Abstract
A trampoline with a frame has a rebounding mat that is tensioned to the frame with a plurality of flexible and cordlike linear elastic members. Cordlike elastic members are connected to the frame with at least one connector retaining the cord such that two portions of the cord extend at an angle greater than 5 degrees and less than 25 degrees relative to one another.
Claims
1. A rebounding device comprising: a frame member that defines a central opening, a rebounding mat having at least a central portion that is elastically supported by the frame member, that is located within the central opening, and that has an upper surface, a plurality of connectors attached to the central portion at a perimeter of the central portion, at least one cordlike flexible elastic member that extends between at least one of the plurality of connectors and the frame member, the at least one of the plurality of connectors having an upper receiving channel and a lower receiving channel, the upper receiving channel having an upper centerline and the lower receiving channel having a lower centerline, the upper and lower centerlines extending at an gamma angle relative to one another as viewed parallel to the upper surface and perpendicularly to at least one of the upper centerline and the lower centerline, wherein the gamma angle is between 5 and 25 degrees.
2. The rebounding device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cordlike flexible elastic member comprises an upper portion that has an upper axis and that extends from the upper receiving channel to a tangent location at the top of the frame member, the at least one cordlike flexible elastic member comprises a bottom portion that has a lower axis and that extends from the lower receiving channel to a tangent location at the bottom of the frame member, and the axis of the upper portion and the axis of the lower portion extend at an beta angle relative to one another as viewed parallel to the upper surface and perpendicularly to at least one of the axes of the upper portion and the lower portion, and the beta angle is between 5 and 25 degrees.
3. The rebounding device according to claim 2 wherein the gamma angle is between 9 and 15 degrees, and the beta angle is between 9 and 15 degrees.
4. The rebounding device according to claim 2 wherein the gamma angle is between 5 and 25 degrees when viewed perpendicularly to the upper axis.
5. The rebounding device according to claim 2 wherein the gamma angle is between 5 and 25 degrees when viewed perpendicularly to the lower axis.
6. The rebounding device according to claim 2 wherein the beta angle is the same as the gamma angle.
7. The rebounding device according to claim 2 wherein the beta angle is between 5 and 25 degrees when viewed perpendicularly to the upper axis.
8. The rebounding device according to claim 2 wherein the beta angle is between 5 and 25 degrees when viewed perpendicularly to the lower axis.
9. The rebounding device according to claim 1 wherein a portion of the upper receiving channel flares toward the frame member.
10. The rebounding device according to claim 9 wherein: the upper receiving channel is defined by at least one surface that terminates at an opening that faces the frame member, and the at least one surface flares toward the opening such that a gap is defined between the at least one flexible elastic member and an uppermost portion of the at least one surface at a location of the opening.
11. The rebounding device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one cordlike flexible elastic member comprises an upper portion that has an upper axis and that extends from the upper receiving channel to a tangent location at a top of the frame member, the at least one cordlike flexible elastic member comprises a bottom portion that has a lower axis and that extends from the lower receiving channel to a tangent location at a bottom of the frame member, and the upper portion and the lower portion extend at an beta angle relative to one another as viewed perpendicularly to both the upper axis and the lower axis, the beta angle depending on a diameter of the frame, distance of the at least one of the connector to the frame and a separation of the upper and lower receiving channels on the at least one of the connectors, the beta angle being between 5 and 25 degrees wherein, the gamma angle between the upper centerline and the lower centerline is selected to match the beta angle.
