EP2411603B1 - Compact and polyvalent above-ground swimming poll for stationary swimming - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a compact and versatile above-ground pool intended for the practice of stationary swimming, for recreational purposes (relaxation, water games, ....), or training in competition, or maintenance and fitness, or re-education, or therapy, etc.

More specifically, the invention relates to a compact above-ground micro-pool, able to be transported and moved using common or light machines or equipment, and which can be used both outside and in interior, for example in a house or an apartment, with a small volume of water (for example of the order of 5 m3 for a small basin). According to another embodiment, this micro-pool can be mounted on wheels so that it can be moved from one place to another, by means of a towing vehicle, in the manner of a trailer or a caravan.

• l'inconfort d'une utilisation lorsque la température ambiante est basse ;
• l'impossibilité d'éviter les projections d'eau en tous sens dans l'environnement du bassin ;
• l'absence de sensations comparables à celles qui sont procurées par la nage dans des bassins de grandes dimensions ;
• la difficulté de maintenir le nageur dans la partie centrale et dans l'axe du bassin.

The very small swimming pools, especially those for stationary individual swimming, are still in the realm of speculation and the various constructions proposed to date have not led to a promising exploitation, particularly because of the lack of resolution of problems with this type of article, such as, for example:

• the discomfort of use when the ambient temperature is low;
• the impossibility of avoiding splashing water in all directions in the basin environment;
• the absence of sensations comparable to those provided by swimming in large basins;
• the difficulty of keeping the swimmer in the central part and in the pelvic axis.

We have already proposed (for example WO-01/12123 and WO-2004/012827 ) to cover a small pond arranged for the practice of stationary swimming with a protective roof or dome opening to allow the entry of the swimmer into the pool. In this case, if the prediction of a swimming pool closed by a dome or opening cover can be a means of avoiding splashing water around the pool, it does not eliminate the discomfort that would inevitably result from use when the ambient temperature is low. In addition, due to the complete closure of the pool by a blanket, the swimmer is confined in a very confined space and can therefore be anxious by this claustration.

In the document US 3648300 is described a transportable swimming pool including a swimming pool and two undressing cabins. The swimming pool is installed in the center of an enclosed space while the undressing cabins are placed at a distance from said pool, the assembly being supported by wheels.

The document US 3859673 describes a shelter intended to be positioned on the edge of a buried swimming pool, above the upper level of the water contained in this basin, which is accessible by means of a ladder.

Various devices have been planned to maintain the swimmer in the central part and in the pelvic axis. For example, in the document WO-01/12123 previously cited, it is proposed to attach the swimmer to a ventral support attached to the bottom and center of the pelvis, whereas according to the documents GB-2,382,525 and WO-2004/012827 it is envisaged to connect the swimmer by means of two flexible straps, with opposite longitudinal walls of the basin. These devices have the drawback of immobilizing the swimmer center of the pool without giving him the sensation of moving in a long pool. To overcome this drawback, it is provided in the document WO-2004/012827 to achieve, by means of channels formed in the longitudinal walls of the pool, a return to the front thereof, the flow of water created by the movements of the swimmer. However, such a process requires a very particular construction of the basin, the cost of which is thus increased in a dissuasive manner.

Arrangements of the upper edge of swimming pools intended for the practice of stationary swimming, to avoid splashing, are, for example, described in the documents GB-2,382,525 and U.S. 5,787,519 . According to the document GB-7382525 , the upper edge of the pool has a concave deflecting shape intended to break the waves and a smooth top, while according to the document U.S. 5,787,519 , the upper edge of the overflow pool is constituted by a rim or lip of substantially triangular section surrounded by a peripheral gutter which collects water overflow. The results obtained by these two arrangements are very inadequate.

The document U.S. 5,787,519 discloses a swimming pool according to the preamble of claim 1.

