EP0779401B1 - Covering device for part of a pool, i.e. a swimming pool, such as stair or similar - Google Patents

Abstract

The extension is designed to cover a section adjacent to the main pool, e.g. steps. The extension consists of a supporting bar (12) which lies in line with the edge (4) of the swimming pool. It is provided with fastenings for an additional covering layer (14) which corresponds in shape to the adjacent pool section (10). The edge (15) of the additional covering layer (14) is equipped with tensioners (16) in the form of straps or elastic strips. The supporting bar is equipped with spikes or other fastenings to fix it relative to the pool edge (4).

Description

The invention relates to a method of covering a pelvis of the pool type with a projection such as a staircase or similar, at least on one of its borders main longitudinal by means of a bar cover transverse. The invention relates to a cover for placing implementing this process and comprising a main covering provided with transverse bars provided able to extend transversely above the basin while coming to rest at level of their ends on the longitudinal edges principal of the latter.

The present invention relates, more particularly, to the field of means for covering basins, such as swimming pools, in particular made from a sheet of material flexible.

We already know several recovery devices pool type pool, in the form of a cover in one flexible material. Such recovery devices are distinguish either by their specific properties or by because of more technical features that allow them meet specific criteria including security.

Thus, it is known covering devices, still so-called winter covers, which can come in shape of an opaque net or blanket that we just stretch using peripheral bungee cords above the pelvis. It is also known the bubble blanket which rests usually on the surface of the water and which aims to promote the transfer of calories produced by energy solar, pool water.

In addition, in the category of basins that are able to meet criteria for security, we know, especially, the covers with bars. More specifically, the cover, consisting of a sheet of flexible material, is provided at a distance regular, of support bars extending transversely above of the pelvis resting on the longitudinal edges of this last.

So as to facilitate the covering and uncovering of a swimming pool, these different types of covering devices are often rollable. Especially in the first two scenario, there is often a roller mounted in rotation, on supports, if necessary provided with means of rolling. Therefore, thanks to training means the rotation control of the roller allows the progressive winding on the latter, of the cover.

In the context of a bar cover, one of these bars located at one end of the basin, is provided with a nozzle under shape of an operating square on which a manual or motorized drive mechanism. Thus, by rotating this support bar, it progresses along the longitudinal edges of the basin from where results in the wrapping of the cover. We understand, from now on and already, that in this case, it is preferable that this winding is carried out as regularly as possible, to prevent the cover from shifting, gradually, relative to the pelvis. Indeed, in such a case and at the very moment of deploying said cover again, it tends to go awry above the pelvis and very quickly the support bars no longer rest, at one of their ends, on the longitudinal edge of said basin so that the cover dips inside the latter.

Also, in case of irregular winding, it is necessary, frequently, during the coverage process, readjusting, several times, the positioning of said cover in relation to the basin.

If, now, the latter has a protrusion laterally, that is to say, in a direction substantially transverse to that of the longitudinal axis of the basin and therefore the axis of winding and unwinding of the cover, this is problematic to cover these corresponding parts, the more frequently, on stairs or the like.

For the moment we are content to fix, laterally, on the cover, a piece of sheet of flexible material, dimensions corresponding to those of the defining part the outgrowth. So while the cover is being rolled up, this piece of side cover sheet is folded over of the main part. Now, this extra thickness created locally and laterally at the duct cover, necessarily, to an irregular winding of the latter and difficulty repositioning it again above the pelvis during its deployment.

In addition, it will be observed that it is not always easy to fold the side cover sheet over the cover, taking care that it does not form folds. This operation is in any case dangerous for the operator who can fall into the pool at any time.

In the particular case of a bar cover, this section side cover sheet also tends to be damaged very quickly so that it is necessary to proceed with replacing it more frequently.

The part forming the protrusion further creates a discontinuity at the longitudinal edges of the pelvis. Also, it is necessary to substitute, for the absence of border, a support profile on which are able to rest, at height from their corresponding end, the support bars of the main cover. This also allows progression continuous of these support bars along the longitudinal edges of the basin during winding and unfolding of said blanket.

