FOLDING TRAMPOLINE

Info

Publication number: 20110021321
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 21, 2008
Publication Date: Jan 27, 2011
Inventor: Peter Legg (Liverpool)
Application Number: 12/528,317

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable trampoline comprising a frame for suspending a trampoline mat, the frame being connected to a support for supporting the frame and wherein the frame is formed with two wings which can pivotally move between a deployed position where the wings are substantially horizontal, and a storage position where the wings are brought towards each other, each wing having a fixed arm extending from the wing which forms a lever and directly links the wing to a linear actuator for controlling the movement of the wings between the deployed and storage positions. The present invention also relates to a kit of parts for producing the foldable trampoline.

Description

Description

The present invention relates to folding trampolines.

Folding trampolines for both domestic and commercial purposes are known in the art. Folding allows the trampoline to be stored in smaller spaces than would usually be required if the trampoline were fully erected and also allows for the trampoline to be moved easily. However, many trampolines require at least two people to assist during erection and folding. Furthermore, as the mats of the trampoline are attached to the trampoline frame by means of springs, there is a great deal of tension in the trampoline which can be dangerous to individuals if the trampoline is not erected or folded in the correct manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,600,572 discloses a collapsible trampoline having a frame divided into two halves and which is erected by first tilting the trampoline to one side and unfolding an opposing side. The trampoline would be difficult (and potentially dangerous) for a single person to erect or fold due to the high tension within the trampoline mat.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,221 is directed towards a foldable trampoline which has a frame comprising peripheral frame members which are pivotally connected to each other such that it can be positioned between a first position oriented in an approximately horizontal configuration forming a trampoline, and a second position where a portion of the web is oriented at an angle of less than 180° relative the other portion of the trampoline mat to thereby form a backstop for ball games. The unfolding mechanism of this trampoline is complicated.

EP1674135 describes a trampoline having a trampoline mat fastened to a surrounding frame for suspending the trampoline mat, and includes a support for the frame, where the frame is foldable and has at least two frame sections with a first, collapsed position for storing and moving the trampoline, and a second, unfolded position where the frame sections are horizontal. The mechanism for folding this trampoline is also complicated having many moving parts.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved folding trampoline, which can be erected or folded in a safe and control manner by a single person. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a folding trampoline, which is simple in construction and operation.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a foldable trampoline comprising a frame for suspending a trampoline mat, the frame being connected to a support for supporting the frame and wherein the frame is formed with two wings which can pivotally move between a deployed position where the wings are substantially horizontal, and a storage position where the wings are brought towards each other, each wing having a fixed arm extending from the wing which forms a lever and directly links the wing to a linear actuator for controlling the movement of the wings between the deployed and storage positions.

The present invention provides a foldable trampoline which is relatively simple in construction and can be moved between a deployed and a storage position by a single person.

With regard to the deployed position, the term “substantially horizontal” should be taken to mean within 20° of the horizontal plane.

In the storage position, the wings may be substantially upright. Such an upright configuration may result in the wings converging or diverging with respect to one another. Alternatively, the wings may be substantially parallel with respect to one another.

Preferably, each wing is coupled independently to the linear actuator.

Furthermore, each wing may share points of pivotal movement at opposing sides of the trampoline frame.

The frame may further comprise a central portion, to which the wings are pivotally mounted. Each wing may be pivotally mounted to either side of the central portion. If a central portion is present, it is preferred that it remain substantially horizontal in both the storage and deployed positions. Preferably, the wings are pivotally connected to ends of the central portion. The frame may be connected to the support at the central portion. The linear actuator may be located underneath the central portion of the frame and on the support.

In connection with a first embodiment of the present invention, the linear actuator may be selected from one of the following linear actuators: a worm gear arrangement, a pulley and ratchet arrangement, a pneumatic piston arrangement or a hydraulic pump arrangement. The linear actuator may be manually powered by means of a crank or pump for example. The crank or pump can be conveniently located about the stand, for example in a central position or to one side. Alternatively, the trampoline may further comprise an electrical drive mechanism for powering the linear actuator. If an electrical drive mechanism is employed, then it may be sealed from the elements if necessary so that the trampoline can be used outdoors. An appropriate gearing mechanism can also be included to ensure that the linear actuator can be powered by manual or electrical means.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the linear actuator may comprise a biasing arrangement which is configured so as to bias the wings towards the deployed and/or storage position.

Preferably, the biasing arrangement acts to control the movement of the wings between the deployed and storage position.

It is also preferred that the biasing arrangement exerts moments upon the points of pivotal movement which are in opposing directions for each wing. Furthermore, the biasing arrangement may change its bias when the wings are moved between the deployed and storage positions. Preferably, the biasing arrangement biases the wings towards the deployed position when the wings are in, or near to, the deployed position, and biases the wings towards the storage position when the wings are in, or near to, the storage position.

The biasing arrangement counteracts the force exerted on the wings by the trampoline mat and thus enables the wings to be moved between positions easily and safely in addition to counteracting the weight of the frame in certain positions if necessary.

It should be understood that the term “trampoline mat” is intended to include not only the mat itself, but also any associated articles used to attach the mat to the frame. Examples of these articles include rubber connectors or trampoline springs etc.

The biasing arrangement may comprise a spring. It is preferred that the biasing means is a gas spring.

The biasing arrangement may comprise two springs, each spring having a first end which is coupled to the lever of a wing and a second opposing end which is coupled to the support.

The position between a deployed and storage position may be defined when the force of the spring is in a direction which is parallel with the point of pivotal movement and the first and second ends of the spring.

The springs may be in an extended configuration when the wings are moved towards the deployed and storage positions and in a compressed configuration when the wings are in a position between the deployed and the storage position.

