WO2006003401A1

WO2006003401A1 - Lane divider

Info

Publication number: WO2006003401A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/002575
Authority: WO
Inventors: Padraig Seamus Murphy
Original assignee: Padraig Seamus Murphy
Priority date: 2004-07-02
Filing date: 2005-07-01
Publication date: 2006-01-12
Also published as: GB0414884D0

Abstract

A deformable lane divider for dividing a swimming pool into lanes for racing, or into areas for other activities, such as swimming lessons or water polo, is described. The lane divider has a longitudinal axis and is deformable along the longitudinal axis.

Description

LANE DIVIDER

This invention relates to an improved lane divider for a swimming pool .

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Lane dividers for swimming pools have a number of purposes. Chief amongst them is to divide a swimming pool into lanes or sections to separate swimmers or activities from each other. Additionally, particularly in competitive events, the lane dividers absorb wave energy generated by the competitors. This has the effect of reducing the likelihood of turbulence generated by one competitor from interfering with the progress of an adjacent competitor. Conventional lane dividers are made up of up to 500 plastic discs strung along a steel wire. These plastic discs rotate on the wire when sufficient wave energy is present, thereby absorbing energy and reducing water turbulence. The discs have a mass calculated to extract maximum energy from the water without being too heavy to rotate. The combination of the discs and the steel wire make conventional lane dividers relatively heavy to deploy and retrieve. Additionally, due to the weight, additional buoys are often required, approximately every 2m. These additional buoys can reduce the wave energy absorbtion capabilities of the lane divider. Conventional lane dividers are stored on reels, and are reeled out and reeled in as required, often many times a day. The design of the discs exacerbates the difficulty in handling the lane dividers as there is a significant amount of drag generated as the lane divider is reeled in. Because of this difficulty, rather than reel a divider in, pool attendants will often pull the lane dividers to one side or to an end of the pool and lift the dividers in their elongate form onto the pool side, creating a potential trip hazard.

A further disadvantage of reel systems are the reels themselves; the reels take up a considerable amount of space and can cost as much to purchase as the lane divider itself . Some swimming pools use a simpler arrangement of floats strung along ropes to divide the pool, sacrificing the anti-turbulence benefits of the more sophisticated dividers for lower cost and ease of deployment. However, this solution prohibits the hosting of any competitive swimming events, and also diminishes the experience of recreational length-swimmers who suffer the full effects of turbulence when the pool is busy.

An object of preferred embodiments of the present invention is to obviate or mitigate at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a deformable lane divider for a swimming pool . Preferably, the lane divider has a longitudinal axis and is deformable along said longitudinal axis.

A lane divider is a structure for demarking regions of, for example, a swimming pool into lanes for racing or into areas for other activities such as swimming lessons or water polo.

Preferably, the divider defines a first length in a deployed configuration and a shorter second length in a collapsed configuration.

A lane divider which can be reduced in length provides for a considerable space saving and improved ease of handling when compared to conventional lane dividers .

Preferably, the second length is less than 50% of the first length. More preferably, the second length is less than 40% of the first length.

Still more preferably, the second length is less than 30% of the first length.

Most preferably, the second length is less than 20% of the first length. Preferably, the lane divider comprises a plurality of deformable portions.

Preferably, the deformable portions are axially deformable. Preferably, the deformable portions are elastically deformable.

Preferably, the deformable portions are axially deformable from a relaxed configuration to an extended or retracted configuration. In use, the energy the lane divider extracts from the water causes the deformable portions to extend and retract axially either side of the relaxed configuration.

Preferably, when the lane divider is in the deployed configuration, the deformable members are in the relaxed configuration.

Preferably, the lane divider further includes linking members.

Preferably, the lane divider comprises a chain of alternate linking members and deformable portions. Preferably, adjacent linking members and deformable portions are connected.

