US20250381433A1
2025-12-18
19/230,691
2025-06-06
Smart Summary: A trampoline system includes a frame and a rebounding mat that is attached to it. Surrounding the mat are poles that support a flexible enclosure, which keeps the area safe. There is an opening in the enclosure that allows a ball to pass through, making it easy to play. A special compartment is connected to this opening, designed to catch the ball and keep it from rolling away. This setup creates a closed area for playing soccer, giving users an exciting and realistic gaming experience. 🚀 TL;DR
A trampoline system having a frame, a rebounding mat coupled to the frame and a plurality of poles distributed around the rebounding mat. The trampoline system has an enclosure comprising a flexible material coupled to the upper portions of the poles and extending downwardly to the rebounding mat and therearound. An opening is defined in the flexible material to allow a ball to go through, the opening extending substantially from the rebounding mat and upwardly. The trampoline system has a compartment snuggly connected to the opening and extending outwards the enclosure, the compartment being adapted to receive a ball from interior of the enclosure and prevent the ball from leaving the trampoline system. The enclosure and the compartment define together a laterally closed gaming area enabling to keep the ball inside the gaming area. The trampoline system may be a dedicated soccer trampoline system providing a realistic soccer gaming experience.
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A63B5/11 » CPC main
Apparatus for jumping Trampolines
A63B71/022 » CPC further
Games or sports accessories not covered in groups - for large-room or outdoor sporting games Backstops, cages, enclosures or the like, e.g. for spectator protection, for arresting balls
A63B71/023 » CPC further
Games or sports accessories not covered in groups - for large-room or outdoor sporting games Supports, e.g. poles
A63B2243/0025 » CPC further
Specific ball sports not provided for in - Football
A63B71/02 IPC
Games or sports accessories not covered in groups - for large-room or outdoor sporting games
The present invention generally relates to recreational sports equipment and more particularly to trampoline systems designed for playing soccer.
Trampolines are extensively recognized and utilized for diverse recreational and athletic activities. The recreational and “backyard” utilization of trampolines is highly favored, with parents frequently purchasing them to provide their children with hours of entertainment and physical activity through jumping and playing on the trampoline.
Some trampolines are provided with a safety enclosure extending therearound for providing a safe and secure playing environment to the players on the trampoline. They also offer an ideal setting for ball games due to their dynamic environment. Indeed, the enclosure provides a secure boundary ensuring that balls remain within the playing area, which fosters confidence and allows players to fully engage in the game. The bounce provided by the trampoline surface adds excitement and unpredictability to the game, encouraging players to develop coordination and agility.
Several trampoline manufacturers have developed soccer panels or soccer targets for use inside the enclosure. Such accessories are devised to be added to existing trampolines but they failed to provide a realistic soccer gaming experience.
Others have proposed soccer goals to play outside of the trampoline for a more versatile trampoline but without providing a soccer gaming experience on the enclosed rebounding surface.
There is therefore still a need for an improved trampoline system, and more particularly a dedicated soccer trampoline system that would provide a realistic soccer gaming experience.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a trampoline system having a frame and a rebounding mat coupled to the frame by an elastic mechanism. The trampoline system also has a plurality of poles distributed around the rebounding mat, each of the poles being attached to the frame and extending above the rebounding mat. The trampoline system is provided with an enclosure comprising a flexible material coupled to a respective upper portion of each of the poles and extending downwardly to the rebounding mat and therearound. An opening is defined in the flexible material to allow a ball to go through, the opening extending substantially from the rebounding mat and upwardly. The trampoline system also has a compartment snuggly connected to the opening and extending outwards the enclosure, the compartment being adapted to receive a ball from interior of the enclosure and prevent the ball from leaving the trampoline system. The enclosure and the compartment define together a laterally closed gaming area enabling to keep the ball inside the gaming area.
In one embodiment, the compartment is configured to absorb at least a portion of energy of the ball moving therethrough. Such arrangement may provide an enhanced gaming experience, for example in replicating the experience of playing with real soccer goals.
