[0001] The present invention relates to a bouncing device, and particularly to a bouncing
device in the form of a trampoline.
[0002] Conventionally, trampolines comprise a frame which supports a strong sheet of material
therebetween via resilient means in a substantially horizontal orientation, typically
in the form of springs or elastic members. The arrangement is such that when a user
jumps on an upper surface of the material, the force of the weight of the user on
the upper surface causes the springs to expand/elongate and the sheet material flexes,
typically in a downwardly direction. The biasing force of the springs to return to
their original substantially compressed condition, causes the sheet material to move
in an upwardly direction, thereby creating a reactive force in an upwardly direction
on the user sufficient to lift the user off the surface of the sheet material and
allowing the user to bounce on the upper surface of the material.
[0003] Trampolines are widely used by children and a child will typically bounce up and
down on it for a period of time. People also use trampolines for exercising on or
for doing somersaults and/or the like. However, conventional trampolines are typically
of only limited use and provide only limited interest to a user.
[0004] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a trampoline which increases
the interest of a user therein and which allows different games to be played and/or
activities to be undertaken as a result of the user bouncing thereon.
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a trampoline,
said trampoline having frame means for supporting via connection means, a play surface
a pre-determined distance above a floor surface, the play surface and/or connection
means arranged so as to allow a user and/or object to bounce on the same, characterised
in that sensing means are associated with the trampoline, such that impact or contact
of the user or object on said play surface results in detection of the same by said
sensing means and, said detection resulting in activation of audio and/or visual means
associated with said trampoline in a predefined manner.
[0006] The activation of the audio and/or visual means typically takes place when the contact
or impact exceeds, is between or is at a pre-determined threshold level or range.
[0007] Preferably the position of impact on the play surface by one or more users or objects
effects any or any combination of activation of said audio and/or visual means, the
volume of said audio once activated, the type or length of audio emitted, the type
or length of visual signal, one or more sequences of audio and/or visual means and/or
the like. In one embodiment the activation, or type of activation is dependent upon
a selection made by the user of the trampoline.
[0008] In one embodiment the play surface can be provided with one or more identified or
target portions thereon, the audio and/or visual means being activated on contact
and/or impact by the user or object on or in the vicinity of a target portion. The
reactive or target portion can be in the centre of the play surface or, if more than
one portion is provided, the portions can be adjacent to each other or spaced apart.
In addition, the target portion can cover a whole, substantial portion or only part
of the play surface as required.
[0009] In one embodiment the one or more reactive portions can be visible to a user on the
play surface (i.e. defined by one or more images, shapes, characters, text, icons
and/or the like displayed on the play surface), thereby allowing a user to orientate
themselves with respect to the reactive or target portions in use. Alternatively,
the one or more reactive portions can be hidden to allow the user to selectively or
apparently randomly activate the audio and/or visual means.
[0010] In one embodiment there is a plurality of portions and sensing means are associated
with each of the target portions. Thus, for example, the sensing means can be provided
at or adjacent each of said target portions.
[0011] The trampoline can provide different audio and/or visual responses dependent on which
of a plurality of target portions have been impacted on by said user and/or object.
[0012] Preferably the trampoline has control means to allow the audio and/or visual means
to be moved between operational and non-operation conditions, to allow the volume
of the audio to be adjusted, the type of audio and/or visual means to be adjusted,
one or more sequences of audio and/or visual means to be adjusted and/or the like.
[0013] With regard to the type of audio that can be emitted following impact on the play
surface of the trampoline, the audio can include the playing of music, abstract noises,
sounds, one or more voices and/or the like.
[0014] The visual means can include any or any combination of one or more lights, video
images, text and/or the like being displayed on the trampoline.
[0015] The audio and/or visual means can be activated substantially continuously following
impact on the play surface, intermittently, in a pre-determined sequence and/or on
impact only.
[0016] In one embodiment display means are provided with the trampoline and impact or contact
on the play surface can affect one or more characters, images, text and/or the like
displayed on the display means.
[0017] Preferably speaker means are provided with the trampoline to allow the audio to be
sounded therefrom.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment the trampoline is provided with handle means to allow a
user to grip the same when jumping on the play surface of the trampoline. In one embodiment
the handle means include at least one elongate portion upstanding from the play surface.
