GB2531166A

GB2531166A - Foldable trampoline

Info

Publication number: GB2531166A
Application number: GB1517709.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shinner Neil; Cole Stewart
Original assignee: Worlds Apart Ltd
Current assignee: Worlds Apart Ltd
Priority date: 2014-10-07
Filing date: 2015-10-07
Publication date: 2016-04-13
Also published as: GB201517709D0

Abstract

A trampoline 2 is provided including a frame 6 formed by a plurality of frame members. The frame members are moveable between in-use and storage conditions, allowing the device to be folded and, when in-use, the frame members define an area between the same which is at least partially filled by a mat 4 supported in position by engagement of the edge of the mat with the respective frame members. Adjacent portions of the frame members are located together so as to be pivotally moveable, whilst still connected, between the in-use and storage conditions. A locking mechanism may be provided to lock the trampoline in either the stored or in-use position. Gripping means, such as a handle may also be present to allow the user to hold on to something whilst bouncing.

Description

Foldable Trampoline The invcntion to which this application relates is a trampoline of a type which particularly, although not necessadly exclusively, can be used by a relatively young child to bounce on and which can also he provided with handle grip portions which the child can grip whilst bouncing on the trampoline surface.

It is known to provide trampolines in many different forms and, for those types of trampolines which are used by relatively young children, the same will be typically be used in a room of a domestic premises or in a garden. Whilst trampolines of this form are generally of a relatively small size in terms of trampoline sizes, the overall size of the same can still take up a relatively large portion of the available space in any given room or garden. This can mean that potential purchasers of trampolines of this type are discouraged by the size of area which is required to be available for the same. If the trampolines are purchased, it can be difficult for the trampoline to be stored or, if the same is stored, the storage is performed in such a way or location that the child may find it difficult to bring the trampoline out of storage to play on and so the trampoline is not used as much as the child would desire.

It is known to provide trampolines which can be dismantled for storage purposes and then erected for use, but the dismantling of the various components of the trampoline, normally require adult supervision and/or tools to be used which again discourages the movement of the trampoline between dismantled and erected conditions.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a trampoline which can be moved to between in-use and storage conditions and preferably to allow the movement to be performed without the need to dismantle the trampoline or, in paifticular, the trampoline frame and yet further preferably, to provide the trampoline frame in a form which allows the same to be moved between the in-use and storage conditions by a child and without necessarily requiring the intervention of an adult or the use of tools, Tn a first aspect of the invention there is provided a trampoline including a frame formed by a plurality of frame members and which frame members are moveable between in-use and storage conditions, the and wherein adjacent frame members arc located together so as to be pivotally moveable, whilst still connected, betwcen the said in-use and storage conditions, Typically, when in-use, the frame members define an area between the same which is at least partially filled by a mat supported in position by engagement of one or more edges of the mat -with the respective frame members.

In one embodiment a locking assembly is provided to prevent movement of the --frame members from the in-use condition to the storage condition, and/or vice versa until the locking assembly is released.

Tn one embodiment, the locking assembly is automatically moved to a locking position when the frame members are fully moved to the in-use condition. In one embodiment, the locking assembly is automatically moved to a locking position when the frame members are fully moved to the storage condition.

In one embodiment, the trampoline is moveable between the storage and in-usc conditions via an intermediate position. Typically, when not in the in-use or storage conditions, the trampoline is biased to the intermediate condition.

In one embodiment, a locking assembly prevents movement of the frame members from the storage condition to the intermediate condition until the locking assembly is released.

Tn one embodiment, release means are provided associated with the locking assembly, in order to permit its release from the storage condition and/or the in-use condition. typically, said release means include primary and secondary release members. Further typically, in order to release the locking assembly, both the primary and secondary release members are required to he activated simultaneously.

Typically the adjacent portions of the frame members are maintained in an engaged position by the provision of one or more brackets.

In one embodiment, the frame includes one or more gripping members which can be gripped by a person when using the trampoline in the in-use condition.

In one embodiment, the gripping members are located at one of the bracket locations between adjacent portions of the frame members and which bracket includes or is acted on by the locking assembly.

In one embodiment the said gripping members are provided for linear and/or pivotal movement with respect to the said bracket.

In one embodiment, when the gripping members are linearly moved to an in-use position, the locking assembly is automatically locked and the locking assembly is required to be manually released to allow movement of the frame to the storage condition.

