Abstract
A trampoline comprises multiple movement sensors associated with one or more parts of the trampoline which move when the trampoline is bounced on by a user such as the trampoline mat, and an electrical wiring loom which connects to the movement sensors to a controller or a common connector at another end of the wiring loom. Various sensor mount and wiring loom options are described.
Claims
1. A trampoline comprising multiple movement sensors associated with one or more parts of the trampoline which move when the trampoline is bounced on by a user, which provide an electrical signal indicative of bouncing on the trampoline, and an electrical wiring loom which connects to the movement sensors at one or more sensor ends of the wiring loom or comprises multiple sensor connectors which connect to the multiple movement sensors, and extends from the multiple movement sensors or sensor connectors to a controller or a common connector at another end of the wiring loom, the wiring loom comprising either a single wiring loom branch routed at or near a periphery of the mat to said multiple movement sensors or movement sensor connectors, or a first wiring loom branch to two or more movement sensors or sensor connectors and a second wiring loom branch to two or more other movement sensors or sensor connectors.
2. A trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said first wiring loom branch is routed at or near one peripheral part of the mat and said second wiring loom branch is routed at or near another peripheral part of the mat.
3. A trampoline according to claim 2 wherein the wiring loom comprises four or more wiring loom branches routed at or near a periphery of the mat to four movement sensors or sensor connectors.
4. A trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said multiple movement sensors or sensor connectors are associated with a mat of the trampoline.
5. A trampoline according to claim 1 wherein at least a part of the wiring loom is routed at least in part in a pocket at or near a periphery of the mat.
6. A trampoline according to claim 1 wherein at least a part of the wiring loom is routed from at or near a periphery of the mat along a spring element of the trampoline to or towards a frame of the trampoline.
7. A trampoline according to claim 1 wherein said multiple movement sensors are associated with a mat of the trampoline and are attached to the trampoline mat each by a mount comprising a topside mount part on one side of the trampoline mat and a an underside mount part on another side of the trampoline mat, which are fixed together through the trampoline mat.
8. A trampoline according to claim 7 wherein said topside part and underside part are fixed together through the trampoline mat by at least one projection from one of said topside part and underside parts which is snap fit received in the other of said topside part and underside parts.
9. A trampoline according to claim 8 wherein said projection comprises a pointed end adapted to pierce the mat of the trampoline.
10. A trampoline according to claim 1 wherein the wiring loom extends at said another end of the wiring loom to a controller enclosure attached to a frame of the trampoline.
11-12. (canceled)
13. A trampoline according to claim 1 also comprising a display mount for mounting to the trampoline a display driven by the controller and wherein the display mount is adapted to mount the display to an enclosure above and around the mat of the trampoline and wherein the display mount is adapted to mount the display to an enclosure above and around the mat of the trampoline.
14-15. (canceled)
16. A trampoline electrical wiring loom system comprising: a wiring loom multiple movement sensors attached and electrically connected to the wiring loom by a plastics material encapsulation of said sensor, to provide an electrical signal indicative of bouncing on the trampoline when attached to a part or parts of the trampoline which move when the trampoline is bounced on by a user, and a controller or a common connector at an end of the wiring loom.
17. A trampoline electrical wiring loom system according to claim 16 including mounts for attaching the multiple movement sensors to a mat of the trampoline, each mount comprising a topside mount part and an underside mount part adapted to be fixed together through the trampoline mat to mount the movement sensor to the trampoline mat.
18. A trampoline electrical wiring loom system according to claim 17 wherein said topside part and underside part adapted to be fixed together through the trampoline mat by at least one projection from one of said topside part and underside parts which is snap fit received in the other of said topside part and underside parts.
19-21. (canceled)
22. A trampoline electrical wiring loom system according to claim 16 together with a trampoline mat comprising multiple movement sensors or multiple movement sensor mounts attached at spaced locations to the mat.
23. A trampoline comprising multiple movement sensors associated with one or more parts of the trampoline which move when the trampoline is bounced on by a user, which provide an electrical signal indicative of bouncing on the trampoline, and an electrical wiring loom which connects to the movement sensors at one or more sensor ends of the wiring loom or comprises multiple sensor connectors which connect to the multiple movement sensors, and extends from the multiple movement sensors or sensor connectors to a controller or a connector at another end of the wiring loom, wherein said multiple movement sensors are associated with a mat of the trampoline and are attached to the trampoline mat each by a mount comprising a topside mount part on one side of the trampoline mat and a an underside mount part on another side of the trampoline mat, which are fixed together through the trampoline mat.
24. A trampoline according to claim 23 wherein said topside part and underside part are fixed together through the trampoline mat by at least one projection from one of said topside part and underside parts which is snap fit received in the other of said topside part and underside parts.
25. A trampoline according to claim 24 wherein the wiring loom comprises a first wiring loom branch to two or more movement sensors or sensor connectors and a second wiring loom branch to two or more other movement sensors or sensor connectors.
