Patent Publication Number: US-7909703-B1

Title: Child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/965,060 filed on Aug. 17, 2007, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a safety bouncing toy therefor a child comprising a bouncing platform surrounded by a padded and mesh safety enclosure and accessible therewith an access gate suspended thereabove a base unit, wherein said bouncing toy provides an illumination means whenever a control sensor senses a bouncing motion thereof said bouncing platform. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Children enjoy bouncing on objects. Whether bouncing on a bed or even on a hard floor, children just seem to love it. Of course as with most things children like to do, there is an element of risk involved. Children can fall off of beds and can hit their head and chin on chairs or end tables they may be holding while bouncing. An apparatus specifically made for bouncing, the trampoline, just isn&#39;t practical for use by young children such as toddlers, as it introduces additional safety worries. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which young children can bounce in a controlled manner while still remaining safe and free from injury. The development of the child bouncing toy with safety net fulfills this need. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,594,840 issued to Tomas et al. discloses a bassinet and bouncer combination. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,097 issued to Harper and Bertsch discloses an infant carrier with a bounce function. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a child&#39;s bounce toy with a safety net. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,944 issued to Cone and Rosko discloses a stationary baby jumper that appears to be a jumper seat for toddlers mounted on a frame. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a child&#39;s bounce toy with a safety net. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,530 issued to Harper and Bertsch discloses an infant carrier with a bouncer mode of operation. Unfortunately this patent does not appear to disclose a child&#39;s bounce toy with a safety net. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 347,121 issued to Harper discloses an infant bouncer. This design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed invention nor does it appear to disclose a trampoline apparatus for use by young children that possesses a safety net and motion activated lights. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 370,958 issued to Rash discloses a child bungee bouncing toy. This design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed invention nor does it appear to disclose a trampoline apparatus for use by young children that possesses a safety net and motion activated lights. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. D 503,289, D 507,121 and D 507,891 issued to Eyman and Schmidlin disclose baby bouncers. These design patents do not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed invention nor do they appear to disclose a trampoline apparatus for use by young children that possesses a safety net and motion activated lights. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In light of the disadvantages in the prior art, it is apparent that there is a need for a novel trampoline with an attached safety net for use by young children of toddler age that provides them with the ability to bounce and does not allow a child to flip or jump through the air. 
     An object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net provides young children of toddler age with the ability to stand and bounce up and down on their feet. 
     Another object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net is that it does not allow a child to flip or jump through the air as do conventional trampolines. 
     A further object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net is that the apparatus forms a circular enclosure of approximately two (2) to three (3) feet in diameter and is laterally stabilized using a flat base. 
     Still a further object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net is safety net sides which extend vertically approximately twenty-eight (28) to thirty-six (36) inches above the bouncing surface. 
     Yet another object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net provides battery powered lighting which flashes on and off as the child jumps up and down. The flashing light units having particular entertaining lighting effects providing a variety of illuminating characteristics such as, but not limited to: duration, brightness, number of flashes, and the like, based upon embedded software within the control module. The flashing light units are provided in a variety of colors. 
     Still another object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net provides an apparatus that can be disassembled for storage or transporting and includes a handled carrying case. 
     Yet still another object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net is a frame portion made of soft plastic tubes approximately one (1) to two (2) inches in diameter that are manufactured in a variety of decorative and attractive colors and patterns. 
     Another object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net is a carrying case made of vinyl, canvas, or equivalent flexible waterproof and rugged materials in a variety of attractive colors and patterns. 
     Still a further object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net is that constant DC electric current is supplied to the apparatus by rechargeable or disposable batteries. 
     Yet another object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net is that the battery powered lights are controlled by a motion switch that activated by vibrations from a bouncing motion. 
     Still a further object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises a cylindrical frame portion to contain and protect an occupying infant or toddler. 
     Yet still a further object of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net is padding may be applied to various surfaces of the apparatus as needed to create a safe environment for an occupying child and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the invention. 
     An aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises four (4) vertical extension rods, a top rail, a bottom rail, a bouncing surface, a rear panel, a pair of safety net side panels, a net gate, a plurality of snap fasteners, and a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners. The vertical extension rods, top rail, and bottom rail provide secure attachment of the bouncing surface, the rear panel the safety net side panels, and the net gate via a plurality of snap fasteners and hook-and-loop fastener strips. 
     Another aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises a frame portion comprising a plurality of vertical extension rods, a transport handle, a top rail, a bottom rail, and a base platform. The frame and base platform portions are envisioned being made using a strong light-weight plastic material such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or the like, thereby providing safety to an occupying child while providing a strong and sturdy structure. 
