Trampoline court structure for playing ball games

Abstract

This invention relates to a trampoline court for playing ball games. The court has four bounce mats suspended by springs and attached to frames to form four trampolines of rectangular shape. Three of the trampolines are of equal size, and a fourth trampoline has a length side equal to the length side of the other three trampolines, but a width side is larger than that of the other three trampolines. The largest trampoline is lined up to another trampoline along the length, and the other two trampolines are physically connected to the side of the first two trampolines. Decks line the frames to create a rectangular court. The court has a top surface that is solid and can support players as well as bounce an inflated ball. This invention also relates to a full court with two trampoline courts situated to form mirror images of each other.

Description

TRAMPOLINE COURT STRUCTURE FOR PLAYING BALL GAMESBACKGROUND

[0001] Sport games are a main feature in entertainment. With many exhibition sport games played by professionals, fans have many options to choose from. A long, drawn-out game with too much non-eventful play and few exciting plays does not attract fans’ attention.

[0002] Trampolines are a feature for athletic entertainment, especially for jumping. Playing sport on trampolines started in recent decades, with ball games, running, and jumping using trampolines being part of the game.

[0003] Ball games on trampolines have started, with ball games using a basketball and basketball equipment. Floor structures supporting sport games and enabling an entertaining game have been developed.

[0004] While trampolines are designed to sustain ordinary jumping and running for most human beings, contact and competitive sport requires a support structure allowing smooth playing while minimizing injuries. An entertaining game also requires many attack points on a playing court to increase the amount of exciting play during a game.

[0005] There exists a demand for well- supported trampoline court structures on which a sport involving running and jumping with many attack points generating exciting plays can be played. The invention disclosed herein addresses this demand.SUMMARY

[0006] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court, comprising: a rigid foundation; four bounce mats suspended by springs attached to frames, the bounce mats are of substantially rectangular shape; support columns attaching the frames to the rigid foundation; support pieces attaching the frames to a support deck; andan elastic surface situated on top of the rigid surface, the springs, the frames, and part of the four bounce mats; wherein the frames surround each bounce mats in rectangular shape forming four trampolines between the frames, the bounce mats, and the springs, wherein among the four trampolines, a first and a second trampoline have the same lengths, and are situated adjacent to each other such that the lengths line up with each other, and wherein the first trampoline has a larger width than that of the second trampoline, wherein the third trampoline is situated adjacent to the first and second trampoline on one side along width sides of the first and second trampoline such that one side of the third trampoline is adjacent to and touches the first and second trampoline, and the fourth trampoline is situated adjacent to the first and second trampoline the opposite side along width sides of the first and second trampoline such that one side of the fourth trampoline is adjacent to and touches the first and second trampoline, and wherein components of the ball game court are capable of being disassembled and reassembled.

[0007] In frequently included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the side of the third and fourth trampolines not lining the width side of the first and second trampoline line up in a straight line.

[0008] In frequently included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, the ball game court further comprises a filler deck surrounding the frames of the third and fourth trampoline, the filler deck having a rigid surface at the top, wherein the four bounce mats, the springs, the frames, and the rigid surface of the filler deck form a rectangular shape.

[0009] In often included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the filler deck comprises four wide decks lining the width sides of the third and fourth bounce mat, and two long decks, each connecting two wide decks of the four wide decks, the two long decks lining the length sides of the first and second trampoline.

[0010] In frequently included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the filler deck comprises support legs connecting to the rigid foundation, the support legs having adjustable leveling jacks and the adjustable leveling jacks enable the support legs to be adjustable in height.

[0011] In often included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the support legs of the filler deck comprise a hollow receiver at the top configured to receive a filler pipe, the filler pipe extending above the support legs of the filler deck.

[0012] In frequently included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the rigid surface of the filler deck comprises holes to fit with the filler pipes on the support legs of the filler deck.

[0013] In often included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the support columns have adjustable leveling jacks in physical contact with the rigid foundation and the support pieces have adjustable leveling jacks in physical contact with the support deck.

[0014] In frequently included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the adjustable leveling jacks enable the support columns and the support pieces to be adjustable in height.

[0015] In often included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the support pieces are shorter in length than the support columns.

[0016] In frequently included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the frames comprise steel tubes forming a rectangular shape and steel bars connecting the lengthwise steel tubes.

[0017] In often included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the steel bars connecting the lengthwise steel tubes form an angle that is not a right angle with the steel tubes.

[0018] In frequently included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein steel bars are connected to the steel tubes with flushes.

[0019] In often included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the steel bars and the steel tubes form a truss.

[0020] In frequently included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the frames lining the first bounce mat comprise two frames comprising two rectangular frames forming an L shape.