In one embodiment, the compartment has a flexible material.
In one embodiment, the flexible material of the enclosure is coupled to a top end of each of the poles.
In one embodiment, the trampoline system further has an upper frame mounted to each respective upper portion of the poles and defining a closed perimeter around the poles, the flexible material of the enclosure being coupled to the upper frame all along.
In a further embodiment, the trampoline system further has a top section attached to the respective upper portions of the poles and adapted to close from above the gaming area for preventing the ball from leaving the enclosure.
In an alternate embodiment, the top section is attached along the upper frame.
In one embodiment, the top section has a flexible material.
In one embodiment, the compartment is removably attached to the opening.
In one embodiment, each of the opening and the compartment has a rectangular shape emulating a soccer goal.
In a further embodiment, the compartment comprises first and second lateral peripheral walls extending upwardly and top and bottom transversal peripheral walls connected therebetween, respectively at a top portion and a bottom portion thereof.
In still a further embodiment, the compartment further comprises a flexible material connected to the peripheral walls and projecting outwards the enclosure, the flexible material of the compartment being adapted to absorb at least a portion of energy of the ball moving therethrough.
In one embodiment, the flexible material of the compartment is mounted to define a triangular side cross-sectioned soccer goal.
In an alternative embodiment, the flexible material of the compartment is mounted to define a rectangular side cross-sectioned soccer goal.
In one embodiment, the compartment extends above the elastic mechanism.
In one embodiment, the frame has supporting legs for supporting the rebounding mat above ground.
In one embodiment, the flexible material of the enclosure is mounted such that the laterally closed gaming area has a flared shape extending upwards to the upper portions of the poles.
In an alternative embodiment, the flexible material of the enclosure is mounted to define vertical walls around the closed gaming area.
In one embodiment, each of the frame, the rebounding mat and the enclosure has a rectangular shape, the flexible material of the enclosure defining opposed longitudinal walls and opposed transversal walls extending therebetween. The compartment extends on a corresponding transversal wall of the enclosure and defines a first soccer goal, the enclosure further comprising an additional opening defined in the remaining transversal wall of the enclosure and an additional compartment snuggly connected to the additional opening, the additional compartment defining a second soccer goal facing the first soccer goal.
In one embodiment, the trampoline system is further provided with soccer line marking extending on the rebounding mat.
In one embodiment, the trampoline system is further provided with a lighting system mounted on one of the poles for projecting light on the gaming area.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a soccer game assembly for a trampoline system having a rebounding mat connected to a frame. The soccer game assembly has a plurality of poles mountable around the rebounding mat in a distributed manner, each of the poles being attachable to the frame for extending above the rebounding mat. The soccer game assembly is provided with an enclosure comprising a flexible material couplable to a respective upper portion of each of the poles for extending downwardly to the rebounding mat and therearound. The soccer game assembly also has an opening defined in the flexible material to allow a ball to go through, the opening extending substantially from the rebounding mat and upwardly when the flexible material is connected to the rebounding mat. The soccer game assembly also has a compartment mountable in a snuggly manner to the opening and extending outwards the enclosure when mounted, the compartment being adapted to receive a ball from interior of the enclosure and prevent the ball from leaving the trampoline system. The enclosure and the compartment, when mounted to the trampoline system, define together a laterally closed gaming area enabling to keep the ball inside the gaming area.
