WO2014058364A1

WO2014058364A1 - Trampoline mat

Info

Publication number: WO2014058364A1
Application number: PCT/SE2012/051088
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olof GÖRANSSON
Original assignee: Avero AB
Current assignee: Avero AB
Priority date: 2012-10-11
Filing date: 2012-10-11
Publication date: 2014-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 2015-04-11

Description

TRAMPOLINE MAT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a trampoline mat according to the preamble of claim 1 and a trampoline comprising such a trampoline mat.

BACKGROUND

A trampoline comprises a trampoline mat, a frame and at least one resilient member. The trampoline mat is typically circular, oval, square or rectangular. The trampoline mat may comprise a cloth or net-shaped structure. It may be made of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene. The frame is normally made of metal. It encompasses the trampoline mat and typically has substantially the same shape as the trampoline mat. A circular or oval trampoline mat is then surrounded by a circular or oval frame having a larger diameter than the trampoline mat, and a square or rectangular trampoline mat is surrounded by a substantially square or rectangular frame, which however may comprise rounded-off edges.

The trampoline mat comprises a plurality of attachments distributed around the edge of the trampoline mat. The attachments are adapted to receive one or more resilient members for retaining the trampoline mat under tension. The resilient members may be a plurality of springs, e.g. helical springs, connecting the edge of the trampoline mat to the frame, thereby tensioning the trampoline mat. When a person is using the trampoline mat, i.e. jumping on it, the springs will be extended and thereafter strive to go back to their normal lengths. The spring may be attached to a loop comprised in the attachment by means of a hook comprised in the spring.

As an alternative, the resilient member may comprise an elastic cord. Normally, the elastic cord is long enough to go back and forth between the edge of the trampoline mat and the frame a couple of times. Each portion connecting the trampoline mat to the frame then forms a segment, which correspond to a spring in the above example. The elastic cord may be so long, that only one elastic cord is utilized for the whole trampoline mat, or a plurality of elastic cords may be used. The trampoline mat is often surrounded by an edge pad, which is adapted to at least partly cover the at least one resilient member and/or the frame. The edge pad will help preventing a user from stepping or landing between the resilient members, e.g. when climbing on to the trampoline mat. The edge pad may also be arranged to cover the frame, thereby dampening a possible impact with the frame in case of stepping or landing on the frame. The edge pad is often made as a number of segments, the shapes of which are adapted to the frame and the trampoline mat. For a circular or oval trampoline mat, the segments may therefore be arc-shaped. For a square or rectangular mat, rectangular segments may be used.

It is further known to use a number of support poles extending upwardly from the frame for carrying a protection, typically e.g. net, surrounding the trampoline mat in order to prevent a user from falling off the trampoline mat. The protection may be attached to either the frame or the trampoline mat. Attaching to the frame results in a larger usable area of the trampoline mat. On the other hand, attaching to the trampoline mat helps to prevent the user from stepping or landing between the resilient members.

However, even if using the above-mentioned edge pad and/or surrounding protection, there is still a risk that e.g. a foot or an arm of the user, e.g. if landing unfortunately in the vicinity of the edge of the trampoline mat, slips into the gap formed between the edge pad and the trampoline mat. The foot or arm will, in such a case, come in direct contact with the resilient member and there is a risk of discomfort and even injury.

Document CN 201 147592Y discloses a trampoline, wherein the edge pad is provided with a circle of soft protecting-net or protecting-cloth. One end of the resilient member is attached to the frame and the other end is attached to the trampoline mat by passing through the soft protecting-net or protecting-cloth. Thereby the gap formed between the edge pad and the trampoline mat is covered by the protecting-net or protecting-cloth hanging down from the edge pad. The proposed solution of CN 201 147592Y thus builds on cooperation between the trampoline mat, the protecting-net/cloth and the resilient member.

SUMMARY

The object of the present disclosure is to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. It is desirable to provide a trampoline mat, which can help preventing injury if the user slips outwards over the resilient member. It is further desirable that the trampoline mat by itself can prevent injury, independently of other parts of the trampoline.

