A reversible trampoline

Abstract

A reversible trampoline comprises a trampoline 16; a floor surface 18; a frame 12b / 14a; wherein, the frame is moveable between a first configuration (see figure 4) in which the trampoline is deployed

Description

17 07 25 FIELD The present invention relates to a reversible trampoline, a method for deployment of the reversible trampoline, and a method for manufacturing the reversible trampoline. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Conventional trampolines mounted within a solid support, for example, a floor, are provided with a removeable or “fold away” false floor which is configured to sit above the trampoline when not in use. In order to access the trampoline, the false floor must be manually removed and stacked in a position away from the trampoline. The trampoline itself is typically installed in a position which sits just below the adjacent solid support (i.e. below ground level). As a result, additional cushioning is required along the side portions of the trampoline in order to improve comfort for the user. The process for accessing the trampoline is therefore time consuming and cumbersome. Manual handling can impose strict health and safety regulatory requirements. Some conventional trampolines have a hinged false floor which may be folded out of the way to access the trampoline. The false floor, when moved away from the trampoline, can cause obstructions when using the trampoline. PRIOR ART Chinese utility model CN-U-209324059 discloses an intelligent swimming pool with a movable folding hard cover. Hinges are connected between covering plates and wheels are located below the covering plates and used for moving the cover. When folded the occupied space for overlapping the covering plates is greatly reduced. French patent application number FR 2843152 discloses a cover for a swimming pool with a surround that consists of several panels with rollers to run along the pool surround. A drive system is used to deploy or retract the cover and this may be in the form of a chain or rack and pinion mechanism. In our published United Kingdom patent application number GB 2 603 812 a sunken trampoline is disclosed which is located within in a pit. The sunken trampoline comprises at least one movable cover platform which is located above a trampoline and is moveable between a first closed position extending across the trampoline 17 07 25 preventing access thereto, and a second open position in which the moveable cover platform is adapted to lower into the pit and to retract within at least one subterranean recess located on at least one side of the pit in order to provide access to the trampoline. There is a need for a trampoline which is compact and lightweight and can be installed within a relatively small recess in floor and which can be deployed easily and effectively. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reversible trampoline comprising: a first sub assembly which supports a second sub-assembly, the second sub-assembly supports a trampoline and a floor surface; the first subassembly is raisable by a first actuator from a stowed position in a pit or recess to an intermediate position prior to deployment of the trampoline or the floor surface; and the second sub-assembly has a second actuator which is operative to rotate the second sub-assembly, when in the intermediate position, from a first configuration, in which the floor surface is deployed, to a second configuration, in which the trampoline is deployed, and vice versa. In some embodiments the first actuator is operative to lower the first sub-assembly so that the floor surface is deployed for use to enclose the trampoline, within a pit or recess, and to lie flush with a solid surround when stowed. It will be appreciated that the trampoline may also be used in an ‘above ground configuration’ when moving parts are suitably enclosed to prevent access or harm. However, a principle use is for the reversible trampoline to be stowed in a subterranean configuration and deployed for use as described above. Preferably a perimeter is positioned around the floor surface, prior to it being deployed for use, and the perimeter is positioned around a trampoline prior to it being deployed for use. The perimeter may include folding or hinged edges which when deployed cover gaps between the trampoline / floor surface and the solid surround. 17 07 25 The second actuator may be operative to rotate the second sub-assembly about an axis extending parallel to a plane defined by the floor surface and the trampoline. The reversible trampoline may have a means to adjust a resting height of the trampoline / floor surface to enable alignment with the solid surround. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of deploying a reversible trampoline as herein described comprising: operating a first actuator to raise the first and second sub-assemblies from a stowed position, for example from a pit or recess, whereat the floor surface is in alignment with a solid surround, to an intermediate position; operating the second actuator to rotate the trampoline for deployment; and operating the first actuator to lower the first and second sub-assemblies from the intermediate position into the pit or recess, so that the trampoline is in alignment with a solid surround. It is appreciated that this method is able to be carried out in reverse so that the floor surface is presented contiguous wit the floor surround subsequent to use and when the trampoline is stowed. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a reversible trampoline as herein described, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a frame formed from a first sub-assembly and a second subassembly; connecting a first actuator to the first sub-assembly; positioning a trampoline and a floor surface on the second sub-assembly; and rotatably connecting the second sub-assembly to a second actuator. The sub-assembly may comprise struts or portions or pieces which are formed from panels, extrusions, castings or comprise wire braced frames, pressings, forgings or compression mouldings or interconnected struts or any combination thereof. The trampoline and floor surface may have any suitable shape and are preferably square, rectangular or circular. A perimeter including folding or hinged edges may be deployed to cover gaps between the trampoline / floor surface and the solid surround. Preferably, the first sub assembly includes a frame which is connected to the first actuator and is configured to be mounted within a recess or pit extending beneath a solid surround. The recess or pit provides an opening extending adjacent the solid surround. The trampoline and floor surface preferably have a shape and dimensions corresponding substantially to the opening or the recess or pit, such that in the 17 07 25 deployed position the trampoline or floor surface provide a substantially continuous surface extending between opposing surfaces of the solid surround. Preferably, the trampoline and floor surface have substantially identical shapes and similar dimensions. In a preferred embodiment the trampoline is rectangular in shape. The floor surface is preferably rectangular in shape. The floor surface may comprise any suitable flooring material. It is to be understood that the trampoline or floor surface may comprise other suitable materials. The trampoline and / or floor surface are releasably engageable with the frame in their respective deployed configurations. In one embodiment, the first sub-assembly includes a first group of struts supporting the trampoline provided on one surface of the frame, and a second group of struts supporting the opposed surface provided on a second surface of the frame. Preferably, the trampoline is provided on an opposed surface of the frame to the floor surface. The first actuator is preferably operative to raise the first sub-assembly (and frame) from a recess or pit along an axis extending substantially orthogonal to a plane defined by the floor surface and / or trampoline. The second actuator is operative to rotate the frame about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement provided by the first actuator. During a second operational phase the first actuator is operative to lower the first subassembly (and frame) into the recess so that the trampoline is substantially flush with the floor surface. The lowered position may for example be within a pit or recess, defined within the solid surround. The first actuator is operative to raise the frame from the lowered position to a raised position relative to a solid surround. The lowered position is preferably located at a height positioned beneath the plane defined by the solid surround or support. The raised position is preferably located adjacent to, or preferably located above, the plane defined by the solid surround or support. 17 07 25 The second actuator comprises any suitable mechanism for rotating the frame relative to the solid surround. For example, the second actuator may comprise a cable and pulley drive or a toothed wheel and cog drive which is operative to rotate the frame about a rotational axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame. The first and / or second actuators may further comprise one or more of: a hydraulic cylinder, ball screw, pneumatics, motors, or any combination thereof. For example, the first and second actuators may be hand-operated or powered by an external energy supply such as electricity, air pressure or hydraulic pressure. In some embodiments, the reversible trampoline may include an actuator which is operative to raise and lower the trampoline about a pivot. The actuator may include rack and pinion and / or a pulley and cable system. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator comprises an hydraulic actuator deployment system for raising and lowering the trampoline about a pivot. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail in relation to the Figures: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of the reversible trampoline according to one embodiment in a stowed position; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the reversible trampoline of Figure 1, in a raised or intermediate position, being moved from the second configuration to the first configuration in which transition from ‘floor surface use’ to ‘trampoline use’ occurs; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the reversible trampoline of Figure 1, in the intermediate position; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the reversible trampoline of Figure 1, in a potion in which the trampoline is deployed for use and first and second sub-assemblies are stowed, in a lowered position; Figures 5 shows a series of diagrammatical views, of end on views of the trampoline, which illustrate four stages from deployment to stowage and vice versa; 17 07 25 Figures 6, 7 and 8 show general assembly views of an example of the reversible trampoline in concrete foundations of a recess or trampoline pit, in which the reversible trampoline is stowed; Figure 9 shows an end on view which illustrates rotation of the second sub-assembly and frame which supports the trampoline and the floor surface; Figure 10 shows a series of diagrammatical views of an alternative embodiment illustrating how the trampoline is raised from the pit, rotated before use and subsequently lowered into the pit for use; Figure 11 is a diagrammatical view showing a cable deployment system for raising and lowering the trampoline to / from an intermediate position; Figure 12 is a diagrammatical view showing a chain drive deployment system for raising and lowering the trampoline to / from an intermediate position; Figure 13 is a diagrammatical view showing an hydraulic actuator deployment system for raising and lowering the trampoline to / from an intermediate position; Figure 14 shows an alternative embodiment which includes a cable deployment system for raising and lowering the trampoline about a pivot; and Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment which includes an hydraulic actuator deployment system for raising and lowering the trampoline about a pivot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION With reference to the Figures, the reversible trampoline 1 is positioned within a recess or pit 2 provided beneath a solid surround 4. In the illustrated embodiment, shown in Figures 1 to 5 the recess or pit 2 provides a substantially rectangular opening 6 which receives the trampoline as explained below. It is however to be understood that the recess or pit 2 may have any suitable shape. The reversible trampoline 1 comprises a frame 10 configured to be received within, and moveable relative to, the recess or pit 2. The frame 10 is composed of metal, for example stainless steel. The frame 10 comprises two spaced apart, opposed end portions 12a, 12b defining a cavity extending therebetween. 