Preferably, adjacent linking members and deformable portions are releasably connected. Making adjacent linking members and deformable portions releasably connected permits different lengths of lane divider to be manufactured easily and allows a user to increase or decrease the length of an existing lane divider and to repair damaged sections of the lane divider. Additionally, having adjacent components connected to each other obviates the need to mount components on a heavy steel wire, as found in conventional lane dividers.

Preferably, the deformable portions are adapted to permit longitudinal deformation of the lane divider. Most preferably, the deformable portions are adapted to permit longitudinal movement of one linking member with respect to an adjacent linking member.

Preferably, each deformable portion comprises at least one support element and a plurality of vane elements. Preferably, each vane element is connected to the or each support element by a living hinge. In this context, a living hinge is a twisting, bending and/or stretching section. Alternatively, each vane element is connected to the or each support element by any suitable means which permits rotation of the vane element about a radial axis of the or each support element and radial movement of each vane element with respect to the or each support element.

Each vane element may be deformable to permit movement of each vane element with respect to the or each support element. The deformable portion may be movable between a retracted configuration wherein the vane elements lie in substantially the same radial plane, and a fully extended configuration wherein the vane elements are inclined to

the radial plane, and may be inclined at up to 90° to the radial plane. Utilising such vanes may permit the deformable portion to collapse by up to 90% in length. Additionally, when the vane elements are inclined to the radial plane, each deformable portion acts like a turbine, extracting energy from the water and turning this energy into rotational and longitudinal movement. Most preferably, when the deformable portion is in the relaxed configuration, the vane elements are inclined at 60° to the radial plane. A 60° angle is the optimum angle to maximise energy absorbtion, although, of course, other angles may be utilised. In one embodiment, in the relaxed configuration one set of vane elements are inclined at a positive angle to the radial plane and an adjacent set are inclined at a negative angle to the radial plane, the angle being the same for both sets . The deformable portions may be configured such that movement from the relaxed configuration results in collapsing of a section of the lane divider.

Preferably, each vane element is generally triangular, an apex of the triangle acting as the living hinge connecting the vane element to the support element. Preferably, the support element is elastically deformable.

Preferably, the support element is star shaped. In one preferred embodiment there are five vane elements and the support element is a five pointed star, each vane element being connected to a mid-position between adjacent points of the support element by a living hinge.

Preferably, each linking member is a hoop. Preferably, the deformable portion is releasably secured to the linking member. Most preferably the deformable portion is releasably secured to the linking member by means of a snap fit. For example, vane elements of the deformable portions may snap fit to the linking member, although, of course, other methods of releasably securing the deformable member to the linking member may be utilised.

Preferably, in the collapsed configuration, adjacent linking members are releasably connectable. Such an arrangement provides a degree of rigidity to the collapsed lane divider.

Preferably, adjacent linking members comprise complementary surfaces adapted to engage during collapsing of the lane divider to facilitate a preferred collapsed arrangement. Preferably, the lane divider further comprises pairs of adjacent, releasably connected linking members.

Preferably, the pairs of adjacent linking members are spaced along the length of a deployed lane divider. The pairs of adjacent linking members may be spaced up to

10 metres apart along the length of a deployed lane divider.

Preferably, the lane divider comprises a plurality of sections, one section being rotatable with respect to an adjacent section.

Preferably, the lane divider further includes collapsing means. Collapsing means enables a user to reduce the lane divider to the collapsed configuration for removal from a pool and subsequent storage. Preferably, the collapsing means is automated.

Preferably, the collapsing means comprises a spring loaded mechanism.

Most preferably, the spring loaded mechanism is a constant force spring. Preferably, the lane divider is adapted to collapse by axial movement. The lane divider may collapse by rotational as well as axial movement.

Preferably, the constant force spring provides approximately 50Nm of torque. This level of torque is normally sufficient to collapse a lane divider suitable for use in a 25m pool to a collapsed length of approximately 3m.

Alternatively, the collapsing means is a winch. Preferably, both the linking members and the deformable portions are made from a polymeric material.