Preferably, each wing further comprises a second fixed arm which extends to form a lever that is coupled to a damper arrangement. The second fixed arms of the wings may be coupled together by means of the damper arrangement. Preferably, the dampening arrangement comprises an oil filled damper.

The following features may be incorporated into both embodiments of the present invention.

The arm may be downwardly extending from the wing. Preferably, the arm downwardly extends from the point of pivotal movement. The downwardly extending arm may be located beneath the central portion of the frame, when the wing is in the deployed position.

The trampoline may further comprise a locking means for locking the wings in the storage position and/or the deployed position. The locking means may comprise individual components located at different parts of the trampoline, or at a common location. The provision of a locking means will increase the safety of the trampoline, and in particular, prevent any unwanted folding or deployment of the wings during use or storage. The locking means may be disposed adjacent to, or at the point of pivotal movement of the wings.

The locking means may be actuated by means of a spring-loaded pin. If a spring-loaded pin mechanism is employed, it may be accommodated at a position adjacent to, or at the point of pivotal movement. The spring-loaded pin may be located within part of the frame and capable of extending through an aperture within the frame. A collar may also be provided which has a larger internal diameter than the external diameter of the frame so that the collar can slide freely over the frame. The collar may then be moved to a position where it covers both the central portion of the frame and an end of a wing. The spring loaded pin may extend through the aperture within the frame and protrude from the frame to such an extent that the collar can no longer slide freely over the frame and is effectively locked in place over both the central portion of the frame and an end of a wing. In order to allow the wings to move again, the pin can be depressed within the frame aperture to a position which is substantially flush with the frame so as to permit the collar to slide freely over the frame to a position where it no longer covers both the central portion of the frame and the end of a wing.

Alternatively, the locking means may comprise a hinged cylindrical collar which is integrally formed as part of the frame and which is capable of receiving part of the wing or central portion adjacent to the point of pivotal movement. The collar can be hinged open to allow the wings to be moved between a closed position to deployed position without hindrance. However, when the wings are in the deployed position, the hinged collar can be hinged closed and held together with fixing means (such as butterfly nut) so as to lock the wings in the deployed position.

As a yet further alternative, the locking means may comprise a bolt which can be used to secure the wings to the central portion. Such a bolt may pass through an aperture formed in part of a wing near to the point of pivotal movement and an aperture formed in the frame and/or stand. When the wings are in a deployed position and the apertures are lined up with one another, a bolt can be inserted into both apertures and used to secure the wing to the frame and/or stand.

Furthermore, the locking means may comprise a ring collar which can slide over part of the frame adjacent to, or at, the point of pivotal movement when the wings are in the deployed position so as to prevent any unwanted pivotal movement. If required, the ring collar may be tightened so as to prevent any movement of the ring collar when in place.

In order to facilitate movement of the trampoline, the support may be provided with wheels. Such wheels will preferably have brakes, so as to prevent movement of the trampoline when it is stored in a particular location. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the wheels only engage the floor when the wings are in the stored position, but not when the wings are in the deployed position. In an alternative embodiment, the wheels engage the floor when the wings are in both the storage and deployed position.

The trampoline may further comprise legs upon which the frame rests when the wings are in the deployed position. The legs, which may be connected to the frame, will provide stability to the trampoline when in use. It is preferred that the legs are capable of moving from a downwardly projecting position from the frame when the wings are in the deployed position to a position substantially parallel with the wing when the wings are raised into the storage position. If required, the legs can be releasably locked into position when the wings are either in the deployed or storage position. The legs may be formed by two downwardly projecting members originating from the frame which are joined together at the base by a connecting limb.

The trampoline may further comprise an enclosure adapted to upwardly extend around the frame when the wings are in the deployed position, so as to prevent an individual from falling from the trampoline. The enclosure may have an access door so as to allow the surface of the mat to be easily accessed when required. It is preferred that the enclosure is releasably attached to the legs of the trampoline.

The enclosure may be releasably attached to the legs of the trampoline by a number of ways. In one embodiment, the enclosure comprises elongated enclosure support members which are attachable to the legs of the trampoline when in the deployed position and from which an enclosure net can be suspended.

Each support member may be formed with an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion being attachable to the legs of the trampoline, where it may remain in place permanently if desired. The upper portion can be releasably attached to the lower portion so that it extends upwardly from the trampoline frame. When the trampoline is in the deployed position and two or more upper portions are attached to the lower portion, an enclosure net may be suspended there between.

In order to permit the upper and lower portions to be attached to one another, it is preferred that a spring loaded pin arrangement is utilised. The spring loaded pin arrangement has been previously described in connection with the locking means. The upper end of the lower portion may terminate in a cylindrical section having a slightly smaller exterior diameter than the internal diameter of the upper section. The spring loaded pin can protrude thorough an aperture in the cylindrical section of the lower portion. When the pin is depressed, the upper section is able to slide over the cylindrical section of the lower portion and the spring can push the pin through an aperture located on the upper portion when both apertures are in alignment. In order to remove the upper portion from the lower portion, the pin is simply depressed to a point where it is no longer received in the aperture of the upper portion and the upper portion can be removed from the lower portion by means of sliding the upper portion away from the lower portion.

The trampoline may be made in a number of shapes. For example, the shape of the frame may be one of the following shapes: a circle, an oval, an octagon, hexagon or a pentagon. If the frame is in the shape of an octagon or a pentagon, a leg may be formed by two downwardly projecting members as described earlier, where a first member is located on one side the octagon or pentagon and a second member is located on an adjacent side.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamp for clamping at least two elongate members together, such that the two elongate members are clamped in positions which are substantially parallel to one another, the clamp comprising two clamping members which are pivotally attached to one another, each clamping member having a clamping surface which is capable of gripping at least part of the exterior of the elongate members when the clamping members are pivotally moved towards one another, at least one clamping surface being adapted to conform to at least part of the profile of the exterior of one of the elongate members and the clamp further comprising means for releasably locking the clamping members in position around the elongate members.