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration example embodiments thereof and in which:
FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a trampoline system, in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of the trampoline system shown in FIG. 1, with parts omitted to show an elastic mechanism;
FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of a frame of the trampoline system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of a rebounding mat and a safety pad of the trampoline system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of an enclosure and the rebounding mat of the trampoline system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view showing the rebounding mat and a pair of compartments of the trampoline system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of the trampoline system shown in FIG. 1, further provided with a top section, according to an embodiment, an enclosure of the trampoline system being omitted;
FIG. 8 is an elevated perspective view of the trampoline system shown in FIG. 1, further provided with a top section and a lighting system mounted to one of the poles, according to another embodiment;
FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective view of another trampoline system according to still another embodiment showing a triangular side cross-sectioned soccer goal;
FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the trampoline system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the trampoline system shown in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the trampoline system shown in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a trampoline system 10 according to one embodiment. As it will become apparent upon reading of the present disclosure, in one embodiment, the trampoline system 10 is particularly devised to provide a realistic soccer gaming experience to players on the rebounding mat.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the trampoline system 10 has a frame 12 and a rebounding mat 14 coupled to the frame 10 by an elastic mechanism 16 (shown in FIG. 2), as well known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic mechanism 16 has a set of springs 18, or alternatively a set of flexible rubber bands, attached to and distributed around the rebounding mat 14, and also attached to the frame 12 and therearound. Other arrangements for the elastic mechanism 16 may be considered for providing a suitable rebounding surface. Construction of the elastic mechanism 16 with the frame 12 is an important feature for providing the necessary tension that allows for the bounce effect. It is engineered to withstand extensive use, ensuring a consistent and responsive bounce across the entire surface of the rebounding mat 14.
In one embodiment, and as illustrated, the frame 12 has a rectangular shape adapted to emulate a soccer field but other shapes may be considered. As better shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame 12 has a rectangular contour frame 20 that extends horizontally to which the rebounding mat 14 is attached by the elastic mechanism 16. The illustrated frame 12 is also provided with four supporting legs 22 used for elevating and supporting the rebounding mat 14 above the ground. Each of the legs 22 is U-shaped with a lower horizontal section 24 devised for lying on the ground and two vertical sections 26, 28 that connect to two consecutive segments 30, 32 of the contour frame 20. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the legs 22 extend angularly with respect to the rectangular contour frame 20. Such arrangement provides greater stability to the trampoline system 10 and allows to evenly distributes the weight across the surface area thereof. In an alternative embodiment, one or several additional legs may be provided, for example a transversal leg extending centrally with respect to the frame 12 to further enhance stability. In another embodiment, the legs 22 may be omitted. In such embodiment, the frame 12 may be directly installed on an external appropriate structure providing a free space under the rebounding mat 14.
In one embodiment, the frame 12 may be made from steel tubing specifically designed for durability and strength. In such arrangement, these tubes fit into each other, creating a sturdy structure that supports the jumping mat and ensures the stability of the entire trampoline system 10.
Still referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the trampoline system 10 also has a plurality of poles 40 distributed around the rebounding mat 14, six in the illustrated embodiment, four at each corner of the rebounding mat 14 and one on each longitudinal side in the middle thereof. Each of the poles 40 is attached to the frame 12 and extends above the rebounding mat 14. In one embodiment, mounting welded sleeves (not shown) can be provided on the frame 12 for mounting the poles 40 although various other arrangements may be considered. In the illustrated embodiment, the poles 40 extend vertically from the frame 12 and have a convex shape extending outwardly. Such arrangement may help to extend the distance between the enclosure 60 detailed below and the poles 40, reducing the possibility of someone hitting the pole inadvertently during playing, as it will become apparent below upon reading of the present description. Other arrangements may be considered, for example, vertical straight poles may be used.
In one embodiment, the poles 40 are made of steel tubing and may be covered by foam tubing and PVC sleeves (not shown).
In the illustrated embodiment, the trampoline system 10 further has an upper frame 50 mounted to each respective upper portion 42 of the poles 40 and defining a closed perimeter around the poles 40. The skilled addressee will however understand that such an upper frame 50 may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as it should become apparent below.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, the trampoline system 10 is provided with an enclosure 60 comprising a flexible material 62 coupled to a respective upper portion 42 of each of the poles 40, for example at the top thereof, and extending downwardly to the rebounding mat 14 and therearound. In the illustrated embodiment provided with the upper frame 50, the flexible material 62 of the enclosure 60 is coupled to the upper frame 50 all along. The flexible material 62 may be made of net, mesh, pvc or any other flexible material, as known in the art of trampoline systems.
