Abstract:
A decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which can be easily secured to and removed from a trampoline is described. The trampoline assembly is designed to enhance the safety features associated with a trampoline, as well as enhance a user&#39;s experience. The trampoline assembly may include a first component coupleable to a horizontal frame of a trampoline, and a second component independently coupleable to the horizontal frame of a trampoline and covering the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline. The first component, the second component, or combinations thereof may contain one or more features that can be used to enhance an individual&#39;s experience when using the device and may include indicia, such as colors, wordings, symbols, lighting, audio devices, or combinations thereof.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to exercise and/or recreational devices; and more particularly to an assembly for dressing a trampoline which provides decorative and safety features. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Trampolines are well known devices used for both recreational use and for fitness reasons. Such devices are increasingly popular as they provide efficient exercise, increase cardiovascular fitness, provide for low impact exercising, and are believed to provide detoxification resulting from the stimulation of free flowing lymphatic drainage. Because using a trampoline does not necessarily require complex movement, individuals of all ages can obtain the many benefits of jumping up and down on the device. In addition, because the use of a trampoline is thought to be fun, use may have a positive impact on an individual&#39;s mental health. While these devices have many benefits, care must be undertaken when using to avoid injury. 
         [0003]    As trampolines became popular, finding their way into backyards and home basements, the number of injuries associated with trampoline use increased. Recent developments in the design of trampolines have helped lower the number of associated injuries. One such improvement is the use of trampoline mats which are designed to cover portions of the trampoline frame and springs. These pads are typically a gymnasium style floor mat adapted to fit the trampoline. In addition, many current trampolines include trampoline enclosures, typically some type of netting surrounding the trampoline perimeter and preventing the user from unwanted “jumping off” of the rebounding surface. 
         [0004]    The present invention improves upon traditional trampolines utilizing standard safety features by providing a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which is easy to apply to and/or remove from the trampoline frame and can be used to enhance a user&#39;s experience. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A unique decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which can be easily secured to and removed from a trampoline is described. The trampoline assembly is designed to enhance the safety features associated with a trampoline, as well as enhance a user&#39;s experience. The trampoline assembly may include a first component coupleable to a horizontal frame of a trampoline, and a second component independently coupleable to the horizontal frame of a trampoline and covering the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline. The first component comprises at least one portion sized and shaped to mirror the shape of the horizontal frame to cover one or more trampoline springs coupled to a rebounding surface, and at least one portion to cover at least a portion of the space between a rebounding surface and a surface supporting a trampoline. The first component, the second component, or combinations thereof may contain one or more features that can be used to enhance an individual&#39;s experience when using the device, and may include indicia such as colors, wordings, symbols, lighting, audio devices, or combinations thereof. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a safety assembly for dressing recreational or exercise equipment. 
         [0007]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a decorative assembly for dressing recreational or exercise equipment. 
         [0008]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which can be easily secured to and removed from the trampoline. 
         [0009]    It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which includes a plurality of safety pads attached thereto to independent regions of the trampoline. 
         [0010]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which includes a plurality of safety pads attached thereto to independent regions of the trampoline and contains visual enhancement features to enhance a user&#39;s experience. 
         [0011]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline which includes a plurality of safety pads attached thereto to independent regions of the trampoline and contains visual enhancement features, audio enhancement features, or combinations thereof to enhance a user&#39;s experience. 
         [0012]    It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly kit for dressing a trampoline. 
         [0013]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a decorative and safety assembly kit for dressing a trampoline which includes a plurality of safety pads attached thereto to independent regions of the trampoline. 
