Trampolines are devices consisting of a steel frame and taut fabric stretched over it, used for jumping and falling. Recreational trampolines are made of waterproof canvas, while competitive ones are stronger and made from specially developed fabric. The origins of the trampoline are disputed, but George Nissen and Larry Griswold are credited with inventing the modern trampoline in 1935. The term “Trampoline” was trademarked by Nissen.
A trampoline is a device consisting of a steel frame and a piece of taut fabric stretched over the frame, and connected to the frame usually by coil springs. The trampoline is used to jump and, if it is big enough, to fall. It can be used recreationally and competitively.
A recreational trampoline is often made of waterproof canvas and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Unless the trampoline is small to begin with, it’s not likely to be portable. Recreational trampolines can be found at playgrounds, adult health clubs, school gyms, and private homes.
A competitive trampoline is much stronger and is made from specially developed fabric. It is portable and easy to carry, which is essential for athletes competing in various venues around the world, and it comes in a standardized shape and size. The competitive trampoline also uses more coil springs, allowing for higher bounces and trickier stunts.
There are many stories about the ancient origins of the trampoline. Some say that the Eskimos were the first to develop a prototypical trampoline. Essentially, it was a thick walrus skin that acted as a springboard. Others claim that the English were the first providers of the device. They reportedly used heavy-duty blankets to throw people into the air. There is scientific evidence to support both claims.
On the other hand, circus legend has it that the trampoline was developed by a trapeze artist named Du Trampolin, who was inspired by the potential of the trapeze’s safety net. He opined that the device could be used not only as a security measure, but also as an act in itself. Through experimentation, the trapeze safety net was later reduced to a more practical size and thus became the trampoline we know today. Although the accuracy of this story has yet to be determined, there is in fact evidence that a form of trampoline was seen in use in the early 20th century. Stage acts during that time made use of a small type of trampoline disguised as a bed on which the acrobats performed their routines.
George Nissen and Larry Griswold are the men generally credited with inventing the first truly modern trampoline. Both men were involved in gymnastics and had good relationships with the local circus people. Inspired by their friends’ trapeze nets, which they had helped repair and make numerous times, they developed the first trampoline device in 1935 by bolting a large piece of canvas to an iron frame.
The term “Trampoline” was trademarked by Nissen, after hearing his device described as “El Trampolin” during a performance tour in Mexico. “El Trampolin” means trampoline in Spanish.
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