[0021] In often included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein long sides of the two frames touch each other to form a straight line lining a length side of the first bounce mat, and each of the short sides of the two frames lines part of each of the width sides of the first bounce mat.

[0022] In often included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the support deck is standard size in trampoline parks.

[0023] In frequently included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, the ball game court further comprises a basketball hoop situated at the midpoint of the length of the first trampoline at the outer edge of the court.

[0024] In often included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, the ball game court further comprises at least one foam piece situated on a part of the bounce mat not covered by the elastic surface.

[0025] In frequently included embodiments, there is provided a ball game court as above, wherein the at least one foam piece extends beyond the bounce mat to touch the rigid foundation.

[0026] In often included embodiments, there is provided a full ball game court, comprising: a first ball game court according to claim 1 situated at a first end; and a second ball game court according to claim 1 situated at a second end, wherein the first ball game court and the second ball game court are physically and operatively connected to each other to form a mirror image of each other.

[0027] In often included embodiments, there is provided a full ball game court as above, the full ball game court further comprises a first basketball hoop situated at the middle point of a length side of the largest trampoline in the first ball game court, and a second basketball hoop situated at the middle point of a length side of the largest trampoline in the second ball game court.

[0028] According to embodiments described herein the collection of four bounce mats as described and claimed herein is comprised in what is also referred to herein as a bank of bounce mats.

[0029] According to embodiments described herein each bank of bounce mats may be placed in operable orientation with a basketball court or spring floor that surrounds each bank of bounce mats.

[0030] According to the embodiments described herein the court is defined by a first and second end, with basketball hoops situated on each of the first and second ends and two separate banks of bounce mats, each comprising four bounce mats as defined and described herein. Also, according to related embodiments described herein each bank of bounce mats comprises a first bounce mat having a larger surface area than the other three bounce mats, which larger bounce mat is situated adjacent and closest to each of the basketball hoops.

[0031] Also according to embodiments described herein the frames are in the form of a truss surrounding each bounce mat, and each of the bounce mats is fully supported by the truss without external wiring or support outside of the frames. In this manner each bank of four bounce mats is fully supported on the ground where it is located without having to attach the frames to outside elements for lateral support or rigidity.

[0032] According to embodiments described herein, the first and second bounce mat are operably connected with a single contiguous lateral frame structure (which may be comprised of multiple pieces forming the contiguous frame structure), with the single contiguous frame structure spanning along the length of and between each of the first and second bounce mats.

[0033] According to embodiments described herein, the third bounce mat is operably connected with the first and second bounce mats with a first longitudinal frame structure (which may be comprised of multiple pieces forming the first longitudinal frame structure), with the first longitudinal frame structure spanning along the length of the third bounce mat and at least a portion of the widths of the first and second bounce mats. The first longitudinal frame structure may be formed of two discrete end regions attached to and extending away from the single contiguous lateral frame structure.

[0034] According to embodiments described herein, the fourth bounce mat is operably connected with the first and second bounce mats with a second longitudinal frame structure (which may be comprised of multiple pieces forming the second longitudinal frame structure), with the second longitudinal frame structure spanning along the length of the fourth bounce mat and at least a portion of the widths of the first and second bounce mats. The second longitudinalframe structure may be formed of two discrete end regions attached to and extending away from the single contiguous lateral frame structure.

[0035] According to embodiments described herein, the single contiguous lateral frame structure is connected with the first and second longitudinal frame structures, at each end of the single contiguous lateral frame structure.

[0036] These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art when taken with reference to the following more detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only.

[0038] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a court for playing a ball game according to embodiments herein.

[0039] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the floor structure in FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 3 depicts the cross-section view along line A-A’ of the floor structure inFIG. 2.

[0041] FIG. 4 depicts a closeup view of a portion of a support frame of the floor structure as attached to a sub deck.

[0042] FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the support frame along the trampolines of the floor structure in FIG. 1 with notations on frame A locations.

[0043] FIG. 6 depicts the top view of frame A.

[0044] FIG. 7 depicts the front view of frame A.

[0045] FIG. 8 depicts the bottom view of frame A.

[0046] FIG. 9 depicts a top view of the support frame along the trampolines of the floor structure in FIG. 1 with notations on frame B locations.

[0047] FIG. 10 depicts the top view of frame B.

[0048] FIG. 11 depicts the front view of frame B.

[0049] FIG. 12 depicts the bottom view of frame B.

[0050] FIG. 13 depicts a top view of the support frame along the trampolines of the floor structure in FIG. 1 with notations on frame C locations.

[0051] FIG. 14 depicts the top view of frame C.

[0052] FIG. 15 depicts the front view of frame C.

[0053] FIG. 16 depicts the bottom view of frame C.

[0054] FIG. 17 depicts a top view of the support frame along the trampolines of the floor structure in FIG. 1 with notations on frame D locations.

