Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method for attaching a trampoline enclosure net to an enclosure pole involves attaching the enclosure net directly to the top end of the enclosure pole with an elastic cord. The enclosure pole may curve outward from the trampoline. The enclosure pole may pass through an opening in a protective pad to prevent the protective pad from moving out of place. The entire trampoline may be densely packaged for easy storage and shipping.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/486,089 entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for a Trampoline” and filed on May 13, 2011 for Steven G. Stokes et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to trampoline enclosures and the packaging of trampolines. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus, system, and method for attaching a trampoline enclosure to an enclosure pole and densely packaging a trampoline system in a container. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Trampoline enclosures are structures that surround a trampoline mat to protect jumpers from accidents resulting from falling off the trampoline or colliding with the frame or springs. Currently available enclosures are supported by a series of upright enclosure poles that attach to the outside of the trampoline frame and extend straight up. The enclosure net is usually attached to the enclosure pole by an upper steel top-rail. The disadvantage of this type of attachment is that it can be difficult and tedious to put together the upper top-rail and attach it to the enclosure poles. Also, two or more individuals are typically required to install the enclosure properly. 
     Further, the current means of attaching an enclosure net to a trampoline involves the attachment of the enclosure net to a series of upright enclosure poles that are attached to the exterior of the trampoline frame. There are several disadvantages to having enclosure poles that attach to the exterior of the frame. For example, the enclosure poles attached to the exterior of the frame could cause injury to adults, children, or pets who may be walking or playing around the trampoline. Moreover, this type of attachment typically requires enclosure poles to be attached to every leg support to keep the net taut, which requires additional parts and tedious work for each additional enclosure pole. 
     Additionally, the current methods to package and ship a trampoline are burdensome due to the awkward shape of the component parts. The component parts of a trampoline are typically shipped in large containers and are arranged in such a way as to create gaps of empty space inside the box. This causes the containers to be larger than necessary, making the containers difficult to handle and expensive to store and ship. Some current configurations require the trampoline and the enclosure to be packaged in separate containers, making it even more burdensome and expensive to handle and ship. 
     Consequently, a need exists to for an enclosure net that can be easily and quickly attached to a trampoline. Further, a need exists to protect the safety of those that are present around the exterior of the trampoline by moving the enclosure poles from the exterior of the trampoline while also reducing the number or enclosure poles required and reducing the number of parts required to attach the enclosure poles. Finally, a need exists to improve the packaging of trampoline component parts to make the trampoline containers smaller, easier to handle, and less expensive to store and ship. 
     SUMMARY 
     The apparatus of the present invention has been developed in response to the current state of the art. More specifically, the present invention has solved a number of problems with the present art that have yet to be fully solved regarding trampoline enclosure systems and trampoline packaging methods. The present invention is drawn to an apparatus, system, and method of attaching a trampoline enclosure net to enclosure poles attached to a trampoline frame. Certain embodiments of the trampoline enclosure include a plurality of elastic cords attached to the top of the enclosure net. The trampoline frame includes a plurality of enclosure poles attached to the frame, which are disconnectable in such a way as to make packaging of the trampoline more efficient. 
     The upright enclosure poles consist of a bottom end and a top end. The top end of the enclosure poles have a connecting mechanism, such as an eyebolt or other connecting means whereby an elastic cord attached to the enclosure net can be coupled to the enclosure pole. This arrangement keeps the enclosure net taut even when a person jumping on the trampoline engages the net. 
     The enclosure poles may be attached to the trampoline frame by a three-way bracket, which has openings for an enclosure pole, a leg support, and a plurality of the frame tubes. The bracket in one embodiment has a square shaped opening for receiving a tapered or square shaped male connector on the bottom end of the enclosure pole. This maintains alignment of the enclosure pole ensuring the enclosure net stays taut. 
     To attach to the bracket, the enclosure poles may pass through an opening in the protective pad that covers the springs and helps prevent injuries caused by the springs or the openings between the springs. The enclosure pole has a diameter larger than the opening in the protective pad, which allows the enclosure pole to hold the protective pad in place, restricting it from moving when the trampoline is used. 
