Jogging Trampoline Apparatus

Abstract

The invention is a jogging trampoline apparatus that is one consistent path on a trampoline that forms an outer boundary of an empty enclosure allowing an individual to run in a consistent path. The jogging trampoline apparatus forms a track where the runner can jog complete loops. The jogging trampoline apparatus has an inner frame that is encompassed by an outer frame where a material substantially covers the area between the frames coupled by elastic elements. The trampoline is several jumping surfaces connected without the use of additional cross frame sections allowing the apparatus to maintain a consistent bounce throughout the entire jumping surface and minimize injury risk.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to trampolines, and more particularly to trampoline parks.

Problem Statement

Interpretation Considerations

[0002] This section describes the technical field in more detail, and discusses problems encountered in the technical field. This section does not describe prior art as defined for purposes of anticipation or obviousness under 35 U.S.C. section 102 or 35 U.S.C. section 103. Thus, nothing stated in the Problem Statement is to be construed as prior art.

Discussion

[0003] A trampoline typically includes a frame assembly supported on a floor by a plurality of supports. Other trampolines are supported by cords or cables and then supported by end beams and support legs. A trampoline is a jumping bed tightly stretched within an opening in the frame assembly via a plurality of spaced elastic elements. Elastic elements attach the jumping bed to the support frame.

[0004] The jumping bed is usually made out of a woven polypropylene material. The material is not elastic in itself. The elastic cords or springs provide the elasticity for the trampoline. The jumping bed is made to withstand significant force of jumpers and the polypropylene material is strong and waterproof. The jumping bed is the surface for which a person or persons can jump safely and feel the spring from the elasticity of the springs. The force of the trampoline pushes the jumper in the opposite direction from which the jumper landed. A jump down goes straight up. A jump from an angle in has the reciprocal angle out.

[0005] Recently, there is been an increased emphasis on prevention of leg injuries, especially knees and ankles. The stress of jogging on pavement or solid ground affects those individuals with joint and leg problems or injuries, including those with cases of arthritis. One option has been the use of elliptical machines; another option is water jogging. These options have their own problems as elliptical machine is stationary and water jogging requires a pool and is expensive to maintain. There is a need for a jogging apparatus that allows movement, is sensitive to leg joints, and is less expensive to maintain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Various aspects of the invention, as well as an embodiment, are better understood by reference to the following detailed description. To better understand the invention, the detailed description should be read in conjunction with the drawings and tables, in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 shows an isometric side view of the jogging trampoline apparatus.

[0008] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the jogging trampoline apparatus.

[0009] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the jumping material connector.

[0010] FIG. 4 shows a zoomed in view of a section of the jogging trampoline apparatus showing the elastic spring configuration options.

[0011] FIG. 5 shows an isometric side view of the coupling design for the material sections.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE INTERPRETATION CONSIDERATIONS

[0012] When reading this section (An Exemplary Embodiment of a Best Mode, which describes an exemplary embodiment of the best mode of the invention, hereinafter "exemplary embodiment"), one should keep in mind several points. First, the following exemplary embodiment is what the inventor believes to be the best mode for practicing the invention at the time this patent was filed. Thus, since one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize from the following exemplary embodiment that substantially equivalent structures or substantially equivalent acts may be used to achieve the same results in exactly the same way, or to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way, the following exemplary embodiment should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to one embodiment.

[0013] Likewise, individual aspects (sometimes called species) of the invention are provided as examples, and, accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize from a following exemplary structure (or a following exemplary act) that a substantially equivalent structure or substantially equivalent act may be used to either achieve the same results in substantially the same way, or to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way.

[0014] Accordingly, the discussion of a species (or a specific item) invokes the genus (the class of items) to which that species belongs as well as related species in that genus. Likewise, the recitation of a genus invokes the species known in the art. Furthermore, it is recognized that as technology develops, a number of additional alternatives to achieve an aspect of the invention may arise. Such advances are hereby incorporated within their respective genus, and should be recognized as being functionally equivalent or structurally equivalent to the aspect shown or described.

[0015] Second, the only essential aspects of the invention are identified by the claims. Thus, aspects of the invention, including elements, acts, functions, and relationships (shown or described) should not be interpreted as being essential unless they are explicitly described and identified as being essential. Third, a function or an act should be interpreted as incorporating all modes of doing that function or act, unless otherwise explicitly stated (for example, one recognizes that "tacking" may be done by nailing, stapling, gluing, hot gunning, riveting, etc., and so a use of the word tacking invokes stapling, gluing, etc., and all other modes of that word and similar words, such as "attaching").

[0016] Fourth, unless explicitly stated otherwise, conjunctive words (such as "or", "and", "including", or "comprising" for example) should be interpreted in the inclusive, not the exclusive, sense. Fifth, the words "means" and "step" are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and do not mean "means" or "step" as defined in §112, paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C., unless used as "means for--functioning--" or "step for--functioning--" in the Claims section. Sixth, the invention is also described in view of the Festo decisions, and, in that regard, the claims and the invention incorporate equivalents known, unknown, foreseeable, and unforeseeable. Seventh, the language and each word used in the invention should be given the ordinary interpretation of the language and the word, unless indicated otherwise.

