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  User activated water sprinkler system for trampolines and playground equipmentUSPTO Application #: 20060160664Title: User activated water sprinkler system for trampolines and playground equipment Abstract: A spraying system having an actuator and a sprayer. The actuator may consist of a mechanical pump, a pneumatic or hydraulic valve, an electrical switch or any combination of the above and may be mounted in a trampoline or other playground equipment to be operated by the jumping or moving action of a user. With each bounce on the trampoline or movement of the playground equipment, the actuator may be activated to spray water on one or more of the users. In trampoline embodiments, the actuator may be mounted in place of one or more of the springs of a trampoline, while in other embodiments, the actuator may be mounted such that it is compressed between the jumping surface and a supporting surface, including the surface of the water in the case of a water trampoline. (end of abstract) Agent: Krajec Patent Offices, LLC - Berthoud, CO, US Inventor: Marcel Lavabre USPTO Applicaton #: 20060160664 - Class: 482027000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, Gymnastic, Projector, Trampoline The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060160664. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/593,435 entitled "User-Activated Water Sprinkler System for Trampolines and Playground Equipment" by Marcel Lavabre filed Jan. 13, 2005, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all it discloses and teaches. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Trampolines are popular recreational devices used by adults and children alike. Trampolines can be generally divided into water trampolines and dry land trampolines. Water trampolines have a floatable frame that swimmers may climb aboard and enjoy a trampoline experience on the water. Dry land trampolines are more common and often have a stand for elevating a jumping surface off of the ground. [0003] Trampolines generally have a rigid mounting frame and a jumping surface attached with many springs or made of a flexible material. The mounting frame may be any rigid design, with steel tubing being a popular design choice. In the case of a water trampoline, a rigid frame, inflatable frame, or combination type frame may be supported by an inflatable or otherwise buoyant support. In the case of a dry land trampoline, the mounting frame may have a stand that supports the frame above the ground. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] A spraying system for a trampoline or other playground devices has an actuator and a sprayer. The actuator may consist of a mechanical pump, a pneumatic or hydraulic valve, an electrical switch or any combination of the above and may be mounted in a trampoline to be operated by the jumping action of a trampoline user. With each bounce on the trampoline, the actuator may be activated to spray water on one or more of the trampoline users. In some embodiments, the actuator may be mounted in place of one or more of the springs of the trampoline, while in other embodiments, the actuator may be mounted such that it is compressed between the jumping surface and a supporting surface, including the surface of the water in the case of a water trampoline. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] In the drawings, [0006] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of an embodiment showing a trampoline with actuators mounted similarly to trampoline springs. [0007] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic and partial cut-away illustration of a piston pump. [0008] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic and partial cut-away illustration of an air driven sprayer system for a water trampoline. [0009] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic and partial cut-away illustration of a compression pump for a water trampoline. [0010] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic top view of a water trampoline with several spraying systems mounted underneath the jumping surface. [0011] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic and partial cut-away illustration of a water trampoline with a second type of compression pump typically located near the attachment of the jumping surface and the mounting frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0012] Specific embodiments of the subject matter are used to illustrate specific inventive aspects. The embodiments are by way of example only, and are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. The appended claims are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims. [0013] Throughout this specification, like reference numbers signify the same elements throughout the description of the figures. [0014] When elements are referred to as being "connected" or "coupled," the elements can be directly connected or coupled together or one or more intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when elements are referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled," there are no intervening elements present. [0015] Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" shall be synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is a term of art which means that the named elements are essential, but other elements may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the statement. "Comprising" leaves open for the inclusion of unspecified ingredients even in major amounts. [0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment 100 showing a trampoline with actuator sprayers. The trampoline 102 is comprised of an outer frame 104 and a jump area 106 that is connected with a plurality of springs 108 and actuators 110. The spring 112 and actuator 114 are connected between the outer frame spring mounting points 116 and jump area spring mounting points 118. In some embodiments, the jump area 106 may contain a water drain 120. [0017] The embodiment 100 may be a conventional land-based trampoline or a water trampoline. In either type of trampoline, one or more actuators 110 may be used to activate the water spraying system when a user bounces on the trampoline. With each jump, the user may cause the actuator to expand and retract, which may be used to spray water over the area of the trampoline at the user. In some embodiments, the actuator 110 may mount in the same manner and essentially replace one or more of the springs 108 in the trampoline. [0018] The outer frame 104 may generally be a rigid frame of aluminum, steel, or other rigid material and may be mounted on a stanchion or other elevated frame for land-based use. A water trampoline may be mounted on an inflatable tube. The outer frame 104 and jump area 106 may be any shape, with rectangular and round shapes the most common. [0019] The jump area 106 may generally be any type of woven mat or flexible material. A typical jump area 106 is generally quite strong and stiff in the flatwise direction such that the springs 108 absorb much of the deflection while a user bounces. Some material used for the jump area 106 may be woven such that water easily passes through the jump area 106. In other embodiments, a portion 120 at the center of the jump area 106 may be woven in an open manner specifically to enable water to drain. The water drain 120 may be a separate piece of woven fabric that is sewn into the fabric of the jump area, or may be an area where the weaving is altered to enable water to pass. In other embodiments, the jump area 106 may be stretchable in the flatwise direction and may be useful in embodiments that have no springs. Continue reading... Full patent description for User activated water sprinkler system for trampolines and playground equipment Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this User activated water sprinkler system for trampolines and playground equipment patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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