FR2783006A1 - MIXED ISOTHERMAL AND SAFETY ROLL-UP COVER FOR POOLS - Google Patents

Abstract

The cover has a first floating structure (2) covering the surface of the pool to limit heat loss. There is also a second covering part (3) in top of the floating structure and connected to it by fasteners (4), this second part being half-tensioned and able to be stretched from the line of fixation of the floating structure for being attached to the opposite edges (5) of the pool, and extending beyond the pool edge (7) to be fixed by fasteners (13,14). There is a vibration detector of the mechanical deformation type, fixed to the second covering part to sound an alarm when a body falls into the pool.

Description

Combination isothermal and safety cover for swimming pools

  TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The subject of the invention presented is a rollable cover for pools and in particular swimming pools, having both the characteristics of a flexible solar cover, and safety functions during the accidental fall of objects or people in the basin to prevent

their immersion.

  STATE OF THE PRIOR ART There are several types of cover for basins and in particular for swimming pools having at least one of the following functions: - thermal insulation of the basin in order to keep the water temperature (summer cover) - protection of the basin against dirt, falling leaves or impurities (mainly winter cover) - protection of people or animals following an accidental fall in the pool, this in

certain conditions.

  These covers can be classified into three main categories.

  1) The summer blankets alone, which float on the surface of the pool and which consist, for example, of a polyethylene film comprising air bubbles, or a film of 5 to 7 mm in reinforced polyethylene foam. These covers do not offer winter functions or security

falling objects.

  2) Winter covers: these are generally opaque PVC fabrics, or very fine mesh nets (0.5 to 1.5 mm) which are stretched above the pool and stowed on the edges by a system of fixation. These covers are not in contact with the pond water, the level of which

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  is 20 to 50 cm below the canvas. Their installation is tedious, and they require a robust system of fixing on the beaches for their tensioning. These covers do not provide thermal insulation therefore the summer function, on the other hand they can ensure in certain conditions of realization, a safety function following an accidental fall of the body. 3) Semi-rigid covers with bars: they generally consist of an opaque PVC sheet for covering the basin, supported by a set of bars transverse to the basin which rest on the pads. They provide both the summer cover function (with less effectiveness than the previous ones), the winter cover function provided they are properly secured to the beaches, and a safety function after fixing. Depending on whether the cover sheet is located above or below the transverse bars, different characteristics are obtained, described in patent No. 2637643 (Glatz), or patent EP 0465430A1 by BIERI, or even patent EP 0570311A1 by WALTER. However, this type of semi-rigid cover remains tedious to handle, does not present a good aesthetic after folding back onto the beach, and with a significant wind resistance, hence a need for fixing. Mention may also be made of patent 2653811 which describes a cover with variable dimensions for summer-winter functions, made of a composite material of foam reinforced in 2 or 3

  layers, with an extension band to adapt the size of the blanket to summer needs-

  winter. This cover has the drawback of excess thickness of the extension strips, and

  does not offer the concept of security when used in summer blankets.

  We can also cite the automatic shutters with semi-rigid slats for the floating pool cover and which effectively perform the summer, winter and safety cover functions. However, these devices are poorly developed because of a prohibitive price. Disclosure of the invention The present invention describes a floating blanket, having both the characteristics of a summer blanket, the security functions for the protection of persons following an accidental fall, and which can be made very easily from known standard materials, at a very competitive price. Furthermore, given its qualities of lightness necessary for the functions of a floating summer blanket, this blanket can be rolled up very easily on a

  hand winder, or on the device described in patent 9603056.

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  The constitution of this mixed cover is carried out mainly by the association of two structures, each having a specific function and characteristics: - a floating structure for the summer cover function - a cover structure for the security function, which can be associated with an electronic alarm device Depending on the embodiment option, the shape and size of the floating structure can be variable and only cover all or part of the surface of the basin. These two structures are linked to each other mechanically by at least one longitudinal fixing or attachment line. The floating structure is made of a flexible and rot-resistant material with properties

  isothermal, with anti UV treatment.

