JP5502985B2 - A compact ground-based pool for stationary swimming - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a compact ground-based multipurpose pool for performing static swimming for leisure activities (relaxation, water sports, etc.), competition training, conditioning and coordination, re-education, treatment and the like.

In particular, the present invention is suitable for being transported or moved by currently available lightweight machinery or equipment, and uses a small amount of water (eg, about 5 m ³ in a small sump tank), for example in a house or apartment. The present invention relates to a compact ground pool that is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. According to other embodiments, the micro pool can be mounted on a car and can be moved around by tow truck as well as a trailer or camper.

The very small size pool, primarily intended for stationary swimming by individuals, remains speculative, and the various designs that have been proposed so far are, for example:
− Always uncomfortable when used at low temperatures − There is no way to prevent water from protruding in all directions in the pool environment − A sense comparable to that obtained by swimming in a large pool No-It has not resulted in a promising implementation mainly due to the inability to solve the problems that this kind of thing has, such as difficulty keeping a central swim along the basin axis.

  Small water tanks have already been proposed for stationary swimming with a roof or protective dome that opens to allow swimmers to enter the water tank (e.g., Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). . In this case, proposing a pool surrounded by an open dome or cover may provide a means to prevent water from protruding around the basin, but it can be used by lower temperatures when used. Do not eliminate the inevitable discomfort that occurs. In addition, since the water reservoir is completely surrounded by the cover, the swimmer may be trapped in a very limited surrounding space and may feel uneasy due to such trapping.

  Different means have been proposed for keeping the swimmer centrally along the axis of the basin. For example, in Patent Document 1 described above, it is proposed to attach a swimmer to the abdomen support attached to the center of the bottom of the water tub, whereas, according to Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 2, the opposite of the pool is proposed. It is proposed that the swimmer is connected to the longitudinal wall by two flexible ropes. The disadvantage of these configurations is that they lock the swimmer in the middle of the pool without giving them the feeling that they move in a fairly long basin. In order to overcome this drawback, US Pat. No. 6,057,077 proposes returning the water flow formed by the swimmer's movement back to the front of the pool by means of a channel arranged in the longitudinal wall of the pool. However, such a method requires that the pool be configured in a very special manner, which makes its cost very high.

  The configuration of the upper edge of the pool for stationary swimming to prevent scattering is described in Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4, for example. According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,071, the upper edge of the pool has a concave distorted shape adapted to destroy waves and smooth peaks, whereas according to U.S. Pat. It consists of a generally triangular rim or lip surrounded by a peripheral groove that collects overflowing water. The results obtained from these two configurations are not very satisfactory.

International Publication No. 01/12123 Pamphlet International Publication No. 2004/012827 Pamphlet UK Patent Application Publication No. 2,382,525 US Pat. No. 5,787,519

  The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art micro pools or small pools for performing stationary swimming, providing considerable comfort and minimal operating costs during use. Make a reasonably sized pool available to groups, professionals or individuals.

  According to a first characteristic configuration, the above-ground pool according to the invention consists of three parts, which constitute a compact unit or can be assembled to form a compact unit, these three One part is suitable for containing a predetermined amount of water and having a bottom, two longitudinal walls and two end walls, and a change-over cabin and / or shower adjacent to one side of the tank And a chamber that communicates with the cabin and is above the portion of the sump basin adjacent to the cabin and has an upper space defined by two side walls, a front wall, and a cover wall, the front wall comprising: The water tank has an opening communicating with the free space on the upper side, and the opening is provided with a door.

  As can be seen from such a configuration, the basin is covered by an overhanging chamber, for example about 1/4 of the length behind it, thus isolating the swimmer in a heated cabin for undressing The swimmer can then enter the sump tub, or then wear clothes without getting in contact with the surrounding cold by first getting out of the water and crossing the heated cabin first be able to. This configuration is suitable for use in all weather when outdoors, or simply for maximum comfort when used indoors.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the basin has an irregular octagonal shape with two large parallel or substantially parallel sides corresponding to the longitudinal walls of the basin when viewed from above. The front and rear walls of the basin consist of three surfaces connected to each other and connected to the longitudinal wall by forming an angle of 120 ° or around 120 °, in this case the front of the basin The three surfaces forming the wall or the front wall are tilted towards the bottom of this basin.

