AU2012101860B4 - Trampoline - Google Patents

Abstract

- 18 A trampoline comprises a mat, a frame, and a plurality of support rods having an approximately rectangular cross-section connecting between the frame and the mat to hold the mat in tension above the frame, the support rods extending or bowing outwards from the frame and curving upwards from the frame towards the mat. Each of the support rods may have an associated 5 shorter secondary support rod.

Description

- 1 "TRAMPOLINE" FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a trampoline. 5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A trampoline generally comprises a rebounding mat fixed to a support frame supported above the ground. A user jumps or bounces on the mat. Usually, trampolines are equipped with a safety enclosure, which extends upwards from the mat to surround or enclose the mat to 10 prevent a user from falling from the trampoline Typically the safety enclosure is formed from mesh or netting and is supported in position by poles which extend upwards from around the edge of the trampoline. Usually these poles are connected to the frame. A conventional trampoline incorporates a peripheral metal frame with the mat tensioned within frame by extension springs spaced about the edge of the mat and extending 15 outwards from the mat to the frame. An example of this type of trampoline design is shown in Figure 1b. The trampoline may have a safety enclosure held in position by a number of enclosure support members. US patent 6,319,174 discloses a form of soft-edged trampoline in which the mat of the trampoline is supported by a plurality of resiliently flexible rods received in a frame of the 20 trampoline at the lower ends of the rods, the upper end of the rods coupled to the periphery of the bouncing or rebounding mat of the trampoline, this arrangement avoiding the need for a solid frame about the exterior of the bouncing mat, and exposed springs between the frame and periphery of the mat. The rods are angled or spiralled around the frame, extending outwards and upwards from the frame. An example of this type of arrangement is shown in Figure la. Again 25 the trampoline may have a safety enclosure held in position by a number of enclosure support members. US patents 6,053,845 and 7,854,687 disclose enclosures similar to those shown in Figures la and lb. US patent 6,663,538 discloses a trampoline in which the mat is supported by a series of 30 plane springs formed from a material such as steel, the plane springs having the shape of pre curved flat bars, the lower part of the bars forming a base for the trampoline. The bars are formed to have a 7-shape or a recurved shape, bending outwards, then inwards, and then outwards again before connecting to the edge of the mat. 35 -2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an improved or at least an alternative form of trampoline. In a first aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in a trampoline system 5 comprising: a flexible rebounding mat, a frame, a plurality of resiliently flexible support rods having an approximately rectangular cross section between the frame and the mat, upper ends of the support rods connecting to the mat 10 around a periphery of the mat and lower ends of the support rods connecting to the frame, the free length of the support rods between the upper ends and lower ends bowing outwards and curving upwards from the frame towards the mat substantially perpendicular to the frame to hold the mat in tension above the frame, a safety enclosure having a lower edge connected to the edge of the trampoline mat, 15 and upright enclosure support members having lower ends connected to the frame below the mat and not otherwise being supported by to the trampoline, and upper ends connected to the top of the enclosure to support the enclosure above the mat. 20 Preferably the rods are flat when no external force is applied. Preferably the support rods comprise a main support rod having a lower end connected to the frame, an upper end connected to the edge of the mat, and a free length extending upwardly from the frame to the edge of the mat and bowed towards the mat, and a 25 secondary support rod on one side of the main support rod, the secondary support rod extending from the frame towards the mat along part of the length of the main support rod and increasing the resistance of the support rod to bending along said part of the length of the main support rod. The term "comprising" as used in this specification and indicative independent claims 30 means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

-3 As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 5 Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompany drawings which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which: Figure la shows a first form of prior art trampoline system, the trampoline system having a frame, a jumping mat and an enclosure net held above, and surrounding, the jumping 10 mat to form an enclosed jumping area, the frame and jumping mat connected via a number of fiberglass rods extending upwards from the frame to the edge of the mat. Figure lb shows a second form of prior art trampoline system, the trampoline system also having a frame, a jumping mat and an enclosure net held above, and surrounding, the jumping mat to form an enclosed jumping area, the frame and jumping mat connected via a 15 number of springs aligned generally horizontally and extending outwards from the mat to the frame. Figure 2 shows a first preferred form of trampoline, the mat of the trampoline is supported above a frame of the trampoline by a plurality of resiliently flexible rods which extend outwards from the frame to the mat, substantially perpendicular to the frame, the rods curving 20 outwards and upwards from the frame, the upper ends of the rods connected to the periphery of the mat. Figures 3a-d show an exploded perspective view of the preferred form of frame for the trampoline, the sides of the frame formed from separate frame members connected at their corners by separate corner connectors to form a hollow rectangle. 