ES2611355T3 - Pool cover - Google Patents

Abstract

Cover (A) for a pool of the type comprising at least one roof module (M1) which, covering said pool and comprising a frame (100) that supports a cover (C), is provided with a pinion-shaped panel called a pediment ( F), characterized by the fact that it comprises two articulated structures connected between them by at least one transverse beam (410 ', 420', 430 ') and connects the roof module (M1) to said pediment (F), the joint being sized to pass the entire pediment (F) from a lowered closing position to an elevated opening position where said pediment (F) is outside the module (M1), and vice versa.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Pool cover

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pool covers and particularly to the adaptations that allow, under the best conditions, the link between the front panel and the roof module to which it is associated.

DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

[0002] Pool covers are structures that comprise a plurality of roof modules that ensure the coverage of a pool.

These roof modules comprise a reinforcement of profiles that ensure the support of one or more cover panels.

In order to allow the passage of an unfolded position to a stowed position, said ceiling modules are mobile along the axis of the pool.

When the roof formed adopts a certain height with respect to the floor surface, the ceiling modules located at the ends of the roof are usually provided with a pin-shaped panel called fronton that rises in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pool .

These panels that form pinons are sometimes called facade or background panels, particularly for roofs called tall.

These pediments are necessary for the closing of the cover and for the execution by said cover, of the protection function of the pool.

[0003] However, being attached to the ceiling module and approaching the closest to the ground, it is likely to constitute an obstacle to the displacement of the module to which it is attached.

Thus, it is traditional that the low edge of such a fronton is located at a height below that of the high surface of the brook that surrounds the pool.

The displacement in translation of the roof module then carries said low flange in retention stop against the drill.

[0004] For deck builders, a first solution is to provide the low flange of said pediments with a brush seal so as not to constitute a mechanical retention stop that prevents displacement.

Such a solution cannot be applied over great heights.

[0005] A second solution consists in conceiving the removable pediments so that they are fixed to the profiles of the roof module and to the floor when necessary and detach from it at the time of the displacement phases.

Such a solution, however, requires screwing and unscrewing operations whose duration could be inconvenient.

In addition, once released, the fronton is an independent element that can be considered as bulky and antistetic whose storage must be assumed.

[0006] US 6604327 describes a high cover for a spa-type pool that has a telescopic structure in two roof modules that fit into each other by sliding.

One of the ceiling modules is provided with a facade panel pivotally installed to move from its vertical closing position to a horizontal opening position at a distance from the ground that allows it to pass over the spa in its sliding movement.

Although it solves the drawbacks of a simply removable fronton without constituting a retention stop while being supported by the cover, such configuration presents other drawbacks, among these:

* requires the possibility of movement into the roof module, which is not always possible for a curved geometry or for a panel that forms a fronton and supports the structure,

* changes the façade panel from a vertical position to a horizontal position under the roof module and this panel occupies the interior volume of the roof module while supporting it,

* it is put into operation manually and for this, it requires a balanced arrangement of the rotation axis,

* puts a part of the facade panel out of the roof module in a horizontal position,

* requires high rigidity of the facade panel.

[0007] EP1964990 describes an angle element for telescopic cover.

The telescopic cover has a plurality of mobile roof modules, among which an end roof module with a mobile facade to solve the inconveniences of a simply removable fronton that does not constitute an obstacle or movement of the roof while being supported by the roof .

Two configurations of mobility of the facade are proposed.

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A first configuration proposes a pivoting of a part of the fronton according to a horizontal axis, said pivoting with said fronton part returning.

A second configuration proposes a vertical translation of said mobile part of the fronton which is provided with handles articulated to the fronton to allow its slapping.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In verifying this, the applicant has carried out investigations to solve the problems encountered.

[0009] These investigations have resulted in the conception and realization of a pool cover that includes the roof modules, some of which are provided with fronton-shaped panels and where the link between the panel and the roof module avoids not only that the fronton does not constitute an obstacle to the movements of the ceiling module but also that the operations necessary for the release of the module are less long.

[0010] These investigations have resulted in the conception of a pool cover of the type that comprises at least one roof module that, covering said pool and comprising an armor that supports a cover, is provided with a pin-shaped panel called a fronton.

This cover is notable in that it comprises at least one articulated structure that connects the roof module to said fronton, the articulation being sized to pass said fronton from a lowered closing position to an elevated opening position where said fronton is outside the module, and vice versa.