  With this configuration, the swimmer's swimming action results in the formation and maintenance of a natural water flow along the longitudinal wall of the basin in the direction of the front wall of the basin, the water flow being diverted from the front wall. By being collected, the direction forms a flow opposite to that of the swimmer. This natural circulation of water gives you the feeling of swimming in a very large pool.

  According to another characteristic configuration, the pool is infinite and its upper outer periphery forms a rounded shape, for example a semicircle or almost a semicircle, over its entire length.

  The effect of this configuration is that on the one hand the waves caused by the swimmer can “rotate” against the rounded edge of the basin, thus avoiding the wave spilling out of the basin, on the other hand It eliminates the phenomenon of chaotic wave splatter and resonance that amplifies waves that can be formed rapidly and affect swimming.

  According to another characteristic configuration, the upper edge of the sump basin is surrounded by an outer circumferential groove for collecting overflow water and directing the water rapidly into the usual recirculation system. The dimensions are adapted to constitute a buffer reservoir. On the other hand, this feature allows bubbles generated by the swimmer's movement to be released and eliminated along the water return path before it is reintroduced into the water reservoir, thereby creating a foamy appearance. The introduction of turbid water into the water reservoir is avoided.

  According to another characteristic configuration, the compact pool according to the invention comprises a dynamic holding device that allows a stationary swimming in combination with a specially designed shaped water tub, whereby the user can During stationary swimming, you can swim continuously at your own pace without causing a constant change of direction as in free water. This holding device consists of a flexible elastic link, one end of which is connected to a harness intended to be attached to the swimmer, the other end of the link being connected to the rear wall of the pool or of said wall It is possible to detachably attach to a fixed point arranged in the vicinity.

  According to another characteristic configuration, at least the central part of the front wall of the pool consists of at least one glass panel or other transparent surface along at least part of its height.

  With this configuration, the swimmer directly below the water surface can be observed from the outside, while the swimmer can view the outside.

A swimmer's advance in the water is, for example,
-When coupled to a TFT monitor with integrated video circuitry, can be viewed by a camera that can be used to automatically control and automatically correct the swimmer's swimming behavior in real time;
-When coupled to a remote transmission system, it can be viewed by a camera that can be used to monitor the child while swimming.

  The transparent center also allows swimmers to display movies and TV shows in more play-oriented situations, or be controlled from the cabin or the Internet (in a given mode) while they train. You can see your computer.

In addition to conventional pool equipment such as recirculation systems, water treatment systems, and heating systems, the pool according to the present invention incorporates various variants or equipment that provide benefits or interesting results or broaden its field of application. Can do. For example,
-A system for measuring spent effort, swimming time, movement, etc., coupled to the swimmer's dynamic retention system, enabling telemetry of performance to be monitored live-on the surface Hi-Fi system for listening to music when in a computer screen-a computer screen and television set in front of the glass front wall for viewing video cassettes, DVDs, TV programs, etc.-for personal listening, eg swimming and multimedia Watertight UHF helmets connected to swimmers to access the satellite-Satellite relay system between the video screen and the home demodulator satellite, VHF, digital TV, etc.-Installed adjacent to the TV screen and the swimmer himself A TV connected to the TV screen so you can see yourself and correct your movements in real time. A La, the camera can also be used for remote monitoring from the home of TV - a computer screen, TV display, refrigerator, sauna, equipment in the cabin, such as a treadmill.

  The above objects, features, advantages and the like can be better understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

It is a perspective view with the partial cross section of one Embodiment of the above-ground compact multipurpose pool which concerns on this invention. It is a top view of a pool. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pool. It is sectional drawing of a water tank. It is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of the front end of a water tank. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a sump basin showing a natural water flow formed and maintained by a swimmer's movement during swimming. It is a perspective view with the partial cross section of one Embodiment of the above-ground compact multipurpose pool which concerns on this invention.