  This floating structure, once installed, is inside the basin, and its dimensions can be variable depending on the degree of efficiency of the desired isothermal function. She

  comprises in particular a device for fixing to the safety covering structure.

  The material used for this floating structure is for example bubble polyethylene 400

  microns (standard material), or a 5 to 7 mm foam cover of reinforced polyethylene.

  However, many other materials used for summer blankets alone, can

also agree.

  The covering structure ensuring the safety and protection of people from a fall

  accidental in the basin, is associated with the floating structure, and mechanically linked to it

  ci by at least one line or fraction of line, preferably longitudinal in the major axis of the basin. This covering structure is physically independent of the floating structure. Along the longitudinal axis, the covering structure detaches from the center of the floating structure to which it is linked, to cover the entire basin and extend well beyond the edges of the basin in order to be fixed at several points at the periphery by a device of fixing integrated to the range. Under normal conditions of use, the structure of

  covering is thus semi-stretched, without however raising the floating structure.

  The parts of the covering structure which extend beyond the basin to cover the beaches on the periphery are called flaps. These flaps are approximately 30 to 60 cm wide on the beaches. These flaps are preferably made of the same material as the safety covering structure covering the basin, and are equipped at their periphery with the necessary number of fixing devices, depending on the size of the basin to be covered. Because the covering structure is not stretched above the pelvis, and the flaps extend at least 30 to cm on the pads, the number of fixing points required to avoid re-entry of

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  the covering structure inside the pelvis following the fall of a body is considerably reduced. Under normal conditions of tension at the four corners of the covering structure, a space of 3 to 5 m between the intermediate fixing points is then sufficient. This architecture significantly reduces the number of fixing points, and therefore the time required for the installation and removal of this mixed cover. However, a minimum of four fixing points at the four corners of a rectangular cover are desirable. Obviously, all the fixing points are fixed securely to the flaps of the safety covering structure, in particular using reinforcement straps, fixed at the periphery, longitudinally or transversely. Likewise, the angles receiving the fasteners of the beach attachments have corner reinforcements which can extend up to the floating structure. All these reinforcement devices will be according to

  materials used, sewn, or welded, or glued to the safety overlay structure.

  During the removal and winding operation of the mixed cover, the structure flaps

  can be brought back by folding on the floating structure that will carry them.

  According to another embodiment of this mixed cover, the floating structure is linked to the covering structure in a non-permanent manner, by means of fixing means which make it possible to remove the floating structure. By way of example, these means can be stainless steel snaps, Velcro type fasteners (registered trademark), eyelets with laces, etc. In this configuration, if the floating structure is not present, the fixing tension may then be greater, the covering structure is then

  stretched from edge to edge of the pool and no longer comes into contact with water under these conditions.

  The covering structure (including the flaps) is made of flexible, inelastic, rot-proof and UV-resistant materials. Depending on the ease of manufacture and by way of nonlimiting examples, a certain number of synthetic materials may be suitable: Nylon (registered trademark), polyethylene, PVC, polyamide ... and their derivatives. This covering structure may, in a first embodiment, be of opaque fabric, the material of which will be chosen from the materials mentioned. Its thickness will depend on the mechanical resistance of the material used so that it resists the accidental fall of a body. Given that this sheet is not fully stretched horizontally, but that it forms a V to come into contact with its line of attachment at the center of the floating structure, the necessary mechanical resistance is significantly reduced. Also a sheet of 0.2 to I mm thick should be suitable (equipped with

reinforcements mentioned above).

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  Preferably in a second embodiment, the covering structure will be of the wide mesh type rather than an opaque covering. In fact, the net structure makes it possible to gain a factor of 5 to 10 depending on the weight of the covering structure, which greatly facilitates its handling as well as its buoyancy during the folding of the flaps on the floating structure, and thus allows very easy winding, on a hand winder, on the device described in patent 9603056, or on another device for removing and storing all of this mixed cover: floating structure and structure

  overlap folded over it to the dimensions of the basin.

  Similarly, the implementation of this mixed cover will be greatly facilitated and possible at

  from known, aforementioned reels and designed for summer blankets.