[0055] FIG. 18 depicts the top view of frame D.

[0056] FIG. 19 depicts the front view of frame D.

[0057] FIG. 20 depicts the bottom view of frame D.

[0058] FIG. 21 depicts a top view of the floor structure showing the position of the filler deck.

[0059] FIG. 22 depicts a wide deck of the filler deck according to embodiments herein.

[0060] FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of the top frame of the wide deck in FIG. 22.

[0061] FIG. 24 depicts a top view of the wide deck top surface in FIG. 22.

[0062] FIG. 25 depicts the leg frame of the wide deck in FIG. 22.

[0063] FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of the filler deck.

[0064] FIG. 27 depicts a top view of the filler deck.

[0065] FIG. 28 depicts the top view of a deck covering the court according to embodiments herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detailed description of the invention is divided into the subsections that follow.

[0067] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents, applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] As used herein, “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”

[0069] As used herein, the term “and / or” may mean “and,” it may mean “or,” it may mean “exclusive-or,” it may mean “one,” it may mean “some, but not all,” it may mean “neither,” and / or it may mean “both.”

[0070] As used herein, the term “sub deck” refers to a structure attached to a rigid foundation, such as the ground, the structure is designed for mounting trampolines of large size. The sub deck is typically available at trampoline parks and can be rented.

[0071] Embodiments of this invention provide a court for playing sport games. The court rests on a rigid foundation and comprises four separate trampolines arranged adjacent to and touching each other to form a floor, with three trampolines of approximately the same size and a fourth trampoline of a larger size than the other three trampolines. A basketball hoop is present and arranged at approximately the middle of the outside edge of the largest trampoline. The floor comprises a spring-loaded playing surface, allowing players to jump and put a basket into a basketball hoop. The trampolines are bolted to a sub deck. Trusses forming frames to hold the trampolines connect to the sub deck and provide overall structure support for the court. Players of the same team move a basketball between each other to put the ball into a basketball hoop to score. Players on the opposing team attempt to intercept the ball and put the ball into the basketball hoop. The hoop can also be arranged at any outer edge of any of the trampolines. However, the first trampoline 101 offers the largest bed with the largest surface and more attacking points, hence placing the basketball hoop at this edge brings more exciting play.

[0072] Typical basketball games are played on hard surfaces on the ground. Players attack the hoop and drop the ball into the hoop by either throwing or jumping up towards the hoop. How far a player can jump up is a determinative factor of how many points a player and / ora team can score. A player jumping on a trampoline can achieve a different height than a player jumping on a hard surface. At the same time, landing on a trampoline is safer than landing on hard ground. Forces from a player falling down on a trampoline are not directly reflected into the player’s body but dispersed by a bounce mat. The game is thus more exciting for viewers and less likely to cause injuries to players.

[0073] FIG. 1 illustrates a trampoline court 100 comprising four different trampolines with the top surface of generally rectangular shape. Each trampoline comprises a bounce mat 301 attached to springs, which are attached to frames, thereby suspending the bounce mat 301. The frames are attached to a hard foundation, such as the ground. In FIG. 1 , the first trampoline 101, has a basketball hoop 200 situated next to the length side of the rectangle at approximately the midpoint of the length side. The opposite length side of the first trampoline 101 is adjacent to the second trampoline 102, the second trampoline 102 having a length side of the same length as the length side of the first trampoline 101. The second trampoline 102 has a width side that is smaller than the width side of the first trampoline 101.

[0074] In embodiments, adjacent to each of the width sides of the first and second trampolines 101, 102 is a third and fourth trampoline 103, 104. The third trampoline 103 has a length side adjacent to one of the width sides of the first and second trampoline 101, 102, the length of the third trampoline 103 is smaller than the sum of the width side of the first and second trampoline 101, 102. The fourth trampoline 104 has a length side adjacent to the other width sides of the first and second trampoline 101, 102, and the length of the fourth trampoline 103 is smaller than the sum of the width side of the first and second trampoline 101, 102. The width and the length of the third trampoline 103 and the fourth trampoline 104 are the same. The third and fourth trampoline 103, 104 are lined up along the sides of the first and second trampoline 101, 102 such that their respective length sides are parallel to each other, and their width sides form a straight line while not touching each other. The second, third and fourth trampolines 102, 103, 104 have the same width and the same length. The bounce mats 301 of the respective trampolines have the same rectangular shape with the frames forming the top surface of the trampolines. Players can jump up on the bounce mat 301 and achieve a higher jump than jumping up on a hard foundation, much like jumping up from typical trampolines.