It is preferred that the clamping surface is adapted to conform to at least part of the profile of the exterior of two elongate members. It is more preferred that both clamping members are adapted to conform to at least part of the profile of the exterior of one elongate member. It is most preferred that both clamping members are adapted to conform to at least part of the profile of the exterior of two elongate members.

The clamping members may be pivotally attached to one another towards one end of the clamping members. The means for releasably locking the clamping members may comprise a screw and nut arrangement. The means for releasably locking the clamping members may comprise a threaded screw whose shank can be inserted through an aperture in one the clamping members and be rotatably received in a threaded portion located on or within the opposing clamping member. It is preferred that where both clamping members are adapted to conform to at least part of the profile of the exterior of two elongate members, the means for releasably locking the clamping members is capable of being located between the two elongate members when the clamp is in position around them.

The elongate members may comprise a leg of a trampoline and an enclosure support member. Preferably, the clamp will be used to releasably clamp an enclosure support member to the leg of a trampoline as herein above described.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for producing a foldable trampoline comprising:

- a. a trampoline mat;
- b. a frame for suspending a trampoline mat, the frame comprising tubular sections which are joined together to form two side wings of the trampoline frame, each wing having a fixed arm extending from the wing for forming a lever;
- c. a pivot for allowing the two sides of the trampoline frame to pivotally move between a deployed position where the wings are substantially horizontal, and a storage position where the wings are brought towards each other;
- d. a support for supporting the frame;
- e. a linear actuator coupled to the arms extending from the wings for controlling the movement of the wings between the deployed and storage positions; and
- f. suspension means for suspending the trampoline mat from the frame.

The kits will preferably be used to produce a foldable trampoline as herein above described. It will be evident that commonly, trampolines are delivered in a “flat pack” configuration where an individual has to assemble the trampoline themselves. It is preferred that the present invention will be shipped as a “flat pack” which requires assembly by an individual. Additionally, the trampoline may be supplied or produced with padding to cover the frame and a protective cover etc.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trampoline embodying the present invention, in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the trampoline in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 3a is a side elevation of the trampoline in the stowed configuration;

FIG. 3b is an enlarged side elevation of a linear actuator mechanism employed in the present invention and highlighted with a circle in FIG. 3a;

FIG. 4 is side elevation of the linear actuator mechanism showing stowed (denoted A), deployed (denoted B) and intermediate (denoted C) configurations;

FIG. 5a is a perspective view of the trampoline in the deployed configuration;

FIG. 5b is an enlarged perspective view of the linear actuator mechanism employed in the present invention and highlighted with a circle in FIG. 5a;

FIG. 6a is an exploded perspective view of the trampoline's components;

FIG. 6b is an exploded perspective view of a leg locking mechanism highlighted with a circle in FIG. 6a;

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a trampoline in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 7b is an enlarged perspective view of the linear actuator mechanism employed in the second embodiment and highlighted with a circle in FIG. 7a;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the trampoline;

FIG. 9a is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanism of the second embodiment;

FIG. 9b is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanism of the second embodiment where the trampoline is locked in the deployed configuration;

FIG. 10a is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanism of a third embodiment of the trampoline in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 10b is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanism as shown in FIG. 10a and where the trampoline in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 11a is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanism of a fourth embodiment of the trampoline in a stowed configuration;

FIG. 11b is an enlarged perspective view of the wing locking mechanism as shown in FIG. 11a and where the trampoline in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 12a is a side elevation of the central part of a trampoline in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with the wings shown in a deployed position;

FIG. 12b is a side elevation of the central part of the trampoline shown in FIG. 12a, with the wings shown in a stowed position;

FIG. 12c is a side elevation of the central part of the trampoline shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b, with the wings shown in a position between the deployed and stowed position;

FIG. 13a is a side elevation of the opposite side of the central part of the trampoline shown in FIG. 12a;

FIG. 13b is a side elevation of the opposite side of the central part of the trampoline shown in FIG. 12b;

FIG. 13c is a side elevation of the opposite side of the central part of the trampoline shown in FIG. 12c;

FIG. 14a is a side elevation of part of the trampoline of a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing the locking mechanism used to lock the wings in the deployed position;

FIG. 14b is a side elevation of part of the trampoline shown in FIG. 14a, showing the wings in a position which is between the deployed position and the stowed position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a trampoline in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing a trampoline having an enclosure fitted around the frame;

FIG. 16a is an enlarged side elevation of a leg and enclosure support of the trampoline shown in FIG. 15, with the enclosure support shown fitted to the leg;

FIG. 16b is an enlarged side elevation of the leg and enclosure support shown in FIG. 16a, with part of the enclosure support shown as being detached from the support;

FIG. 16c is an enlarged side elevation of the leg and enclosure support shown in FIG. 16a, with the leg being detached from the trampoline frame;

FIG. 17a is a perspective view of a clamp used to attach an enclosure support to the leg of a trampoline;

FIG. 17b is a cross-sectional side view of the clamp as shown in FIG. 17a; and

FIG. 17c is a cross-sectional rear view of the clamp as shown in FIG. 17a.

FIGS. 1 to 6b show a first embodiment of a foldable trampoline 10 having a tubular construction. The trampoline 10 has an octagonal frame 12 with a mat 14 suspended in the frame by means of a plurality of springs 16. The underside of the frame 12 has a number of “U” shaped tubular legs 18 attached thereto.