  The net of the covering structure having a role of protection of people, and not a role of protection from dirt as are the nets of winter blankets, it follows that the meshes of the net of the covering structure will be quite wide, which will decrease the overall weight. As an indication, square, rectangular or diamond-shaped or other patterns, the sides of which are between 1 and 6 cm will be sufficient. However, nothing

does not prohibit finer meshes.

  For the same reasons as mentioned for an opaque tarpaulin covering structure, the necessary mechanical resistance is reduced, because the net is not stretched over the pelvis, but forms a V whose center is mechanically linked in the center of the floating structure resting on the surface of the liquid in the basin to be protected. Under these conditions the forces of resistance to the fall of a body for its maintenance on the surface of the pelvis are reduced, which correspondingly reduces the diameter of the wire of the mesh. Depending on the size of the mesh and the final material chosen, we will typically take wire diameters between 1 and 4 mm according to a

  relationship: large mesh with large wire diameter, small mesh with small wire diameter.

  In order to improve the security of the mixed cover, the cover structure is associated with an electronic alarm device triggered following the detection of shocks or vibrations produced on the cover structure. This device consists of detectors known from

  vibrations. Two classes of detectors may be suitable.

  - Inertial vibration detectors: I-axis or 2-axis accelerometers, inertial flyweight detectors, mercury bubble detectors, piezoelectric detector providing a signal proportional to the shock. These detectors are located in a waterproof case, and are

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  directly placed on the covering structure, preferably on the descending part of the

V, just after the edge of the pelvis.

  - Vibration or shock detectors: with mechanical deformation and which produce following this deformation, a variation for example of resistivity, or of magnetic field, or more simply the engagement of an electrical contact. These deformation detectors are set

  series between a fixing point of the range and the covering structure.

  Whatever type of detector selected, it is connected by an electric cable to a control unit which has in particular means for storing electrical energy.

necessary for its autonomy.

  When a body accidentally falls on the covering structure, this shock is detected by the vibration detection device which provides an electrical signal to the control unit. This signal is compared to an adjustable threshold set by the user. If the signal exceeds the set alert threshold, an alarm signal is generated which then triggers an alarm which may for example be of the type: sound (sirens, etc.), visual (lights - searchlights). This alarm can be produced locally by the control unit, or preferably to limit the electrical energy to be stored in the control unit, the alarm signal is transmitted by radio means to a remote central station, which then triggers audible and visual alarms,

  or telephone calls to numbers registered in this exchange.

  The disappearance of the alarm must in all cases be done by manual action on a button located either on the control unit installed near the covering structure, or on the

  remote central station when it exists.

  According to an integrated embodiment, the control unit no longer exists, and all of its means for recording and comparing the threshold are on the one hand transferred to the central station, and its radio and energy means are d on the other hand integrated into the detector housing

  of vibration installed on the covering structure.

  All of this alarm device is designed autonomously and independently, to equip either the covering structure described here, or any other device already known or

  to come from swimming pool cover or other.

Brief description of the drawings

  Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description

  below given by way of nonlimiting example, and accompanied by the drawings including:

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  - Figure I is a top view of an embodiment of the mixed cover on a basin, without the electronic alarm device - Figure 2 is a view in central cross section of this embodiment of the mixed cover, showing clearly the covering structure associated with the floating structure, - Figure 3 shows only the covering structure seen from above, associated with the

electronic alarm device.

  Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first isothermal floating structure (2) follows the interior shape of the basin, being set back a few centimeters from the edges of the basin. However, in certain embodiments not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the floating cover (2) occupies only partially the interior surface of the basin delimited by the edges (5) A second covering structure (3) is linked mechanically to the floating structure (2) by at least one fixing line (4) which is preferably located along the longitudinal axis of the two structures. (2,3) This axis will preferably be the longitudinal axis of symmetry of each of the two structures. According to this fixing line (4) the two structures (2, 3) are permanently and irremovable linked (bonding, welding, polymerization, sewing), or advantageously shown in Figures 1 and 2, these two structures are linked by

  temporary assembly means (8), allowing the disassembly of the two structures (2,3).