  An example of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of a ground compact multipurpose pool according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  This compact pool is particularly noteworthy in that it consists of an autonomous unit that can be moved without disassembly, said unit being able to accommodate a certain amount of water and having a bottom 1A and two longitudinal directions A basin 1 having a wall 1B and two end walls 1C, 1D, a change-over cabin 2 adjacent to one side of the pool, and a chamber 3 for communicating between the cabin 2 and the basin 1 This chamber comprises an upper space 4 above the sump portion 1 'adjacent to the cabin and defined by two side walls 3A, a covering wall 3B and a front wall 5, the front wall being , Having an opening communicating with a free space disposed on the upper side of the water reservoir, and a door 6 is provided in this opening. Preferably, the sump tub has an elongated shape and the dressing cabin is adjacent to one of the narrow side or end of the pool, conventionally referred to as the “rear end” in the remainder of the specification. In addition, the upper space of the chamber is above the end 1 'of the basin adjacent to the cabin and thus separated from the basin.

  According to another embodiment, the micro pool according to the present invention has three parts (water reservoir 1, cabin 2) that can be assembled easily and quickly to form a compact unit after assembly. , Chamber 3).

  The cabin 2 may advantageously be provided with heating means which may consist of any suitable device consistent with the legal requirements and includes the usual hardware of the changing room. The cabin may also include other equipment that fulfills various needs as described above, such as showers, chemical toilets, refrigerators, changing tables, and the like.

  The cabin 2 is provided with an access door 2a with an opening system 2b that is activated by the introduction of a card (bank card, union card or some other card) or token that may be personalized.

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

  The chamber 3 is also heated, for example, by the same device that heats the cabin 2 or by a separate device.

  The chamber 3 is arranged over the rear part 1 'of the water reservoir 1, for example, about 1/4 of the rear side of the total length of the water reservoir, and this corresponds to a state protruding about 80 cm above the surface of the water. Can do.

  The front door of the chamber may consist of two door leaves 6A, 6B, each door leaf being connected to a self-closing system known per se. Underneath the leaves 6A, 6B are provided flexible strips 6C which descend, for example over several centimeters, into the upper part of the reservoir, these strips forming a seal for the chamber in the presence of cold air.

  A flexible curtain 16 can be appropriately installed on the upper side of the rear wall 1D in order to partition between the end 1 'of the water reservoir and the cabin 2, so that water protrudes into the cabin. Is prevented.

  The reservoir tank 1 has a small size. For example, the size of the cistern is such that a large swimmer can perform a swimming action (eg, breaststroke, butterfly, or backstroke) in ideal comfort. For example, the water reservoir may have a length of about 3 m to 3.6 m, a width of about 1.10 m to 2 m, and a depth of about 0.90 m to 1.20 m. It has a total volume of about 2m x 2m x 5.2m. These dimensions may vary, but must remain within a “home” size range so that the unit can be accommodated in a small space such as a small garden, garage, massage room or the like.

  The water reservoir is formed of a heat insulating material, and the thickness of the side wall is large (about 10 cm).

  In a particularly interesting manner, the invention can be applied to a myriad of pools. In this case, the upper outer peripheral edge 7 of the water reservoir 1 has a rounded shape, preferably a semicircle or almost a semicircle, and the upper edge is surrounded by the outer peripheral groove 8, Overflowing water can be collected and quickly directed to a recirculation system known per se.

  The upper edge of the basin 1 can be provided with a retractable wing 9 which can be deployed in anticipation of playtime activity, for example by a child or a minor. These wings 9 can take a retracted position along the wall of the water reservoir or an extended position (FIG. 4) where the wing is tilted in the direction of the groove 8 so that the water in the wing spills into the groove 8.

  The groove may include a floating insulation system to limit heat loss to the outside air. This insulation system may consist of a polystyrene floating sheet 14 that allows water spilling into the grooves 8 to be freely returned with high thermal coverage.