The frame 12 is also attached to two stands 20 located at opposing sides of the frame. Each stand 20 is of a generally rectangular shape with two wheels 22 having foot brakes 24. One of the stands houses a linear actuator in the form of a worm screw 26, which is connected by a gearing mechanism to a manual crank 28. The worm screw 26 is rotatably mounted in bearings 30 located at each end of the stand. The worm screw 26 has a clockwise threaded region 32 and a counter clockwise threaded region 34. Riding on the respective threaded regions are clockwise shuttle 36 and a counter clockwise shuttle 38.

The frame 12 is divided into a first leaf 40 and a second leaf 42, each leaf being a tubular component shaped to form part of an octagon. The frame also has two central portions 48 which form part of opposing octagonal sides. End regions of each leaf 40,42 are coupled by pivots at axles 44,46 located at either end of the central portion 48 and the central portion is attached to the stand 20. At the point where the leaves 40,42 pivot about the axles 44,46, first and second downwardly extending arms 50 and 52 protrude from the leaves in a convergent manner at an angle of approximately 135° with respect to the horizontal plane of the frame.

Shuttles 36,38 ride the worm screw 26 and are pivotally mounted within the first and second arms 50,52. When the crank 28 is turned, it rotates a toothed sprocket 54 which rotates the worm screw 26 within the bearings 30 and the shuttles 36,38 move across the worm screw and in doing so actuate movement on the arms 50,52 so as to move the leaves 40,42 between a stowed position as shown in FIG. 1 and a deployed position as shown in FIG. 2.

It should be noted that in FIG. 1, the leaves 40,42 are in an upright position and the wheels are in contact with the ground. In FIG. 2, the leaves 40,42 are deployed in a horizontal position and the legs 18 are of a greater height than the stand 20 resulting in the wheels 22 of the stand being raised off the ground by a height denoted with “X”.

In FIG. 3a, the trampoline 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in greater detail. In particular, it can be seen that the frame 12 and legs 18 are made up of different tubular segments which are joined to one another. Furthermore, FIG. 3a also shows that when the first and second leaves 40,42 are in the deployed horizontal position (denoted “B”), the legs 18 extend downwardly towards the ground. In contrast, when the first and second leaves 40,42 are in the stowed vertical position, the legs 18 are also in a stowed vertical position. The legs 18 are capable of moving between both positions relative to the first and second leaves 40,42 when desired and can be locked into place as will be described later.

FIG. 3b is a more detailed view of the linear actuator shown in other Figures. The clockwise and counter clockwise thread 32,34 on the worm screw 26 can clearly be seen, as can the toothed sprocket 54. When the crank 28 is rotated in a certain direction, the first and second arms 50,52 are forced away from one another and results in the first and second leaves 40,42 pivoting about their respective axles 44,46 and the leaves being brought together towards the stowed position denoted “A”.

FIG. 4 schematically shows how the first and second leaves 40,42 are deployed and stowed. In particular, FIG. 4 shows that turning the crank 28 in a clockwise direction 56, results in the counter clockwise rotation 58 of the worm screw 26 via the toothed sprocket 54. The counter clockwise rotation of the worm screw 26 moves the first and second arms 50,52 away from each other in direction 56, resulting in the first and second leaves 40,42 moving from a horizontal deployed position indicated by “B”, to a vertical stowed position indicated position indicated by “A”. An intermediate position denoted by “C” is also shown with dotted lines.

FIG. 5a shows a more detailed perspective view of the trampoline as previously shown. FIG. 5b shows a detailed perspective view of the linear actuator as previously described.

FIG. 6a shows an exploded perspective view of the trampoline as previously described. FIG. 6b in particular shows the mechanism 60 which locks the legs in a downward position when the second leaf 44 is in the horizontal deployed position. The leg 18 is formed as a tubular member which joins the frame 12 by a first and second connection members 62,64 located within the frame. The connection members 62,64 are cylindrical and shaped so that they can be received by the first and second apertures 66,68 apertures formed at the ends of the tubular leg 18. The connection members 62,64 form a cylindrical collar 70 which can rotate about a cylindrical part of the frame 72 having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the collar 70. A spring pin 74 is located within the cylindrical part of the frame 72 and the pin protrudes through the aperture 76 of the cylindrical part of the frame 72 and an aperture 78 disposed through the collar 70. The spring pin 74 locks the leg 18 in position when both apertures 76 and 78 are in alignment. However, by depressing the pin 74 through the aperture, 78, the collar 70 can be rotated freely about the cylindrical part of the frame 72.

FIGS. 7a to 9b (which include reference numbers that correspond to those of FIGS. 1 to 6b) shows a second embodiment which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6b, but having a number of minor modifications.

Firstly, the crank handle 28 is located towards an end of the worm screw 26 and adjacent to one of the bearings 30. The crank handle 28 in this embodiment is formed as part of the worm screw, thus obviating the need for a toothed sprocket 54.

Secondly, the frame 12 has downwardly extending legs 100 formed form a first limb 102 and a second limb 104 which are joined together at the base by a joining limb 106. The first limb 102 is attached to one side of the octagonal frame 12, whilst the second limb 104 is attached to an adjacent side of the octagonal frame so as to provide additional stability to the trampoline when in the deployed configuration. The first and second leg 102,104 can be attached to the frame 12 when desired, by simply inserting the respective ends of the legs 103,105 into cylindrical connection members 108,109 disposed on adjacent sides of the octagonal frame 12.

