WO2010034754A1

WO2010034754A1 - Protection system for open water swimming

Info

Publication number: WO2010034754A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/062343
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-François Konieczny; Claudine Konieczny
Original assignee: Konieczny Jean-Francois; Claudine Konieczny
Priority date: 2008-09-23
Filing date: 2009-09-23
Publication date: 2010-04-01
Also published as: FR2936215A1; MC200127A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a protection system (1) for open water swimming that comprises a flotation means (5) and a net defining a cage with an opening (4) enabling surface swimming, characterised in that the flotation means (5) includes an inflatable structure (5) extending on the entire outline of the opening (4) and having a stiffness, in the inflated state, which maintains the shape of the outline of the opening (4), and in that the system comprises a flap (10) extending on the entire outline of the opening (4) and extending from the inflatable structure (5) towards the bottom (3). The invention can particularly be used for the open water protection of swimmers against jellyfish.

Description

"Protection system for swimming in open water"

The present invention relates to a swimming protection system.

It will find more particularly as application the protection in full water bathers against jellyfish.

There are known net systems supported by a rigid frame defining an enclosure within which users are intended to bathe. These systems have the disadvantage of a relatively large footprint during storage. Moreover, their implementation is long and complex. In addition, the effectiveness of their protection seems often limited as jellyfish manage to penetrate inside the enclosure.

The present invention aims to limit at least one of the previously mentioned disadvantages.

For this purpose, there is provided a protection system for swimming in open water comprising flotation means and a net forming a cage provided with an opening intended to allow swimming on the surface, characterized by the the flotation means comprise an inflatable structure extending over the entire periphery of the opening, ensuring the flotation of the system and the rigidity of which, when inflated, makes it possible to maintain the shape of the circumference on its own. of the opening. Thus, it is sufficient to inflate the inflatable structure for the system to take its configuration of use. The inflatable structure, offering sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of the perimeter of the opening, despite the swell or the wind, makes it possible to dispense with a rigid frame intended specifically to define the shape of the enclosure. The system according to the invention is thus simple and easy to install since it does not require handling or assembling a rigid frame. Moreover, when the inflatable structure is deflated, it has a small footprint. Indeed, the inflatable structure, the bottom and the side walls can be folded. The system can then be easily stored in a bag and in the hold of a boat only a few meters in length.

Its simplicity of use as well as its compactness make this system particularly advantageous for the pleasure boats whose crew on board is reduced. Indeed, a single person can easily go out, install and store this system. Moreover, in existing systems, when there is swell, swimmers can sometimes come into violent contact with the rigid frame, which in marine environment can have dramatic consequences. Thus, the system according to the invention has the additional advantage of preventing this type of shock, which increases the safety and comfort of users. In particular, they can lean on the inflatable structure in a particularly comfortable manner.

Optionally but nevertheless advantageous, the inflatable structure comprises two inflatable modules juxtaposed. Each of these modules is arranged so as to ensure the buoyancy of the system alone. Thus, the rigidity of the periphery of the opening is reinforced. In addition, the safety of the system is improved since, if one of the modules deflates, the other ensures the buoyancy of the system. In addition and optionally, the system may have at least any of the following:

- The inflatable module or modules extend over the entire periphery of the opening. the two inflatable modules are superimposed on one another. This superposition makes it possible to increase the height of the emergent part to act as a barrier against the penetration of jellyfish or pollution inside the system in case of swells.

- The system comprises a flap extending over the entire periphery of the opening and extending from an inflatable module towards the bottom. The bib ensures a perfect seal between the inflatable structure and the net, thereby providing improved protection for the user. Jellyfish, macro and mirco waste can not enter the cage.

Preferably, the flap is made of the same material as the inflatable structure. She forms with the latter a single piece.

Thus, the flap ensures a mechanical continuity between the inflatable structure and the net, which reinforces the robustness of the system. In the context of the development of the present invention it has indeed been found that the junction between the inflatable structure and the net is often a rupture zone in case of strong swell or currents.

- As an alternative to an impervious bib, the latter may consist of a secondary net having meshes whose dimension is substantially smaller than that of the mesh of the net constituting the side wall and the bottom. - The bib includes a sleeve for housing a rope for fixing the net to the bib. The sheath has openings to allow free access to the fastening cord.

the inflatable structure comprises gripping straps. Preferably, the straps are glued hot on the inflatable modules. - The bottom mesh has a dimension of the order of 1, 5 cm ² .