An object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages and shortcomings of micro-pools or small pools, allowing the practice of swimming stationary, included in the state of the art, so as to make available to communities, or professionals, or private individuals, a swimming pool of modest dimensions allowing a great comfort of use and a minimum running cost.

The invention is defined by the device of claim 1.

According to a first characteristic arrangement, the above-ground pool according to the invention consists of three parts constituting a compact assembly, or arranged so as to be assembled forming a compact assembly, these three parts comprising: a basin capable of containing a volume of water and having a bottom, two longitudinal walls and two end walls; - a deshabillage-dressing and / or shower cabin contiguous to one of said walls or sides of the basin; and an airlock communicating with this cabin and comprising an upper volume surmounting the portion of the pool adjacent to said cabin and delimited by two side walls, a front wall, and a cover wall, said front wall having an opening communicating with the free space above the basin and this opening is provided with a door.

It is conceivable that with such an arrangement, the pool is covered by an overhanging airlock, for example about a quarter of its length, and that the swimmer can thus isolate himself in the heated cabin to undress and then enter in the basin; or take out water later to get dressed, first crossing the airlock, also heated, without being in contact with the surrounding cold air, this for use in all weather outdoors, or simply for maximum comfort of use, indoors.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the basin has, seen from above, an irregular octagonal shape comprising two large parallel or approximately parallel sides, corresponding to the longitudinal walls of said basin whose front and rear walls consist of three faces, connected one to the others and to said longitudinal walls forming angles of 120 ° or close to 120 °; on the other hand, the three faces forming the front wall or front wall of the basin tilt towards the bottom of the latter.

Thanks to this conformation, the swimming movements of the swimmer lead to the creation and maintenance of natural flows of water along the longitudinal walls of the basin, towards the front wall of the latter from which they are deviated and gathered. to form a current of opposite direction against the swimmer. This natural circulation of water gives the feeling of swimming in a much larger pool.

According to another characteristic arrangement, the pool is of the overflow type and its peripheral upper edge has a rounded profit, for example half-circular or substantially semicircular, over its entire length.

This arrangement has the effect, on the one hand, of allowing "winding" of the waves produced by the swimmer's movements, on the rounded edges of the pelvis and thus avoiding their projection out of the latter, and, on the other hand, to eliminate the phenomenon of disordered chop and that of resonance which amplifies the wave which could be created quickly and disrupt the swimming.

According to another characteristic arrangement, the upper edge of the basin is surrounded by an outer peripheral gutter to collect water overflows and quickly return the water in the usual recycling system, this gutter was sized to form a buffer tank. On the other hand, thanks to this characteristic, the air bubbles generated by the swimmer's movements are released and eliminated on the way back of the water before its reintroduction into the pool, which avoids the introduction a murky water of frothy appearance, in this one.

According to another characteristic arrangement, the compact swimming pool according to the invention comprises a dynamic retaining device which, in combination with the studied form of the pool, allows a stationary swim in which the user can swim continuously, at his own pace, without incessant imposed changes of direction, such as in open water, this retaining device consisting of an elastic flexible link whose one end is connected to a harness intended to be fixed on the swimmer and whose other end is arranged to be fixed, preferably removably, to the rear wall of the pool or a fixed point disposed near said wall.

According to another characteristic arrangement, at least the central portion of the front wall of the pool is constituted, over at least part of its height, by at least one glazed panel or other transparent surface.

With this arrangement, it is possible to observe, from the outside, the swimmer under water, while the latter can have a vision of the outside.

• à un moniteur TFT avec circuit vidéo intégré, peut permettre un auto-contrôle et une auto-correction, en temps réel, des mouvements de nage du baigneur ; ou
• à un système de télétransmission permettant de surveiller le bain des enfants.

Swimmer's evolutions in the water can be viewed, for example, using a camera which, coupled:

• to a TFT monitor with integrated video circuit, can allow self-control and self-correction, in real time, swimming movements of the bather; or
• a teletransmission system to monitor the children's bath.

