FR2884412A1 - Jacuzzi type massage basin for use in e.g. garden, has furniture fixed on platform connected to lifting device and mounted slidably in water tank between immersed lower position and emerged upper position - Google Patents

Abstract

The basin has furniture (2) equipped with a pipe (100) that is connected to a pressurized fluid injection circuit. The pipe has a vertical lower end fitted by itself in conduits (101) of the circuit. The furniture is fixed on a platform (3) connected to a lifting device and mounted slidably in the tank between an immersed lower position and an emerged upper position. The platform is insulated and positioned above a water surface, and a sealing joint (103) is disposed on an upper contour of the tank.

Description

2884412 Description

  The present invention relates to a submerged furnished relaxation area.

  It relates to the technical field of massage pools comprising a water tank equipped with pressurized fluid injection nozzles designed to create relaxing bubbling and / or massage parts of the body of the users located inside.

  The massage basins, for example of the type jacuzzi, are usually arranged in a garden or inside a house and can be designed either above ground or buried to favor the aesthetic aspect.

  In the case where the pond is buried, it is advantageous to be able to cover the body of water to secure access and / or isolate it from cold and external impurities. Among the existing covering devices, shelters and shutters or automatic covers are known.

  The shelters are generally telescopic formed by retractable arch-shaped modules for covering or easily discover the pool of water. Due to their telescopic nature, these shelters have a small footprint when they are in the folded position. Yet, their installation is unsightly and relatively expensive.

  The shutters or automatic covers do not allow to completely secure access to the water because they are relatively fragile and may give way under the weight of a user moving on it.

  In any case, using one or other of these solutions, the surface of the body of water remains inaccessible, which represents a loss of important space in the garden or inside the house in which the massage basin is installed.

  The present invention aims to mitigate this state of affairs including the fact that it allows to cover the body of water of a massage basin to secure access and to protect it from external impurities, while allowing a user to evolve in a normal way above the surface of the body of water.

  The invention also aims to provide a massage basin with a cover device of simple design, aesthetic, easy to use and inexpensive.

  These goals are achieved by a massage basin comprising a water tank, furniture arranged against the walls of said tank so that one or more users can sit, said furniture being equipped with nozzles connected to a fuel injection circuit. pressurized fluid for creating relaxing bubbling and / or massaging certain body parts of said users when said furniture is immersed, characterized in that said furniture is fixed on a platform connected to a lifting device and slidably mounted in said reservoir between a low immersed position at the bottom of said tank and an upper position emerged above the body of water. Thus, when the platform is positioned above the body of water, the volume and space occupied by said platform and its furniture are transformed into living room or traditional garden living room.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzles have a substantially vertical lower end fitting into conduits of the pressurized fluid injection circuit when the platform is in the low submerged position. The connection of the nozzles to the fluid injection circuit is thus very simple.

  According to a characteristic of the invention for easily connecting and disconnecting the nozzles of the injection circuit when the platform moves, said nozzles are connected non-permanently to the injection circuit conduits by dynamic sealing devices.

  To simplify the design while ensuring a good seal, the outer diameter of the lower ends of the nozzles is smaller than the internal diameter of the conduits of the fluid injection circuit, the seals being arranged in grooves made in said ducts.

  In an alternative embodiment, the nozzles are non-permanently connected to the conduits of the injection circuit by retractable sealing devices.

  In another variant embodiment, the nozzles are permanently connected to the conduits of the injection circuit by flexible and extensible conduits.

  According to another characteristic making it possible to raise and lower the platform in a simple and inexpensive manner, said platform is advantageously arranged with a lifting device comprising a pulling means and a set of cables connecting said platform to the said cylinder.

  To guide the platform in vertical translation and block all horizontal movements of the latter, the cables are preferably connected to guide bars fixed to said platform, said bars sliding in vertical rails arranged in the walls of the tank.

  In an alternative embodiment, the platform is arranged with a lifting device consisting of jacks connected to guide bars fixed to the platform, said bars sliding in vertical rails arranged in the walls of the tank.

  According to another characteristic enabling the furniture to be used both in dry air, when the platform is in the emergent position, and in the water, when the platform is in the submerged position, said furniture is preferably made of wood rot.