- The mesh of the side wall has a dimension of the order of 1, 5 cm ² . - The side wall defines in operation a substantially cylindrical shape of substantially circular section, square or rectangular.

each inflatable module comprises a single float,

each module is provided with at least one valve intended to prevent unintentional deflation of the structure,

- the system comprises a loop intended to serve as an attachment point and a rigid arm or a tether whose one end is intended to be connected to the loop and whose other end is intended to be attached to a boat or a structure in open water. each inflatable module has a dimension of approximately 10 centimeters in a substantially vertical direction.

each section of inflatable module is substantially tubular

the system comprises lighting means comprising at least one light source carried by the flotation means, the lighting means being arranged to illuminate the inside of the volume protected by the net and / or to signal the presence and / or the position of the system.

- The lighting means are arranged to illuminate the interior of the volume defined by the protective net.

the lighting means comprise a plurality of lamps housed at least partly in an inflatable structure.

- The lighting means are arranged to signal the presence of the protective net. For this purpose, they include light sources that comply with maritime regulations. The light sources are arranged on the emergent part of the flotation means so as to signal the presence of a protection system to prevent boats from approaching too close or hitting the system.

- The inflatable structure is flexible.

- The net has weights to maintain the configuration of the system despite the currents. The ballast is constituted by at least one weighted rope extending on the periphery of the net, at its lower part.

The inflatable structure has a good elasticity in a vertical plane. This flexibility, associated with the ballast, makes it possible to maintain the structure inflatable in contact with the surface of the water even by strong swell. The tightness of the system is thus preserved and the safety of the users is improved.

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear in the course of the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary protection system for bathing in open water according to the invention

FIG. 2 is a view from above of the system illustrated in FIG.

- Figure 3 is a side view of the upper part of another example of a protection system according to the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a nonlimiting example of the system according to the invention will now be described.

The system 1 for bathing in open water comprises a net defining a cage provided with an upper opening 4. This opening 4 is intended to be located in the vicinity of the surface of the water and to allow bathers to move freely in the bathing volume defined by the cage.

The opening is therefore in a substantially horizontal plane in use. The net has a bottom 3 and at least one side wall 2. The bottom 3 and the side wall 2 consist in part of at least mesh to prevent harmful fish or jellyfish from entering the net while avoiding that the system 1 opposes a too strong resistance to the current.

In operation, the bottom 3 is intended to extend in a substantially horizontal plane and the side wall 2 is intended to extend in a substantially vertical plane. The side wall 2 extends vertically from the bottom 3 towards a free end defining said opening 4.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the net has a substantially cylindrical shape. The system 1 may also have a plurality of side walls 2 defining a square or rectangular shape, etc.

The net may be formed of a single piece or of several pieces assembled together. In particular, it can be provided that the side wall 2 is formed in one piece and the bottom 3 is also formed of a part intended to be assembled on the side wall 2. Thus, the side wall 2 and the bottom 3 define a volume capable of preventing the penetration of jellyfish or harmful fish inside the bathing area.

The system 1 also comprises means arranged to ensure its flotation. These flotation means are arranged to be located in the vicinity of the free surface of the water in operation. They include an inflatable structure 5. The inflatable structure 5 and the net are connected so as not to leave their interface passage through which a jellyfish or pollution could be introduced. These flotation means have a sufficiently high rigidity to give the opening 4 its operating configuration and to preserve this configuration even when the system 1 is subjected to disturbances. Thus, the system 1 is arranged to maintain the shape of the periphery of the opening 4 even when wind and / or swell tends to deform this circumference. As a result, the shape and size of the aperture 4 are retained throughout use. The bathing area is thus preserved. There is no risk that the net will close on the users.

The rigidity of the system is conferred by the pressurization of the inflatable structure 5. This rigidity is thus not ensured by a frame or additional dedicated elements.

When the inflatable structure 5 is deflated, rigidity is suppressed. It is then particularly simple to deform it. Thus, when the inflatable structure 5 is deflated, the system 1 can be easily rolled or folded for handling or storing. Thus, it can be expected that the system fits in a bag when deflated. The invention thus facilitates the handling and storage of this type of system. Furthermore, the installation of such a system 1 is particularly easy since it suffices to inflate the inflatable structure 5 so that the opening 4 automatically takes shape and has sufficient rigidity to maintain the latter. The invention thus eliminates long and complex operations of assembling the various elements of a frame and then to assemble the frame on a net. These operations are all the more delicate as they must be carried out in the open sea and aboard a boat whose usable space is reduced. In the illustrated example, the periphery has a circular shape. This shape helps to strengthen the rigidity of the system.

