EP1981601B1 - Removable device allowing stationary swimming in an above-ground swimming pool or self-supporting swimming pool - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for stationary swimming in an above-ground or self-supporting swimming pool includes an item of equipment intended to surround the body of a swimmer, a flexible tether fastened at one end to the item of equipment, and at least one attachment pole with at least one hitching point for fastening to the other end of the tether. The base of the attachment pole is removable manner and has at least one anchoring plate extending laterally with respect to the base of the pole. The plate has an elongate shape and a size such that a large portion of its length can be slipped beneath one of the ends of a water basin lying on the ground. The mass of water contained in the basin firmly blocks the pole, thereby immobilizing and stabilizing the attachment pole.

Description

The present invention relates to a removable device for stationary swimming in an above ground pool or freestanding pool.

More specifically, the invention relates to a device for swimming stationary in a pool capable of containing a relatively small volume of water, in particular a small pool, preferably removable or above ground.

It is in particular envisaged to apply the invention for stationary swimming in small aboveground pools, such as removable pools, for example consisting of a sealed and flexible pocket or liner held in shape by a rigid or flexible peripheral structure, the invention to evolve in the center of said pools, for confirmed swimmers with or without palm or for swimmers beginners or undergoing learning.

The invention is also applicable to the equipment of pools or swimming pools intended to be used for fitness or rehabilitation, under medical supervision or otherwise, of persons suffering from diseases or accidents and for whom the practice of swimming in large pools would be premature and discouraged, even dangerous.

Most water basins for stationary swimming use elastic or non-elastic ties connecting the swimmer equipped with a harness or lap belt to one or more fixed points on the edge of the pool or on the bottom. of the swimming pool. The invention relates to a system implementing a method of this kind.

In documents U.S. 4,247,096 , U.S. 4,577,859 , U.S. 4,527,795 , U.S. 6,251,049 GB-214,800 , GB-2,382,525 , WO-2002/09824 , WO-2004/012827 the swimmer is connected via an elastic or inelastic link ( U.S. 4,527,795 ), or at a fixed point generally consisting of a ring secured to the edge of the pool or a rigid structure moored fixedly in one of the end edges of the pool, ie at the upper part of a mast rigidly implanted in the ground, outside the pool, so as to block or mitigate the effects of progression of the pool. swimmer in the pool.

The devices described in the aforementioned documents necessarily apply to swimming pools or swimming pools made of a solid and rigid material for fixing the points of attachment to the walls of said basins or pools or to a mast implanted in the ground, outside and close to these.

The aforementioned known devices do not allow their implementation on removable flexible pools, such as those formed of a water bag supported by an inflatable ring or more generally, those consisting of a liner placed on the ground, the surface bottom, resting directly on the ground, may not be perfectly flat.

In addition, swimming pools having one or more anchoring points on their edges present a source of potential injury, for example during water games by children, and also offer an unsightly appearance by the presence of auxiliary devices. set on the edge of the pools.

The invention proposes to provide a simple and economical solution to the aforementioned problems not solved by the methods and devices of the state of the art.

According to the invention, this object is achieved through a device as claimed in the appended claims.

This device can be used on all pools, flexible, such as those consisting of a liner or rigid, such as swimming pools described in the state of the art or any other pool, by the development of a point fixed removable held by said pool.

This removable device can be used punctually on pools, to keep the original aesthetic appearance of said pools without changing their structures. In addition, the absence of asperity on the edge or edge of the pool, can anticipate any risk of injury, for example when young children play water games.

• La figure 1 est une vue de côté, à caractère schématique, et en coupe longitudinale, d'un exemple de réalisation du dispositif de nage mis en oeuvre dans une piscine du genre "autoportée" à anneau gonflable, et maintenu sur le sol par ladite piscine.
• La figure 2 est une vue de face de l'extrémité de la piscine équipée de ce dispositif de nage.
• La figure 3 est une vue de côté de la semelle d'ancrage du dispositif de nage.
• La figure 4 est une vue de dessus de la figure 3.
• La figure 5 est une vue arrière de cette semelle d'ancrage.
• La figure 6 est une vue de face du mât d'accrochage du lien du dispositif de nage.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the following description, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

• The figure 1 is a side view, in schematic form, and in longitudinal section, of an embodiment of the swimming device used in a swimming pool of the kind "freestanding" inflatable ring, and maintained on the ground by said pool.
• The figure 2 is a front view of the end of the swimming pool equipped with this swimming device.
• The figure 3 is a side view of the anchor plate of the swimming device.
• The figure 4 is a top view of the figure 3 .
• The figure 5 is a rear view of this anchor plate.
• The figure 6 is a front view of the hooking mast of the linkage of the swimming device.