12. A rebounding device comprising: a frame member that defines a central opening, a rebounding mat having at least a central portion that is elastically supported by the frame member, that is located within the central opening, and that has an upper surface, a plurality of connectors attached to the central portion at the perimeter of the central portion, at least one cordlike flexible elastic member that extends between at least one of the plurality of connectors and the frame member, at least one of the plurality of connectors having an upper receiving channel and a lower receiving channel, the at least one cordlike flexible elastic member comprises an upper portion that has an upper axis and that extends from the upper receiving channel to a tangent location at the top of the frame member, the at least one cordlike flexible elastic member comprises a bottom portion that has a lower axis and that extends from the lower receiving channel to a tangent location at a bottom of the frame member, the upper receiving channel having an upper centerline and the lower receiving channel having a lower centerline, the upper and lower centerlines extending at an gamma angle relative to one another as viewed parallel to the upper surface and perpendicularly to at least one of the upper centerline and the lower centerline, wherein the gamma angle is between 5 and 25 degrees, the upper axis axially aligns with the upper centerline, and the lower axis axially aligns with the bottom centerline.
13. A rebounding device comprising: a frame member that defines a central opening, a rebounding mat having at least a central portion that is elastically supported by the frame member, that is located within the central opening, and that has an upper surface, a plurality of connectors attached to the central portion at the perimeter of the central portion, at at least one of the plurality of connectors having an upper receiving channel and a lower receiving channel, at least one cordlike flexible elastic member that extends between at least one of the plurality of connectors and the frame member, the at least one cordlike flexible elastic member comprises an upper portion that has an upper axis and that extends from the upper receiving channel to a tangent location at a top of the frame member, the at least one cordlike flexible elastic member comprises a bottom portion that has a lower axis and that extends from the lower receiving channel to a tangent location at a bottom of the frame member, and the upper axis of the upper portion and the lower axis of the lower portion extend at an beta angle relative to one another as viewed parallel to the upper surface and perpendicularly to at least one of the upper and lower axes, and the beta angle is between 5 and 25 degrees, at least one of the plurality of connectors having an upper receiving channel and a lower receiving channel, the upper receiving channel having an upper centerline and the lower receiving channel having a lower centerline, the centerlines extending at an gamma angle relative to one another as viewed parallel to the upper surface and perpendicularly to at least one of the upper centerline and the lower centerline, wherein the gamma angle is between 5 and 25 degrees.
14. The rebounding device according to claim 13 wherein the gamma angle is between 9 and 15 degrees, and the beta angle is between 9 and 15 degrees.
15. The rebounding device according to claim 13 wherein the gamma angle is between 5 and 25 degrees when viewed perpendicularly to the upper axis.
16. The rebounding device according to claim 13 wherein the gamma angle is between 5 and 25 degrees when viewed perpendicularly to the lower axis.
17. The rebounding device according to claim 13 wherein the beta angle is the same as the gamma angle.
18. The rebounding device according to claim 13 wherein the beta angle is between 5 and 25 degrees when viewed perpendicularly to the upper axis.
19. The rebounding device according to claim 13 wherein the beta angle is between 5 and 25 degrees when viewed perpendicularly to the lower axis.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1A is a rear view of an outside curled connector.
(2) FIG. 1B is a side view of an outside curled connector.
(3) FIG. 1C is a top view of an outside curled connector.
(4) FIG. 1D is a rear isometric view of an outside curled connector.
(5) FIG. 1E is an upper front isometric view of an outside curled connector.
(6) FIG. 1F is a lower front isometric view of an outside curled connector.
(7) FIG. 2A is a side view of an outside curled connector with an elastic member cord installed.
(8) FIG. 2B is an upper rear isometric view of an outside curled connector with an elastic member cord installed.
(9) FIG. 2C is a bottom view of an outside curled connector with an elastic member cord installed.
(10) FIG. 2D shows a rebounder system, 205, using outside curled connectors.
(11) FIG. 3A is a rear view of an inside curled connector.
(12) FIG. 3B is a side view of an inside curled connector.
(13) FIG. 3C is a top view of an inside curled connector.
(14) FIG. 3D is a rear isometric view of an inside curled connector.
(15) FIG. 3E is an upper front isometric view of an inside curled connector.
(16) FIG. 3F is a lower front isometric view of an inside curled connector.
(17) FIG. 4A is a rear view of a squeezed connector.
(18) FIG. 4B is a side view of a squeezed connector.
(19) FIG. 4C is a top view of a squeezed connector.
(20) FIG. 4D is a rear isometric view of a squeezed connector.