In one embodiment, the top of the enclosure 60 is reinforced with PVC member 61, which is securely connected to the enclosure mesh, i.e. the flexible material 62. This PVC member 61 forms a U-shape at the top, creating a channel into which a fiberglass rod or metal tubing (not shown) is inserted all around the top. The fiberglass rod or metal tubing runs through this channel, connecting to each of the vertical poles 40 that support the enclosure 60, and thereby defining the upper frame 50. This clever design ensures that the top part of the enclosure 60 remains straight and stable, providing additional structural integrity. The combination of PVC and upper frame 50 distributes the tension evenly across the top, preventing sagging and maintaining a neat, taut appearance. This not only enhances the trampoline's safety but also improves its aesthetic appeal and overall functionality.
In one embodiment, the flexible material 62 of the enclosure 60 may be connected to the rebounding mat 14 all along. For example, the enclosure 60 may be secured to the rebounding mat 14 using a sturdy cord, which is meticulously threaded through the D-rings that connect the rebounding mat 14 to the springs of the elastic mechanism 16 and thru additional holes between the rebounding mat 14 and enclosure wall. This arrangement would ensure that the enclosure 60 remains tightly attached, preventing any gaps that could pose a safety risk. In an alternative embodiment, the flexible material 62 is not attached to the rebounding mat 14 but is rather connected to the lower portion of the poles 40 or contour frame 20, sufficiently low and with sufficient tension to prevent a ball to freely pass thereunder, as it should become apparent to the skilled addressee.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the enclosure 60 is provided with a closable entry, for example using a zipper 63, for providing a convenient and secure way for players to enter and exit the enclosed area. This zipper 63 is adapted for easy access while maintaining the integrity of the enclosure 60, ensuring that the ball stays within the playing field during vigorous play. Alternatively, other solutions could also be implemented to achieve similar functionality, for example using Velcro elements.
Still in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, it can be seen that the enclosure 60 is mounted such that the elastic mechanism 16 extends outwards the enclosure 60 but an enclosure mounted around the elastic mechanism 16 could also be envisaged.
As better shown in FIG. 5, an opening 70 is defined in the flexible material 62 to allow a ball (not shown) to go through, as better detailed below. The opening 70 extends substantially from the rebounding mat 14 and upwardly. In other words, the bottom of the opening 70 may extend flush with the rebounding mat 14 or slightly above, as detailed below. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the opening 70 has a rectangular shape emulating a soccer goal.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, the trampoline system 10 also has a compartment 72 snuggly connected to the opening 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the compartment 72 has a rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the associated opening 70 in order to emulate a soccer goal. The compartment 72 extends outwards the enclosure 60, as better shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the compartment 72 extends above the elastic mechanism 16, with the bottom of the compartment 72 being substantially at the same level as the rebounding mat 14. Indeed, in one embodiment, safety pads 102 detailed below are mounted above the elastic mechanism 16 around the rebounding mat 14 to further enhance safety. In this context, ‘substantially’ allows for a vertical offset of up to approximately 3 inches or more between the bottom of the compartment 72 and the rebounding mat 14, as the compartment 72 may sit on top of the elastic mechanism 16 and associated safety pads. In such an embodiment, the flexible material 62 of the enclosure 60 may fill the vertical offset between the bottom of the compartment 72 and the rebounding mat 14. Such arrangement may enable to maximize the use of the whole rebounding surface for the gaming area while taking advantage of using the portion above the elastic mechanism 16.
The compartment 72 is adapted to receive a ball from the interior of the enclosure 60 and prevent the ball from leaving the trampoline system 10. As it should be apparent to the skilled addressee, the enclosure 60 and the compartment 72 define together a laterally closed gaming area 74 enabling to keep the ball inside the gaming area 74.