[0075] In embodiments, the first trampoline 101 has a width that is larger than the width of the second, third and fourth trampoline 102, 103, 104. Consequently, the first trampoline 101 and the bounce mat 301 of the first trampoline 101 has the largest surface area, while the bouncemat 301 of the second, third, and fourth trampoline 102, 103, 104 each has the same surface area that is smaller than the surface area of the bounce mat 301 of the first trampoline 101. This gives a larger bounce mat 301 in the first trampoline 101 than in the other trampolines. In practice, the larger bounce mat 301 gives more attacking opportunity, where players have a larger space for jumping up and attacking the basketball hoop. The larger trampoline 101 with a larger bounce mat 301 thus brings more exciting play into the ball game.

[0076] In embodiments, the width of the first trampoline may be larger than the width of the second, third, and fourth trampoline by any increment and up to the length of the trampolines. For example, if the second, third and fourth trampoline has a dimension of 18 feet x 9 feet, then the first trampoline has a length of 18 feet, and a width of larger than 9 feet but smaller than 18 feet. In one embodiment, for illustrative purposes only, the length of the bounce mats on the trampolines is twice the width of the second, third and fourth bounce mat, and the width of the bounce mat in the first trampoline is 40% larger than the width of the rest of the bounce mats.

[0077] In embodiments, the first trampoline 101 has a larger bounce mat 301 to give additional areas for players to attack the basketball hoop. The larger area allows more jumping from different directions, in particular to the side of the basketball hoop. Thus, the first trampoline has a larger width to give rise to a larger bounce mat. In other embodiments, a trampoline of substantially rectangular shape having a width equal to the length of the other three trampolines, and a length longer than the length of the other three trampolines is contemplated. This shape and dimension of the first trampoline would give a much larger bounce mat to increase excitement to the game.

[0078] The arrangement of the trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104 leaves empty spaces at the four corners of the trampoline cluster. These spaces are filled with wide decks 117 within a filler deck 114, which will be described in detail.

[0079] In embodiments, a full court ball game may be arranged with two sets of the ball game court situated at a first and a second end to form mirror images of each other. The two courts are physically and operatively connected to each other. A basketball hoop is situated at each end of the ball game court, at the middle of the lengthwise edge of the largest trampoline. Other locations for situating a basketball hoop are contemplated.

[0080] In embodiments, in a full court game, each opposing team protects a basketball hoop while attacking the opponent’s basketball hoop. Players in a full court game use abasketball to throw or drop into the basketball hoop of the opposing team. Players of the opposing team attempt to intercept the ball and protect their basketball hoop, then attacking the other basketball hoop to drop or throw the ball in.

[0081] FIG. 2 illustrates the top view of court 100 according to embodiments herein. Surrounding each trampoline are frames in the form of truss forming a sub frame 105 to provide support for the trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104. Frames surround each bounce mat 301 of the trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104 and springs 300 connect the bounce mats 301 to frames. Wide decks 117 within filler decks are shown at the corner of the trampoline arrangement. The adjacent length sides of the first and second trampolines 101, 102 are lined by one truss.

[0082] FIG. 3 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the floor taken along line A-A’ of FIG. 2. The trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104 are supported by a quad trampoline sub frame 105. At the end of the outer side of each of the trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104 are frames whereby trampoline bounce mats 301 are mounted upon. Bounce mat 301 is attached to springs 300, which are then attached to frames. Sub frame 105 comprises frames in the form of trusses and lines along the perimeter of the trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104.

[0083] By way of example, the trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104 have a length of 18 feet 7.5 inches along the frame. The width of the third and fourth trampolines 103, 104 along the frame is 10 feet 7.75 inches. The truss lining the length of the first and second trampoline 101, 102 where their length sides are adjacent, measures 1 foot 3 inches in width and 18 feet 7.5 inches in length. The bounce mats 301 of the second, third and fourth trampolines 102, 103, 104 have a width of 7 feet and a length of 14 feet. The bounce mat 301 of the first trampoline 101 has a width of 10 feet and a length of 14 feet. Dimensions herein are examples only, and dimensions of the components of the court can be adjusted to substantially conform to the inventions as described herein.

[0084] Trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104 are attached to a sub deck 119 by bolts connecting to sub frame 105. This sub deck 119 is available in most trampoline parks at standard size and can be used to mount the court for playing ball games according to embodiments herein. Sub deck 119 is typically attached to a rigid foundation and allows mounting of various trampolines onto the sub deck.

[0085] FIG. 4 is the close-up view of the cross section of sub frame 105 along line A-A’ of FIG. 2, at the edge of sub frame 105. Sub frame 105 are supported by two set of legs: longlegs, also called support column, 106 attached to the rigid foundation or ground and short legs, also called support pieces, 107 attached to the sub deck 119. Long legs 106 and short legs 107 support frames forming the sub frame 105.

