provides a trampoline that is easily transportable, quickly set up, and offers good bouncing performance with reduced material volume and weight, while being durable and safe without metal parts.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Trampoline comprising an inflatable support structure
[0001] The present invention relates to a trampoline.
[0002] It relates more particularly to a trampoline which includes an inflatable element, and in particular an annular inflatable support structure supporting a jumping mat (also called a rebound mat).
[0003] A large number of documents are already known that disclose different types of trampolines.
[0004] A trampoline comprising a toroidal support structure, a canvas, and a device for attaching said canvas to said structure is known from document GB 2 107 201 A.
[0005] Document EP 0 542 455 A1 describes a trampoline having a hollow, torus-shaped inflatable support to which an upper rebound mat is attached by means of lower ropes. The rebound mat is made of an elastic material and woven to provide an open-mesh construction forming holes.
[0006] Document FR 2 698 792 Al describes a trampoline having a toroidal inflatable element which, at its upper part, comprises straps arranged diametrically on said upper part, a sheet formed of a rigid material, and a protective disc allowing to cover said superimposed straps.
[0007] US document 7,789,803 B2 describes a bouncing device which includes an inflatable annular tube, an apron attached to said tube and a bouncing mat attached to said apron.
[0008] The invention proposes a trampoline which can be easily and quickly installed and removed, which is particularly compact, and which easily transitions from a compact state to a rigid state giving a good bounce to the jumping mat.
[0009] The invention thus relates to a trampoline, comprising a peripheral inflatable support structure connected to a jumping and rebounding mat via connecting elements.
[0010] According to the invention, the inflatable support structure comprises two main walls, including an inner wall and an outer wall, with a type of thrown-point structure arranged between the opposing inner faces of said walls so as to connect said main walls together.
[0011] The drop-stitch structure, more commonly known as "drop-stitch" in English, comprises several threads, for example threads comprising polyester or polyamide, and connecting said main walls together.
[0012] The main walls may comprise poly(vinyl chloride) or polyurethane, in particular thermoplastic polyurethane.
[0013] The inflatable support structure can be an annular structure having a height and a thickness, the height of the inflatable support structure advantageously being greater than its thickness.
[0014] The outer wall may include, in the operational configuration of the inflatable support structure, a central portion, from which live wires extend to a corresponding central portion of the outer wall, the outer wall further including at a first end a first end portion, devoid of live wires and adjacent to the central portion, and connected to a corresponding first end portion of the inner wall which is adjacent to the central portion of the outer wall, the outer wall further including at a second end a second end portion, devoid of live wires and adjacent to the central portion, and connected to a corresponding second end portion of the inner wall which is adjacent to the central portion of the outer wall.
[0015] The first end portion of the outer wall and the first end portion of the inner wall can be covered with at least one first sealing layer, so as to connect the first end portion of the outer wall to the first end portion of the inner wall and to ensure the sealing of the inflatable support structure at the level of the first end of the inflatable support structure, and the second end portion of the outer wall and the second end portion of the inner wall can be covered with at least one second sealing layer, so as to connect the second end portion of the outer wall to the second end portion of the inner wall and to ensure the sealing of the inflatable support structure at the level of the second end of the inflatable support structure.
[0016] The connecting elements can be fixed using a fixing on the inner wall of the inflatable support structure or using a fixing on the inner wall of the inflatable support structure and a fixing on the outer wall of the inflatable support structure.
[0017] The inner wall may be intended to be connected to the jumping and rebounding mat, and may be provided with a belt having straps intended to receive the connecting elements.
[0018] Each strap may include a central layer, arranged between an outer layer conforming to the shape of the central layer, and an inner layer which is fixed to the inner wall of the inflatable support structure.
[0019] The middle layer of the strap can be made of textile material and the outer and inner layers of the strap can comprise poly(vinyl chloride).
[0020] The jumping and rebounding mat may include straps with loops for receiving the connecting elements. Preferably, the straps are without loops and the straps themselves are intended to receive the connecting elements.
[0021] The connecting elements may include elastic elements or springs.
[0022] The trampoline may further include an upper part comprising support masts for a safety net.
[0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, of a non-limiting example of implementation, made with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
[0024] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a trampoline according to the invention, in accordance with a first embodiment,
[0025] [Fig.2] is a detail view of the trampoline of [Fig. 1],
[0026] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a trampoline according to the invention, in accordance with a second embodiment,
[0027] [Fig.4] is a top view of the trampoline in [Fig.3],
[0028] [Fig.5] is a partial side view of the trampoline, in a variant of the first method of implementation,
[0029] [Fig.6] is a top view of the trampoline in [Fig.5],
[0030] [Fig.7] is a side view of a trampoline according to the invention,
[0031] [Fig.8] is a side detail view of the trampoline,
[0032] [Fig.9] illustrates a first step in a process for obtaining the structure of inflatable trampoline transport according to the invention.