Reference is made to the said drawings to describe an interesting example, although in no way limiting, of making and implementing the device according to the invention.

In the description and the claims of the present Application, the expression "above ground" and the word "freestanding" designate pools that land on the ground S without costly preparation (no earthwork), the soil being only leveled and disposed of prominent roots and undesirable pebbles.

We have shown, at the figure 1 , a removable above ground pool 1 equipped with a removable device allowing stationary swimming. According to the interesting application illustrated, this pool is of the kind known per se comprising a sealed and flexible pouch 1a or liner, held in shape by an inflatable peripheral flange 1b and resting directly on the ground S, in the position of use.

The device for stationary swimming comprises an equipment 2 intended to be placed around the body of a swimmer N and which may be constituted by a belt, a harness, a harness or the like, preferably with a quick hitch and a flexible link of retaining 3, fixed or attached, by means of one of its ends equipped with a quick coupling system, said equipment.

The swimmer (N) is hooked to one of the ends of the flexible link 3, via a wide pelvic belt 2 or a harness, fast attachment and release, adjustable with a point of attachment or grip, in the back in the middle of the kidneys of the swimmer (N). Said belt 2, or harness, is made of a material that is inert with respect to products commonly used in swimming pools.

The flexible retaining link 3 is advantageously constituted by a link provided with an elastic elongation capacity such as a cord or an elastic strap or similar device.

According to a characteristic arrangement, the device according to the invention further comprises at least one rigid attachment mast 4 provided, in its upper portion, with at least one attachment point 5 allowing the attachment of the other end of the link of FIG. retainer 3, and at least one anchor plate 6 fixed, or arranged to be removably attached, to the base of said attachment mast.

The attachment mast 4 may be formed by a rigid tube, for example made of aluminum, carbon fiber or aramid resin such as "Kevlar" (registered trademark), preferably of cylindrical section. According to the illustrated example ( figure 6 ) the tube is bent in its upper part to form two legs 7 spaced apart from each other and ending in their lower part by two rectilinear sections 8. In their upper part the legs 7, are joined by reinforcements transverse staggered bars 9a, 9b, 9c, preferably formed by rectangular flat bars, fixed spaced to said legs 7, for example by welding, thermo-welding, or bonding, and pierced with a hole 5a, 5b, 5c in their center.

The spaced transverse reinforcements 9a, 9b, 9c associated, respectively, with the holes 5a, 5b, 5c, form fixed attachment points of the retaining link 3.

According to the illustrated example, the actual fastening mast 4 is intended to be rigidly fixed, removably, on two anchoring flanges 6.

In this case, the lower portions 8 of the legs 7 are provided with holes 10 with axes perpendicular to said parts and intended to allow the passage of the rod of a fastener (not shown).

Of course, the attachment mast could consist of a single fixed column, through its base, or arranged to be fixed on a single anchor (6).

The anchor plate 6 or each anchor plate 6 may be permanently attached to the lower end of the leg or legs 7 of the attachment mast itself 4, or removably attached to said end by any system and suitable fasteners.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the device according to the invention comprises two anchoring flanges 6 each fixing at the lower end 8 of a leg 7 of the attachment mast 4.

The anchor plate 6 or each anchor plate 6 extends laterally with respect to the base of the fastening mast 4, it consists mainly of a plate 12 having an elongate shape and a length L such that the major part I of this length can be slid below one of the ends of an above-ground or self-supporting water basin, so as to be firmly locked in the stationary position by the weight of the water contained in the basin.

The anchor plate 6 or each anchor plate 6 has a flat surface 12a of ground support and is provided on its upper surface with means for its removable attachment to the lower end 8 of at least one leg 7 of the attachment mast 4.

According to the illustrated example, each anchor plate 6 is provided, on its upper face, with a tube 11 disposed near its rear end and defining the portion I of its length intended to be slid under one of the ends. from the pool resting on the ground.

In the assembly position, the rectilinear lower portions 8 of the legs 7 fit into the tubes 11 of the soles 6 of the stationary swimming device, said tubes having a section, for example circular and in line with the shape of the straight lower portions 8 legs 7, and slightly greater than the section of said parts 8 of said legs 7, to be inserted and extracted without forcing. The tube 11 has transverse holes 13 pierced, at a spacing identical to the spacing formed for the holes 10 of the legs 7, so that the rod of a fastening means, for example consisting of a screw and a nut, it can pass through the holes 10 and the holes 13, thus making the mast 4 and the two anchoring flanges 6 integral, when the mast 4 is inserted and locked in said tubes 11.

The tube 11 is tilted backwards by an angle allowing, after positioning the mast 4, to obtain an inclination of the latter towards the outside. of the pool, the attachment mast thus implanted forming an obtuse angle, for example of the order of 100 ° with the plate 12.