(21) FIG. 4E is an upper front isometric view of a squeezed connector.
(22) FIG. 4F is a lower front isometric view of a squeezed connector.
(23) FIG. 5A is a rear view of an aligned connector.
(24) FIG. 5B is a side view of an aligned connector.
(25) FIG. 5C is a top view of an aligned connector.
(26) FIG. 5D is a rear isometric view of an aligned connector.
(27) FIG. 5E is an upper front isometric view of an aligned connector.
(28) FIG. 5F is a lower front isometric view of an aligned connector.
(29) FIG. 6A is a rear view of an over the top connector.
(30) FIG. 6B is a side view of an over the top connector.
(31) FIG. 6C is a top view of an over the top connector.
(32) FIG. 6D is a rear isometric view of an over the top connector.
(33) FIG. 6E is an upper front isometric view of an over the top connector.
(34) FIG. 6F is a lower front isometric view of an over the top connector.
(35) FIG. 6G is a side view of an over the top connector with an elastic member installed.
(36) FIG. 7A is a rear view of an inverted loop connector.
(37) FIG. 7B is a side view of an inverted loop connector.
(38) FIG. 7C is a top view of an inverted loop connector.
(39) FIG. 7D is a rear isometric view of an inverted loop connector.
(40) FIG. 7E is an upper front isometric view of an inverted loop connector.
(41) FIG. 7F is a lower front isometric view of an inverted loop connector.
(42) FIG. 8A is a rear view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes.
(43) FIG. 8B is a side view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes.
(44) FIG. 8C is a top view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes.
(45) FIG. 8D is a rear isometric view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes.
(46) FIG. 8E is an upper front isometric view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes.
(47) FIG. 8F is a lower front isometric view of a low profile aligned connector.
(48) FIG. 8G is a side view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes.
(49) FIG. 8H is a cross section view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes.
(50) FIG. 8I is a side view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes with an elastic cord installed on the connector and frame rail.
(51) FIG. 8J is a top view of the assembly shown in 8I.
(52) FIG. 8K is an angled top view of the assembly shown in 8I.
(53) FIG. 9A is a rear view of a low profile aligned connector.
(54) FIG. 9B is a side view of a low profile aligned connector.
(55) FIG. 9C is a top view of a low profile aligned connector.
(56) FIG. 9D is a rear isometric view of a low profile aligned connector.
(57) FIG. 9E is an upper front isometric view of a low profile aligned connector.
(58) FIG. 9F is a lower front isometric view of a low profile aligned connector.
(59) FIG. 9G is a side view of a low profile aligned connector.
(60) FIG. 9H is a cross section view of a low profile aligned connector.
(61) FIG. 9I is a side view of a low profile aligned connector with an elastic cord installed on the connector and frame rail.
(62) FIG. 9J is a top view of the assembly shown in 9I.
(63) FIG. 9K is an angled top view of the assembly shown in 9I.
(64) FIG. 10A is an isometric view of a rebounder system.
(65) FIG. 10B is a lower isometric view of a rebounder system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(66) FIG. 1A is a rear view of an outside curled connector, 101. It is comprised of a top, 102, a mat strap bar, 103, and elastic member knot holes, 104. FIG. 1B is a side view of an outside curled connector, 101. This view shows the loop contact surface, 105, and the bottom cord guide, 106. The angle Gamma, Γ defines the angle between the under-surface of the top 102 and the surface of the bottom cord guide 106. FIG. 1C is a top view of an outside curled connector. FIG. 1D is a rear isometric view of an outside curled connector, 101. FIG. 1E is an upper front isometric view of an outside curled connector. FIG. 1F is a lower front isometric view of an outside curled connector.