26. A trampoline according to claim 25 wherein said first wiring loom branch is routed at or near one peripheral part of the mat and said second wiring loom branch is routed at or near another peripheral part of the mat.
27-28. (canceled)
29. A trampoline electrical wiring loom system comprising: a wiring loom multiple movement sensors attached and electrically connected to the wiring loom, to provide an electrical signal indicative of bouncing on the trampoline when attached to a part or parts of the trampoline which move when the trampoline is bounced on by a user, mounts for attaching the multiple movement sensors to a mat of the trampoline, each mount comprising a topside mount part and an underside mount part adapted to be fixed together through the trampoline mat to mount the movement sensor to the trampoline mat, and a controller or a common connector at an end of the wiring loom.
30. A trampoline electrical wiring loom system according to claim 29 wherein said topside part and underside part adapted to be fixed together through the trampoline mat by at least one projection from one of said topside part and underside parts which is snap fit received in the other of said topside part and underside parts.
31-33. (canceled)
34. A trampoline electrical wiring loom system according to claim 29 together with a trampoline mat comprising multiple movement sensors or multiple movement sensor mounts attached at spaced locations to the mat.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0070] The is further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0071] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trampoline;
[0072] FIG. 2 is a view from below of the trampoline of FIG. 1;
[0073] FIGS. 3a to 3e schematically show alternative wiring loom arrangements from the underside of a trampoline mat;
[0074] FIGS. 4a to 4c show alternative options for routing a wiring loom from the trampoline mat to a controller;
[0075] FIG. 5 shows a wiring loom extending between a mat and the frame of a trampoline of FIG. 1;
[0076] FIGS. 6a to 6d show a peripheral part of a trampoline mat, and sensor mounting;
[0077] FIGS. 7a to 7c show three different embodiments of a clip to secure a wiring loom to a trampoline;
[0078] FIGS. 7d to 7f show the clips of FIGS. 7a to 7c in use to secure a wiring loom to a trampoline;
[0079] FIG. 8a is a schematic perspective view from below a mat showing an accelerometer mounting, and FIG. 8b is a cross-section view of an edge of the mat showing the accelerometer mounting of FIG. 7 with the male part detached;
[0080] FIGS. 9a to 9f show details of a pocket for attaching a wiring loom to a flexible mat and a coupling for positioning a portion of a wiring loom adjacent a spring element of a trampoline as shown in FIG. 1;
[0081] FIGS. 10a to 10d show alternative overmoulded sensor components;
[0082] FIGS. 11a to 11d show alternative mat sensor attachments;
[0083] FIGS. 11e to 11i show alternative sensor mountings to a trampoline mat;
[0084] FIGS. 12a and 12b are part perspective views of a trampoline showing a controller enclosure attached to a frame of the trampoline;
[0085] FIGS. 13a to 13c show an embodiment of a controller and battery enclosure;
[0086] FIGS. 14a to 14c show another embodiment of a controller and battery enclosure;
[0087] FIGS. 15a to 15e show further embodiments of a controller and battery enclosure;
[0088] FIGS. 16a and 16b show a mount for use in securing a controller and battery enclosure to a trampoline;
[0089] FIG. 17a is a perspective view from below of another trampoline;
[0090] FIG. 17b is a plan view of the trampoline of FIG. 17a;
[0091] FIG. 18a is a detail view of a coupling for a wiring loom of the trampoline of FIGS. 17a and 17b;
[0092] FIG. 18b is a perspective view from underneath of the coupling of FIG. 18a;
[0093] FIG. 18c is a cross-sectional view of the coupling of FIG. 18a;
[0094] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a preferred form system for transferring data between the sensors of FIG. 1 and a user device;
[0095] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a device or display mount and shade;
[0096] FIG. 21 is a front view of the device or display mount and shade of FIG. 20;
[0097] FIG. 22 shows the device or display mount and the shade attached to a barrier net; and
[0098] FIG. 23 shows a mount for a device or display for attaching same to a trampoline.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0099] FIG. 1 shows a trampoline comprising a flexible mat 1 on which a person may bounce, cause an object to bounce, or both, a plurality of resiliently flexible spring elements or rods 3 (shown as circular cross-section rods but which may for example alternatively have an oval, square, or rectangular cross-section shape), and a base frame that includes a beam 5 typically formed of steel or aluminium and which may rest on the ground, or alternatively be supported from the ground by legs 7 as shown. In the embodiment shown the trampoline mat 1, and thus also beam 5, has a circular shape in plan but in alternative embodiments may alternatively have a square, rectangular, or oval shape, for example.
[0100] The spring rods 3 are typically fibreglass rods but may alternatively be formed of spring steel, for example. The lower ends of the rods are retained by the beam 5. The upper ends of the rods connected to fittings 12 as will be further described below. These fittings 12 are coupled to the mat 1 about the periphery of the mat. The lower ends of the rods 3 may enter into tubular holders 9 fixed to (as shown), or in, the beam 5, but may be coupled to the beam 5 or a base frame of the trampoline of any other form.