25 Figure 4a shows the preferred form of resiliently flexible support rod, the support rod having a main support rod and a secondary support rod, and Figure 4b is an exploded view of same. Figures 5a-c show a first preferred component used for connecting the upper end of the support rods to the mat, a single attachment component forming a gang of female connectors 30 aligned in a row, the female connector portions alternating with attachment portions, each connector portion having a hollow elongate form with a rectangular opening aligned facing inwards towards the centre of the mat and an outwards-facing opening or outer opening. Figures 6a-e show second form of attachment component shown in Figure 5, a single attachment component forming a gang of female connectors aligned in a row, with the female 35 connector portions interspersed with attachment portions in a ganged female row in a 2:1 ratio of -4 female connector portions to attachment portions, the female connector portions having a recesses which in use receive an edge connector on the upper end of the support rod. Figures 7a and b show the trampoline of Figure 2 fitted with an enclosure, the edge of the trampoline fitted with an edge accessory attachment rail that forms a female connector, the 5 lower edge of the enclosure fitted with a corresponding male connector. Figure 8 shows a foam pad fitted to and over the edge of the trampoline to cover the edge of the mat and any hard or rigid items on or close to the edge of the mat, the edge of the trampoline fitted with an edge accessory attachment rail the same or similar as that shown in Figure 7. 10 Figures 9a-d shows a sleeve that is fitted over the support rod, the lower end or ends of the sleeve used to assist in attaching the support rod to the trampoline frame, the upper end or ends of the sleeve connected to the mat to hold the rod in position relative to the mat. Figures 10a-d shows a variant of the sleeve arrangement shown in Figure 9, with the lower end or ends of the sleeve used to assist in attaching the support rod to the trampoline 15 frame, and the upper end of the support rod fitted with a buckle, the upper end or ends of the sleeve interacting with the buckle and connected to the mat to hold the rod in position relative to the mat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 20 A trampoline system 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 2. The trampoline system 1 has a flexible rebounding mat 2 and a frame 3, the mat 2 and frame 3 held in position relative to one another by a plurality of support rods 4. Frame 25 The frame 3 of the preferred embodiment is generally rectangular in plan view, with a hollow centre. While the preferred form is rectangular, the frame 3 could have any suitable shape, such as square, oval or circular. In the preferred rectangular form of frame, and with reference to Figure 3, each side of the frame is formed from a separate frame member 5, the frame members 5 connected at their corners by separate corner connectors 6 to form a hollow 30 rectangle. The preferred material used to form the frame members that form the sides of the frame 3 is steel tubing, with the corner connectors formed from injection moulded plastic. Mat -5 The mat 2 has the same shape as the frame 3, but larger, so that when the mat 2 is placed above the frame 3, each edge of the mat 2 overlaps the frame 3. The mat 2 is formed from a resiliently flexibly material such as woven polypropylene. 5 Support rods The mat 3 is held above the frame 2 in tension by a plurality of support rods 4. Each of the support rods 4 has a lower end 7 which is connected to the frame 3, and an upper end 8 which is connected to the mat 3. In the preferred embodiment, the lower end 7 is connected to one of the frame members 5 or frame members 5 in such a manner that the lower end 7 is angled 10 outwards and upwards from the frame member 5, with the longitudinal axis of the support rod 4 aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame member 5. Each support rod 4 has a free length 9, which is that length of the rod between the upper end 8 (connected to the mat) and the lower end 7 (connected to the frame). The free length 9 bows, bends or extends outwards from the frame 3 (more specifically, the hollow centre of the frame 3) along the entirety 15 of the free length to form an outwardly bowed arc. The support rods 4 are, in the preferred embodiment, formed from fibreglass or a similar material. The support rods 4 are formed as flat bars - that is, elongate members with a square or more preferably rectangular cross-section. The support rods 4 are flat or straight when no external force is applied - that is, they are not pre-formed with a curve. The sides of the rods 20 (that is, the narrower ones of the longer faces aligned along or with the longitudinal axis of the rod) are, in the preferred embodiment, fully radiused. In the most preferred form, the rods 4 form a row along each side of the frame 2 and mat 3. The corners of the trampoline do not have support rods associated with them. In the most preferred form, the corners of the rectangular mat 3 are 'cut off diagonally between the end 25 one of each row of support rods, to avoid an unsupported or loose portion of material at the corner. In the most preferred form, each of the support rods 4 includes a secondary support rod or bar 10 or half-bar 10 connected to the rear of the main support rod 4. The length of the support rod is approximately half to two-thirds that of the main rod. The lower end of the 30 secondary support rod 10 is also connected to the frame 3, so that the secondary support rod 10 extends along the rear of the main secondary support rod 10 for approximately half to two-thirds the length (the lower half) of the support rod 10. The secondary support rod 10 is also straight or un-curved when no external force acts on it. The preferred form