     A further aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises vertical extension rods comprising four (4) tubular members made of said soft plastic being positioned in a vertical orientation and providing a secure attachment at top end portions to a circular or elliptical top rail by top rail sockets integrally molded into the top rail. The vertical extension rods provide an attachment means to a bottom rail. The vertical extension rods also provide an attachment means to a base platform by base sockets integrally molded in said base platform. The vertical extension rods are inserted into and affixed to the sockets using common threaded mechanical fasteners. 
     Yet another aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprise a top rail comprises a generally elliptical perimeter shape when viewed from above envisioned to be contoured downwardly at a proximal end to aid loading and unloading of a child. The top rail is further envisioned to slope upwardly at a distal end and providing attachment of a transport handle along an upper surface. 
     A further aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises a frame portion further comprising four (4) flashing light units, a control module, interconnecting wiring, and a motion switch. 
     Another aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises four (4) flashing light units illuminated in a synchronous fashion with a bouncing motion of the child by activation of a motion switch mounted to a vertical extension rod. The lighting system comprises four (4) flashing light units similar to popular rope-lighting. The flashing light units comprise a string of electrically connected lamps such as incandescent, or light emitting diode (LED) lamps. The flashing light units are permanently affixed to the vertical extension rods providing illumination which is visible inside and outside the apparatus. Each flashing light unit further comprises a connecting wire having a male connector providing an electrical connection means to the control module. The male connector comprises a common three (3) conductor blade or pin-type connector. 
     Still another aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises a motion switch that is an impact type switch closure. 
     Yet another aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises a bouncing surface comprising a taut circular textile shape being suspended approximately six (6) inches above the base platform and made of an expanding material similar to that of a conventional trampoline surface. The bottom rail portion provides an attachment means thereto the bouncing surface. 
     A further aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises a rear panel comprises a flat flexible plastic surface providing additional stability for children of differing height and is attached to vertical extension rods, the top rail, and the bottom rail. The rear panel comprises a pair of horizontal “U”-shaped grasping handles arranged vertically thereupon said rear panel allowing children of different heights to stabilize themselves during bouncing. The grasping handles further comprise extra padding material along an outer surface envisioned to be made using a dense urethane foam-rubber material to protect a child. The rear panel further comprises a semi-circular rear panel opening providing visibility to the child and an additional upper grasping edge. 
     Still a further aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises safety net side panels located along each side area comprise an expanding open mesh fabric surface providing the child with a safety means if contacted during use. The safety net provides an attachment means to the vertical extension rods, the top rail, and the bottom rail using common snap fasteners. 
     Still another aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises a gate that provides an opening for entrance and exit and is located between the pair of vertical extension rods located at a proximal end of the apparatus. The gate is affixed to the top rail, bottom rail, and a right side vertical extension rod using common hook-and-loop fastening methods for easy access. 
     A further aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises a transport handle that provides a convenient means to move the apparatus. The transport handle is made using a flexible plastic or nylon strap material affixed to the top rail. The top rail further comprises extra padding material to protect the child from harmful impact. 
     Another aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises a base that comprises a flat panel having a round or elliptical perimeter being approximately one-half (½) inch thick with a diameter of approximately forty-eight (48) to sixty (60) inches being of sufficient size so as to provide lateral stability to the apparatus during use and provides four (4) integrally molded mounting base sockets providing an attachment means thereto the vertical extension rod portions of the framed structure being secured thereto using common fasteners such as screws, bolts, or the like. 
     A further aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises a control module that provides electronic control of the flashing light units. The control module comprises a common plastic housing providing a protective enclosure to electrical and electronic components required to control the flashing light units such as printed circuit boards, microprocessors, embedded software, output drivers, relays, and the like. The control module further comprises four (4) mounting apertures, four (4) female connectors, and a battery compartment. The mounting apertures comprise counter-bored holes providing a secure mounting means to the base platform. The female connectors provide an electrical connection means with the male connector portions of the flashing light units. The control module receives DC power from one (1) or more rechargeable or disposable batteries located within the battery compartment with access by an integral flush-mounted and removable cover. 
     Still another aspect of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net comprises a carrying case that provides a weatherproof transportation means to the apparatus comprising a cylindrical carrying case enclosure, a carrying case top cover, a carrying case handle, and a zipper. The carrying case enclosure provides a perimeter shape being slightly larger than that of the base platform, thereby providing a snug fit thereto the disassembled apparatus. The carrying case enclosure further provides an attachment means to a plastic or nylon strap-type handle along a side portion and an attachment means to the carrying case top cover along an upper perimeter edge via a common heavy-duty zipper which is envisioned to extend around a majority perimeter portion of the carrying case enclosure allowing access thereto an inner space thereof enabling easy loading of the disassembled apparatus portions. The carrying case enclosure utilizes conventional textile industry assembly techniques comprising pre-cut and sewn panels forming a shallow cylinder-shaped container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a cut-away view of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a side view of a top rail portion  24  of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a frame portion of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a close-up view of a light control module portion  51  of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a carrying case portion  70  of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is an electrical block diagram of the light control portion of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 10 
                 child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net 
               