It also desirable to provide a trampoline mat comprising only few parts and/or being easy to manufacture.

The object above may be achieved by the subject-matter of claim 1 .

Thus, in a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a trampoline mat comprising a plurality of attachments distributed in the proximity of a circumference of the trampoline mat. The attachments are adapted to receive one or more resilient members for retaining the trampoline mat under tension. The trampoline mat has an upper side and a lower side. The attachments are located on the lower side of the trampoline mat.

The terms upper side and lower side relates to the trampoline mat in an unfolded state, e.g. the state it will have when mounted in the frame, in which it is retained under tension and thus is substantially flat when not in use. The upper side of the trampoline mat is then the side which is intended for the user to jump on.

The attachments may be attached to or fixed to the lower side of the trampoline mat. The attachments are preferably located at the lower side of the trampoline mat only, i.e. being inaccessible from the upper side of the trampoline mat. The upper side of the trampoline mat thus forms a substantially flat surface. The attachments may e.g. be sewn, welded, clamped and/or glued to the rest of the trampoline mat. If the trampoline mat according to an embodiment of the invention is circular or oval, the attachments are typically located in a circle or oval being concentric with the circumference of the trampoline mat, but having a smaller diameter. If the trampoline mat according to an embodiment of the invention is square or rectangular, the attachments are typically located parallel to, and inside of, the edge of the trampoline mat. The terms inside of, outside of and outwards as used herein are intended to mean with respect to a centre of the trampoline mat.

By locating the attachments on the lower side of the trampoline mat it is made sure, that even if the foot or arm of the user would slip outwards out over the resilient member, it will not be injured by one or more of the attachments. Instead the foot or arm will slip on top of the trampoline mat, which at least partly covers the resilient member. The foot or arm will thus avoid direct contact with the attachments and the resilient members. In particular, if using a spring as a resilient member, it is typically attached to a loop of the attachment by means of a hook, which constitutes a potential danger to a foot or arm slipping outwards over the resilient member. However, if using the trampoline mat according to an embodiment of the invention, the hook will be covered by the trampoline mat, thereby avoiding direct contact between the foot or arm with such a hook.

Further, the trampoline mat according to the invention is independent of the edge pad. The trampoline mat will protect a slipping foot or arm also in case no edge pad is present. If an edge pad is present, the trampoline mat is free to move independently of the edge pad. The trampoline mat also works independently of the above-mentioned surrounding protection, e.g. a net, attached to support poles, which however may be used in addition.

The trampoline mat according to the invention may be used to retrofit existing trampolines by exchanging an existing trampoline mat to a new trampoline mat according to the invention. The frame, resilient members and any edge pad/s or surrounding protection may then be re-used.

The trampoline mat according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a central portion being inside of the attachments and a peripheral portion being located outside of the attachments.

The trampoline mat may comprise a cloth or net-shaped structure, in particular in the central portion. The cloth or net-shaped structure is used to provide a suitable surface for jumping. The net-shaped structure differs from the cloth in that it has a higher open area. The open area may vary from substantially zero for a dense cloth to close to 100% for a very open net-shaped structure. By using a net-shaped structure, less air has to be pressed to the sides when the trampoline mat moves up and down as compared to the more dense cloth, which may be advantageous for a trampoline mat used for competition purposes. Further, the net-shaped structure is less slippery when wet. The cloth is typically cheaper to manufacture than a net-shaped structure. It is further easier to produce in various shapes, such as circular or oval. It also provides higher comfort if the jumper falls than the net-shaped structure. The cloth is thus convenient for trampolines used by children.