Said transparent central part, in a more playful register, can also allow the swimmer to watch a film, or a television program, or to consult his computer (controlled from the cabin or Internet, (in fixed mode), at the same time time he trains.

• un système de mesure de l'effort fourni, des temps de nage, des mouvements,...couplé au système de retenue dynamique du nageur et permettant une télémétrie des performances consultable en direct ;
• une chaîne Hi-Fi pour écouter de la musique en surface ;
• un écran d'ordinateur et de télévision installé devant la paroi frontale vitrée, pour permettre de visionner des cassettes vidéo, des DVD, des programmes de télévision, ...
• un casque UHF étanche relié au nageur pour écoute individuelle, par exemple pour accès aux multimédias, en nageant ;
• un système de liaison satellite entre l'écran vidéo et le démodulateur satellite, VHF,TNT, ...de l'habitation ;
• une caméra installée à coté de l'écran de télévision et reliée à ce dernier, permettant au nageur de se visionner et de corriger ainsi ses mouvements en direct, cette même caméra permettent également une télésurveillance depuis le téléviseur familial,
• installation, dans la cabine, d'un écran d'ordinateur, d'un téléviseur, d'un réfrigérateur, d'un sauna, d'un tapis de marche, etc.

In addition to the usual equipment of a swimming pool such as, for example, a system for recycling, treating and heating water, the swimming pool according to the invention can still incorporate different arrangements or equipment providing advantageous advantages or results, or extending its areas of application. For example :

• a system for measuring the effort provided, the swimming times, the movements, ... coupled with the dynamic retention system of the swimmer and allowing a telemetry of the performance searchable live;
• a Hi-Fi system for listening to music on the surface;
• a computer and television screen installed in front of the glass front wall, to allow viewing of video tapes, DVDs, television programs, etc.
• a waterproof UHF helmet connected to the swimmer for individual listening, for example for access to multimedia, while swimming;
• a satellite link system between the video screen and the satellite demodulator, VHF, TNT, ... of the dwelling;
• a camera installed next to the television screen and connected to the latter, allowing the swimmer to view and thus correct his movements live, this same camera also allow remote monitoring from the family TV,
• installation in the cabin of a computer screen, a television set, a refrigerator, a sauna, a treadmill, etc.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective, avec arrachement partiel, d'un exemple de réalisation de la piscine hors-sol compacte et polyvalente selon l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue en plan de cette piscine.
• La figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de cette dernière.
• La figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale du bassin.
• La figure 5 est une vue de détail et en coupe longitudinale de l'extrémité avant du bassin.
• La figure 6 est une vue en plan du bassin, illustrant le courant d'eau naturel créé et entretenu par les mouvements de natation du nageur.

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

• The figure 1 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of an exemplary embodiment of the compact and versatile above-ground pool according to the invention.
• The figure 2 is a plan view of this pool.
• The figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the latter.
• The figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the basin.
• The figure 5 is a detail view and in longitudinal section of the front end of the basin.
• The figure 6 is a plan view of the pool, illustrating the natural water current created and maintained by the swimmer's swim movements.

Referring to said drawings to describe an advantageous embodiment, although not limiting, the pool above ground compact and versatile according to the invention.

This compact pool is more particularly remarkable in that it is constituted by a unitary assembly, autonomous and movable without disassembly, comprising: - a basin 1 adapted to contain a volume of water and having a bottom 1A, two longitudinal walls 1 B and two end walls 1C and 1D; - a undressing cab - dressing 2 attached to one of said walls or sides of the basin; and an airlock 3 establishing the communication between the cabin 2 and the basin 1, this airlock comprising an upper volume 4 surmounting the part 1 'of the pool adjacent to said cabin and being delimited by two side walls 3A, a cover wall 3B, and a front wall 5, the latter having an opening communicating with the free space formed above the basin, this opening being provided with a door 6. Preferably, the basin has an elongated shape and the undressing-dressing cabinet is contiguous to one of the end walls or short sides of the pelvis that will be conventionally named "posterior end" in the rest of this presentation, and the upper volume of the airlock overcomes the end portion 1 'of the pool adjacent to said cabin, which is thus isolated from the basin.