Preferably, the linking members are made from a foamed polymer. The foamed polymer may be polypropylene. Alternatively, the linking members are made from a foamed polymer and a more rigid polymer. The rigid polymer will take the form of an outer shell, partly covering some area of the foamed polymer. This will give rigidity, and will allow the deformable member to be attached to the linking member using a mechanical fastener (e.g. snap fit) . Preferably, the deformable members are made from polypropylene co-polymer. Alternatively, the deformable members are made from a thermoplastic polymer and an elastomer. The thermoplastic polymer may be polypropylene and the elastomer may be a polyolefin. Polypropylene is a low cost material that is suited to mass production techniques such as injection moulding. Additionally manufacturing the linking members from foamed polypropylene makes the whole lane divider sufficiently buoyant. Polypropylene can also be coloured, which is a requirement for lane dividers as a colour change is necessary to indicate to a user when they are approaching the end. of the lane in which they are swimming. The elastomer may be used for a bending, twisting and stretching section of the deformable member. The elastic properties of elastomers facilitate the rotation of the vanes around a radial axis, and the movement of the vanes in and out along a radial direction. It is believed that wave energy is absorbed by this elastic deformation. Α thermoplastic may be used for the main area of the vanes to provided rigidity, since the vanes may act as, for example, baffles, effectively communicating the wave energy in the water to the bending, twisting and stretching sections of the deformable member.

Preferably, the deformable portion and the linking member are injection moulded.

Preferably, the deformable portion is injection moulded as a single component.

Most preferably, the hoop members have a diameter of approximately 0.12m. A 0.12m diameter allows for enhanced wave energy absorbtion without making the collapsible lane divider cumbersome in either the deployed or collapsed form.

Preferably, in use, the lane divider attaches to the wall of a swimming pool by means of suction cups . Alternatively, the lane divider attaches to the wall of the swimming pool by means of an eye and hook arrangement or any suitable fixing arrangement.

Each vane may define a number of apertures. It is believed providing apertures in the vanes assists in the dissipation of wave energy.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a deformable portion for use in a deformable lane divider. Preferably, the deformable portion is axially deformable.

Preferably, the deformable portion is elastically deformable.

Preferably, the deformable portion is axially deformable from a relaxed configuration to an extended or retracted configuration.

Preferably, the deformable portion comprises one or more living hinges.

Preferably, each deformable portion comprises at least one support element and a plurality of vane elements. Preferably, each vane element is connected to the or each support element by a living hinge.

Alternatively, each vane element is connected to the or each support element by any suitable means which permits rotation of the vane element about a radial axis of the or each support element and radial movement of each vane element with respect to the or each support element.

Each vane element may be deformable to permit movement of each vane element with respect to the or each support element.

The deformable portion may be movable between a retracted configuration wherein the vane elements lie in substantially the same radial plane, and a fully extended configuration wherein the vane elements are inclined to

the radial plane, and may be inclined at up to 90° to the radial plane. Utilising such vanes may permit the deformable portion to collapse by up to 90% in length.

Most preferably, when the deformable portion is in the relaxed configuration, the vane elements are inclined at 60° to the radial plane.

In one embodiment, in the relaxed configuration one set of vane elements are inclined at a positive angle to the radial plane and an adjacent set are inclined at a negative angle to the radial plane, the angle being the same for both sets.

Preferably, each vane element is generally triangular, an apex of the triangle acting as the living hinge connecting the vane element to the support element.

Preferably, the support element is elastically deformable.

Preferably, the deformable members are made from polypropylene co-polymer. Alternatively, the deformable members are made from a thermoplastic polymer and an elastomer. The thermoplastic polymer may be polypropylene and the elastomer may be a polyolefin.

Preferably, the deformable portion is injection moulded. Most preferably, the deformable portion is injection moulded as a single component.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a linking member for use in a deformable lane divider.