[0086] Each long leg 106 has an adjustable leveling jack 108 at the bottom of the long leg 106, which enables the long leg 106 to change its height to fit with the sub frame 105 and the rigid foundation. The adjustable leveling jack 108 in the long leg 106 thus rests on the rigid foundation. Each long leg 106 is connected to the sub frame 105 by bolts. Each short leg 107 also has an adjustable leveling jack 108 at the bottom of the short leg 106, which enables the short leg 106 to change its height to fit with the sub frame 105 and the sub deck 119. The adjustable leveling jack 108 in the short leg 106 thus rests on the sub deck 119. Each short leg 107 is connected to the sub frame 105 by bolts. Leveling jacks 108 allow adjustments of height in the long and short legs, or support columns and pieces, such that the court as a whole can adapt to various sub deck heights. Other means or parts allowing adjustment of height for the support columns and pieces are contemplated.

[0087] Underneath the sub frame 105 along the frames at various locations are solid supports, which are the same part as the longer leg 106 connecting the sub frame 105 with the rigid foundation, or the ground. In FIG. 3, solid supports can be seen connecting the frames forming sub frame 105, in this case the frame lining the width of the first and second trampoline 101, 102. Solid supports or long legs 106 are steel tubes with leveling jacks 108 at the bottom attached to a rigid foundation. Solid supports 106 are bolted to the sub frame 105.

[0088] In embodiments, the bounce mats 301 are attached to frames by springs 300. Mounting angles 302 in the nature of metal pieces adapted for springs 300 to be hooked on are connected to frame 104 by bolts. Mounting angles 302 connect springs 300 to sub frame 105, with the sub frame 105 elevated from the rigid foundation or the ground by support columns and pieces 106, 107, thereby suspending the bounce mats 301 in the air.

[0089] In embodiments, each trampoline bed is surrounded by frames forming parts of the quad trampoline frame that can be disassembled then re-assembled. FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing the top view of the frame surrounding trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104 as assembled into the court with frame A 109 denoted. Frame A 109 is fitted along the length of the trampoline bounce mats 301 to line the length of trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104. FIG. 6 is the top view of frame A 109, which comprises two opposing steel tubes situated parallel to eachother forming the length of the frame. Two short opposing steel tubes are situated at a right corner to the first two opposing steel tubes to form a rectangular shape. Steel bars connect the two lengthwise steel tubes at an angle to form a truss. The steel tubes forming the rectangular shape are connected to each other by flushes 113. The steel bars connecting the two lengthwise steel tubes are connected by the two lengthwise steel tubes by flushes. Frame A 109 thus is a truss providing support for the trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104 along their lengths.

[0090] FIG. 7 is a front view of frame A 109, and FIG. 8 is a bottom view of frame A. Flushes attach the steel bars to the steel tube on frame A. Frames and flushes are made of steel of suitable properties for mounting and support. Other materials for frames and flushes are contemplated.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing showing the top view of the trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104 with frame B 110 denoted. Frame B 110 is similar to frame A 109 in structure, with a truss make-up, but with a different length to line the width side of the rectangular shape of the third and fourth trampoline 103, 104. FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 are the top, front and bottom view of frame B, respectively. Flushes attach the steel bars to the steel tube on frame B.

[0092] FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing showing the top view of trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104 with frame C 111 denoted. Frame C 111 is similar to frame A 109 in structure, with a truss make-up, but with a different length to line the width side of the rectangular shape of the first and second trampoline 101, 102. FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 are the top, front and bottom view of frame C, respectively. Flushes attach the steel bars to the steel tube on frame C.

[0093] FIG. 17 is a schematic drawing showing the top view of the trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104 with frame D 112 denoted. Frame D 112 comprises two truss systems attached to each other at a right angle to form an L-shape frame. FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20 are the top, front and bottom view of frame D, respectively. In FIG. 17, the length of the “L” shaped truss forms the length of the rectangle that is the first trampoline 101 and the short side of the “L” shaped truss lines part of the width of the rectangle that is the first trampoline 101. The two frames D, denoted as frame D and frame D(M), have their long sides touching each other to form a truss lining the length of the first trampoline 101, while the short sides of the “L” shape touch frame C and frame C (M) to form the width of the rectangle that is the first trampoline 101.

[0094] Frames A, B, C, and D provide support from which the springs are hung. The frames are assembled together by flushes connecting the different frames. For example, in FIG.9, in the fourth trampoline 104, frame A 109 is connected to frame B 110 by flushes at the end of each frame. Also in the fourth trampoline 104, frame A 109 is connected to frame A(M) 109 by flushes at the end of each frame. These flushes are removable, such that they can be removed, and frame A 109 is disconnected from frame B 110. Hinges and lock mechanisms may be used in place of flushes. Other methods and materials for removable connection between frames are contemplated. The ability to connect and disconnect and re-connect between frames allows the trampolines and the court as a whole be moved around and set up at any location where a sub deck for mounting trampolines is available. This is of particular interest for travelling leagues, where players can travel and play at different locations without the need for on the ground, readily available playing equipment.