of the secondary support rod 10 has a cross-sectional profile the 35 same shape and size as the main rod. However, the support rod can have any suitable cross- -6 sectional shape and size, and could for example have a rectangular cross-section that is smaller than the cross-section of the main support rod. It should be noted that the use of the secondary support rod 10 is preferred, but not absolutely necessary. In this specification, references to support rods should not be taken to 5 mean always inclusive or always exclusive of the secondary support rod: the reference could be to a support rod by itself (support rod 4), or to a support rod formed from support rod 4 in combination with a secondary support rod 10. The preferred form of main support rod 4 and secondary support rod 10 is shown in Figure 4a, and exploded in Figure 4b. 10 The lower end of each of the support rods 4 and rods 10 are connected to the frame as follows: a series of holes or apertures 11 are formed in a row along the frame tubes 5, along the outer side of the frame tube 5 and slightly towards the upper part of the frame tube 5. The lower ends 7 of the support rods 4 and secondary support rods 10 are inserted into these apertures 11. The sides of the apertures can be reinforced with a support insert 12 or similar if required. As 15 described above, the free length 9 curves upwards and outwards from the frame 2 to the mat 3. The curve of the main support rod 4 also causes the secondary support rod to bend or curve outwards to follow the curve of the main support rod 4. In the most preferred form, the secondary support rods have a cap 13, the body of which encloses the upper end of the secondary support rod 10 and also encloses the adjacent 20 portion of the main support rod 4 to hold the upper end of the secondary support rod against the main support rod 4. In practice, as the curve bends the main support rod 4 backwards against the secondary support rod, the two rods are forced against one another along the length of their contacting faces. In one embodiment, the upper end 8 of the main support rod 4 is fitted with an edge 25 connector 14 to connect the upper end 8 to the edge of the mat 2 in co-operation with an edge fitting fitted to the edge of the mat. The edge connector and the co-operative relationship will be described in more detail below. In the preferred form the edge connector 14 has the general form of a cylinder with its axis aligned horizontally, and perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the support rod 4. The cylindrical edge connector 14 has a slot 17 which passes through the 30 centre of the cylinder perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, to allow the edge connector 14 to be slipped over the end of the support rod 4. The edge connector 14 also has a pair of holes 16 which are aligned at right angles to the slot, and a pair of corresponding pins 15. The pins 15 and holes 16 correspond to a pair of notches 18 on the support rod 4, just behind the tip of the upper end 8. The edge connector 14 is held in place on the end of the rod 4 by the pins, which pass 35 through the edge connector 14 and through the notches 18. If required, one end of the holes 16 -7 can be countersunk to correspond to a wider end on the pin 15, this countersinking stopping the pin passing all the way through the hole 16 and potentially dropping out of the hole 16. There are two preferred ways in which the pins may be formed. The first method is as follows: the pins 15 are moulded as one piece with the edge 5 connector 14. A thin diaphragm is used to connect the pins 15 to the edge connector 14 to allow the cavity to fill. To fit the edge connector 14 to the rod, the pines 15 are pressed in and the diaphragm shears through. The second method is to form two separate pins separately from the edge connector, and to press them into place. 10 Mat Edge Rod Connection There are several ways in which the support rods can be connected to the edge of the mat. Several preferred ways shall now be described. 15 Webbing Sleeve A first preferred embodiment is shown in Figure 9. Each of the support rods (and secondary support rods if used) is fitted with a sleeve 33. The preferred form of sleeve is two generally flat pieces of material connected by sewing or similar along each long edge. The sleeve is slipped over the rod so that the seams along each long edge align with the smaller sides or faces 20 of the support rod. The lower end of the sleeve 33 is split. That is, the two edges are not connected at the lower end. The two faces of the sleeve are left intact, and the result is that two free ends 35 are formed at the lower end. The non-connected or split portion starts just above the point at which the free length 9 of the support rod 4 extends from the aperture 11. The two free ends 35 of the sleeve are passed one each around the top and the bottom of the frame 25 member 5. The two free end 35 are reconnected to each other on the other side or inner side of the frame member 5, preferably by stitching or similar, to hold the lower end 7 of the rod 4 in position on the frame member 5. The first preferred way to attach the upper end 8 to the mat is as follows: the top portion 34 of the sleeve is closed, and extends beyond the upper end 8 of the support rod 4. The 30 upper end 8 of the rod 4 is positioned just outside the edge of the mat 2 and the top portion of the sleeve is folded over onto the top surface of the mat, and stitched into place to hold the support rod 4 in position. The second preferred way to attach the upper end to the mat is as follows: the rod is fitted with sleeve 33 as described above. The lower end is connected to the frame member 5 in 35 the same manner as described above. However, in this embodiment, and with reference to -8 Figure 10, the upper end 8 of the support rod 4 is fitted with a buckle 36. The buckle 36 has a main body, with a recess 37 on the underside, and an outer aperture 39 on the outer side of the buckle, on the outer side