In one embodiment the movement from the in use to the storage condition is by linear movement of the gripping members and then subsequent pivotal movement of the gripping members with respect to the frame followed by the pivotal movcmcnt of thc rcspcctive frame member portions to allow the frame to be moved to the storage condition.

Typically, when the frame members and the gripping members arc in the storage condition the said frame and gripping members lie substantially in parallel and side by side.

In one embodiment the mat is engaged to the frame by spaced loops of material and through which loops the frame members pass to engage the mat. Typically the mat follows the movement of the frame members between storage and in use conditions.

In one embodiment the frame members include at least two frame members of the same size and a further two frame members of a different size.

Tn one embodiment the bracket with which the gripping members are engaged is located intermediate the ends of one side of the trampoline when in the in use condition.

In an alternative embodiment, the bracket with which the gnpping members are engaged is located at a corner of two adjacent sides of the trampoline when in the in use condition.

In one embodiment, a locking member is provided to retain the one or more gripping members in an in-use condition.

In one embodiment, the one or more gripping members are detachably attachable to the frame of the trampoline. Typically, said one or more gripping members are attachable between two adjacent frame members. Further typically, said one or more gripping members are attachable to a bracket located between two adjacent --framc members.

In one embodiment, said one or more gripping members are detachably attachable via retaining means. Typically, said retaining means comprise a biasing member provided to retain the one or more gripping members in the attached position.

Further typically, said retaining means include spring-loaded biasing means. In a preferred embodiment, said retaining means includes a spring-loaded spigot.

In one embodiment, said one or more gripping members arc attachable to the frame after the trampoline has been moved to the in-use position.

Tn a further aspect of the invention there is provided a trampoline including a frame formed by a plurality of frame members and which trampoline is moveable between in-use and storage conditions by relative pivotal movement of the frame members, with the edges of the adjacent frame members connected via one or more brackets and about which brackets the pivotal movement is performed.

In one embodiment gripping members are provided which are pivotably moveable between in use and storage conditions about an axis substantially perpendicular to the pivotable axis between the respective frame members.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of moving a trampoline between storage and in use conditions, said method comprising the steps of providing a trampoline frame formed from a number of interconnected frame members, locating a mat to be supported by and located between said frame members and wherein the frame members are interconnected and pivotably moving respective edges of the frame to move the same between the storage and in use conditions whilst the frame members are interconnected and providing a locking assembly to retain the said frame in at least the in use condition. In one embodiment the method includes the step of providing gripping members which can be pivotally and linearly moved with respect to the frame members to enable the same to be moved between storage and in use conditions.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a trampoline including the steps of forming a frame from a plurality of frame members, enabling said frame members to be moveable between in-use and storage conditions and, when in-use, the frame members define an area between the same which is at least partially filled by a mat supported in position by engagement of the edge of the mat with the respective frame members and wherein adjacent portions of the said frame members, are located together so as to be pivotally moveable, whilst still connected, between the said in-use and storage conditions.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now shown with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a trampoline in accordance with one embodiment of the invention in an in-use position.

Figure 2 illustrates a trampoline of Figure 1, with the trampoline mat removed and showing the frame; Figure 3 illustrates the frame of Figure 2 in the storage position; Figures 4a -b illustrate the trampoline as it is moved between the storage and in-use conditions; Figure 5 illustrates a locking assembly; Figure 6 illustrates a trampoline in accordance with another embodiment of the invention in a storage position; Figures 7 -9 illustrate a trampoline in accordance with the embodiment of the invention of Figure 6 being moved from a storage position to an in-use position; Figure 10 illustrates the trampoline in accordance with the embodiment of Figures 6-9 of the invention in an in-use position; Figures 11 -12 illustrate a locking mechanism of a grip or handle means of a trampoline in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 illustrates a locking mechanism of a foldable leg portion of a trampoline in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 illustrates the underside of a locking mechanism of a foldable leg portion of a trampoline in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and -r Figures 15 -19 illustrate further embodiments of a trampoline, in accordance with the invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is illustrated a trampoline 2, in accordance with the invention and the trampoline comprises a trampoline mat 4 which is suspended between and supported by, a frame 6. The frame 6 comprises of four frame members 8, 10, 12 and 14 and first and second gripping members 16, 18. The frame members 8,10 are of the same size and the frame members 12, 14 are of the same size.

