Plyometric rebounder or the like

Abstract

A trampoline-type device comprises an encompassing frame supported by plural legs and a mat suspended on the frame. The frame is supported by no less than three legs. Support members attachable to the frame convert the device into a plyometric rebounder.

1 . An exercise system comprising:
 a frame defining a central opening;   a rebounding surface comprising a mat;   at least one elastic member extending between the frame and the mat to support at least a portion of the mat within the central opening, with the supported portion of the mat extending generally in a plane;   a plurality of legs extending from the frame and suitable to support the frame above the ground with the supported portion of the mat extending generally horizontally such that an individual can jump on the mat; and   at least one detachable support member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, the upper end portion being attachable to a leg or to the frame, the support member being sufficiently rigid and the attachment being sufficiently fixed that, when the upper end portion is attached to a leg or to the frame, the lower end portion rests on the ground and supports the frame at an angle to the horizon with some of the legs touching the ground and some of the legs not touching the ground, the ground-touching legs not being blocked from moving toward the lower end portion upon impact of an object against the mat.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise system of  claim 1  wherein the frame has a lateral dimension of 50 inches or less. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise system of  claim 1  configured such the attachment is located in the upper 50% of the height of the tilted frame when the support member is attached to the frame and the frame is supported at an angle to the horizon. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise system of  claim 3  configured such the attachment is located only in the upper 50% of the height of the tilted frame when the support member is attached to the frame and the frame is supported at an angle to the horizon. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise system of  claim 3  configured such the attachment is located in the upper 60% of the height of the tilted frame when the support member is attached to the frame and the frame is supported at an angle to the horizon. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise system of  claim 5  configured such the attachment is located only in the upper 60% of the height of the tilted frame when the support member is attached to the frame and the frame is supported at an angle to the horizon. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise system of  claim 1  wherein the detachable support member comprises an air shock spring. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise system of  claim 1  wherein the detachable support member comprises an inflatable member. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise system of  claim 1  wherein the detachable support member comprises a leaf spring. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise system of  claim 1  wherein the detachable support member comprises a snap-on coupling member. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise system of  claim 1  wherein the detachable support member comprises telescoping poles. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise system of  claim 1  wherein the angle of the detachable support member relative to the frame is adjustable. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise system of  claim 1  wherein the detachable support member comprises a hook adjustment. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise system of  claim 1  comprising:
 at least two detachable support members; and 
 a cross-bar extending between two of the detachable support members. 
 
     
     
         15 . The exercise system of  claim 1  having at least three legs. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one support member does not couple directly or indirectly to a support structure or member that would prevent the lower end portion of the member from moving closer to the trampoline frame during an impact from an object is used to stiffen a portion of the trampoline frame or trampoline leg(s) at a point below half the height of the tilted trampoline. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise system of  claim 1  wherein:
 the at least one support member does not couple directly or indirectly to a support structure or member that would prevent the lower end portion of the member from moving closer to the trampoline frame during an impact from an object; and 
 the system is without a member used to stiffen a portion of the trampoline frame or trampoline leg(s) at a point below half the height of the tilted trampoline. 
 
     
     
         18 . The exercise system of  claim 1  wherein:
 the at least one support member is not coupled directly or indirectly to an additional substantially rigid support structure or member that supports a portion of the trampoline frame that is above or below the point at which the support member is attached to the trampoline; and 
 the lower end of the support member can move closer to the trampoline during a significant impact to the rebounding surface. 
 
     
     
         19 . An exercise system comprising:
 a frame defining a central opening;   a rebounding surface comprising a mat;   at least one elastic member extending between the frame and the mat to support at least a portion of the mat within the central opening, with the supported portion of the mat extending generally in a plane;   a plurality of legs extending from the frame and suitable to support the frame above the ground with the supported portion of the mat extending generally horizontally such that an individual can jump on the mat;   a base to support an edge of the frame above the ground such that none of the legs touch the ground; and   at least one detachable support member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, the upper end portion being attachable to a leg or to the frame, the support member being sufficiently rigid and the attachment being sufficiently fixed that, when the upper end portion is attached to a leg or to the frame, the lower end portion rests on the ground and supports the frame at an angle to the horizon, the base not being blocked from moving toward the lower end portion upon impact of an object against the mat.