[0101] The preferred form flexible mat 1 is typically a strong woven synthetic material. It is preferably doubled back upon itself and fixed by stitching for example about the periphery of the mat to form a continuous pocket 10 extending about the periphery of the mat. A plurality of fittings 12 are positioned within this pocket in the peripheral edge of the mat, as shown in FIG. 6a. The fittings 12 in one form are loosely captured within the pocket 10. Alternatively the fittings 12 are stitched to the mat within the pocket. In a further embodiment the fittings 12 are mechanically fastened to the flexible mat 1, via rivets for example. The fittings may be attached to the mat and the upper ends of the rods 3 connected to fittings as described in either of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,319,174 and 8,105,211 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0102] In use as the trampoline is bounced on by a user, this will cause pivotal movement between the upper ends of the rods 3 and the fittings 12 coupled to the mat, to a greater or lesser extent depending upon the size and energy of the user. If the user bounces close to a part of the edge of the mat, significant movement of the rods closest to the point where the user bounces will occur.
[0103] Optionally the trampoline may comprise an enclosure as described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,708,667 and 7,854,687, the entire contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference (see also FIG. 7f).
[0104] The trampoline can act as an interactive apparatus for providing information and/or entertainment and/or exercise to a user based on activity of the person or an object on the trampoline. The trampoline has a wiring loom assembly 15 including movement sensors, and a controller for processing information from the movement sensors. The wiring loom assembly has: at least one wiring loom branch, at least one controller connector, and multiple movement sensors.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 1, a wiring loom comprises two pairs of accelerometers. These accelerometers are shown at 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D. The four sensors 11 are shown as two pairs of sensors arranged equidistantly around the mat. One pair of sensors 11A and 11B define an axis 13A across the mat. Another pair of sensors 11C and 11D define an axis 13B across the mat 1. As shown in FIG. 1, where there are two pairs of sensors, the pairs of sensors may define orthogonal axes across the mat. In an alternative embodiment, the movement sensor arrangement may comprise for example three or more, such as five or six, sensors. The sensors are not necessarily provided as pairs of sensors arranged around the mat. Three sensors may be triangulated.
[0106] The sensor or sensors 11 are configured to indicate a value corresponding to a deformation of the mat 1 as a person or object bounces on or otherwise interacts with the mat. The value indicated by the sensor(s) 60 corresponds to a proximity of the person or object to the sensor(s).The term ‘deformation’ as used in this specification and claims in relation to a mat deformation signal or value includes displacement, velocity and/or acceleration of the mat edge.
[0107] The assembly may comprise multiple wiring loom branches. Each of the wiring loom branch may be the same length as the other branches or a different length. The wiring loom assembly may have one sensor for each wiring loom branch. Alternatively, the loom assembly may have two or more sensors for each wiring loom branch. In one embodiment, the loom assembly further comprises at least one bus. Various alternatives are shown in FIGS. 3a to 3e, each of which schematically shows mat 1 from the underside.
[0108] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 3d, the wiring loom assembly 15 comprises a first wiring loom branch 17 for a first pair of sensors 11a, 11b and a second wiring loom branch 19 for a second pair of sensors 11c, 11d. In this embodiment, the first wiring loom branch 17 is the same length as the second wiring loom branch 19. Each wiring loom branch 17, 19 has one connector positioned at the end of the loom branch and another connector positioned at about the midpoint of the wiring loom. When installed on the flexible mat 1 of the trampoline, the first loom branch 17 extends in a clockwise direction and the second loom branch will extend in an anti-clockwise direction 19 such that the sensors are positioned evenly around the periphery of the flexible mat.
[0109] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, the assembly comprises one wiring loom branch for each sensor. In this embodiment, each wiring loom branch is a different length to the other wiring loom branches. In particular, the assembly comprises four sensors and four wiring loom branches 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d having different lengths. All the loom branches extend in a clockwise direction around the periphery of the flexible mat but may extend in an anti-clockwise direction.
[0110] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3b, the assembly may have two relatively shorter loom branches 23a, 23c having about the same length and two relatively longer loom branches 23b, 23d having about the same length. In this embodiment, one of the shorter loom branches 23a and one of the longer loom branches 23b extends in a clockwise direction around the periphery of the flexible mat. The other of the shorter loom branches 23c and longer loom branches 23d extends in an anti-clockwise direction, such that the sensors 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are positioned evenly around the periphery of the flexible mat.
[0111] In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3c, the assembly may have one relatively shorter loom branch 24a and one relatively longer loom branch 24b. In this embodiment, both loom branches extend in a clockwise direction around the periphery of the flexible mat, but both may extend in an anti-clockwise direction. Each loom has two connectors.
[0112] In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3e, the assembly comprises one wiring loom branch 25 for all the sensors. In this embodiment, the assembly comprises four sensors and a single wiring loom branch 25. The loom will extend in a clockwise direction around the periphery of the flexible mat but may extend in an anti-clockwise direction. This embodiment preferably has two buses.