Also, it will be noted that it is necessary, in all cases, to systematically remove and install said profile support after each winding of the cover and before deployment of the latter.

• d'éviter un enroulement et un déroulement irrégulier de la couverture principale d'un bassin même si celui-ci comporte une excroissance latérale qu'il convient de recouvrir également ;
• empêcher une détérioration accélérée du dispositif de recouvrement correspondant à la partie créant l'excroissance latérale au niveau du bassin ;
• faciliter la pose et la dépose de ce dispositif de recouvrement et rendre, dans tous les cas, ces opérations non dangereuses.

The present invention is intended to be able to respond advantageously to the aforementioned problems. Consequently, the object of this invention is:

• avoid winding and uneven unwinding of the main cover of a pool even if it has a lateral protrusion that should also be covered;
• prevent accelerated deterioration of the covering device corresponding to the part creating the lateral protuberance at the level of the pelvis;
• facilitate the installation and removal of this covering device and make these operations non-dangerous in all cases.

• on étend, dans un premier temps, au-dessus de l'excroissance un dispositif de recouvrement comportant, d'une part, une barre support à même de s'étendre, dans le prolongement de ladite bordure longitudinale principale, au-dessus de la partie constituant l'excroissance et, d'autre part, une feuille de recouvrement en un matériau souple solidarisée à ladite barre support et aux dimensions correspondant à celle de ladite partie ;
• puis on vient déployer la couverture au-dessus dudit bassin, dans sa direction longitudinale, de manière que les barres transversales viennent reposer, au niveau de leurs extrémités, selon le cas, sur les bordures longitudinales principales de ce bassin ou sur la barre support.

To this end, the invention relates to a method of covering a basin comprising a projection, such as a staircase or the like, at at least one of its main longitudinal edges by means of a cover with transverse bars. characterized in that:

• a covering device is firstly extended above the protrusion comprising, on the one hand, a support bar capable of extending, in the extension of said main longitudinal edge, above the part constituting the protrusion and, on the other hand, a cover sheet of a flexible material secured to said support bar and to the dimensions corresponding to that of said part;
• then the cover is deployed over said basin, in its longitudinal direction, so that the transverse bars come to rest, at their ends, as the case may be, on the main longitudinal edges of this basin or on the support bar.

The invention also relates to a cover for placing work of this process comprising a main cover provided provided cross bars capable of extending transversely above the basin while coming to rest, at level of their ends, on the longitudinal edges main of the latter, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a covering device provided with a support bar able to extend, in line with the said main longitudinal border, above the part constituting the projection, with this support bar being an overlapping sheet made of a flexible material the dimensions corresponding to those of said part and comprising, at the peripheral edge, means for placing under tension, of the strap type, Sandow or the like, means being still provided for immobilizing said support bar relative to at the main longitudinal border of the basin on which it rests at its extremities.

The advantages obtained thanks to this invention consist in that that the covering of a part forming a protrusion lateral, at the level of a basin such as a swimming pool, is with great ease and, in any case, does not constitute no discomfort during recovery operations and discovery of the main part of this basin. Indeed, the recovery device is independent of the cover main. Consequently, this can be easily rolled up and unrolled, whether it is a bar cover, a solar blanket or a blanket wintering.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématisée et en perspective d'un bassin, du type piscine, recouvert par une couverture principale à barres, tandis que la partie formant une excroissance latérale est, elle, recouverte au moyen d'un dispositif de recouvrement complétant la couverture conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue schématisée et en perspective d'un tel dispositif de recouvrement ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe de ce dispositif de recouvrement;
• la figure 4 illustre, selon un autre mode d'exécution, des moyens pour immobiliser la barre support du dispositif de recouvrement par rapport aux bordures principales du bassin, tout particulièrement lorsque l'on vient mettre sous tension la feuille de recouvrement correspondant à ce dispositif.