  In order to prevent the water from slowing the movement of the platform while protecting the tank from external impurities, said platform comprises passages made under the furniture, openings being provided in said furniture for the evacuation of the water. - 4

  According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the furniture is hollow and a passage is made in the upper part of said furniture for the circulation of air in said furniture during the displacement of the platform. This circulation of air makes it possible to drive the water contained inside the furniture during the rise of the platform and makes it possible to fill the inside of said furniture with water during the descent of said platform.

  To create a seal between the platform and the walls of the tank and perfectly protect the water from external impurities when said platform is in the high position, a seal is advantageously disposed on the upper contour of the tank.

  According to another feature for protecting the water of the massage pool when the latter is located outside of a dwelling, a rainwater evacuation device is provided at the upper end of the tank.

  According to another characteristic making it possible to easily intervene on certain technical elements of the invention likely to be arranged at the bottom of the basin, the furniture is fixed on the platform by means of a removable fixing device, openings being made in said platform under said furniture.

  According to another characteristic making it possible to reduce the size of the basin which is the subject of the invention, the pressurizing unit of the fluid injection circuit and / or the hydraulic unit or the compressor activating the lifting device are arranged in a removable technical module.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of indicative and nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a view from above of massage basin according to the invention.

  - Figure 2 is a top view of the massage basin showing the arrangement of the various constituent elements, the furniture being removed from the platform.

  - Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view along A-A of the massage basin shown in Figure 1 with the platform in the down position; Figure 4 is a view of the massage basin shown in Figure 3 showing the platform in the up position; - Figure 5 is an enlargement of the detail D of Figure 3 showing an embodiment of the sealing device used to connect the nozzles to the conduits of the fluid injection circuit.

  Referring to the accompanying figures, the massage basin object of the invention comprises a tank 1 filled with water located in a house or in a garden.

  This reservoir is preferably of rectangular or square section (FIGS. 1 and 2) but may be circular, hexagonal, octagonal, trapezoidal, etc.

  It is formed by vertical walls and a bottom 11 (Figures 3 and 4). Its upper end is open at the level of the water and is substantially at the same level as the ground.

  Advantageously, the walls of basin 1 are insulated to limit thermal losses of the water contained in said basin.

  The overall ribs for transporting basin 1 are advantageously 2.55 mx 2.55 m. Basin 1 can be delivered fully assembled in one piece or ready-to-assemble in several elements to assemble according to a plan of assembly.

  Referring to the appended figures, furniture 2, seat and / or sofa type and / or bed or other furniture for relaxation, is disposed in the tank 1 so that one or more users can sit and / or to lie down and relax.

  The depth of the tank is such that a user sitting on the furniture 2 has at least the head out of the water.

  The furniture 2 is fixed on a platform 3 slidably mounted inside the tank 1, between a low immersed position (FIG. 3) where said platform is situated at the level of the bottom 11 and a raised upper position (FIG. ) where said platform is located above the body of water.

  In the high position, the open end of the tank 1 is blocked by the platform 3 which then serves as a floor and the furniture 2 can be used as an indoor living room or garden room depending on whether the tank is located in a dwelling or outside, for example in a garden.

  Preferably, to limit the introduction of external waste into the massage basin, a seal 103 is disposed on the upper contour of the tank 1 to form a seal between the walls 10 and the platform 3 when the latter is in the up position (FIG. 4).

  A table, whose height is adjustable, is also provided. When the platform is in the submerged position (Figure 3), the height of the table can be adjusted so that the tray is out of the water and that users can put different effects. When the platform is in the emergent position (Figure 4), the height of the table is set to form a coffee table.

  The platform 3 is composed of a flat frame of the same shape as the section of the tank 1, but whose dimensions are slightly smaller to allow the sliding of said platform.

  Longitudinal and / or transverse bars, welded to the frame, advantageously strengthen the latter to prevent it from being deformed under the weight of users.

  The frame and the longitudinal bars and / or transverse are formed of solid sections of rectangular sections made of stainless steel and resistant to any chemicals in the water, any other equivalent material can be used. Tubular sections or any other section may be used in an equivalent manner.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the platform 3 is insulated to limit the thermal losses of the water contained in the basin 1 when said platform is in the emerged position. This technical characteristic is advantageous especially when the basin object of the invention is used in a cold climate.

