Trampoline comprising an inflatable support structure

Abstract

A trampoline (1) comprising a peripheral inflatable support structure (2) connected to a jump and bounce mat (3) via connection elements (4), characterized in that the inflatable support structure comprises two main walls with a structure of the straight stitch type arranged between the mutually opposing inner faces of said walls so as to connect said main walls to each other.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Trampoline comprising an inflatable support structure

[0003] The present invention relates to a trampoline.

[0004] It relates more particularly to a trampoline which comprises an inflatable element, and in particular an annular inflatable support structure supporting a jumping mat (also called a rebound mat).

[0005] There are already a large number of documents that disclose different types of trampolines.

[0006] Document GB 2 107 201 A discloses a trampoline comprising a toroidal support structure, a canvas, and a device for connecting said canvas to said structure.

[0007] EP 0 542 455 A1 describes a trampoline having a hollow, torus-shaped inflatable support to which an upper bouncing mat is secured by means of lower ropes. The bouncing mat is formed of an elastic material and woven to provide an open mesh construction forming holes.

[0008] Document FR 2 698 792 A1 describes a trampoline having a toroidal-shaped inflatable element which, at its upper part, comprises straps arranged diametrically on said upper part, a sheet formed from a rigid material, and a protective disc for covering said superimposed straps.

[0009] Document US 7,789,803 B2 describes a bouncing apparatus which comprises an inflatable annular tube, an apron connected to said tube as well as a bouncing mat attached to said apron.

[0010] The invention provides a trampoline that can be installed and uninstalled easily and quickly, that is particularly compact, and that easily changes from a compact state to a rigid state giving the jumping mat a good bounce. The invention thus relates to a trampoline, comprising a peripheral inflatable support structure connected to a jumping and bouncing mat via connecting elements.

[0011] According to the invention, the inflatable support structure comprises two main walls, including an inner wall and an outer wall, with a launched point type structure arranged between the facing inner faces of said walls so as to connect said main walls together.

[0012] The drop-stitch structure, better known as "drop-stitch" in English, comprises several threads, for example threads comprising polyester or polyamide, and connecting the said main walls together.

[0013] The main walls may comprise poly(vinyl chloride) or polyurethane, particularly thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0014] The inflatable support structure may be an annular structure having a height and a thickness, the height of the inflatable support structure being advantageously greater than its thickness.

[0015] The outer wall may comprise, in the operative 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 comprising at a first end a first end portion, free 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 comprising at a second end a second end portion, free 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.

[0016] The first end portion of the outer wall and the first end portion of the inner wall may 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 seal the inflatable support structure at 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 may 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 seal the inflatable support structure at the second end of the inflatable support structure.

[0017] The connecting elements can be attached by means of an attachment to the inner wall of the inflatable support structure or by means of an attachment to the inner wall of the inflatable support structure and an attachment to the outer wall of the inflatable support structure.

[0018] The inner wall may be intended to be connected to the jumping and rebounding mat, and be fitted with a belt with straps intended to receive the connecting elements.

[0019] Each strap may include a core layer, disposed between an outer layer conforming to the shape of the core layer, and an inner layer that is secured to the inner wall of the inflatable support structure.

[0020] The central layer of the strap may be made of textile material and the outer layer and inner layer of the strap may comprise poly(vinyl chloride).

[0021] The jumping and bouncing mat may include straps with loops for receiving the connecting elements. Preferably, the straps are without loops and it is the straps that are intended to receive the connecting elements.

[0022] The connecting elements may include elastic elements or springs.

[0023] The trampoline may further comprise an upper portion comprising support poles for a safety net.

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description below, of a non-limiting example of implementation, made with reference to the appended figures in which: [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 Figure 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 of Figure 3,

[0028] [Fig. 5] is a partial side view of the trampoline, in a variant of the first embodiment,

[0029] [Fig. 6] is a top view of the trampoline of Figure 5,

[0030] [Fig. 7] is a side view of a trampoline according to the invention,

[0031] [Fig. 8] is a detailed side view of the trampoline,

[0032] [Fig. 9] illustrates a first step of a method for obtaining the inflatable transport structure of the trampoline 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 an alternative embodiment,

[0040] [Fig. 17] is a detail view of one end of the trampoline jumping and rebound mat,

[0041] [Fig. 18] is a first partial sectional view BB' of the trampoline of Figure 15, [Fig. 19] is a second partial sectional view BB' of the trampoline of Figure 15, and

[0042] [Fig. 20] is a partial sectional view AA' of the trampoline of Figure 15.