               
                 20 
                 vertical extension rod 
               
               
                 21 
                 bouncing surface 
               
               
                 22 
                 transport handle 
               
               
                 23 
                 rear panel 
               
               
                 24 
                 top rail 
               
               
                 25 
                 bottom rail 
               
               
                 26 
                 top rail socket 
               
               
                 27 
                 rear panel opening 
               
               
                 28 
                 padding 
               
               
                 30 
                 grasping handle 
               
               
                 31 
                 safety net side panel 
               
               
                 32 
                 gate 
               
               
                 40 
                 base platform 
               
               
                 45 
                 base socket 
               
               
                 50 
                 flashing light unit 
               
               
                 51 
                 control module 
               
               
                 52 
                 wiring 
               
               
                 53 
                 mounting aperture 
               
               
                 54 
                 female connector 
               
               
                 55 
                 male connector 
               
               
                 56 
                 motion switch 
               
               
                 57 
                 battery compartment 
               
               
                 58 
                 battery 
               
               
                 60 
                 snap fastener 
               
               
                 62 
                 hook-and-loop fastener 
               
               
                 65 
                 common fastener 
               
               
                 67 
                 fastener aperture 
               
               
                 70 
                 carrying case assembly 
               
               
                 72 
                 carrying case enclosure 
               
               
                 74 
                 carrying case top cover 
               
               
                 76 
                 carrying case handle 
               
               
                 78 
                 zipper 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides young children of toddler age with the ability to stand on an apparatus  10  and bounce up and down on their feet. It does not allow a child to flip or jump through the air as do conventional trampolines. The apparatus  10  forms a circular enclosure of approximately two (2) to three (3) feet in diameter and is laterally stabilized using a flat base  40  approximately six (6) inches below a bouncing surface  21 . Safety net sides  31  are provided which extend vertically approximately twenty-eight (28″) to thirty-six (36″) inches above the bouncing surface  21  being affixed thereto a tubular frame using snap fasteners  60  and hook-and-loop fastener strips  62 . A detachable entry/exit opening or gate  32  is also provided along one (1) side being secured using said hook-and-loop fasteners  62 . The apparatus  10  also provides battery powered lighting  50  which flashes on and off as the child jumps up and down. The complete apparatus  10  can be disassembled for storage or transporting and includes a handled carrying case  70 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a  and  2   b , side, perspective, and cut-away views of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a cylindrical frame structure to contain and protect an occupying infant or toddler therewithin. The frame portion of the apparatus  10  is envisioned to be made using soft plastic tubes approximately one (1) to two (2) inches in diameter being introduced in a variety of decorative and attractive colors and patterns (see  FIG. 3 ). The apparatus  10  comprises four (4) vertical extension rods  20 , a top rail  25 , a bottom rail  25 , a bouncing surface  21 , a rear panel  23 , a pair of safety net side panels  31 , a net gate  32 , a plurality of snap fasteners  60 , and a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners  62 . The vertical extension