The invention is set out below in more detail using a drawing representing only embodiments.

• FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pool, of the swimming pool type, covered by a main bar cover, while the part forming a lateral protuberance is covered by means of a covering device completing the cover according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of such a covering device;
• Figure 3 is a sectional view of this covering device;
• FIG. 4 illustrates, according to another embodiment, means for immobilizing the support bar of the covering device with respect to the main edges of the basin, very particularly when the covering sheet corresponding to this device is tensioned .

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention seeks to solve a problem of covering pool 1 of the pool type.
In fact, such a basin 1 has a longitudinal 2 and transverse direction 3. It is moreover delimited by main longitudinal edges 4, 5 and transverse edges 6, 7.

It will be observed, in this regard, that if the basin 1, represented in Figure 1 has a generally rectangular shape, the present invention is in no way limited to such configuration, knowing, for example, that it concerns, also, ovoid, kidney-shaped or other basins. Anyway, it is common to cover these basins with by means of a main cover 8 in the form of a sheet in flexible material, of the tarpaulin, net or similar type. So a such main cover is deployed above basin 1, in its longitudinal direction 2. Note, in this regard, that it can be provided rollable or foldable accordion.

It will be indicated, by way of example, that there are covers 8 so-called wintering, frequently in the form of a net or opaque cover that has just been stretched, using bungee cords, on the periphery of the pelvis 1. Furthermore, we know solar blankets, called bubbles, which, frequently rest on water, knowing that there are also solar blankets capable of being stretched over the basin and having the function of ensuring a cushion of hot air most importantly limiting heat loss at night.

Figure 1 illustrates a particular type of cover and says security, comprising a plurality of cross bars 9 extending equidistantly transversely above to basin 1 while coming to rest, at their ends, on the main longitudinal edges 4, 5 of this last. To these cross bars 9 is made integral the cover sheet made of a flexible material which we just ensure the power on, on the periphery, using straps, bungee cords or the like.

Arises under such conditions, the problem of covering parts 10 of this basin 1 forming a lateral protuberance, that is to say extending in a substantially transverse direction 3. Thus, such parts 10, forming protrusion, may correspond either to stairs which again may have taken different forms as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, or to a basin of reduced depth or the like.
Thus the cover according to the invention comprises, in addition to the main cover 8, a covering device allowing the user to cover, independently, this part 10 of the pelvis 1. This corresponds, to a vision of things which is contrary to what was done, until then, and which consisted in equipping the main cover 8, at its lateral edge 11, with a piece of cover sheet with dimensions adjusted to said part 10 and which has just been extended, above the latter using bungee cords.

The disadvantages of this solution have been widely exposed in the introductory part of this description.

In fact, the covering device according to the invention is distinguished by a support bar 12 capable of extending in the extension of the main longitudinal border 4, above of said part 10 constituting the lateral projection at the level of the pelvis 1. Furthermore, at this support bar 12 is made integral, by appropriate means 13, a sheet of covering in flexible material 14 whose dimensions correspond to those of part 10 to be covered. The edge peripheral 15, except in the part where the bar is located support 12, this cover sheet 14 further comprises, means 16 for putting them under tension, such as straps, bungee cords or the like.

Finally, means 17 are provided for immobilizing said support bar 12 relative to the longitudinal edge main 4 on which it rests at the level of its ends 18, 19.

In fact, thus immobilizing the support bar 12 and ensuring perfect tensioning of the sheet covering 14, the covering device, according to the invention, brings together all the characteristics to meet the security criteria required by bar cover material.

Note, in this regard, that thanks to the continuity created by the support bar 12 at the longitudinal edge main 4, interrupted due to growth formed by part 10, it is easy to deploy or roll up the main cover 8 above basin 1, in its longitudinal direction 2. In particular, in the context a bar cover, said transverse bars 9 are able to evolve, then to rest on this support bar 12.

An embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3 simplified means 17 for immobilizing the support bar 12 on the main longitudinal border 4 of the pelvis 1. Such immobilization means 17 are, in fact, in the form of pegs 20 passing through apertures 21 machined in the ends 18, 19 of said support bar 12 and inserted into holes 22 drilled in said longitudinal border main 4, for example in the coping such as illustrated in figure 3.

One can still imagine equipping these ends 18, 19 of the support bar 12 of straps or other devices for attaching to even to constitute said means of immobilization 17.

In addition, according to another embodiment, said bar support 12 is immobilized on the main longitudinal edge 4 of basin 1 by making it integral with the main cover 8 thanks to retractable connecting means which can be consider different modes of execution, for example in the form straps, bungee cords, snaps, hooks or the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates a more particular embodiment as part of a bar cover 8. So some of the transverse bars 9 of the latter rest, at the height of their end 23, on the support bar 12. In fact, the bars transverse concerned can be provided, precisely to this end 23 and on their underside 24, a notch 25 in which the support bar 12 is housed so as to secure it on the longitudinal edge main 4 of basin 1, especially when placing under covering sheet tension 14.

Ultimately, the energizing means 16 of this cover sheet 14 can, per se, provide the immobility of the support bar 12, in particular when they are properly distributed on the peripheral border 15.

The connection between the cover sheet 14 and the bar support 12 can be envisaged in different ways. So, said cover sheet 14 may be provided with a sheath to accommodate this support bar 12. It is also possible to equip this cover sheet 14 of a rod capable of being inserted into a groove 26 fitted at the level of the profile constituting the support bar 12. Such an embodiment is more particularly visible in Figures 3 and 4. Note, in this regard, that it is advantageous to design this profile constituting a bar support 12, symmetrically with respect to its median plane vertical 27, allowing its reversibility.

In addition, it will be observed that the section of this profile is determined so that its inertia is sufficient to withstand a given load, for example the weight of a individual. However, to prevent the support bar 12 from creates, however, too much extra thickness at of the main longitudinal border 4 of the basin 1, said support bar 12 has, at its ends 18, 19, parts 28, 29 of thickness 30 as reduced as possible. Note that these parts 28, 29 can be in the form end caps 31 fitted at the ends of the profile, especially aluminum, corresponding to the support bar 12. Au if the profile is provided with grooves 26, these are preferably extend at the end pieces 31.

As emerges from the above description, the present invention advantageously solves the problem which, usually, the overlapping of parts forming protuberances, laterally, at the level of pools of the swimming pool type. Thus, the covering of such a part no longer constitutes, as in the past, a discomfort for the winding, for example, of a cover with bars coming to cover the main part of this basin 1.
It should be noted in this connection that the support bar 12 can advantageously constitute means for winding the covering sheet 14. It is therefore no longer necessary, in this case, to fold this sheet overlap 14 on the main cover 8. Which previously represented a real danger for the user.

With regard to said cover sheet 14, it has been stated above that it conformed to the dimensions of part 10 of the pelvis 1. However, contrary to what has shown in Figure 2, this cover sheet 14 preferably retain a parallelepiped shape, which facilitates the design of the hem on the periphery. In addition, said cover sheet 14 being completely independent of the sheet of flexible material defining the cover main 8 it can be made of enough material resistant and thick avoiding to double it at the edge device intended to rest on the edge of the basin, by example, on the copings. Anyway, if such lining is required, a parallelepiped shape in makes design easier.

