Field of the Invention
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The technical solution relates to a mobile barrier-free enclosure, especially for a swimming pool, containing a supporting frame with a top surface and a bottom surface.
Background of the Invention
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Currently, a considerable number of residents have pools of various sizes on their properties. Using a pool entails a number of subsequent measures aimed at maintaining and protecting the pool water, as the pool is user-friendly but safe to use only when the water is clean and healthy. Therefore, water must be filtered and sterilized. Most of this contamination can be prevented by placing a suitable enclosure over the water surface when the pool is not in use.
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If an outdoor pool is uncovered, it can become a dangerous construction opening for people and animals. Neglecting safety or ignorance can cause injuries if someone falls into this opening.
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Besides the two aforementioned advantages of using a pool enclosure - reduced water contamination and safety around the pool - the enclosure offers additional benefits. An important advantage of using a pool enclosure is energy saving, mainly by preventing water evaporation and enabling insulation of the water surface from cold air, especially overnight. By using an enclosure, nighttime heat losses of water heated during the day are significantly reduced. Pools lose energy in various ways, but evaporation is by far the largest source of energy loss. Water evaporation requires a huge amount of energy. The evaporation rate from an outdoor pool varies depending on the pool temperature, air temperature and humidity, and wind speed over the pool surface. The higher the pool temperature and wind speed, and the lower the humidity, the higher the evaporation rate. Pool enclosures minimize evaporation in both outdoor and indoor pools. Covering the pool when not in use is the most effective method to reduce heating costs. Savings of 50 to 70% are possible. The enclosure does not save energy if not used. Therefore, ease of opening and closing must be considered. Options range from manual, semi-automatic, to automatic pool enclosures.
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A variety of pool enclosures are known. Among the simplest are foil enclosures made of materials lighter than water so they can float on the pool surface. Examples include solar blankets reinforced with nylon or various films laminated on closed-cell PUR foam. These enclosures are not tear-resistant. They cannot safely support walking across the pool. Generally, these enclosures do not protect against falls of people and animals into the pool because they are too flexible.
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Modular enclosures resembling roof constructions are known. In their storage position, modules fold under each other. This is an undeniable advantage that significantly reduces the required floor space for storage outside the pool.
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Submersible enclosures resembling rigid floating floors are also known. Their parking position is on the pool bottom. This solution allows variable choice of pool depth based on user requirements. The undoubted advantage is elimination of storage problems for the enclosure in its parking position. However, implementation is complex and costly, and must be accounted for during pool construction.
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All types of enclosures mentioned above have their advantages and disadvantages that led to various compromises in usage. One disadvantage remains that no known type of enclosure can eliminate: the built-up height of the enclosure above ground when the pool is not in use. This results in unnatural integration of the enclosure into the garden architectural setting of the pool.
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Some proposed enclosures do not allow walking on them, running, jumping, or children playing, nor resting on them, etc. This loss of garden usable space is a clear disadvantage where garden space is limited. Also, when covered, the pool should meet certain aesthetic requirements of the owner. Materials used for enclosure construction generally do not harmonize with garden surroundings and consist of unsightly assemblies of aluminum profiles, stainless steel sheets, plastic, or polycarbonate panels.
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When the pool is used during the day, it is advisable to remove the enclosure immediately before swimming and reapply it after use. If the pool is used only at night, the effectiveness of the pool enclosure depends on whether the evaporation and other losses prevented by the enclosure exceed the reduction of solar gains caused by the enclosure. Enclosure type and climate influence this balance. In dry and/or windy conditions, evaporation rate increases. Therefore, it is generally advantageous to keep a transparent or bubble enclosure on during daylight. In warm and humid conditions, evaporation rate decreases. In this case, it may be preferable to leave the enclosure off during the day.
