Hook for a trampoline

Abstract

The invention relates to a hook for a trampoline. The hook has a crosspiece (6), which is delimited by lateral attachments (7). The hook also comprises a first supporting portion (18) and a connecting portion (13), which connects the lateral attachments (7) to the first supporting portion (18). The first supporting portion (18) extends from the connecting portion (13). According to the invention, the hook is of a divided form and has a first half and a second half. The first half and the second half form a dividing plane (16), which runs through the connecting portion (13) and the first supporting portion (18). The hook according to the invention can be retrofitted.

Description

[0001] RÄTSCH

[0002] Hook for rein T trampoline

[0003] Description

[0004] [As of February 20, 2025]

[0005] The invention relates to a hook for a trampoline, comprising a bridge, a first support section for receiving a rope section and a connecting section that connects the bridge to the first support section.

[0006] The invention relates in particular to a trampoline with at least one hook of the generic type. These can be so-called mini or fitness trampolines, i.e., smaller trampolines, or garden trampolines with a larger diameter. For the sake of simplicity, the following text primarily refers to mini or fitness trampolines. However, the description also applies to garden trampolines or other types of trampolines.

[0007] Trampolines have a surrounding frame with legs. A jumping mat is suspended elastically within the frame. The jumping mat is also called a trampoline mat.

[0008] Mini or fitness trampolines are available in two main types: those with spring suspension and those with bungee cord suspension. With spring suspension, the jumping mat is attached to the frame via metal coil springs. Bungee cord suspension uses one or more elastic cord rings or (open) ropes to connect the jumping mat to the frame. The greater elasticity of a bungee cord suspension compared to metal springs results in a softer landing, thus protecting the joints and extending the muscular contraction and recovery phases during jumping, leading to beneficial training effects.

[0009] The invention relates to trampolines in which the suspension is designed as an elastic rope section.

[0010] This can be an open rope section or a rope ring. Both open rope sections and rope rings are known from US 2016 / 310774 Al. Both variants are subsumed under the term "rope section." The support section of the hook serves to hold the rope section.

[0011] The jumping mat has hooks. Loops extend from the jumping mat. Hooks are attached to these loops. Each hook has a prong that extends through the loop. The prong may be limited by lateral projections, ensuring the hook is held axially within the loop.

[0012] The hook has a connecting section and a first support section. The first support section serves to hold a rope section, which can also be designed as a rope ring. The connecting section joins the bridge to the first support section.

[0013] To attach the jumping mat to the frame, the rope section is hung in the first support section, wound around the surrounding frame, and hooked back into the hook. Such trampolines are known in many variations, for example from DE 10 2016 104 782 B4 or DE 10 2006 028 363 B3.

[0014] The hooks are usually made of plastic. The loops into which the hooks are attached are sewn to the jumping mat. This results in a durable construction, which is also important given the considerable dynamic forces that occur when jumping on the mat.

[0015] Even if the hooks are protected in practice by a cover such as a surrounding edge padding, it can still happen that a hook breaks or is otherwise damaged, rendering it unusable for suspension. Replaceable hooks provide a solution in this case. US 10,173,090 B2 discloses a hook in which the bar is screwable. A broken hook can be replaced by removing the hook from the loop and simply screwing the new hook onto the existing loop using the screwable bar. US 2019154115 Al and US 2016 / 310774 Al also propose a screwable bar. These known designs also offer the possibility of equipping a trampoline mat with screwable hooks from the outset. In this case, the hooks do not need to be sewn to the loops during manufacturing, as is the case with other trampoline mats.

[0016] The existing hooks offer a solution for replacing and retrofitting defective hooks. However, installation is complicated and time-consuming. This is especially true if the mat is to be equipped with screw-in hooks during its manufacturing process. Based on the known prior art, the invention aims to create a hook that allows for faster installation.

[0017] This problem is solved by a hook with the features of claim 1.