The trampoline mat may be provided with an edge reinforcement at or adjacent to at least a portion of its circumferential edge. The edge reinforcement will help to prevent damages to the edge, e.g. unravelling or fraying of the edge. The edge reinforcement may comprise one or more seams, glue strings or a fold, a hem or material, e.g. a belt, seamed, welded and/or glued to the trampoline mat. According to an embodiment of the invention, the trampoline mat extends outside of the attachments, preferably by at least 5 cm, more preferably by at least 15 cm and most preferably by at least 25 cm. The exact measure of the extension outside of the attachments is preferably adapted to the size of the trampoline mat and/or the resilient members. Further, the size of the trampoline mat outside of the attachments may be adapted to the gap formed between the edge pad and the trampoline mat. For example, for a trampoline mat used for competition, i.e. sometimes heavily jumping, quite a big gap may be formed between the edge pad and the trampoline mat at the moment it is pressed down by the jumper. In that case, it may be appropriate to use a wider extension of the trampoline mat outside of the attachments as compared to a trampoline mat primarily used by children for playing.

In an embodiment the peripheral portion of the trampoline is in one piece with the central portion of the trampoline mat. The same material is then used for both the central and the peripheral portions, which makes manufacturing efficient.

In an alternative embodiment, the peripheral portion is made as a separate unit, which is attached to the central portion, thereby forming the trampoline mat. The two portions may then be made of two separate materials. The central portion may in that case be a net- shaped structure suitable for heavy jumping, while the peripheral portion may be a cloth adapted to offer a good protection for the resilient members. Thereby the material of the central portion may be adapted to be air permeable when it is moving up and down through the air, while the material of the peripheral portion may be adapted to provide a good protection of the resilient members. The peripheral portion may be sewn to the central portion by at least one seam. Alternatively, the two portions may be welded, glued or clamped together. As a further alternative, the two portions may comprise eyelets and a cord may run through the eyelets thereby connecting the two portions.

In an embodiment the attachments are located at a fold being formed in the trampoline mat, e.g. being sewn to the fold by at least one seam. This works both if the peripheral and central portions are made in one piece, or as two units. If being made as two units, the fold may be located where the peripheral and central portions are attached to each other. Thereby, the attachment process used for attaching the peripheral and central portions to each other, see above, may also be used for attaching the attachment. The attachment may comprise loops, e.g. made of metal, which are located at the lower side of the trampoline mat. The metal loop may be retained by an elongated piece of cloth going through the metal loop and being attached at both ends to the lower side of the trampoline mat. Alternatively, the metal loop may be attached by a male and female connector being attached from either side of the trampoline mat, wherein the connector on the lower side of the trampoline mat retains the metal loop. The attachment should be strong enough to hold the resilient member, also when it is tensioned. Besides being made of metal, it may alternatively be made of a polymeric material.

The attachments may be at least partly arranged between a belt and the lower side of the trampoline mat, the belt preferably extending in the proximity of a circumference of the trampoline mat. The belt may be sewn over the attachments, using one, two, three or more seams. Preferably, the number of seams is in the range of 4 to 10. Thereby the attachments are securely fixed to the lower side of the trampoline mat. The pre-tensioned length extension of the resilient member relates to the length of the resilient member, when the trampoline mat is held in tension by the resilient members in a deployed trampoline, and nobody is jumping or standing on the trampoline mat, such that the trampoline mat is substantially flat. When a person is using the trampoline mat, i.e. standing or jumping on it, the resilient members will be stretched to a longer length extension. If using a spring, such as a helical spring, the pre-tensioned length extension is preferably adapted to the size of the trampoline mat. The pre-tensioned length extension may be in the range of 18-35 cm. This corresponds to about 15-25 cm for an untensioned spring, i.e. when no force is applied to the spring. However, if the trampoline mat is small, such as for an indoor trampoline, a so-called rebounder, the pre-tensioned length extension may be 5-10 cm.

If using an elastic cord as the resilient member, the pre-tensioned length extension relates to the pre-tensioned length of a segment of the elastic cord connecting the attachment of the trampoline mat to the frame, and not to the whole length of the elastic cord.