     The bracket also allows the enclosure poles in one embodiment to be situated on the interior of the curved trampoline frame. This reduces the number of parts needed to set up the enclosure and also increases the safety of those on the exterior of the trampoline. In order to ensure that the enclosure net stays taut with the enclosure poles on the interior of the frame, the enclosure poles in one embodiment curve outward. The curve in the enclosure poles may, for example, be a gradual curve or have a dogleg bend that also bends towards the exterior of the trampoline frame. This configuration also allows for the use of an odd number of enclosure poles, instead of requiring an enclosure pole to be attached to every leg support as found in the present art. 
     The enclosure poles may disconnect in the middle, creating two smaller poles. Having two smaller pieces that constitute the enclosure pole enables the trampoline to be densely packaged in a smaller container. The trampoline components are divided into layers inside the container. The bottom and intermediate layers are comprised of the enclosure poles and frame tubes. The top layer comprises the leg supports encircling the soft components such as the rebounding mat, enclosure net, and protective pad. A smaller container allows easier and less expensive handling, storage, and shipment of the trampoline. 
     Attaching the enclosure net to the enclosure poles by using an elastic cord is a quick and effective method of attaching the enclosure net to the enclosure poles. Additionally, the curvature of the enclosure poles allows the net to stay taut while requiring fewer parts to set up the enclosure net. Further, moving the enclosure poles to the interior of the trampoline frame increases the safety of those on the exterior of the trampoline. Finally, the design of the component parts allows the trampoline to be densely packaged in a container that is easy to handle, store, and ship. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a trampoline in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a trampoline frame; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a trampoline frame bracket; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view illustrating an enclosure pole; 
         FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are a side view illustrating alternative embodiments of an offset pole, one embodiment having a dogleg bend and another embodiment having a gradual curve; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the enclosure pole and the offset pole; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view perspective illustrating one embodiment of a trampoline in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a trampoline retention system; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view illustrating a first layer of the packaged trampoline in a container; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view illustrating a second layer of the packaged trampoline in a container; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view illustrating a third layer of the packaged trampoline in a container; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for packaging a trampoline. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a trampoline system  100 . The trampoline system (hereinafter “system”)  100  includes a rebounding mat  102  stretched and maintained inside the perimeter of a frame  104  by springs (not shown). The depicted embodiment illustrates a generally circular frame  104 , which may have a diameter in the range of between about 3 and 20 feet, however, the frame  104  may be formed in alternative shapes including, but not limited to, squares, rectangles, octagons, etc. Correspondingly, the rebounding mat  102  may also be formed having a shape that conforms to the shape of the frame  104 . 
     The quantity of springs is selected according to the size of the frame  104  and mat  102 . For example, a system  100  having a frame  104  with a 12 foot diameter may have in the range of between about 60 and 90 springs, while a system  100  having a frame  104  with a 15 foot diameter may have in the range of between about 90 and 120 springs. The number of springs determines the ability of the mat  102  to rebound, or accelerate a person that is jumping on the mat  102 . In other words, the number of springs helps determine how high a person will be able to jump. 
     In one embodiment, a protective pad  106  covers the springs that attach the mat  102  to the frame  104 , and protects the person jumping on the system  100  by preventing the person from falling into the springs between the mat  102  and the frame  104 . Generally, trampoline manufacturers provide pads that tie to the frame on one side of the pad, and the springs on the other side of the pad. However, this is problematic because as a person jumps, the ties become loose or rip from the mat. The system  100  overcomes this by utilizing enclosure poles  108  that secure the pad  106  to the frame  104 . 
     The enclosure poles  108 , in one embodiment, connect to a bracket on the inside of the frame  104 . To accomplish this, the enclosure poles  108  pass through the pad  106  before inserting into the bracket. As such, the enclosure poles  108  maintain the pad  106  in position over the springs without the need of ties or other attachment mechanisms. The bracket will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     Typically, trampoline manufacturers mount the enclosure pole to the outside of the frame  104  to move the enclosure pole away from the person jumping, and also to maintain the tightness of an enclosure. In other words, to keep the enclosure tight, and prevent sagging, enclosure poles are typically mounted to the outside of the frame to better stretch the enclosure. However, this requires that the enclosure poles of the typical trampoline are on the outside of the frame where they can cause an injury to people walking around the trampoline or children playing near the outside of the frame. The enclosure poles  108  in the depicted embodiment, however, are configured with an offset  112  to allow the enclosure pole  108  to be mounted inside the frame  104  while still stretching an enclosure  110  sufficiently. Beneficially, mounting the enclosure pole  108  inside the frame  104  also protects adults, children, and pets that may be playing or walking around the system  100  from becoming injured on an enclosure pole  108  that protrudes from the frame  104 . 