[0095] Frames A, B, C, and D comprise truss structures, which are effective in supporting high levels of force in a small area. Trusses are of particular use in withstanding strong forces, which is typical in this ball game. With the use of trusses, the frames 105 thus can support this structure without additional reinforcement. Frames A, B, C, and D thus keep the integrity of the bounce mats and the springs while the ball game court is subject to high force impact due to players jumping, running, and bouncing balls on the top surface floating above the bounce mats.

[0096] In embodiments, the court 100 further comprises filler decks 114 to provide support for the top deck, which forms the playing surface on top of the trampolines 101, 102, 103, 104. Filler decks 114 surround the three sides of the third and fourth trampoline 103, 104 that are not adjacent to the sides of the first and second trampoline 101, 102. Filler decks 114 thus provide a uniform surface upon which the top deck, which forms a playing surface, can sit.

[0097] FIG. 21 is the top view of court 100 according to embodiments herein, with the filler decks 114 surrounding the third and fourth trampoline 103, 104. Each filler deck 114 comprises two wide decks 117 and three long decks 118, fastened together to form a U shape, with the two wide decks 117 forming the two side of the U, and the three long decks 118 forming the bottom of the U. The wide decks 117 and long decks 118 are fastened together by blind panel connectors (coffin lock, roto lock) at the upper surface. Other connection mechanisms are contemplated. There may be one, two, three or more long decks to connect the two wide decks.

[0098] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a long deck 118 within a filler deck 114. Long deck 118 comprises a set of legs and a rectangular surface sitting on top. FIG. 23 illustrates theframe of the top surface. The top frame 121 is a rectangular shape having support bars connecting the two opposing lengthwise sides of the rectangle and leg pockets 125, or a hollow space created by material pieces attached to right corners of the support bars. FIG. 24 depicts the top surface of long deck 118, which fits on top of the top frame in FIG. 23. FIG. 25 depicts the legs of the long deck 118. The filler deck legs 115 connect the top frame in FIG. 23 and the surface in FIG. 24 with the rigid foundation or the ground. At the bottom of the filler deck legs 115 are adjustable leveling jacks 108. The filler deck legs 115 are made of steel with a hollow top to allow for insertion of a filler pipe 116 at the top. Filler pipe 116 is where the leg pockets 125 on the top frame fit in to connect with the filler deck legs 115.

[0099] FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view the filler deck 114 as assembled with three long decks 118 and two wide decks 117. One top surface of one long deck 118 is shown in exploded view. The three long decks 118 and the two wide decks 117, when assembled, form a filler deck 114 lining the side of the third and fourth trampoline 103, 104. FIG. 27 is the top view of a filler deck 114 as assembled into a “U” shape.

[0100] In embodiments, the court 100 further comprises a top deck 123, which fills the top of the filler deck, the frames, and part of the trampolines to form a top surface on which the game is played. The top deck is made of different pieces, each piece is made of wood or wood extruded with aluminum, or wood extruded with plastic. Other materials suitable for the purpose are contemplated. FIG. 28 illustrates a top view of a court 100 according to embodiments herein, with a top deck 123 lining the top of the court 100 piece-by-piece. The top deck 123 lines the top surface of the court 100 and leaves two areas of equal size and shape on each side of the court 100. In each of the two areas, an island 124 is present to allow jumping by players to attack the hoop 200. Islands 124 are made of foam, which is similar to foam used in gymnastics and can absorb force while allowing players to spring upward by jumping on island 124. Island 124 extends above the trampoline surface and can extend below the trampoline surface to touch the ground.

[0101] According to each of the embodiments described and contemplated herein, this the trampoline court may further comprise a modular floating structure together with the trampoline court or bounce mat banks for operable use together forming a full court. An exemplary a modular floating structure is described in concurrently filed U.S. Provisional Application entitled “Modular Floating Court Structure for Sport Games,” and assigned Attorney Docket No SLAM2, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0102] In embodiments, bolts, locks, connectors, nails, flushes, and other common tools and parts in the art are used to assemble components of the court. Replacement parts are stocked and readily available for replacement or exchange during use, assembling, and disassembling.

[0103] In embodiments, the court is capable of supporting multiple players and the top deck is hard enough for an inflated ball to bounce when thrown onto the top deck. The filler deck has multiple springs on top and the top deck floats on top of the springs, the metal in the top deck absorbs force differently from the wood, thereby preventing force from player falling to reflect back into the player.