(67) FIG. 2A is a side view of an outside curled connector, 101, with an elastic member cord, 201, installed. The angle Gamma, Γ, defines the angle between the under surface of the top 102 and the surface of the bottom cord guide 106. The elastic cord member is installed where portions of the same cord are in frictional contact with each other. The elastic member cord wraps around the rebounder frame at 202. The elastic member knots, 203, retain the bottom legs, and the top loop, 204, hooks around the loop contact surface, 105, and runs under the top surface, 102. The bottom legs run along the bottom cord guide, 106, which is curved to raise the cord above the knots, 203. This brings the top and bottom legs of the elastic member together so they are just barely touching which allows the connector to have an extremely low profile.
(68) FIG. 2B is an upper rear isometric view of an outside curled connector, 101, with an elastic cord installed, 201. FIG. 2C is a bottom view of an outside curled connector, 101, with an elastic member cord, 201 installed. This shows that the elastic member knots, 203, are held behind the mat strap bar, 103, which allows for a larger jumping surface. FIG. 2D shows a rebounder system, 205, using outside curled connectors.
(69) FIG. 2A-2C show the unique connector top surface 102 utilized in a number of these connector embodiments. Traditionally elastic member connectors had tops that would extend over and cover the entire elastic member top loop 204. Typically, the connector tops would come to sharp corners because they were designed to have ample material to securely cover the elastic member top loop 204. This new design eliminates all of the material extending back and covering the elastic member top loop 204. The new connector top surface 102 is an oval shape that only extends out laterally, which resulted in sufficient hold retention of the top loop 204. There are two benefits to this improvement: First, the connector produces a much smoother and more comfortable feeling underfoot when the user steps on it; because the more pronounced and extended corners were replaced with smaller edges with rounded sides. The second improvement was that the mass of the part was noticeably diminished, which reduced weight and production costs of manufacture.
(70) FIG. 3A is a rear view of an inside curled connector, 301. It is comprised of a top surface, 302, a mat strap bar, 303, and internal elastic member knot holes, 304. The inside curled connector, 301, is similar to the outside curled connector, 101, but the inside curled connector, 301, has the elastic member knots installed from the inside. FIG. 3B is a side view of an inside curled connector, 301. This view shows the loop contact surface, 305, and the bottom cord guide, 306. FIG. 3C is a top view of an inside curled connector. There is a middle cutaway, 307, which allows the cord to pass through during installation. This makes it more cumbersome to install the elastic member on this connector than the outside curled connector, 101, so the outside curled connector is preferred. FIG. 3D is a rear isometric view of an inside curled connector, 301. FIG. 3E is an upper front isometric view of an inside curled connector. FIG. 3F is a lower front isometric view of an inside curled connector.
(71) FIG. 4A is a rear view of a squeezed connector, 401. It is comprised of a top surface, 402, a mat strap bar, 403, and elastic cord knot holes, 404. FIG. 4B is a side view of a squeezed connector, 401. This view shows the loop contact surface, 405, and the bottom cord guide, 406. The knot side of the elastic cord runs up along the bottom cord guide, 406. This brings the knot side of the elastic cord into slight contact with the upper loop side of the cord which allows a low profile connector. FIG. 4C is a top view of a squeezed connector. FIG. 4D is a rear isometric view of a squeezed connector, 401. This shows that the loop contact surface, 405, is very close to the mat strap bar, 403. When the cord is installed, the top loop sits on the mat strap bar, 403. This allows the rebounder mat size to increase because there is less wasted length in the connector. FIG. 4E is an upper front isometric view of a squeezed connector. FIG. 4F is a lower front isometric view of a squeezed connector.
(72) FIG. 5A is a rear view of an aligned connector, 501. It is comprised of a top surface, 502, a mat strap bar, 503, bungee or other elastic type member's knot holes, 504, and a loop contact surface, 505. FIG. 5B is a side view of an aligned connector, 501. The loop contact surface, 505, is angled up, and the elastic cord knot holes, 504, are angled down. This is because the elastic member loop goes up and around the frame and the knots go down and under the frame. By aligning the connector with the elastic member path, it eliminates places where the elastic member has to bend and rub along the connector. As a result, elastic member life is increased. FIG. 5C is a top view of an aligned connector. FIG. 5D is a rear isometric view of an aligned connector, 501. FIG. 5E is an upper front isometric view of an aligned connector. FIG. 5F is a lower front isometric view of an aligned connector.