  An auxiliary reservoir 10 into which the water in the groove flows is incorporated in the structure of the pool, and this reservoir is disposed in contact with the rear wall 1D of the water reservoir. This reservoir, which can hold as much as 300 liters, serves as a buffer capacity for maintaining a certain amount of water in the water reservoir whenever a few people enter the water reservoir. The reservoir is connected to the usual recirculation system of the pool.

  The return of water to the sump tank is accomplished via two central side nozzles 15 connected to the outer circumferential groove 8 or the auxiliary reservoir 10 and oriented obliquely outward with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sump tank. This is done from the rear wall 1D of the reservoir, whereby the nozzles are involved in the formation and strengthening of the water flow as described in the rest of the description.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the water reservoir 1 has an irregular octagonal shape with two large parallel or substantially parallel sides corresponding to the longitudinal wall 1B of the water reservoir when viewed from above. And the front wall 1C and the rear wall 1D of the water reservoir are composed of three surfaces connected to each other and connected to the longitudinal wall 1B by forming an angle of 120 ° or around 120 °.

  Further, the three surfaces forming the front wall or the front wall 1C of the water tank are inclined toward the bottom 1A of the water tank, and the surface forms an angle of, for example, about 120 ° with the bottom 1A.

  In this configuration, when a swimmer N (FIG. 6) performs a so-called “stationary swimming” by using a dynamic holding system and is active in the center of the basin, a predetermined amount of moving water is placed behind the basin. Directed towards the wall 1D, this amount of water is divided by the structure of this rear wall, and the two walls of water so formed the inclined surface 1D ′ of the rear wall is formed into the longitudinal wall 1B of the sump tank. These water streams are deflected by the inclined surface 1C ', and are merged again at the front of the water reservoir and directed backward along the axis of the water reservoir. Face the swimmer. This natural movement of the water allows the swimmer to remain “aligned” and gives the swimmer an infinite sense of space despite the small size of the reservoir.

  The 90 ° inner angle of the upper basin, ideally about 120 °, helps to create a counter flow against the swimmer with some bubbles without turbulence, Will help you maintain your “alignment” by being autonomous.

  According to another characteristic configuration, the compact pool according to the invention comprises a dynamic holding device that allows a stationary swimming in combination with a specially designed shaped water tub, whereby the user can You can swim continuously at your own pace without any change in direction as in free water. This holding device consists of a flexible elastic connector 11, one end of which is connected to a belt or harness 12 adapted to be attached to a swimmer, the other end of the connector being connected to the rear wall 1D of the pool. Or can be removably attached to a fixing point formed in the vicinity of the wall.

  Such a holding device is described, for example, in the prior patent application FR 2,896,997 of the applicant, and the flexible elastic connector is, for example, No. 2,917,143, another prior patent by the present applicant.

  According to an interesting embodiment, at least the central part 1C ″ of the front wall 1C of the water reservoir 1 consists of at least one glass panel 13 over at least part of its height. Occupies 3/4 of the height of the central part directly above the front of the tub 1, so that on the one hand, the underwater swimmer can be seen directly, on the other hand, You can see the screen installed behind the glass panel.

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

  A pool machine (circulation equipment, water heating / filtration, etc.) is realized in a usual manner and can be accessed from the outside by being incorporated in the structure of the pool.

The above ground compact multipurpose pool according to the present invention is
-Babies and children who can play underwater even in winter-Elderly or otherwise who want to relax or play sports under complete safety-Sports swimmers who want to work at home-Relax after work It can be seen that an active person with time to do-a massage therapist-can also be used by any person who can enjoy underwater.

  The installation requires about 6 m x 3 m of free space that can be covered as needed. Also needed is a traditional water source similar to a sprinkler hose, an accessible drainage point (50m) for drainage (shower and overflow water drainage), and an access point (50m) for electricity (minimum 4kW) is there.

  In this way, the influence on the environment is minimized as compared with the range of use.