Summary of the Invention
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The above drawbacks are largely eliminated by a mobile barrier-free enclosure, especially for swimming pool comprising a supporting frame with a top surface and a bottom surface, according to this invention. The supporting frame footprint corresponds to the pool footprint, with the frame positioned inside the pool in the closed state and its top surface level with the surrounding pool area. Furthermore, the supporting frame is equipped with at least two pairs of running wheels mounted on mechanisms allowing their placement onto the surrounding pool area, subsequent lifting of the supporting frame by its bottom surface above the surrounding pool area, and transport of the supporting frame outside the pool water surface.
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In an advantageous embodiment, the supporting frame is equipped with a mechanism consisting of at least a pair of vertically telescoping blocks with two horizontally sliding running wheels connected to a lifting mechanism for the supporting frame.
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In another advantageous embodiment, the supporting frame has a mechanism in the form of a single vertically telescoping block with four horizontally sliding running wheels connected to the lifting mechanism.
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In yet another advantageous embodiment, the supporting frame is equipped with a mechanism comprising a pair of vertically telescoping blocks with two rotatable arms rotatable around a vertical axis with running wheels connected to the lifting mechanism.
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In another advantageous embodiment, the supporting frame is equipped with a mechanism in the form of a single vertically telescoping block with four rotatable arms rotatable about a vertical axis, with running wheels connected to the lifting mechanism of the supporting frame.
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In another advantageous embodiment, the supporting frame is equipped with a mechanism in the form of a pair of vertically telescoping blocks with two rotatable arms rotatable about the horizontal longitudinal axis of the pool, with running wheels connected to the lifting mechanism of the supporting frame.
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In another advantageous embodiment, the supporting frame is equipped with a mechanism in the form of a single vertically telescoping block with four rotatable arms rotatable about the horizontal longitudinal axis of the pool, with running wheels connected to the lifting mechanism of the supporting frame.
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In another advantageous embodiment, the supporting frame is equipped with a mechanism in the form of four telescoping arms foldable about the horizontal longitudinal axis of the pool with running wheels connected to the lifting mechanism of the supporting frame.
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The upper surface of the supporting frame is advantageously provided with a rim, which in the closed position of the supporting frame is located on a surface selected from the group consisting of the surrounding pool area, a groove in the surrounding pool area, and a supporting edge on the inner side of the pool, or the lower surface of the supporting frame is advantageously provided with a seating surface, which in the closed position of the supporting frame is located on another supporting edge on the inner side of the pool.
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The running wheels may be positioned in at least one running rail in the transport position.
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The supporting frame is in an advantageous embodiment provided with sealing means around its perimeter to prevent the ingress of leaves and other dirt and particles into the pool in the closed position of the enclosure.
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The mobile barrier-free enclosure may be provided with a drive unit for extending the supporting frame above the pool edge level and for moving the supporting frame longitudinally along the pool, and the mechanism for lifting the supporting frame above the pool surroundings is advantageously selected from the group consisting of a gear rack and pinion, screw, piston, lever mechanism, tilting winding mechanism, and aircraft retractable landing gear mechanism.
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The supporting frame may be provided with vertical guides to allow easier insertion of the supporting frame into the pool body and further, the supporting frame may be divided into two independently movable parts for their placement in an open position outside the pool, either one behind the other or on opposite sides of the pool.
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The upper surface of the supporting frame is in an advantageous embodiment provided with a walkable surface, or the upper surface of the supporting frame may be provided with a non-walkable curved surface to increase the static load capacity of the structure and facilitate water and snow drainage.
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The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of existing enclosures, wherein the enclosure according to this invention, after closing, restores the natural environment of the original site. The enclosure has its visible upper surface layer level with the pool surroundings. Its walkable surface is thus at the level of the terrain surrounding the pool in the position in which the pool is covered by the enclosure.
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The placement of the pool enclosure body may require lowering the water level in the pool taking into account the height of the enclosure structure, but this is not necessarily the case, especially in skimmer pools, where the lower surface of the enclosure is above the water level. If the skimmer is higher, the enclosure may be completely or partially submerged in the water. In overflow pools, the enclosure may be completely or partially submerged in the water, with the excess displaced water flowing into overflow channels or a pumping reservoir and replenished after the enclosure is lifted.