The trampoline mat may further comprise a reinforcement, e.g. in the form of a cloth attached to the trampoline mat, overlapping at least a part of the peripheral portion, the reinforcement being located on the lower side of and/or the upper side of the trampoline mat. The reinforcement may extend by at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 60% and most preferably at least 80% of the pre-tensioned length extension of the resilient member. The reinforcement may prevent wear of the trampoline mat. The resilient member is attached to the outer end of the attachment, e.g. in the above-mentioned metal loop. Especially for the case a spring is attached to the loop by means of a hook, there is a risk of point-wise wear of the trampoline mat over the hook. It is in this case desirable that the reinforcement at least is located over the hook. If using a reinforcement, it will, at least partly, take the wear instead of the trampoline mat. The reinforcement will also distribute the weight if the user happens to step or land on top of the hook. The reinforcement may further help to stiffen the peripheral portion of the trampoline mat; thereby reducing the risk that the peripheral portion loses its shape. The peripheral portion of the trampoline mat may comprise a padding on its upper side. The padding may extend by at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 60% and most preferably at least 80% of the pre-tensioned length extension of the resilient member. The padding may be 0.5-2 cm thick. The padding may act as a stop wall for a foot or arm sliding along the trampoline mat. In an embodiment, the trampoline mat may further comprise a first releasable fastening means at, or adjacent to, its circumference. The first releasable fastening means is intended to cooperate with a second releasable fastening means attached to an edge pad, as described below. The first and second releasable fastening means may be a hook and loop fastening means, a zipper, or one or more buttons. In that case, the trampoline mat may extend by at least 10 cm, preferably at least 30 cm and most preferably at least 50 cm outside of the attachments, thereby allowing the peripheral portion to be at least partly folded. The material of the peripheral portion is preferably selected such that it is suitable for folding. It may thus differ from the material of the central portion of the trampoline mat.

If the peripheral portion is adapted to be folded, the first releasable fastening means is preferably located on the upper side of the peripheral portion after it has been folded. For example, if the peripheral portion is folded once, forming a V-shape, the first releasable fastening means is located on the lower side of the peripheral portion when it was still flat. As another example, if the peripheral portion is folded twice, forming a Z-shape, the first releasable fastening means is located on the upper side of the peripheral portion when it was still flat. In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a trampoline comprising

- a trampoline mat according to above, the trampoline mat comprising a plurality of attachments distributed in the proximity of a circumference of the trampoline mat,

- a frame, adapted to encompass the trampoline mat,

- at least one resilient member, adapted to retain the trampoline mat under tension and being connectable between at least one of the attachments and the frame, and

- optionally, at least one edge pad, the edge pad being adapted to at least partly cover the at least one resilient member and/or the frame.

The trampoline mat may extend outside of the attachments by at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 60% and most preferably at least 80% of the pre- tensioned length extension of the resilient member. If using an elastic cord as the resilient member, the length extension relates to the pre-tensioned length of a segment of the elastic cord connecting the attachment of the trampoline mat to the frame and not to the whole length of the elastic cord. The edge pad may cover parts of the peripheral portion of the trampoline mat or the whole of peripheral portion. The edge pad may also cover a portion of the central portion. This may be appropriate for a trampoline mat, wherein the peripheral portion is made as a separate unit, which is attached to the central portion.

In an embodiment, the trampoline mat comprises a first releasable fastening means as described above, and the edge pad comprises on its lower side a second releasable fastening means, which is adapted to cooperate with the first releasable fastening means located on the trampoline mat. When the first releasable fastening means is attached to the second releasable fastening means a connection is in that case formed between the trampoline mat and the edge pad. This will further prevent a foot or arm from slipping into the gap formed between the edge pad and the trampoline mat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be further explained by means of non-limiting examples with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 a-c illustrate a trampoline according to prior art, Fig. 2a-d illustrate a trampoline according to a first embodiment of the present

invention,

Fig. 3 illustrates a trampoline according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 4 illustrates a trampoline according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 5 illustrates a trampoline according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 6 illustrates a trampoline according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 7 illustrates a trampoline according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention

Fig. 8 illustrates a rectangular trampoline according to prior art, and

Fig. 9 illustrates a trampoline according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that the appended drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that the dimensions of some features of the present invention may have been exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will, in the following, be exemplified by embodiments. It should however be realized that the embodiments are included in order to explain principles of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention, defined by the appended claims. Details from two or more of the embodiments may be combined with each other.