According to another embodiment, the micro-swimming pool according to the invention may consist of three parts (basin 1, cabin 2, airlock 3) arranged so as to can be assembled easily and quickly, so as to form a compact assembly, after assembly.

Advantageously, the cabin 2 is provided with a heating means which may be constituted by any suitable apparatus according to the regulations and includes the usual equipment of a bath cabin. It can also have various other equipment to meet various needs, as indicated previously, such as shower, chemical W.C., refrigerator, changing table, etc.

The cabin 2 is provided with an access door 2a equipped with an opening system 2b operate by introduction of a personalized card or not (bank card, membership card of an association or other), or of a token.

Alternatively, it can be provided with a conventional opening means (handle or other).

The lock 3 is also heated, for example by the same device that provides the heating of the cabin 2, or by a separate device.

The airlock 3 is placed overhanging a rear portion 1 'of the pelvis, for example about a quarter of the total length of the latter, which may represent an advance of the order of 80 cm above the surface of the water.

The front door of the airlock can be constituted by two leaves 6A, 6B each subject to a system of automatic return to the closed position, known per se. The lower part of the leaves 6A, 6B is provided with a flexible flap 6C which plunges into the upper part of the basin, for example a few centimeters, these flaps sealing the airlock in the presence of cold air.

A flexible curtain 16 may advantageously be installed above the rear wall 1D so as to establish a separation between the end portion 1 'of the pool and the cabin 2 and thus prevent splashing water in said cabin.

Basin 1 is small in size. It is for example sized so that a swimmer of large size can perform swimming movements (eg breaststroke, butterfly swim or backstroke) perfectly comfortable. For example, it may have a length of the order of 3 m to 3.6 m, a width of the order of 1.10 m to 2 m and a depth of about 0.90 m to 1, 20 m, the entire compact pool may have an overall volume of about 2 mx 2 mx 5.2 m. These dimensions may vary, but must remain in the field of "domestic" sizes so as to accommodate said sets in a small space such as: small garden, garage, Physiotherapist's office, etc.

The basin is made of a material with good thermal insulation qualities and its side walls have a relatively large thickness (of the order of 10 cm).

The invention is, more particularly interesting, applicable to constant overflow pools. In this case, the peripheral upper edge 7 of the basin 1 has a rounded profile, preferably half-circular or substantially semicircular and said upper edge is surrounded by an outer peripheral channel 8 for collecting water overflows and to bring back quickly collected water in a recycling system known per se.

The upper edge of the basin 1 may be provided with retractable fins 9 that can be deployed, for example in anticipation of a fun occupation of the pool by children or adolescents. These fins 9 can occupy a folded position along the walls of the basin, or a raised position ( figure 4 ), according to which they are inclined towards the gutter 8, so as to flow into it.

The gutter may include a floating thermal insulation system to limit the loss of calories in the open air. This insulation system can be constituted by floating polystyrene plates 14 housed in the gutter 8 ( figure 5 ), allowing the free return of water flowing into the gutter 8 under high thermal coverage.

An auxiliary reservoir 10 into which the gutter discharges is integrated into the pool structure, this reservoir being disposed against the rear wall 1 D of the pool. This tank which can have a capacity of the order of 300 liters, is a volumetric buffer, to keep a constant water level in the basin, when several people enter the basin. It is connected to the usual recycling system of the pool.

The return of water in the basin is effected through the rear wall 1D of the basin, by two centro-lateral nozzles 15, connected to the outer peripheral groove 8 or the auxiliary tank 10 and oriented obliquely outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis of the basin in such a way that participate in the creation and strengthening of the water currents described later in this presentation.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the basin 1 has, seen from above, an irregular octagonal shape comprising two large parallel or approximately parallel sides, corresponding to the longitudinal walls 1B of said basin whose front walls 1C and rear 1D consist of three faces connected to each other and to said longitudinal walls 1 B at angles of 120 ° or neighboring 120 °.