Preferably, the linking member is a hoop.

Preferably, the linking member is made from a polymeric material . Preferably, the linking members are made from a foamed polymer. The foamed polymer may be polypropylene. Alternatively, the linking members are made from a foamed polymer and a more rigid polymer.

Preferably, the linking member is injection moulded. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of absorbing wave energy generated in a swimming pool by using lane divider, the method comprising the step of: absorbing energy primarily by longitudinal oscillation of the lane divider. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of absorbing wave energy generated in a swimming pool by using lane divider, the method comprising the step of: absorbing energy by deformation. Preferably, the deformation is elastic deformation. Alternatively, or additionally, the deformation is longitudinal oscillation.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a vane element for use in a deformable lane divider.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a support element for use in a deformable lane divider.

By virtue of the present invention a deformable lane divider for a swimming pool is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of part of a swimming pool including deformable lane dividers according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of part of a deformable lane divider in the deployed configuration.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of part of the deformable lane divider in the deployed configuration;

Figure 4 is an end view of part of the deformable lane divider of in the deployed configuration; Figure 5 is a side view of part of a deployed deformable lane divider 10 oscillating due to the presence of wave energy;

Figure 6 is the deformable lane divider shown in a partially collapsed configuration; Figure 7 is the deformable lane divider shown in a fully collapsed configuration;

Figure 8 is an end view of part of the deformable lane divider in the fully collapsed configuration, and

Figure 9a-d are views of a user retrieving and storing a deformable lane divider.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a plan view of part of a 25m swimming pool including deformable lane dividers 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first deformable lane divider 10a is shown in a collapsed configuration and secured to the first end 16 of the pool 14 by means of a suction cup

(not shown) , and the second deformable lane divider 10b is in a deployed configuration and is secured to both the first end 16 and the second end 18 of the pool 14 by means of a suction cup (not shown) . To deploy the first deformable lane divider 10a a user would attach a rope or the like to the free end 17 of the divider 10a and pull the free end 17 until it is adjacent to the second end 18 of the pool 14. The free end 17 can then be connected to the second end 18 of the pool 14 by a suction cup (not shown)

Figure 2 shows a side view of part of a deformable lane divider 10 in the deployed configuration. The divider 10 is connected to the end 16 of the pool 14 a suction cup 17. The divider 10 comprises a chain of alternate linking members 20 and deformable portions 30. The deformable lane divider 10 also includes a constant force spring mechanism 22 attached to a cord 24 that passes through the centre of the linking and deformable portions 20,30. The purpose of the spring mechanism 22 is discussed in connection with Figures 6 and 7

Each deformable portion 30 comprises a central support element 32 and a plurality of triangular vane elements 34. Each vane element 34 is pivotally connected to the support element 32 at a radially innermost apex 36 of the triangle. In the deployed configuration shown in

Figure 2, the vane elements 34 subtend an angle of 60° to the longitudinal axis of the divider 10. In this deployed configuration, each deformable portion 30 is in a relaxed configuration.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a perspective view of part of the lane divider 10 in the deployed configuration, particularly showing some of the linking members 20 and deformable portions 30. Each vane element 34 is releasably secured to the adjacent hoop members 20 by means of a snap fitting 26. The deformable lane divider includes deformable portions comprising five vanes, therefore some linking members, e.g. "20b" are releasably secured to ten vanes elements. The snap fit 26 locations for these ten vane elements 34 are equally circumferentially spaced around the internal surfaces 28 of the linking members 20.

Referring to Figure 4 , an end view of part of the deformable lane divider 10 in the deployed configuration, the support member 32 is a five pointed star, with the vane elements 34 being connected to a mid-position 38 between adjacent points 36a, 36b of the support element 32. The connection between the vane elements 34 and the support member 32 is by means of a living hinge 33. Referring to figure 5 , which shows a side view of part of a deployed deformable lane divider 10 oscillating due to the presence of wave energy, the energy in the water 50 causes the divider 10 to oscillate along its length. As the divider 10 oscillates the deformable members 30 will retract (as shown in figure 5) or extend from the relaxed configuration.