[0018] According to the invention, the hook is designed in two parts, comprising a first half and a second half. The first half and the second half form a dividing plane that extends through the connecting section and the first support section. Advantageously, the first and second halves can be joined together in the dividing plane, particularly by plugging them together. This allows for quick and easy assembly of the hook. Because the dividing plane extends through the connecting section and the first support section, the assembled hook exhibits good stability. This is especially true when the support section projects away from the connecting section, which is considered advantageous in itself. The advantageous projection of the support section allows for particularly good support of a rope section. It should be noted that the dividing plane need not be a straight plane.Within the scope of the invention, the term "dividing plane" is understood more as an interface. The dividing plane can also be offset and therefore does not necessarily have to be "flat" in the literal sense. Furthermore, it is understood that the halves do not have to be exactly halved. They can have different geometries and / or sizes. Nevertheless, a central dividing plane is considered advantageous. It is generally considered advantageous if the two halves can be detachably connected. The required stability of the assembled hook can be achieved simply by attaching the rope section to the support section in such a way that the tensile force of the rope section holds the two halves together. This applies particularly if the rope section is designed as a rope ring. The rope ring advantageously forms two loops, each of which is attached to the hook.Alternatively, an open section of rope can be used, forming a loop that holds the two halves together. The loop is advantageously able to pre-tension the two halves against each other.

[0019] To increase stability, it can be advantageous if the two halves can be connected, in particular locked together.

[0020] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the first half has a locking tongue that overlaps the dividing plane and engages in the second half. Advantageously, the second half has a locking groove into which the locking tongue engages. The locking groove can be designed as an opening or a recess. The locking tongue is preferably removable from the second half. It creates a stable, durable, and preferably releasable connection between the two hook halves.

[0021] Preferably, a base is arranged at a distance from the first support section, and this base is preferably connected to the first support section. The base provides additional stability to the hook. Advantageously, the division plane passes through the base.

[0022] Dynamic forces occur when jumping on a trampoline. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the locking tongue does not unintentionally release, as this could result in the entire hook detaching from the jumping mat. In an advantageous embodiment, the locking tongue is shielded by the floor. This provides protection against unintentional release of the locking tongue.

[0023] Preferably, the first support section and the base form a cavity through which the locking tongue is accessible. The locking tongue is thus both shielded and accessible. It can advantageously be released so that the hook can also be conveniently opened.

[0024] The connecting piece plays a particularly important role in attaching the hook to the jumping mat, as it forms the link to the mat. In its assembled state, the connecting piece is held within the loop of the jumping mat. As mentioned earlier, it is known in the prior art to design the connecting piece with screws. However, departing from this known design, it is considered advantageous if the connecting piece is permanently attached to, or integrally formed with, either the first or second half of the mat. Such a design not only creates a stable connection but also significantly simplifies the installation of the hook. For this purpose, the connecting piece, along with the half to which it is permanently attached or integrally formed, is inserted into the loop of the jumping mat. After the connecting piece has been inserted through the loop, the two halves are joined together.The bridge can, for example, be injection-molded together with the first or second half. Alternatively, it can be screwed to the first or second half.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the bridge is limited by two lateral projections. This ensures that the bridge is laterally secured in the loop of the jumping mat. Advantageously, the connecting bridge links the lateral projections to the first support section.

[0026] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that one of the lateral projections has an opening into which the web engages. The opening allows for easy joining of the two halves of the hook and advantageously provides a support for the web. The web can thus rest in the opening. It is expediently supported in the opening and can therefore, in particular, absorb the tensile forces that occur.

[0027] In addition to the stability of the hook, it is also essential to ensure that the connection between the two halves is durable. As explained above, a connection, particularly a locking mechanism, creates a stable joint between the two halves. Additionally or alternatively, the bar has a projection that engages a shoulder formed in the opening. The projection of the bar and the shoulder in the opening advantageously create a positive-locking connection that prevents the bar from detaching from the lateral attachment (with the opening) during use of the trampoline. The durability of the hook can be further increased by having the first half form projections in the plane of the joint that engage in complementary recesses in the second half, or vice versa. These projections are preferably elongated and provide an additional interlock between the two halves.It is not essential whether the projections are formed in the first half and the complementary recesses in the second half, or vice versa. It is advantageous for the projections to be arranged at least on the connecting section and / or the support section. If a base is provided, it can also have a projection and a recess. The same applies if side walls are provided, as will be explained in more detail below. Correspondingly, complementary recesses are provided in the other half. Furthermore, it is advantageous if two projections (and thus two recesses) extend in different directions. For example, a projection of the connecting section and a projection of the support section can be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0028] This increases the stiffness of the hook.

[0029] If only one support section is provided and, for example, a rope ring is used, the two loop ends formed when the rope is wrapped around the frame are hung in the support section. It is particularly advantageous if a second support section is provided. Then, the two loop ends of the rope ring formed when the rope is wrapped around the frame can each be hung in a support section, as already proposed in DE 10 2006 028 363 B3. The two support sections can be arranged on the same side of the connecting section. Advantageously, the two support sections are arranged on opposite sides of the connecting section. The division plane expediently also extends through the second support section. It is also possible to hang an open rope section in the two support sections.Then, preferably, the two free ends are hooked into one support section and the loop into the other support section. Other suspension methods are conceivable.