In addition, the three faces forming the front wall or front wall 1C of the basin are inclined towards the bottom 1A of the latter, said faces form, for example, an angle of the order of 120 ° with said bottom 1A.

With this conformation, when the swimmer N ( figure 6 ) practices swimming called "stationary swimming" using a dynamic restraint system and is in action in the central part of the pool, a volume of water is set in motion towards the posterior wall 1D of the pool, this volume of water is divided by the conformation of this wall whose inclined faces 1 D 'force the two water currents thus created to move forward, along the longitudinal walls 1B of the basin, these streams of water are finding deflected by the inclined faces 1C 'and gathered in the front part of said basin and deflected rearward, in the axis of said basin, facing the swimmer. This natural movement of water allows the swimmer to remain "in line" and gives him the sensation of infinite space, despite the reduced size of said pool.

The internal angles of the upper pool 90 °, ideally of the order of 120 °, allow to create a counter-current against the swimmer, without swirls and with little bubbles, self-powered by the latter and contributing to its maintenance. online".

According to another characteristic arrangement, the compact swimming pool according to the invention comprises a dynamic retaining device which, in combination with the studied form of the pool, allows a stationary swim in which the user can swim continuously, at his own pace, without incessant imposed changes of direction, as in open water, this retaining device consisting of a resilient flexible link 11 whose one end is connected to a belt or a harness 12 intended to be attached to the swimmer and whose the other end is arranged to be fixed, preferably detachably, at the rear wall 1D of the pool or at a fixed point disposed near said wall.

Such a retaining device is, for example, described and claimed in a previous patent No. FR-2896997 of the applicant, while an elastic flexible link is, for example, described in another previous patent of the applicant No. FR-2917143 .

According to an interesting embodiment, at least the central portion 1C "of the front wall 1C of the basin 1 is formed, over at least part of its height, by at least one glazed panel 13. This glazed panel occupies, for example , three quarters of the height of said central portion, overlooking the front of the pool 1 allowing, on the one hand, the direct viewing of the swimmer under water, and, on the other hand, the viewing, by the swimmer, if any, a screen installed behind the glass panel.

Said panel may consist of two parts arranged one above the other.

The machinery of the pool (circulation devices, heating and water filtration, ...) is carried out in the usual manner and is integrated into the structure of said pool and accessible from the outside.

• aux bébés et enfants qui peuvent ainsi jouer dans l'eau même en hiver ;
• aux personnes âgées ou non qui ont envie de s'offrir en toute sécurité un moment de détente et/ou de sport ;
• aux nageurs sportifs qui veulent s'entraîner chez eux ;
• aux personnes actives qui disposent de peu de temps pour se détendre après le travail ;
• aux kinésithérapeutes ;
• et à toute personne ayant plaisir à se trouver dans l'eau.

It is understood that the above ground pool compact and versatile according to the invention is as well:

• babies and children who can play in the water even in winter;
• elderly and non-elderly people who want to relax and / or play sports;
• sports swimmers who want to train at home;
• active people who have little time to relax after work;
• physiotherapists;
• and to anyone who enjoys being in the water.

To install it, it is enough for a free area, covered or not, about 6 m by 3 m. A conventional water supply of the garden hose type, an accessible drainage point (50 m) of the wastewater (overflow shower and overflow) and an accessibility point (50 m) to the electric current (4 kW minimum) are also necessary.

The environmental impact is therefore minimized in proportion to the extent of its utility domains.

Its operating budget is unparalleled in terms of water consumption, process chemicals and energy.