To facilitate removal of the lane divider 10 from the pool 14, the divider 10 can be collapsed. The method of deploying the lane divider 10, discussed in connection with Figure 1, where the free end 17 of the lane divider 10 was pulled to the second end 18 of the pool 14 results in the cord 24 being unreeled from the constant force spring mechanism 22. This action winds up and energises the constant force spring mechanism 22. The energy stored in the spring mechanism 22 is used to collapse the lane divider 10. Figure 6 shows the deformable lane divider 10 in a partially collapsed configuration. A user (not shown) has pressed the activation button 12 of the constant force spring mechanism 22 releasing the energy stored in the spring mechanism 22, reeling in the cord 24. The lane divider 10 collapses by the hoop linking members 20 being drawn together and the vane members 30 closing up.

Figure 7 shows the deformable lane divider 10 shown in a fully collapsed configuration. In this configuration the vane elements 34 have closed sufficiently to lie in substantially the same radial plane.

The vane elements 34 are able to adopt this planar arrangement because of the design of the support member 32. The edges 40 of the support member 32 collapse inwards, pulling the vane elements 34 into the planar configuration. This can be seen when comparing Figure 4 to Figure 8. Figure 8 shows an end view of part of the deformable lane divider 10 in the fully collapsed configuration. From Figure 8 it can be seen the midpoints 38 of the sides 40 of the support element 32 have collapsed in towards the centre of the support element 32 allowing the vanes 34 to pivot to lie in substantially the same radial plane. Once the cord 24 has been fully drawn into the spring mechanism 22, and the deformable lane divider 10 is in the collapsed configuration, the divider 10 can be removed from the pool and stored. The divider 10 has been reduced in length from 25m to 3.05m by the action of the spring mechanism 22.

Referring to Figures 9a-d, there is shown a side view of a user removing the divider 10 from a pool 14 and folding it for storage. Firstly in Figure 9a, the user 52 releases the suction cup (not shown) from the end 16 of the pool 14. The user 52 the lifts the divider 10 out of the pool 14 and folds the divider 10 into three Im long sections, as shown in Figure 9b. As can be seen from Figures 9c and 9d, this folded arrangement makes the divider 10 easier to handle and store. As the divider 10 is made up mostly of polypropylene linking members 20 and deformable portions 30, and a length of cord 24, the divider 10 is relatively light; approximately 10kg.

Various modifications and improvements may be made to the embodiment hereinbefore described without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although a constant force spring is used to collapse the divider, a winch arrangement could be used. Additionally, although the linking and deformable members are made from polypropylene, any suitable polymeric or non-polymeric material could be used. Similarly although the embodiment utilises five vanes, fewer or more vanes could be used.

Although the linking members are described as circular hoops, any hooped shape could be utilised. Furthermore, rather than a hoop, a circular or non- circular disc could be utilised. The disc may define one or more apertures.

Although the vanes are shown as being substantially triangular, they may be any other suitable shape, for example substantially square. A larger surface area could be used to absorb more wave energy. Those of skill in the art will also recognise that the above-described embodiment of the invention provides a deformable lane divider that is easier to handle and store than conventional dividers, whilst providing enhanced wave energy absorbtion, and being suitable for competitive and recreational pool activities. Additionally large and expensive storage reels are not required, and neither are awkward to operate tensioning mechanisms, which are drawbacks of conventional lane dividers. The lane divider is also cheaper and more environmentally sustainable to manufacture than conventional lane dividers as there is less material, particularly steel required. Additionally the lane divider is more eco-friendly product than conventional lane dividers as there are no glues or metal fasteners used in the assembly, making disassembly for recycling purposes simpler and quicker. Furthermore, the divider is modular in nature, i.e. damaged sections can be replaced and dividers of any desired length can be easily made up. A further advantage arises from manufacturing the linking members from foamed polypropylene; this obviates the need for separate buoys to be included to make the lane divider sufficiently buoyant, which can adversely affect the energy absorbing characteristics of the lane divider.