     The frame  104  is supported by multiple leg supports  114 . The number of leg supports  114  may be determined according to the diameter of the frame  104 . In one example, the number of leg supports  114  is in the range of between about 4 and 6. For example, with a frame diameter of 15 feet, the number of leg supports  114  is 6. The system  100 , as depicted, includes one enclosure support  108  per leg support  114 . Alternatively, the system  100  may include any number of enclosure supports  108  as is necessary to maintain the enclosure  110 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a portion of the frame  104 . The frame  104 , in one embodiment, is formed of a plurality of curved tubes  202 , where each of the curved tubes  202  form a portion of the substantially circular frame  104  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Each of the curved tubes is formed having substantially equivalent lengths. In a further example, each curved tube  202  is identical to an adjacent curved tube  202  in shape and length. The curved tubes  202  are formed of a substantially rigid material capable of supporting a person while jumping on the mat. In one embodiment, the rigid material is steel. 
     The curved tubes  202  are formed having a male portion that inserts into a bracket  204 . The male portion of the curved tubes  202  and the corresponding female portion of the bracket  204 , in one embodiment, are square so as to prevent rotation of the curved tubes  202  with reference to the bracket  204 .  FIG. 2  also illustrates the leg support  114 . The leg support  114  may also be formed of steel like the curved tubes  202 . The leg support  114 , in one embodiment, comprises u-shaped, ground-engaging, leg center tube  206  that is connectable with straight leg tubes  208 . 
     In one example, the leg center tube  206  is formed having a generally u-shaped profile, with two opening for receiving the straight leg tubes  208 . The straight leg tubes  208 , for ease of manufacture, are formed having circular male portions at each end for inserting into either the bracket  204  or the leg center tube  206 . Due to the symmetrical nature of the straight leg tubes  208 , assembly of the trampoline  100  of  FIG. 1  is easier, as a person does not have to concern oneself about the correct orientation of the straight leg tubes  208 . Alternatively, and in a manner similar to the curved tubes  202 , the straight leg tubes  208  may be formed having square male portions for inserting into the bracket  204 . 
     Each bracket  204  is configured to receive, in one embodiment, four tubes or poles. These tubes include two curved tubes  202 , one straight leg tube  208 , and one enclosure pole  108  of  FIG. 1 . The bracket  204  will be described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a bracket  204 . The bracket  204 , as described above, is configured to receive four tubes, including two curved tubes  202 , the straight leg tube  208 , and the enclosure pole  108  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The bracket  204  may be formed having square openings  302 ,  304  for the curved tubes  202  and the enclosure pole  108 , and a round opening  306  for the straight leg tubes  208 . The bracket  204  is formed of a substantially rigid material capable of supporting the trampoline system  100 . In one example, this substantially rigid material is a metal such as steel. 
     The bracket  204  may be formed as one unitary piece. In other words, the bracket  204  may be cast from a single mold. Alternatively, the bracket  204  may be formed of separate pieces that are coupled together. For example, the bracket may be formed in two pieces as depicted by dashed line  308  and then welded or otherwise bonded together. 
     The bracket  304 , as described above, utilizes square openings  302 ,  304  to prevent the rotation of the piece inserted into the square opening  302 ,  304  with reference to the bracket  204 . These openings  302 ,  304 , consequently, may be formed having other non-circular openings that would also prevent rotation. For example, the openings may have a rectangular or hexagonal cross-section. In an alternative embodiment, the openings  302 ,  304  may be circular. 
       FIG. 4  is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an enclosure pole  108 . The enclosure pole  108 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , inserts into an opening on the inside of the frame  104 . In other words, the enclosure pole  108  inserts inside the circular frame  104 , unlike many common enclosure poles that attach to the outside of the frame. The enclosure pole  108 , as depicted, is an elongated pole having opposing ends  402 ,  404 . The opposing ends  402 ,  404  may be tapered or stepped to form a male portion for inserting into a corresponding opening in either the bracket  204  of  FIG. 2 , or an adjacent section of the enclosure support (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     In one embodiment, a protective foam covering  406  encircles the enclosure pole  108 . The foam covering  406  protects a user who unintentionally comes in contact with the enclosure pole  108 . The foam covering  406  may be formed of polyurethane foam covered by a nylon cover, for example. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, the many different foams and covers that may suitably be used to protect a user of the trampoline. 