Gripping portions can be provided on the handle means, for example so as to depend
therefrom in first and second directions.
[0019] Preferably sensing means are provided on or adjacent an underside, rear or lower
surface of the trampoline play surface. Impact or contact on an upper or front surface
of the play surface typically results in the sensing means creating a signal which
activates the audio and/or visual means.
[0020] The sensing means can be in substantially continual contact wit the play surface
or can be a spaced distance from the play surface, such that on deformation of the
play surface or connection means, the sensing means are contacted.
[0021] In one example, the sensing means is in the form of pressure detection means which
detect when a user or object has jumped or is located on the play surface.
[0022] In one embodiment the sensing means include a switch housing located with respect
to the play surface or connection means such that impact or contact on an upper surface
of the play surface results in movement of the switch between on and/or off conditions.
Thus, in one embodiment, upon every detected or sufficiently large impact the switch
is moved to complete an electrical circuit and trigger a signal to signal processing
and control means.
[0023] In one embodiment the switch means has a housing which is mounted on or adjacent
the underside of the play surface at the location of said target portion. In one embodiment
the housing is provided with an electrical lead which reacts to the change in condition
of the switch means upon a player impact on the surface and so results in the generation
of a signal representing the impact.
[0024] In one embodiment the sensing means are provided in or associated with the connection
means.
[0025] The impact or contact of a user on the upper surface of the play surface and the
positioning of the sensing means is selected so that a "normal" bounce impact is typically
of such a force, in such a pre-determined manner, for a period of time sufficient
to activate the sensing means. In one embodiment the sensing means is positioned at
a distance offset from the underside of the play surface such that a positive impact
force is required to activate the sensing means.
[0026] The advantage of the trampoline of the present invention is that it increases the
enjoyment and interest of a user, particularly if the user is a child.
[0027] Typically the play surface is surrounded by a padding material which typically masks
the connecting means between the play surface and the frame and therefore provides
protection to the user.
[0028] Preferably the switch includes a movable member which moves following impact on the
play surface, movement of said movable member initiating an electrical signal in electrical
circuitry which activates said audio and/or visual means.
[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a trampoline,
said trampoline including a play surface formed from substantially flexible material
on which a user or object can bounce in use, the play surface being suspended a pre-determined
distance above a floor surface between frame means via resilient biasing means, the
resilient biasing means and the play surface being arranged such that when a load
is applied to the play surface via a user or object in the form of a bounce, the play
surface flexes and the resilient biasing means extend in length from a first substantially
compressed condition to a second extended or substantially tensioned condition, the
biasing force of the resilient biasing means being such that as it returns to the
first substantially compressed condition, this creates a reactive force on the play
surface sufficient to push the user or object a spaced distance apart from the play
surface, characterised in that impact or contact of the user or object on the play
surface is detected by sensing means which activates audio and/or visual means associated
with the trampoline in a pre-defined manner.
[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the
accompanying figures, wherein:
Figures 1a-c show the use of the trampoline of the invention with examples of different
games which can be selected to be displayed;
Figure 2a-2e illustrate various views of a cover plate of the control means in one
embodiment;
Figures 3a-3e illustrate various views of the housing of the control means for connection
with the cover plate shown in figures 2a-2e;
Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of an audio mode of the present
invention in one embodiment;
Figure 5 illustrates the input/output ports on the control means in one embodiment;
Figures 6a-c illustrate views of the trampoline apparatus in one embodiment of the
invention; and
Figure 7a-e show views of the trampoline in accordance with a further embodiment of
the invention.
[0031] Referring firstly to the figures 6a-c, there is illustrated a trampoline 2 according
to one embodiment of the present invention which has audio means associated therewith
to allow audio to be sounded in response to a user impacting with a surface of the
trampoline.
[0032] The trampoline 2 includes a play surface 4 which is supported in a required orientation
a pre-determined distance above a floor surface 5 between frame means 6. The play
surface 4 is typically provided in a substantially horizontal orientation, although
the invention would still function if the play surface was provided at any angle,
such as in a vertical orientation and objects were thrown at the play surface for
example.
[0033] The frame means 6 in this example is substantially triangular in shape but it will
be appreciated that the frame means/trampoline can be provided in any required shape
and/or design. It has an upper surface 8 which has connection means 10 for connecting
the play surface 4 thereto and support legs 12 for supporting the upper surface, and
thus the play surface, above the floor surface on which the frame means is placed.