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Furthermore, it is assumed that the enclosure construction will be primarily composed of open profiles so that it can be easily submerged and emerged. In the case of using closed supporting profiles, these are advantageously provided with holes for easy water drainage during emerging of the enclosure.
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This proposed enclosure is aesthetically superior compared to previously implemented enclosures.
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For covering the pool, a usually rectangular or square panel is proposed, capable of horizontal movement between a retracted position, where it is integrated in a plan view with the covered pool water surface area, and an extended position, with the enclosure parked outside the pool's footprint. This covering panel has its visible upper surface partially or fully walkable and level with the adjacent pool surroundings. This panel can be completely flat or slightly convex to facilitate easier runoff of rainwater or snow outside the pool area. The enclosure body is in the closed pool position completely hidden in the pool body above the water level or partially submerged in the water. The pool enclosure body does not create extra thickness above the pool, thereby ensuring a walkable surface of the enclosure that is almost continuous with the surrounding surface around the pool.
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The presented solution requires having an area beside the pool at least equal to the pool area to store the enclosure when the pool is uncovered. This parking space is, however, also usable after parking the enclosure. The enclosure can continue to be used, for example, for recreational purposes. The area required for parking the enclosure cannot be used for arranging greenery around the pool. The enclosure can be slid longitudinally, transversely, or it can be divided into two or more parts, each of which is slid to a different side of the pool, etc.
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The solution allows the use of automation that facilitates the placement or storage of the panel in or outside the pool body. The present invention intends to eliminate the shortcomings of the prior art by designing a temporary device for covering the pool working in cooperation with the pool terrace, which enables full automation of the placement of the panel intended for covering the pool in the covering or parking position with a far more aesthetically preferable arrangement than coverings according to the prior art.
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The enclosure according to the invention contains hidden mechanisms necessary for manipulation of the enclosure stored in the enclosure body above the pool water level and at the same time allows barrier-free movement over the pool body. The movement of the enclosure is performed easily by extending the entire enclosure above the pool level, then extending the running mechanisms outside the pool area, and then simply rolling or sliding the running wheels on the surrounding pool area into their parking position.
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The enclosure is designed to become sufficiently durable thanks to its composition hidden under the walkable panel, which allows barrier-free use of the space above the pool. The enclosure has a supporting surface designed so that rainwater does not penetrate through it, thus keeping the pool water isolated from external pollutants, reducing maintenance costs and times with subsequent energy savings in the pool's operation. The enclosure eliminates the disadvantages of greenhouse-like covers, which do not allow use of the area occupied by the pool and thus inhibit regular use of the space where the pool is located.
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In another embodiment, the enclosure may be made permeable, allowing rainwater to flow through the covering surface into the pool over the entire area or parts thereof. This solution is common, for example, in winter protective nets over pools, etc., to avoid burdening the enclosure with the weight of water and to allow water to pass into the pool. This is also known, for example, in retractable blinds or tarpaulins, where it is not assumed that these systems would prevent rainwater from entering the pool. The increasing performance and quality of current cleaning and filtration devices can easily deal with dirt associated with rain, etc.
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The present invention particularly relates to a covering system specially designed for outdoor pools, which prevents loss of usable space when the pool is not used for water recreation. The pool enclosure isolates the water from contamination by dust and biological waste, such as leaves, insects, and the like, as well as other pathogenic germs of all kinds, which are carried into the pool primarily by wind and rain.
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Another advantage is that, in times of growing water scarcity and environmental concerns, the enclosure plays a crucial role in supporting the sustainability and efficiency of the pool by drastically reducing water losses due to evaporation, resulting in substantial savings on water bills. It saves water by reducing the amount of necessary makeup water by 30 to 70%. Another advantage is minimizing the need for chemicals by 35 to 60% by protecting the pool against debris and sunlight, which can deteriorate water quality. At the same time, it saves time on maintenance by allowing less dirt in the pool, thus less need for vacuuming. The enclosure maintains better water temperature in the pool at night, enabling more comfortable swimming and extending usage time. A substantial advantage is increased pool safety through a solid barrier, thus providing a barrier against accidents, especially for small children and animals.