17 07 25 In one embodiment the framelO comprises a first sub-assembly 12a and 12b. A second sub-assembly comprises struts 14a and 14b. The struts 14a, 14b are interconnected. A first group of struts 14a is provided on an opposing surface of the frame 10 to the second group of struts 14b. A second sub-assembly includes a frame portion 8 which rotates, as shown in Figures 3 and 9. A trampoline 16 is positioned in the first group of struts 14a. A floor surface 18 is positioned on the second group of struts 14b. The trampoline and floor surface 16, 18 are shaped to substantially correspond to the shape of the opening 6 of the recess or pit 2. The trampoline and floor surface 16, 18 are slightly smaller in dimension than the opening 6 of the recess or pit 2. In the illustrated embodiment in Figures 2 to 5, the trampoline 16 and floor surface 18 are rectangular in shape. It is however to be understood that the trampoline 16 and floor surface 18 may have any suitable shape. The reversible trampoline 1 comprises a first actuator (not shown) which is connected to the frame 10 and is operative to raise the frame 10 from a lowered position (as shown in Figures 1 and 4) (that within the recess or pit 6) to a raised position (as shown in Figures 2 and 3) relative to a solid surround 4. The direction of movement is preferably in a vertical direction. The reversible trampoline 1 further comprises a second actuator (not shown) that is operative to rotate the frame about a rotational axis which extends substantially parallel to the plane defined by the trampoline 16, floor surface 18 and solid support 8. The rotation axis extends between the opposing end portions 12a, 12b of the frame 10. The first and second actuators comprise one or more of: a hydraulic cylinder, ball screw, pneumatics, motors, or any combination thereof. The first actuator ideally comprises any suitable mechanism for raising the frame relative to the solid surround. For example, the first actuator may include a cable and pulley drive which is operative to raise and lower the frame from a lowered position to a raised position, and vice versa. In Figure 1, the reversible trampoline is shown in the second configuration in which the floor surface 18 is deployed for use. The floor surface 18 provides a substantially 17 07 25 continuous surface, extending across the recess or pit 2, between opposing surfaces of the solid support 8. The trampoline 16 is located within the recess or pit 2. In order to deploy the trampoline 16, the user operates the second actuator which rotates the second sub-assembly relative to the solid surround 4 (as shown in Figure 2). This can only be carried out once the frame is in the raised position. At this instant the user is able to operate the second actuator to rotate the frame (that is the plurality of interconnected struts) about the rotation axis. This could be user controlled or controlled automatically when the previous motion is complete. The trampoline 16 is rotated to be positioned above the floor surface 18. The user then operates the first actuator which lowers the frame 10 relative to the solid surround 8 such that the frame 10 is received within the recess or pit 2. The trampoline 16 is deployed in the first configuration and provides a substantially continuous surface, extending across the recess or pit 2, between opposing surfaces of the solid support 8. The floor surface 18 is located within the recess or pit 2. In order to return to the second configuration, providing the floor surface 18, the user repeats the process using the first and second actuators in reverse. Conventional trampolines sometimes include a hinged false floor which can provide an obstruction during use. The reversible trampoline of the present invention provides an effective and easy to use apparatus which does not require a false floor or cover to be removed, for example manually removed, from the trampoline prior to use. Furthermore, the reversible trampoline of the present invention eliminates the risk of a false floor creating an obstruction during use. The reversible trampoline of the present invention provides a trampoline area which sits essentially flush with (i.e. level with) the solid surround 4. This avoids the need to use additional foam padding to cover corners / adjacent surfaces protruding between the trampoline and the solid surround. Referring now to the alternative embodiments shown in Figure 11 to 16. In Figure 10 there is shown an end on view which illustrates the rotation of the frame which supports the trampoline. The diagrammatical views depict how the frame rotates and shows how the trampoline is raised from the pit, rotated before use and lowered into the pit for use. 17 07 25 Figure 11 shows a diagrammatical side elevational view of the trampoline and floor assembly, which illustrate various types of pulley and cable deployment systems for raising and lowering the trampoline. Figure 12 shows a diagrammatical side elevational view of a chain drive deployment system which raises and lowers the trampoline. Figure 13 shows a diagrammatical side elevational view of an hydraulic actuator deployment system for raising and lowering the trampoline. Figure 14 shows an alternative embodiment in which a cable deployment system is used for raising and lowering the trampoline about a pivot 100A. Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment which includes an hydraulic actuator deployment system for raising and lowering the trampoline about a pivot 100B. The invention has been described by way of examples only, and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the aforementioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