Figures 1 a-c schematically illustrate a trampoline 1 according to prior art comprising a trampoline mat 3, a frame 5 and a high number of helical springs 7. An edge pad 9, divided into eight segments 1 1 , of which six are shown in Figure 1 b, covers the helical springs 7 and the frame 5. In Figure 1 a, the edge pad 9 is removed such that the whole trampoline mat 3 may be seen. The trampoline mat 3 and the surrounding frame 5 are circular. The trampoline mat 3 is retained in tension by the helical springs 7. When the trampoline 1 is deployed and nobody uses it, the trampoline mat 3 is in a substantially flat state, having an upper side 13 and a lower side 15.

Figure 1 c shows a cross-section along the line A-A in Figure 1 b. The edge pad 9 covers the frame 5 and the helical spring 7. A first end 17 of the helical spring 7 is attached to an attachment 19 at the edge of the trampoline mat 3, by means of a hook 21 comprised in the helical spring 7 and a receiving loop 23 comprised in the attachment 19. The other end 25 of the helical spring 7 is attached to the frame 5, e.g. to a receiving hole in the frame 5. Figures 2a-d schematically illustrate a trampoline 101 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The trampoline mat 103 extends radially out over the resilient members, here in the form of helical springs 107, such that the trampoline mat 103, at least partly, covers the helical springs 107. The trampoline 101 further comprises an edge pad 109 5 divided into segments 1 1 1 . The frame 105, the helical springs 107 and the edge pad 109 are similar as for the prior art embodiment of Figures 1 a-c. Other resilient members, such as another kind of springs or an elastic cord, could also be used as an alternative or in combination with the helical springs 107.

10 The trampoline mat 103 has an upper side 1 13 and a lower side 1 15, whereof the upper side 1 13 is used to jump on. The trampoline mat 103 comprises a plurality of attachments 1 19 distributed in the proximity of, and inside of, a circumference of the trampoline mat 103. The trampoline mat 103 comprises a central portion 1 18 being inside of the attachments 1 19 and a peripheral portion 120 being outside of the attachments 1 19. The

15 terms inside of and outside of as used herein are intended to mean with respect to a

centre of the trampoline mat 103. If the attachments 1 19 are attached or fixed to the rest of the trampoline mat 103 at more than one location, e.g. by a plurality of seams, the peripheral portion 120 begins at the location of the outermost location. The edge pad 109 may cover parts of the peripheral portion 120 or the whole of it, as in Figures 2a-d. The

20 edge pad 109 may also cover a portion of the central portion 1 18.

In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 2a-d, the material of the central portion 1 18 transcends into that of the peripheral portion 120 without interruption. The peripheral portion 120 is thus made in one piece with the central portion 1 18, with the attachments 25 1 19 being attached to the lower side 1 15 of the trampoline mat 103.

Figure 2c shows a cross-section along the line B-B in Figure 2b. The edge pad 109 covers the frame 105 and the resilient members, in this case the helical spring 107. A first end 1 17 of the helical spring 107 is attached to the attachment 1 19 by means of a hook

30 121 comprised in the helical spring 107 and a receiving loop 123, e.g. made of metal, comprised in the attachment 1 19. The other end of the helical spring 107 is attached to the frame 105, e.g. to a receiving hole in the frame 105. The trampoline mat 103 according to the invention differs to that of prior art of Figures 1 a-c in that the attachment 1 19 is located on the lower side 1 15 of the trampoline mat 103. Thereby, it is made sure,

35 that even if the foot or arm of the user would slip outwards over the resilient members 107, it will not be injured by one or more of the attachments 1 19 and/or resilient members 107. Instead the foot or arm will slip on top of the peripheral portion 120 of the trampoline mat 103, which extends out over the resilient member 107. The foot or arm will thus avoid direct contact with the attachment 1 19 and the resilient member 107.