[0011] This feature is particularly advantageous in that it proposes a new solution for opening the roof and managing the fronton.

Indeed, by proposing to raise the fronton outside the module to which it is linked, the invention allows the fronton to be managed as a door or a trapdoor that controls access to the roof without the need to return independently and to completely detach said fronton from said module.

In addition, so that the latter does not constitute an obstacle to translation, the lifting will prevent the lower part of the fronton from resting against the edge of the pool or the broccoli without having to detach said fronton from its module.

In addition, proposing an articulated link that maintains the connection between the module and the fronton, it is no longer necessary to manage the storage of the unused fronton.

Likewise, the simplified opening of the pool by lifting the pediments will facilitate the use of such a possibility as a means of aerating the roof.

Finally, proposing a link that deals with the mass of the fronton, the invention will reduce the number and / or simplify the means of maintenance in position, also reducing the operations necessary for the passage from one position to another.

Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, the invention is a cover with a telescopic structure comprising a plurality of mobile ceiling modules of dimensions adapted to allow their sliding and fitting into each other.

[0012] By integrating an articulated structure between the roof module and the roof, the invention differs from the simple pivotal connection of the prior art.

This avoids the vertical overlap of different elements.

This allows a flush positioning between the flange and the fronton and avoids any collision and any friction between the fronton and the roof module.

In addition, the proposed articulated structure cannot be compared to the sliding link or to the articulation of the handles of document EP1964990.

[0013] According to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the articulated structure comprises at least one arm of which one end is connected to the ceiling module and whose other end is connected to the vertical panel. The use of an arm will allow the front to move away from the module while lifting it.

This arm will pass at least partially, the closed volume covered by the roof module, outwards.

[0014] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the articulated structure comprises two arms of which one end is connected to the ceiling module and whose other end is connected to the vertical panel.

The movement can thus be broken down into two translations: one horizontal, the other vertical.

These two translations allow the fronton to be optimally integrated over the edge of the roof module that houses it.

[0015] In order to maintain a vertical orientation of the fronton panel, the articulated structure comprises at least one pair of parallel parallel arms that move in the same vertical plane of which one end is connected to the ceiling module and whose other end connects to the fronton to form an articulated structure in parallelogram that guarantees a progressive and respectful movement of the initial orientation of the lowered position while maintaining an aesthetic coherence in elevated position.

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Thus, if the panel has a vertical position in a closed position, it will maintain this vertical orientation along its lifting path.

Such articulation configuration also guarantees a minimum volume as well as a minimum displacement volume for the fronton.

According to a preferred embodiment, said articulated structure comprises two pairs of arms.

According to another characteristic, the cover comprises two articulated structures that form two identical parallelograms that evolve in parallel and longitudinal vertical planes.

[0016] In more detail, a first end of the said arm (s) articulates around a fixed plate secured to the module and a second end around a mobile plate secured to the fronton.

[0017] According to another particularly advantageous feature, the articulated structure connects the roof module armor to that of the fronton.

Therefore, the reinforcement of said ceiling module comprises two sets of transverse profiles braced by at least one crossbar on which said fixed plate is fixed.

According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, said reinforcement of said roof module comprises two sets of cross profiles braced by at least one crossbar, said fixed plate is fixed to one of the sets of cross profiles.

This feature has the advantage that prevents the position of the crossbars to be taken into account to install the joint.

The articulation of the fronton proposed by the invention can thus be installed on a large choice of covers of different dimensions and configurations.

[0018] According to another particularly advantageous feature, the fronton armor comprises at least one upright on which said mobile plate is fixed.

[0019] According to another particularly advantageous feature, an elastic means accompanies the movements of the articulated structure that connects the fronton to the module compensating the weight of the fronton.

The use of an articulated structure facilitates the use of a gas cylinder proposing several axes of rotation without the cylinder being an obstacle.

[0020] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the ceiling module comprises two articulated structures connected to each other by at least one transverse beam.

This link ensures synchronization of movements between the two structures and consequently an equal path between the two extremities of the fronton.

This feature allows the manipulation of the fronton in order to be set in motion by only one of its sides.