[0017] It should be noted in the following discussion that acts with like names are performed in like manners, unless otherwise stated. Of course, the foregoing discussions and definitions are provided for clarification purposes and are not limiting. Words and phrases are to be given their ordinary plain meaning unless indicated otherwise.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The jogging trampoline apparatus is a trampoline jogging track that encompasses a zone to create a complete loop track. Many runners develop injuries in their joints because of repeated stress that occurs from the impact of running on solid surfaces. The most common solid surfaces are concrete, cement, or asphalt surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, or even trails. Repeated running on these surfaces can lead to injuries such as tendinitis, arthritis, or iliotibial band syndrome. These injuries can be avoided by running on softer surfaces or a surface that can absorb the stress created by running resulting in less stress absorbed by the runner's body.

[0019] Some runners use treadmills to change up the running. Other runners run on grass or soft trails such as dirt trails or trails with light gravel. The problem with the trails is that they are not always near or available. The problem with treadmills is that running in one spot can be boring to runners. A unique trampoline device can remedy these issues and add additional benefits.

[0020] A trampoline absorbs the contact stress resulting from running. A trampoline built as a loop track gives runners a device to train and minimize stress related injuries. The trampoline track reduces injuries by having a track with no cross frames.

[0021] Shown in FIG. 1 is an overhead view of the first embodiment of the trampoline track 100. The trampoline track has an outer frame 110. The outer frame 110 has four sides 111, 112, 113, and 114 that are connected at the ends to form a rectangular shape. The frame is rigid material such as a steel alloy or aluminum. The frame can be square tubing or cylindrical tubing. The tubing used in the first embodiment is 4 inch square hollow tube.

[0022] The first side 111 of the outer frame 110 is a long rigid material such as steel or aluminum that forms the side of the frame for support of the trampoline. The first side 111 can be smaller rigid sections that are connected to form the outer frame's 110 first side 111 instead of one long section piece. Coupled at one end of the first side 111 of the outer frame 110 is the second side 112. The second side 112 can be similarly constructed out of a single segment piece or multiple segment pieces of a rigid material forming the second side 112 of the out frame 110.

[0023] Coupled to the second side 112 of the outer frame 110 is the third side 113. The third side 113 is coupled to the second side 112 at the end opposite of the first side 111. Similar to the first side 111, the third side can be multiple segments connected or one single segment. The fourth side 114 of the outer frame 110 is coupled to the third side 113 and the first side 111 opposite of the second side 112. The fourth side 114 can be one segment or multiple segments coupled together. These four sides 111, 112, 113, and 114 enclose a rectangular area.

[0024] The inside frame 120 is composed of 4 sides 121, 122, 123, and 124, which mirror the outer frame 110 but are smaller. The inside frame sides are parallel to their counterparts and the distance between the inner frame 120 and the outer frame 110 is the same for each of the four sides. The four sides 121, 122, 123, and 124 are coupled to enclose an opening that is the middle of the embodiment. The inside frame 120 and outside frame 110 can be affixed to each other by cross bars that couple supports which increases stability and maintains the space between the two frames 110, 120. The supports are shown in FIG. 2, but the cross bars are not shown, but understood by those with ordinary skill in the art. The cross bars are not required, but if used, must be far enough beneath the jumping material to allow elastic expansion without contact.

[0025] The area between the inner frame 120 and the outer frame 110 is substantially covered by a material 130. The most common material used for trampolines is polypropylene. Alternative materials understood by those with ordinary skill in the art can be used. The material 130 is coupled to the inner frame 120 by at least one elastic element. Shown in FIG. 1 are several elastic elements 140. The outer frame 110 is coupled to the material 130 by at least 1 elastic element 140. The elastic element 140 can be a spring, a coil spring, a bungee cord, or rubber straps.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an isometric side view of the first embodiment of the trampoline running track 200. The outer frame 210 is rectangular shaped and encloses an area. The outer frame 210 encompasses the inner frame 220. The area in between the outer frame 210 and inner frame 220 is substantially covered by the jumping material 230. The jumping material is coupled to the outer frame 210 via an elastic element 240. Shown in the embodiment is a plurality of elastic elements 240, in this embodiment springs, coil springs. The side of the material 230 opposite the outer frame 210 is coupled to the inner frame 220 via at least one elastic element 240.

[0027] The outer frame 210 and inner frame 220 are supported by a plurality of supports 250. These supports 250 are connected to the frames 210, 220 to provide support and height to the embodiment that allows the trampoline to elastically expand downward without contacting the ground when being used. The supports 250 shown in the embodiment are square tubes. The supports 250 are coupled to the frames 210, 220. The coupling can be completed by brackets and bolts, pins, or even welds.

[0028] The trampoline track 200 encloses an empty area 260. This area 260 could be filled with other trampolines as part of a trampoline park or court. The trampoline track 200 is a loop for runners to navigate continuously without ever having to step on or jump over a cross frame section. The material is continuous through the entire length of the track.

