Trampoline

Trampoline is a well-known gymnastics equipment that has a profound place in almost every individual’s childhood. Almost everyone has spent a good time bouncing and jumping over it. However, the equipment has its own major significance in gymnastic events and is widely used for competitive purposes. The equipment is composed of a piece of taut, a robust fabric that is stretched and placed between the outer steel frame with the aid of coiled springs. However, other trampolines such as the Springfree trampoline do not use springs but glass-reinforced plastic rods. It seems that the fabric provides the elasticity for bouncing and other recreational activities, but it’s the springs which connect it to the frame and aids in providing the elasticity by storing potential energy.

Construction of Trampoline

The backbone of any trampoline lies in its metal frame that supports a spring bed. The bed is composed of durable woven nylon bands and is supported with the aid of 118 to 126 steel springs on an iron or steel framework. The trampoline bed is approximately ¼ inches thick and the overall trampoline has a length of 5.05 metres and a width of 2.91 metres. It is 1.155 metres high with red vertical lines designed on the net. Trampoline usage has several types of injuries associated with it hence large mats known as safety platform are placed on both the sides to prevent the gymnasts from any injuries.

Types of Trampolines

• Round Trampoline - In recent times, the round trampolines have secured the most popular spot and are the most common ones in the market. These trampolines are considered to be the safest and are ideal for all age groups. The designing of the frame enables it to absorb the total force generated when an individual jumps over it. It has several other advantages as it is economically cheaper, light-weighted, has even distribution of force and offers ease of assembling. 
• Rebounder - It’s also regarded as a mini-trampoline, trampette, jogging trampoline and exercise trampoline. These trampolines are small and compact with reduced diameter. Rebounders are specially designed for the usage of a single person in indoors. These have a diameter of less than 1 metre (3 ft 3 inches) and are about 30 centimetres (12 inches) off the ground. 
• Professional Trampolines - The professional trampolines are also regarded as the Olympic trampolines. As the name suggests, these trampolines are specially designed for professional usage with increased power and performance. The Olympic trampoline’s mat is manufactured in a netting manner and is porous enough to produce maximum reaction to force. The trampolines have a standard sizing of 14ft x7ft which are generally more extensive than the recreational trampolines. 
• Rectangular Trampolines - The rectangular trampolines’ shape enables maximum power as the majority of the springs act in the same direction, providing high rebound with more height. It is manufactured with thick, strong steel making it reliable and sturdy. However, these trampolines are heavier and difficult to transport. 
• Octagonal Trampoline - The octagonal trampolines have a large surface area and provide more room for jumping. 

History of Trampolines

In 1887, the trampoline-like life nets were used by firefighters to rescue and catch the people jumping from the burning buildings. In the 20th century, the bouncing beds were used by some acrobats to amuse and entertain the audiences. It’s believed that an artist named du Trampolin invented trampoline by using the trapeze safety nets for propulsion and landing device.

In 1936, George Nissen and Larry Griswold built the first modern trampoline. They made the trampoline by using traditional ideas of trapeze artists. They used a tight net and inserted grommets on each side by an angle iron frame with the aid of coiled springs. Later in 1942, Griswold and Nissen build their own company called "Griswold-Nissen Trampoline & Tumbling Company" to manufacture trampolines for commercial purposes.