(73) FIG. 6A is a rear view of an over the top connector, 601. It is comprised of a mat strap bar, 603, and vertical cord knot holes, 604. FIG. 6B is a side view of an over the top connector, 601. This view shows the top surface, 602, the loop contact surface, 605, and the loop retainer, 606. This connector has the bungees running up and over the top surface, 602, and the cord loop connects underneath the top surface, 602, along the loop contact surface, 605. FIG. 6C is a top view of an over the top connector. This shows the cord knot end contact surface, 607, which leads to the top surface, 602. FIG. 6D is a rear isometric view of an over the top connector, 601. FIG. 6E is an upper front isometric view of an over the top connector. FIG. 6F is a lower front isometric view of an over the top connector. FIG. 6F is a side view of an over the top connector, 601, with an elastic cord, 201, installed. The loop side, 204, runs under frame, and the knots, 203, runs over the connector, 601, and over the frame. This connector provides complete comfort when the user jumps on the connectors. The soft cord (or interchangeably another elastic type member) running along the top of the connector acts as a cushion which is more compliant than hard plastic surfaces.
(74) FIG. 7A is a rear view of an inverted loop connector, 701. It is comprised of a top surface, 702, a mat strap bar, 703, and internal elastic member knot holes, 704. FIG. 7B is a side view of an inverted loop connector, 701. This view shows the loop contact surface, 705, the loop retainer, 706, and elastic member knot covers, 707. The knot covers provide a curved cup to support the elastic member knots, and they also improve the appearance by concealing the elastic member knots. The loop contact surface, 705, on this connector is underneath the connector in this design to provide a completely smooth top surface, 702. FIG. 7C is a top view of an inverted loop connector. FIG. 7D is a rear isometric view of an inverted loop connector, 701. The mat strap bar, 703, makes up the top of the elastic member knot holes, 704. This allows the knots to be held far back which allows for a larger mat size. FIG. 7E is an upper front isometric view of an inverted loop connector. The knot holes, 704, are lined up with where the elastic member loop wraps around the loop contact surface, 705, so the top and bottom of the elastic member slightly rub when in use. This makes the connector as compact and low profile as possible. FIG. 7F is a lower front isometric view of an inverted loop connector.
(75) FIG. 8A is a rear view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes, 801. It is comprised of a top surface, 802, a mat strap bar, 803, internal elastic cord knot holes, 804, a loop contact surface, 805, an internal slot, 806, internal knot hooks, 807, and a top surface rear lip 808. This connector has internal knot holes 804, as opposed to the external knot holes 504, as shown in FIG. 5A. To install a cord in this embodiment, one must insert each elastic cord end through the internal slot 806 and into each internal cord knot hole 804. The internal knot hooks 807 secure the cords and prevents the elastic cords from slipping out of the connector 801 during use. The benefit of the compact and low profile connector permitted the movement of the mat strap bar 803 closer to front of the connector which in turn permits an increase in mat diameter of 16 mm. For a 39″ size rebounder model, this is a mat diameter increase of 631 mm to 647 mm which is a 5.1% increase in jumping area. With the extremely tight tolerances and available space in which to work, this represents a significant improvement.
(76) FIG. 8B is a side view of a low profile aligned connector with internal knot holes, 801. Just like the aligned connector shown in FIG. 5, this connector also has an angled up loop contact surface 805 and the cord knot holes 804 are angled down. This is done to align the connector with the path the elastic cord travels around the frame, which in turn, reduces stresses and rubbing and substantially improves cord life. The improvement of this design is significant. Testing has shown an average 28% improvement of elastic cord life compared to when the same cord is coupled to prior connectors. The reason for the increased life of the elastic cord when connected to this new design is that the elastic cord member does not bend and contort when coupled in the manner of prior connectors. Old style connectors disposed the slots such that they were lined up parallel to each other; but, the elastic cord did not exit the connector in a parallel direction. The top portion of the cord connects to the top of the connector and then is stretched over the trampoline frame rail. The non-parallel extension of the cord members causes increased pressure, friction, and wear, shortening the cords safe lifespan.