Adjacent edges of the respective frame members are mutually positioned together by brackets 20 with a further bracket 22 locating adjacent edges of the frame members 12,14 together as well as locating the gripping members 16,18 with the frame members.

The frame can be seen in greater detail in Figures 2 and 3 with the mat removed for ease of illustration but, it should be appreciated that when the trampoline is moved between the in-use and storage positions, the mat 4 will follow the movement of the frames and therefore need not be detached from the frame during movement between or when in said in-use and storage conditions.

The ends of the respective frame members are pivotally moveable with regard to the connecting bracket 20,22 so as to allow thc frame to be selectively moved betwecn the in-use and storage conditions and the gripping members, are pivotally moveable with regard to the bracket 22 and are also linearly moveable with respect thereto.

Figure 3 illustrates the frame in a storage condition and it will be seen that the frame members lie substantially parallel and side by side and arc overlaid by the handle members 16,18 which also lie substantially parallel with the frame members and side by side, Figures 4a and b illustrate the movement of the frame from the storage condition shown in Figure 3 to the in use condition shown in Figure 1.

To move from the storage condition to the in use condition the frame members are respectively pivotally moved apart at the brackets 20 as indicated by arrows 26 in 1"igure 4a with the brackets 20 moving from the position shown in broken lines whcn in thc storage condition towards the in use position shown by arrows 28,30.

The bracket 22 is pivotally moved as indicated by arrow 38 to move outwardly as indicated by arrow 32 to the position shown in Figure 4b. The gripping members 16,18 arc also pivotally moved to the upright position by movement indicated by arrow 24 in Figure 4a to the position shown in Figure 4b. When in the position of Figure 4b the gripping portions 16,18 are linearly moveable as indicated by arrow 36 with respect to the bracket 22 so that the lower ends 40 of the gripping members engaged fully in the bracket 22 and are prevcnted from rotating downwardly towards the mat 4 and the gripping portions can then be pivotally moved so that the handle parts 42 are moved as respectively indicated by arrows 44, 46 to the splayed position for use shown in Figure 1. A locking assembly is provided as part of the bracket 22 and die locking assembly 48 serves to lock the frame in the in use condition. This may occur automatically when the respective frame and gripping members have been fully moved to the in use condition and in one embodiment the locking assembly is biased to that condition.

To move the trampoline from the in use to the storage condition, the locking assembly, shown in Figure 5 must be manually released and, in this embodiment, this is achieved by pressing in a central portion 50 of the locking assembly. When the portion 50 is sufficiently moved, the rotating portion 52 is released and can be unfastened to thereby allow pivotal movement of the frame members engaged by the bracket 22 and movement of the gripping members with respect thereto and thereby allowing movement of the frame to the storage position by respective pivotal movement. When this has been achieved, die respective frame members can be pivotally moved with respect to each of the brackets 20 22.

Referring to Figures 6-10, there is illustrated a trampoline 60 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, in a folded, storage position in Figure 6, and Figures 7-9 illustrate the movement of the trampoline from the storage position shown in Figure 6 to an in-use position as shown in Figure 10. The trampoline 60 compnses a trampoline mat 64 which is suspended between and supported by a frame 66. While suspended between the frame 66, the trampoline mat 64 has a portion, or a further portion is provided, that extends over the frame 66 and acts as a protective barrier for a child user of the trampoline 60 should they fall while using the trampoline 60. The extended portion of the mat 64 overhangs individual frame members 68, 70, 72 and 74, which together make up the frame 66. Frame members 68 and 70 arc of the same size, each forming a full side of the triangular (when in the in-use position). Frame 66 and the frame members 72 and 74 are also of the same size, together forming a third side (when in the in-use position) of the frame 66. A gripping member 76 is provided, which has an asseciated gripping portion 78 pivotally attached thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the gripping portion 78 is provided as fixed relative to the gripping member 76. The gripping member 76, when in the storage position, lies parallel and adjacent the folded frame 66. While the Figures illustrate a trampoline 60 having a gripping member 76 and gripping portion 78 that may be held by a child user in use, it is also envisaged by the Applicant that the trampoline 60 may also be provided for use without the need for such gripping members and portions 76, 78. In an alternative embodiment, the gripping portion 78 is provided as fixed relative to the gripping member 76.