  Referring to Figure 1, the furniture 2 is not disposed over the entire periphery of the platform 3, a passage being provided so that users can easily access said platform when in the up position .

  With reference to the appended figures, the platform 3 is connected to a lifting device comprising a pulling means 4 of the jack type and a set of cables 5.

  Other pulling means, for example of the automatic cable winder type, can be used in an equivalent manner.

  The drawing means 4 is advantageously arranged in a pit 110 located at the bottom 11 of the basin 1 (Figures 3 and 4).

  Guide bars 6 are fixed to the platform 3 by screwing or by welding and project outwardly from said frame, in a horizontal plane.

  According to a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the platform 3 comprises four guide bars 6 arranged on opposite sides, near the corners of said platform, the number of guide bars being determined according to the dimensions of the latter.

  Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the guide bars 6 are intended to engage in vertical guide rails 7, arranged in the vertical walls 10 of the tank 1 to provide vertical translational guidance of the platform 3 .

  The guide bars 6 may be equipped with bearings or rollers limiting friction, other equivalent means may be used.

  In order to move the platform 3, four cables 5 connect the four guide bars 6 to the pulling means 4 via a system of pulleys 8a, 8b, 8c (Figures 1 and 2).

  Referring to Figure 3, the cables 5 are fixed on the guide bars 6 by means of a clamping means 60 of the clamp type for tensioning said cables.

  A horizontal channel 9, connecting the upper ends of the guide rails 7, is formed in each wall 10 where said rails are arranged. Advantageously, the channel 9 is open on the top so as to easily access the different elements.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the channel 9 makes it possible to position above the rails 7 pulleys 8 a for pivoting about a horizontal axis. These pulleys 8a make it possible to direct the cables 5 vertically in order to draw the guide bars 6 vertically in the rails 7. At the exit of the channels 9, the return pulleys 8b pivoting about a vertical axis make it possible to direct the cables 5 towards other return pulleys 8c pivoting about a horizontal axis to bring said cables to the drawing means 4.

  Preferably, the pulling means 4 is a single-acting hydraulic jack powered by a hydraulic unit 41 (Figure 2) or a compressor. A control panel is disposed at the level of the furniture 2 to control this group.

  When the platform 3 is in the low position, it suffices that a user controls, via the control panel, the retraction of the rod into the body of the jack 4 to pull the guide bars 6 upwards and thus to raise the platform 3.

  A locking device, possibly associated with sensors, makes it possible to keep the platform 3 safely above the body of water.

  To lower the platform 3 by gravity, simply disengage the locking device and put the cylinder exhaust. If the cylinder is double acting, simply order the output of the rod via the control panel.

  In an alternative embodiment not shown, the platform 3 is arranged with a lifting device consisting of jacks connected to the guide bars 6, the rods of said cylinders moving vertically so as to move the platform 3.

  Other equivalent lifting devices may be employed, for example hand-operated or motorized racks.

  Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the furniture 2 is preferably hollow, molded plastic or rotproof wood, preferably teak or mahogany, optionally treated according to the nature of the chemicals in the water. Other materials can be used in an equivalent way.

  A removable cover 104 is provided to close the open end of the channel 9.

  Advantageously, a device for discharging rainwater is provided when the basin is disposed outdoors. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the cover 104 has a slope so that the rainwater does not run inside the basin 1.

  Referring to the appended figures, the furniture is equipped with a set of nozzles 100 for creating relaxing bubbling and / or massaging certain parts of the body.

  As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the nozzles 100 are arranged inside the structure of the furniture 2.

  These nozzles are formed by pipes having a substantially horizontal upper end emerging from the walls of the furniture 2 in the basin 1 and a lower substantially vertical end, opening from the platform 3 and connected to a fluid injection circuit when said plate -form is in the down position (Figure 3). In this position, the lower ends of the nozzles 100 fit into substantially vertical conduits 101 arranged in the pit 110 and connected to the main pipe 102 of a fluid injection circuit also arranged in said pit.