Figure 2d shows a portion of the trampoline 101 seen from below. The attachments 1 19 are attached to the lower side 1 15 of the trampoline mat 103. A belt 127 extends concentrically with the circumference of the trampoline mat 103. An elongated piece of cloth 128 is folded such that it goes through the metal loop 123. Both ends of the elongated piece of cloth 128 are then attached to the lower side 1 15 of the trampoline mat 103, such that the attachment 1 19 is arranged between the belt 127 and the lower side 1 15 of the trampoline mat 103. The belt 127 is then attached to the lower side 1 15 of the trampoline mat 103 by using one, two, three or more seams. Preferably, the number of seams is in the range of 4 to 10. Thereby the attachments 1 19 are securely fixed to the lower side 1 15 of the trampoline mat 103.

An edge reinforcement 130 is provided at the circumferential edge of the trampoline mat 103. The edge reinforcement 130 will help to prevent damages to the edge, e.g.

unravelling or fraying of the edge. The illustrated edge reinforcement 130 comprises a belt being sewn to the trampoline mat 103 along the edge. However the edge reinforcement may alternatively comprise one or more seams, glue strings, a fold, a hem or material being seamed, welded and/or glued to the trampoline mat.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention. A reinforcement 129 is attached to the lower side 1 15 of the trampoline mat 103 at the peripheral portion 120. Especially, the reinforcement 129 covers the outer end of the attachment 1 19, i.e. the metal loop 123, and the hook 121 used to attach the helical spring 107 to the trampoline mat 103. Thereby the reinforcement 129 prevents wear on the lower side 1 15 of the trampoline mat 103. The reinforcement 129 will also distribute the weight if the user happens to step or land on top of the hook 121 . The reinforcement 129 may further help to stiffen the peripheral portion 120 of the trampoline mat 103.

Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the invention. A reinforcement 131 is attached to the upper side 1 13 of the trampoline mat 103 at the peripheral portion 120. Its function is similar as to that of the reinforcement 129 of the second embodiment being on the lower side 1 15. If desired, a reinforcement may be used both on the upper side 1 13 and on the lower side 1 15. The reinforcement may also partly overlap with the central portion 1 18.

The peripheral portion 120 of the trampoline mat 103 may comprise a padding 133 on its upper side, as the one of a fourth embodiment illustrated in Figure 5. The padding 133 may extend by at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 60% and most preferably at least 80% of the pre-tensioned length extension of the resilient member 107. The padding 133 may be 0.5-2 cm thick. The padding 133 may act as a stop wall for a foot or arm sliding along the trampoline mat 103. The pre-tensioned length extension of the resilient member 107 relates to the length extension of the resilient member 107, when the trampoline mat is held in tension by the resilient members 107 in a deployed trampoline 101 , and nobody is jumping or standing on the trampoline mat, such that the trampoline mat is substantially flat. When a person is using the trampoline mat 103, i.e. standing or jumping on it, the resilient members 107 will be stretched to a longer length extension.

Figure 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention. The trampoline mat 103 continues out over the resilient member 107. The peripheral portion 120 of the trampoline mat 103 comprises a first releasable fastening means 135 at, or adjacent to, the circumference of the trampoline mat 103. The peripheral portion 120 is made of a material being suitable to be folded. The first releasable fastening means 135 is located at the lower side 1 15 of the peripheral portion 120, when lying flat. However, when the peripheral portion 120 is folded as in Figure 6, the first releasable fastening means 135 instead is located upwards towards the edge pad 109. The edge pad 109 comprises second releasable fastening means 137. The first and second releasable fastening means 135, 137 may be a hook and loop fastening means, a zipper, or one or more buttons. When the first releasable fastening means 135 is attached to the second releasable fastening means 137, a connection is formed between the trampoline mat 103 and the edge pad 109. This will prevent a foot or arm from slipping into the gap formed between the edge pad 107 and the trampoline mat 103.