As better shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the compartment 72 has first and second lateral peripheral walls 76, 78 extending upwardly and top and bottom transversal peripheral walls 80, 79 connected therebetween, respectively at a top portion and a bottom portion thereof, for further enhancing gaming experience with a soccer goal that mimics a real soccer goal. In this embodiment, the compartment has a rectangular side cross-section. In one embodiment, the peripheral walls 76, 78, 80, 79 may be made of flexible material such as a flat flexible PVC material as a non-limitative example to prevent any injuries. The peripheral walls 76, 78, 80, 79 however preferably have sufficient rigidity to keep the compartment in place during playing. The peripheral walls 76, 78, 80, 79 may be covered with foam material to further reduce any injury risk. Such foam material can be easily replaced should they wear. In another embodiment, the peripheral walls 76, 78, 80, 79 could be made of flexible net mesh.
In one embodiment, the bottom peripheral wall 79 may be attached to the frame 12 using mounting straps (not shown), for example at an outer edge of the bottom peripheral wall 79 to ensure that the compartment 72 remains firmly in place during play. In addition, the bottom peripheral wall 79 may also be attached to the rebounding mat 14 through its inner edge.
In one embodiment, the compartment 72 is further configured to absorb at least a portion of energy of the ball moving therethrough. For example, the compartment 72 may be provided with a flexible material 82 connected to the outer edge of the peripheral walls 76, 78, 80, 79 and projecting outwards the enclosure 60, on the elastic mechanism 16. The flexible material 82 that may be made of flexible PVC, mesh or net may be mounted to provide a convenient reduced tension allowing to absorb a portion of the energy of the ball, as would do a real soccer net, to further enhance player's experience. Indeed, such an arrangement allows the ball to cross the goal line 83 (shown in FIG. 4) and hit the back of the flexible material 82, replicating the experience of playing with real soccer goals.
In one embodiment, the flexible material 82 of the compartment 72 is crafted from the same material as the flexible material 62 of the enclosure 60, but it preferably has noticeably less tension. This design feature is intentional, as the reduced tension would allow the flexible material 82 to better absorb the impact of a soccer ball when it hits the back of the goal. The looser flexible material 82 provides a cushioning effect, slowing down the ball and preventing it from bouncing back too forcefully. This thoughtful feature greatly enhances the playing experience by mimicking the behavior of traditional soccer nets.
In a further embodiment, flexible strips or tubings 99 emulating real soccer posts may be provided on the perimeter of the opening 70 or on the perimeter of the compartment 72.
In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the compartment 72 is adapted to define a triangular side cross-sectioned soccer goal. In such arrangement, the upper transverse peripheral wall 80 may be omitted from the compartment 72, with the flexible material 82 thereof being directly attached to the flexible material 62 of the enclosure 60, as a non-limitative example.
The skilled addressee will also appreciate that each of the peripheral walls 76, 78, 80, 79 of the compartment 72 may be omitted. In such a case, the compartment has a flexible material 82 similar to the material 62 that is directly attached to the perimeter of the opening 70, such flexible material 82 offering a reduced tension.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, each of the frame 12, the rebounding mat 14 and the enclosure 60 has a rectangular shape, the flexible material 62 of the enclosure 60 defining opposed longitudinal walls and opposed transversal walls extending therebetween. The compartment 72 extends on a corresponding transversal wall 86 of the enclosure 60 and defines a first soccer goal 88. The skilled addressee will appreciate that a single compartment 72 emulating the soccer goal 88 may be provided. However, to further enhance the playing experience, in a further embodiment, the enclosure 60 is further provided with an additional opening 90 (shown in FIG. 5) defined in the remaining transversal wall 92 of the enclosure 60 and an additional compartment 94 snuggly connected to the additional opening 90. The additional compartment 94 defines a second soccer goal 96 facing the first soccer goal 88 to emulate a complete soccer field.