  Each place of furniture 2 has its own control valve so that each user can choose, independently of the other bathers, the power of the jet.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the circulation of the fluid in the pipe 102 is controlled by a solenoid valve 106 disposed at the outlet of the pressurizing unit 107. This solenoid valve is advantageously controlled by the control panel disposed at the level of the furniture 2.

  A water treatment system and a heating system of the type present in a spa, are advantageously coupled to the pipe 102. Similarly, the use of a module for perfuming water can be envisaged.

  According to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the nozzles 100 are non-permanently connected to the conduits 101 to allow the displacement of the platform 3.

  Referring to Figure 5, the outer diameter of the lower ends of the nozzles 100 is smaller than the inner diameter of the ducts 101 so as to facilitate their engagement when the platform 3 is in the lower position and to facilitate their separation when the platform form goes back up.

  A dynamic sealing device is provided at the connection between the nozzles 100 and the ducts 101. It is advantageously lip seals 200 arranged in grooves made inside the ducts 101 (FIG. pressing against the outer walls of the nozzles 100 when the platform 3 is in the low position. This solution makes it possible to seal between the nozzles 101 and the ducts 100 despite the relative movement of these two elements during the translation of the platform 3.

  Depending on the nature of the fluid and / or the injection pressure, other complementary sealing elements well known to those skilled in the art or other types of seal may be employed, for example using a gasket. four lobes or an O-ring with a PTFE ring, any other equivalent sealing device that can be used.

  According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the nozzles 100 are non-permanently connected to the conduits 101 by retractable sealing devices.

  These devices comprise rings disposed on the rear face of the platform 3, around the nozzles 100, said rings being mounted movably in vertical translation in said platform. The sliding of the rings is achieved by means of a cam system whose actuation depends on the position of the platform 3 in the tank 1 or by position sensors: when the platform 3 is in position and that the nozzles 100 are coaxial with the conduits 101, the crowns are pressed against the upper ends of the conduits 100, said ends advantageously having a seal. When the platform 3 rises, the crowns are peeled off the upper ends of the ducts 100 and retract into the rear face of said platform.

  In another variant embodiment not shown, the nozzles 100 are permanently connected to the conduits 101 by flexible and extensible conduits whose deformations make it possible to follow the displacement of the platform 3 from the low position to the up position. . These flexible and extensible conduits are connected at one of their ends to the lower end of the nozzles 100 and at their other end to the end of the ducts 101.

  In another variant embodiment not shown, the ducts 101 are horizontal, passing through the vertical walls 10 of the tank 1.

  The nozzles 100 are then formed by pipes having a substantially horizontal upper end emerging from the walls of the furniture 2 in the basin 1 and a substantially horizontal lower end, opening from the rear face of said furniture and connected to the fluid injection circuit when the platform 3 is in the down position. In this position, the lower ends of the nozzles 100 are coaxial with the conduits 101. The nozzles 100 and the conduits 101 are non-permanently connected by dynamic translation sealing devices, the latter being formed by O-rings arranged in grooves made on the walls 10 of the tank 1, around the conduits 101 of the injection circuit. This solution makes it possible to seal between the nozzles 100 and the ducts 101 despite the relative movement of the furniture 2 and the walls 10.

  The dimensions of the O-ring are such that it compresses against the rear face of the furniture 2 when the platform 3 is in the low position so as to ensure the seal between the ducts 101 and the nozzles 100. To limit the friction and wear of the O-ring, the rear face of the furniture 2 is preferably smooth, having a low roughness, for example using a plastic or Teflon coating.

  The furniture 2 is preferably fixed on the platform 3 non-permanently via a removable fastening device, for example of the screw / nut type or any other equivalent device known to those skilled in the art .

  Referring to Figure 2, passages 30 made in the platform 3 and disposed under the furniture 2 are provided to have direct access to the drawing means 4 and to the various conduits 101 and the pipe 102 of the injection circuit of fluid.

  To intervene on these different elements, it suffices to remove the furniture 2 from the platform, to empty the water of the basin by means of a draining device and to lower the platform to the position low.

  When the basin 1 is full, it is important that the displacement of the platform 3 is not slowed down by the water. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, openings 105 made in the lower part of the furniture 2 and the passages 30 made on the platform 3 allow the flow of water on either side of said platform when of the translation of the latter. The openings 105 also make it possible to protect the water of the basin against the introduction of all kinds of impurities.

