Trampoline System and a Soccer Game Assembly Therefor

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.

Referring to, there is shown a trampoline systemaccording to one embodiment. As it will become apparent upon reading of the present disclosure, in one embodiment, the trampoline systemis particularly devised to provide a realistic soccer gaming experience to players on the rebounding mat.

Referring to, the trampoline systemhas a frameand a rebounding matcoupled to the frameby an elastic mechanism(shown in), as well known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic mechanismhas a set of springs, or alternatively a set of flexible rubber bands, attached to and distributed around the rebounding mat, and also attached to the frameand therearound. Other arrangements for the elastic mechanismmay be considered for providing a suitable rebounding surface. Construction of the elastic mechanismwith the frameis 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.

In one embodiment, and as illustrated, the framehas a rectangular shape adapted to emulate a soccer field but other shapes may be considered. As better shown in, the framehas a rectangular contour framethat extends horizontally to which the rebounding matis attached by the elastic mechanism. The illustrated frameis also provided with four supporting legsused for elevating and supporting the rebounding matabove the ground. Each of the legsis U-shaped with a lower horizontal sectiondevised for lying on the ground and two vertical sections,that connect to two consecutive segments,of the contour frame. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the legsextend angularly with respect to the rectangular contour frame. Such arrangement provides greater stability to the trampoline systemand 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 frameto further enhance stability. In another embodiment, the legsmay be omitted. In such embodiment, the framemay be directly installed on an external appropriate structure providing a free space under the rebounding mat.

In one embodiment, the framemay 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.

Still referring to, the trampoline systemalso has a plurality of polesdistributed around the rebounding mat, six in the illustrated embodiment, four at each corner of the rebounding matand one on each longitudinal side in the middle thereof. Each of the polesis attached to the frameand extends above the rebounding mat. In one embodiment, mounting welded sleeves (not shown) can be provided on the framefor mounting the polesalthough various other arrangements may be considered. In the illustrated embodiment, the polesextend vertically from the frameand have a convex shape extending outwardly. Such arrangement may help to extend the distance between the enclosuredetailed below and the poles, 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 polesare made of steel tubing and may be covered by foam tubing and PVC sleeves (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, the trampoline systemfurther has an upper framemounted to each respective upper portionof the polesand defining a closed perimeter around the poles. The skilled addressee will however understand that such an upper framemay be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as it should become apparent below.

Referring now to, the trampoline systemis provided with an enclosurecomprising a flexible materialcoupled to a respective upper portionof each of the poles, for example at the top thereof, and extending downwardly to the rebounding matand therearound. In the illustrated embodiment provided with the upper frame, the flexible materialof the enclosureis coupled to the upper frameall along. The flexible materialmay 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 enclosureis reinforced with PVC member, which is securely connected to the enclosure mesh, i.e. the flexible material. This PVC memberforms 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 polesthat support the enclosure, and thereby defining the upper frame. This clever design ensures that the top part of the enclosureremains straight and stable, providing additional structural integrity. The combination of PVC and upper framedistributes 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 materialof the enclosuremay be connected to the rebounding matall along. For example, the enclosuremay be secured to the rebounding matusing a sturdy cord, which is meticulously threaded through the D-rings that connect the rebounding matto the springs of the elastic mechanismand thru additional holes between the rebounding matand enclosure wall. This arrangement would ensure that the enclosureremains tightly attached, preventing any gaps that could pose a safety risk. In an alternative embodiment, the flexible materialis not attached to the rebounding matbut is rather connected to the lower portion of the polesor contour frame, 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, the enclosureis provided with a closable entry, for example using a zipper, for providing a convenient and secure way for players to enter and exit the enclosed area. This zipperis adapted for easy access while maintaining the integrity of the enclosure, 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, it can be seen that the enclosureis mounted such that the elastic mechanismextends outwards the enclosurebut an enclosure mounted around the elastic mechanismcould also be envisaged.

As better shown in, an openingis defined in the flexible materialto allow a ball (not shown) to go through, as better detailed below. The openingextends substantially from the rebounding matand upwardly. In other words, the bottom of the openingmay extend flush with the rebounding mator slightly above, as detailed below. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the openinghas a rectangular shape emulating a soccer goal.

Referring now to, the trampoline systemalso has a compartmentsnuggly connected to the opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the compartmenthas a rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the associated openingin order to emulate a soccer goal. The compartmentextends outwards the enclosure, as better shown in. In the illustrated embodiment, the compartmentextends above the elastic mechanism, with the bottom of the compartmentbeing substantially at the same level as the rebounding mat. Indeed, in one embodiment, safety padsdetailed below are mounted above the elastic mechanismaround the rebounding matto 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 compartmentand the rebounding mat, as the compartmentmay sit on top of the elastic mechanismand associated safety pads. In such an embodiment, the flexible materialof the enclosuremay fill the vertical offset between the bottom of the compartmentand the rebounding mat. 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.

The compartmentis adapted to receive a ball from the interior of the enclosureand prevent the ball from leaving the trampoline system. As it should be apparent to the skilled addressee, the enclosureand the compartmentdefine together a laterally closed gaming areaenabling to keep the ball inside the gaming area.

As better shown in, in one embodiment, the compartmenthas 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, 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,,,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,,,however preferably have sufficient rigidity to keep the compartment in place during playing. The peripheral walls,,,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,,,could be made of flexible net mesh.

In one embodiment, the bottom peripheral wallmay be attached to the frameusing mounting straps (not shown), for example at an outer edge of the bottom peripheral wallto ensure that the compartmentremains firmly in place during play. In addition, the bottom peripheral wallmay also be attached to the rebounding matthrough its inner edge.

In one embodiment, the compartmentis further configured to absorb at least a portion of energy of the ball moving therethrough. For example, the compartmentmay be provided with a flexible materialconnected to the outer edge of the peripheral walls,,,and projecting outwards the enclosure, on the elastic mechanism. The flexible materialthat 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(shown in) and hit the back of the flexible material, replicating the experience of playing with real soccer goals.

In one embodiment, the flexible materialof the compartmentis crafted from the same material as the flexible materialof the enclosure, but it preferably has noticeably less tension. This design feature is intentional, as the reduced tension would allow the flexible materialto better absorb the impact of a soccer ball when it hits the back of the goal. The looser flexible materialprovides 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 tubingsemulating real soccer posts may be provided on the perimeter of the openingor on the perimeter of the compartment.

In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in, the compartmentis adapted to define a triangular side cross-sectioned soccer goal. In such arrangement, the upper transverse peripheral wallmay be omitted from the compartment, with the flexible materialthereof being directly attached to the flexible materialof the enclosure, as a non-limitative example.

The skilled addressee will also appreciate that each of the peripheral walls,,,of the compartmentmay be omitted. In such a case, the compartment has a flexible materialsimilar to the materialthat is directly attached to the perimeter of the opening, such flexible materialoffering a reduced tension.