[0113] With reference to FIG. 4a, the assembly 15 may comprise a cable guide 29 having a radius that controls the bend radius of the cable to have a relatively large and smooth radius. The cable guide may be a spool. In this embodiment, the assembly has two wiring loom branches that are connected to the controller 79 by two controller connectors.
[0114] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4b, each of the wiring loom branches may be connected to a T-coupler 31, which is connected to controller 79 via a single controller connector.
[0115] In this embodiment, the T-coupler comprises a connection point between the two cables exiting their respective ends of the continuous pocket 39. Both cables enter the T-coupler preferably without bending and a third cable 21a exits the T-coupler at an angle, to be routed down the rod 3 towards controller 79. FIGS. 4a and 4b do not show all of rods 3 as are shown in FIG. 4c.
[0116] In a further alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4c, one of the wiring loom branches has an overlapped portion 33 in which the cable is folded back on itself as it exits mat pocket 39. The portion of overlapped cable 33 can accommodate surplus cable, if necessary. This embodiment also has a cable length 36 along and under the mat edge, before the cable is then routed down a coupling 37 along rod 3, which is described in more detail below, towards controller 79.
[0117] FIG. 5 schematically shows the routing of the wiring loom branches from the mat 1, along the length of a rod 3, to the frame 5. When a wiring loom branch extends around the periphery of the mat in a clockwise direction, it may follow the path on the right side of FIG. 5. When a wiring loom branch extends around the periphery of the mat in an anti-clockwise direction, it may follow the path on the left side of FIG. 5.
[0118] FIGS. 6a to 6c show one of the wiring looms 21a attached to the flexible mat 1. The flexible mat has a continuous pocket 39 extending around the mat at or near the periphery of the mat inboard of the pocket 10 which retains the fittings 12, and when installed the wiring loom 21a is extends within the pocket 39. The pocket comprises apertures 39a which enable the wiring loom to exit the pocket to each sensor 11a. FIG. 6a shows the wing loom 21a and sensor 11 not installed in the mat.
[0119] FIGS. 7a-c show different embodiments of clips for attaching the wiring loom to the trampoline and FIGS. 7d-f show the clips in use. FIG. 7a shows a first embodiment of a plastic clip, which has a part 16 at one end designed to snap fit onto a rod 3 and smaller part 16b at an opposite end designed to receive and hold the wiring loom 25 and attach a part of the loom to a rod 3 as shown in FIGS. 7e and f. FIG. 7e shows a wiring loom 25 attached to the trampoline rod 3 using the clip 14b shown in FIG. 7a. Any number of clips 14b can be attached to any number of rods 3 along the length of the trampoline to sufficiently secure the wiring loom 25 to the trampoline.
[0120] FIG. 7b shows a second embodiment of a plastic clip, for fastening the wiring loom 25 to the underside of the trampoline mat as shown in FIG. 7d. The clip which has a part 16c designed to slide onto a flap on the underside of the trampoline mat near the periphery of the mat and a perpendicular part 16d designed to receive and hold the wiring loom 25. FIG. 7d shows one of the wiring looms 25 which is attached to the flexible mat 1 using the clip 14a shown in FIG. 7a. The clip attaches to any part of the fitting 12 and to any part of the wiring loom with clip 14a. Any number of clips 14a can be attached along the underside of the flexible mat 1 to sufficiently secure the wiring loom or loom branches 25 to the trampoline.
[0121] FIG. 7c shows a third embodiment of a plastic clip, for fastening the wiring loom 25 to the bottom of the trampoline barrier net. The clip which has a part 16e designed to slide onto the bottom of the trampoline barrier net and a perpendicular part 16f designed to receive and hold the wiring loom 25. FIG. 7f shows one of the wiring looms 25 which is attached to the bottom of the trampoline barrier net 18 using the clip 14c shown in 7c. The clip 14c preferably attaches to any part of the bottom of the barrier net 18 and to the wiring loom 25 with clip 14c. Any number of clips 14c can be attached along the bottom of the trampoline barrier net 18 to sufficiently secure the wiring looms 25 to the trampoline.
[0122] Now referring to FIGS. 9a and 9e, the trampoline may have a tubular coupling 37 with a first channel 41 for receiving a rod 3 of the trampoline to attach the tubular coupling to the rod, and a second channel 43 generally parallel with the first channel 41 for receiving and retaining a portion of the wiring loom 21 adjacent the rod 3 to route the wiring loom along the rod. When installed on the trampoline, the coupling 37 extends downwardly from the periphery of the mat. The coupling 37 may be formed of a textile material or a flexible plastics material, folded over itself to form the first channel 41 and folded over itself to form the second channel 43. The folded material may be secured in the folded configuration by hook and loop fasteners 45, domes, or zips for example, as schematically shown in FIG. 9e which is a schematic cross-section. Alternatively the channels 41, 43 may be two separate pieces of textile that are connected together, by stitching for example, to form the channels, or by a single piece of material folded and stitched or bonded to form the two channels.