  Other equivalent means, for example holes made directly in the platform 3 can be used for the evacuation of water.

  Advantageously, a passage 108 made in the upper part of the furniture 2, allows to evacuate the air contained in said furniture when the latter is hollow (Figures 3 and 4) and that the platform 3 translate down, no pocket air not opposing the descent of said platform.

  Similarly, the passage 108 allows air to enter the interior of the furniture 2 to expel the water contained in said furniture when the platform 3 translate upwards.

  According to the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pressurizing unit 107 and / or the solenoid valve 106 and / or the hydraulic unit 41 or the compressor are arranged in a removable technical module 300, which presents itself advantageously in the form of a rigid trunk.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a connection box 301 disposed on the basin 1 makes it possible to connect, via suitable connectors 302, the pipes 102 of the fluid injection circuit to the pressurizing unit 107 and the circuit supply of the pulling means 4, the solenoid valve 106 and the hydraulic unit 41.

  The technical module 300 can thus be positioned in a garage, underground, in a specific technical room or in any other place corresponding to the wish and / or the possibilities of the user.

  In an alternative embodiment not shown, the pressurizing unit 107 and / or the solenoid valve 106 and / or the hydraulic unit 41 or the compressor are arranged in a technical chamber made directly in the walls of the basin 1.

2884412 -15-

Claims (17)

claims   A massage basin comprising a reservoir (1) of water, furniture (2) arranged against the walls (10) of said reservoir so that one or more users can sit, said furniture being equipped with nozzles (100) connected to a fluid injection circuit under pressure to create relaxing bubbling and / or massage parts of the body when said furniture is immersed, characterized in that said furniture is fixed on a platform (3) connected to a lifting device and slidably mounted in said tank between a low immersed position and a raised upper position.   2. Massage basin according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzles (100) comprise a substantially vertical lower end fitting into conduits (101) of the pressurized fluid injection circuit when the platform (3) is in the low submerged position.   3. Massage basin according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the platform (3) is in the low immersed position, the nozzles (100) are non-permanently connected to the conduits (101) of the fluid injection circuit by dynamic sealing devices.   4. Massage basin according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the outer diameter of the lower ends of the nozzles (100) is smaller than the internal diameter of the conduits (101) of the fluid injection circuit, seals ( 200) being arranged in grooves made in said ducts.   5. Massage basin according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the nozzles (100) are non-permanently connected to the conduits (101) of the injection circuit by retractable sealing devices.   6. Massage basin according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzles (100) are permanently connected to the conduits (101) of the injection circuit by flexible and extensible conduits.   7. Massage basin according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (3) is arranged with a lifting device comprising a drawing means (4) and a set of cables (5) connecting said platform to said drawing means.   Massage basin according to claim 7, characterized in that the cables (5) are connected to guide bars (6) fixed to the platform (3), said bars sliding in vertical rails (7). ) arranged in the walls (10) of the tank (1).   9. Massage basin according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the platform (3) is arranged with a lifting device consisting of vertical cylinders connected to guide bars (6) fixed to the platform (3), said bars sliding in vertical rails (7) arranged in the walls (10) of the tank (1).   10. Massage basin according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the furniture (2) is rotproof wood.   11. Massage basin according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (3) comprises passages (30) made under the furniture (2), openings (105) being provided in said furniture for the evacuation of water.   12.Bassin massage according to claim 11, characterized in that the furniture (2) is hollow, a passage (108) being formed in the upper part of said furniture for the circulation of air in said furniture when moving of the platform (3).   13. Massage basin according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a seal (103) is disposed on the upper contour of the reservoir (1).   14. Massage basin according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rainwater drainage device is provided at the upper end of the tank (1).   15. Massage basin according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the furniture (2) is fixed on the platform (3) via a removable fastening device, openings (30). ) being made in said platform, under said furniture.   16. Massage basin according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressurizing unit (107) of the fluid injection circuit and / or the hydraulic unit (41) or the compressor activating the lifting device, are arranged in a removable technical module (300).   17. Massage basin according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (3) is insulated.