Springfree Trampoline

Springfree Trampoline is a global company that manufactures recreational trampoline products and accessories. The design was invented by Dr. Keith Vivian Alexander, an associate professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.[1]

History
A Springfree trampoline

After careful analysis of worldwide trampoline data in 1992, Dr Keith Vivian Alexander of Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand, noted three major impact zones on the trampoline designed by George Nissen in the 1930s; these impact zones needed to be re-engineered to increase trampoline safety:

  1. The Springs – on the jumping surface.
  2. The Steel Frame – on the jumping surface/ jumpers may fall and injure themselves.
  3. The Ground or obstructions on the ground – jumpers would hit as a result of falling off.

In 1999, he released his first prototype utilizing glass-reinforced plastic rods and the first commercial versions began selling in late 2004. In 2009, Springfree Trampoline won an Australian Design Award.[2]

Design
Alternative Springfree trampoline

The most visual difference between a Springfree trampoline and the traditional trampoline design is the use of glass-reinforced plastic rods instead of steel coils spring.

Springfree Trampoline uses rods to form a flexible soft edge resulting in the rigid frame being lowered around 450mm below the jumping surface. This removes two known hazards from the jumping surface – the rigid perimeter frame and the steel coil springs.[3][4] The base of the trampoline is also more rigid than conventional trampolines.

Injury statistics

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 2001 there were 91,870 hospital emergency room-treated injuries associated with trampolines.[5]

Virginia Judge, Fair Trading Minister has ordered a review of the safety of backyard trampolines due to the concerns raised by child safety experts. They have concluded that around 15% of children are admitted to hospital following trampoline injuries; most of the injuries are from falling off the trampoline and 29% are from children falling into/onto the steel frame and springs of the trampoline.[6]

A paper has been written on the effectiveness of pads and enclosure nets as safety interventions on consumer trampolines. In 1998, the American Association of Pediatricians wanted to ban consumer trampolines because of rising injury rates; the International Trampoline Industry Association (ITA) has endeavored to deliver safer trampolines. The ITA and American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) agreed to upgrade trampoline safety standards. These improvements appeared in 1999 which included extended padding to cover the springs and the steel frame, warnings, and restricting access to children under six years old. In 2001, enclosure nets were introduced to lower the risk of falling off. It is undetermined whether these interventions really work.[3]

References
  1. Associate Professor Keith Alexander – University of Canterbury
  2. Archived 6 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  3. Alexander, K.; Eager, D.; Scarrott, C.; Sushinsky, G. (2010). "Effectiveness of pads and enclosures as safety interventions on consumer trampolines". Injury Prevention. 16 (3): 185–189. doi:10.1136/ip.2009.025494. PMC 2989161. PMID 20570986.
  4. ""Consumer Product Safety Alert – Trampoline Safety Alert". Archived from the original on 24 February 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 24 February 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. Archived 15 July 2012 at archive.today
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