[0029] Shown in FIG. 3 is an alternative embodiment 300. This embodiment 300 is for a trampoline track that is oval shaped allowing runners to maintain a faster pace through the corners. The embodiment 300 has an outer frame 310 encompassing an inner frame 320. The area between the frames is substantially covered by a material 330. The material 330 is coupled to the outer frame 310 via an elastic element, not shown but shown in earlier figures. The material 330 is coupled to the inner frame via another elastic element. The elastic elements are covered with a pad 340. The pad 340 covers the area between the jumping material and the frame on each side thus to eliminate exposure of the elastic elements. The pad reduces the risk of injury of a runner slipping in between the frames and jumping material and/or tripping on one of the elastic elements.

[0030] Shown in FIG. 4 is a cross section view of one of the sides of an embodiment using a two options for stabilizing the elastic elements, the springs. There is a plurality of spring support rods 450 each forming a loop which are secured to the frame to stabilize the coil springs that are coupling the material to the frames or a single cylindrical rod 460 can be used. Both options are shown in FIG. 4, but either option can be used for both the inner and outer frames 420, 410. The outer frame 410 is connected using the plurality option. The inner frame 420 is connected using the singular option. The outer frame 410 has small cylindrical rods 450 that are connected to the outer frame 410. These cylindrical rods 450 form loops to hook and stabilize the elastic elements 440, the coil springs 440. The coil springs 440 are coupled to the material 430. The other side of the material is coupled to another plurality of coil springs 440. The coil springs 440 are then coupled to the inner frame 420 via one cylindrical rod 450. The cylindrical rod 450 is coupled to the inner frame 420. The cylindrical rod 450 is composed of a rigid material similar to the frames. The cylindrical rod 450 can be welded to the frames. The frames using the cylindrical rod 450 can be used with any of the trampoline track embodiments.

[0031] The trampoline track is a large trampoline that can use only one piece of material. The problem is that if any portion of that material becomes worn or has a tear occur, then the entire material piece has to be replaced. The trampoline track material can have multiple sections coupled together. The sections are coupled without the need for a cross frame section. These pieces can be coupled one of multiple ways, such as a zipper method, a cross stitching method, a tie method, or the preferred method of using grommets, a cover flap, and hook and loop connector (Velcro®).

[0032] Shown in FIG. 5 is the connection of the trampoline material sections. The trampoline material has a first section 510 and a second section 520 which are connected using a cover flap 520 with hook and loop connectors 530 (Velcro®) to cover grommets 540 and rope ties 550. The grommets 540 align for the sections and are tied together to secure the sections. The hook and loop connectors 530 are additional support, but mostly for covering the grommets 540 to eliminate a tripping hazard.

[0033] In concluding the detailed description, it should be noted that it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A trampoline comprising: an inside frame that is forms a shape that encloses an inside area; an outside frame that forms a shape that encompasses the inside frame; a material substantially covering the area between the outside frame and the inside frame coupled to the inside frame by a plurality of inner elastic elements and coupled to the outside frame by a plurality of outer elastic elements.

2. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the inner frame and outer frame are both composed of a rigid material.

3. The apparatus in claim 2 wherein the rigid material is cast iron.

4. The apparatus in claim 2 wherein the rigid material is a steel alloy.

5. The apparatus in claim 2 wherein the rigid material is aluminum.

6. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the inner elastic elements and the outer elastic elements are springs.

7. The apparatus in claim 6 wherein the springs are coil springs.

8. The apparatus in claim 1 furthering comprising: an inner pad coupled to the inner frame covering inner frame and the corresponding inner elastic elements; and an outer pad coupled to the outer frame covering the outer frame and the corresponding outer elastic elements.

9. The apparatus in claim 1 further comprising: a first cylindrical rod coupled to the inside of the outer frame that secures the outer elastic elements to the outer frame; a second cylindrical rod coupled to the outside of the inner frame that secures the inner elastic elements to the inner frame.

10. The apparatus in claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of rods forming loops secured to the outside of the inner frame each securing an inner elastic element to the inner frame; a plurality of rods forming loops secured to the inside of the outer frame each securing an outer elastic element to the outer frame.

11. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the material is segments of material connected together with a coupler system.

12. The apparatus in claim 11 wherein the coupler system further comprises: a plurality of grommets located within the material near the connection edge; a chord to tie the grommets of one segment of material to another segment of material.

13. The apparatus in claim 12 further comprising a cover flap connecting to each side of two segments of material and covering the grommets and chord.

14. The apparatus in claim 13 wherein the cover flap is connected to the segments via sewed into one segment and connected to the other segment via a hoop and loop connection.

15. The apparatus in claim 11 wherein the coupler system further comprises a zipper that connects the edges of two segments and binds them together.

16. The apparatus in claim 15 further comprising a cover flap connecting to each side of two segments of material and covering the zipper.

17. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the material is polypropylene.

18. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the inner frame and outer frame are each raised by a plurality of supports raising the frames to a height above the ground.

19. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the supports of the inner frame are coupled to the supports of the outer frame via a plurality of cross beams that secure the distance between the inner and outer frame and add stability to the structure and the cross beams are secured to the supports below the material and at a height where the material does not impact the cross beam when being used.

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