  These means (8), by way of example, can be: press studs made of stainless materials, Velcro type adhesive strips (registered trademark), fasteners with laces and

  eyelets in correspondence on the two structures ...

  The covering structure (3) is of the net type with large meshes of 1 to 6 cm per side, made of flexible, inelastic, UV-resistant and rot-proof materials. The choice will be on

  known materials in nylon (registered trademark), polyethylene, polyamide, PVC, etc.

  As shown in Figure 2, the covering structure (3) forms a V whose low point is attached to the first floating structure (2) on the axis (4), and whose two sides of the V detach from the 'axis (4) and go up to the edges (5) of the pelvis, and extend from 30 to

  cm to form the flaps (9) which then rest on the shelf (7).

  At the periphery of the flaps (9), the structure d (the covering (3) is equipped at least with a strap or a reinforcing cord (10) fixed securely to the structure (3).

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  angles are fixed with corner reinforcements (11) which extend towards the inside of the structure (3) at least until the latter is no longer in direct contact with the pads (7). Protective strips (12) 10 to 15 cm wide, FIG. 2, are also fixed under the covering structure (3) in order to protect the latter from direct contact with the edges (5) of the basin. In general, all these reinforcements or protections (10), (11), (12) have the following characteristics: - they use materials having the same types of characteristics as those already mentioned, they are securely fixed to the structure (3) by any known means: bonding, welding, polymerization, seams, - they "sandwich" the structure (3), but preferably for reasons of weight reduction, they can be fixed only under the covering structure

  (3) in order to protect it from friction on the beach (7) or the edges (5) of the basin.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the covering structure (3) is semi-tensioned and fixed to the pad (7) thanks to the adjustable fixing devices (13) attached to retractable pegs (14) caught in the pad (7). These fixing devices (13) are located at least at the four corners of the covering structure (3) and depending on the width of the flaps (9) resting on the beach, one or more devices (13) are interposed on the sides of the structure. (3), applying the relation: the greater the width of the flaps, the greater the space between the fixing points. For exemple; for flaps whose width is 60 cm resting on the beach, and provided that the fixings (13) at the four corners are correctly secured, the space between two lateral fixing points (13) will be 5 m. Well

  obviously, a lower space can be retained.

  FIG. 3 represents the covering structure (3) equipped with the electronic alarm device constituted according to a first embodiment, the control box (20) and a

  or more vibration or shock detectors.

  A mechanical deformation type vibration detector (21) is connected in series between a fixing point (22) and the covering structure (3). Advantageously, a vibration detector of the inertia type (23) will be chosen, placed in a sealed housing (36) which will preferably be installed on the descending part of the V of the covering structure (3), between an edge (5) of the pelvis, and the axis (4) of fixing. Whatever the detector (s) present, these are electrically connected by cables (38) to the control case (20),

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  which has in particular storage means (25) for the electrical energy necessary for its autonomy. Following an impact on the structure (3) the active detector or detectors (21 or 23) transmit an electrical signal to the housing (20). This signal is compared to an alert threshold recorded in the housing (20), thanks to electronic comparison means (37). This alert threshold is adjustable by external manual means (24). If this signal exceeds the recorded alert threshold, an alarm signal is generated which then triggers a local audible (26) or light (27) alarm. Preferably, this alarm is transmitted by radio means (28) to a remote central station (29), which then triggers its own audible (30) or visual (31) alarms, or dials recorded telephone numbers, using the means (32). This remote central (29) is supplied with energy by the sector (33), and can operate in total autonomy in the event of a power failure of the electrical network, thanks to rechargeable batteries (34) which then replace this network. The disappearance of the alarm following its triggering is done by

  manual action on the button (35) of the control unit (20).

  According to a particular integrated embodiment of the invention, the control unit (20) can be omitted, and on the one hand, - the means for adjusting the alarm threshold (24) - the electronic comparison means (37 ) - the alarm suppression button (35),

  are deported to the remote central station (29).

  On the other hand, - the means for storing electrical energy (25) - the radio transmission means (28) are integrated into the waterproof case (36) containing the inertia detector (23), this waterproof case (36) becomes then completely autonomous, the electric wire (38) connecting this waterproof housing (36)

  to the housing (20), also disappearing.