(77) The bottom portion of the elastic cord terminates with knots on the ends, which then hook or attach into the bottom or lower portion of the connector; and then the cord is stretched under the frame rail. The new connectors angled top and bottom portions align with the direction that the elastic cord must travel to wrap around the frame rail. The top portion of the connector is angled up and the bottom portion is angled down. The top portion of the elastic cord goes up over the frame, and the bottom portion goes down under the frame, so they end up being bent with a sharp corner as they leave the parallel connector. The new angled connector slots and holes are aligned with the path of the elastic member. This means the cord is not bent as it goes up and over the frame, or down and under the frame.
(78) FIG. 8C is a top view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes 801. FIG. 8D is a rear isometric view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes 801. FIG. 8E is an upper front isometric view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes 801. FIG. 8F is a lower front isometric view of a low profile aligned connector 801.
(79) FIG. 8G is a side view of a low profile aligned connector with internal holes 801. FIG. 8H is a cross section going through the loop contact surface 805 of FIG. 8G. This shows that even when it is angled up, the loop angle, a, is extended beyond 180 degrees. FIG. 8I is a side view showing a bungee (or elastic member, or cord) 201 installed on the connector 801 and wrapped around the frame rail 809. This shows the optimal angle, β, which the bungee 201 takes to wrap around the frame rail 809. The connector 801 is optimally angled so that the angle between the orientation of the loop contact surface 805 and the internal knot hooks 807 matches the optimal angle β. The top surface rear lip 808 does not completely cover the elastic cord (or bungee) loop 810 that goes around the connector loop contact surface 805. This is an intentional improvement because a gradual slope is created between the rear lip 808 and the elastic cord loop 810. The cord loop 810 is cushioned and this provides a smooth sloping transition such that a user is less likely to feel a hard corner impact when landing on the connectors 801. FIG. 8J is a top view showing the bungee 201 installed on the connector 801 and frame rail 809. FIG. 8K is an upper angled view of a bungee 201 installed on the connector 801 and frame rail 809.
(80) FIG. 9A is a rear view of a low profile aligned connector with external holes, 901. It is comprised of a top surface, 902, a mat strap bar, 903, lower receiving channels, 904, an upper receiving channel 905, external slots, 906, external knot hooks, 907, and a top surface rear lip 908. This connector has external knot holes 904, as opposed to the internal knot holes 804, as shown in FIGS. 8A-K. To install a cord in this embodiment, one inserts each elastic cord end through the external slot 906 and into each external cord knot hole 904. The external knot hooks 907 secure the cord more easily for many users than the internal knot holes 804. The external holes have been configured to retain the knots more effectively when compared to the external holes of 504, and so effectively prevent the elastic cords from slipping out of the connector 901 during use. The improved disclosed low profile aligned connector with external retention 901 is an effective means of retaining the elastic cords during use, while at the same time, maintaining the improved lower profile, and providing easier attachment and detachment of the cord ends. The benefit of the compact and low profile connector permitted the movement of the mat strap bar 903 closer to front of the connector which in turn permits an increase in mat diameter of 16 mm. For a 39″ size rebounder model, this is a mat diameter increase of 631 mm to 647 mm which is a 5.1% increase in jumping area. With the extremely tight tolerances and available space for fitness sized trampolines and rebounders in which to work; this represents a relatively significant improvement.
(81) FIG. 9B is a side view of a low profile aligned connector with external knot holes, 901. Just like the aligned connector shown in FIG. 8, this connector also has an angled up upper receiving channel 905 and the lower receiving channels 904 are angled down. The upper receiving channel 905 has an upper centerline 911 which divides the upper receiving channel 905 in half when viewed from the side. The lower receiving channels 904 have a lower centerline 912 which divides the lower receiving channel 904 in half when viewed from the side. The gamma angle Γ is defined as the angle between the upper centerline 911 and the lower centerline 912 when viewed from the side. This is done to align the connector with the path the elastic cord travels around the frame, which in turn, reduces stresses and rubbing and substantially improves cord life. The improvement of this design is significant. Testing has shown an average 28% improvement of elastic cord life compared to when the same cord is coupled to prior connectors. This represents a significant progression in the art over prior designs or what was available in the market.