         [0014]    Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a standard mini-trampoline; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic representation of a resilient member, showing attachment to mini-trampoline frame and rebounding surface; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an alternative embodiment for attaching the rebounding surface to the mini-trampoline frame; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the trampoline dressing in accordance with the present invention with a standard mini-trampoline; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a standard mini-trampoline with an illustrative embodiment of a trampoline dressing; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a back perspective view of the mini-trampoline with the trampoline dressing; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a right side view of the mini-trampoline with the trampoline dressing; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a left side view of the mini-trampoline with the trampoline dressing; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the mini-trampoline with the trampoline dressing; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a bottom side view of the mini-trampoline with the trampoline dressing; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a partial view of an illustrative example of the pad assembly showing the various components; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is an additional partial view of the components of the assembly; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  illustrates a partial view of the pad assembly secured to a portion of the horizontal frame of a trampoline; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of the pad assembly; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the second component of the trampoline dressing assembly; 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of the second component of the trampoline dressing assembly; 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a back perspective view of the second component of the trampoline dressing assembly; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  illustrates a standard mini-trampoline with an illustrative embodiment of a trampoline dressing depicting a race car; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  illustrates a standard mini-trampoline with an illustrative embodiment of a trampoline dressing depicting a lady bug; 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  illustrates a standard mini-trampoline with an illustrative embodiment of a trampoline dressing depicting a turtle; 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  illustrates a standard mini-trampoline with an illustrative embodiment of a trampoline dressing with additional visual and audio features; 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is a schematic drawing illustrating electronic connection to support visual and audio features; 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  illustrates a standard mini-trampoline with an illustrative embodiment of a sports-themed trampoline dressing with decorative rebounding surface; 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  illustrates an additional embodiment of the sports-themed trampoline dressing with decorative rebounding surface. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0040]    The present invention is directed towards a decorative and safety assembly for dressing a trampoline, referred to generally as a trampoline dressing or assembly  10 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , a standard mini-trampoline  12  is illustrated. The mini-trampoline  12  embodiment is used for illustrative purposes, and any trampoline known to one of skill in the art may be used with the trampoline dressing  10 . The trampoline  12  contains a horizontal frame  14  having a generally circular configuration. While such configuration may be preferred, the circular configuration is for illustrative purposes and not intended to be limiting as the horizontal frame  14  can assume, for example, a square shape, a hexagonal shape, or a rectangular shape. A plurality of vertical support frames or legs  16  provide elevated support for the horizontal frame  14 . The plurality of vertical support frames or legs  16  allow the horizontal frame  14  to be positioned above the floor or ground. Coupled to the horizontal frame  14  via a plurality of resilient members, illustrated herein as coil springs  18 , is a rebounding surface or trampoline mat  20 . The plurality of resilient members is designed to provide elasticity or bounce to the rebounding surface or trampoline mat  20 . One end of the coil spring  18  contains a hook-like structure  21  which connects to a metal ring  22  coupled to a band  23  secured to the rebounding surface or trampoline mat  20  and positioned at or near the inner edge margin  24  of the rebounding surface  20 , see  FIGS. 1 and 2A . At the opposite end of the coil spring  18  is a second hook-like structure  25  which connects to an opening  26  positioned within the horizontal frame  14 . Such arrangement provides for a highly resilient surface when in use, i.e. a user jumps up and down on the rebounding surface  20 . Alternative mechanisms for and providing elasticity or bounce and for attaching the rebounding surface  20  to the horizontal frame  14  known in the art can be used as well.  FIG. 2B  illustrates a partial view of the trampoline  12  illustrating one such mechanism through the use of a foam strap for attaching the rebounding surface  20  to the horizontal frame  14 . As shown, the horizontal frame  14  contains a foam cover  29 . Alternatively, the rebounding surface  20  can attach to the horizontal frame  14  using a bungee cord. Attached to the trampoline  12  is a handrail  28 . The handrail  28  could be constructed as a single unit and coupled to, for example, the vertical support frames or legs  16 . Alternatively, the handrail  28  may be made of individual parts which can be fit and secured together, using, for example, male/female connecting means, to provide for ease of shipping and/or assembly. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-9 , an illustrative example of the trampoline dressing  10  secured to a trampoline  12  resting on a floor surface  31  is shown. The trampoline dressing  10  comprises a first component  30  constructed to couple or secure to at least one portion of the trampoline  12  and a second component  32  constructed to couple to or secure to at least one portion of the trampoline  12 . When both the first component  30  and the second component  32  are secured or coupled to the trampoline  12 , the trampoline  12  is preferably transformed to contain safety features as well as a theme-based motif. As shown in  FIGS. 4-9 , the trampoline  12  is fitted with a trampoline assembly or dressing  10  so as to transform the trampoline  12  to appear as a bug when viewed in different views. In addition to animals, the theme-based motif may include but is not limited to machines such as cars, trucks, boats, or airplanes, sports related such as a general sport i.e. football, baseball, or basketball, or team specific such as a National Football League (NFL) team, or character related such as DISNEY characters, comic book characters, or superheroes such as SPIDERMAN. 