of the recess 37. A pair of inner apertures 38a and 38b are located on the inner side of the body of the buckle 36, with the aperture 38a closer to the edge of the mat 5 and the recess 37 than the aperture 38b. The outer aperture 39, the recess 37, and the inner apertures 38a and 38b are all aligned in a row, substantially perpendicular to the edge of the mat 2. All of the apertures 38a, 38b, and 39 pass through the buckle 36 from top to bottom. The upper end 8 of the support rod 4 slots into the corresponding recess 37 in the body of the buckle 36. The buckle 36 is located relative to the mat so that the recess 37 is just outside the edge of 10 the mat 2, with the majority of the body of the buckle 36 extending over the top of the mat 2, so that the apertures 38a and 38 b are positioned over the top of the mat 2. In this embodiment, the upper end of the sleeve 33 is also split into two free ends - an outer end 40 and an inner end 41. The inner end 41 passes up through the aperture 38a and is folded inwards across part of the body of the buckle 36 and down through the aperture 38b and then extends inwards onto the 15 upper surface of the mat 2, where it is connected or attached in any suitable fashion to the mat 2, but most preferably by sewing or stitching. The outer end 40 passes upwards through the aperture 39 and is then folded across the top of the buckle 36, passing downwards through the aperture 38b over the top of the inner end 41 and is connected in any suitable fashion but preferably by sewing or stitching to the mat over the top of the inner end 41. Use of the buckle 20 36, and in particular the manner in which the upper end 8 is inserted into the recess 37 of the buckle 36, helps to prevent wear on the components of the trampoline. The sleeve can also be used in conjunction with a plastic insert (not shown) that is located over the main body, or free length, of the support rod, between the support rod and the sleeve, the plastic insert supporting the support rod and helping to prevent wear and tear on the 25 support rod during use. Edge Connectors The edge connector 14 is used as a part of a mechanism to connect the upper end of the support rod 4 to the edge of the mat 2. In the preferred form, the mat 2 is fitted with a mat edge 30 fitting or fittings which fit with or correspond to the edge connector 14. In the preferred form, the mat edge fittings are female connectors which correspond to the male edge connector 14. The female connectors are ganged in a single unitary item which is then connected to the edge of the mat to form a row of multiple female connectors on the edge of the mat 2. In the preferred form, the ganged female connectors are formed as a separate component to the mat 2, and then 35 connected to the edge of the mat 2. A first preferred way to connect the ganged female -9 connectors is shown in Figure 5. The ganged female connectors are formed as a single attachment component 20a with the female connectors aligned in a row. In attachment component 20a, connector portions 21 alternate with attachment portions 23. Each connector portion 21 has a hollow elongate form with a rectangular opening 22 aligned facing inwards 5 towards the centre of the mat and an outwards-facing opening or outer opening 24. The connector portions 21 are interspersed with attachment portions 23 in a 1:1 ratio. The attachment portions 23 have the form of generally triangular wedges with two long faces and a convexly curved smaller face between the two longer faces. One long face of the wedge is positioned against the lower surface of the mat. The second long face (opposite the first) slopes 10 towards the mat 2 with the thin end of the wedge aligned pointing or facing towards the centre of the mat 2. The attachment component 20a is positioned along one edge of the mat so that the convexly curved portion at the thick end of the wedge slightly overhangs the end of the mat 2. Lengths of webbing or webbing straps 25 are sewn to the mat so that they pass in a loop around the attachment portion 24, fitting snugly to the attachment portion 23. These straps hold the 15 attachment component 20 in position on the mat. The attachment component 20a is prevented from slipping sideways through the webbing loops by the connector portions 21, which have a side profile that overhangs or extends above the sides of the wedge shape of attachment portion 23, preventing sideways movement through the webbing loop. As part of the assembly of the trampoline system 1, the lower end 7 of the support rod 20 4 is passed through the connector portions 21 from the inside, extending out through the outer opening 24. The upper end 8 is fitted with the edge connector 14. The connector portions 21 and edge connector 14 mutually fit together in such a way that the edge connector 14 is held in position inside the connector portion 21, but can rotate around an axis parallel to the edge of the mat 2. The range of rotation is not required to be more than a few degrees each way in use. The 25 support rod 4 is then flexed or bent with the lower end located in the aperture 11. A variation of the attachment component described above - attachment component 20b - is shown in Figure 6. The attachment component 20b is similar to the component 20a described above. However, in this variant, the connector portions 21b are interspersed with attachment portions 23 in a 2:1 ratio. The 'female' component or connector portions 21b of the 30 attachment component 20b are recesses 26. The edge connector 14 is fitted into the recess 26 from below, and can rotate around an axis parallel to the edge of the mat in a similar manner to that described above. Also as above, the range of rotation is not required to be more than a few degrees each way in use. As above, a webbing strap 25b passes around the connector portion 21b from the top of the mat 2 to the underside to hold the elongate attachment component 20b - 10 in position. Sideways movement of the attachment component 20b is prevented by the