Moreover, the users can only come into contact with the inflatable structure 5 and the net. Therefore, they have no risk of injury during shocks with the protection system. Moreover, they can rely on the inflatable structure 5 in a particularly comfortable manner.

Optionally but nevertheless advantageous, the inflatable structure 5 comprises at least two inflatable modules 6, 7.

Each of the inflatable modules 6, 7 is arranged to ensure alone the buoyancy of the entire system. Thus, if one of the inflatable modules 6, 7 is defective or not inflated, the other still ensures the operation of the system.

Each of the inflatable modules 6, 7 is disposed over the entire periphery of the opening 4 and thus contributes to stiffening the system 1. Advantageously, the two inflatable modules 6, 7 are linked. Preferably, they are superimposed on one another so as not to leave day at their interface. This makes it possible to increase the height of the emerged part. The system 1 thus has an upper inflatable module 6 and a lower inflatable module 7. Typically, the portion of the system protruding from the free surface of the water will be of the order of 5 to 20 centimeters. Therefore, the invention helps to prevent waves from crossing the system and entering the protected bathing area. Thus, this particular arrangement acts as a barrier configured to oppose the crossing of waves.

This makes it possible to very effectively limit the introduction of pollution or jellyfish within the system 1. In fact, the density of the distribution of jellyfish or pollution is often greater in the direct vicinity of the free surface of the system. water.

The protection system 1 according to the invention thus offers improved efficiency compared to existing systems. Preferably, each of the inflatable modules 6, 7 comprises a valve 8 arranged to prevent unintentional deflation.

Advantageously, it is expected that each inflatable module comprises a single float which is in the form of an inflatable element. This arrangement ensures a particularly important continuity for the entire protection system which, therefore, gives high rigidity to the latter.

It can also be provided that each inflatable module 6, 7 comprises at least two inflatable floats placed end to end. The juxtaposition of the floats of the same inflatable module extends over the entire periphery of the opening. The space between each float must be as small as possible to prevent general deformation of the inflatable structure 5 by relative pivoting of two successive floats. Each of the floats is independent. According to this arrangement, it will be ensured that the discontinuities between two floats are shifted from one inflatable module to the other. Thus, a discontinuity between two floats of a first inflatable module coincides with a float of a second inflatable module juxtaposed with the first. This shift in the succession of floats increases the rigidity of the entire system. Each inflatable module may be provided on its periphery with connection means with the net and / or with another inflatable module.

It can also be provided that each inflatable module comprises a flexible sleeve within which is intended to be inserted one or more floats. In this latter configuration, the connection means to the net and / or another inflatable module are then arranged on the sleeve itself. The sleeve may be made of fabric, fabric or net, for example. It can also act as a protective envelope for the float or floats housed within it.

The configuration with sleeve is preferred when the same module has several floats. Indeed, the sleeve tends to stiffen the entire system.

It can be provided that the sleeves are formed in the same room. It can also be provided that the side walls and the sleeves are formed of the same part. According to this latter configuration, a portion of the same net is folded on itself and is fixed on the rest of the net along one or more lines to form respectively one or more sleeves. This attachment can be made for example by continuous sewing, spot sewing or by gluing, clipping or welding. Also preferred but nevertheless optional, the system comprises a flap 10 distributed over the entire periphery of the opening 4. It extends from the inflatable structure 5, and in the case where the latter comprises several modules, since the module plus the near the bottom. This flap 10 is impervious or is made in a secondary net whose mesh size is significantly smaller than that of the mesh of the main net forming the cage. It thus prevents the penetration of even very small particles inside the net. It thus constitutes an effective barrier against surface pollution. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure comprises two inflatable modules each comprising a single float and forming a one-piece assembly. The flap 10 is attached to the lower inflatable module 7. It is made of a material particularly resistant to traction, tearing, solar radiation and corrosion of water. It will be possible in particular to provide the flap 10 in a coated fabric type material. It comprises a plurality of attachment means for receiving the net. These attachment means comprise for example eyelets to assemble the net on the flap by cords or karabiners for example.

Advantageously, the flap 10 extends over about 5 to 15 centimeters, more particularly about 10 centimeters. Furthermore, the depth between the lower end of the flap and the free surface of the water is between 10 and 30 and more particularly of the order of 20 centimeters.

Advantageously, the structure is composed of a simple envelope arranged to define at least one float and the flap. Advantageously, the system is removable. It thus makes it easy to carry out maintenance operations.