[0104] All parts of the court set up can be removed and disassembled to pieces for transportation. The parts can be re-assembled on any trampoline deck available in all trampoline parks, forming the court according to embodiments herein. This enables playing of this ball game at any venue having standard trampoline deck and bringing this sport to multiple venues for fan viewing.

[0105] In a first embodiment, there is provided a ball game court, comprising: a rigid foundation; four bounce mats suspended by springs attached to frames, the bounce mats are of substantially rectangular shape; support columns attaching the frames to the rigid foundation; support pieces attaching the frames to a support deck; and an elastic surface situated on top of the rigid surface, the springs, the frames, and part of the four bounce mats; wherein the frames surround each bounce mats in rectangular shape forming four trampolines between the frames, the bounce mats, and the springs, wherein among the four trampolines, a first and a second trampoline have the same lengths, and are situated adjacent to each other such that the lengths line up with each other, and wherein the first trampoline has a larger width than that of the second trampoline, wherein the third trampoline is situated adjacent to the first and second trampoline on one side along width sides of the first and second trampoline such that one side of the third trampoline is adjacent to and touches the first and second trampoline, and the fourth trampolineis situated adjacent to the first and second trampoline the opposite side along width sides of the first and second trampoline such that one side of the fourth trampoline is adjacent to and touches the first and second trampoline, and wherein components of the ball game court are capable of being disassembled and reassembled.

[0106] In a second embodiment, the first embodiment includes the side of the third and fourth trampolines not lining the width side of the first and second trampoline line up in a straight line.

[0107] In a third embodiment, the first embodiment further comprises a filler deck surrounding the frames of the third and fourth trampoline, the filler deck having a rigid surface at the top, wherein the four bounce mats, the springs, the frames, and the rigid surface of the filler deck form a rectangular shape.

[0108] In a fourth embodiment, there third embodiment includes the filler deck comprises four wide decks lining the width sides of the third and fourth bounce mat, and two long decks, each connecting two wide decks of the four wide decks, the two long decks lining the length sides of the first and second trampoline.

[0109] In a fifth embodiments, the fourth embodiment includes the filler deck comprises support legs connecting to the rigid foundation, the support legs having adjustable leveling jacks and the adjustable leveling jacks enable the support legs to be adjustable in height.

[0110] In a sixth embodiment, the fifth embodiment includes the support legs of the filler deck comprise a hollow receiver at the top configured to receive a filler pipe, the filler pipe extending above the support legs of the filler deck.

[0111] In a seventh embodiment, the sixth embodiment includes the rigid surface of the filler deck comprises holes to fit with the filler pipes on the support legs of the filler deck.

[0112] In an eighth embodiment, the first embodiment includes the support columns have adjustable leveling jacks in physical contact with the rigid foundation and the support pieces have adjustable leveling jacks in physical contact with the support deck.

[0113] In a ninth embodiment, the eighth embodiment includes the adjustable leveling jacks enable the support columns and the support pieces to be adjustable in height.

[0114] In a tenth embodiments, the first embodiment includes the support pieces are shorter in length than the support columns.

[0115] In an eleventh embodiment, the first embodiment includes the frames comprised of steel tubes forming a rectangular shape and steel bars connecting the lengthwise steel tubes.

[0116] In a twelfth embodiments, the eleventh embodiment includes the steel bars connecting the lengthwise steel tubes form an angle that is not a right angle with the steel tubes.

[0117] In a thirteen embodiment, the eleventh embodiment includes the steel bars are connected to the steel tubes with flushes.

[0118] In a fourteenth embodiment, the eleventh embodiment includes the steel bars and the steel tubes form a truss.

[0119] In a fifteenth embodiment, the eleventh embodiment includes the frames lining the first bounce mat comprise two frames comprising two rectangular frames forming an L shape.

[0120] In a sixteenth embodiments, the fifteenth embodiment includes the long sides of the two frames touch each other to form a straight line lining a length side of the first bounce mat, and each of the short sides of the two frames lines part of each of the width sides of the first bounce mat.

[0121] In a seventeenth embodiment, the first embodiment includes the support deck is standard size in trampoline parks.

[0122] In an eighteenth embodiment, the first embodiment further comprises a basketball hoop situated at the midpoint of the length of the first trampoline at the outer edge of the court.

[0123] In a nineteenth embodiment, the first embodiment further comprises at least one foam piece situated on a part of the bounce mat not covered by the elastic surface.

[0124] In a twentieth embodiment, the nineteenth embodiment includes the at least one foam piece extends beyond the bounce mat to touch the rigid foundation.

[0125] In a twenty first embodiment, there is provided a ball game court, comprising: a first ball game court according to claim 1 situated at a first end; and a second ball game court according to claim 1 situated at a second end,wherein the first ball game court and the second ball game court are physically and operatively connected to each other to form a mirror image of each other.