[0123] With reference to FIGS. 9a-d, mat 1 has a continuous pocket 39 extending around the periphery of the mat and the coupling 37 may comprise an extension of the pocket—see FIG. 9b. The pocket 39 is in addition to and generally adjacent to and inboard of the pocket that receives the fittings 12. The pocket 39 may be continuous as described previously with reference to FIG. 6 with apertures 39a to enable the wiring loom to extend to the spaced sensors or may alternatively be composed of pocket segments 39a-d as shown in FIG. 9b with a space between each at which the wiring loom may extend to a sensor. FIG. 9c is a schematic cross-section which shows the wiring loom 21, in the pocket 39. FIG. 9d is a schematic cross-section of a part of the periphery of the mat of an embodiment in which pocket 39 and the wiring loom does not extend completely around the periphery of the mat.
[0124] The coupling 37 is releasably attachable to the mat 1. The coupling 37 is preferably releasably attachable to an underside of the mat. The coupling may be releasably attachable by hook and loop fasteners, dome fasteners or zippers, for example. FIG. 9f shows hook and loop fasteners 52 for attaching the coupling to the mat.
[0125] In an alternative embodiment the conduit may be a moulded tube such as a moulded polyethylene foam or polyurethane foam tube. The moulded tube preferably has a profile to receive two cables and one rod. It is assembled by the cables being pushed through the apertures and is then pushed over the rod.
[0126] The sensors may be fixedly or removably associated with the trampoline, for example as described in PCT patent specification WO 2014/098628 and Australian Innovation patent 2013101110 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, or as now further described.
[0127] With reference to FIGS. 8a and 8b which are an underside view and a schematic cross-section view of a part of the periphery of a mat, in the embodiment shown at each sensor mount the mat 1 has multiple female components 53 attached to the mat and each adapted to engage respective multiple male components 55 comprising a sensor. For example parts 53 and 55 may be plastic moulded parts which engage permanently, or detachably (for fault finding or disassembly), in a snap fit. Wiring loom 21a in mat pocket 39 as previously described, connects to the male components 55/sensors
[0128] With reference to FIGS. 10b to 10d, instead of being for example plastic moulded parts as referred to above, each female component 53 may comprise a fabric or plastic pocket 67 on the underside of the periphery of the mat which receives the male component/sensor 55. For example the pocket 67 may be closed on three sides and open on one side as shown in FIG. 10c, or may be closed on two opposing sides and open at the top and bottom as shown in FIGS. 10 b and 10d.The male component 55 may have a hook shape 55a as shown in FIG. 10a that hooks over an edge of the pocket, as shown in FIG. 10d. The male component 55 may sit in the pocket in an inline manner as shown in FIG. 10b or a perpendicular manner as shown in FIG. 10c.The male component 55 may have an extension 55b which enters into the pocket as shown in FIG. 10c. Or in other embodiments the male component 55 may simply be secured to the underside of the mat by one or more of: stitching, adhesive, or a fastener.
[0129] Each female component 53 is fixed to the mat 1 such that there is little or no movement between the respective sensor 11 and the mat. One or more of the female components 53 may be mounted at or near the peripheral edge of the mat 1. Each female component 53 may be sewn into the mat 1 by stitching 56, or plastic welded or bonded to the mat. Alternatively, the female components may be attached to the mat by hook and loop fasteners.
[0130] Each of the male components 55 attaches a sensor 11 to the mat when engaged with the respective female component 53. Each sensor 11 preferably forms part of the respective male component 55. As shown in FIG. 10a, each male component 55 and respective sensor 11 are a co-moulded or overmoulded component so that the sensors are plastic encapsulated and attached to the wiring loom.
[0131] FIGS. 11a-i show further sensor mounting embodiments. The female components 53 may comprise keyed features and the respective male component 55 has complementary keyed features. FIG. 11d shows the female component 53 with rails 57 for locating and optionally partially securing the male component 55.
[0132] In some embodiments the female components 53 may be attachable to the respective male 55 component by a cable tie 61 or pair of cable ties. The female component 53 has a pair of apertures 63 for receiving a portion of the cable ties 61. The male component 55 has corresponding slots 65 for also receiving another portion of the cable ties 61. The apertures 63 and slots 65 ensure the cable ties 61 do not slip or slide relative to the female component 53 and the male component 55.
[0133] The cable ties 61 are installed to tie the female component 53 and the male component 55 together. After securing the male 55 and female components 53 together, the excessive portion of the cable tie 61 is removed. As an alternative to the cable ties, the male and female components may be secured using a suitable elastomeric component, such as a rubber band.
[0134] With reference to FIG. 11a, each female mount component 53 shown may be attachable to the respective male mount component 55 by a cap 69. The cap 69 is suitably engageable with the female mount component 53, for example by a snap-fit to the respective female component. FIG. 11a shows clips 71, which snap into apertures 73 of the cap. In addition to a snap-fit, the cap 69 may have additional location features for locating or orienting the cap relative to the female mount component. The cap 69 is preferably selectively releasable by disengaging the snap-fit, which allows the sensors to be removed from the flexible mat. Alternatively, the cap 69 may be permanently fixed to the female member 53.