Thirdly, as shown in more detail in FIGS. 9a and 9b, a cylindrical locking collar 110 is provided on the stand 20, whose internal diameter is slightly larger than the external diameter of the frame 12. The locking collar 110 is split into a lower part 112 and an upper part 114 and has a hinge 115 which allows the upper part to pivotally open so as to allow the part of the frame which forms leaves 40,42 to move from a deployed configuration to a stowed configuration. The locking collar also has an upper flattened portion 116 which can be brought into contact with a lower flattened portion 118 disposed on the lower part 112. The lower flattened portion 118 has two upstanding threaded screws 120 upon which butterfly nuts 122 can be threaded. The upper flattened portion 116 has two cut-outs 124 which allow passage of the threaded screws 120 when the two portions 116,118 are brought into contact with one another. When the leaves 40,42 are in the stowed configuration, the upper part and lower part 112,114 can be bought together so that the lower flattened portion 118 and the upper flattened portion 116 abut one another. The treaded screws 120 pass through the cut-outs 124 and the butterfly nuts 122 can be threaded onto the screws 120 to secure the upper flattened portions and lower flattened portions 116,118 together so as to lock the leaves 40,42 in the deployed position (as shown in FIG. 9b). If the trampoline is to be placed in the stowed position, the butterfly nuts 122 are simply removed so that the upper part 114 can be rotated about the hinge 115 in direction 126 and out of the way of the leaves 40,42 (shown in FIG. 9a) so that they can be moved in direction 128 from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration (illustrated by the dotted line 130).

FIGS. 10a and 10b (which include reference numbers that correspond to those of earlier Figures) show a third embodiment of the trampoline having a different arrangement for locking the wings in the deployed position. In this embodiment, the central portion 48 terminates in a U-shaped channel 150 which receives a complementary wedge shaped end 152 of a leaf. The U-shaped channel 150 accommodates an axle 44 around which the end 152 can pivot. Towards the base of the U-shaped channel 150 is a first aperture 154. The end of the leaf 152 also has a second aperture 156, though which is disposed a treaded bolt 158. When the leaf is rotated about the axle 44 in direction 160 (so as to assume the position indicated by dotted line 162), the first and second apertures 154,156 line up and the shank of the bolt 158 can be pushed through both apertures. A nut 164 can then be treaded onto the shank of the bolt to secure bolt in place and lock the wing in the deployed position as shown in FIG. 10b. In order unlock the wing, the nut 164 is simply unscrewed and the threaded bold 158 removed from both the first and second apertures 154,156.

FIG. 11a and 11b (which include reference numbers that correspond to those of Earlier Figures) show a fourth embodiment of the trampoline having a further variant of the mechanism used for locking the wings in the deployed position. The mechanism shown is similar to the one shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b, however, in place of a bolt, a slidable sleeve 200 is used. When the end of the leaf 152 is rotated about the axle 44 in direction 160 (so as to assume the position indicated by dotted line 162), the slidable sleeve 200 can move along plane 202 and in doing so can ride over the outer surface 204 the end of the central portion 48. When the sleeve 200 is in position over at least part of the outer surface 204, it prevents the leaf from pivoting about axle 44 and therefore locks the wings in the deployed position. If required, the interior diameter of the sleeve 200 may adjustable so that when in position, the diameter can be restricted to grip the outer surface 204. A number of ways of adjusting the diameter of the sleeve may be used, such as a simple hose ring etc. In order to unlock the wing, the sleeve 200 is simply moved to a position which is clear of the outer surface 204.

In use, the trampoline will usually be flat packed for ease of transportation and due to its tubular construction can be erected quickly and easily.

After erection, the trampoline is moved from the deployed position as shown in FIG. 2 to the stowed position in FIG. 1, by simply turning the crank 28 in a clock wise direction 56. Before the crank is turned, the two leaves 40,42 must be unlocked. In the first embodiment, the leaves are unlocked by pressing a button to release a lock on the axle 44,46 provided to prevent unwanted pivoting of the leaves. Alternatively, the lock may be a hook which requires un-hooking. In the second embodiment, the upper part 116 of the locking collar 110 is moved to the position illustrated in FIG. 9a. In the third embodiment the bolt 158 is removed from apertures 156 and 154 as shown in FIG. 10a. In the fourth embodiment, the sleeve 200 is moved away from the outer surface 204 of the end of the central portion 48 as shown in FIG. 11a.

When the crank 28 is then turned in a clockwise direction 56, the worm screw 28 is rotated in a counter clockwise rotation 58 via the toothed sprocket 54. In the second embodiment, the worm screw 28 is rotated without the need of the toothed sprocket. The counter clockwise rotation of the worm screw 26 exerts a linear motion to the clockwise and counter clockwise shuttles 36,38 and this in turn moves the first and second arms 50,52 away from each other in direction 56, resulting in the first and second leaves 40,42 pivotally moving about axles 44,46 from a horizontal deployed position indicated by “B”, to a vertical stowed position indicated position indicated by “A”, via an intermediate position denoted by “C”.

When the leaves are in a substantially vertical position, the wheels engage the floor as the legs 18 are no longer in contact with the ground and the trampoline frame 12 rests on the stand 20. In the first embodiment, the legs can then unlocked from their position (perpendicular to the plane of the leaves), by pressing the spring pin into the aperture 78 of the collar, so that the pin is able to ride within the collar 70 and the legs rotate freely about the frame and resumes a vertical position along side the vertical leaves. In the second embodiment, the legs 18 can simply be removed from the frame by removing the ends 103,104 from the cylindrical connection members 108,109 as an when required. The leaves 40,42 can then be locked into the vertical position if required by the locking mechanism.

A cover can be placed over the stowed trampoline and the trampoline wheeled to its storage location. If required, the foot brake 24 can be applied so as to prevent the stand moving.

