# 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.

- **Patent:** US 2370990
- **Original title:** Tumbling device
- **Owner:** Individual
- **Granted:** 1945
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 37
- **Field:** mechanical, consumer_electronics

## What it does

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 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.

## 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.

## Real-world examples

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

## 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.

## 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.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2370990/trampoline-nissen

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US2370990

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._


## Related patents

Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus:

- [How the Hula Hoop Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3079728/hula-hoop-wham-o) — A 1963 patent for a lightweight, rigid plastic hoop designed to rotate around a human waist through rhythmic body movements.
- [How a Spring-Loaded Pocket Dispenser Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2620061/pez-dispenser) — A 1949 mechanical design for a pocket-sized container that uses a spring to push items like pills or candies to the top for easy access.
- [How the First Modern Water Slide Was Designed](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2982547/slip-n-slide-carrier) — A 1960 patent for a water-based amusement structure featuring a sloped surface and a water supply system to create a sliding experience.
- [How the Game Twister Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3454279/twister-game) — A 1966 patent for a floor-based game where players use their own bodies as game pieces on a mat with colored circles.
- [How the Slinky Toy Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2415012/slinky-toy) — The original 1947 patent for the Slinky, a helical spring toy designed to walk down stairs through the transfer of energy.