         [0042]    Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the first component  30  is designed to cover multiple portions of the trampoline  12  to provide for the theme-based motif appearance. The upper portion of the first component  30  is designed to secure or couple to at least one portion of the horizontal frame  14  of the trampoline  12  in order to cover at least a portion of the horizontal frame  14  and the spring coils  18 . Accordingly, the first component  30  comprises a pad assembly  34  formed of cover material  36  and a cushioning material  38 , such as, for example, a foam strip, see  FIG. 10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the cover material  36  contains an upper portion  40  which when secured to the trampoline  12  is visualized by the user, forming the upper surface  41  of the trampoline dressing  10 , a lower portion  42  which contacts and covers the spring coils  18  and forms the lower surface  44  of the trampoline dressing  10 . The cushioning material  38  is inserted between the upper portion  40  and the lower portion  42 , see  FIG. 11 . Alternatively, the cushioning material  38  may be secured directly to either the upper portion  40  or the lower portion  42  via stitching. 
         [0043]    Both the upper portion  40  and the lower portion  42  contain expandable edges  46 A and  46 B respectively. The expandable edges  46 A and  46 B are formed by using a stretchable and resilient material or band secured thereto, through for example being sewn within, to allow the edges to expand in size and be secured to a portion of the horizontal frame  14 . In use, the lower portion  42  can be secured to a portion of the horizontal frame  14 , see  FIG. 12 , by stretching the expandable edge  46 B on and over the outer edge  48  of the horizontal frame  14 . As the band retracts back, it secures the lower portion  42  thereto. Once secured in position, the cushioning material  38  is inserted and rests on top of the lower portion  42 . The upper portion  40  is then folded over the cushioning material at a fold line  50 , and using expandable edge  46 A is secured to the outer edge  48  of the horizontal frame  14 . 
         [0044]    The fold line  50  is positioned at or extends past an outer edge  52  of the horizontal frame  14  and may include a stretchable and resilient band. The fold line  50  defines the inner edge  54  of the trampoline dressing  10 , and the upper portion  40  and the lower portion  42  when folded over define the outer edge  56  (see  FIG. 3 ). In this construction, the first component  30  can be easily removed and secured to the trampoline. Such feature aids the user by providing ease of assembly, ease of removal, and ease of replacing the cushioning pad when need. Such construction further allows the first component  30  to be removed from the trampoline  12  and cleaned without the risk of damaging the cushioning material  38 . 
         [0045]    The pad assembly  34  may alternatively be constructed as an enclosed unit similar to a pillow, see  FIG. 13 . The cushioning material  38 , therefore, is secured between the upper portion  40  and lower portion  42  through stitching lines  58 . Alternatively, the stitching may be replaced by other sealing mechanisms, such as but not limited to, a zipper, buttons, snaps, or hook and loops fastener such as VELCRO. 
         [0046]    Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the first component  30  further includes a skirt  58  integrally formed or attached thereto to provide a side wall which covers at least a portion of the space  60 , preferably the entire space, between the rebounding surface  20  or the horizontal frame  14  and the floor surface  31  supporting a trampoline. The skirt  58  further provides for the transformation of the trampoline  12  to a theme-based appearance. The skirt  58  is positioned along the outer edge perimeter of the pad assembly  34 , but does not extend completely around the perimeter and is aligned in a generally perpendicular manner with respect to the pad assembly  34 . As such, a portion of the pad assembly  34  extends out past a skirt first end  62  and the opposing skirt second end  64 . 
         [0047]    Both the skirt first end  62  and the opposing skirt second end  64  are adapted to be securable to the second component  32 . Accordingly, each end  62  and  64  contains a first member of a first component to second component securing assembly  65 , illustrated herein as either the hook or loop portions of a hook and loop fastener such as VELCRO. Positioned at various locations along the body of the skirt are fastening members  66  illustrated herein as string ties. The fastening members  66  are designed to provide for securing the skirt  58  to a plurality of positions on the trampoline, such as the vertical support members  16 . While the illustrated embodiment is shown as string ties, other mechanisms may be used including buttons, snaps, VELCRO, or the other means known to one of skill in the art. Additionally, the trampoline dressing  10  may include a foam insert  59 , see  FIG. 9 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 14-16 , an illustrative example of the second component  32  is illustrated. The second component  32  includes a first surface  68  secured to a second surface  70  thereby forming an enclosed area. The enclosed area is filled with cushioning material to form a front pad. At each end  72  and  74  is an extension or flap  76  which contains a second member  78  of the first component to second component securing assembly, illustrated herein as either the hook or loop portions of a hook and loop fastener such as VELCRO. The second component  32  is designed to couple to the first component  30  within the area defined by the portion of the pad assembly perimeter which does not include the skirt  58 . The second component provides for an additional, independent padded area that protects the front portion of the trampoline  12  below the padded assembly  34 . Positioned on the back surface  70  is a recessed area  80  having a looped securing member  82  for receiving and securing thereto a vertical or leg support  16 . A plurality of fastening members  84 , illustrated herein as string ties, may be used as well for securing to other parts of the trampoline  12  or trampoline dressing  10 . 
