Trampoline Rod

Abstract

In a trampoline in which a plurality of support rods connect between the frame and the mat of the trampoline to hold the mat in tension, the support rods comprise an integral skirt which surrounds and encases at least an upper end length of the support rod and optionally the whole support rod.

1 . A trampoline system comprising:
 a flexible rebounding mat,   a plurality of support rods,   a frame,   the support rods connecting between the frame and the mat to hold the mat in tension, the upper ends of the rods connected to the mat around the periphery of the mat, the lower ends connected to the frame, wherein the upper end of the main support rod is fitted with an edge connector to connect the upper end of the support rod to the edge of the trampoline mat, the edge connector comprising an enlarged end and an integral skirt which surrounds and encases at least an upper end length of the support rod below the enlarged end.   
     
     
         2 . A trampoline system according to  claim 1  wherein the integral skirt surrounds and encloses a major part of the length of the support rod. 
     
     
         3 . A trampoline system according to  claim 1  wherein the integral skirt surrounds and encloses substantially all of the length of the support rod at least between the enlarged end and the frame. 
     
     
         4 . A trampoline system according to  claim 1  wherein the integral skirt surrounds and encloses a major part of the length of the support rod between the enlarged upper end and an enlargement or surround towards a lower end of the support rod at or adjacent a connection or entry of the support rod to or into the frame. 
     
     
         5 . A trampoline system according to any one of  claims 1  to  4  wherein the enlarged upper end of the support rod and the skirt and optionally the enlargement or surround towards a lower end of the support rod and are formed of a plastics material and by injection moulding around and to or onto the support rod or at least an upper end thereof. 
     
     
         6 . A trampoline system according to any one of  claims 1  to  5  wherein the support rods are flat when no external force is applied. 
     
     
         7 . A trampoline system according to any on for  claims 1  to  6  wherein the support rods have a square or rectangular cross-section. 
     
     
         8 . A trampoline system according to any one of  claims 1  to  7  wherein the support rods are formed from fibreglass. 
     
     
         9 . A trampoline system according to any one of  claims 1  to  8  wherein the frame has the overall form of a rectangle in plan view, the mat rectangular and having a perimeter which overlaps with the frame. 
     
     
         10 . A support rod for a trampoline system comprising a flexible rebounding mat, a plurality of support rods, a frame, and wherein the support rods connect between the frame and the mat to hold the mat in tension, the upper ends of the rods connected to the mat around the periphery of the mat, the lower ends connected to the frame, in which support rod the upper end of the main support rod is fitted with an edge connector to connect the upper end of the support rod to the edge of the trampoline mat, the edge connector comprising an enlarged end and an integral skirt which surrounds and encases at least an upper end length of the support rod below the enlarged end. 
     
     
         11 . A support rod according to  claim 10  wherein the integral skirt surrounds and encloses a major part of the length of the support rod. 
     
     
         12 . A support rod according to  claim 10  wherein the integral skirt surrounds and encloses substantially all of the length of the support rod at least between the enlarged end and the frame. 
     
     
         13 . A support rod according to  claim 10  wherein the integral skirt surrounds and encloses a major part of the length of the support rod between the enlarged upper end and an enlargement or surround towards a lower end of the support rod at or adjacent a connection or entry of the support rod to or into the frame. 
     
     
         14 . A support rod according to any one of  claims 10  to  13  wherein the enlarged upper end of the support rod and the skirt and optionally the enlargement or surround towards a lower end of the support rod and are formed of a plastics material and by injection moulding around and to or onto the support rod or at least an upper end thereof.