[0033] [Fig. 10] illustrates a second step of a method for obtaining the inflatable transport structure of the trampoline according to the invention,
[0034] [Fig. 11] illustrates a third step of a method for obtaining the inflatable transport structure of the trampoline according to the invention,
[0035] [Fig. 12] is an interior view of the trampoline,
[0036] [Fig. 13] is a front view of a trampoline strap,
[0037] [Fig. 14] is a side view of the strap,
[0038] [Fig. 15] is a detailed top view of the trampoline,
[0039] [Fig. 16] is an interior view of the trampoline, in one embodiment,
[0040] [Fig. 17] is a detail view of one end of the jumping and rebounding mat of the trampoline,
[0041] [Fig. 18] is a first partial cross-sectional view BB' of the trampoline of [Fig. 15],
[0042] [Fig. 19] is a second partial cross-sectional view BB' of the trampoline of [Fig. 15], and
[0043] [Fig.20] is a partial cross-sectional view AA' of the trampoline in [Fig. 15].
[0044] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], a trampoline 1 according to the invention comprises an inflatable structure 2 forming a rigid peripheral support structure for a jumping mat and rebound 3, as well as connecting elements 4 allowing the jumping and rebound mat 3 to be connected to the inflatable support structure 2 and thus providing elasticity.
[0045] The inflatable structure 2 is annular, with axis of revolution X. It extends vertically in the operational configuration of the trampoline 1. The jumping and rebounding mat 3 is orthogonal to the axis of revolution X and it extends horizontally.
[0046] The inflatable structure 2 comprises two main walls, namely an outer wall 2a and an inner wall 2b ([Fig. 12]).
[0047] In a first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the connecting elements 4 are elastic elements, such as an elastic belt. In a second embodiment, illustrated in Figures 3-4 and 15, the connecting elements 4 are springs.
[0048] The elastic elements can be fixed using a fixing on the inner wall 2b of the inflatable structure (figures 1-2) or using a fixing on the inner wall 2b and a fixing on the outer wall 2a (figures 5-6).
[0049] According to the invention, the inflatable support structure 2 is a drop-stitch structure. The drop-stitch structure, comprising threads 5 which are typically regularly spaced, is arranged between the opposing inner faces of said walls 2a, 2b so as to connect said walls 2a, 2b together ([Fig. 11]).
[0050] The outer wall 2a and the inner wall 2b are connected along their annular periphery, at the top and bottom, by at least one attached wall that is glued or welded, so as to obtain a sealed, closed envelope. The annular shape is obtained by joining two ends of the inflatable support structure 2 ([Fig. 11] and Figures 1-2).
[0051] The outer wall 2a constitutes the outer surface of revolution of the inflatable support structure while the inner wall 2b constitutes the inner surface of revolution of the structure 2, opposite the jumping and rebounding mat 3 ([Fig. 11] and [Fig. 1]).
[0052] As illustrated in [Fig. 18], the outer wall 2a comprises a central portion 2al from which the wires 5 extend to a corresponding central portion 2bl of the outer wall 2b. The central portions 2al and 2bl extend vertically in the operational configuration of the inflatable structure 2 and the wires 5 connecting the central portions 2al and 2b are under tension there (when it is inflated and positioned on the ground).
[0053] The outer wall 2a also includes a first end portion 2a2 connected to a corresponding first end portion 2b2 of the inner wall 2b. In the operational configuration of the inflatable support structure 2, the portions The end pieces 2a2, 2b2 form the top of the inflating structure 2 and each have a curved shape, for example having substantially the shape of a quarter circle, in a longitudinal plane passing through the axis of revolution X, so as to form together a semicircle.
[0054] For clarity, the flexible / relaxed wires connecting the end portions 2a2 and 2b2 have not been shown ([Fig. 18]).
[0055] To ensure the airtightness of the inflatable support structure 2 at its upper end, the first end portion 2a2 and the first end portion 2b2 are covered with at least one first sealing layer 6, and optionally with a second sealing layer 7 covering the first sealing layer 6. A first layer 6 can thus be used to ensure airtightness, for example, for a pressure below 10 PSI (68947.6 Pa), and one or more additional layers 7 if it is desired to increase the inflation pressure and / or performance, for example, one or two additional layers 7 if the pressure is below 19 PSI (131000 Pa). The sealing layers 6, 7 can be made of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and typically of laminated PVC ([Fig. 18]).
