WO2006013366A1

WO2006013366A1 - Outdoor structures

Info

Publication number: WO2006013366A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/003052
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Walker
Original assignee: David Walker
Priority date: 2004-08-04
Filing date: 2005-08-03
Publication date: 2006-02-09

Abstract

A garden shed (14) can be moved from a raised position to a storage position. In the storage position the pitch roof is flat with the surrounding ground with two roof panels having been folded about a central pivot. The shed can be raised by actuating a remote control that powers a platform on which the shed is located upwardly.

Description

OUTDOOR STRUCTURES

The present invention relates to an outdoor structure and a method of operating such a structure.

Houses and their associated grounds are restricted in the space that they can occupy. Most new build houses are provided with a garage or even a double garage and may also have a garden shed. The provision of these storage areas reduces the space available on the land for lawns etc. Consequently home owners have to make a choice between the number of spaces they want to provide in a garage and whether they want to have a garden shed etc with these items taking up a lot of the available plot, or whether they want more garden with no shed or garage.

It is an object of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages.

The present invention is defined in the claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an outdoor structure movable between a raised position and a storage position in which, in the storage position, the structure is located at least partly in the ground.

Preferably in the raised position, the structure is out of the ground.

Preferably in the raised position, a floor of the structure is flush with the adjacent ground. Preferably in the storage position, the top of the structure is flush with the adjacent ground.

Preferably the top of the structure, in the storage position at least, comprises a flat surface.

Preferably the top of the structure is movable between a position in which it comprises a flat horizontal surface to a position in which at least part of that surface is inclined.

Preferably the top comprises at least two portions pivotally connected between a first position in which the top of the portions are co-planar and a second position in which the top of the portions are inclined relative to each other.

The structure may include power means arranged to effect movement from the first to the second positions at least.

Preferably the power means are remotely actuatable.

The structure may include a housing located in the ground within which the structure is at least partly located when in the storage position.

Preferably the top of the housing is terminated short of the top of the adjacent ground at least part of the extent of the top of the housing.

The top of the structure may comprise an upper surface which preferably comprises identical material to the covering of the adjacent ground. Preferably the top of the upper surface is substantially flush or level with the top of the covering of the adjacent ground.

The top of the structure may comprise a support layer and an upper surface layer. Preferably the support layer supports the upper surface layer in the storage position in order for the upper surface layer to be flush with the covering or upper surface of the adjacent ground.

Accordingly, in the storage position, the support layer may locate below the covering the adjacent ground.

The support layer may comprise a recess (and preferably a single recess over the surface of the support layer) in order to support the upper surface layer substantially flush with the adjacent ground. The recess may be defined by a wall extending around the periphery of the support layer. Preferably the wall is arranged to retain the upper surface layer on the support layer.

The upper surface layer may comprise tarmacadam, paving blocks, turf or grass, gravel, cement or any other suitable material.

Preferably the visual appearance of the top surface of the upper surface layer is substantially the same as the visual appearance of the top surface of the covering of the adjacent ground. For example, the upper surface layer and the adjacent ground may comprise paving blocks in a particular pattern, for example a herring bone pattern.

Preferably the support layer forms a recess in the ground, whilst in the storage position, in order for an upper surface layer to be flush with the adjacent ground. Preferably the covering of the upper surface layer causes the structure to be visually concealed in the storage position and/or the location (and preferably the position or height) of the upper surface layer causes the structure to be visually concealed in the storage position.

Preferably in the storage position, at least part of the structure rests on at least part of the housing.

Preferably in the storage position, the structure is supported by walls of the recess. Preferably at least a part of the roof of the structure locates on the walls of the recess in order to support the structure within the recess, in the storage position. Preferably the roof comprises a peripheral flange which locates on the walls of the recess to support the structure in the recess, in the storage position.

Preferably the housing includes a base, the base including a sump into which water in the housing may flow.

The structure may include a pump arranged to drain at least some of the water in the sump.

Preferably the pump is arranged to be activated upon a predetermined level of water being detected in the sump.

The structure may include driving means arranged to move the structure from the storage position to the raised position. Preferably the driving means pushes the structure upwardly from the storage position to the raised position.

Preferably the driving means are located below a floor of the structure.

Preferably the driving means includes hydraulic power means.

The structure may include a linkage arrangement arranged to raise the structure from the storage position to the raised position when the driving means are activated.

The structure may include a platform supporting the structure with the driving means being arranged to move the platform upwardly thereby moving the structure from the storage position to the raised position.

The drive means may comprise a pulley system in order to pull the storage apparatus from the storage position to the raised position. The pulley system may enable the structure to move from the raised position to the storage position through gravity.

Preferably the upwardly facing surface area of the platform is less than the adjacent upwardly facing surface of a floor of the structure.

Preferably in the storage position, the top of the structure, in plan view, is side-by-side with the adjacent ground around the complete extent of the ground. The structure may include weight sensing means arranged to detect when the weight of a structure exceeds a predetermined amount.

The structure may be arranged to alert an operator that a predetermined weight of the structure is exceeded.

Preferably the detection of the weight is performed when the structure is being lowered or raised or both.

Preferably the detection of the weight is performed after the structure has been lowered and then raised.

Preferably the detection is performed when the structure has been lowered to a greater depth than the structure is subsequently raised when the detection is performed.

Preferably the weight sensing means includes monitoring the power that effects movement of the structure.

The structure may include power means arranged to effect movement of the structure from beneath the structure from the storage to the raised position and lifting means arranged to pull the structure up from the storage to the raised position.

The structure may be arranged to pull on a platform located beneath the structure.

Preferably the lifting means includes at least one column of the structure extending from a top region of the structure to the bottom region. Preferably the column is connected to the platform.

Preferably the column comprises a strut of the structure.

Preferably at least one side of the structure is substantially open or accessible.

A floor of the structure may be arranged, in use, to support article (s) thereon. The floor may support a bin or bins or a barbecue thereon. The structure may have no side walls and may have no roof.

The structure may comprise an enclosed structure.

Preferably, the structure comprises corner pillars and more preferably comprises four corner pillars. Preferably the corner pillars support the roof of the structure. The structure may comprise enclosed walls between adjacent pillars. The enclosed walls may be cladded. The enclosed walls may have openings defined therein, for example, the enclosed walls may comprise doors or windows provided therein.

The structure may comprise any one or more of a study, snooker room, hot tub, storage structure, garage, BBQ area, garage or T.V. room etc.

Preferably the structure comprises a single room.

The structure may comprise a garden room.

The structure may include an upper surface of the same appearance as that of the adjacent ground. The structure may include living grass on top of the structure.

Preferably the structure comprises a vessel for containing water therein.

Preferably the structure comprises a garage.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a property including at least one structure in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating an outdoor structure comprising moving the structure from a raised position, to a storage position in which the structure is located at least partly in the ground.

The method may comprise causing at least part of a top surface of the structure to move to an inclined position when the structure is not in the storage position.

The method may comprise pulling the structure up from the storage position in the event of power means that normally effect the movement from the storage position failing.

The method may comprise sensing when the weight of the structure exceeds a predetermined amount.

The method may comprise sensing when the weight exceeds a predetermined amount by lowering the structure from the raised position and then backing up the structure towards the raised position again.

The method may comprise moving the structure to a position below the storage position before backing the structure up to the storage position.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method when operating a structure in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an outdoor structure movable between a raised position and a storage position, in which, in the storage position, the structure is located at least partly in the ground and wherein the structure comprises a vessel for containing water therein.

The vessel may be arranged, in use, for one or more persons to locate therein.

The vessel may comprise a bath.

The vessel may comprise a hot tub.

The vessel may comprise an air bath. The vessel may comprise a Jacuzzi.

The vessel may comprise a whirlpool bath.

The structure may comprise a surface for sheltering the vessel in the raised position. Preferably the surface forms a roof in the raised position. Preferably in the storage position the structure locates within a recess in the ground. Preferably the surface of the structure locates substantially flush with ground level in the storage position. Preferably, in the raised position, the height of the upper portion or roof from ground level is greater than the depth of a recess in which the structure locates in the storage position. Preferably the structure comprises auxiliary movement means for moving the upper portion or roof relative to the structure (or at least relative to a floor of the structure) and preferably vertically upwardly and downwardly relative to the structure. The auxiliary movement means may comprise a ram and preferably comprises a double stage ram. Preferably the auxiliary movement means comprises hydraulic movement means.

The structure may comprise an enclosed room.

The structure may comprise a room having one or more substantially open sides.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an outdoor structure movable between a raised position and a storage position, in which, in the storage position, the structure is located at least partly in the ground and wherein the structure comprises a garage.

The structure may comprise a first supporting surface for supporting a first vehicle thereon and may comprise a second supporting surface for supporting a second vehicle thereon. The first surface may be located beneath the second surface. Preferably the first supporting surface is located spaced from the second supporting surface in order to simultaneously support a fist vehicle on the first support surface and a second vehicle on the second support surface.

Preferably the first support surface is substantially parallel to the second support surface.

Preferably the first support surface, in the storage position, locates below the adjacent ground level.

Preferably the second support surface, in the storage position, locates substantially flush with the adjacent ground level.

Preferably the first support surface, in the raised position, locates substantially flush with the adjacent ground level.

Preferably the second support surface, in the raised position, forms a roof for the first support surface.

Preferably, in the storage position, a vehicle supported on the first support surface is visually concealed.

Preferably the first support surface comprises a floor of the structure. Preferably the second support surface comprises a roof of the structure.

The present invention can be carried into practice in various ways but two embodiments will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a flat roof 10 and an open structure 12 in a raised position and Figure 2 is a similar view of a pitched roof 14 open structure 16;

Figures 3 and 4 are views similar to Figures 1 and 2 of enclosed structures 18 and 20 having flat and pitched roofs 22 and 24 respectively;

Figure 5 is a schematic view showing the pitched roof 14 in a raised position and a storage position;

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the structure 12 showing how it can be raised manually from a storage position;

Figure 7 is a plan view of a home 26 showing the location of various structures;

Figure 8 is a schematic side view of part of one embodiment of a roof of a structure in a storage position;

Figure 9 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a structure in a storage position; Figure 10 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a structure in a storage position;

Figure 11 is a schematic side view of part of another embodiment of a roof of a structure in a storage position;

Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a garage in a raised position;

Figure 13 is a schematic side view of a garage in a storage position;

Figure 14 is a schematic side view of a structure for a hot tub in a storage position;

Figure 15 is a schematic side view of a structure for a hot tub in a raised position with a raised roof.

Figure 16 is a schematic side view of a floor of a structure in a storage position;

Figure 17 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a pulley system; and

Figure 18 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a pulley system.

The structures 12, 16, 18 and 20 can be moved between the raised positions shown in Figures 1 to 4 to a storage position in which they are flush with the adjacent ground 28. That ground could comprise a lawn or a concreted area, for instance. The roofs 10, 14, 22 or 24 may have an upper surface corresponding with the adjacent ground, for instance the roof may have grass growing on it or it may be concreted. In the storage position, the structures will be barely discernible. In the case of a grassed roof the garden may be easily mowed simply by driving the mower over the top of the stored structure.

Raising and lowering the structure is achieved by a plurality of pairs of links 3OA, 3OB and 32A and 32B. Although only one of the pairs of links is shown in Figure 1 mounted at the near corners of a base 34 and a platform 48 it will be appreciated that there are corresponding parallel links mounted at the four corners of the base and platform. The links 3OA and 3OB are pivotally connected 40 at each corner of the base and extend upwardly and cross each other whey they are pivotally connected 42.

The distal ends of the levers 3OA and 3OB are each pivotally connected to the lower ends of the levers 32A and 32B. These levers then extend upwardly and cross each other at a pivot 46 before being pivotally connected to a platform 48.

A hydraulic jack 50 has its piston 52 pivotally connected to the link 3OB and its cylinder 54 pivotally connected in the region of the pivot 40 of the link 3OA. In the extended position of the piston 52 shown in Figure 2 the structure is held in the raised position. When the piston is retracted the links are caused to move about their pivots in a well known manner to lower the platform and to cause the roof to be flush with the surrounding ground. The structure is raised by causing the piston to extend from the cylinder to expand the links. Whilst a hydraulic piston and cylinder have been described as raising the platform any suitable means may be used. Furthermore, whilst the pivoting links have been shown as effecting the raising and lowering of the platform. Any convenient means may be used.

If desired, the platform can extend substantially the complete width of the base of the structure.

Guides (not shown) may be provided to ensure aligned movement of the structure when being raised or lowered or both.

The hydraulics are electrically powered and may be actuated remotely such as by a user operating a hand held remote control. The control for the raising and lowering may include means to determine if there is excess weight in the structure, such as a person being in or on top of the structure. To this end the control system may, for instance, measure the current required to lower the piston, or the hydraulic pressure, which, when it goes beyond a predetermined value, will cause the platform to remain in the raised position or will return the platform to the raised position. Lowering of the structure will then only be able to be achieved when the excess weight is removed or by an external override. The excess weight can be determined by first lowering the structure either part of the way or all of the way and then raising the structure by a small amount, possibly back to the storage position, with the current required to raise the structure being measured to determine if the weight is excessive. If the weight is not excessive then lowering can be completed or raising to the storage position can be completed.

A garden is converted to have a structure by excavating at the required site. Then block walls 56 and a concrete floor are installed to create a square or rectangular or other shaped recess, when viewed in plan. The walls and base are waterproofed. The floor includes a sump 60 which can be pumped out, for instance upon sensing when the volume of water in the sump exceeds a predetermined amount.

The top of the walls 56 stop just short of the adjacent ground to allow the roof of a structure to rest on the walls with the top of the roof being flush with the adjacent ground.

As shown in Figure 5, the pitched roofs 14 and 24 include panels 61 and 62 that are pivotally connected at their adjacent sides. A hydraulic jack 64 acts between a roof member 66 and the pivot connection of the panels to raise the roof from the position shown in chain lines, in which the roof is flat to the raised position in which the pitch is formed. The panels can be returned to the storage or flat configuration by causing the jack 64 to retract. The jack 64 may be caused to raise and lower the pivot of the panels 61 and 62 automatically upon a raise or lower signal being received by the main hydraulic jack that raises and lowers the structure.

In the event that there should be a power failure or hydraulic failure, means are provided for raising the

■ structure which may comprise means to enable manual raising of the structure. For instance four spaced columns 68 at each corner (only two of which are shown) may extend from the platform, up through the structure and roof terminating in rings 70. A hoist can then be attached to the rings to pull the structure up. The columns 68 may comprise corner pillars of the structure. Alternatively, second drive or power means may be included to raise the structure if the first drive or power means fails .

The structure comprises a single room and in particular a single garden room.

The closed and open structure may be of various sizes and may provide a room having many varieties of use such as a:

study snooker room hot tub caravan storage garage open storage area

BBQ area furniture storage garden shed

T.V. room

The structures may have light, power and computer connections supplied to them.

The hydraulic piston and cylinder may use a single phase unit requiring 1.5 Kva or 6 amps or less. The plan area of the floor of each structure may be 13 feet square and the surface area of the platform may be 8 feet by 5 feet. A single platform or platform and base may be able to raise and lower a variety of structures of varying weights having a variety of sizes in height or cross-section or both.

The power of the piston and associated linkage may have a lifting capacity of up to 3 or 4 tons, for instance.

Figure 7 shows a house plot 72. A double garage 74, study area 76, BBQ area 78 and shed 80, each of which can be lowered to a storage position are provided. Any of these may have a grass roof such that a large open grassed area can be provided.

As previously explained, the upper surface of the roof of the structure is flush with the upper surface 90 of the adjacent ground 11 whilst the structure and any contents are visually concealed below ground level whilst in the storage position. The upper surface of the roof of the structure is substantially identical to the surrounding upper surface 90 of the ground 11, for example the upper surface of the roof and ground may comprise Tarmac, paving blocks, gravel, grass, cement or any other suitable material .

As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9, the roof of the structure comprises a supporting layer 94 or surface with an upper surface 92 layer or covering supported thereon. Accordingly, the supporting layer 94 comprises a rigid support layer whereas the upper surface 92 comprises a layer identical to the upper surface 90 of the surrounding ground 11. Whilst in the storage position, the supporting layer 94 locates vertically below the upper surface 90 of the ground 11 and thereby supports the upper surface 92 in order for the top surfaces of the upper surface 92 and the upper surface 90 of the ground 11 to be level and flush. As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9, the supporting surface 94, or at least a peripheral flange thereof, is supported on the walls 56 whilst in the storage position and support from below the structure 12 is not required in the storage position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the supporting surface 96 of the roof of the structure 12 comprises a recess in order to contain the upper surface 92 therein, as shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11. The support surface 96 comprises a wall 97 which extends around the periphery thereof and provides support to the periphery of the upper surface 92.

Such support may be of particular benefit to upper surfaces comprising grass, gravel, blocks which may become dislodged or move with time. The peripheral walls 97 are relatively thin and are not visually obvious whilst the structure is in the storage position.

As shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13, in one embodiment the structure comprises a garage 102. The garage 102 comprises four pillars 114 at each corner thereof and a first floor 110 for supporting a first car 106 thereon. In the raised position, as shown in Figure 12, the car 106 can be moved into position on the first floor 110. The movement means can then be activated in order to move the garage 102 into the recess 104 in the ground 11 in order to locate the structure in the storage position. Whilst in the storage position, an upper surface 92 of the roof together with the supporting surface 96 provides a second floor 112 in order to support a second car 108 thereon. Accordingly, two cars 106, 108 can be accommodated and stored in a relatively small space. In addition, the first car 106 is in a safe location and unauthorised people may not be aware of the existence of the first car 106 or in any event they will not be able to gain access to the first car 106.

As shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15, in a further embodiment, the structure comprises a structure 120 for a hot tub 122. The term hot tub is used to cover air baths, whirlpool baths, Jacuzzis, plunge pools etc. The hot tub 122 is located on a floor 124 which is again raised and lowered by the movement means as previously described. However, in this embodiment the roof, as formed from the upper surface 92 and the support surface 96, is movable relative to the structure or at least the floor 124 of the structure. Such movement is arranged to reduce the depth of the recess 104 required for storing the structure in the storage position. For example, a hot tub 122 is relatively low in height (for example approximately 4 feet) compared to a roof generally used with a hot tub 122. If the roof is to be stored flush with the ground 90 then the depth of the recess 104 should be at least the same as the height of the roof. However, in this embodiment the corner pillars 126 comprise rams formed from pistons 128 and cylinders 130. The piston 128 is able to extend outwardly from the cylinder 130 in order to raise the height of the roof whilst in the raised position. Similarly, the piston 128 can contracted into the cylinder 130 in order to reduce the height of the roof whilst in the storage position. The movement is provided by auxiliary movement means which may comprise hydraulic rams, pistons or any other suitable means.

In this embodiment the depth of the recess may be in the region of 5 feet wherein the height of the roof in the raised position may be in the region of 8 feet to 10 feet.

In a yet further embodiment, the outdoor structure comprises a floor 190 or platform which is able to support outdoor articles thereon, as shown in Figures 16 to 18. For example, the floor 190 may support a barbecue or may support one or two bins 191 (for example wheelie bins) thereon. Any suitable article could be supported thereon.

The outdoor structure does not comprises a roof, but when the floor 190 is in the storage position a cover 192 is arranged to conceal the outdoor structure and may also enable people to walk over the outdoor structure or to allow vehicles to pass thereover. In addition, the structure may have no side walls and therefore solely provides a floor.

The floor is raised and lowered by a pulley mechanism, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. A single motor 193 is used to move a single main cable 194 which simultaneously moves four pulley cables 195 and wherein the cables 195 pass over a corner pulley 196 and each cable 195 is secured towards or on a corner of the floor 190. The cables 195 pass over intermediary pulleys 197. This ensures that all of the cables move the same amount and maintain the floor 190 in a horizontal plane. The lowering of the floor may be aided by gravity.

The motor 193 also operates the cover 192 for the recess. The motor includes two different gears such that the first gear is used to move the floor 190 whilst the second gear is used to move the cover 192. The cover 192 is a hinged cover which is hinged along one edge. The recesses may be

1.3m in length and 0.9m wide whilst the depth of the recess is 1.3m.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, o'f the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. An outdoor structure movable between a raised position and a storage position in which, in the storage position, the structure is located at least partly in the ground.

2. A structure as claimed in Claim 1 in which in the raised position, the structure is out of the ground.

3. A structure as claimed in Claims 1 or 2 in which, in the raised position, a floor of the structure is flush with the adjacent ground.

4. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which in the storage position the top of the structure is flush with the adjacent ground.

5. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which the top of the structure, in the storage position at least, comprises a flat surface.

6. A structure as claimed in Claim 5 in which the top of the structure is movable between a position in which it comprises a flat horizontal surface to a position in which at least part of that surface is inclined.

7. A structure as claimed in Claim 6 in which the top comprises at least two portions pivotally connected between a first position in which the top of the portions are co-planar and a second position in which the top of the portions are inclined relative to each other.

8. A structure as claimed in Claim 6 or 7 including power means arranged to effect movement from the first to the second positions at least.

9. A structure as claimed in Claim 8 in which the power means are remotely actuatable.

10. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim including a housing located in the ground within which the structure is at least partly located when in the storage position.

11. A structure as claimed in Claim 10 in which the top of the housing is terminated short of the top of the adjacent ground at least part of the extent of the top of the housing.

12. A structure as claimed in Claim 11 in which, in the storage position, at least part of the structure rests on at least part of the housing.

13. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 12 in which the housing includes a base, the base including a sump into which water in the housing may flow.

14. A structure as claimed in Claim 13 including a pump arranged to drain at least some of the water in the sump.

15. A structure as claimed in Claim 14 in which the pump is arranged to be activated upon a predetermined level of water being detected in the sump.

16. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim including driving means arranged to move the structure from the storage position to the raised position.

17. A structure as claimed in Claim 16 in which the driving means includes hydraulic power means.

18. A structure as claimed in Claim 16 or 17 including a linkage arrangement arranged to raise the structure from the storage position to the raised position when the driving means are activated.

19. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 18 including a platform supporting the structure with the driving means being arranged to move the platform upwardly thereby moving the structure from the storage position to the raised position.

20. A structure as claimed in Claim 19 in which the upwardly facing surface area of the platform is less than the adjacent upwardly facing surface of a floor of the structure.

21. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which, in the storage position, the top of the structure, in plan view, is side-by-side with the adjacent ground around the complete extent of the ground.

22. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim including weight sensing means arranged to detect when the weight of a structure exceeds a predetermined amount.

23. A structure as claimed in Claim 23 arranged to alert an operator that a predetermined weight of the structure is exceeded.

24. A structure as claimed, in Claim 22 or 23 in which the detection of the weight is performed when the structure is being lowered or raised or both.

25. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 24 in which the detection of the weight is performed after the structure has been lowered and then raised.

26. A structure as claimed in Claim 25 in which the detection is performed when the structure has been lowered to a greater depth than the structure is subsequently raised when the detection is performed.

27. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 26 in which the weight sensing means includes monitoring the power that effects movement of the structure.

28. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim including power means arranged to effect movement of the structure from beneath the structure from the storage to the raised position and lifting means arranged to pull the structure up from the storage to the raised position.

29. A structure as claimed in Claim 28 arranged to pull on a platform located beneath the structure.

30. A structure as claimed in Claim 28 or 29 in which the lifting means includes at least one column of the structure extending from a top region of the structure to the bottom region.

31. A structure as claimed in Claim 29 and 30 in which the column is connected to the platform.

32. A structure as claimed in either of Claims 29, 30 or 31 in which the column comprises a strut of the structure.

33. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least one side of the structure is substantially open or accessible.

34. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 32 comprising an enclosed structure.

35. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 34 comprising any one or more of a study, snooker room, hot tub, storage structure, garage, BBQ area, garage or T.V. room etc.

36. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim including an upper surface of the same appearance as that of the adjacent ground.

37. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim including living grass on top of the structure.

38. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which a top of the structure comprises an upper surface comprising identical material to the covering of the adjacent ground.

39. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which a top of the structure comprises a support layer and an upper surface layer.

40. A structure as claimed in claim 39 in which the support layer comprises a recess in order to support the upper surface layer substantially flush with the adjacent ground.

41. A structure as claimed in claim 39 or claim 40 in which the support layer forms a recess in the ground, whilst in the storage position, in order for the upper surface layer to be flush with the adjacent ground.

42. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which the structure comprises a vessel for containing water therein.

43. A structure as claimed in claim 42 in which the vessel comprises a bath.

44. A structure as claimed in claim 43 in which the bath comprises a hot tub.

45. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which, in the raised position, the height of an upper portion (or roof) from ground level is greater than the depth of a recess in which the structure locates in the storage position.

46. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim in which the structure comprises auxiliary movement for moving an upper portion (or roof) relative to the structure (or at least relative to a floor of the structure) .

47. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the structure comprises a garage.

48. A structure as claimed in claim 47 in which the structure comprises a first supporting surface for supporting a first vehicle thereon and a second supporting surface for supporting a second vehicle thereon.

49. A structure as claimed in claim 48 in which the first surface locates below the second surface.

50. A structure as claimed in claim 48 or claim 49 in which, in the storage position, the first support surface locates below ground level.

51. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 50 in which, in the storage position, the second support surface locates substantially flush with the adjacent ground level.

52. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 51 in which, in the raised position, the second support surface forms a roof for the first support surface.

53. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 52 in which, in the raised position, the first support surface locates substantially flush with the adjacent ground.

54. A structure substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any of the accompanying drawings .

55. A property including at least one structure as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 54.

56. A method of operating an outdoor structure comprising moving the structure from a raised position, to a storage position in which the structure is located at least partly in the ground.

57. A method as claimed in Claim 56 comprising causing at least part of a top surface of the structure to move to an inclined position when the structure is not in the storage position.

58. A method as claimed in Claim 56 or 57 comprising pulling the structure up from the storage position in the event of power means that normally effect the movement from the storage position failing.

59. A method as claimed in any of Claims 56 to 58 comprising sensing when the weight of the structure exceeds a predetermined amount.

60. A method as claimed in Claim 59 comprising sensing when the weight exceeds a predetermined amount by lowering the structure from the raised position and then backing up the structure towards the raised position again.

61. A method as claimed in Claim 60 comprising moving the structure to a position below the storage position before backing the structure up to the storage position.

62. A method of operating an outdoor structure substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

63. A method as claimed in any of Claims 57 to 62 when operating a structure as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 56.