Claims (13)

1. An above-ground multi-purpose compact pool, more particularly intended for practicing stationary swimming, which comprises a first part: a basin (1) capable of containing a volume of water and comprising a bottom (1A), two longitudinal walls (1B) and two end walls (1C, 1D),
   characterised in that said pool also comprises two other parts:

   - a changing cabin and/or shower cubicle (2) adjoined to one of said walls of the basin (1); and

   - an enclosure chamber (3) establishing a communication between said cabin or cubicle (2) and the basin (1), said communication chamber comprising an upper volume (4) surmounting the part (1') of the basin, that is adjacent to said cabin or cubicle (2) and being delimited by two side walls (3A), a front wall (5) and a cover wall (3B), said front wall (5) comprising an opening communicating with the free space above the basin (1) and said opening is provided with a door (6),

   and that said three parts constitute a compact assembly or are arranged to be capable of being assembled forming a compact assembly.
2. An above-ground pool according to claim 1 characterised in that the changing cabin and/or shower cubicle (2) is in adjoining relationship with one of the end walls (1D) of the basin (1) and the upper volume (4) of the enclosure chamber (3) surmounts the end part (1') of said basin, that is adjacent to said cabin or cubicle.
3. An above-ground pool according to one of claims 1 and 2 characterised in that said door (6) of the enclosure chamber (3) comprises two leaves (6A, 6B) subjected to a per se known means for automatic return to the closed position.
4. An above-ground pool according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the lower part of the door (6) or each leaf (6A, 6B) of said door is provided with a flexible flap (6C) extending downwardly into the upper part of the basin (1).
5. An above-ground pool according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that seen from above the basin (1) is of an irregular octagonal shape comprising two parallel or approximately parallel large sides corresponding to the longitudinal walls (1B) of the basin, of which the front and rear walls (1C, 1D) are formed by three faces connected to each other and to said longitudinal walls (1B) forming angles, the three faces (1C', 1C") constituting the front wall or frontal wall (1C) of the basin being inclined in the direction of the bottom (1A) of the latter.
6. An above-ground pool according to any one of claims 1 to 5 of the constant overflow type, characterised in that the upper edge (7) of the side walls (1B, 1C, 1D) of the basin (1) are of a rounded profile, preferably being semi-circular or substantially semi-circular.
7. An above-ground pool according to claim 6 characterised in that the upper edge of the basin is ringed by an external peripheral gutter (8) for collecting overflow water and rapidly returning the water to the recycling system, said gutter being of such a dimension as to constitute a buffer reservoir.
8. An above-ground pool according to claim 7 characterised in that it comprises an auxiliary reservoir (10) in adjoining relationship with the rear end of the basin (1) and into which the peripheral gutter (8) discharges, said auxiliary reservoir being connected to the pool recycling system.
9. An above-ground pool according to one of claims 6 and 7 characterised in that it comprises two nozzles (15) connected to the external peripheral gutter (8) or to the auxiliary reservoir (10) and oriented obliquely towards the exterior with respect to the longitudinal axis of the basin in such a way that they participate in the creation and enhancement of the water currents.
10. An above-ground pool according to one of claims 7 and 8 characterised in that the gutter (8) is provided with a floating insulation system (14) permitting heat losses to the open air to be limited.
11. An above-ground pool according to any one of claims 6 to 10 characterised in that its side walls (1B, 1C, 1D) are provided with retractable wing flaps (9) which in the raised active position discharge into the gutter (8).
12. An above-ground pool according to any one of claims 1 to 11 characterised in that at least the centre part (1C") of the front wall (1C) of the basin (1) is formed by at least one glass pane or glazed panel (13).
13. An above-ground pool according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterised in that it comprises a dynamic retaining device which in combination with the designed shape of the basin permits stationary swimming whereby the user can swim continuously without the imposition of constant changes in direction, said retaining device being formed by a flexible elastic leash (11) of which one of the ends is connected to a harness (12) intended to be fixed on the swimmer (N) and of which the other end is arranged so that it can be fixed, preferably removably, to the rear wall (1D) of the pool or to a fixed point disposed in the proximity of said wall.

Images