[0056] Similarly, the outer wall 2a also includes a second end portion 2a3 which is connected to a corresponding second end portion 2b3 of the inner wall 2b ([Fig. 19]). In the operational configuration of the inflatable support structure 2, the end portions 2a3, 2b3 form the bottom of the inflatable support structure 2 and each has a curved shape, for example substantially in the shape of a quarter circle, in a longitudinal plane passing through the axis of revolution X, so as to form together a semicircle.
[0057] To ensure the airtightness of the inflatable support structure 2 at the lower end of the inflatable structure 2, the second end portion 2a3 and the first end portion 2b3 are covered with at least one first sealing layer 8, and optionally with a second sealing layer 9 covering the first sealing layer 8 in the event of high inflation pressure. The sealing layers 8, 9 may be made of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and typically of laminated PVC ([Fig. 19]).
[0058] Between the outer wall 2a and the inner wall 2b, threads 5 are woven and arranged so as to be regularly spaced.
[0059] The outer wall 2a and the inner wall 2b can be made of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) or polyurethane. The threads 5 are typically made of polyester.
[0060] A pressurized gas inlet valve 10 is arranged on one of the main walls, typically on the outer wall 2a, so as to allow the structure 2 to be inflated or deflated (Figures 7 and 8). A valve consisting of a tube may be used. A rubber tube is attached inside the support structure 2, and a plastic cap screws onto the top of this tube. To inflate the support structure 2, the user removes the cap and uses an air pump to inject air into the support structure 2 through the tube. To deflate the support structure 2, the user removes the cap and squeezes the tube to release the air.
[0061] Inflation can be carried out using a manual or electric pump, allowing for rapid inflation.
[0062] The height H of the inflatable support structure 2 is advantageously greater than the thickness e of the inflatable support structure 2, resulting in greater rigidity and a smaller footprint compared to a traditional toroidal inflatable support structure. Furthermore, inflation time and volume are reduced, and a smaller material surface area is required (Figures 7 and 12).
[0063] The H / e ratio is advantageously between 4 and 10.
[0064] The length L of the inflatable support structure 2 corresponds to the perimeter of the inflatable structure 2 in operational configuration of trampoline 1 ([Fig. 1]).
[0065] The L / e ratio is advantageously between 20 and 50.
[0066] The "drop stitch" technology uses very fine threads to join together the two layers of material that form the inner tube ([Fig. 1 1]). These threads are woven using a stitching process that makes them very strong.
[0067] First, two woven or knitted parts are formed using two knitting machines arranged opposite each other, then a third machine passes a yarn 5 between the loops of the two parts ([Fig. 9]). The outer wall 2a and the inner wall 2b are then attached to the knitted parts (Figures 10 and 11).
[0068] The specific inflatable support structure is thus easy to transport and handle, which is particularly useful for setting up the trampoline. The inflatable support structure can be rolled up or folded and stored inside a carrying bag, for example, a 140 L bag. The trampoline is easy to assemble; advantageously, it does not include any metal parts such as screws.
[0069] The threads used to connect the two layers of material are very strong, which makes it possible to create more durable products that can withstand shocks and tears, thus reducing the risk of damage.
[0070] The inflatable support structure can be quickly deflated for easy storage and transport. This allows the entire set to be taken on outings or holidays, to a park or the beach, and stored in a small space when not in use. Therefore, the trampoline does not necessarily require year-round use of a space such as a garden.
[0071] Finally, the inflatable support structure can be manufactured in different sizes to suit the needs of users.
[0072] The use of the point-launched structure allows for good rigidity and a compact design, as well as shock absorption. This results in a lightweight trampoline that can be free of metal parts, thus ensuring safe use.
[0073] The rebound mat 3 can be a flexible mat made of inextensible material, such as canvas or a similar material.
[0074] The rebound mat 3 is connected to the inflatable support structure 2 using the connecting elements 4 (figures 1 and 2).
[0075] The connecting elements 4 can be elastic elements or springs, each being anchored at one end to the inflatable support structure 2 and at the other end to the rebound mat 3.
[0076] The connecting elements 4 can, in particular, be attached both to the rebound mat 3 by being arranged on the side of the rebound mat 3 inside loops 11 of a strap 12 of the rebound mat 3 provided at the periphery of the rebound mat 3, for example triangular loops, and on the side of the inflatable support structure 2 inside straps 13 of a belt 19 of the inflatable support structure 2 (Figures 12 to 15). The straps 13 are arranged at regular intervals along the belt 19.
[0077] Preferably, the straps 12 are without buckles and it is the straps 12 which are intended to receive the connecting elements 4 ([Fig. 17]).