Brief Description of the Drawings
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The mobile barrier-free enclosure, especially for swimming pool according to this invention will be disclosed in more detail with the help of attached drawings on specific examples of embodiments, where in Fig. 1a an exemplary enclosure with a pair of vertically telescoping blocks with a rim in the closed position is shown in axonometric view, in Fig. 1b with the telescoping blocks in the extended position, and in Fig. 1c the enclosure in the open pool position. In Fig. In Fig. 1d1, a top view of an exemplary enclosure with a pair of vertically telescoping blocks in the closed position is shown, in Fig. 1d2 detail B, and in Fig. 1d3 a sectional view. In Fig. 1e1, a top view with telescoping blocks in the extended position is shown, in Fig. 1e2 detail B, and in Fig. 1e3 a sectional view. In Fig. 1f1, a top view of the enclosure in the open pool position is shown, in Fig. 1f2 detail B, and in Fig. 1f3 a sectional view. In Fig. 1g1, a top view of an exemplary enclosure with a pair of vertically telescoping blocks with supporting edges at the upper edge of the pool in the extended position is shown, in Fig. 1g2 detail B, and in Fig. 1g3 a sectional view. In Fig. 1h1, a top view of another exemplary enclosure with a pair of vertically telescoping blocks with a rim on the surrounding pool surface in the closed pool position is shown, and in Fig. 1h2 a sectional view. In Fig. 1i1, a top view of yet another exemplary enclosure with a pair of vertically telescoping blocks with additional supporting edges on the pool wall at the lower surface of the enclosure in the closed pool position is shown, in Fig. 1i2 detail B, and in Fig. 1i3 a sectional view. In Fig. 2, an axonometric view of an exemplary enclosure in the form of a single vertically telescoping block with four horizontally telescoping running wheels is shown. In Fig. 3, an axonometric view of an exemplary enclosure with rotatable arms with running wheels pivotable about the horizontal longitudinal axis of the pool is shown. In Fig. 4, an axonometric view of an exemplary enclosure with telescoping arms with running wheels foldable about the horizontal longitudinal axis of the pool is shown.
Description of Embodiments of the Invention
Examples
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An exemplary mobile barrier-free enclosure for pool 1 comprises a supporting frame 3 with a top surface and a bottom surface. The footprint of the supporting frame 3 corresponds to the footprint of the pool 1, wherein the supporting frame 3 is positioned in the pool 1 in a closed position and its top surface is level with the surrounding surface of pool 1. Further, the supporting frame 3 is equipped with two pairs of running wheels 8, which are mounted on a mechanism for positioning them onto the surrounding surface of the pool 1, and subsequently lifting the supporting frame 3 by its bottom surface above the surrounding surface of the pool 1 and transporting the supporting frame 3 outside the water surface of pool 1. The running wheels 8 are positioned in the transport position in a running rail. The top surface of the supporting frame 3 is provided with a rim, which in the closed position of the supporting frame 3 is positioned on the surface of the surrounding pool 1 area, according to Fig. 1h2. The supporting frame 3 is provided around its perimeter with sealing means to prevent the intrusion of leaves and other dirt and particles into the pool 1 in the closed position of the enclosure. The mobile barrier-free enclosure is equipped with a drive unit 10 for extending the supporting frame 3 above the edge level of pool 1 and moving the supporting frame 3 in the longitudinal direction of the pool 1. The mechanism for lifting the supporting frame 3 above the surrounding level of the pool 1 consists of a gear rack and pinion. The supporting frame 3 is provided with vertical guides to facilitate easier insertion of the supporting frame 3 into the pool 1 body. The upper surface of the supporting frame 3 is provided with a walkable surface 5.