In one embodiment, the first and second soccer goals 88, 96 are thoughtfully integrated into the design of the enclosure 60, with the peripheral walls 76, 78, 80 sewn directly at their respective inner edge to the flexible material 62 of the enclosure 60. This secure attachment ensures that the soccer goals 88, 96 stay firmly in place during play. The inner edge 81 of the bottom peripheral wall 79 of each soccer goal 88, 96 can be connected to the rebounding mat 14 or to the flexible material 62 of the enclosure 60 in the same manner as the rest of the enclosure 60, i.e. using a cord that is threaded through the D-rings and holes in the rebounding mat 14. This connection ensures there are no substantial gaps between the rebounding mat 14 and the bottom of the soccer goal 88 or 96, thereby providing a safe and secure playing environment.
In an alternative further embodiment, the compartment 72 is removably connected to the opening 70 such that it can be detached from the enclosure 60 to facilitate its replacement. The compartment to enclosure connexion may be made with a cord, a zipper or any other attachment means enabling a secure connexion detachable on demand.
Referring now to FIG. 7, in a further embodiment, the trampoline system 10 is further provided with a top section 98 attached to the upper portions 42 of the poles 40 and adapted to close from above the gaming area 74 for preventing the ball from leaving the enclosure 60 from top. In one embodiment, the top section 98 of the enclosure 60 comprises a flexible material 100 similar to the one used for the enclosure 60, as detailed above. With such arrangement, the gaming area 74 is completely closed and ensures that the ball will remain within the playing area 74 to enable an uninterrupted playing experience. In one embodiment, the top section 98 of the enclosure 60 may also be adapted to define an impermeable roof.
In one embodiment, the top section 98 is securely attached to the upper frame 50 previously described at multiple positions around the top of the enclosure 60. This strategic attachment ensures that the top section 98 remains stable and taut, effectively preventing the ball from escaping the trampoline area during play. By covering the entire top, the top section 98 acts as a barrier that keeps the ball contained within the trampoline system 10, minimizing interruptions and maintaining the flow of the game. In one embodiment, the top section 98 is attached in a removable manner so as to allow its replacement, should it be required.
Referring now to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the trampoline system 10 is further provided with a safety pad 102 devised to cover the elastic mechanism 16 and the frame 12, for minimizing the risk of injury from impact thereon. The safety pad 102 has a rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the frame 12 and has an aperture therein wherein the rebounding mat 14 extends. In one embodiment, the safety pad 102 is made of a plurality of pads mounted and attached together on the contour frame 20.
In a further embodiment, as illustrated, the trampoline system 10 is further provided with soccer line marking 104 extending on the rebounding mat 14 and replicating real soccer lines, to still enhance the gaming experience. In one embodiment, the soccer line marking 104, including the goal line 83 and the outer lines 105, may be obtained with an impression process on the rebounding mat 14 or by a different color of reinforced edge around the rebounding mat that holds the d-rings. In an alternative embodiment, the outer lines 105 may be provided on the safety pad 102 instead of the rebounding mat 14. It should also be appreciated that the goal line 83 could also be defined as a distinct soccer goal bottom color than the rebounding mat color.
Referring now to FIG. 8, in a further embodiment, the trampoline system 10 is further provided with a lighting system 106 mounted on one or several poles 40 for projecting light on the gaming area. Such arrangement allows for play at any time of the day or night, similar to a real soccer stadium, thereby further enhancing the overall experience and making it more exciting and versatile.
In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting system 106 has a first light projector 108 and a second light projector 110, each being respectively mounted on the upper portion of a corresponding pole 40. In one embodiment, the light projectors 108, 110 are mounted on poles 40 extending on each longitudinal side of the trampoline system 10, in the middle thereof, although various other arrangements may be considered. A single light projector 108 may be used.
