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Foldable trampoline frame assemblyFoldable trampoline frame assembly description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080090704, Foldable trampoline frame assembly. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE [0001]The disclosures made herein relate generally to hinge structures, more particularly, to hinge structures for foldable trampolines. BACKGROUND [0002]A trampoline typically includes a frame assembly supported on a floor by a plurality of supporting legs, and a jumping bed tightly stretched within an opening in the frame assembly via a plurality of spaced elastic elements. Helically wound extension springs, elastic bands, etc are examples of such elastic elements. A user may continuously jump on and rebound from the jumping bed for the purpose of exercise, entertainment, training, etc. [0003]A trampoline that has a non-foldable frame assembly has a major drawback of storage and shipping of the trampoline being compromised due to the physical size of the frame. To address these drawbacks, various configurations of trampolines with foldable frame assemblies have been devised. While such foldable trampoline frame assemblies at least partially alleviate drawbacks leading to compromises in storage and shipping, the folding action of a trampoline frame creates a potential safety issue when folding the frame. The tension exerted by elastic elements between frame segments and a jumping mat of a foldable trampoline provides for a considerable amount of stored energy in the trampoline. This tension can be used to secure the frame segments of a frame assembly in a use configuration (e.g., via an over center action at hinges of the frame assembly). It is not typical or desirable to have to remove all or a portion of the spaced elastic elements for the purpose of releasing such tension prior to moving the frame segments from a use configuration toward a folded configuration. Thus, releasing the frame segments from the use configuration and moving it toward the folded configuration can result in tension in the spaced elastic elements causing a rapid and forceful release of such tension. This rapid and forceful release of tension exerts a `self-closing force` on the frame segments that causes the frame segments to pivot toward the folded configuration at a rate of movement and with sufficient force to startle and, potentially, injure a nearby person or persons. For example, initial movement of the frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration may be very controlled due to the self-closing force being initially low in magnitude. But, with further pivoting of one frame segment with respect to the other, the self-closing force increases, thereby causing rapid movement of the frame segments towards the folded configuration. Due to the magnitude of such self-closing force and/or its presence being unanticipated, the frame segments may begin to move toward the folded position at an extreme rate and contact with a person may result in bodily injury. Thus, a hinge assembly that mitigates, if not eliminates, the adverse aspects of the folding the frame of a trampoline having tensioned elastic elements would be advantageous, desirable and useful. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0004]Embodiments of the present invention address adverse aspects of foldable trampoline frame segments being moved from a use configuration to a folded configuration while elastic elements are still in tension between the frame segments and a jumping mat. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention limit the degree of folding that can unrestrictedly take place during folding of such trampoline frame segments, which limits the amount of self-closing force that is uncontrollably and/or suddenly exerted on the frame segments while moving the frame segments toward the folded configuration. In doing so, embodiments of the present invention advantageously overcome one or more shortcomings associated with conventional foldable trampoline frame assemblies. [0005]In one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable trampoline frame assembly comprises a first frame segment, a second frame segment and a travel limiting member. The first frame segment has a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto. The travel limiting member is positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with a mating portion of the pivot arm of the first frame segment and is movable to a non-limiting position. The second frame segment has a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto. The pivot arm of the second frame segment is pivotably attached to the pivot arm of the first frame segment for enabling the frame segments to be pivoted with respect to each other between a use configuration and a folded configuration. The pivot arm of the second frame segment includes an engagement member fixedly attached thereto. The engagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of the frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting the frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position. [0006]In another embodiment of the present invention, a foldable trampoline frame assembly comprises a first frame segment, a second frame segment and a travel limiting member. The first frame segment has spaced apart pivot arms rigidly attached thereto. The travel limiting member is positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with mating portions of the pivot arms of the first frame segment and is movable to a non-limiting position. The second frame segment has spaced apart pivot arms rigidly attached thereto. The pivot arms of the second frame segment are pivotably attached to the pivot arms of the first frame segment for enabling the first frame segment to be pivoted with respect to the second frame segment between a use configuration and a folded configuration. At least one of the pivot arms of the second frame segment includes an engagement member fixedly attached thereto. The engagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of the frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting the frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position. [0007]In another embodiment of the present invention, a foldable trampoline frame assembly comprises spaced apart frame segments, a travel limiting member and an engagement member. The spaced apart frame segments are pivotably attached to each other for enabling a first one of the frame segments to be pivoted with respect to a second one of the frame segments between a use configuration and a folded configuration. The travel limiting member is positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with a mating portion of the first frame segment and is movable to a non-limiting position. The engagement member is fixedly attached to the second frame segment. The engagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of the frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting the frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position. [0008]Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment, each one of the spaced apart pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective engagement member integral therewith. [0009]In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mating portion of the pivot arms of the first frame segment is a hole in each pivot arm of the first frame segment and the travel limiting member is removably engagable through each hole. [0010]In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the travel limiting member is an elongated generally straight member and the holes of the pivot arms are positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the travel limiting member extends generally parallel with a pivot axis of the frame segments when the travel limiting member is engaged within the holes. [0011]In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the holes are located between a pivot axis of the frame segments and bottom edges of the frame segments when the frame segments are in the use configuration. [0012]In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a self-closing force is exerted on the frame segments by elastic elements connected to the frame segments when the frame segments are in the partially folded configuration. [0013]These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a foldable trampoline in accordance with the present invention. [0015]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the foldable trampoline shown in FIG. 1 with an edge cover being omitted. [0016]FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing configuration of frame segments and hinge structure of the foldable trampoline shown in FIG. 1. [0017]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES [0018]FIGS. 1-4 depict various aspects of an embodiment of a foldable trampoline in accordance with the present invention, which is referred to herein as the trampoline 10. While the trampoline 10 is of a relatively small size, it is disclosed herein that the present invention is not limited to a foldable trampoline of any particular size. More broadly, the present invention is useful with foldable trampolines of various sizes, shapes and physical constructions. [0019]As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the trampoline 10 includes a frame assembly 12, legs 14 a jumping mat 16, extension springs 18 and an edge cover 20. The frame assembly 12 includes a first frame segment 22, a second frame segment 24 and hinge structures 26. The hinge structures 26 are connected between the first frame segment 22 and the second frame segment 24 for enabling the frame segments (22, 24) to pivot with respect to each other thereby providing for foldability of the frame assembly 12. The legs 14 are attached to the frame segments (22, 24) in a spaced apart manner for supporting the frame assembly 12 above a support surface. The frame segments (22, 24) are curved such that the frame segments (22, 24) are connected to form a ring-like structure when the frame segments (22, 24) are in a use configuration U (FIGS. 1 and 2). When in the use configuration U, the frame segments (22, 24) jointly define an opening 28 in a central portion of the ring structure. The jumping mat 16 is positioned within the opening 28 and each one of the extension springs 18 is connected in a spaced apart and tensioned manner between a respective one of the frame structures (22, 24) and the jumping mat 16. The edge cover 20 covers the frame segments (22, 24) and the extension springs 18, thereby protecting users and by-standers from dangers associated with the extension springs 18 and the open space between the jumping mat 16 and the frame segments (22, 24). Continue reading about Foldable trampoline frame assembly... 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