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.

What it 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.

What it doesn't 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.

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.

Why it matters

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.

Real-world examples

• 1.Recreational backyard trampolines
• 2.Olympic competition trampolines
• 3.Gymnastic training centers