The reverse operation of the above described procedure is used to deploy the trampoline. If the leaves 40,42 have been locked into position, then the locks will first have to be disengaged so as to allow movement. In the first embodiment, the legs 18 will have to be deployed and locked into position by rotating the collar 70 relative to the cylindrical part of the frame 72. When the spring pin is aligned with both the aperture 76 of the cylindrical part 72 and the aperture 78 of the collar 70 of the connection member 62, the leg 18 becomes locked into place at an angle perpendicular to the frame. In the second embodiment, the ends 103,104 are simply inserted into the cylindrical connection members 108,109 located about frame so that they assume an angle perpendicular to the frame. The crank can then rotated in a counter clockwise direction to lower the leaves 40,42 into the deployed horizontal position.

Whilst a worm screw is shown as the linear actuator for moving the trampoline between a deployed and stowed position, other actuators could also be used. For example, a linear actuator may be a pulley and ratchet arrangement, a pneumatic piston arrangement or a hydraulic pump arrangement. It will be evident that should a pneumatic piston or hydraulic pump arrangements be employed, then the crank 28 would be replaced by a pump controls and associated pressure valves. Furthermore, an electric drive system could be used to power the linear actuator. Such electric drive systems will be particularly suited to larger trampolines and could be re-fitted to manually powered variants if necessary.

A fifth embodiment of the trampoline is shown in FIGS. 12a to 12c, which differs from trampolines as previously described.

A trampoline frame rests upon a rectangular support 300 which in turn rests upon wheels 302. The frame has a central portion 304 which is flanked by a first leaf 306 and a second leaf 308. The first and second leaves 306,308 are pivotally attached to ends of the central portion by means of axles 310,312. The central portion 304 rests upon the support 300 by means of struts 315. The first and second leaves 306,308 have downwardly extending first and second arms 314,316. When the leaves 306,308 are in the deployed position (as shown in FIG. 12a), the first and second arms 314,316 extend diagonally from a point adjacent to the axles 310,312, towards the underside of the central portion 304. First and second gas springs 318,320 connect the ends of the first and second arms 314,316 to respective bottom corners of the support 300. The gas springs 318,320 are of the extension type and are configured so as to exert a force against the arms 314,316 in a direction shown by the arrow denoted 322. The gas springs 318,320 are attached to the ends of the arms and corners of the support in such a manner so as to allow for rotational movement. For example, an end of a gas spring 318,320 may be attached to either the arm or the support by means of a ball joint. On the opposing side (shown in FIGS. 13a to 13c) of the trampoline, a similar arm arrangement is formed, except in place of first and second gas springs 318,320 connecting the arms to each bottom corner of the support, the two arms are joined to one another by means of an oil filled damper which facilitates the controlled movement of the leaves.

A trampoline mat (not shown) is also attached within the frame by means of trampoline springs. The tension in the mat (produced by the trampoline springs and elasticity within the mat) would make the movement of the first and second leaves 306,308 from the deployed position (as shown in FIG. 12a) to the stowed position (shown in FIG. 12b) sudden and rather dangerous, if it were not for the provision of the first and second gas springs 318,320. Furthermore, when the leaves are in the stowed position, there is little or no tension in the mat and the leaves are unstable in this position. However, the first and second gas springs 318,320 counteract the force exerted upon the leaves by the trampoline mat (and the weight of the leaves) and permit the leaves to be lowered and raised in a controlled and safe manner. The first and second gas springs 318,320 are also capable of holding the first and second leaves in the stowed position so that they can be locked together if required.

In FIG. 12a, the gas springs 318,320 apply a force on the first and second arms 314,316, causing a clockwise moment (shown by arrow 324) which results in the first and second leaves 306,308 remaining in the deployed position. The tension of the trampoline mat springs (not shown) attempt to pull the first and second leaves 306,308 to the stowed position, causing an anticlockwise moment (shown by arrow 326), however, the force applied by the first and second gas springs 318,320 is greater than the force applied by the tension of the trampoline mat springs and the trampoline remains in the deployed state and the leaves can be safely locked into position by a suitable locking mechanism (not shown).

In FIG. 12b, the first and second leaves 306,308 are shown in the stowed position. The second gas spring 320 applies a force on the second arms 316, causing an anticlockwise moment (shown by arrow 326) at the axle 312. The tension from the trampoline mat springs no longer exists as they are all slack and force applied to the arms by the gas springs is greater than required to support the weight of the leaves in this position. The leaves therefore remain in the stowed position.

In FIG. 12c, the first and second leaves 306,308 are shown in a mid point between the deployed and stowed position. The first and second gas springs 318,320 apply forces to the first and second arms 314,316, but the forces are in line with the axles 310,312, the ends of the first and second arms 314,316 and the respective corners of the frame so no moment occurs. The tension from the trampoline mat springs is now very low. The force from the gas springs is in line with axles 310,312 and no moment is exerted by the first and gas springs 318,320 and the leaves remain in the mid position until they are moved either towards the deployed or stowed position.

It will be apparent that if desired, the gas springs 318,320 could be configured so that when the leaves 306,308 are moved from the stowed position, the leaves can be left to slowly fall against the action of the gas springs, until the mid point (where the axles are in line with the attachment points of the ends of the gas springs at the end of the arm and the corners of the frame) has been reached. As the force from the gas springs 318,320 is in line with the axles 310,312, no moment is exerted by the springs. The leaves can then be gently pushed down past the mid point and the action of the springs will assist an individual in drawing the leaves down to the deployed position and overcome the tension of trampoline mat.