In order to be able to move the trampoline between the storage and in-use positions, each frame member 68, 70, 72 and 74 is pivotally moveable with respect to an adjacent frame member about a pivotable axis. That is to say, adjacent edges of the respective frame members are positioned together by brackets or, in the embodiments shown in Figures 6-13, support feet 80, 82 84 in which the leg of the respective frame members are located, enabling rotation of the leg frame member therein. Feet 80 are provided to adjoin frame members 68 and 74, and frame members 70 and 72. Foot 82 adjoins the two longer frame members 68 and 70, and foot 84 adjoins frame members 72 and 74. Foot 82 has an additional portion when compared to feet 80, in order to locate a locking mechanism for the gripping member 76 therein, which will be discussed in greater detail below. Likewise, foot 84 has an additional feature in the form of a locking assembly, which when locked, maintains frame members 72 and 74 in a substantially linear arrangement and the trampoline 60 in the in-use position, and will be discussed in greater detail later.

To move from the storage position to the in-use position, as depicted in Figures 7- 9, frame members 68, 70 are pivoted apart from one another at foot 82, which allows frame members 72, 74 to move outwardly, pivoting at respective foot members 80 to form a third side of the frame 66. The ends or legs of the frame members that locate within foot members 80 may also be able to rotate with respect to and within that foot member 80. It is also envisaged that where two such ends or legs are located within the foot member 80, one of the said ends or legs may be fixed with respect to the foot member 80, while the other is movable/rotatable therein and thereby rotatable with respect to the other foot member. Frame members 72, 74 pivot with respect to each other at foot member 84 until they form a substantially linear frame section. In some embodiments the members 72, 74 may pivot outwardly slightly further, such that there is a slight "dog-leg" along that section of the frame. This arrangement can be used to help to keep the trampoline mat 64 taught when the trampoline 60 is in the in-use position.

As the frame members 68, 70, 72 and 74 of the trampoline 60 move to the in-usc position, the gripping member 76 and gripping portion 78 can be pivoted into an in-use position about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the axis about which the frame members are pivotably moved. As a safety feature and in order to ensure that the trampoline 60 cannot be used unless it is fully assembled, the gripping member 76 cannot be locked into an upright position until the frame 66 is fully extended to its in-use position. Therefore, if not fully assembled, the gripping member 76 will lie across the trampoline mat 64, rendering it unusable. Figure 7 first shows gripping portion 78 being moved from a storage position in which it lies parallel to the gripping member 76, to an in-use position in which it rests perpendicular to gripping member 76, forming a T-shape. The formation of this T-shape will provide the user with some additional leverage and aid in opening the frame 66 from the storage position to the in-use position Locking member 86 is provided to keep the gripping portion 78 in its in-use position and can be provided in a number of forms. In the embodimcnt shown in Figures 6-10, the locking member 86 is provided as a sliding member along the gripping member 76 and locks the gripping portion 78 in the in-use position at its "T-junction". Also displayed, in particular in Figures 11-12, is a locking member 88 provided to maintain the gripping member 76 in an in-use position. The locking member 88 is provided to slide in a substantially vertical direction and moves in the direction of arrow A when the gripping member 76 has pivoted to a substantially vertical position, locking it in place. The locking member 88 can optionally be held in place by the provision of formations 90, provided at a lower end of the gripping member 76, When unlocking the gripping member 76 to enable it to he moved back to the storage position, the locking member 88 is moved downwardly in the direction of arrow B, releasing gripping member 76 from the in-use position.

Downward movement of the locking member 88 can be enabled by the provision of a releasing member 92, provided on the locking member 88. The locking member 88 is retained in a substantially vertical position even when it is not engaging the gripping member 76, as it is located on an extending vertical portion or leg 94, which itself is located between frame members 68, 70 and in foot 82, shown most clearly in Figure 11.