[0043] As illustrated in Figure 1, a trampoline 1 according to the invention comprises an inflatable structure 2 forming a rigid peripheral support structure for a jumping and bouncing mat 3, as well as connecting elements 4 making it possible to connect the jumping and bouncing mat 3 to the inflatable support structure 2 and thus to provide elasticity.

[0044] The inflatable structure 2 is annular, with an axis of revolution X. It extends vertically in the operational configuration of the trampoline 1. The jumping and rebound mat 3 is orthogonal to the axis of revolution X and extends horizontally.

[0045] The inflatable structure 2 comprises two main walls, namely an outer wall 2a and an inner wall 2b (figure 12).

[0046] In a first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the connecting elements 4 are elastic elements, such as for example an elastic belt. In a second embodiment, illustrated in Figures 3-4 and 15, the connecting elements 4 are springs.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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 facing internal faces of said walls 2a, 2b so as to connect said walls 2a, 2b together (figure 11).

[0049] The outer wall 2a and the inner wall 2b are connected along their annular periphery, at the top and bottom, by at least one glued or welded wall, so as to obtain a sealed closed envelope. The annular shape is obtained by joining two ends of the inflatable support structure 2 (figure 11 and figures 1-2). 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 rebound mat 3 (figure 11 and figure 1).

[0050] As illustrated in Figure 18, the outer wall 2a comprises a central portion 2a1 from which the wires 5 extend to a corresponding central portion 2b1 of the outer wall 2b. The central portions 2a1 and 2b1 extend vertically in the operational configuration of the inflatable structure 2 and the wires 5 connecting the central portions 2a1 and 2b1 are under tension therein (when it is inflated and positioned on the ground).

[0051] The outer wall 2a also comprises 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 end portions 2a2, 2b2 form the top of the inflatable 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.

[0052] For clarity, the flexible / slack wires connecting the end portions 2a2 and 2b2 have not been shown (Figure 18).

[0053] To ensure the sealing of the inflatable support structure 2 at the upper end of the inflatable support structure 2, the first end portion 2a2 and first end portion 2b2 are covered with at least a first sealing layer 6, and optionally a second sealing layer 7 covering the first sealing layer 6. It is thus possible to use a first layer 6 to ensure sealing, for example for a pressure lower than 10 PSI (68947.6 Pa) and one or more additional layers 7 if it is desired to increase the inflation pressure and / or the performance, for example one or two additional layers 7 if the pressure is lower than 19 PSI (131000 Pa). The sealing layers 6, 7 may be made of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and typically of laminated PVC (figure 18).

[0054] In the same way, the outer wall 2a also comprises a second end portion 2a3 which is connected to a corresponding second end portion 2b3 of the inner wall 2b (figure 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 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.

[0055] To ensure the sealing of the inflatable support structure 2 at the lower end of the inflatable structure 2, the second end portion 2a3 and first end portion 2b3 are covered with at least a first sealing layer 8, and optionally 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 (figure 19).

[0056] Between the outer wall 2a and the inner wall 2b, threads 5 are woven and are arranged so as to be regularly spaced.

[0057] The outer wall 2a and the inner wall 2b may be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane. The threads 5 are typically made of polyester.

[0058] A pressurized gas inlet valve 10 is arranged on one of the main walls, typically on the outer wall 2a, so as to be able to inflate or deflate the structure 2 (Figures 7 and 8). A valve composed of a rubber tube which is fixed inside the support structure 2, and a plastic cap which screws onto the top of this tube can be used. 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 presses the tube to release the air.

[0059] Inflation can be carried out using a manual or electric pump, allowing for rapid inflation.

[0060] The height H of the inflatable support structure 2 is advantageously greater than the thickness e of the inflatable support structure 2, which makes it possible to obtain greater rigidity and a smaller footprint compared to a traditional inflatable support structure of toric shape. In addition, time and inflation volume are saved and a smaller material surface area is used (Figures 7 and 12).

[0061] The H / e ratio is advantageously between 4 and 10.

[0062] The length L of the inflatable support structure 2 corresponds to the perimeter of the inflatable structure 2 in the operational configuration of the trampoline 1 (figure 1).

[0063] The L / e ratio is advantageously between 20 and 50.