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In one further embodiment, the supporting frame 3 is equipped with a mechanism in the form of a pair of vertically telescoping blocks 2 with two horizontally telescoping running wheels 8 above the surrounding surface of the pool 1 connected to the lifting mechanism of the supporting frame 3, as apparent from Figs. 1a to 1i3.
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In a second further embodiment, the supporting frame 3 is equipped with a mechanism in the form of a single vertically telescoping block 2 with four horizontally telescoping running wheels 8 above the surrounding surface of the pool 1 connected to the lifting mechanism of the supporting frame 3, as apparent from Fig. 2
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In another, not illustrated embodiment, the supporting frame 3 is equipped with a mechanism in the form of a pair of vertically telescoping blocks 2 with two rotatable arms rotatable about a vertical axis above the surrounding surface of the pool 1 with running wheels 8 connected to the lifting mechanism of the supporting frame 3.
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In another, not illustrated embodiment, the supporting frame 3 is equipped with a mechanism in the form of a single vertically telescoping block 2 with four rotatable arms rotatable about a vertical axis above the surrounding surface of the pool 1 with running wheels 8 connected to the lifting mechanism of the supporting frame 3.
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In another, not illustrated embodiment, the supporting frame 3 is equipped with a mechanism in the form of a pair of vertically telescoping blocks 2 with two rotatable arms 15 rotatable about the horizontal longitudinal axis 14 of the pool 1 above the surrounding surface of the pool 1 with running wheels 8 connected to the lifting mechanism of the supporting frame 3.
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In another embodiment according to Fig. 3, the supporting frame 3 is equipped with a mechanism in the form of a single vertically telescoping block 2 with four rotatable arms 15 rotatable about the horizontal longitudinal axis 14 of the pool 1 above the surrounding surface of the pool 1 with running wheels 8 connected to the lifting mechanism of the supporting frame 3, according to Fig. 3.
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In another embodiment, the supporting frame 3 is equipped with a mechanism in the form of four telescoping arms foldable about the horizontal longitudinal axis of the pool 1 above the surrounding surface of the pool 1 with running wheels 8 connected to the lifting mechanism of the supporting frame 3, according to Fig. 4.
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In another exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1e, the rim is positioned in a groove in the surrounding pool 1 surface and, in yet another exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1g, the upper surface of the supporting frame 3 is positioned on a supporting edge 13 on the inner side of pool 1.
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In another exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1i, the bottom surface of the supporting frame 3 is provided with a seating surface, which, in the closed position of the supporting frame 3, is positioned on another supporting edge 13 on the inner side of pool 1.
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The mechanism for lifting the supporting frame 3 above the surrounding pool 1 surface may be formed, in other embodiments, by a screw, piston, lever mechanism, tilting winding mechanism, and aircraft retractable landing gear mechanism.
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The supporting frame 3 may be divided into two independently movable parts for their placement in the open position outside pool 1, one behind the other or on opposite sides of pool 1.
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The upper surface of the supporting frame 3 is, in another embodiment, provided with a non-walkable curved surface to increase the static load capacity of the structure and facilitate drainage of water and snow.
Industrial Applicability
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The mobile barrier-free enclosure according to this technical solution finds application primarily in the construction of new pools but also in the reconstruction of existing pools, for example at family houses.
Reference Signs List
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- 1. Pool
- 2. Telescoping block of the enclosure running mechanism
- 3. Supporting frame
- 4. Construction gap between the pool wall and the enclosure
- 5. Walkable surface of the pool enclosure
- 6. Rim of the pool enclosure
- 7. Pool water
- 8. Running wheel of the enclosure
- 9. Lower lid of the enclosure
- 10. Drive unit
- 11. Sliding gear rack segment
- 12. Guide rails for enclosure movement
- 13. Supporting edge of the enclosure
- 14. Horizontal longitudinal axis
- 15. Rotatable arm