FIGS. 13a to 13c show the opposite sides of the central portion of the trampoline as shown in FIGS. 12a to 12c. An opposite central portion 330 is shown, to which are attached the first and second leaves 306,308 by means of axles 336,338. The first and second leaves 306,308 have downwardly extending third and fourth arms 332,334 which correspond to the first and second arms 306,308 shown in FIGS. 12a to 12c. When the leaves 306,308 are in the deployed position (as shown in FIG. 13a), the third and fourth arms 332,334 extend diagonally from a point adjacent to the axles 336,338, towards the underside of the central portion 304. A gas filled damper 340 is attached between the ends of each arm 332,334. The gas filled damper 340 is employed to ensure the smooth controlled movement of the leaves 306,308, when moved between the deployed and stowed positions.

In FIG. 13a, the leaves 306,308 are in the deployed position and the damper 340 is in a compressed configuration. In FIG. 13b, the leaves 314,316 are in the stowed position and the damper 340 is in an extended configuration. In FIG. 13c, the leaves 306,308 are shown in a position mid-point between the deployed and stowed position and the damper 340 is in a mid-point configuration between a compressed and extended configuration.

A sixth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b. The trampoline has a similar construction as to those previously described, but differs in the locking mechanism used to lock the leaves in the deployed position.

The trampoline frame rests upon a rectangular support 400 which in turn rests upon wheels 402. The frame is formed in a manner similar to that described in relation to earlier embodiments and has a cylindrical central portion 404 which is flanked by a cylindrical first leaf (not shown) and a cylindrical second leaf 408. The second leaf 408 is pivotally attached to the central portion by means of an axle 412. The central portion 404 is mounted upon the support 400 by means of struts 415. The central portion has a protrusion 418 extending from its surface. The leaf 408 also has a spring loaded button 420 which also extends from its surface. A collar 422 having a slightly larger interior diameter than both external diameters of the central portion 404 and the leaf 408 is also provided. FIG. 14a shows that the collar 422 is located over the axle 412 and bridges the ends of both the central portion 404 and the leaf 408. In this position, the leaf 408 cannot be rotated about the pivot and is locked in place. The collar 422 is unable to move from this position as the protrusion 418 and the button 420 extend sufficiently to hinder the movement of the collar 422. However, if the spring loaded button 420 is depressed against the spring 424 located within the interior of the leaf 408, then the collar 422 is able to ride over the button and move to a position past the button on the leaf 408 as shown in FIG. 14b. When the button 420 is released, the collar is prevented from being located over the axle 412 and the leaf 408 is free to rotate about the axle 412.

A seventh embodiment is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16a to 16c. The trampoline 500 shown in FIG. 14 is of a similar general construction to those described earlier. However it also has an enclosure 502 made from a net material which surrounds the corners of the trampoline in an upright manner so as to prevent an individual from falling from the trampoline when in use. A door 504 is formed in the netting by providing an aperture which can be opened by unzipping a panel of the netting. The enclosure is formed from a number of rectangular shaped panels 506 which are supported at either side by elongated support members 508 which are located at each corner of the trampoline. The support members 508 have an upper part 510 and a lower part 512. The lower part 512 terminates in a rubber stopper 514 and is releasably attached to a leg 516 of the trampoline 500 by means of clamps 518 (which are shown in more detail in FIGS. 17a to 17c). The legs 516 of the trampoline are attached to the frame 520 of the trampoline which accommodates the trampoline mat 522. The netting is supported from the upper portions 508 of the support members 508.

FIG. 16a shows a cylindrical support member 508 which is attached to the leg 516 of a trampoline. It can also be seen that spring loaded buttons 522 on the leg 516 extend through an aperture (not shown) in the leg. Likewise, a spring loaded button 524 can be seen to extend through an aperture (not shown) in the upper portion 510 of the support member 508.

FIG. 16, shows the same arrangement as shown in FIG. 16a, but the upper portion 510 of the support member 508 has been detached from the lower portion 512 by depressing the spring loaded button 524 to release the button from the aperture 526 so that the upper portion can be slid off the end of the lower portion 512. So as to ensure a snug fit between the upper portion and the lower portion 510,512, the lower portion 512 has an outer profile 528, running from its upper end to just past the spring loaded button 524, which is smaller in diameter than the interior of the upper portion 510.

FIG. 16c, shows the same arrangement as shown in FIGS. 16a and 16b, but the upper portion 510 is not present and the leg 516 has been detached from the frame 520. The frame has a downwardly projecting stub 534 which has an aperture 230 which can receive the spring loaded button 522 located on the leg 516. The outer profile 532 of the leg 516, running from its upper end to just past the spring loaded button 524, has a smaller internal diameter than the interior of the downwardly projecting leg 534.

FIGS. 17a to 17c show in detail the clamp 518 which is used to attach the lower part 512 of the support members 508 to a leg 516 of the trampoline 500. The clamp 518 is formed having an upper clamping member 600 and a lower clamping member 602 which are substantially similar in shape to one another. The upper and lower clamping members 600,602 are pivotally attached to one another by means of a pivot 604 which is located at one end of the clamping members. The upper and lower clamping members 600,602 are both formed from pressed steel and each member has two opposing edges that are bent downwardly so as to form jaw-like structures. The upper clamping member 600 has a planar outer surface 606 and the downwardly facing edges are formed with an undulating inner surface 608 which incorporates a first part-circular profile 610 and a second part-circular profile 612. The first profile 610 forms part of a circle which is slightly smaller in diameter than that of the second profile 612. The lower clamping member 602 has similar features to that of the upper clamping member 600, in that it has a planar outer surface 614, and the downwardly facing edges are formed with an undulating inner surface 616 having a first part-circular profile 618 and a second part-circular profile 620. The first profile 618 has a profile of part of a circle which is slightly smaller in diameter than that of the second profile 620.

When both inner surfaces 608,616 are rotated towards each other about the pivot 604, the first profiles 610,618 and second profiles 612,620 define a first space 622 and a second space 624 which can accommodate the exterior of the lower part 512 of a support member 508 and a leg 516 respectively.

