Trampoline system with systematically phased spring elements

Abstract

Springs or other elastic connectors used to support a bed within the frame of a trampoline or the like are attached using methods that systematically vary the tension (or the travel distance required to reach limit of elasticity) between adjacent (or sets of adjacent) springs. These spring attachment methods increase the time it takes a given trampoline to absorb a given amount of energy, increasing the shock absorption time and thereby reducing the likelihood of an injury.

1 . A trampoline system comprising: 
 a bed comprising an expanse of trampoline fabric having fasteners mounted at a plurality of positions around the perimeter of the expanse; and    multiple fastener elements of different dimensions located at some of the positions so that the tension of the bed can be altered by the selection of the dimension of the fastener elements.    
   
   
       2 . A trampoline system comprising: 
 a bed comprising an expanse of trampoline fabric connected to springs at a plurality of positions around the perimeter of the expanse; and    fastener elements located at the positions to adjust the tension of springs that support the bed such that the tension of the springs is not uniform at every position.