connector portion 21b being slightly inset into the elongate attachment component 20b. Yet another variation of the edge connection mechanism is shown in Figure 11. A third variant of mat edge fitting or attachment component - attachment component 20c - is shown 5 connected to the edge of the mat 2. The attachment component 20c is similar to both the components 20a and 20b described above. Connector portions 21c alternate with attachment portions 23c in a 1:1 ratio. In a similar manner to that described above, the attachment component 20c is connected to and along the edge of the mat by a series of webbing straps 25c that are looped over the attachment component 20c with the ends stitched or sewn to the upper 10 and lower surfaces of the mat 2, the webbing straps aligned substantially perpendicular to the edge of the mat 2 and passing across and over the attachment portions 23c. In this embodiment, the recess 126 is formed so that the attachment component 20c is open internally along the full length of the attachment component 20c. The recess 126 is shaped so that it contains a rear hook portion 43 that extends downwards and inwards from, and forms 15 part of, the rear wall of the main body of the recess 126. The front of the attachment component 20c, opposite the hook portion 43, is open, as is the base, except for a lip 42 at the top front edge of the main body of the attachment component 20c, extending downwards. In this embodiment, the upper end 8 of the rod 4 is fitted with an edge connector 114 that has a generally T-shaped outline from the side. The upright is connected to and extends 20 along the upper end of the rod. The rear (or right) arm of the 'T' forms a hook with a rear top surface that is angled upwards (from right to left) in relation to the lower surface of the arm (if the 'T' shape were viewed with the upright vertical). The front arm of the 'T' is shaped by forming a semi-circular notch 45 across the front face of the edge connector 114. The portion of the edge connector 114 above the notch forms a front face that slopes inwards from the top of 25 the arm, the upper face sloping upwards to an apex where it meets the rear top surface. A catch rod 44 is passed in through one of the open ends of the attachment component 20c. The rod 44 is the same length as the attachment component 20c. The body of the catch rod 44 rests at the lower front internal corner of the attachment component 20c. The preferred form of rod is circular in cross-section. 30 The lower end of the support rod 4 is attached to the frame in a similar manner to that outlined above. When the lower end is first connected to the frame, the support rod 4 extends upwards and outwards from the frame. To connect the support rod 4 to the attachment component 20c, the upper end 8 of the support rod 4 is bent backwards /inwards towards the mat 2 and the connected attachment component 20c. The angled rear top surface or face pushes 35 the catch rod 44 upwards within the recess. When the upper end is pushed fully backwards - 10 in position. Sideways movement of the attachment component 20b is prevented by the connector portion 21b being slightly inset into the elongate attachment component 20b. Yet another variation of the edge connection mechanism is shown in Figure 11. A third variant of mat edge fitting or attachment component - attachment component 20c - is shown 5 connected to the edge of the mat 2. The attachment component 20c is similar to both the components 20a and 20b described above. Connector portions 21c alternate with attachment portions 23c in a 1:1 ratio. In a similar manner to that described above, the attachment component 20c is connected to and along the edge of the mat by a series of webbing straps 25c that are looped over the attachment component 20c with the ends stitched or sewn to the upper 10 and lower surfaces of the mat 2, the webbing straps aligned substantially perpendicular to the edge of the mat 2 and passing across and over the attachment portions 23c. In this embodiment, the recess 126 is formed so that the attachment component 20c is open internally along the full length of the attachment component 20c. The recess 126 is shaped so that it contains a rear hook portion 43 that extends downwards and inwards from, and forms 15 part of, the rear wall of the main body of the recess 126. The front of the attachment component 20c, opposite the hook portion 43, is open, as is the base, except for a lip 42 at the top front edge of the main body of the attachment component 20c, extending downwards. In this embodiment, the upper end 8 of the rod 4 is fitted with an edge connector 114 that has a generally T-shaped outline from the side. The upright is connected to and extends 20 along the upper end of the rod. The rear (or right) arm of the 'T' forms a hook with a rear top surface that is angled upwards (from right to left) in relation to the lower surface of the arm (if the 'T' shape were viewed with the upright vertical). The front arm of the 'T' is shaped by forming a semi-circular notch 45 across the front face of the edge connector 114. The portion of the edge connector 114 above the notch forms a front face that slopes inwards from the top of 25 the arm, the upper face sloping upwards to an apex where it meets the rear top surface. A catch rod 44 is passed in through one of the open ends of the attachment component 20c. The rod 44 is the same length as the attachment component 20c. The body of the catch rod 44 rests at the lower front internal corner of the attachment component 20c. The preferred form of rod is circular in cross-section. 