Figure 7 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention, in which the peripheral portion 120 and the central portion 1 18 have been made as two separate units. A portion of the peripheral portion 120 is folded, such that a fold 139 is created. A portion of the attachment 1 19 is in this embodiment arranged between the central portion 1 18 and the peripheral portion 120, with the peripheral portion 120 being on the top when the trampoline is deployed, i.e. in a state suitable for jumping, as illustrated in Figure 7. If the attachment 1 19 comprises a metal loop 123 and an elongated piece of cloth 128, as illustrated in Figure 7, the elongated piece of cloth 128 is arranged between the central portion 1 18 and the peripheral portion 120. The metal loop 123 is located outside of the fold 139.

In the illustrated example, the fold 139 is located adjacent to the inner edge 141 of the peripheral portion 120, such that the peripheral portion 120 is two-layered substantially only at the location where the peripheral portion 120, the portion of the attachment 1 19 and the central portion 1 18 are attached to each other. As an alternative, not illustrated, the peripheral portion 120 may be folded at substantially its centreline, such that the peripheral portion 120 will comprise two layers of material over substantially its whole width.

Further, a belt similar to the belt 127 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2d, may be used to reinforce the connection of the peripheral portion 120, the attachment 1 19 and the central portion 1 18 to each other. The belt may, in that case, be located between the peripheral portion 120 and the attachment 1 19, or between the attachment 1 19 and the central portion 1 18.

A suitable way of manufacturing the sixth embodiment would be to position the peripheral portion 120 on top of the central portion 1 18 in a substantially overlapping manner, such that the edge, which will form the inner edge 141 of the peripheral portion 120, substantially coincides with the outer edge of the central portion 1 18. A portion of the attachment 1 19, e.g. the elongated piece of cloth 128, is positioned in between the peripheral 120 and the central portion 1 18. As mentioned above, optionally a belt may be positioned in between the peripheral portion 120 and the portion of the attachment 1 19, or in between the portion of the attachment 1 19 and the central portion 1 18. Then at least one seam is sewn through the peripheral portion 120, the optional belt, the portion of the attachment 1 19 and the central portion 1 18. Thereafter, the peripheral portion 120 is folded outwards, such that the fold 139 is created inside of the at least one seam with relation to the centre of the trampoline mat 103. The at least one seam thus only goes through one layer of the folded peripheral portion 120, while the other layer of the peripheral portion 120 being on top is free from the at least one seam. Figure 8 illustrates a rectangular trampoline 1 ' according to prior art. The frame 5' is rectangular with rounded-off corners. The trampoline mat 3' comprises a net-shaped structure. The net-shaped structure is advantageous over a more dense cloth as regards air permeability. Less air has to be pressed to the sides when the trampoline mat 3' moves up and down as compared to the more dense cloth as used for the trampoline mat 3 of Figures 1 a-c.

Figure 9 schematically illustrate a trampoline 201 according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. The trampoline mat 203 and the frame 205 are rectangular. The central portion 218 of the trampoline mat 203 comprises the net-shaped structure already shown in Figure 8, while the peripheral portion 220 comprises a cloth or another net-shaped structure attached to the central portion 218. The central portion 218 and the peripheral portion 220 are thus made of two separate units being of different material attached to each other. Similar to the trampoline mat 103 of the circular trampoline 101 shown above in Figures 2a-d, the trampoline mat 203 extends out over the resilient member 207.

Although not shown, an edge pad may be used to cover the resilient member 207 and/or the frame 205. Further modifications of the invention within the scope of the appended claims are feasible. As such, the present invention should not be considered as limited by the embodiments and figures described herein. Rather, the full scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, with reference to the description and drawings.