Claims (14)

1. Process for covering a basin (1) including an excrescence (10), such as stairs or the like, at the level of at least one of its main longitudinal edges (4, 5), by means of a cover (8) with cross-bars (9), characterised in that:

   in a first time is extended, above the excrescence (10), a covering device including, on the one hand, a supporting bar (12) capable of extending, in the extension of said main longitudinal edge (4), above the portion (10) forming the excrescence and, on the other hand, a covering sheet (14) made of a flexible material and made integral with said supporting bar (12) and the size of which corresponds to that of said portion (10) ;

   afterwards, the cover (8) is unfolded over said basin (1), in its longitudinal direction, so that the cross-bars (9) rest, at the level of their ends, as the case may be, on the main longitudinal edges (4, 5) of this basin or on the supporting bar (12).
2. Process according to claim 1, characterised in that :

   the supporting bar (12) is immobilised with respect to the main longitudinal edge (4) of the basin (1) on which it rests at the level of its ends (18, 19) ;

   the covering sheet (14) is tightened through tightening means (16) , such as a strap, Sandow or the like, the peripheral edge (15) is provided with.
3. Cover for implementing the process according to any of claims 1 and 2, for covering a basin (1) including an excrescence (10), such as stairs or the like, at the level of at least one of its main longitudinal edges (4, 5), including a main cover (8) provided with cross-bars (9) so designed as to be capable of extending transversally above the basin (1) while resting, at the level of their ends, on the main longitudinal edges (4, 5) of the latter, characterised in that it also includes a covering device provided with a supporting bar (12) capable of extending, in the extension of said main longitudinal edge (4), above the portion (10) forming the excrescence, with this supporting bar (12) being made integral a covering sheet (14) made of a flexible material the size of which corresponds to that of said portion (10) and including, at the peripheral edge (15), tightening means (16) , such as a strap, Sandow or the like, means (17) being also provided for immobilising said supporting bar (12) with respect to the main longitudinal edge (4) of the basin (1) on which it rests at the level of its ends (18, 19).
4. Cover according to claim 3, characterised in that the immobilising means (17) are in the form of eye bolts (20) passing through openings (21) provided for in the ends (18, 19) of the supporting bar (12) and inserted into holes (22) provided for in said main longitudinal edge (4) of the basin (1).
5. Cover according to claim 3, characterised in that the immobilising means (17) are in the form of securing devices, such as straps, the ends (18, 19) of the supporting bar (12) are provided with.
6. Cover according to claim 3, characterised in that the immobilising means (17) are in the form of retractable connecting means, such as straps, Sandows, pressure buttons, hooks or the like, capable of making the supporting bar (12) integral with the main cover (8) covering the basin (1).
7. Cover according to claim 6, characterised in that said retractable connecting means are in the form of notches (25) provided for on the bottom (24) and at the corresponding end (23) of the cross-bars (9), aimed at resting on the supporting bar (12), the latter positioning itself in these notches (25), so as to ensure its immobilisation on the main longitudinal edge (4) of said basin (1) .
8. Cover according to claim 3, characterised in that the immobilising means (17) are substantially formed by the means for tightening (16) the covering sheet (14) distributed over the peripheral edge (15) of the latter.
9. Cover according to any of the preceding claims 3 to 8, characterised in that the means (13) ensuring the connection between the supporting bar (12) and the covering sheet (14) are in the form of a sheathing the latter is provided with and allowing receiving said supporting bar (12).
10. Cover according to any of claims 3 to 8, characterised in that the supporting bar (12) is in the form of a profile bar with a groove (26) capable of receiving a retaining bar the covering sheet (14) is provided with, with a view to ensuring the connection between the latter and said supporting bar (12).
11. Cover according to any of claims 3 to 10, characterised in that the supporting bar (12) includes, at the level of its ends (18, 19) , portions (28, 29) of a reduced thickness (30).
12. Cover according to claim 11, characterised in that the portions (28, 29) are in the form of tips (31) inserted onto the ends of the profile bar, viz. made of aluminium, corresponding to the supporting bar (12).
13. Cover according to any of the preceding claims 3 to 12, characterised in that the supporting bar (12) forms the means for rolling up the covering sheet (14).
14. Cover according to any of the preceding claims 3 to 13, characterised in that the covering sheet (14), while having dimensions depending on those of the portion (10) forming an excrescence at the level of the basin (1), has a parallelepipedal shape.

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