  According to this integrated embodiment, following the detection of a shock on the structure (3) the signal is transmitted directly by the radio means (28), to the remote central station (29), which achieves by means (24) , (37), (35), all of the treatments already described in the

previous mode.

  Whatever the embodiments of the electronic alarm device, it can be associated with the covering structure (3) or with any other device already known or to come,

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  cover in general and swimming pool in particular, in order to detect and report any shocks to the surface of this cover device.) il 2783006

Claims (8)

Claims   1) Mixed cover for a basin, in particular a swimming pool, comprising a first flexible structure (2) floating on the surface of the basin in order to limit its thermal losses, characterized in that it comprises a second covering structure (3) forming a V above the floating structure (2) and linked to it by at least one fixing line (4), said second covering structure (3) being semi-tensioned and detaching from the fixing line (4 ) of the floating structure (2) to join opposite edges (5) of said basin, extending over areas (7) so as to be fixed there by fixing means (13.14).   2) mixed cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the second covering structure (3) is of the net type and is permanently linked to the first floating structure (2) along the fixing line (4) located along from the central longitudinal axis, by   assembly processes by welding, gluing, polymerization or sewing.   3) Mixed cover according to claim I or 2, characterized in that the second covering structure (3) is reinforced at least on its underside by corner reinforcements (11), as well as by protections (12) in contact with the edges (5) of the basin, and is equipped on its periphery by at least one strap (10) on which is fixed means of adjustable fixing (13).   4) Mixed cover according to one of claims I to 3, characterized in that the second   covering structure (3) projects at least 30 to 60 cm over the surface (7) in order to form flaps (9) intended to reduce the number of fixing means (13,14), so that the edges of the structure cover (3) once stretched, never come by deformation to   inside the pelvis, even after a body has fallen on the second structure (3).   ) Mixed cover according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the line of   fixing (4) receives assembly means (8), allowing the disassembly and physical separation of the two structures (2) and (3), as well as their rapid reassembly, thanks to assembly means (8) of the type snap button, detachable Velcro type band (brand   filed), set of eyelets and laces. 12 2783006   6) Mixed cover according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second   cover structure (3) is equipped with an electronic alarm device made up of vibration or shock detectors (21,23), fixed on the structure (3), and a control box (20). 7) Mixed cover according to claim 6, characterized in that the vibration detectors are of the mechanical deformation (21) or inertia (23) type, and supply an electrical signal to a control unit (20) following the appearance of a vibration on the cover structure (3).   8) Mixed cover according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit (20) comprises at least: - external manual means (24) for the adjustment of an alert threshold, and its recording, - means electronic comparison (37) of the signal supplied by the detectors, at a recorded alert threshold, - means for triggering an audible (26) or light (27) alarm if the detector signal exceeds the alert threshold recorded, - a means (35) for manual removal of the alanne, - and means for storing electrical energy (25) necessary for the total autonomy of the housing control (20).   9) Mixed coverage according to claim 8, characterized in that the control unit (20) also comprises radio communication means (28) in order to transmit an alarm signal remotely to a remote central station (29) which signals the alarm by its own visual sound means (30) (31) and dials telephone calls with means (32) stored numbers.   ) Mixed cover according to claim 9, characterized in that the remote central station (29) is powered by rechargeable batteries (34) which provide the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the central station (29) in the event of a power failure. network electric (33). 13 2783006   11) Mixed cover according to claims I to 5 taken as a whole, characterized in   that the second covering structure (3) is equipped with a sealed housing (36) comprising: - a vibration detector (23) of the structure (3), - means for storing the energy necessary for the operation of the housing (36), - radio transmission means (28) of a vibration signal from the structure (3), to a remote central station (29) which comprises: radio transmission means (28) for receiving the vibration signal, manual means (24) for adjusting an alarm threshold, 10. electronic comparison means (37) of the alarm threshold with the transmitted vibration signal, alarm means sound (30), or visual (31), or telephone (32),   means (34) for storing energy by rechargeable batteries.