In one embodiment, a light fixture 112 is used to attach the light projector 108 to the upper portion of the pole 40 such that the light projector 108 extends above the enclosure 60 and above the top section 98 for projecting light therethrough. In a further embodiment, the light projector 108 is fixedly mounted and is adapted, in combination with the light projector 110, to enlighten the whole gaming area 74 without exceeding this surface. In one embodiment, the light projector 108 is provided with a single light source 114 conveniently directed towards the gaming area 74. In another embodiment, as the one illustrated, the light projector 108 is provided with two light sources 114 mounted side by side but at an angle with each other, such that the light source 114 mounted to the right projects light mainly on the right portion of the gaming area 74 and the light source 114 mounted to the left projects light mainly on the left portion. This arrangement enhances a real stadium effect while minimizing glaring that players may experience during the play. Electrical cables (not shown) may be mounted inside or outside the corresponding pole 40. In a further embodiment, each light projector 108, 110 is further provided with a protective tubing (not shown) around the light sources 114 to protect them from ball shock that could arise during playing.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 5, in one embodiment, as the one illustrated, the flexible material 62 of the enclosure 60 is connected to the rebounding mat 14 such that the laterally closed gaming area 74 has a flared shape extending upwards to the upper portions of the poles 40. In an alternative embodiment, the flexible material 62 of the enclosure 60 is instead mounted to define vertical walls around the closed gaming area 74.
FIGS. 11 and 12 show overall exemplary dimensions in inches that can be achieved with the trampoline system design previously described.
As it should now be apparent to the skilled addressee, the present disclosure provides, in one embodiment, a soccer trampoline system that has been specifically designed for replicating the authentic experience of scoring a soccer goal while also enhancing safety since players would be chasing the ball all over the trampoline, not just staying in the center of the jumping mat. The proposed trampoline system enables to create a unique and thrilling experience, encouraging enhanced spectacular soccer plays that are more difficult to make on a non-rebounding pitch such as bicycle kicks and high headers.
The proposed soccer trampoline system is also specifically designed to prevent the ball from leaving the trampoline, which would interrupt the flow of play. The robust design has also been conceived to enable an enclosure higher than typically proposed on the market to accommodate both tall adults and younger children playing together. To further enhance the realism of a soccer playing experience, the design has also been developed to maximize the dimensions of the playing area inside the enclosure while also optimizing the associated weight and cost of the overall trampoline system 10.
While the trampoline assembly 10 described above provides a complete assembly, the inventor of the present invention also aims to provide a kit of a soccer game assembly for use on some adapted existing trampoline systems.
Therefore, according to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a soccer game assembly for a trampoline system 10 having a rebounding mat 14 connected to a frame 12. The soccer game assembly has a plurality of poles 40 mountable around the rebounding mat 14 in a distributed manner, each of the poles 40 being attachable to the frame 12 for extending above the rebounding mat 14. The soccer game assembly is provided with an enclosure 60 comprising a flexible material 62 couplable to a respective upper portion of each of the poles 40 for extending downwardly to the rebounding mat 14 and therearound.
The soccer game assembly also has an opening 70 defined in the flexible material 62 of the enclosure 60 to allow a ball to go through, the opening 70 extending substantially from the rebounding mat 14 and upwardly when the flexible material 62 is connected to the rebounding mat 14.
The soccer game assembly also has a compartment 72 mountable in a snuggly manner to the opening 70 and extending outwards the enclosure 60 when mounted, the compartment 72 being adapted to receive a ball from the interior of the enclosure 60 and prevent the ball from leaving the trampoline system 10.
The enclosure 60 and the compartment 72, when mounted to the trampoline system 10, define together a laterally closed gaming area 74 enabling to keep the ball inside the gaming area 74.
The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. For example, the trampoline system is not limited to a soccer game trampoline. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.
1. A trampoline system comprising:
a frame;
a rebounding mat coupled to the frame by an elastic mechanism;
a plurality of poles distributed around the rebounding mat, each of the poles being attached to the frame and extending above the rebounding mat;
an enclosure comprising a flexible material coupled to a respective upper portion of each of the poles and extending downwardly to the rebounding mat and therearound;
an opening defined in the flexible material to allow a ball to go through, the opening extending substantially from the rebounding mat and upwardly; and
a compartment snuggly connected to the opening and extending outwards the enclosure, the compartment being adapted to receive a ball from interior of the enclosure and prevent the ball from leaving the trampoline system;
wherein the enclosure and the compartment define together a laterally closed gaming area enabling to keep the ball inside said gaming area.