(82) The reason for the increased life of the elastic cord when connected to this new design is that the elastic cord member does not bend and contort when coupled in the manner of prior connectors. Old style connectors disposed the slots such that they were lined up parallel to each other; but, the elastic cord did not exit the connector in a parallel direction. All other current and prior elastic cord connectors function in this manner. The top portion of the cord connects to the top of the connector and then is stretched over the trampoline frame rail. The non-parallel extension of the cord members causes increased pressure, friction, and wear along the cord, shortening the cords safe or usable lifespan.
(83) The bottom portion of the elastic cord terminates with knots (or other bulbous or enlarged portions) on the ends, which then hook or attach into the bottom or lower portion of the connector; and then the cord is stretched under the frame rail. The new connectors angled top and bottom portions better align with the direction that the elastic cord must travel to wrap around the frame rail. The top portion of the connector is angled up and the bottom portion is angled down. The top portion of the elastic cord goes up over the frame, and the bottom portion goes down under the frame, so they end up being bent with a sharp corner as they leave the parallel connector. The new angled connector slots and holes are aligned in parallel along the path of the elastic member. This means the cord is not bent nearly as much, if at all, as it goes up and over the frame, or down and under the frame.
(84) FIG. 9C is a top view of a low profile aligned connector with external holes 901. FIG. 9D is a rear isometric view of a low profile aligned connector with external holes 901. FIG. 9E is an upper front isometric view of a low profile aligned connector with external holes 901. FIG. 9F is a lower front isometric view of a low profile aligned connector 901.
(85) FIG. 9G is a side view of a low profile aligned connector with external holes 901. FIG. 9H is a cross section going through the loop contact surface 905 of FIG. 9G. FIG. 9H shows that even when it is angled up, the loop angle, Alpha a, is extended beyond 180 degrees. FIG. 9I is a side view showing a cordlike flexible elastic member 201 installed on the connector 901 and wrapped around the frame member 909. The upper portion 917 of the cord 201 has an upper axis 913 that passes through the centroid of the cord cross section and extends along the straight path of the cord. The upper portion 917 spans between the upper receiving channel 905 and the point where the cord 201 tangentially contacts the top of the frame member 915. The lower portion 918 of the cord 201 has a lower axis 914 that passes through the centroid of the cord cross section and extends along the straight path of the cord. The lower portion 918 spans between the lower receiving channel 904 and the point where the cord 201 tangentially contacts the bottom of the frame member 916. This shows the optimal angle Gamma Γ of the cord receiving channels, and Beta β, which is the angle between the upper axis 913 and the lower axis 914. The connector angle gamma is configured to be the same as the Beta angle. This ensures that the connector is in balance and will not twist such that it minimizes the size of the connector protruding upward. The top surface rear lip 908 extends back and partially covers the bungee loop 910 that goes around the loop contact surface 905. This is a bit different than in FIG. 8, but it still creates a smooth transition between the connector top surface 902 and bungee loop 910 so it is not protruding underfoot when a footfall lands on the connector while jumping, 901. FIG. 9J is a top view showing the elastic cord member (bungee) 201 installed on the connector 901 and frame rail 909. FIG. 9K is an upper angled view of a bungee 201 installed on the connector 901 and frame rail 909.
(86) FIG. 10A shows an entire rebounder system. It is comprised of a frame member 909, a central opening 1003, a rebounder mat 1004, and a plurality of cordlike flexible elastic members 201. The rebounder mat 1004 is a central portion 1002 with a central portion perimeter 1005.