[0064] Drop stitch technology uses very fine 5 threads to connect the two layers of material that form the inner tube (Figure 11). These threads are woven using a sewing process that makes them very strong.

[0065] First, two woven or knitted parts are formed using two knitting machines which are arranged opposite each other, then a third machine passes a thread 5 between the loops of the two parts (figure 9). The outer wall 2a and the inner wall 2b are then fixed on the knitted parts (figures 10 and 11).

[0066] The specific inflatable support structure is thus easy to transport and handle, which is particularly useful for the installation of the trampoline. The inflatable support structure can be rolled or folded and stored inside a transport bag, for example a 140 L bag. The trampoline is easy to assemble, advantageously it does not include metal parts such as screws.

[0067] The threads used to connect the two layers of material are very strong, which helps create more durable products that can withstand impacts and tears, reducing the risk of damage.

[0068] The inflatable support structure can be quickly deflated for easy storage and transport. This allows you to take the whole thing with you on trips or holidays, to a park or the beach, and to store it in a small space when not in use. This means the trampoline doesn't necessarily have to take up space in a space such as a garden all year round.

[0069] Finally, the inflatable support structure can be manufactured in different sizes to suit the needs of users. The use of the thrown point type structure allows for good rigidity and reduced bulk, as well as shock absorption. The result is a lightweight trampoline that can be free of metal parts, which makes it safe to use.

[0070] The rebound mat 3 may be a flexible mat made of inextensible material, such as canvas or similar material.

[0071] The rebound mat 3 is connected to the inflatable support structure 2 using the connecting elements 4 (Figures 1 and 2).

[0072] The connecting elements 4 may 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.

[0073] The connecting elements 4 can in particular be secured both to the rebound mat 3 by being arranged on the side of the rebound mat 3 inside loops

[0074] 11 of a strap 12 of the rebound mat 3 provided on 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.

[0075] Preferably, the straps 12 are devoid of buckles and these are the straps

[0076] 12 which are intended to receive the connecting elements 4 (figure 17).

[0077] The belt 19, which is also of axis of revolution X, extends around the periphery of the inner wall 2b of the inflatable support structure 2. It is advantageously arranged at an upper end of the inner wall 2b, for example at the upper end of the portion 2b1 of the inner wall 2b, at the lower end of the portion 2b2, or straddling the portion 2b1 and the portion 2b2 (figure 18). The belt 19, which is typically a strip of textile, is fixed for example by gluing to the inner wall 2b of the inflatable support structure 2 (figure 12).

[0078] Each strap 13 comprises a central layer 20 typically made of textile. The central layer of strap 20 is sandwiched between an outer rigid 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 (figure 14). The outer layer 14 is extended laterally by an outer layer 16 (figure 20). The outer rigid layer 14, and the outer layers 15, 16 may be made of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and in particular laminated PVC.

[0079] The straps 13 can extend parallel to the ground (figures 12 to 14) or perpendicular to the ground (figure 16).

[0080] The trampoline according to the invention may comprise only the inflatable support structure 2 with the jumping and rebound mat 3 and the connecting elements 4. It is also possible to envisage an embodiment in which the trampoline is further provided with an upper part comprising support masts for a safety net.

Claims

Claims 1. Trampoline (1), comprising a peripheral inflatable support structure (2) connected to a jumping and bouncing 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 facing 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 thrown stitch structure comprises several threads (5) comprising polyester and connecting said main walls (2a, 2b) together.

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 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 (2a1), from which wires (5) under tension 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), free of wires under tension and adjacent to the central portion (2a1), and connected to a corresponding first 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), free of wires under tension and adjacent to the central portion (2a1),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 portion end portions (2b2) of the inner wall (2a) are covered with at least a first sealing layer (6, 7), so 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 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), so 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 second end of the inflatable support structure (2).

7. Trampoline (1) according to 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 one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the inner wall (2b) is intended to be connected to the jumping and rebound mat (3) and is provided with a belt (19) provided with 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 on the inner wall (2b) of the inflatable support structure (2).

10. Trampoline (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the central 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 one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the jumping and rebound mat (3) comprises straps (12) provided with loops (11) intended to receive the connecting elements (4).

12. Trampoline (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connecting elements (4) comprise elastic elements or springs.

13. Trampoline (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises an upper part comprising masts for supporting a safety net.

Images