17 07 251. A reversible trampoline comprising: a first sub-assembly which supports a second sub-assembly, the second sub-assembly supports a trampoline and a floor surface; the first sub-assembly is raisable by a first actuator from a stowed position in a pit or recess to an intermediate position prior to deployment of the trampoline or the floor surface; and the second sub-assembly has a second actuator which is operative to rotate the second sub-assembly, when in the intermediate position, from a first configuration, in which the floor surface is deployed, to a second configuration, in which the trampoline is deployed, and vice versa.

2. A reversible trampoline according to claim 1, wherein the first actuator is operative to lower the first sub-assembly so that the floor surface is deployed for use to enclose the sub-assemblies, within a pit or recess, and so that the trampoline or floor surface are flush with a solid surround when stowed.

3. A reversible trampoline according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a perimeter is positioned around the trampoline, prior to the trampoline being deployed for use or a perimeter is positioned around the floor surface, prior to the floor surface being deployed for use.

4. A reversible trampoline according to claim 3 wherein the perimeter includes folding or hinged edges which when deployed cover gaps between the trampoline / floor surface and the solid surround.

5. A reversible trampoline according to any preceding claim wherein the first actuator includes a cable and pulley drive which is operative to raise the first and second sub-assemblies from a pit or recess to the intermediate position; and to lower the first and second sub-assemblies from the intermediate position into the pit or recess.17 07 256. A reversible trampoline according to any preceding claim wherein the first actuator further comprises one or more of: a hydraulic cylinder, ball screw, pneumatic actuator, motor driven rack-and-pinion gears, or any combination thereof.

7. A reversible trampoline according to any preceding claim, in which the second actuator is operative to rotate the second sub-assembly about an axis extending parallel to a plane defined by the floor surface and the trampoline.

8. A reversible trampoline according to any preceding claim has a means to adjust a resting height of the trampoline / floor surface to enable alignment with the solid surround.

9. A method of deploying a reversible trampoline according to any preceding claim, comprising: operating a first actuator to raise the first and second subassemblies from a stowed position in a pit or recess, wherein the floor surface is in alignment with a solid surround, to an intermediate position; operating the second actuator to rotate the trampoline for deployment; and operating the first actuator to lower the first and second sub-assemblies from the intermediate position into the pit or recess wherein the trampoline is in alignment with a solid surround.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9, in which a perimeter including folding or hinged edges are deployed to cover gaps between the trampoline / floor surface and the solid surround.

11. A method of manufacturing a reversible trampoline according to any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising: obtaining a frame formed from a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly; connecting a first actuator to the first sub-assembly; positioning a trampoline and a floor surface on the second sub-assembly; and rotatably connecting the second sub-assembly to a second actuator.

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