(87) FIG. 10B shows the bottom side of an entire rebounder system. The connectors 901 are sewn to the perimeter of the central portion of the mat 1005. The cordlike flexible elastic members 201 attach to the connectors 901 and wrap around the frame member 909.
(88) The result is a trampoline with a frame has a rebounding mat that is tensioned to the frame with a plurality of flexible and cordlike linear elastic members. Preferably each cordlike elastic member is connected to the frame with at least one connector retaining the cord such that the cord is disposed at an angle between 0 degrees and 25 degrees. Also shown are connectors with the described angles, and where the ends of the cords are retained with internally or externally oriented knot retention openings. The optimal angle depends on the geometry of the rebounder specifically the diameter of the frame rail and the distance between the connectors and the frame rail. The angles are described as the Gamma angle of the connector and the Beta angle of the extending cord portions. If the frame rail diameter is large, and the cord is close to the frame, the angle between the top and bottom portions of the elastic cord extending around the frame will be larger. If the frame rail diameter is small and the cord is farther from the frame, the angle between the top and bottom portions of the elastic cord will be smaller. For the more common rebounder the designs and sizes (generally less that 50 inches of jump surface, the optimal angle between the top and bottom connection points on the connector is are more optimally between 10 and 15 degrees. The alternative positions permit a tensioning process that extends the lifetime of elastic cords having a fabric sheath. The cord members are permitted to contact and also compress against each other at rest and during use.
APPENDIX A
(89) Cord and Knot Tests
(90) This table compares the results of tests done on the previous connector with parallel connection points compared to the new improved connector design with the top and bottom connection points angled apart from each other. This shows that the average life for elastic cords on the original connector when cycled with a 4-inch stroke is 1,227,000 cycles. The average life for bungees tested with the angled connector is 1,580,000 cycles which is a 28% improvement over the prior design.
(91) TABLE-US-00001 Bungee Total Test Diameter Stroke Knot Lengths Connector 1st knot 2nd knot Number of Number [mm] [in] [in] Type change change Cycles 93 8 4 19-20-21 Original 690,500 1,029,10 1,300,00 105 8 4 19-20-21 Original 612,300 1,202,22 1,400,00 106 8 4 19-20-21 Original 612,300 1,099,44 1,231,20 134 9 4 20-21-22 Original 171,500 769,100 977,000 138 9 4 20-21-22 Angled 72,800 578,400 1,560,000 159 9 4 20-21-22 Angled 77,900 675,400 1,600,000
(92) Test Set-Up
(93) Put bungee on test machine at specified knot setting
(94) Ran machine for a number of cycles at 60 rpm
(95) Stroke set to pull installed bungee 4 inches
(96) Load cell measured average maximum force and average minimum force
(97) Common Elastic Member or Cords
(98) Below is a table of common bungee or elastic cord specifications used in testing, and a description of selection criteria: The knot lengths were set to achieve target tension in the elastic cord tension range when stretched 3 inches. Elastic cords were then installed on a test machine with the same initial stretch as the actual rebounding apparatus. The machine stretched the cords at a fixed stroke. The range of stretch strokes we tested was between 3-7 inches. The bungee tension would degrade over time, and once the minimum force dropped below 15 pounds, the cord was tightened to the next knot. This procedure continued until there were no more knots. The number of cycles required to complete the test were compared among the various cords, and the cord that lasted the longest was selected. Other causes of failure included too much abrasion and wear on the frame tube, a decrease in aesthetic appearance of the bungee cord, and a maximum force that exceeded the stretched bungee tension range.
(99) TABLE-US-00002 Bungee cord stiffness range 9-20 lb/in Range of bungee diameter 8-10 mm Bungee elastic material Natural Latex Rubber Bungee sheathing material Polyester Range of number of elastic strands 70-140 Range of bungee sheathings 24 × 24, 24 × 16, 24 single braid, 16 single braid Knot spacing .7-1.25 inches Range of knot lengths 17.5-23.5 inches Minimum Bungee Low Tension 15 pounds Bungee Tension range when 30-60 pounds stretched 3 inches