rods  20 , top rail  24 , and bottom rail  25  provide secure attachment of the rear panel  23 , the safety net side panels  31 , and the net gate  32  via a plurality of snap fasteners  60  and hook-and-loop fastener strips  62  affixed along outwardly facing surfaces of said frame members using common fasteners  65  and adhesives (see  FIG. 3 ). The frame portion of the apparatus  10  further comprises four (4) flashing light units  50 , a control module  51 , interconnecting wiring  52 , and a motion switch  56 . The bouncing surface  21  comprises a taut circular textile shape being suspended approximately six (6) inches above the base platform  40  and made of an expanding material similar to that of a conventional trampoline surface. The bottom rail portion  25  provides an attachment means thereto the bouncing surface  21  being stretched and wrapped therearound a bottom surface of said bottom rail  25  and being secured thereto via a plurality of equal-spaced common threaded fasteners  65  such as screws and corresponding drilled fastener apertures  37 . The rear panel  23  comprises a flat flexible plastic surface providing additional stability for children of differing height and is attached along side edges thereto two (2) vertical extension rods  20 , the top rail  24 , and the bottom rail  25  using common snap fasteners  60 . The rear panel  23  comprises at least a pair of horizontal “U”-shaped grasping handles  30  arranged vertically thereupon said rear panel  23  allowing children of different heights to stabilize themselves during bouncing. The grasping handles  30  further comprise extra padding material  28  along an outer surface envisioned to be made using a dense urethane foam-rubber material being bonded thereto an inner plastic tube using common adhesives, thereby protecting the child from harmful impact. The rear panel  23  further comprises a semi-circular rear panel opening  27  along an upper edge thereof providing visibility thereto the child as well as an additional upper grasping edge. The safety net side panels  31  along each side area comprise an expanding open mesh fabric surface providing the child with a safety means if contacted during use. The safety net  31  provides an attachment means thereto the vertical extension rods  20 , the top rail  24 , and the bottom rail  25  using common snap fasteners  60 . The gate  32  provides an entrance and exit means thereto the child and is located therebetween the pair of vertical extension rods  20  located thereat a proximal end of the apparatus  10  and are envisioned to be of similar materials and construction as the aforementioned safety net side panels  31 ; however, the gate  32  is affixed thereto the top rail  24 , bottom rail  25 , and a right side vertical extension rod  20  using common hook-and-loop fastening  62  methods for easy access therethrough. The apparatus  10  further comprises a flashing light system which provides an electronic means to activate four (4) flashing light units  50  being illuminated in a synchronous fashion therewith a bouncing motion of the child via activation of a motion switch  56  mounted thereto a lower portion of one (1) vertical extension rod  20 . Said lighting system comprises four (4) flashing light units  50  being similar to popular rope-lighting and being approximately twenty-four (24) inches long. The flashing light units  50  comprise a string of electrically connected lamps such as incandescent, light emitting diode (LED) lamps, or the like. The flashing light units  50  are permanently affixed thereto outward facing surfaces of the vertical extension rods  20  using common fasteners  65  or adhesives, thereby providing illumination which is visible inside and outside the apparatus  10 . The flashing light units  50  are envisioned to be introduced with a variety of lamp colors based upon a user&#39;s preference. The motion switch  56  provides an impact type switch closure envisioned to be similar to like devices used in popular children&#39;s flashing sneakers. Each flashing light unit  50  further comprises a connecting wire  52  having a male connector  55 , thereby providing an electrical connection means thereto the control module  51 . The male connector  55  comprises a common three (3) conductor blade or pin-type connector providing standard power, ground, and signal communication therewith the electronic control module  51  (see  FIG. 4  for more details). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an exploded view of a frame portion of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The frame portion of the apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of vertical extension rods  20 , a transport handle  22 , a top rail  24 , a bottom rail  25 , and a base platform  40 . Said frame  20 ,  24 , and base platform portions  40  are envisioned being made using a strong light-weight plastic material such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or the like, thereby providing safety to an occupying child while providing a strong and sturdy structure. The vertical extension rods  20  comprise four (4) tubular members made of said soft plastic being positioned in a vertical orientation and providing a secure attachment at top end portions thereto a top rail  24  via top rail sockets  26  being integrally molded therein said top rail  24 . The vertical extension rods  20  are inserted thereinto said top rail sockets  26  using common fasteners  65  such as screws. The vertical extension rods  20  also provide an attachment means thereto a bottom rail  25  being positioned horizontally approximately six (6) inches above the base platform  40  and affixed thereto using like common fasteners  65 . The vertical extension rods  20  also provide an attachment means at a bottom end portion thereto a base platform  40  via base sockets  45  being integrally molded therein said base platform  40 . The vertical extension rods  20  are inserted thereinto and affixed thereto said sockets  45  using common threaded fasteners  65  such as screws. The top rail  24  comprises a generally elliptical perimeter shape when viewed from above envisioned to be contoured downwardly at a proximal end to aid loading and unloading of a child. The top rail  24  is further envisioned to slope upwardly at a distal end and providing attachment of a transport handle  22  along an upper surface. The transport handle  22  provides a convenient means to relocate or lift the apparatus  10  upon a floor surface in an expected manner. Said transport handle  22  is envisioned being made using a flexible plastic or nylon strap material affixed thereto said top rail  24  using common fasteners  65  such as screws. The top rail  24  further comprises extra padding material  28  to protect the child from harmful impact being similar to the aforementioned grasping handles  30 . It is also understood that application of additional padding  28  may be applied thereto various surfaces of the apparatus  10  as needed to create a safe environment for an occupying child and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . The base  40  comprises a flat panel having a round or elliptical perimeter being approximately one-half (½) inch thick with a diameter of approximately forty-eight (48) to sixty (60) inches being of sufficient size so as to provide lateral stability to the apparatus  10  during use and provides four (4) integrally molded mounting base sockets  45  providing an attachment means thereto the vertical extension rod portions  20  of the framed structure being secured thereto using common fasteners  65  such as screws, bolts, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a close-up view of a light control module portion  51  of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The control module  56  provides electronic control of the four (4) flashing light units  50 . The control module  56  comprises a common plastic housing providing a protective enclosure thereto electrical and electronic components required to control the flashing light units  50  such as printed circuit boards, microprocessors, embedded software, output drivers, relays, and the like. It is understood that the flashing light units  50  may provide any number of illumination sequences and patterns thereupon activation based upon embedded software within the control module  51  and therefore should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . The control module  56  further comprises four (4) mounting apertures  53 , four (4) female connectors  54 , and a battery compartment  57 . The mounting apertures  53  comprise counter-bored holes providing a secure mounting means thereto the base platform  40  using common threaded fasteners  65  such as screws, bolts, or the like. The female connectors  54  provide an electrical connection means therewith the aforementioned male connector portions  55  of the flashing light units  50 . The control module  51  receives DC power therefrom one (1) or more rechargeable or disposable batteries  58  therewithin the battery compartment  57  providing access thereinto via an integral flush-mounted and removable cover. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of a carrying case portion  70  of the child&#39;s bounce toy with safety net  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The carrying case  70  provides a weatherproof transportation means thereto the apparatus  10  comprising a cylindrical carrying case enclosure  72 , a carrying case top cover  74 , a carrying case handle  76 , and a zipper  78 . The carrying case enclosure  72  provides a shallow shape having a perimeter being slightly larger than that of the base platform  40  with a depth of approximately six (6) to ten (10) inches, thereby providing a snug fit thereto the disassembled apparatus  10 . The carrying case enclosure  72  further comprises a flat bottom panel having side portions extending upwardly all around at right angles therefrom. The carrying case enclosure  72  further provides an attachment means thereto a plastic or nylon strap-type handle  76  along a side portion via a plurality of common fasteners  65  such as rivets. The carrying case enclosure  72  further provides an attachment means thereto the carrying case top cover  74  along an upper perimeter edge via a common heavy-duty zipper  78  which is envisioned to extend around a majority perimeter portion of the carrying case enclosure  72  allowing access thereto an inner space thereof enabling easy loading of the disassembled apparatus  10  portions. The carrying case enclosure  72  utilizes conventional textile industry assembly techniques comprising pre-cut and sewn panels forming a shallow cylinder-shaped container. The carrying case enclosure  72  is envisioned being made of vinyl, canvas, or equivalent flexible waterproof and rugged materials being introduced in a variety of attractive colors and patterns. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an electrical block diagram of the light control portion of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. A constant DC electric current is supplied thereto the control module portion  51  of the apparatus  10  via one (1) or more rechargeable or disposable batteries  58  and corresponding interconnecting wiring  52 . During use of the apparatus  10 , the control module  51  receives an input signal therefrom the motion switch  56  resulting from vibrations transmitted therefrom a bouncing motion. The control module  51  in-turn conducts a current thereto the flashing light units  50  having particular entertaining lighting effects providing a variety of illuminating characteristics such as, but not limited to: duration, brightness, number of flashes, and the like, based upon embedded software within the control module  51 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a , and  2   b.    
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: unpacking the apparatus  10  therefrom the carrying case  70  using the zipper portion  78 ; placing the base  40  on a flat surface; assembling the vertical extension rods  20  thereto the base socket portions  45  of the base  40  using provided fasteners  65 ; assembling the bottom rail  25  thereto the vertical extension rods  20  via the provided fasteners  65 ; inserting and fastening the top rail  24  thereto the vertical extension rods  20  using the top rail socket portions  26  and provided fasteners  65 ; assembling the rear panel  23  thereto the vertical extension rods  20  using the snap fasteners  60 ; attaching the safety net  31  and gate  32  portions thereto the vertical extension rods  20 , top rail  24 , and bottom rail  25  portions using the snap fasteners  60 ; assembling the control box  51  thereto the base  40  using the mounting apertures  53  and corresponding fasteners  65 ; connecting the male connector portions  55  of the flashing light units  50  thereinto the female connector portions  54  of the control module  51 ; installing a fresh set of batteries  58  thereinto the battery compartment  57 ; placing the child into the apparatus  10  or allowing the child to enter the gate portion  31 ; closing the safety gate  31  securely by attaching the hook-and-loop fasteners  62  thereto the vertical extension rod  20 , top rail  24 , and bottom rail  25 ; encouraging the child to use the grasping handles  30  to establish a secure stance thereupon the bouncing surface  21 ; encouraging the child to bounce thereagainst said bouncing surface  21 , thereby activating the motion switch  56  and subsequent flashing light units  50 , thereby providing an attractive lighting effect; disassembling the apparatus  10  after use and storing same therewithin the carrying case  70  until again needed; and, enabling a child or toddler to enjoy a safe and entertaining trampoline-like experience while using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.