The tube 11 may be reinforced by at least one rib 14, disposed mainly behind it for containing the forces of the mast 4 and to stiffen said tube 11.

The position of the holes 13 makes it possible to mount and fix the mast 4 and the flanges 6 in such a way that the main axis (a) of said flanges is disposed orthogonally with respect to the line connecting the base of the two legs 7 of the mast 4 .

The anchor plate 6 or each anchor plate 6 may be made of a material similar to that of the mast 4 and may have on its upper face, a rib disposed along its main axis (a), this rib being made directly by stamping or being reported, for example by welding an inverted "V" shaped bent plate.

The tubes 11 serving as housings for the lower parts 8 of the legs 7 of the mast 4 are rigidly fixed to the flat plate 12, for example by welding, thermo-welding or gluing, and are stiffened by at least the rib 14. The ends of the flat plate 12 forming the sole 6 have non-aggressive rounded shapes and said plate has a shape tapering towards the front.

The holes 5a, 5b, 5c pierced in the stepped reinforcing bars 9a, 9b, 9c, of the mast 4 represent different fixed points 5, allowing the attachment of the elastic retaining link 3 according to different heights, making it possible to adjust the inclination of said restraining link to the horizontal formed by the water surface contained in the pool.

Adjusting the inclination of the elastic retaining link 3, by modifying the fixed attachment point 5, adapts the swimming device at the swimmer (N) moving in the pool. For swimmers with a very good level of swimming, the attachment of the elastic band 3 to the mast 4 must be at the lowest point of anchorage 5c. Conversely, for novice swimmers, the attachment of the elastic band 3 to mast 4 shall be at the highest anchorage point 5a allowing support of the swimmer (N). At least one intermediate attachment point 5b makes it possible to adjust the inclination of the elastic at the different levels of the swimmers present in the swimming pool.

It is understood that the device according to the invention can be easily and quickly installed, by one person, on a pool type above-ground freestanding current. It suffices, after having, if necessary, fitted and blocked the lower end of the mast 4 or legs 7 thereof, in the anchoring soles or 6, to slide this or these insoles 6 of elongated shape extending laterally relative to the axis of the mast 4 or legs 7 of the latter, under the end of the pool before full watering thereof and then hook the retaining link 3 to attachment mast and to the body equipment 2, respectively. The removal of the device can be done just as easily and quickly.

Claims (10)

1. An apparatus permitting stationary swimming in an above-ground or self-supporting swimming pool comprising: an item of equipment (2) intended to surround the body of a swimmer, formed for example by a belt or a harness; a flexible retaining strap (3) which is fixed or can be fixed by means of one of its ends to said item of equipment, at least one attachment pole (4) provided in its upper portion with at least one hitching point (5) permitting fixing of the other end of the retaining strap (3), characterised in that the base of the attachment pole (4) is provided or is arranged to be provided removably with at least one anchoring base plate (6) extending laterally with respect to the base of the pole (4), said base plate (6) being of an elongate shape and of a dimension such that a substantial portion (I) of its length (L) can be slid beneath one of the ends of a water tank resting on the ground (S) so as to be firmly blocked by the mass of water contained in said tank, thus ensuring immobilisation and stability of the attachment pole (4) arranged on said base plate (6).
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the retaining strap (3) is provided with a capacity for elastic elongation.
3. An apparatus according to one of claims 1 and 2 characterised in that the attachment pole (4) comprises in its upper portion a plurality of staggered hitching points (5) for selective fixing of the retaining strap (3) at different heights.
4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the attachment pole (4) forms an acute angle with the anchoring base plate or plates (6).
5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the attachment pole (4) comprises two legs (7).
6. An apparatus according to claim 5 characterised in that the two legs (7) of the attachment pole (4) are connected in their upper part by staggered transverse hitching portions (9a, 9b, 9c).
7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterised in that the lower end or ends (8) of the attachment pole (4) and the anchoring base plate or plates (6) are arranged in complementary relationship to permit rigid removable assembly thereof.
8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7 characterised in that it comprises two anchoring base plates (6) respectively fixed permanently or adapted to be fixed removably to the lower end of one of the legs (7) of the attachment pole (4).
9. An apparatus according to one of claims 7 and 8 characterised in that the anchoring base plate or plates (6) are provided in the proximity of their rear end with a tube (11) permitting engagement therein of the lower part (8) of the attachment pole (4) or one of the legs (7) of the latter.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 characterised in that the tube or tubes (11) and the lower part or parts (8) of the attachment pole (4) comprise holes (13, 10) permitting the rod of a fixing means to be passed through said tubes (11) and said lower parts (8)

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