[0126] In a twenty second embodiment, the twenty first embodiment further comprises a first basketball hoop situated at the middle point of a length side of the largest trampoline in the first ball game court, and a second basketball hoop situated at the middle point of a length side of the largest trampoline in the second ball game court.

[0127] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, and from the claims.

[0128] The above examples are included for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Many variations to those described above are possible. Since modifications and variations to the examples described above will be apparent to those of skill in this art, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A ball game court, comprising: a rigid foundation; four bounce mats suspended by springs attached to frames, the bounce mats are of substantially rectangular shape; support columns attaching the frames to the rigid foundation; support pieces attaching the frames to a support deck; and an elastic surface situated on top of the rigid surface, the springs, the frames, and part of the four bounce mats; wherein the frames surround each bounce mats in rectangular shape forming four trampolines between the frames, the bounce mats, and the springs, wherein among the four trampolines, a first and a second trampoline have the same lengths, and are situated adjacent to each other such that the lengths line up with each other, and wherein the first trampoline has a larger width than that of the second trampoline, wherein the third trampoline is situated adjacent to the first and second trampoline on one side along width sides of the first and second trampoline such that one side of the third trampoline is adjacent to and touches the first and second trampoline, and the fourth trampoline is situated adjacent to the first and second trampoline the opposite side along width sides of the first and second trampoline such that one side of the fourth trampoline is adjacent to and touches the first and second trampoline, and wherein components of the ball game court are capable of being disassembled and reassembled.

2. The ball game court of claim 1, wherein the side of the third and fourth trampolines not lining the width side of the first and second trampoline line up in a straight line.

3. The ball game court of claim 1, further comprising a filler deck surrounding the frames of the third and fourth trampoline, the filler deck having a rigid surface at the top, whereinthe four bounce mats, the springs, the frames, and the rigid surface of the filler deck form a rectangular shape.

4. The ball game court of claim 3 , wherein the filler deck comprises four wide decks lining the width sides of the third and fourth trampoline, and two long decks, each connecting two wide decks of the four wide decks, the two long decks lining the length sides of the first and second trampoline.

5. The ball game court of claim 4, wherein the filler deck comprises support legs connecting to the rigid foundation, the support legs having adjustable leveling jacks and the adjustable leveling jacks enable the support legs to be adjustable in height.

6. The ball game court of claim 5, wherein the support legs of the filler deck comprise a hollow receiver at the top configured to receive a filler pipe, the filler pipe extending above the support legs of the filler deck.

7. The ball game court of claim 6, wherein the rigid surface of the filler deck comprises holes to fit with the filler pipes on the support legs of the filler deck.

8. The ball game court of claim 1, wherein the support columns have adjustable leveling jacks in physical contact with the rigid foundation and the support pieces have adjustable leveling jacks in physical contact with the support deck.

9. The ball game court of claim 8, wherein the adjustable leveling jacks enable the support columns and the support pieces to be adjustable in height.

10. The ball game court of claim 1, wherein the support pieces are shorter in length than the support columns.

11. The ball game court of claim 1, wherein the frames comprise steel tubes forming a rectangular shape and steel bars connecting the lengthwise steel tubes.

12. The ball game court of claim 11 , wherein the steel bars connecting the lengthwise steel tubes form an angle that is not a right angle with the steel tubes.

13. The ball game court of claim 11, wherein the steel bars are connected to the steel tubes with flushes.

14. The ball game court of claim 11, wherein the steel bars and the steel tubes form a truss.

15. The ball game court of claim 11, wherein the frames lining the first bounce mat comprise two frames comprising two rectangular frames forming an L shape.

16. The ball game court of claim 15, wherein the long sides of the two frames touch each other to form a straight line lining a length side of the first bounce mat, and each of the short sides of the two frames lines part of each of the width sides of the first bounce mat.

17. The ball game court of claim 1, wherein the support deck is standard size in trampoline parks.

18. The ball game court of claim 1, further comprising two basketball hoops situated at the midpoint of the length of the first trampoline at the outer edge of the court, and at the midpoint of the length of the second trampoline at the outer edge of the court.

19. The ball game court of claim 1 , further comprising at least one foam piece situated on a part of the bounce mat not covered by the elastic surface.

20. The ball game court of claim 19, wherein the at least one foam piece extends beyond the bounce mat to touch the rigid foundation.

21. A full ball game court, comprising: two ball game court a first ball game court, each according to claim 1, wherein a first ball game court is situated at a first end, wherein a second ball game court is situated at a second end, wherein the first ball game court and the second ball game court are physically and operatively connected to each other to form a mirror image of each other.

22. The ball game court of claim 21, further comprising a first basketball hoop situated at the middle point of a length side of the largest trampoline in the first ball game court, and a second basketball hoop situated at the middle point of a length side of the largest trampoline in the second ball game court.

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