30 The lower end of the support rod 4 is attached to the frame in a similar manner to that outlined above. When the lower end is first connected to the frame, the support rod 4 extends upwards and outwards from the frame. To connect the support rod 4 to the attachment component 20c, the upper end 8 of the support rod 4 is bent backwards /inwards towards the mat 2 and the connected attachment component 20c. The angled rear top surface or face pushes 35 the catch rod 44 upwards within the recess. When the upper end is pushed fully backwards - 11 towards the mat, the catch rod 44 passes over the top of the edge connector 114 and down the front face. The notch 45 has substantially the same radius as the rod 44. The spring energy contained in the rod from being bent backwards towards the mat 2 causes the upper end of the rod 4 to move outwards. However, once the rod 44 drops over the front face, and the notch 45 5 moves forward as the upper end of the support rod 4 moves outwards, the notch 45 moves forward over and around that portion of the body of the rod 44 which is next to the notch 45, the rod 44 preventing the upper end of the support rod 4 from moving out of position within the attachment component 20c. The rear arm of the 'T' slots into and over the hook portion 43. Inside the recess 126, the top surface of the recess bears down on the portion of the 10 edge connector 114 above the notch which forms a front face that slopes inwards from the top of the arm. In use, the rear arm of the 'T' slots into and over the hook portion 43 to allow some movement of the rod and the attachment component 20c relative to one another as a user bounces on the mat 2. Similarly, there is a space between the inner wall of the recess 126 and the 15 front face of the front arm of the 'T' to allow some movement of the rod and the attachment component 20c relative to one another. Edge accessory attachment system The trampoline system 1 also has an edge accessory attachment system. In one 20 embodiment the rail 27 is fitted to the top of the mat 2 around substantially the entire perimeter edge of the mat 2 (except for the corners in the preferred embodiment). The edge accessory attachment rail 27 is an extruded rail, having a continuous base 28 and two side portions 29 that extend upwards from each side of the base 28 to form an arch shape. The base 28 lies flat against, and is attached to, the mat 2. The top of the arch formed by the two side portions 29 is 25 an open slot. The side portions 29 are not continuous: there are gaps at intervals on each side. In the embodiment shown, this is to allow the rail 27 to be connected to the mat 2 by straps (not shown) which loop around the rail 27 and the edge of the mat 2 with the ends pointing inwards. The ends of the straps are connected by stitching or similar to the mat 2 to hold the rail in position, a portion of the body of each of the straps located in one of the gaps. 30 An alternative way to connect the rail 27 to the mat 2 is to use a single fastener on the bottom or base 28 of the rail, for example by passing the fastener through the base 28 and the mat 2 to connect the mat 2 and the rail 27 in a manner which does not require the gaps in the side portions 29. Accessories for the trampoline system 1 are fitted with a connector 30 that corresponds 35 to the attachment rail 27. The connector 30 fits between the sides 29 of the arch, the sides 29 - 12 forming a female portion and the connector 30 forming a male portion which interlock. The connector 30 extends upwards through the slot and is connected to the main body of the accessory. The accessory can for example be an item such as the wall of a safety enclosure or similar such as for example the enclosure wall 32 shown in Figure 7. The connector 30 is 5 attached to or forms part of the lower edge of the wall of the enclosure, and as shown in Figure 7 slots into the rail 27 so that the base or lower edge of the side wall is connected to the edge of the trampoline mat. Alternatively the accessory could be a foam pad 31 such as the one shown in Figure 8, which is fitted to and over the edge of the trampoline 1 to cover the edge of the mat 2 and also any hard or rigid items on or close to the edge of the mat 2. The foam pad 31 provides 10 a cushion which can help to prevent injury if a user falls at or close to the edge of the mat 2. As shown in Figure 8, a lower surface of the foam pad 31 is fitted with the connector 30, which fits into the slot on rail 27 to connect the foam pad 31 to the trampoline. Four preferred forms or variants of accessory attachment system suitable for use with the trampoline will now be described. For each of the first two preferred forms, as shown in 15 Figures 7b and 8, the accessory attachment system has two main parts: an accessory attachment rail 27 fitted in use to the trampoline 1, and a connector 30 that corresponds to the attachment rail 27, and which is fitted to the accessory. For both of these first two preferred embodiments, the accessory attachment rail 27 is an extruded rail, having a continuous base 28 and two side wall portions 29 that extend upwards 20 and angle inwards over the base, one from each side of the base 28. An open slot is formed in the top of the structure formed by the two side portions 29. Although it is preferred that the slot is open, the two edges could be touching each other, and forced apart when the accessory is pulled into the slot. It can be seen that the accessory attachment rail is a hollow structure with a slot at the top. 25 In the first two preferred forms as shown in Figures 7b and 8, the side wall portions are co-extruded with the base 28, but could, if required, be manufactured separately and then connected to the base. The accessory attachment rail is, in the preferred use, fitted to the top of the mat around substantially the entire perimeter edge of the mat (except for the corners in the preferred 30 embodiment - the rail in this embodiment is actually four separate (sub-)rails, which are fitted one to each edge). However, it should be noted that the rail could be fitted to the trampoline wherever it is required - e.g. close to the centre of the mat, on the frame, on the enclosure, etc. The base 28 lies flat against, and is attached to, the mat. In the first preferred embodiment shown in Figure 7b, the side portions 29 are not continuous: there are gaps at intervals on each 35 side. This is to allow the rail to be connected to the mat by straps (not shown) which loop - 13 around the rail and the edge of the mat with the ends pointing inwards. The ends of the straps are connected by stitching or similar to the mat to hold the rail in position. A portion of the body of each of the straps is located in one of the gaps, passing across and preferably contacting the inner surface of the base 15. 