Claims

1. A deformable lane divider for a swimming pool, the lane divider having a longitudinal axis and being deformable along said axis.

2. The deformable lane divider of claim 1, wherein the divider defines a first length in a deployed configuration and a shorter second length in a collapsed configuration.

3. The deformable lane divider of claim 2, wherein the second length is less than 50% of the first length.

4. The deformable lane divider of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the second length is less than 20% of the first length.

5. The deformable lane divider of any preceding claim, wherein the lane divider comprises a plurality of deformable portions.

6. The deformable lane divider of claim 5, wherein the deformable portions are axially deformable.

7. The deformable lane divider of either of claims 5 or

6, wherein the deformable portions are elastically deformable.

8. The deformable lane divider of either of claims 6 or

7, wherein the deformable portions are axially deformable from a relaxed configuration to an extended or retracted configuration.

9. The deformable lane divider of claim 8, wherein, when the lane divider is in the deployed configuration, the deformable members are in the relaxed configuration.

10. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the lane divider further includes linking members.

11. The deformable lane divider of claim 10, wherein the lane divider comprises a chain of alternate linking members and deformable portions.

12. The deformable lane divider of claim 11, wherein adjacent linking members and deformable portions are connected.

13. The deformable lane divider of claim 12, wherein adjacent linking members and deformable portions are releasably connected.

14. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 5-13, wherein the deformable portions are adapted to permit longitudinal deformation of the lane divider.

15. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 5-14, wherein each deformable portion comprises at least one support element and a plurality of vane elements.

16. The deformable lane divider of claim 15, wherein each vane element is connected to the or each support element by a living hinge.

17. The deformable lane divider of either of claims 15 or 16, wherein each vane element is deformable to permit movement of each vane element with respect to the or each support element.

18. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 15-17, wherein the deformable portion is movable between a retracted configuration in which the vane elements lie in substantially the same radial plane, and a fully extended configuration in which the vane elements are inclined to the radial plane.

19. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 16-18, wherein each vane element is generally triangular, an apex of the triangle acting as the living hinge connecting the vane element to the support element.

20. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 15-19, wherein the support element is elastically deformable.

21. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 15-20, wherein the support element is star shaped.

22. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 10-21, wherein the deformable portion is releasably secured to the linking member.

23. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 10-22, wherein in the collapsed configuration, adjacent linking members are releasably connectable.

24. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 10-23, wherein adjacent linking members comprise complementary surfaces adapted to engage during collapsing of the lane divider to facilitate a preferred collapsed arrangement.

25. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 10-24, wherein the lane divider further comprises pairs of adjacent, releasably connected linking members.

26. The deformable lane divider of any preceding claim, wherein the lane divider comprises a plurality of sections, one section being rotatable with respect to an adjacent section.

27. The deformable lane divider of any preceding claim, wherein the lane divider further includes collapsing means .

28. The deformable lane divider of any of claims 10-27, wherein both the linking members and the deformable portions are made from a polymeric material.

29. The deformable lane divider of claim 5, or any of claims 6 to 28 when dependent on claim 5, the deformable portion is injection moulded as a single component.

30. A deformable portion for use in a deformable lane divider of claim 1.

31. A linking member for use in a deformable lane divider of claim 1.

32. A method of absorbing wave energy generated in a swimming pool by using a deformable lane divider, the method comprising the step of : absorbing energy primarily by longitudinal oscillation of the lane divider.

33. A method of absorbing wave energy generated in a swimming pool by using a deformable lane divider, the method comprising the step of: absorbing energy by elastic deformation.

34. A vane element for use in a deformable lane divider of claim 1.

35. A support element for use in a deformable lane divider of claim 1.