  Its operating requirements are not equivalent in terms of water consumption, processing chemicals and energy.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water reservoir 2 Cabin 3 Chamber 4 Upper space 5 Front wall 6 Door 7 Upper edge 8 Outer peripheral groove 9 Wing part 10 Auxiliary reservoir 11 Elastic connector 12 Harness 13 Glass panel

Claims (13)

  It is a ground compact multipurpose pool, especially designed for stationary swimming, consisting of three parts that can be assembled by forming a compact unit or forming a compact unit. The part is suitable for containing a predetermined amount of water and has a reservoir (1) having a bottom (1A), two longitudinal walls (1B) and two end walls (1C, 1D), and a reservoir A changing cabin and / or shower (2) adjacent to one of the walls of the tank (1) and a chamber (3) communicating between the cabin (2) and the water reservoir (1) The chamber is an upper space defined above by the two side walls (3A), the front wall (5) and the covering wall (3B) above the portion (1 ') of the water reservoir adjacent to the cabin (4) Wherein the front wall (5) has an opening that communicates with the upper free space sump tank, ground compact multipurpose pool, characterized in that the door (6) is provided to the opening.   A changing cabin and / or shower (2) is adjacent to one of the end walls (1D) of the water reservoir (1), and the upper space (4) of the chamber (3) is adjacent to the cabin. Ground pool according to claim 1, characterized in that it is on the end (1 ') of the tank.   3. Ground pool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the door (6) of the chamber (3) has two leaves (6A, 6B) controlled by a self-closing system known per se. .   A flexible strip (6C) descending to the upper part of the water reservoir (1) is provided at the lower part of the door (6) or the respective leaf (6A, 6B) of the door (6). The ground pool as described in any one of Claims 1-3.   The water reservoir (1) has an irregular octagonal shape with two large parallel or substantially parallel sides corresponding to the longitudinal wall (1B) of the water reservoir when viewed from above, The front and rear walls (1C, 1D) of the water basin are composed of three surfaces connected to each other and to the longitudinal wall (1B) at an angle, and the three surfaces (1C ′, 1C) ") Constitutes a front wall or a front wall (1C) which is inclined in the direction of the bottom (1A) of the water reservoir, wherein the ground pool according to any one of claims 1-4. .   Continuous overflow type claim characterized in that the upper edge (7) of the side wall (1B, 1C, 1D) of the water reservoir (1) is rounded, preferably semi-circular or almost semi-circular. The ground pool according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The upper edge of the sump tank is surrounded by an outer peripheral groove (8) for collecting overflow water and quickly directing this water to the recirculation system, which groove serves as a buffer reservoir. The above-mentioned ground pool of Claim 6 characterized by the above-mentioned.   An auxiliary reservoir (10) adjacent to the rear end of the water reservoir (1) and into which water in the outer circumferential groove (8) flows, said auxiliary reservoir being connected to a pool recirculation system. Item 8. A ground pool according to Item 7.   It has two nozzles (15) connected to the circumferential groove (8) or auxiliary reservoir (10) and oriented obliquely outward with respect to the longitudinal axis of the water reservoir, so that the nozzle The ground pool according to claim 6 or 7, which is involved in formation and strengthening.   The ground pool according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the groove (8) is provided with a floating insulation system (14) capable of limiting heat loss to the outside air.   The side walls (1B, 1C, 1D) are provided with retractable wings (9) which are directed into the grooves (8) when standing. The above-mentioned ground pool as described in any one.   12. The at least central part (1C '') of the front wall (1C) of the water reservoir (1) consists of at least one glass surface or glass panel (13). The above ground pool. In combination with a specially designed shape reservoir, it has a dynamic holding device that allows stationary swimming, so that the user can swim continuously without the need for constant direction change The holding device comprises a flexible elastic connector (11), one end of which is connected to a harness (12) adapted to be attached to a swimmer (N), the other end of the connector 13. A detachable mounting, preferably detachably attached to the rear wall (1D) of the pool or to a fixed point arranged in the vicinity of the wall. The ground pool as described in any one of.

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