In order to lock clamp in a certain position, a threaded bolt 526 is used to connect the upper and lower clamping members 600,602 together. The shank of the threaded bolt 526 is able to pass through an aperture 628 in the planar outer surface 606, but the head 630 of the bolt 626 is larger than the aperture and therefore abuts part of the outer surface 606 surrounding the aperture. The opposing end of the bolt 626 is receivable in a threaded portion 632 located through the planer surface 614 of the lower clamping member 602.

In order to attach the enclosure 502 to the trampoline, the spring loaded button 522 of the leg 516 is depressed so that it is flush with the outer profile 524 of the leg and the end slid into the interior of the downwardly projecting stub 534. The leg can be rotated or adjusted so that the spring loaded button 522 protrudes through the aperture 530 in the frame and locks the leg 516 in place. As the lower portion 512 is attached to the leg 516, all that is required to fit the enclosure support member is to slide the end profile 528 into the interior of the upper portion 510 when the spring loaded button 524 is depressed. The upper portion 510 can then be rotated or adjusted, so that the spring loaded button 524 protrudes through the aperture 526 in the upper portion and locks the support 508 in place. The enclosure net 502 can then be suspended between multiple supports surrounding the trampoline frame 520 so as to form a complete enclosure. To remove the enclosure support, the reverse of the above procedure is undertaken. If required, the support 508 need not be used with the trampoline and the lower portion 512 can be removed from the legs by removing the clamps 518. To remove the clamps 518, the threaded nut 626 is rotated to a position where it is no longer received in the threaded portion 632. As the upper and lower clamping members 600,602 are no longer locked in position, the members can move away from each other by rotation about the pivot 604 and the clamp can be removed from the lower portion 512 of the support and the leg 516. The reverse of the above procedure is used to replace the clamps 518.

The aforegoing embodiments are presented by way of example rather than limitation and numerous possible modifications and variants will readily present themselves to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A foldable trampoline comprising

a frame for suspending a trampoline mat, the frame being connected to a support for supporting the frame and being formed with two wings which can pivotally move between a deployed position where the wings are substantially horizontal, and a storage position where the wings are brought towards each other, each wing having a fixed arm extending from the wing which forms a lever and directly links the wing to a linear actuator for controlling the movement of the wings between the deployed and storage positions.

2-41. (canceled)

42. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a central portion, to which the wings are pivotally mounted.

43. A trampoline as claimed in claim 42, wherein the wings are pivotally mounted to either side of the central portion.

44. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linear actuator is one of the following: a worm gear arrangement, a pulley and ratchet arrangement, a pneumatic piston arrangement, a hydraulic pump arrangement, a gas spring and an oil filled damper.

45. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1, comprising a damper to control the movement of the wings between the deployed and storage position.

46. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1 in which each fixed arm extends downwards from its respective wing.

47. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1, comprising a biasing arrangement which biases the wings towards the deployed position when the wings are in, or near to, the deployed position, and biases the wings towards the storage position when the wings are in, or near to, the storage position.

48. A trampoline as claimed in claim 47, wherein the biasing arrangement comprises two springs, each spring having a first end which is coupled to the lever of a respective wing and a second opposing end which is coupled to the support.

49. A trampoline as claimed in claim 48, wherein the springs are in an extended configuration when the wings are moved towards the deployed and storage positions and in a compressed configuration when the wings are in a position between the deployed and the storage position.

50. A trampoline as claimed in claim 47, wherein each wing further comprises a second fixed arm which extends to form a lever that is coupled to a damper arrangement.

51. A trampoline as claimed in claim 50, wherein the second fixed arms of the wings are coupled together by means of the damper arrangement.

52. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1, which further comprises a locking means for locking the wings in the storage position and/or the deployed position.

53. A trampoline as claimed in claim 52, wherein the locking means is disposed adjacently to or at the point of pivotal movement of the wings.

54. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trampoline further comprises legs, which are connected to the frame for stabilising the frame when the wings are in the deployed position.

55. A trampoline as claimed in claim 54, wherein the legs are adapted to releasably lock in a downwardly projecting orientation from the frame when the wings are in the deployed positions.

56. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1, which further comprises an enclosure comprising an enclosure support which is releasably attachable to a leg of the trampoline by means of a clamp.

57. A trampoline as claimed in claim 56, wherein the clamp comprises two clamping members which are pivotally attached to one another, each clamping member having a clamping surface which is capable of gripping at least part of the exterior of the leg and the enclosure support when the clamping members are pivotally moved towards one another, at least one clamping surface being adapted to conform to at least part of the profile of the exterior of the leg or the enclosure support and the clamp further comprising means for releasably locking the clamping members in position around the leg and the enclosure support.

58. A trampoline as claimed in claim 57, wherein both clamping surfaces are adapted to conform to at least part of the profile of the exterior of the leg and the enclosure support.

59. A trampoline as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shape of the frame is one of the following: a circle, an oval, a hexagon, an octagon or a pentagon.

60. A kit of parts for producing a foldable trampoline comprising:

a. a trampoline mat;

b. a frame for suspending a trampoline mat, the frame comprising tubular sections which are joined together to form two side wings of the trampoline frame, each wing having a fixed arm extending from the wing for forming a lever;

c. a pivot for allowing the two sides of the trampoline frame to pivotally move between a deployed position where the wings are substantially horizontal, and a storage position where the wings are brought towards each other;

d. a support for supporting the frame;

e. a linear actuator coupled to arms extending from the wings for controlling the movement of the wings between the deployed and storage positions; and

f. suspension means for suspending the trampoline mat from the frame.

61. A kit of parts for producing a foldable trampoline comprising: