GB2603812A

GB2603812A - Sunken trampoline apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2603812A
Application number: GB2102162.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Joel; Macwatt Angus
Original assignee: Sunken Trampolines Ltd
Current assignee: Sunken Trampolines Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-16
Filing date: 2021-02-16
Publication date: 2022-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2041-02-16
Also published as: GB2603812B; GB202102162D0

Abstract

A sunken trampoline apparatus configured to be located within in a pit comprises at least one movable cover platform; the moveable cover platform is adapted to be located above a trampoline 208 located within a pit and to be moveable between a first closed position extending across the trampoline 208 preventing access thereto, and a second open position in which the moveable cover platform is adapted to lower into the pit and to retract within at least one subterranean recess located on at least one side of the pit in order to provide access to the trampoline. A sunken trampoline apparatus is also disclosed that includes a trampoline having stowed and deployed positions and a cover including moveable cover platforms having a closed position and an open position away from the trampoline. Also disclosed is a cover formed of platforms that slid and hinge to move to the open position.

Description

SUNKEN TRAMPOLINE APPARATUS

FIELD

The present invention relates to sunken trampoline apparatus configured to be located in a pit, and in particular to sunken trarnpoiine apparatus comprising a movable cover platform moveable between a first closed position and a second open position to provide access to a trampoline.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Trampolines have been increasingly popular as an outdoor activity for exercise and for fun. Trampolines come in a range of shapes and sizes. Trampolines can be provided as in-ground trampolines meaning that the trampolines sit essentially at ground level. Alternatively, there are above-ground trampolines in which the trampoline is provided on a platform; above ground level, which may be accessible by steps or a ladder, and which require safety netting to minimize risk of falling.

There are a number of disadvantages to home trampolines. For example; trampolines can be seasonal in nature due to the risk of rainwater on the surface creating a slip hazard Trampolines tend to be large in size and can take up a significant proportion of the outdoor space. Furthermore, trampolines (together with safety netting) can look unsightly and detract from the appearance of the surrounding area.

Trampolines are heavy and cumbersome and cannot be frequently dismantled or stored when not in use. As a result; trampolines tend to become a permanent feature within an outdoor environment.

There is therefore a need for a trampoline apparatus which addresses one or more of these disadvantages. In particular; there is a need for a trampoline apparatus which can be stored out of sight when not in use enabling the outdoor space to be used fully and/or can be stored away in unsuitable weather conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingg, to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sunken trampoline apparatus configured to be located within in a pit, the apparatus comprising: at least one movable cover platform, the moveable cover platform adapted to be located above a trampoline located within the pit and to be moveable between a first closed position in which the moveable cover platform extends across the trampoline preventing access thereto, and a second open position in which the moveable cover platform is adapted to lower into the pit and to retract within at least one subterranean recess located on at least one side of the pit in order to provide access to the trampoline.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sunken trampoline apparatus configured to be located within in a pit, the apparatus comprising: at least one movable cover platform adapted to be located above a trampoline located within the pit and to be moveable between a first closed position in which the moveable cover platform extends across the trampoline preventing access thereto, and a second open position in which the moveable cover platform is positioned away from the trampoline to provide access thereto; and a trampoline adapted to be moveable between a first stowed position within the pit arid a second deployed position.

The sunken trampoline apparatus of the present invention enables a trampoline to be located within a pit and to be covered by a weight-bearing, movable cover or platform when not in use Ma result, the sunken trampoline apparatus does not detract from the appearance of or restrict access to the outdoor area when not in use. Furthermore, the apparatus of the present invention enables the trampoline to be protected from the outside elements, such as rain; sleet; snow and hail, when not in use. As a result, when required, the trampoline will be able to be used with reduced risk of slippage due to environmental factors. Furthermore, the lifespan of the trampoline may be increased by improved storage when not in use.

The moveable cover platform may be a single; unitary cover platform. Alternatively, the moveable cover platform may comprise a plurality of movable cover platform portions. The plurality of movable cover platform portions may be adapted such that in the first closed position the plurality of movable cover platform portions are located adjacent each other to provide a substantially continuous cover platform configured to extend across the trampoline, and such that in the second open position the plurality of movable cover platform portions are adapted to lower simultaneously, to separate apart from each other and to retract within separate subterranean recesses located at different sides of the pit in order to provide access to the trampoline. In an alternative embodiment the movable cover platform portions are adapted to lower independently one from another in order to separate one from another.

In one embodiment, the moveable cover platform comprises a first arid a second movable cover platform portions. The first and second movable Cover platform portions are preferably adapted such that in the first closed position the first and second movable cover platform portions are located adjacent each other to provide a substantially continuous cover configured to extend across the trampoline, and such that in the second open position the first and second movable cover platform portions are adapted to lower simultaneously, to separate apart from each other arid to retract within separate subterranean recesses located at different sides of the pit in order to provide access to the trampoline.

The apparatus may further comprise a frame. The frame is preferably shaped and dimensioned to be received within the pit. The frame preferably defines at least one subterranean recess. The frame preferably further defines an inner cavity configured to extend in a direction extending substantially parallel to the pit and arranged to receive a trampoline therein. The at least one subterranean recess of the frame is preferably in communication with the inner cavity thereof. In one embodiment, the inner cavity is located substantially centrally within the frame and the at least one subterranean recess extends radially outwardly therefrom. The frame preferably provides a housing for one or more actuators (for example drive mechanisms and motors).

The pit may have an opening of any suitable shape and/or dimensions. For example, the pit may have a circular, oval, square or rectangular opening. In one embodiment, the shape of the trampoline and/or movable cover platform corresponds to the shape of the opening of the pit. For example, the trampoline and/or movable cover platform may for example be circular, oval, square or rectangular in shape. Preferably, the trampoline is rectangular in shape.

In one embodiment, the pit has a rectangular opening, and in which the plurality of movable cover platform portions (for example a first and second movable cover platform portions) bisect a rectangular opening and are adapted to retract within separate subterranean recesses located at different, for example opposite, sides of the pit in order to provide access to the trampoline.

The at least one movable cover platform preferably supports a layer of surface material which is arranged, in the first dosed position, to lie flush with surface material which surrounds edges of the pit.

The plurality of (for example the first and second) movable cover platform portions preferably each support a layer of surface material, and wherein in the first closed position the layers of surface material are arranged to abut one with another and to lie flush with surface material which surrounds edges of the pit.

The layer of surface material may be for example grass, astro-turf, gravel, or paving, flooring, a playing surface or any combination thereof.

The trampoline is preferably adapted to moveable between a first stowed position within the pit and a second deployed position. In the first stowed position, the trampoline is preferably located below the movable cover platform. In the first stowed position, the trampoline is preferably located towards the base of the pit.

In the second deployed position, the trampoline is preferably arranged to lie flush with surface material which surrounds edges of the pit.

The apparatus may further comprise a support frame adapted to support a trampoline thereon.

The apparatus may further comprise one or more actuators adapted to move the trampoline between the first stowed position and second deployed position.

The apparatus may further corn prise at least one actuator adapted to displace the at least one movable cover platform or moveable cover platform portions between the first closed position and the second open position: The apparatus may further comprise at least one actuator adapted to displace the at least one movable cover platform or movable cover platform portions from the second open position within the at least one subterranean recess prior to the at least one movable cover platform or movable cover platform portions being raised, for example in a second direction, to cover the trampoline. The actuator(s) may be adapted to displace the movable cover platform or movable cover platform portions in a first direction from the second position within the at least one subterranean recess. The first direction preferably extends substantially parallel to the surface material which surrounds edges of the pit. The second direction is preferably at an angle to, for example substantially perpendicular to, the first direction.

The actuators used in the apparatus may be selected from: a scissor mechanism driven by a motor or rack and pinion or a hydraulic mechanism or belt driven gears or by one or more electromechanical linear actuator(s).

The apparatus may further comprise a cushioning pad adapted to surround the trampoline in the second open position. The peripheral edge(s) of the cushioning pad preferably fits within an opening that defines the recess.

The subterranean recesses may be formed from any suitable material, such as for example concrete, polymer, metal or any combination thereof.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a sunken trampoline apparatus as herein described, comprising: obtaining at least one subterranean recess configured to be received for locating at a desired subterranean location adjacent and extending into a pit; and obtaining a moveable cover platform and positioning the moveable cover platform above a trampoline located within the pit, in which the moveable cover platform is adapted to be moveable between a first closed position in which the moveable cover platform extends across the trampoline preventing access thereto, and a second open position in which the moveable cover platform is adapted to lower into the pit and to retract within the least one subterranean recess located on at least one side of the pit in order to provide access to the trampoline.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a sunken trampoline apparatus as herein described, comprising: obtaining a trampoline adapted to be moveable between a first stowed position within the pit and a second deployed position; and obtaining at least one movable cover platform and positioning the moveable cover platform above the trampoline located within the pit, in which the movable cover platform is adapted to be moveable between a first closed position in which the moveable cover platform extends across the trampoline preventing access thereto, and a second open position in which the moveable cover platform is positioned away from the trampoline to provide access thereto.

Embodiments of the present invention may now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying Figures:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the sunken trampoline apparatus according a first embodiment of the present invention in the first closed position; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 1 moving between the first closed position and second open position; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 1 moving between the first dosed position and second open position; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 1 in the second open position; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus according a second embodiment of the present invention in the first closed position; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 moving between the first closed position and second open position; Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 moving between the first closed position and second open position; Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 in the second open position; Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5; Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 6; Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 7; Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 8; Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 in the first closed position; Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 moving between the first closed position and second open position; Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 moving between the first closed position and second open position; Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 in the second open position; Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus according a second embodiment of the present invention in the second open position; Figure 18 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 moving between the second open position and the first closed position; Figure 19 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 in the first closed position; Figure 20 is a schematic illustration of a close up view from above of the trampoline and actuator of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5; Figure 21 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 in the second open position with its HO removed; Figure 22 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 in the first closed position; Figure 23 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 in the second open position; Figure 24 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5 in the first closed position; Figure 25 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 5; Figure 26 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention in the first closed position; Figure 27 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 26 as the moving cover platform is moved from the first closed position to the second open position; Figure 28 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 26 as the moving cover platform is moved from the first closed position to the second open position; Figure 29 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the moving cover platform of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 26 as the moving cover platform is moved from the first closed position to the second open position; and then moved as a stacked unit from a landing zone adjacent the trampoline Figure 30 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 26 in the first closed position; Figure 31 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 26 as it is moved from the first closed position to the second open position; Figure 32 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the tram line of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 26 in the second open position; Figure 33 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus according to one embodiment; Figure 34 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus according to one embodiment in the first closed position; Figure 35 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 34 as it is moved from the first closed position to the second open position; Figure 36 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 34 in the second open position; Figure 37 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 34 in the second open position; Figure 38 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus according to one embodiment in the first closed position; Figure 39 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 38 as it is moved from the first closed position to the second open position; Figure 40 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 38 in the second open position; and Figure 41 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the trampoline of the sunken trampoline apparatus of Figure 38 in the second open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the sunken trampoline apparatus 101 is configured to be located within a pit 102. The apparatus 101 comprises a movable cover platform 104 in the form of a hinged pair of moveable cover platform portions 106a, 106b. -1-be moveable cover platform 104 is positioned above a trampoline 108 located within the pit 102.

The moveable cover platform portions 106a, 106b are adapted such that in a first closed position (as shown in Figure 1) the first and second moveable cover platform portions 106a, 106b are located adjacent each other to provide a substantially continuous movable cover portion configured to extend across the trampoline 108 preventing access thereto and shielding the underlying trampoline from external environmental conditions. The upper surface of the movable cover platform 104, in the first closed position, lies substantially flush with the surface material surrounding the pit 102.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first end 110 of the first moveable cover platform portion 106a is hingeably secured to the apparatus 101, for example to a frame (not shown). The opposed second end 112 of the first movable cover platform portion 106a is attached by way of a hinge to the second end 114 of the second movable cover platform portion 106b. The first opposed end 116 of the second movable cover platform portion 106b is a free end.

In use, as shown in Figures 1 to 4: the movable cover platform 104 is movable between a first closed position (Figure 1) and the second open position (Figure 4), providing access to the trampoline 108 within the pit 102, by folding the second movable cover platform portion 106b towards the first movable cover platform potion 106a (Figures 2 and 3). The pair of movable cover platform portions 106a, 1061-) may then be folded to either lie on the surface surrounding the pit 102 or to be received within a recess positioned adjacent the pit 102.

The moveable cover portion 104 may be movable between the first and second positions either manually or by an actuator (not shown).

It is however to be understood that the first and second moveable cover platform portions 106a, 106b may not be secured: for example hingeably secured: to each other. The second cover platform portion 106b may be secured at a first end to an opposed side of the apparatus 101 in a similar manner to the first moveable cover portion 106a. In use, the first and second moveable cover portions 106a, 106b may be folded in a direction away from each other to be received within a corresponding recess located on opposite sides of the pit.

Figures 5 to 16 illustrate the movement of the movable cover platform 204 between the first closed position (Figures 5, 9 and 13) and the second open position (Figures 8, 12 and 15). It can be seen that the movable cover platform 204 is first moved, by an actuator, in a first direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis or depth of the pit 202. The movable cover platform portions 206a, 206b are moved simultaneously in the first direction. In particular, the movable cover platform 204, for example the first and second movable cover platform portions 206a, 206b are first movable in a first direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis or depth of the pit and also substantially perpendicular to the surrounding edges of the pit (Figures 6, 10). The movable cover portion 204 is moved in the first direction until the movable cover portion 204, and in particular the first and second movable cover platform portions 206a, 206b, are positioned adjacent corresponding subterranean recesses 218a, 218b (Figures?, 11, 14).

Each of the movable cover platform portions 206a,206b are then moved away from each other, in opposite directions, by an actuator, along an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or depth of the pit and also substantially parallel to the surrounding edges of the pit (Figures 8, 12 and 15).

Although the illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of movable cover platform portions, it is to be understood that the apparatus may comprise any suitable number of movable cover platform portions. The apparatus may comprise a single movable cover portion, or more than two movable cover platform portions, Once the movable cover platform portions have been moved to the second open position, the trampoline is moved from the stowed position towards the base of the pit and the deployed position for use.

VVith reference to Figures 17 to 24, the trampoline 306 is supported on a support frame 320 and actuators 322 are used to move the trampoline 308 between the first stowed position and second deployed position. The actuator 322 is operable to move the trampoline 308 in a direction extending substantially parallel to the depth of the pit and/or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface surrounding the pit.

The actuators used in the apparatus may be selected from: a scisso mechanism driven by a motor or rack and pinion or a hydraulic mechanism.

Although the embodiments illustrates a rectangular shaped pit and a rectangular shaped trampoline, it is to be understood that the pit and the trampoline may have any suitable shape and dimensions.

With reference to Figure 25, the apparatus 401 further comprises a frame 424 for housing the actuator (for example drive mechanisms and motor) and to support the movable cover platform 404. The frame 424 defines an inner cavity 426 configured to extend in a direction extending substantially parallel to the pit 402 and arranged to support the trampoline 408 thereon. The frame also provides two subterranean recesses in communication with the inner cavity 426 and located on opposite sides thereof. The frame 424 may be composed of any suitable material, preferably metal.

With reference to Figures 26 to 29, the apparatus 501 comprises a movable cover platform 504 in the form of four hingeably connected moveable cover platform portions 506a-d. The moveable cover platform 504 is positioned above a trampoline 508 located within the pit 502.

The moveable cover platform portions 506a-500d are adapted such that in a first closed position (as shown in Figure 26) the moveable cover platform portions 506a-500d are located adjacent each other to provide a substantially continuous movable cover portion configured to extend across the trampoline 508 preventing access thereto and shielding the underlying trampoline from external environmental conditions. The upper surface of the movable cover platform 504, in the first closed position, lies substantially flush with the surface material surrounding the pit 502.

In the illustrated embodiment, the moveable cover platform portion 506a-d are hinge.ably connected to each other and also slide* mounted on a pair of spaced apart rails 507a, 507b.

In use, the moveable cover platform portions 506a-d are folded towards each other and are moved, by sliding, along the rails 507a, 507b such that the moveable cover platform 504 is positioned away from the trampoline 508.

With reference to Figures 30 to 41, the trampoline 508 is supported on a support frame 520 and actuators 522 are used to move the trampoline 508 between the first stowed position and second deployed position. The actuator 522 is operable to move the trampoline 508 in a direction extending substantially parallel to the depth of the pit and/or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface surrounding the pit.

The actuators 522 used in the apparatus may be selected from: a linear screw actuator (Figure 33), a scissor mechanism driven (Figures 34 to 37), a hydraulic mechanism, or a piston actuator (Figures 38 to This embodiment may also be referred to as a b -fold configuration, Variation may be made to the aforementioned embodiments, without departing from the scope of protection, as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A sunken trampoline apparatus configured to be located within in a pit, the apparatus comprising at least one movable cover platform, the moveable cover platform adapted to be located above a trampoline located within a pit and to be moveable between a first closed position in which the moveable cover platform extends across the trampoline preventing access thereto, and a second open position in which the moveable cover platform is adapted to lower into the pit and to retract within at least one subterranean recess located on at least one side of the pit in order to provide access to the trampoline, (-J A sunken trampoline apparatus configured to be located within in a pit, the apparatus comprising: at least one movable cover platform, the moveable cover platform adapted to be located above a trampoline located within the pit and to be moveable between a first closed position in which the moveabie cover platform extends across the trampoline preventing access thereto, and a second open position in which the moveable cover platform is positioned away from the trampoline to provide access thereto; and a trampoline adapted to be moveable between a first stowed position within the pit and a second deployed position 3. A sunken trampoline apparatus according to either of claims 1 and 2; the moveable cover platform comprises a first and a second movable platform portions, in which the first and second movable cover platform portions are adapted such that in the first closed position the first and second movable cover platform portions are located adjacent each other to provide a substantially continuous cover configured to extend across the trampoline, and such that in the second open position the first and second movable cover platform portions are adapted to lower simultaneously, to separate apart from each other and to retract within separate subterranean recesses located at different sides of the pit in order to provide access to the trampoline.4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pit has a rectangular opening, and in which the first and second movable cover platform portions bisect a rectangular opening and are adapted to retract within separate subterranean recesses located at opposite sides of the pit in order to provide access to the trampoline.rz Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one movable cover platform supports a layer of surface material which is arranged, in the first closed position, to lie flush with surface material which surrounds edges of the pit.6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first and second movable cover platform portions each support a layer of surface material, and wherein in the first closed position the layers of surface material are arranged to abut one with another and to lie flush with surface material which surrounds edges of the pit.7. A sunken trampoline apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a frame arranged to be received within the pit, in which the frame defines an inner cavity configured to extend in a direction extending substantially parallel to the pit and arranged to receive a trampoline therein, and at least one subterranean recess in comunication with the inner cavity thereof.8. A sunken trampoline apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which the at least one subterranean recess extends radially outwardly from the inner cavity of the frame.9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the trampoline rectangular.10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the trampoline is adapted to moveable between a first stowed position within the pit and a second deployed position.11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which in the second deployed position the trampoline is arranged to lie flush with surface material which surrounds edges of the pit.12. Apparatus according to either of claims 10 and 1 1, further comprising a support frame supporting the trampoline, and one or more actuators adapted to move the trampoline between the first stowed position and second deployed position.13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one actuator adapted to displace the at least one movable cover platform or moveable cover platform portions between the first closed position and the second open position.14.Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one actuator adapted to displace the at least one movable cover platform or movable cover platform portions from the second open position within the at least one subterranean recess prior to the at least one movable cover platform or movable cover platform portions being raised to cover the trampoline.15.Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cushioning pad adapted to surround the trampoline in the second open position.16.Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein a peripheral edge of the cushioning pad fits within an opening that defines the recess.17. A sunken trampoline apparatus configured to be located within in a pit, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of hingeably connected movable cover platform portions configured to provide a moveable cover platform, in which the moveable cover platform portions are slidably mounted on a pair of spaced apart guide rails, and in which the moveable cover platform is adapted to be located above a trampoline located within the pit and to be siidably and hingeably moveable between a first closed position in which the moveable cover platform extends across the trampoline preventing access thereto, and a second open position in which the moveable cover platform is positioned away from the trampoline to provide access thereto; and a trampoline adapted to be moveable between a first stowed position within the pit and a second deployed position.187. A method of producing a sunken trampoline apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising: obtaining at least one subterranean recess configured to be received for locatina at a desired subterranean location adjacent and extending into a pit; and obtaining a moveable cover platform and positioning the moveable cover platform above a trampoline located within the pit, in which the moveable cover platform is adapted to be moveable between a first closed position in which the moveable cover platform extends across the trampoline preventing access thereto, and a second open position in which the moveable cover platform is adapted to lower into the pit and to retract within the least one subterranean recess located on at least one side of the pit in order to provide access to the trampoline.19. A method of producing a sunken trampoline apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising: obtaining a trampoline adapted to be moveable between a first stowed position within the pit and a second deployed position; and obtaining at least, one movable cover platform and positioning the moveable cover platform above the trampoline located within the pit, in which the movable cover platform is adapted to be moveable between a first closed position in which the moveable cover platform extends across the trampoline preventing access thereto, and a second open position in which the moveable cover platform is positioned away from the trampoline to provide access thereto.