Movement of the trampoline 60 from the storage position to the in-use position is achieved in the following steps: when moving foot 84 in order to extend frame sections 72 and 74, the frame 66, as a whole, will only stay open at two positions -an intermediate position when partially unfolded, for example, approximately 80% unfolded, and when lOOYo unfolded (i.e. in the in-use position). l1his creates a two-stage un-fold process allowing a user to pause before the movement from the intermediate position to the in-use position and also prevents the frame from springing back suddenly to the storage position if the user were to let go when holding the frame at a point between the intermediate position and the in-use position as, if released at this stage, the frame will only revert back to the intermediate position. Movement from the storage position to the intermcdiatc position is permitted when a user presses and holds, in the direction of arrow D, handle member 100, located on the underside of locking assembly 96. The force required to unfold is greatest during movement from the intermediate position to the in-use position. When in the intermediate position, the trampoline mat 64 will be too slack for use and, as such, the user will be aware that the trampoline 60 is not fully assembled. Furthermore, when in the intermediate position, frame :11 members 68 and 70 will not be sufficiently open to allow the locking member 88 to engage gripping member 76 and, therefore, gripping member 76 cannot be fully raised into its in-use position.

Referring now to Figure 13, there is provided a locking assembly 96 located on foot 84, which is provided to maintain frame members 72, 74 in a substantially linear arrangement, or in some embodiments, in an over extended "dog-leg" position, and the trampoline 60 in the rn-use posiflon. As the frame members 72, 74 are pivoted into the in-use position the locking assembly 96 will click or snap the members into a locked position, preventing any further pivoting and thus ensuring the trampoline 60 is safe to usc. In order to release the frame members 72, 74 and to move them from the in-use position back to the storage position, a two-fold release mechanism is provided on the locking assembly 96. This is provided for safety reasons to prevent a child from releasing the trampoline 60 from the in-use position and to prevent accidental folding. The release mechanism requires two functions to be performed simultaneously: the primary function is provided as a handle member 100, as shown in Figure 14, on the underside of the locking assembly 96, The handle member 1 00 is squeezed by a user and then moves in the direction of arrow D, away from the body of the locking assembly 96.

The secondary function, performed simultaneously with the primary function, is provided in the form of push button 98, which is pressed in the direction of arrow C, thereby releasing the frame members from theft locked position and enabling movement of the same towards the intermediate position. Once at the intemiediate position, the push-button 98 may be released as the trampoline continues to move from the intermediate position to the storage position. Full unlocking movement of the locking assembly 96, enabling folding of the trampoline 60 back to the storage position is only permitted after unlocking of locking member 88, releasing gripping member 76 from its in-use position to its storage position. Flowever, some give in movement or slight release of the locking assembly 96 when unlocking it may be possible, prior to unlocking locking member 88, but this movement would be restricted to between the in-use position and the intermediate position. Finally, release of locking member 86 will allow the trampoline 60 to be moved back fully to the storage position from the in-use position.

In an alternative embodiment, the gripping portion 78 is providcd as fixed relative to thc gripping member 76, or the two are provided as detachably attachable to one another. In this embodiment, as depicted in Figures 15-19, the gripping member 76 is not provided as pivotable between the storage and in-use positions, and therefore provides no function in relation to the folding and locking mechanism of the trampoline 60. In this embodiment, the gripping member 76 is attached and removed from an insertion point 102 in the foot 82, and is secured in place by means of, for example, a spring-loaded spigot 104. This attachment may he made once the trampoline 60 has been unfolded and secured in the in-use position. As described above, movement from the storage position to the intermediate position is permitted when a user presses and ho]ds, in the direction of arrow D, handle member 100, located on the underside of locking assembly 96.

As the user, in this embodiment, does not have a gripping member or portion to use as leverage while unfolding thc trampoline 60, one method of unfolding the trampoline may involve placing the trampoline 60 on its end (foot 82) with the locking assembly 96 facing upwards, allowing the user to pull the same up while gripping the handle member 100 and unfolding the trampoline 60. When moving the trampoline 60 from the in-use position back to the storage position, the gripping member 76 is simply removed from its insertion point 102 and the folding mechanism is as described above, albeit without the requirement for the presence and actions of locking member 88.