[0135] With reference to FIGS. 11b and 11c, each female component 53 may be attachable to the respective male mount component 55 by a fastener 75. The fastener 75 may be a screw, bolt, or rivet, for example. The fastener 75 may extend through an aperture 77 in the centre of the female and male mount components (FIG. 11b) or an aperture that is offset relative to the centre of the female and male mount components (FIG. 11c). The male component 55 may have a boss 79 for receiving the fastener. The boss 79 may be threaded. The fastener 75 may be an alternative to the other attachment methods or additional to the other attachment methods. The female component 53 may have rails 76 for locating the male component 55.
[0136] FIG. 11e shows another embodiment for attaching the sensors 11 to the flexible mat 1. In this embodiment the female mount component 53 has a flat top part or plate 62a on the topside of the flexible mat 1. The top plate 62a has apertures for receiving cable ties 61, which pass between the fibres in the flexible mat 1 such that they are able to access both sides of the flexible mat 1. On the underside of the flexible mat 1 to the top plate 62a, the male sensor component 55 preferably attaches to or is received within the female component 53 and the cable ties 61 are used to secure the male sensor component 55 to the female underside component 53 through apertures in the female component 53, as well as to the flexible mat 1 and the topside plate 62a. The cable ties 61 are preferably held in place by ridges 64 in the top plate 62a. It is also preferable that there are slots in the male sensor component 55 to hold the cable ties 61 in place.
[0137] The textile yarns or fibres of the flexible mat 1 can be separated so that the cable ties 61 are able to be more easily passed from one side of the flexible mat 1 to the other through the use of a piercing tool 68 as shown in FIG. 11i. This tool preferably acts to part the fibres in the flexible mat 1 to allow the cable ties 61 to be inserted. The tool is then preferably removed and the male sensor component 55 and female component 53 are secured in place and to the mat and top plate 62a with the cable ties 61.
[0138] Another embodiment for attaching the sensors 11 to the flexible mat 1 is shown in FIG. 11g. The topside part 62b sits on one side of the flexible mat 1. This embodiment has piercing elements 66 built in to the topside plate 62b. These piercing elements 66 act to part the fibres in the flexible mat 1 much like the tool shown in FIG. 11i, so that the cable ties 61 can be more easily passed from one side of the flexible mat 1 to the other. The piercing elements 66 also preferably act to attach the topside plate 62b to the female underside component 53. The piercing elements 66 may comprise a pointed end adapted to pierce the mat of the trampoline. On the opposing side of the flexible mat 1 to the topside plate 62b is the underside female component 53, to which the male sensor component 55 attaches to. The piercing elements 66 may optionally also snap fit into the underside component 53. Cable ties 61 then preferably run through an aperture in the topside plate, through the parted fibres in the flexible mat 1 and a piercing element 66, through an aperture 63 in underside female component 53, around the male sensor component 55, then back through the apertures 63 on the opposing side of the female component 53, back through the parted fibres in the flexible mat 1 and a piercing element 66, and through an aperture in the top plate 62b, securing with the other end of the cable tie at any stage to fasten the system in place and complete a loop.
[0139] With reference to FIG. 12a, the trampoline has a controller 79 configured to receive input data from the mat sensors representing activity of a person or object on the mat 1. The controller is preferably mounted to the frame, for example leg 81. For example, the trampoline may have a plate attached to the frame and the controller which may comprise electronics in a weatherproof enclosure may be snap fitted or fastened to, or supported by the plate. Alternatively, the enclosure may be mounted directly to the frame 81.
[0140] FIG. 12b shows an alternative embodiment of a mount 84 adapted to secure the controller enclosure 79 to the frame 81. The mount 84 is preferably secured to the frame of the trampoline using a combination of cable ties 61 and the existing bolts in the trampoline frame 81. Alternatively, the mount 84 may be preferably snap-mounted directly to the frame 81. The controller enclosure 79 may be snap fitted or fastened to, or otherwise supported by the mount 84. Preferably, apertures in the mount 84 may be used to receive the wiring from the sensors which plug in to the controller enclosure 79. In another embodiment, the sensor wiring may be used to attach or secure the controller enclosure to the mount 84.
[0141] With reference to FIGS. 13a-c, in one embodiment the enclosure has a plurality of compartments including a battery compartment 82a to contain battery 85, and a backing compartment 83a to contain a printed circuit board 87, and speakers, for example. The battery compartment 82 is preferably adapted for removably containing the battery 85 in the enclosure. Enclosure housing parts 82 and 83 shown exploded in FIG. 13a fit together to define the enclosure, and enclosure compartments, as shown from the front with battery 85 installed, and from the rear, in FIGS. 13b and 13c.