2. The trampoline system according to claim 1, wherein the compartment is configured to absorb at least a portion of energy of the ball moving therethrough.
3. The trampoline system according to claim 2, wherein the compartment comprises a flexible material.
4. The trampoline system according to claim 1, wherein the flexible material of the enclosure is coupled to a top end of each of the poles.
5. The trampoline system according to claim 1, further comprising an upper frame mounted to each respective upper portion of the poles and defining a closed perimeter around the poles, the flexible material of the enclosure being coupled to the upper frame all along.
6. The trampoline system according to claim 1, further comprising a top section attached to the respective upper portions of the poles and adapted to close from above the gaming area for preventing the ball from leaving the enclosure.
7. The trampoline system according to claim 6, wherein the top section comprises a flexible material.
8. The trampoline system according to claim 5, further comprising a top section attached along the upper frame and adapted to close from above the gaming area for preventing the ball from leaving the enclosure.
9. The trampoline system according to claim 8, wherein the top section comprises a flexible material.
10. The trampoline system according to claim 1, wherein the compartment is removably attached to the opening.
11. The trampoline system according to claim 1, wherein each of the opening and the compartment has a rectangular shape emulating a soccer goal.
12. The trampoline system according to claim 11, wherein the compartment comprises first and second lateral peripheral walls extending upwardly and top and bottom transversal peripheral walls connected therebetween, respectively at a top portion and a bottom portion thereof; and further wherein the compartment further comprises a flexible material connected to the peripheral walls and projecting outwards the enclosure, the flexible material being adapted to absorb at least a portion of energy of the ball moving therethrough.
13. The trampoline system according to claim 12, wherein the flexible material of the compartment is mounted to define a triangular side cross-sectioned soccer goal.
14. The trampoline system according to claim 12, wherein the flexible material of the compartment is adapted to define a rectangular side cross-sectioned soccer goal.
15. The trampoline system according to claim 1, wherein the compartment extends above the elastic mechanism.
16. The trampoline system according to claim 1, wherein the flexible material of the enclosure is mounted such that the laterally closed gaming area has a flared shape extending upwards to the upper portions of the poles.
17. The trampoline system according to claim 1, wherein the flexible material of the enclosure is mounted to define vertical walls around the closed gaming area.
18. The trampoline system according to claim 1, wherein each of the frame, the rebounding mat and the enclosure has a rectangular shape, the flexible material of the enclosure defining opposed longitudinal walls and opposed transversal walls extending therebetween; and further wherein the compartment extends on a corresponding transversal wall of the enclosure and defines a first soccer goal, the enclosure further comprising an additional opening defined in the remaining transversal wall of the enclosure and an additional compartment snuggly connected to the additional opening, the additional compartment defining a second soccer goal facing the first soccer goal.
19. The trampoline system according to claim 1, further comprising soccer line marking extending on the rebounding mat.
20. The trampoline system according to claim 1, further comprising a lighting system mounted on one of the poles for projecting light on the gaming area.
21. A soccer game assembly for a trampoline system having a rebounding mat connected to a frame, the soccer game assembly comprising:
a plurality of poles mountable around the rebounding mat in a distributed manner, each of the poles being attachable to the frame for extending above the rebounding mat;
an enclosure comprising a flexible material couplable to a respective upper portion of each of the poles for extending downwardly to the rebounding mat and therearound;
an opening defined in the flexible material to allow a ball to go through, the opening extending substantially from the rebounding mat and upwardly when the flexible material is connected to the rebounding mat; and
a compartment mountable in a snuggly manner to the opening and extending outwards the enclosure when mounted, the compartment being adapted to receive a ball from interior of the enclosure and prevent the ball from leaving the trampoline system;
wherein the enclosure and the compartment, when mounted to the trampoline system, define together a laterally closed gaming area enabling to keep the ball inside said gaming area.