Tt will therefore be appreciated that in accordance with the invention, there is provided a trampoline which can be moved between storage and in-use conditions, without the need for the same to he assembled or disassembled such that the movement can be achieved, while the components of the same remain engaged.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A trampoline including a frame formed by a plurality of frame members and which frame members are moveabic bctwccn in-usc and storage conditkrns, and, whcn in-usc, the frame members define an area between the same which is at least pat-daily filled by a mat supported in position by the frame members and wherein adjacent frame members arc located together so as to be pivotally moveable, whilst still connected, between the said in-use and storage conditions.
2. A trampoline according to claim 1, wherein the mat is supported in position by engagement of one or more edges of the mat with the respective frame members and/or interlinking members which are attached to the mat and frame members.
3. A trampoline according to claim 1, wherein a locking assembly is provided to prevent movement of the frame members from the in-use condition to the storage condition, and/or vice versa, until the locking assembly is released.
4. A trampoline according to claim 3, wherein the locking assembly is automatically moved to a locking position when the frame members are fully moved to the in-use and/or storage condition.
5. A trampoline according to claim 1, wherein the trampoline is moveable between the storage and in-use conditions via an intermediate position.
6. A trampoline according to claim 5, wherein when not in the in-use or storage conditions, the trampoline is biased to the intermediate position.
7. A trampoline according to claim 3, wherein the locking assembly prevents movement of the frame members from the storage and/or in-use conditions to an intermediate condition until the locking assembly is released.
8. A trampoline according to claim 7, wherein release means are provided associated with the locking assembly, in order to permit its release from the storage condn)n and/or the in-use condition.
9. A trampoline according to claim 8, wherein said release means include primary and secondary release members.
10. A trampoline according to claim 9, wherein in order to release the locking assembly, both the primary and secondary release members are required to be activated simultaneously.
11. A trampoline according to claim 1, wherein adjacent portions of the frame members are maintained in an engaged position by the provision of a bracket.
12.A trampoline according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes one or more gripping members which can be gripped by a person when using tile trampoline in the in-use condition.
13. A trampoline according to claim 12, wherein portions of first and second of the frame members are maintained in an engaged position by thc provision of a bracket and the one or more gripping members are located at the said bracket between the said adjacent portions of the frame members.
14. A trampoline according to claim 13, wherein the bracket with which the gripping members are engaged is located at a corner of two adjacent sides of the trampoline when in the in use condition.
15. A trampoline according to claim 12, wherein a locking member is provided to retain the one or more gripping members in an in-use condition.
16. A trampoline according to claim 12, wherein the one or more gripping members are detachably attachable to the frame of the trampoline.
17. A trampoline according to claim 16, wherein said one or more gripping members arc attachable between two adjacent frame members.
18. A trampoline according to claim 17, wherein said one or more gripping members are attachable to a bracket located between two adjacent frame members.
19. A trampoline according to claim 16, wherein said one or more gripping members are detachably attachable via retaining means.
20. A trampoline according to claim 19, wherein said retaining means comprise a biasing member provided to retain the one or more gripping members in the attached position.
21. A trampoline according to claim 16, wherein said one or more gripping members are attachable to the frame after the trampoline has been moved to the in-use position.
22. A trampoline according to claim 1, wherein the mat is engaged to the frame by spaced loops of material and through which loops the frame members pass to engage the mat.
23.A trampoline according to claim 1, wherein the frame members include at least two frame members of the same size and a further two frame members of a different size.
24,A trampoline including a frame formed by a plurality of frame members and which trampoline is moveable between in-use and storage conditions by relative pivotal movement of the frame members, with the edges of the adjacent frame members connected via one or more brackets and about which brackets the pivotal movement is performed.
A trampoline according to claim 24 wherein gripping members are provided which are pivc tably moveable between in use and storage conditions about an axis substantially perpendicular to the pivotable axis between the respective frame members.
26.A method of moving a trampoline between storage and in use conditions, said method comprising the steps of providing a trampoline frame formed from a number of interconnected frame members, locating a mat to be supported by and located between said frame members and wherein the frame members are interconnected and pivotably moving respective edges of the frame to move the same between the storage and in usc conditions whilst the frame members are interconnected and providing a locking assembly to retain the said frame in at least the in use condition.
27.A method according to claim 26, wherein the method further includes moving the frame members between the storage and in-use conditions via an intermediate condition.
28.A method according to claim 26 including the step of providing gripping members which detachably attachable to the frame members when in the in-use position.
29.A method of manufacturing a trampoline including the steps of forming a frame from a plurality of frame members, enabling said frame members to be moveable between in-use and storage conditions and, when in-use, the frame members defme an area between the same which is at least partially filled by a mat supported in position by engagement of the edge of the mat with the respective frame members and wherein adjacent portions of the said frame members, are located together so as to be pivotally moveable whilst still engaged between die said in-use and storage conditions.

30,1k trampoline substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying figures.