Handle means in the form of upright frame members 14 and gripping portions 16 are
provided to allow a user to grip the same when they are using the trampoline. However,
the handle means could be removed or, if provided, the user can use the trampoline
without gripping the same if required.
[0034] The play surface 4 is typically formed from a material which flexes upon a user jumping
or impacting on an upper surface thereof. The material is substantially the same shape
as the shape of the upper frame surface 8 and is attached thereto by connection means
10.
[0035] The connection means 10 includes eyelets surrounding apertures 22 provided adjacent
peripheral edge 24 of play surface 4. The apertures 22 are provided at spaced distances
apart on the play surface. A connection member in the form of resilient or elasticated
member 26 passes through the apertures 22 to join the same to the frame.
[0036] Figure 6b illustrates a plan view from above, with the handle portions removed for
illustrative purposes, and shows the location of the target portion 43 which is located
on the play surface to indicate where the player should jump on the play surface to
be able to register an impact when playing a game.
[0037] Figure 6c is a plan view of the underside of the play surface and indicates the location
of a switch detection means 45, the housing of which is located to the underside of
the play surface 4, under the target portion 43 and typically offset a distance from
the play surface underside so as to avoid the occurrence of false detections by the
switch means when the player is simply standing on the play surface.
[0038] In operation the play surface 4 is positioned on the frame 6 by the connection means
10. The switch means 45 housing is suspended in position via elasticated ropes 47,
49, typically attached to the spacer units between the frame legs 12'. The switch
means also includes switch cord 51 which passes from the housing 53 to the other frame
leg 12. The switch cord is moved when an impact is detected at the housing and this
movement causes the completion of an electrical circuit to the control means 54 on
the handle 14 such that an electrical signal is generated each time an impact is registered.
When the impact force is removed, the cord returns to a first state where no electrical
signal is generated.
[0039] Turning now to a further embodiment of the invention as shown in Figures 7a-e the
same reference numerals as shown in Figures 6a-c are used for common features. However
in this embodiment the impact sensing means are provided at a plurality of location
on the play surface to match a series of target portions on the same.
[0040] A description of one type of sensing means as used in Figures 7a-e is now described.
The sensing means are each joined to a hook or locking member 28, as shown in figures
7d and 7e. Hook 28 engages an outer portion 30 in the form of ring member 32 of a
movable member 34 provided in a trigger housing 36. The trigger housing 36 allows
movement of the play surface 4, as a result of a user jumping thereon, to be transmitted
to electronic circuitry provided with the trampoline, thereby allowing activation
of the audio means.
[0041] More specifically, trigger housing 36 includes switch means in the form of a leaf
switch 38. A plate member 40 is provided on movable member 34 adjacent an opposite
end to ring member 32 and, as a user impacts play surface 4, the said surface moves
in a downwardly direction, thereby placing the elasticated member 26 and hook 28 under
tension. This causes ring member 32 to be pulled in a direction outwardly of trigger
housing 36. Movable member 34 also moves outwardly of trigger housing 36 through aperture
42 in housing 36 causing plate member 40 to contact leaf switch 38 and move an electrical
circuit associated therewith to an "on" condition. Resilient biasing means in the
form of a spring 44 connects plate member 40 to an inner surface 46 of trigger housing
36 opposite to the surface of housing 36 defining aperture 42. Once the weight of
the user has been lifted from the play surface 4 (i.e. during a jump), the biasing
effect of spring 44 moves plate member 40 towards surface 46, thereby releasing contact
of member 40 with the leaf switch 38 and moving the electrical circuit associated
therewith to an "off" condition.
[0042] Electrical wiring 48 joins leaf switch 38 to electronic control means 54 provided
on the handle means. A channel in the form of tubing 52 forming part of the frame
means or associated therewith houses the wiring 48 between the trigger housing 36
and the control means 54.
[0043] In which ever embodiment, electronic control means 54 includes a housing 52, shown
in figures 3a-3e, with a cover portion 50, shown in figures 2a-2e, for attachment
thereto. A speaker 56 is located in housing 52 adjacent a plurality of apertures 58
provided in cover portion 50, thereby allowing generated audio to be sounded from
the control means 54. Microprocessing means and memory means in the form of an electronic
chip are typically provided in the electronic circuitry located in control means 54
to allow electrical signals transmitted via wiring 48 to be converted into required
audio signals.