Preferably, the net comprises weighting means arranged to maintain vertical position of the side wall 2 even under the effect of large currents. These weighting means comprise, for example, pellets attached to the bottom and / or to the side walls 2.

The protection system 1 comprises mooring means. These mooring means comprise at least one loop 9 intended to serve as a point of attachment and disposed on the inflatable structure 5. Each loop 9 can be made of fabric, metal, plastic or rubber. Furthermore, the system 1 comprises a rigid arm or a mooring whose one end is intended to be connected to the loop 9 and another end is intended to be attached to a boat or structure in open water. Advantageously, the system 1 is intended to be moored to the rear of a boat. Thus when the latter is at anchor, under the effect of wind or currents, the system 1 tends to move in the alignment of the anchor and the boat and behind the boat. The system 1 remains thus kept at a distance from the latter. Optionally, lighting means are provided. These lighting means are carried by the inflatable structure 5.

These lighting means are intended to illuminate the interior of the system. Thus, the water in which users bathe is illuminated, which tends to attract fish, increase the pleasure of swimming and increases the safety of users. For this purpose, light spots are provided in the portion intended to be immersed of the inflatable structure 5. The light spots can be distributed over the entire periphery of the opening 4. These light sources can also be arranged in the bottom of the cage.

In addition, lighting means arranged to signal the presence and the position of the protection system to the other boats, in particular when the visibility is reduced, can be provided alternatively or additionally to the lighting means described above. For this purpose, at least one light source is provided on the emergent part of the system 1. This light source may for example be in accordance with maritime regulations. For example, the system 1 may include a red light and a green light to indicate its port and starboard sides. Thus, these lighting means can improve the safety of users.

It is possible to provide a power cable connecting the lighting means to a power source placed on board the boat or the offshore structure to which the system is moored. It can also be provided at the inflatable structure that the cable is housed in a flexible sheath. This sheath may for example be formed by the sleeve inside which is housed a float. Thus, the cable is concealed inside the inflatable structure which improves the aesthetics, handling and safety of the system 1. Flexible sheaths are also provided to power the light sources arranged in the bottom of the cage. These sheaths thus descend along the side wall. Advantageously, the light sources and a portion of the connector associated with these light sources are housed in housings or housings disposed within the inflatable structure. Thus, the lighting means are arranged not to project or to form little protrusion beyond the inflatable structure. This facilitates the handling of the system 1, to increase the comfort of use, and to reduce the risk of injury.

It should be noted that the lighting means, both to illuminate the bathing area and to signal the presence and position of the protection system can be used independently of the specific protection system 1 described in this application. Each of these lighting systems may therefore be subject to specific patent protection.

Particular details of the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 will now be indicated. - The bib and the inflatable structure are formed from the same room.

- The flap and the inflatable structure are made of PVC-coated fabric material 400 daN.

the opening 4 has a periphery of substantially circular shape and with a diameter of approximately 10 meters. The depth of the side wall is 2.5 meters.

the inflatable structure comprises two inflatable modules superposed one on the other. Each inflatable module comprises a float whose section has a diameter of 10 centimeters. The mesh size of the bottom is between 1 cm ² and 2 cm ² . It is more particularly of the order of 1, 5 cm ² .

According to an alternative that can be combined with each of the embodiments described above, the inflatable structure comprises a plurality inflatable modules placed end to end to form a closed contour. This closed contour defines the opening of the cage.

Each inflatable module has substantially a form of coil in the case of a system whose opening is polygonal or a circular arc shape in the case of a system whose opening is circular.

Advantageously, each inflatable module has at one of these ends a portion provided with attachment means arranged to secure two consecutive modules. This portion is intended to cooperate with a complementary portion of the consecutive module. Preferably, each portion has a planar zone so that the cooperation of two portions forms a plane-to-plane contact. Each portion is provided with eyelets for receiving a lace to secure two ends of consecutive modules.

Advantageously, each portion forms a tab extending the module at one of its ends.

According to an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the system provides, in a vertical section, a single inflatable module. So there are not several superimposed modules in a vertical plane.

Another exemplary embodiment will be detailed with reference to FIG.

The system has a rectangular opening. The inflatable structure comprises, in a vertical plane, a single inflatable module 31. It comprises four modules 31 each forming one side of the rectangle. Each module 31 is inflated independently of the other modules. This improves the security of the system and reduces the complexity of its manufacture. For this purpose each module comprises an inflation valve.

The flap 32 is formed of the same material as the module 31 from which it extends. Inflatable module 31 and flap 32 form a single piece. This allows in particular to strengthen the robustness of the system. Advantageously, the flap comprises a sleeve 33 intended to house a connecting string for fixing the net to the flap. The sheath 33 has openings 34 for securing the net to the rope thereby ensuring a particularly robust mechanical strength between the net (not shown) and the Inflatable modules 31. This embodiment has been particularly advantageous. It offers in fact improved resistance to the sometimes considerable solicitations that can be generated in case of swells. It has indeed been found that the junction between the inflatable module is generally a breaking point of the nets in case of waves or strong currents. The openings may for example be separated by 10 cm each.

This embodiment also has great ease of assembly.

Alternatively, the bib includes eyelets. Alternatively, the flap forms a sleeve enveloping each module of the inflatable structure.

The system has the following dimensions:

- Length: 8 m

- Width: 4 m

- Height of the net: 2.5m - Diameter of each module forming an inflatable ring: 150 mm

- Height of the flap: 100mm

- Maximum inflation pressure of the modules: 2.5b

- Material of inflatable modules and bib: coated fabric 400daN Polyurethane - Net: square mesh of 1.5 cm side

In the context of the development of the present invention it has been found that maintaining the shape of the pool despite the wind, the swell or the currents is particularly delicate. Indeed, these forces tend to deform the pool, usually at the opening. The latter then no longer has an optimal surface which is problematic for users. On the other hand the net, in its submerged part can also deform by going up to the surface or forming a V, thereby reducing the volume of the pool.

According to a particularly advantageous example, the system according to the invention has the following characteristics:

- Surface of the opening: between 25 m ² and 40 m ²

- Depth of the net: between 2m and 3m

- Weight of the net: between 25 kg and 50kg - Mesh size: between 1.2 cm and 2.2 cm side

- Material of the net: 50% floating polypropylene and 50% polypropylene absorbing water.

According to the invention, a ballast is provided. This weight is distributed over the entire base of the net. Advantageously, it consists of a leaded rope. The weight of the weight is between 0.15 and 0.30kg per linear meter.

Such a system has the advantage of maintaining its shape despite the wind, swell and currents while remaining easily manipulated during its launching and storage. These advantages are particularly significant with a system having the following characteristics:

- Surface of the opening: 32m ²

- Depth of the net: 2.5m

- Weight of the net: approximately 30kg - Mesh size: 1.5 cm on the side

- Net Material: 50% Polypropylene Floating and 50% Polypropylene Water Absorbing

Weight of the weight: 0.20 kg per linear meter, or about 4.8 kg for the whole structure In addition, it has been found that a system with these characteristics of size and weight perfectly matches the surface of the water. even with swell, providing improved protection for users.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to any embodiment within its spirit.

REFERENCES

1. System

2. Side wall 3. Bottom

4. Opening

5. Inflatable structure

6. Upper inflatable module

7. Lower inflatable module 8. Valve

9. Loop

10. Bib

31. Inflatable module

32. Bib 33. Sheath

34. Opening of the scabbard

Claims

1. System (1) for bathing in the open water comprising flotation means (5) and a net forming a cage provided with an opening (4) intended to allow swimming on the surface, characterized in that the flotation means (5) comprise an inflatable structure (5) extending over the entire periphery of the opening (4), and whose rigidity, when inflated, makes it possible to maintain the shape of the periphery of the opening (4) and in that it comprises a flap (10) extending over the entire periphery of the opening (4) and extending from the inflatable structure (5) towards the bottom (3). ).

2. System (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the inflatable structure (5) comprises two inflatable modules (6, 7) independent and juxtaposed.

3. System (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the two inflatable modules (6, 7) are superimposed on one another.

4. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the flap (10) is impermeable or consists of a secondary net having meshes whose dimension is substantially smaller than that of the net forming the cage and wherein the flap serves as a connecting portion between the net and the inflatable structure (5).

5. System (1) according to claim 2 wherein each inflatable module (6, 7) comprises a single float.

6. System (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 5 wherein each inflatable module (6, 7) is provided with at least one valve (8) for preventing an involuntary deflation of the inflatable structure (5). .

7. System (1) according to any one of claims 2, 5 or 6 wherein each inflatable module (6, 7) has a dimension of about 10 centimeters in a substantially vertical direction.

8. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one loop (9) intended to serve as an attachment point and a rigid arm or a mooring whose one end is intended to be connected to the loop (9) and whose other end is intended to be attached to a boat or a structure in open water.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims comprising lighting means comprising at least one light source carried by the inflatable structure (5), the lighting means being arranged to illuminate the interior of the volume protected by the net. and / or to signal the presence and / or position of the system (1).