[0021] The fundamental concepts of the invention that have just been described above in their most elementary form, other details and characteristics will result more clearly in the reading of the description that follows and in front of the attached drawings, giving as a non-limiting example , a form of realization of a cover according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a top view of an embodiment according to the invention of a telescopic pool cover according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a side view of the cover of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the smallest dimension ceiling module provided with a fronton in the down position;

Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a sectional view of said ceiling module of Figure 3 in the lowered position;

Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the smallest dimension ceiling module provided with a fronton in an elevated position;

Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of a sectional view of said ceiling module of Figure 3 in an elevated position;

Figure 7 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of another embodiment of a roof module that houses another embodiment of an articulated structure in a lowered position;

Figure 8 takes up the drawing of Figure 7 with the fronton in an elevated position;

Figure 9 is a schematic drawing in detail of the articulated structure alone and of the fronton of the embodiments of Figures 7 and 8 according to the elevated position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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[0023] As illustrated on the drawings of Figures 1 and 2, the above-mentioned pool cover A as a whole adopts a telescopic configuration, that is to say that the dimensions of the roof modules M1, M2, M3, M4 which they constitute, allow for translation, according to arrow F1, their fit into each other in order to move from the deployed deck position illustrated in a folded deck position not illustrated where the pool (not illustrated) is free of access and where the roof modules are housed under the largest M4 roof module.

[0024] For the reasons described above, the smallest module M1 is provided with a foldable fronton F upwards in order to move from a closed down position illustrated by the drawings of Figures 3 and 4 to an open raised position illustrated by the drawings of figures 5 and 6 where the fronton F is then completely outside the module M1.

As explained above, this elevated position prevents the fronton from being an obstacle to movement in translation according to arrow F1 (or in the opposite direction) at the time of the movement of the ceiling modules.

[0025] The roof module M1 provided with the fronton F comprises a frame 100 that supports one or more roof panels C.

Said armor comprises two profiles or sets of profiles 110 and 120 that form an arc above the pool (not illustrated), profiles that are braced through crossbars 130.

[0026] The crosspieces 140 and 150 that connect the extremities of said arcs 110 and 120 are called extreme crossbars and can assume a plurality of functions such as:

* the support of wheel-type rolling means 151 that rest on the ground,

* the reception of a possible zipper,

* the reception of a means of setting in motion,

* the preformation of a profile that facilitates its oscillation or its collection, - etc ...

[0027] When associated with the arch 120, a fronton F closes one of the sides of the roof module M1.

This fronton F comprises a frame 200 that supports one or several vertical panels P. This frame 200 comprises

a profile or set of profiles 210 that take up the shape of the arch 120 of the roof module M1 in which it is housed or on which it rests,

a horizontal transverse element 220 that joins the extremities of profile 210 and

two vertical uprights 230 connecting said horizontal element 220 to said profile 210.

[0028] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the arc 120 of the roof module M1 is preformed of a flap 212 that projects outwardly and substantially according to the same shape as the outer surface of the arch 120, fin under which the profile or set of profiles 210 of fronton F in closed position.

[0029] The lifting of said fronton F is applied by two articulated structures 300 that connect the pair of uprights 230 to a pair of crossbars 130 arranged in both parts of the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the ceiling module according to a distance corresponding to the distance of the uprights 230.

[0030] As illustrated in more detail in the drawings of Figures 4 and 6, this articulated structure 300 comprises two identical parallel arms 310 and 320 of which a first end is in pivotal connection with a fixed plate 330 fixed to the horizontal crossbar 130 and whose other end is in pivotal connection with a movable plate 340 fixed to the support 230 of the fronton F located in the same vertical plane as the crossbar 130.

Since the arms are parallel and identical, the articulated structure forms a parallelogram that ensures the maintenance of the vertical position of the fronton F during its lifting or lowering movement.

Thus, as illustrated by the chain of figures 4 and 6 or 3 and 5, the fronton has the same orientation at the beginning and end of its path, that is perpendicular to the ground.

As illustrated, it is the entire fronton that moves and not just a part.

[0031] These movements are, according to an embodiment not illustrated, accompanied by a spring-type elastic means to facilitate said lifting and amortize the descent.

[0032] According to the embodiment illustrated by the drawing of Figures 7 and 8, the mobile roof module M1 'comprises a frame 100' that supports a cover C 'and is provided with a pin-shaped panel called fronton F' .