     As depicted, at least one end  404  of the enclosure pole  108  is formed with a square end  408 . The enclosure pole  108 , in one embodiment, is formed with a tubular portion  410  adjacent the square end  408 . When inserted into the square opening  304  of  FIG. 3  the enclosure pole  108  does not rotate with reference to the trampoline frame. This allows the enclosure pole to maintain tension on enclosure  110  of  FIG. 1 . In other words, if the enclosure pole  108  rotated, the enclosure pole  108  and the offset  112  would not be able to maintain the tension of the enclosure  110  that stretches the enclosure  110  between the enclosure poles  108  and prevents users from falling off the trampoline. 
     In a further embodiment, the square end  408  includes an opening  412  for securing the enclosure pole  108  inside the bracket  204  of  FIG. 3 . For example, a bolt or other fastening device may pass through the bracket  204  and the opening  412  to secure the enclosure pole  108  and prevent vertical movement. 
       FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are side view diagrams illustrating further embodiments of the enclosure pole  108 . The enclosure pole  108 , as described above, couples with an offset pole  502 , having an outward curve, examples of which include a gradual curve  502   b  and a dogleg bend  502   a . The end  402  of the enclosure pole  108 , in one embodiment, is formed as a male portion insertable into the offset pole  502  as indicated by the dashed line  504 . Like end  404 , end  402  also prevents rotation of the offset pole  502  with reference to the enclosure pole  108 . Although depicted as two distinct poles, the enclosure pole  108  and the offset pole  502  may be a single pole of sufficient length. However, packaging the trampoline system of  FIG. 1  in a manageable container for shipping is accomplished by providing separated enclosure poles  108  and offset poles  502 . 
     The offset  504  is in the range of between about 2 and 20 inches. In a further embodiment, the offset  504  is in the range of between about 4 and 8 inches. In yet another embodiment, the offset  504  is 6 inches. As used herein, the term offset refers to the perpendicular distance between the longitudinal axis  506  of an upper portion of the offset pole  502  and the longitudinal axis  508  of a lower portion of the offset pole, as illustrated by dashed lines  506 ,  508 , respectively. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of the enclosure pole  108  and the offset pole  502 .  FIG. 6  illustrates two zoomed in views of the trampoline system  100  of  FIG. 1 . The first zoomed in view  602  is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure pole  108  as inserted into the bracket  204  of  FIG. 2 . As described above, the enclosure pole  108  passes through an opening in the protective pad  106  and inserts into the bracket  204 . The enclosure pole  108 , as depicted, is located on the inside of the frame  104 . A fastening device  604  may secure the square end  408  of the enclosure pole  108  to the bracket  204 , thereby securing the protective pad  106 . 
     In one embodiment, the protect pad  106  is held in place because the foam covering of the enclosure pole  108  has an equivalent diameter to the opening through which the enclosure pole  108  passes. Alternatively, the tubular portion of the enclosure pole has a greater diameter than the opening in the protective pad  106  through which the square end  408  passes. 
       FIG. 6  also depicts a zoomed in view of an enclosure  110  attachment  608 . In one example, the enclosure  110  is secured to the offset pole  502  by a flexible cord  608  and an s-hook  610 . The flexible cord  608  may be formed of a shock or elastic cord that contains one or more elastic strands. As such, the flexible cord  608  is capable of absorbing movement of the enclosure  110 . For example, if a person accidentally falls into the enclosure  110 , the flexible cords  608  absorb the stretching and moving of the enclosure  110 , and eventually rebound to a default position that evenly stretches the enclosure between all of the enclosure and offset poles. An s-hook  610  couples the flexible cord  608  to a connecting mechanism on the offset pole  502 . In the depicted embodiment, the connecting mechanism is an eyebolt  612  that is connected to the offset pole  502 . 