5 In the second preferred embodiment shown in Figure 8, the side portions 29 are continuous. The rail is connected to the mat by fasteners on the bottom or base of the rail. The fasteners 9 can be rivets or similar. Accessories for use with the trampoline are fitted with a connector 30 that corresponds to the attachment rail. Alternatively, the connector 30 could be integrally formed with the 10 accessory. In the preferred embodiment, the connector 30 has a main body portion that fits between the sides 29 of the rail, and an extension portion that extends from the main body upwards through the slot to the accessory. The connector 30 fits between the sides 29, the sides 29 forming a female portion that corresponds to the male portion 30, the male and female portions interlocking in use. That is, the sides 29 curve or angle around the main body portion of 15 the connector 30 to hold the accessory in position. The extension portion extends upwards through the slot 11 to connect with the main body of the accessory. The preferred manner in which an accessory is fitted to the trampoline is by sliding one end of the connector 30 between the sides 29 from one open end of the rail. However, in the most preferred embodiment, the main body portion of the connector is formed from a non-rigid 20 foam, and it is possible to push the main body portion directly down through the slot into the rail, the connector body contracting and then expanding again once it is between the sides 29, the sides 29 also bending outwards and then back into position once the main body has been fully pushed down through the slot. In the first preferred embodiment described above, with gaps in the side walls, then the 25 connector 30 passes over the top of the strap(s). The arrangement described above can be used to attach a number of different accessories to the trampoline. The accessory could be an edge protector pad such as the foam pad 31 shown in Figure 8, which is fitted to and over the edge of the trampoline to cover the edge of the mat and also any hard or rigid items on or close to the edge of the mat. The foam 30 pad provides a cushion which can help to prevent injury if a user falls at or close to the edge of the mat. Another benefit is that by completely attaching the pad, a uniform surface is presented, with no "gaps" for legs or arms to slide under and catch on things like the hook end of a spring. As shown in Figure 8, a lower surface of the foam pad 31 is fitted with the connector 30, which fits into the slot on rail 27 to connect the foam pad to the trampoline.

- 14 Alternatively, the accessory could for example be an item such as the wall of a safety enclosure or similar. The enclosure wall shown in Figure 7b could be fitted with a connector 30 on or close to its lower edge, so that it can be fitted to the trampoline. The connector 30 is attached to or forms part of the lower edge of the wall of the enclosure, and as shown in Figure 5 7b slots into the rail 27 so that the base or lower edge of the side wall is connected to the edge of the trampoline mat. Other auxiliary accessories can be fitted with the connector 30 for use as required. For example, a protective or weather cover could be fitted with the connector 30 so that the trampoline can be easily covered when not in use. A ladder, slide or similar can be fitted with the 10 connector 30 to allow it to be easily fitted to the trampoline. As described above, the first two preferred embodiments of the rail have both ends open. One or both of these could be closed rather than open. Also, the hollow area does not have to run the full length of the rail. If required for structural reinforcement or similar, the rail could be wholly or partly 'filled' or solid along at least part of the length of the rail. 15 Further forms or variants of accessory attachment system suitable for use with the trampoline 1 will now be described with reference to Figure 8 and also Figures 13b and 14b. The accessory attachment rail 121 shown in Figure 6b is similar to the rails shown in Figure 8. However, the side wall portions 122 extend downwards, and the base portion 123 upwards. In use, the base portion 123 is connected to the enclosure or other accessory, and a 20 corresponding mat connector 124 is attached to the trampoline mat (although as outlined for the connector 117 of the first two embodiments above, it may also be connected to the frame, or close to the centre of the mat, or in any other suitable and desirable location. The main body of the connector 124 is the same as in the preferred form, and the same as for the connector 117 of the first two preferred embodiments described above: circular in cross-section. The main body 25 of the connector 124 is in use located between the side wall portions 122, which curve or angle towards one another over the body of the connector 124 to hold it in position. A portion of the connector 124 extends away from the main body, through the slot, to e.g. the mat to attach to the mat. The connector 124 is formed by folding a piece of webbing in half and sewing along its length to create a pocket which is filled with a plastic tube, a length of rope/cord, or a fibreglass 30 rod. This piece of webbing is then sewn to the mat surface. The bottom edge of the enclosure can be formed in a similar way: a section of the enclosure fabric can be folded over and sewn to form a cavity that in use holds a tube. Alternatively, the edge of the fabric can be rolled into a tube. The edge is then sewn through to form a more solid edge. Another alternative would be to knit the tubular form as part of the 35 edge.