[0142] FIGS. 14a to 14c show another alternative controller enclosure, which also comprises housing parts 82 and 83 which define a battery compartment 82a and a backing compartment 83a. FIG. 14 a shows the parts separated and FIG. 14b shows the assembled enclosure from the front and FIG. 14c shows the enclosure from the rear. In this embodiment the battery compartment 82 containing removable batteries 85, has a battery cover 86 to protect the batteries 85 inside. The battery compartment 82 may attach magnetically to the backing compartment 83, and may comprise on a rear wall spring loaded connection pins 88, which connect battery power to the controller through matching contacts on the facing wall of the controller enclosure 83 when the battery compartment 82 is installed. The battery compartment 82 can be removed from the backing compartment 83. With reference to FIG. 14c, the back of the compartment 83 has plugs 90 for connecting the wiring from the sensors positioned around the trampoline to the controller.
[0143] FIGS. 15a and 15b show a further alternative enclosure comprise 87 comprising a rear vertical aperture or recess 89 adapted for receiving a leg of the frame, and a strap 91 to pass across the rear of the enclosure to capture the frame leg and which is secured to the rear of the enclosure to mount the controller enclosure to the frame leg.
[0144] FIGS. 15c and 15d show a further alternative enclosure comprising two housing parts 87a and 87b which are fixed together thereby defining an aperture 89a on one side of the enclosure in which a frame leg 81 is captured to mount the enclosure to the frame. The other side 85 of the body portion is free and not attached to the frame.
[0145] FIG. 15e shows another alternative enclosure 91 with apertures 93 on either side, through which pass adjacent legs 81 of the frame to mount the controller enclosure to the trampoline frame.
[0146] FIGS. 16a and 16b show an embodiment of a mount used to attach and hold the controller enclosure 79 to the trampoline. The mount 84 is preferably secured to the leg 81 and frame 5 of the trampoline using a combination of cable ties 61 and one or more existing bolts in the frame 81. The aperture 92 is preferably used to secure the mount 84 via an existing bolt, to the trampoline leg 81. Apertures 94 are provided to allow cable ties 61 to pass through which then preferably act to secure around the frame of the trampoline 5. The curved surface 98 is shaped to fit against the frame 5 of the trampoline. Curved surface 96 is shaped to fit to the leg 81 of the trampoline.
[0147] The controller enclosure 79 preferably attaches to the mount 84 through the use of fasteners. In an alternative embodiment the controller enclosure 79 is preferably attached to the mount through the use of the sensor wires at the back of the controller enclosure which pass through apertures in the mount in order to be received by plugs 90 in the controller enclosure 79.
[0148] The trampoline system may be used with a device such as a tablet computer or a smartphone for example, or alternatively simply a display (VDU) with which the controller interfaces for example wirelessly, and the trampoline may comprise a mounting point including a dock to connect with the device. The device may include a processor, a display, and a user input facility such as for example a touch screen on the device. The device and/or controller operate application specific software that takes as input data representing the bounce zones or locations or other measured activity from the user and uses these inputs to provide gaming information and/or entertainment, or alternatively exercise instruction for example which may include rehabilitation execise instruction, to a user viewing the handheld device. In use the sensor arrangement is able to communicate either directly or indirectly through a controller mounted to the trampoline frame as described, wirelessly and or via a cable, to the smart device, and in one embodiment, as the user jumps or bounces on the trampoline mat the bounce zones identified by the techniques described above are passed through an application programming interface (API) as input to the controller and/or smart device. The device in combination with the trampoline embodiments described above provide apparatus relating to gaming, communication, rehabilitation and the like. Preferably, the application controlling the device determines the function of the apparatus. In each case, the device provides interaction with the user based at least partly on the activity of the user or an object on the flexible mat. In some embodiments the ‘controller’ may do not much or any more than act as an interface between the mat sensors and a tablet computer or a smartphone for example on which is running a gaming or exercise application.
[0149] FIG. 19 shows a schematic diagram of a preferred form system 200 for transferring data between the sensors 11 and a user device 201. As a person bounces on the flexible mat 1, 101, the force exerted on the flexible mat is detected by the sensors 11.
[0150] The sensors 11 are connected to a controller 203 configured to interpret signals from the sensors 11 and determine bounce locations using for example the techniques described in PCT patent specification WO 2014/098628. Controller 203 includes or is connected to antenna 205. The antenna in turn is configured to establish a wireless data connection with the user device 201.
[0151] In an embodiment, the antenna 205 establishes a connection with user device 201 directly using Bluetooth pairing or Wi-Fi Direct. In another embodiment the antenna 205 establishes a connection with the user device 201 through a traditional wireless network 207 established by wireless router 209. As the user jumps or bounces on the flexible mat 1, the bounce zones identified by the techniques described in PCT patent specification WO 2014/098628 are passed through an application programming interface (API) as input to the user device 201. In an embodiment, the API provides one or more of the following data items to the user device 201 at bounce impact: [0152] Notification that an impact has happened; [0153] Number of bounces since controller was activated; [0154] Height of the previous bounce; [0155] Time spent in the air in the previous bounce.