[0044] Cover portion 50 can be connected to housing 52 by any conventional means but in
this example portion 50 is secured using a plurality of fixing screws located through
apertures 60 in housing 52. The housing 52 and cover portion 50 can be provided in
any required shape and/or design and can be formed from any suitable material.
[0045] In use, a user jumps on the play surface 4 of the trampoline and this jumping causes
electrical signals to be transmitted from the trigger housing 36 to the electronic
control means 54 for audio to be generated. Examples of how the audio means can be
used to increase the interest of a user in the toy are illustrated in figures 1a-c.
For example, timing means 62 can be provided which allows a user to count how many
times they can bounce on the play surface in a pre-determined period of time, as shown
by game reference 'A'. The display screen of the timing means can display the time
and/or the number of bounces/jumps detected on the play surface in the time period.
The audio could also sound the number of bounces/jumps detected during said time period.
The pre-determined period of time can be set by the user and/or the manufacturer and
different levels of difficulty can be provided as required.
[0046] Game reference 'B' illustrates an example where the number of bounces are counted
and sounded to a user as and when impact of the user on the play surface is detected.
[0047] Game reference 'C' illustrates how a tune can be played, such as "twinkle, twinkle
little star" upon detection of one or more impacts of the user on the play surface
4. Other noises, tunes and/or sounds can be requested as required, such as drum noise
64, guitar sound 66, piano sound 68, pig sound 70, dog sound 72, or cow sound 74.
[0048] Game reference 'D' illustrates how the detection of a pre-determined number of bounces
on the play surface 4 results in facts being read out via electronic control means
50, such as "altogether you have jumped as high as Big Ben". The control means 50
logs the average height of a bounce and calculates the total height achieved based
on the number of jumps/impacts detected on play surface 4.
[0049] Game reference 'E' illustrates how music statues can be played such that a user is
required to jump to the music and stop when the music stops. One or more games with
sets of rules could be based around this example.
[0050] Game Reference 'F' illustrates how questions, such as sums, can be asked via the
control means 50 and the user has to bounce on play surface 4 a required number of
times corresponding to the answer of the sum. The control means 50 can then sound
a "correct" or "incorrect" sound depending on whether the user has undertaken the
correct number of bounces corresponding to the answer of the sum.
[0051] Game reference 'G' illustrates how abstract or funny noises can be sounded upon detection
of impact of the user of play surface 4.
[0052] Game reference 'H' illustrates how a background sound or music can be produced and
the user has to jump in time to the sounds or music.
[0053] It will be appreciated that the above illustrations of game references A-H are only
a few examples of a large number of possible examples in which the detection of a
player's impact on the play surface can be used to allow the playing of a game, to
set targets to be achieved and also allow audio to be used in association with the
trampoline. It will also be appreciated that visual means can be provided in conjunction
with the audio means or separate thereto to further increase the appeal of the trampoline
to a user.
[0054] The control means 50 can be provided with a display screen or other control buttons
to allow a menu of possible games to be played using the trampoline. A detailed example
of the steps involved in a game is illustrated in figure 4. In this embodiment, the
play surface is divided into different areas or portions, such that impact by the
user on a particular area or portion of play surface 4 results in a different audio
response generated compared to impact on a different area of portion of play surface
4. This can be achieved by the trigger housing adjacent the particular area on which
impact is detected signalling to the control means a unique or pre-determined signal.
Alternatively, other sensing means can be attached to portions of the play surface
to allow activation of audio upon detection of impact.
[0055] Although the above examples relate to a trampoline for use by children, the trampoline
of the present invention could also be used by adults, such as for use as an exercise
trampoline. Exercises which the user is required to perform can be sounded by way
of spoken instructions via the speaker means or illustrated via a display screen associated
with the control means.
[0056] Alternatively, music can be played upon impact of the user on the play surface during
exercise and/or the like.
