A trampoline basically is a fabric which is stretched taut and attached to a metal frame using coiled springs. The fabric itself is not elastic but as it is attached to the frame of the supporting material using coiled springs, it assumes a stretchable and elastic nature. Usually steel or other strong metals are used to make the base of the trampoline. Nowadays carbon fiber material is also used to make trampolines, thus making them stronger and light weight.
Usually a trampoline is used for recreational purposes and the fact that the trampoline is widely used in various shows and also as a professional sport, only goes to say that it is perhaps a play thing universally loved by the kids.
Several people have been attributed for the invention of the trampoline. Gymnasts George Nissen and Larry Griswold who were a part of the gymnastics team of University of Iowa when they had developed the modern trampoline, took the idea from a circus safety net. They started using it for their training purposes teaching how to vault and jump into the air. However it slowly became a contraption that had its own charm and attraction for the people who were watching it. From there, it slowly came into being a professional and competitive sport.
One of the most important uses of the trampoline outside the entertainment business has been in aviation and warfare. Even though it may sound a bit strange but pilots and navigators of the allied forces were trained on a trampoline to negotiate with the difficult maneuvers that they are required to do in the air. Apart from that, the soviet and the American space program used trampolines for the purposes of training their pilots into maneuvering and in space movements that are expected in actual flights.
Of course trampolines have always been used in the entertainment industry, with circus and other shows regularly using them with gymnasts performing breathtaking movements using them. They have also been used in competitive gymnastics events. Trampolines have also been a part of the Olympics since 2000 and are one of the most favorite sports.
Ensuring a bit of safety and supervision when trampolines are being used by the kids is essential. Most accidents happen when the kids are playing unsupervised and unable to ascertain when danger may be lurking. Ensure that all the safety equipments are in place to allow them the maximum fun.
To know more about trampolines and water trampoline, please visit these links.