As for the embodiment illustrated above, two articulated structures 300 'connect the roof module 100' to said fronton F ', the articulation being sized to pass said fronton F' from a vertical lowered closing position (cf. Figure 7 ) to an elevated vertical opening position (see Figure 8) where said fronton F 'is outside the module M1', and vice versa.

These articulated structures 300 'comprise two identical parallel arms 310' and 320 'of which a first end is in pivotal connection with a fixed plate 330' fixed to the armature 100 'of module M1 and whose other end is in pivotal connection with a 340 'movable plate fixed to the front F armor.

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Since the arms are parallel and identical and their vertical rotation axes have the same separation, the articulated structure forms a parallelogram that ensures the maintenance of the vertical position of the fronton F 'during its lifting or lowering movement.

These identical parallelograms evolve in parallel and longitudinal vertical planes.

[0033] According to this embodiment, transverse beams 410 ', 420', 430 'connect the two articulated structures 300'.

This link avoids any separation between the two structures.

[0034] Another feature of this embodiment resides in the fact that said fixed plate 330 'on which the first extremities of the pair of arms 310' and 320 'of the articulated structure 300' pivot is fixed to the set of transverse profiles 120 'forming the armor 100' and not the crossbar 130 '.

These two structures are arranged so that they are as far apart as possible so that on the one hand the arrow is not impacted by the weight of the structure and that on the other hand the assembly is as stable as possible.

The gas cylinder 500 'that accompanies the movements is illustrated here.

[0035] It is understood that the pool cover, which has just been described and depicted above, has been in view of a disclosure rather than a limitation.

Of course, various conditioning, modifications and improvements could be contributed to the previous example, without leaving the field of the invention.

Thus, for example, the applicant has provided a cable that connects the extremities of the set of transverse profiles that form the flange of the roof module that houses the fronton.

This cable passes at least partially in the hollow core of the profile or set of profiles, curved or not, has a stiffening function.

Such feature, connecting the ends of the flanges of the profile set, prevents any modification of the curvature or the arrow, when the fronton moves away from the edge of the roof module that carries it.

The maintenance of the curvature or of the arrow also facilitates the return in position of the fronton.

Claims (12)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 1. Pool cover (A) of the type comprising at least one roof module (M1) which, covering said pool and comprising a frame (100) supporting a cover (C), is provided with a pin-shaped panel called fronton (F), characterized by the fact that it comprises two articulated structures connected to each other by at least one transverse beam (410 ', 420', 430 ') and connects the roof module (M1) to said fronton (F), the articulation being sized to pass the entire fronton (F) from a lowered closing position to an elevated opening position where said fronton (F) is outside the module (M1), and vice versa. 2. Cover (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulated structure (300) comprises at least one arm (310, 320) of which one end is connected to the ceiling module (M1) and whose other end connects to the fronton (F). 3. Cover (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulated structure (300) comprises two arms (310, 320) of which one end is connected to the ceiling module (M1) and whose other end is connect to the fronton (F). 4. Cover (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulated structure (300) comprises at least one pair of identical parallel arms (310, 320) that move in the same vertical plane of which one end is connects to the ceiling module (M1) and whose other end is connected to the fronton (F) to form an articulated structure in parallelogram. 5. Cover (A) according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a first end of the said arm (310, 320) is articulated around a fixed plate (330) integral with the module (M1) and a second end around a mobile plate (340) integrated in the fronton (F). 6. Cover (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulated structure connects the frame (100, 200) of the roof module (M1) to that of the fronton (F). 7. Cover (A) according to claim 5, characterized in that the reinforcement (100) of said roof module (M1) comprises two sets of transverse profiles (110, 120) braced by at least one crossbar (130) on which said fixed plate (330) is fixed. 8. Cover according to claim 5, characterized in that the frame (200) of the fronton (F) comprises at least one upright (230) on which said mobile plate (340) is fixed. 9. Cover (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that an elastic means accompanies the movements of the articulated structure (300) that joins the fronton (F) to the module (M1). 10. Cover (A) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises two articulated structures that form two identical parallelograms that evolve in parallel and longitudinal vertical planes. 11. Cover according to claim 5, characterized in that said reinforcement (100 ') of said roof module (M1') comprises two sets of transverse profiles (110 '; 120') braced by at least one crossbar (130 '), said fixed plate (330') is fixed to one of the sets of transverse profiles (120 '). 12. Cover according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cable that connects the extremities of the set of transverse profiles that form the roof module flange that houses the fronton.