       FIG. 7  is a top view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the trampoline  700 . The trampoline  700 , as described above, is formed of the rebounding mat  702 , the protective pad  704 , and the frame (not shown here). The rebounding mat  702 , as depicted, may be circular or alternatively, may be other polygonal shapes including, but not limited to, squares, rectangles, and hexagons. The protective pad  704  includes multiple openings  706  positioned radially around the protective pad  704  for receiving the enclosure poles. The openings are positioned to correspond with respective brackets (see  FIG. 3 ). In one example, the protective pad  704  includes six openings. Alternatively, the protective pad  704  may include as many openings as enclosure poles, which are determined according to the size of the enclosure that will be stretched between the enclosure poles, but may include either an even or odd number of enclosure poles. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a trampoline retention system  800 . The retention system  800  maintains the position of the trampoline with reference to the ground  802 . The retention system  800  includes an elongated anchor  804  embedded in the ground  802 , and a strap  806  connecting the anchor  804  to the trampoline  808 . 
     The anchor  804 , in one embodiment, is formed of a substantially rigid material that is capable of being inserted into the ground  802 . As the anchor  804  will most likely be “pounded” into the ground  802  by a hammer, for example, the anchor  804  is formed of a corrosion-resistant metal material, such as stainless steel. The anchor  804 , in one example, is formed having a length in the range of between about 12 and 24 inches. In another embodiment, the anchor  804  is formed having a length of between about 14 and 18 inches. Alternatively, the anchor is 16 inches long. 
     The anchor  804  may be formed with an “eye” opening  810  for receiving the strap  806 . The strap  806  is formed of a high-tensile strength, and substantially non-stretchable, material. For example, the strap  806  may be formed of a high-strength nylon. The strap  806  also includes an adjustment device  812  for adjusting the tension of the strap  806  between the trampoline  808  and the anchor  804 . In a further embodiment, the adjustment device  812  may include a buckle for easy removal of the strap  806 . 
     The strap  806  connects with the upper portions of the frame  814  of the trampoline  808 . Unlike many common retention systems that connect to the base  816  of the trampoline, the strap  806  connects with the curved portions of the frame  814  to provide a better leverage angle. Although  FIG. 8  illustrates a single retention system  800 , multiple retention systems  800  may be positioned around the trampoline. For example, two or more retention systems  800  may extend radially outward from the frame  814  at intervals selected by the user of the trampoline. 
       FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  11  are top view diagrams illustrating one method of packing the trampoline system as described above in a container  900  capable of being shipped on a pallet. The container  900 , in one embodiment, has dimensions of about 20 inches wide and about 48 inches long. As such, two containers  900  may be stacked side-by-side on a 40 inch by 48 inch pallet. This is accomplished because the components have been designed to pack compactly inside the container  900 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a first layer of the container, which may include a plurality of sublayers. The first sublayer may contain a plurality of circular frame tubes  902  with the three way brackets attached and facing upward (not shown). The second sublayer may contain a plurality of upright poles  908 . The third sublayer may contain another plurality of circular frame tubes  902  with brackets attached (not shown). The fourth sublayer may contain a plurality of upright poles  908 . The final sublayer may contain a plurality of leg center tubes  904 .  FIG. 10  illustrates a second layer comprising the rebounding mat  1002  that covers the components described above. Finally,  FIG. 11  illustrates another layer that includes the protective pad  1102 . In one example, the protective pad  1102  is a unitary ring of padding that is folded to fit into the container  900 . Alternatively, the protective pad  1102  is formed of individual curved portions, as depicted, that may be attached to each other to form the protective pad as depicted above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method  1200  for providing a trampoline. The method  1200  starts  1202  and a trampoline is provided  1204 . Providing  1204  a trampoline, in one embodiment, includes providing a trampoline in accordance with the system described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-11 . The trampoline includes, for example, curved portions connected to leg portions and enclosure poles via a bracket. The enclosure pole includes an offset portion for stretching an enclosure. The trampoline may include any number of enclosure poles as is necessary to support the enclosure and maintain tension on the enclosure. 
     Each of the components of the trampoline is provided with a dimension capable of fitting inside a container with dimensions of about 20 inches wide and 48 inches long. For example, the curved portions are separable and stackable inside the container. Likewise, the leg center tubes, the straight leg tubes, the enclosure poles, and the offset poles are separable and stackable inside the container. The method  1200  continues and the frame elements are stacked in the container to form the first layer  1206 . 
     The second layer may then be packed  1208 . In one example, the second layer includes the rebounding mat, as depicted above with reference to  FIG. 10 . The third layer is then packed  1210 . In one embodiment, packing  1210  the third layer comprises packing the protective pad. 
     Although described above in a certain order, the first, second, and third layers may be packed in an alternative order as deemed necessary for proper shipment of the trampoline system. The method  1200  then ends  1212 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.