[0078] The belt 19, which also has an axis of revolution X, extends around the perimeter of the inner wall 2b of the inflatable support structure 2. It is advantageously located at an upper end of the inner wall 2b, for example at the upper end of portion 2b1 of the inner wall 2b, at the lower end of portion 2b2, or straddling portion 2b1 and portion 2b2 ([Fig. 18]). The belt 19, which is typically a strip of textile, is attached, for example, by gluing to the inner wall 2b of the inflatable support structure 2 ([Fig. 12]).
[0079] Each strap 13 comprises a central layer 20 typically made of textile. The central layer of the strap 20 is sandwiched between a rigid outer layer 14, conforming to the shape of the strap 13, and an inner layer 15 which is fixed to the inner wall 2b of the inflatable support structure 2 ([Fig. 14]). The outer layer 14 is extended laterally by an outer layer 16 ([Fig. 20]). The rigid outer layer 14, and the outer layers 15, 16 may be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and in particular of laminated PVC.
[0080] The straps 13 can extend parallel to the ground (figures 12 to 14) or perpendicular to the ground ([Fig. 16]).
[0081] The trampoline according to the invention may comprise only the inflatable support structure 2 with the jumping and rebounding mat 3 and the connecting elements 4. An embodiment in which the trampoline is equipped with in addition to an upper part comprising support masts for a safety net.
Claims
Demands
1. Trampoline (1), comprising a peripheral inflatable support structure (2) connected to a jumping and rebounding mat (3) via connecting elements (4), characterized in that the inflatable support structure (2) comprises two main walls, including an inner wall (2b) and an outer wall (2a), with a thrown-point type structure (5) arranged between the opposing inner faces of said walls so as to connect said main walls (2a, 2b) together.
2. Trampoline (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the running stitch structure comprises several yarns (5) comprising polyester and connecting together said main walls (2a, 2b).
3. Trampoline (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main walls (2a, 2b) comprise poly(vinyl chloride) or polyurethane.
4. Trampoline (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inflatable support structure (2) is an annular structure having a height (H) and a thickness (e), the height (H) of the inflatable support structure being greater than its thickness (e).
5. Trampoline (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer wall (2a) comprises, in the operational configuration of the inflatable support structure (2), a central portion (2al), from which tensioned wires (5) extend to a corresponding central portion (2b1) of the outer wall (2b), the outer wall (2a) further comprising at a first end a first end portion (2a2), devoid of tensioned wires and adjacent to the central portion (2al), and connected to a first corresponding end portion (2b2) of the inner wall (2b) which is adjacent to the central portion (2b1) of the outer wall (2b), the outer wall (2a) further comprising at a second end a second end portion (2a3), devoid of tensioned wires and adjacent to the central portion (2al),and connected to a second corresponding end portion (2b3) of the inner wall (2b) which is adjacent to the central portion (2b1) of the outer wall (2b).
6. Trampoline (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first end portion (2a2) of the outer wall (2a) and the first end portion (2b2) of the inner wall (2a) are covered with at least one first waterproofing layer (6, 7), of in such a way as to connect the first end portion (2a2) of the outer wall (2a) to the first end portion (2b2) of the inner wall (2a) and to ensure the sealing of the inflatable support structure (2) at the level of the first end of the inflatable support structure (2), and in that the second end portion (2a3) of the outer wall (2a) and the second end portion (2b3) of the inner wall (2a) are covered with at least a second sealing layer (8, 9), in such a way as to connect the second end portion (2a3) of the outer wall (2a) to the second end portion (2b3) of the inner wall (2a) and to ensure the sealing of the inflatable support structure (2) at the level of the second end of the inflatable support structure (2).
7. Trampoline (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connecting elements (4) are fixed by means of a fixing on the inner wall (2b) of the inflatable support structure (2) or by means of a fixing on the inner wall (2b) of the inflatable support structure (2) and a fixing on the outer wall (2a) of the inflatable support structure (2).
8. Trampoline (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the inner wall (2b) is intended to be connected to the jumping and rebounding mat (3) and is provided with a belt (19) having straps (13) intended to receive the connecting elements (4).
9. Trampoline (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that each strap (13) comprises a central layer (20), disposed between an outer layer (14) conforming to the shape of the central layer (20), and an inner layer (15) which is fixed to the inner wall (2b) of the inflatable support structure (2).
10. Trampoline (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the middle layer (20) of the strap (13) is made of textile material and in that the outer layer (14) and the inner layer (15) of the strap (13) comprise poly(vinyl chloride).
11. Trampoline (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the jumping and rebounding mat (3) comprises straps (12) provided with loops (11) intended to receive the connecting elements (4).
12. Trampoline (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connecting elements (4) comprise elastic elements or springs.
13. Trampoline (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that that it also includes an upper part comprising support masts for a safety net.