         [0049]    A plurality of handrail guards  86 , such as foam bodies, are secured to one or more portions of a handrail  28  if a handrail is used, and prevents or minimizes injury if a user contacts the handrail  28 . 
         [0050]    As described previously, the trampoline dressing  10  is designed to provide both safety and decorative features. As such, the trampoline dressing  10  can be applied to any trampoline, thereby allowing the trampoline to assume a decorative or theme-based appearance. As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-8 , the trampoline dressing  10  is designed to provide for the appearance of a bug. As such, one or more components of the trampoline dressing  10  may contain one or more colors, and indicia such as words, letterings, symbols. For example, the trampoline dressing  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5  have eyes  88 , a mouth  90 , and dots  92 . In addition, external features may be coupled to one or more portions of the trampoline dressing  10 , such as bug antenna  94 . Referring to  FIGS. 17-19 , additional theme-based appearances are shown.  FIG. 17  represents a race car having head lights  96 , attached wheels  98 , and a colored yellow racing strip  100  against a red back drop  102 .  FIG. 18  represents a lady bug having a red body with spots  104 , eyes  106 , mouth  108 , and antenna  110 .  FIG. 19  represents a turtle having eyes  112 , mouth  114 , and external features attached such as legs  116 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 20  illustrates additional features associated with the trampoline dressing  10 . In addition to all the featured as described previously, the trampoline dressing  10  is designed to provide visual and/or audio features. As such, the trampoline dressing  10  may include the necessary electronics to provide such features and may include a circuit board or microprocessor  118  electronically coupled, via wiring or wirelessly, to a light source  122  such as LED lights, white or colored, a speaker  124  for producing sound, and a sensor  126 , see  FIG. 21 , which may induce the circuit board or microprocessor to produce sound or light based on a user jumping on the trampoline surface. A control unit  128  may be used to turn the lights or sound on and off, or to provide control of the volume of sound or type of lights produced, i.e. constant on or flashing. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the control unit  128  and wires  120  secure to portions of the handrail  28 . A pressure sensor  126  within the rebounding surface or trampoline mat  20  may be used to send a signal to the microprocessor (not shown) each time a person jumps on the mat  20 . LED lights  122  placed in the headlights  96  may be turned on and off as a result of the jumping. Speaker  124  may be imbedded within the trampoline dressing  10 , such as within the skirt, to provide a sound, such as a car roar, screech or honk. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate an embodiment of the trampoline dressing  10  having a sports-based theme.  FIG. 22  is shown having a football based theme. The first component  30  contains features that indicate a football, including images that depict football white lacing  126 . In addition to or alternatively, the first component  30  may contain images that represent a specific professional or college football team, such as team colors, mascots, name/nick-names, or other symbols that represent the specific team. In addition to the features described throughout the specification, the trampoline dressing includes an additional feature in which the rebounding surface  20  forms part of the decorative image. As illustrated, the rebounding surface  20  includes printed images or overlays of a football field, illustrating the various components of a football field including hash marks  128 , yard lines  130 , and numerals  132  that indicate numerical values for the yard lines. 
         [0053]      FIG. 23  illustrates a trampoline dressing  10  depicting a basketball theme. The first component  30  may contain images that represent the sport in a general manner or represent specific professional or college basketball teams, such as team colors, mascots, name/nick-names, or other symbols that represent the specific team. As shown, first component  30  is designed to depict a basketball net  134 . The rebounding surface  20  includes printed images or overlays of a basketball  136  and components of the basketball court, including the free throw circles  138 , half-court line  140 , three point lines  142 , and free-throw lines  144 . 
         [0054]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0055]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0056]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.