How George Nissen Invented the Modern Trampoline
The 1945 patent for a 'tumbling device' that introduced the modern trampoline, using a flexible canvas bed stretched over a frame with springs to allow for high-bouncing acrobatics.
Original patent title: “Tumbling device”
The 1945 patent for a 'tumbling device' that introduced the modern trampoline, using a flexible canvas bed stretched over a frame with springs to allow for high-bouncing acrobatics. Granted to Individual in 1945 with 37 forward citations, and it is now in the public domain.
Key facts
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The patent describes a frame-supported apparatus designed for acrobatic tumbling. It utilizes a resilient, flexible canvas sheet stretched tightly across a rectangular frame by a series of tensioning springs. This configuration allows a user to jump onto the surface, which deforms to store kinetic energy and then releases it to launch the user upward, facilitating repetitive bouncing maneuvers.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover non-spring-based jumping surfaces like simple foam pits.
- Does not cover inflatable bouncers or air-filled structures.
- Does not cover specialized training equipment that lacks the specific frame-and-spring tensioning system described.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
What made this novel
Nissen realized that by using a high-tension spring system to suspend a canvas bed, he could create a predictable, uniform bounce that allowed for sustained, high-altitude acrobatic performance.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Recreational backyard trampolines
Olympic competition trampolines
Gymnastic training centers
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent defined the standard design for the trampoline, a device that evolved from circus equipment into a global sport and a staple of recreational fitness. It transformed how athletes train for aerial maneuvers in gymnastics and diving.
Filed
June 4, 1941
Granted
March 6, 1945
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies like Eurotramp and various fitness equipment manufacturers continue to refine the design for competitive and recreational use. The core mechanical principles established by Nissen remain the foundation for all modern spring-based trampolines.
Market impact
The patent enabled the commercialization of the trampoline, moving it from a niche circus prop to a mass-market consumer product. It created an entirely new category of recreational equipment and established the technical requirements for the sport of competitive trampolining.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The patent describes a frame-supported apparatus designed for acrobatic tumbling. It utilizes a resilient, flexible canvas sheet stretched tightly across a rectangular frame by a series of tensioning springs. This configuration allows a user to jump onto the surface, which deforms to store kinetic energy and then releases it to launch the user upward, facilitating repetitive bouncing maneuvers.
The clever bit
Nissen realized that by using a high-tension spring system to suspend a canvas bed, he could create a predictable, uniform bounce that allowed for sustained, high-altitude acrobatic performance.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover non-spring-based jumping surfaces like simple foam pits.
- Does not cover inflatable bouncers or air-filled structures.
- Does not cover specialized training equipment that lacks the specific frame-and-spring tensioning system described.
Patent Journey
From filing to expiry
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
32/40
Moderately cited
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
0/20
Older than 20 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$20K – $63K
Midpoint $40K · expired or expiring · industry ×2.2
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Nissen, G. P. (1945). How George Nissen Invented the Modern Trampoline (U.S. Patent No. 2,370,990). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2370990/trampoline-nissen
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How George Nissen Invented the Modern Trampoline cover?
The 1945 patent for a 'tumbling device' that introduced the modern trampoline, using a flexible canvas bed stretched over a frame with springs to allow for high-bouncing acrobatics.
Who owns patent US 2370990?
Individual owns this patent, granted in 1945.
When does this patent expire?
This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.
What is patent US 2370990 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 37 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent defined the standard design for the trampoline, a device that evolved from circus equipment into a global sport and a staple of recreational fitness. It transformed how athletes train for aerial maneuvers in gymnastics and diving.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover non-spring-based jumping surfaces like simple foam pits.
Same assignee
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