Having Fun With Jumpking Trampoline Mats

If you are a Jumpking trampoline owner you have probably wondered, while either you were jumping or as you were watching the children bounce on the trampoline mats, when trampolines were invented. Back in 1930, as a young boy from Iowa watched a circus act he was impressed by the aerial acrobatics that were done. One thing that left a lasting impression on his mind was the net below these acrobats that they would bounce into and spring back up from during their act. Unable to shake this image from his mind George Nissen decided to invent his own version of this bouncing net.

After he finished college, Nissen invented the trampoline mat using tent grade canvas tightly stretched on a welded frame. Originally it was called a ‘jump rig’ instead of calling it a trampoline mat. It wasn’t until after World War II and after Nissen had gotten together with a couple of business partners that he took a trip to Mexico. It was on this trip that he heard someone calling a diving board, "el trampolin" when he decided to adapt this name to his new invention and patent the trampoline.

Since that day trampoline mats have came a long way. Currently the material used for most trampoline mats is a black polypropylene. This material has little air resistance because of the way it is woven. Due to this lack of air resistance it has a cushioned or ‘springy’ feeling that allows it to be bounced upon. One of the most enjoyed forms of exercise that can be done in just about any creative style is jumping on a trampoline.

Padded mats can be placed around the edges of the trampoline as an increased safety feature. Originally trampolines did not come with this safety feature. Since trampolines came from the idea of safety nets you would expect that some form of jumper/user safety features would be implemented.

In recent years not only have trampolines included padded mats, these also include a caged area to keep the jumper from falling off. While many envision multiple children bouncing on their JumpKing trampoline in the backyard, these really are created for use by one child at a time. For safety reasons putting multiple children on at once is a really bad idea.

The enclosures that are available for trampolines and the padded trampoline safety mats that cover the bars and the springs make trampoline use safer than it was 20 years ago. Broken arms and missing teeth no longer have to happen as long as these safety features have been installed correctly.

While the trampoline can stay outdoors during all types of weather, it is important to remember not to use the trampoline if the mat is wet. Trampoline mats can become very slippery when they are wet and can be dangerous to the user.

Yet another obvious safety rule that is often overlooked is not jumping while wearing shoes or belt buckles that may damage the trampoline mat. Since this mat is the only thing keeping you from plummeting to the ground it is a good idea to keep it in one piece. Sharp objects such as cowboy boot heels and belt buckles can easily tear a large opening into the trampoline mat.

When damage happens there are some companies that can repair the damage, but it's generally a better idea to replace the trampoline mat once it is damaged. When replacing your trampoline mat you no longer have to go with the old and boring black traveling mats since a variety of colors are now available.

With the ability to hold 800 pounds of pressure per square inch, it’s not only the colors that are amazing. There isn’t a more enjoyable exercise for the family than a trampoline; it’s like having a circus in your backyard.

Visit us for more information on trampoline fun, trampoline replacement parts and trampoline safety.