Trampolines

Abstract

This invention concerns a trampoline comprising a flexible bounce mat connected to a frame by one or more resilient members such that the flexible bounce mat is held above the ground in tension. A plurality of support poles is arranged, in use, to extend upwardly from the frame and a surround of flexible material is arranged to be connected to the support poles to extend around and above the flexible bounce. An interface between the flexible bounce mat and surround may be inward of the resilient members. A cover comprising a sheet of material may extend from the surround over the resilient members to the frame. The trampoline may be without foam/padding material over at least some of the resilient members.

1 . A trampoline comprising a flexible bounce mat connected to a frame by one or more resilient members such that the flexible bounce mat is held above the ground in tension, a plurality of support poles arranged, in use, to extend upwardly from the frame, a surround of flexible material arranged to be connected to the support poles to extend around and above the flexible bounce mat, an interface between the flexible bounce mat and surround being inward of the resilient members and a cover comprising a sheet of material arranged to extend from the surround over the resilient members to the frame, wherein the trampoline is without foam material over at least some of the resilient members. 
     
     
         2 . A trampoline according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover is connected to the surround at a position spaced above the resilient members such that the cover is inclined to the resilient members, and wherein the surround extends above the connection between the cover and the surround. 
     
     
         3 . A trampoline according to  claim 1 , wherein the trampoline is without padding material over at least some of the resilient members. 
     
     
         4 . A trampoline according to  claim 1 , wherein no foam material or padding material is provided over the resilient members beneath the cover. 
     
     
         5 . A trampoline according to  claim 1 , wherein the trampoline comprises a padding layer that encloses at least a proportion of the frame and optionally the proportion of the frame enclosed by the padding layer includes outwardly facing parts of the frame. 
     
     
         6 . A trampoline according to  claim 5 , wherein the padding layer has one or more gaps through which the resilient members can connect to the frame. 
     
     
         7 . A trampoline according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover is integrally connected to the surround and the surround is integrally connected to the bounce mat such that the surround and the cover form an enclosure housing the resilient members. 
     
     
         8 . A trampoline according to  claim 7 , wherein a lower portion of the surround extending between a location where the cover attaches to the surround and the mat is arranged to allow for movement of the mat relative to the surround. 
     
     
         9 . A trampoline according to  claim 8 , wherein the lower portion of the surround has sufficient length to allow for deflection of the mat. 
     
     
         10 . A trampoline according to  claim 9 , wherein the lower portion of the surround comprises pleated material forming a bellows like arrangement that expands and collapses with movement of the mat. 
     
     
         11 . A trampoline according to  claim 8 , wherein the lower portion of the surround comprises elastic material that stretches and contracts with movement of the mat. 
     
     
         12 . A trampoline according to  claim 1 , wherein the sheet material of the cover is arranged to be connected under tension over and spaced from the resilient members such that a user cannot deform the sheet material sufficiently to touch the resilient members underneath. 
     
     
         13 . A trampoline according to  claim 1 , wherein each support pole is arranged to, whilst connected to the surround, pivot between an operating position for supporting the surround at an operating height above the flexible bounce mat and a lowered position such that the pivotal movement twists the surround about a centre of the flexible bounce mat. 
     
     
         14 . A kit of parts arranged to be assembled to form a trampoline according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         15 . A trampoline comprising a flexible bounce mat connected to a frame by one or more resilient members such that the flexible bounce mat is held above the ground in tension, a plurality of support poles arranged, in use, to extend upwardly from the frame, a surround of flexible material arranged to be connected to the support poles by quick-release connectors to extend around and above the flexible bounce mat.