A Brief Insight Of The Trampoline

One of the most common things that kids use to have fun is the trampoline. Basically, this is an apparatus that is composed of of a strong and stiff fabric, usually called a bounce mat, which is stretched over a metal frame. The fabric is supported by coiled springs which are the main components for the trampoline's bounce. Presently, the trampoline is not just a children's toy but is also utilized for fitness and sports.

Believe it or not, trampolines are often used as training devices for aviators and astronauts. During the second World War, the United States Navy Flight School utilized trampolines to enable aviators and navigators practice spatial orientation and feel its effects before piloting a real airplane. In addition, by the war's end, the Americans and Soviets utilized trampolines to help train their astronauts and cosmonauts, respectively about the varied body positions during space flight.

But how did these amazing apparatuses start out? Historical evidence tell us that the thought of bouncing people up in the air may have its origins from the Inuit people. Hundreds of years ago, as a recreational or practical activity, they would toss each other in air using a large section of walrus skin akin to the life nets used by present-day fire-fighters to safely catch people escaping from burning buildings. Other evidence also points out that the apparatus's initial ideas may have started out in Europe where people would use a very tight blanket to launch people in the air.

While the ideas mentioned above may not be the precursors to the trampolines we know today, it was evidenced in the first few years of the 20th century that circus performers utilized a bouncy bed during their performance to astound their audiences. The bed was actually a simple trampoline, a frame covered with bedclothes.

It was only in 1936 when the contemporary trampoline was invented by University of Iowa gymnasts George Nissen and Larry Griswold. They observed in circuses that trapeze artists use a stretched net to catch their fall. Both gymnasts then came up with a radical They stretched a piece of canvas, stitched grommets on each side, then fastened the canvas to an angle iron frame with coiled springs. The item was first utilized as a tumbler's training device, however, in time, it became famous in its own right. The trampoline was born.