Claims

1 . A trampoline mat (103, 203) comprising a plurality of attachments (1 19) distributed in the proximity of a circumference of said trampoline mat (103, 203), said attachments (1 19) being adapted to receive one or more resilient members (107, 207) for retaining said trampoline mat (103, 203) under tension, said trampoline mat (103, 203) having an upper side (1 13) and a lower side (1 15),

characterized in that

said attachments (1 19) are located on the lower side (1 15) of said trampoline mat (103, 203).

2. The trampoline mat (103, 203) according to claim 1 , wherein said trampoline mat (103, 203) extends outside of said attachments (1 19), preferably by at least 5 cm, more preferably by at least 15 cm and most preferably by at least 25 cm.

The trampoline mat (103, 203) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a peripheral portion (120) of said trampoline mat (103, 203), which is located outside of said attachments (1 19), is in one piece with a central portion (1 18) of said trampoline mat (103, 203) being inside of said attachments (1 19).

The trampoline mat (103, 203) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said peripheral portion (120) of said trampoline mat (103, 203) is made as a separate unit, which is attached to said central portion (1 18).

The trampoline mat (103, 203) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said attachments (1 19) are located at a fold (139) being formed in said trampoline mat (103, 203).

The trampoline mat (103, 203) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said attachments (1 19) comprise loops (123), e.g. made of metal, which are located at said lower side (1 15) of said trampoline mat (103, 203).

The trampoline mat (103, 203) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said attachments (1 19) are at least partly arranged between a belt (127) and said lower side (1 15) of the trampoline mat (103, 203), said belt (127) preferably extending in the proximity of the circumference of said trampoline mat (103, 203).

8. The trampoline mat (103, 203) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said trampoline mat (103, 203) further comprises a reinforcement (129, 131 ), e.g. in the form of a cloth attached to said trampoline mat (103, 203), overlapping at least a part of said peripheral portion (120), said reinforcement (129, 131 ) being located on the lower side (1 15) and/or the upper side (1 13) of said trampoline mat (103, 203).

9. The trampoline mat (103, 203) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said peripheral portion (120) of said trampoline mat (103, 203) comprises a padding (133) on said upper side (1 13).

10. The trampoline mat (103, 203) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said trampoline mat (103, 203) further comprises a first releasable fastening means (135) at, or adjacent to, its circumference.

1 1 . The trampoline mat (103, 203) according to claim 10, wherein said trampoline mat (103, 203) extends by at least 10 cm, preferably at least 30 cm and most preferably at least 50 cm outside of said attachments (1 19).

12. The trampoline mat (103, 203) according to claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein said first releasable fastening means (135) is located on the upper side of said peripheral portion (120), when said peripheral portion (120) is folded.

13. A trampoline comprising

- a trampoline mat (103, 203) according to any one of the preceding claims, said trampoline mat (103, 203) comprising a plurality of attachments (1 19) distributed in the proximity of a circumference of said trampoline mat (103, 203),

- a frame (105, 205), adapted to encompass said trampoline mat (103, 203),

- at least one resilient member (107, 207), adapted to retain said trampoline mat (103, 203) under tension and being connectable between at least one of said attachments (1 19) and said frame (105, 205), and

- optionally, at least one edge pad (109), said edge pad (109) being adapted to at least partly cover said at least one resilient member (107, 207) and/or said frame (105, 205).

14. The trampoline according to claim 13, wherein said trampoline mat (103, 203) extends outside of said attachments (1 19) by at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 60% and most preferably at least 80% of the pre- tensioned length extension of said resilient member (107, 207).

15. The trampoline according to claim 13 or 14, when comprising said trampoline mat (103, 203) according to any one of claims 10-12, and further comprising said edge pad (109), wherein said edge pad (109) on its lower side (1 15) comprises a second releasable fastening means (137), which is adapted to cooperate with said first releasable fastening means (135) located on said trampoline mat (103, 203).