[0030] The soil has already been described above as advantageous.

[0031] The embodiment is described. Preferably, the base extends at a distance from the second support section and advantageously forms a second cavity with it.

[0032] It has already been mentioned that both open elastic rope sections and closed elastic rope sections, i.e., rope rings, can be used as tensioning elements for the jumping mat. The support section is designed and configured to support the rope sections and connect them to the hook. For this purpose, the respective support section preferably projects away from the connecting section. When using a trampoline, it is important that the rope section does not slip off or out of the support section. Advantageously, the first support section is bounded on one side by the connecting section and on the other side by a side wall, with the dividing plane running through the side wall. The side wall advantageously binds the support section outwards. The support section is advantageously bounded inwards by the connecting section. Such a hook is particularly suitable for receiving a rope ring.The partition level in the side wall ensures both good stability and safe and easy assembly and disassembly of the hook.

[0033] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the attached drawing. The drawing shows:

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement of several hooks of a trampoline according to the invention;

[0035] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a single hook from below;

[0036] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the hook from above;

[0037] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a perspective view of the hook;

[0038] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the hook in isolation;

[0039] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a sectional view of the hook;

[0040] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the hook in a partially open state;

[0041] Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of the hook in a completely disassembled state; and Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of the hook in a different orientation.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a section of a trampoline with hooks according to the invention. The trampoline has a surrounding metal frame 1, a jumping mat 2 with a surrounding edge 3, and loops 4 that are sewn to the jumping mat 2 in the area of ​​the edge 3. Such an arrangement is known in principle. Hooks 5 according to the invention are attached to the loops 4, and these hooks extend through the loops 4 via a web 6. The web 6 is preferably limited by lateral projections 7, so that the respective hook 5 is securely held in the loop 4.

[0043] Reference numeral 8 designates a rope section, which in this case is designed as a rope ring. The rope section 8 is wound around the frame 1 and hooked into the hooks with its resulting loop ends 9. The rope ring is formed by an open rope section, which is connected to form a ring by two clamps 10. The connection can also be achieved by other means, for example, a single clamp or a clamping ring. By attaching the jumping mat 2 to the surrounding frame 1 by means of the rope sections 8, the jumping mat 2 is stretched within the frame. The elastic rope sections 8 ensure a soft bounce of the jumping mat 2. In principle, both rope rings and open rope sections are covered by the invention. Within the scope of the invention, it is only necessary that the first support section is suitable for receiving a rope section. The hooks 5 are shown from below.To protect the hooks 5, an edge protector 11 extends over them. The edge protector 11 is sewn to the jumping mat 2. Therefore, a trampoline user cannot step directly onto the hooks 5, thus protecting both the user and the hooks during trampoline use. Such an edge protector 11 is known from the prior art and can be padded – in which case, it can be referred to as edge padding.

[0044] Figure 2 shows the hook 5 according to the invention without a jumping mat and frame, but with a rope ring 8 for illustrative purposes. The hook 5 according to the invention has a (partially concealed) second support section 12, against which the rope ring is supported, and a connecting section 13, which preferably connects the lateral projections 7 and the second support section 12. The second support section 12 preferably projects away from the connecting section 13.

[0045] The second support section 12 is laterally bounded by the connecting section 13 and a side wall 14, so that the rope ring is securely held. The side wall 14 forms a recess 15 in which the connection point of the rope ring is held by the two clamps 10.

[0046] The hook 5 is designed to be divisible, which is considered advantageous in itself. Reference numeral 16 designates a dividing plane that separates the hook 5 into a first half and a second half, as will be explained in more detail later. A locking tongue 17, which overlaps the dividing plane 16, is provided for connecting the two halves. It is generally advantageous if the first and second halves can be joined together to form the hook.

[0047] Figure 3 shows the hook 5 according to the invention in a view analogous to Figure 2, but from above. The hook 5 has a (here concealed) first support section 18 on which the rope ring 8 is supported. The first support section 18 is laterally bounded by the connecting section 13 and a side wall 19, so that the rope ring is held securely and cannot slip out of the hook 5. The dividing plane 16 advantageously extends through the side wall 19.