- 15 The walls of the accessory attachment rail 121 are, in the embodiment shown, continuous. However, they could be discontinuous, in a similar fashion to the rail embodiment shown in Figure 8. The upwards-facing base portion 123 includes a slot or groove 125 running substantially 5 the full length of the attachment rail 121, aligned running parallel to the groove formed by the two side wall portions 122, with an upward-facing opening. In use, a lower edge of the enclosure or other accessory is located into the upper groove 125. In the most preferred embodiment, each of the side walls of the base portion each side of the slot include at least one cut-out trench each side, aligned running substantially horizontally, substantially the length of the side wall, so that 10 the trench 126 on the outer side faces outwards and the trench on the inner side (not shown) faces inwards. The trenches are located substantially at the same position or height on the inner and outer side walls. The trenches are formed so that the thickness of the wall between the trenches and the groove 125 is thin enough to be sewn through by a sewing machine needle or similar. In this fashion, the lower edge of the enclosure or accessory can be attached by sewing 15 to the attachment rail 121. It should be noted that although sewing is the most preferred way of attaching the enclosure or accessory to the rail 121, other ways are also envisaged, such as gluing, plastic welding, riveting, etc. It should also be noted that the rail could be arranged to face the other way up, with the base downwards and sewn to e.g. the mat, frame, etc. 20 The fourth form of accessory attachment rail 130 shown in Figure 14b has a double pair of side walls, one pair 131 facing upwards in use, and the second pair 132 facing downwards, from a central base portion. In cross-sectional profile, the accessory attachment rail 130 has the overall appearance of a capital 'H', with the ends of each one of the four uprights curved or angled inwards towards the other one of the pair, and the central base portion forming the 25 'horizontal' or cross-piece of the 'H'. The walls are continuous in the preferred form, by may be discontinuous if required, on one or both sides. In use, a mat connector 133 is attached to e.g. the mat of the trampoline, facing upwards, and a second accessory or enclosure connector 134 is connected to the lower edge of the enclosure or accessory, facing downwards. Each of the connectors 133 and 134 in the 30 preferred embodiments are circular in cross-section. The connectors are pushed between the pairs of side walls on the upper and lower side respectively, and the side walls arc or curve around the circular bodies to hold the connectors in position. In this fashion, the accessory attachment rail 30 is attached to the mat, and the enclosure or accessory is attached to the attachment rail 30, thus holding the enclosure or accessory in position relative to the mat.

- 16 As outlined above, the attachment rail 130 could be connected to an item other than the mat if required, such as the frame or similar. The connectors 133 and 134 can be formed in the same or similar manner to that outlined above. 5 The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims (5)

1. A trampoline system comprising: a flexible rebounding mat, 5 a frame, a plurality of resiliently flexible support rods having an approximately rectangular cross-section between the frame and the mat, upper ends of the support rods connecting to the mat around a periphery of the mat and lower ends of the support rods connecting to the frame, the free length of the support rods between the upper ends and lower ends bowing outwards and curving 10 upwards from the frame towards the mat substantially perpendicular to the frame to hold the mat in tension above the frame, a safety enclosure having a lower edge connected to the edge of the trampoline mat, and upright enclosure support members having lower ends connected to the frame below the mat and not otherwise being supported by to the trampoline, and upper ends connected to the top of 15 the enclosure to support the enclosure above the mat.

2. A trampoline system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support rods are substantially flat when no external force is applied. 20

3. A trampoline system as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the mat is larger than the frame so that the periphery of the mat overlaps the frame.

4. A trampoline system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the support rods comprise a main support rod having a lower end connected to the frame, an upper end 25 connected to the edge of the mat, and a free length extending upwardly from the frame to the edge of the mat and bowed towards the mat, and a secondary support rod on one side of the main support rod, the secondary support rod extending from the frame towards the mat along part of the length of the main support rod and increasing the resistance of the support rod to bending along said part of the length of the main support rod. 30

5. A trampoline system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the trampoline has an at least approximately oval or circular shape. 35 ABSTRACT