1. A trampoline, said trampoline having frame means for supporting via connection means,
a play surface a pre-determined distance above a floor surface, the play surface and/or
connection means arranged so as to allow a user and/or object to bounce on the same,
characterised in that sensing means are associated with the trampoline, such that impact or contact of
the user or object on said play surface results in detection of the same by said sensing
means and, said detection resulting in activation of audio and/or visual means associated
with said trampoline in a predefined manner.
2. A trampoline according to claim 1 characterised in that the audio and/or visual means are activated when the impact or contact detected on
the play surface exceeds a pre-determined threshold value or range.
3. A trampoline according to claim 1 characterised in that the position of impact on the play surface by the user or object affects any or any
combination of activation of said audio and/or visual means, the volume of said audio
once activated, the type or length of audio emitted, the type or length of visual
signal, one or more sequences of audio and/or visual means.
4. A trampoline according to claim 1 characterised in that the effect of activation of said audio and/or visual means is dependent upon a selection
made by the user of the trampoline from a range of selectable audio and/or video options.
5. A trampoline according to claim 1 characterised in that the play surface is provided with one or more target portions thereon, and the audio
and/or visual means are activated on contact and/or impact by the user or object on
or in the vicinity of a target portion.
6. A trampoline according to claim 5 characterised in that a target portion is provided in the centre of the play surface.
7. A trampoline according to claim 5 characterised in that more than one target portion is provided and said target portions are provided adjacent
each other or a spaced apart to each other.
8. A trampoline according to claim 5 characterised in that the one or more target portions are visible to a user on the play surface.
9. A trampoline according to claim 5 characterised in that sensing means are associated with said one or more target portions.
10. A trampoline according to claim 5 characterised in that different audio and/or visual responses are activated depending on which target portion
has been impacted by a user and/or object of a plurality of possible target portions.
11. A trampoline according to claim 1, characterised in that control means are provided to allow any or any combination of the audio and/or visual
means to be moved between operational and non-operational conditions, the volume of
the audio to be adjusted, the type of audio and/or visual means to be adjusted and/or
one or more sequences of audio and/or visual means to be adjusted.
12. A trampoline according to claim 1 characterised in that display means are provided with the trampoline and impact on the play surface affects
one or more characters, images or text displayed on the display means.
13. A trampoline according to claim 1 characterised in that the trampoline is provided with handle means to allow a user to grip the same when
jumping on the play surface of the trampoline.
14. A trampoline according to claim 1 characterised in that the sensing means are provided on or adjacent an underside or lower surface of the
play surface and impact of the user or object on an upper surface of the play surface
results in activation of the audio and/or visual means.
15. A trampoline according to claim 1 characterised in that the sensing means are in substantially continual contact with the play surface or
connection means in use.
16. A trampoline according to claim 1 characterised in that the sensing means are arranged a spaced distance from the play surface or connection
means and said play surface and connection means contacts said sensing means following
an impact on the play surface by a user and/or object.
17. A trampoline according to claim 1 characterised in that the sensing means is in the form of pressure detection means which detect when a
user or object has jumped or is located on the play surface.
18. A trampoline according to claim 1 characterised in that the sensing means include a switch located with respect to the play surface or connection
means, such that impact or contact on an upper surface of the play surface results
in movement of the switch between on and/or off conditions.
19. A trampoline according to claim 18 characterised in that the switch is moved to complete an electrical circuit and trigger a signal to signal
processing and control means.
20. A trampoline according to claim 18 characterised in that the switch includes a movable member which moves following impact on the play surface,
movement of said movable member initiating an electrical signal in electrical circuitry
which activates said audio and/or visual means.
21. A trampoline, said trampoline including a play surface formed from substantially flexible
material on which a user or object can bounce in use, the play surface being suspended
a pre-determined distance above a floor surface between frame means via resilient
biasing means, the resilient biasing means and the play surface being arranged such
that when a load is applied to the play surface via a user or object in the form of
a bounce, the play surface flexes and the resilient biasing means extend in length
from a first substantially compressed condition to a second extended or substantially
tensioned condition, the biasing force of the resilient biasing means being such that
as it returns to the first substantially compressed condition, this creates a reactive
force on the play surface sufficient to push the user or object a spaced distance
apart from the play surface, characterised in that impact or contact of the user or object on the play surface is detected by sensing
means which activates audio and/or visual means associated with the trampoline in
a pre-defined manner.