[0156] The controller 203 determines the bounce location of the user between the time of user impact and user departure. In an embodiment the controller 203 determines the bounce location shortly before user departure, or at least closer to user departure than user impact. Once the controller 203 determines user bounce location the API provides to the user device 201 a representation of bounce location. One example format includes the location in polar coordinates relative to the centre of the trampoline. At bounce departure, in an embodiment, the API provides one or more of the following data items to the user device 201: [0157] Notification that the user has departed the mat; [0158] Time spent on the mat during user bounce.
[0159] An application running on user device 201 initialises controller 203 by specifying which data the application wishes to receive. The controller 203 then responds with event packets as they occur.
[0160] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a device or display mount and shade, FIG. 21 is a front view of the device mount and shade of FIG. 20, and FIG. 22 shows the device mount and the shade attached to a barrier net. The device mount is adapted to be fixedly or removably mounted to the top edge of an enclosure net around the trampoline, as shown. The mount comprises a sun shade 1095. The shade 1095 has a frame 1097 having relatively rigid rods that support a flexible material. The shade 1095 protects device or display 1115 from sun, making the device easier to see by a user. The shade 1095 may also provide the device with some weather protection. The shade 1095 shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 has a bonnet-type shape with a curved upper portion 1101 and triangular shaped side portions 1103. In alternative embodiments, the shade 1095 may have other shapes, such as a flat rectangular upper portion and rectangular or triangular side portions. The shade is preferably suspended by hooks 1105 from the top edge of the enclosure as shown in FIG. 22, with an arm 1107 extending from each hook to the shade. The back portion 1109 of the shade is suitably adapted for receiving and supporting the device. In particular, the back portion has opposing upper and lower hook-type connectors 1111 that receive and support the device 1115. The hooks have a slider 1113 mechanism to allow the distance between the hooks to be adjusted to suit the device in use and ensure a secure hold of the device. The slider mechanism has a slider 1115 with an aperture that receives and slides along a slide bar.
[0161] FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of a mount for a device or display for attaching same to a trampoline. In this embodiment the mount comprises a frame element 117, which may optionally be tubular for example with a friction material lining its interior so that the mount can be attached to a support pole or rod of an enclosure net around the trampoline by being slid over the pole and slidably adjusted to the desired height.
[0162] Alterbatively the frame element 117 may be fixed to the enclosure support pole or rod by brackets or clamps for example. At lower and upper ends the frame element 117 has u-shaped holders also preferably padded, for holding a tablet computer or display. The upper u-shaped holder is carried by slider 113 on the frame element 117 so that it can be slidably adjusted to enable the mont to accommodate arranges of sizes of tablet or display.
[0163] In alternative embodiments, the smart device or display mount arrangement may comprise one or a combination of straps, hook and loop fasteners, elastic components, clips, hooks, dome fasteners, rivets, screws, a surrounding housing, snap-fit components or supports for attaching the device to the shade or to the barrier net. Those components may support two or more corners of the device, two or more sides or edges of the device, or a back surface of the device, or a combination of corners, edges, and surfaces. Those components may be adjustable, for example, by moving closer to or away from other connector(s), have expandable lengths or widths, or have movable parts to increase/decrease the grip on the device to increase/decrease the grip on the device. The mounting device may also allow for the angle of the screen relative to the user to be adjusted. The mounting arrangement may suspend the smart device or display 1115 inside or outside the barrier net.
[0164] With reference to FIGS. 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b, and 18c, an alternative embodiment trampoline 100 is shown. This trampoline has a frame 181, typically a steel frame, around the mat, and a plurality of coil springs 103 coupled between the frame and the mat 101 about a periphery of the mat suspend the mat in the frame. Each spring 103 has a first end 103a attached to the mat and a second end 103b attached to the frame. Unless described as otherwise below, the system such as sensor mounting to the mat, can be the same as already described above, and like reference numerals indicate like parts with the addition of 100. In this embodiment, tubular coupling 137 extends outwardly from the periphery of the mat 101. The coupling 137 may extend within one of the coil springs 103. In turn a portion, which may comprise a wire coil as shown, of the wiring loom to the sensors mounted on the underside of the mat, extends through the tubular coupling 137, as shown in FIGS. 18a to 18c. The tube houses the coiled wiring loom and prevents the wiring loom being caught between the coils of the coil spring. The portion of the wiring loom comprises a plurality of coils. The coils allow the wiring loom to extend and contract when required, for example, when the coil spring of the trampoline extends and contracts as a user or object bounces on the mat. The wiring looms exit the tube at the frame end together and are attached to the frame 181, for example by a cable tie 122. The wiring looms extend along the frame to the controller 179, as shown in FIG. 17a. The wiring looms exit the mat end of the tube, where they separate and then travel in generally opposite directions around the periphery of the mat 101. In this embodiment, the wiring loom(s) extend(s) around the periphery of the mat. When viewed from above, the wiring loom(s) have a substantially square or rectangular shape with rounded corners.
[0165] The foregoing describes the invention including preferred forms thereof. Modifications and improvements as would be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated in the scope hereof, as defined by the accompanying claims.