[0048] The hook has a locking groove 20 into which the locking tongue 17 engages. In this case, the locking groove 20 is designed as an opening. However, it can also be designed as a recess into which the locking tongue 17 engages.

[0049] Figures 4 and 5 show the hook 5 according to the invention in a perspective view, from which it is clear that the hook has two support sections 18, 12 on which the rope ring 8 is supported. The hook has a base 21 which is arranged at a distance from the first support section 18 and preferably from the second support section 12. The base 21 defines a cavity 22 through which the locking tongue 17 is accessible. The division plane 16 expediently runs through the base 21.

[0050] Figure 5 shows the hook 5 in isolation. It is clear that the web 6 is integrally formed with a projection 7. The other projection 7 has an opening 23 into which the web 6 engages. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the hook, from which it is clearly visible that a shoulder 24 is formed in the opening 23, which the web 6 engages with a projection 25. This advantageously provides an anchorage.

[0051] Figure 7 shows a hook 5 in a partially open (or partially closed) position. The locking tongue 17 is no longer (or not yet) engaged with the locking groove 20. The hook has a first half 26 and a second half 27, which can be joined together in the parting plane 16.

[0052] Reference is made below to Figures 8 and 9, which show that the first half 26 has elongated projections 28 (Figure 9) that engage in complementary recesses 29 (Figure 8) of the second half 27. This results in increased stability of the compound hook 5. This is particularly true if the projections / recesses have partially different orientations. In the present case, some projections 28 and 29 are...

[0053] The recesses 29 are arranged perpendicular to each other. It is understood that the projections 28 can also be assigned to the second half 27 and the recesses 29 to the first half 26. Reference symbol list

[0054] Frame

[0055] trampoline

[0056] edge

[0057] loop

[0058] Hook

[0059] web

[0060] Approach

[0061] rope section

[0062] Loop end

[0063] bracket

[0064] Edge protection

[0065] Second support section, connecting section

[0066] side wall

[0067] recess

[0068] Division level

[0069] Resting tongue

[0070] First support section

[0071] side wall

[0072] Locking groove

[0073] Floor

[0074] cavity

[0075] opening

[0076] Paragraph

[0077] projection

[0078] First half

[0079] Second half

[0080] projection

[0081] in-depth

Claims

RÄTSCH Hook for rein T trampoline patent claims [As of February 20, 2025] 1. Hook for a trampoline, comprising: - a footbridge ( 6 ), - a first support section ( 18 ) to accommodate a rope section ( 8 ), and - a connecting section ( 13 ) that connects the bridge ( 6 ) with the first support section ( 18 ), characterized by - that the hook is divided and has a first half ( 26 ) and a second half ( 27 ), wherein the first half ( 26 ) and the second half ( 27 ) form a division plane ( 16 ) which passes through the connecting section ( 13 ) and the first support section ( 18 ).

2. Hook according to claim 1, characterized in that the first half ( 26 ) has a locking tongue ( 17 ) which overlaps the division plane ( 16 ) and engages in the second half ( 27 ), preferably in a locking groove ( 20 ) of the second half ( 27 ).

3. Hook according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a base (21) is arranged at a distance from the first support section (18), which is connected to the first support section (18) and preferably forms a cavity (22).

4. Hook according to claim 3, characterized in that the dividing plane (16) extends through the base (21).

5. Hook according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the web ( 6) is firmly connected to the first half (26) or the second half (27 ) or is integrally formed with the first half (26) or the second half (27 ).

6. Hook according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the web ( 6 ) is limited by lateral projections (7 ), wherein it is preferably provided that one of the lateral projections (7 ) has an opening (23) into which the web ( 6 ) engages.

7. Hook according to claim 6, characterized in that a shoulder (24 ) is formed in the opening (23) and that the web ( 6) has a projection (25) which engages behind the shoulder (24 ).

8. Hook according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first half (26) preferably forms elongated projections (28) in the parting plane (16) which engage in complementary recesses (29) of the second half (27), or vice versa.

9. Hook according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by a second support section ( 12 ), which is preferably arranged on an opposite side of the connecting section ( 13 ) and extends away from it, wherein the dividing plane ( 16 ) preferably also passes through the second support section ( 12 ).

10. Hook according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first support section ( 18 ) is limited on one side by the connecting section ( 13 ) and on the other side by a side wall ( 19 ), wherein preferably the dividing plane ( 16 ) runs through the side wall ( 19 ).

11. Trampoline with at least one hook according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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