WO2013144368A1

WO2013144368A1 - Shelter including roof elements having a cover consisting of sliding modules

Info

Publication number: WO2013144368A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/056921
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Chapus
Original assignee: Charles Chapus
Priority date: 2012-03-30
Filing date: 2013-04-02
Publication date: 2013-10-03
Also published as: FR2988747B1; FR2988747A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a collapsible shelter (10), in particular for a pool, including a plurality of roof elements (20) which can be moved in a longitudinal direction between an extended position of the shelter (10), in which the roof elements (20) are arranged longitudinally and in alignment with one another, and a collapsed configuration of the shelter (10), in which at least two roof elements (20) are arranged one above the other. Each roof element (20) includes a rigid frame (22) and a cover (24) supported by said frame (22), the frame (22) including two crossbars (30A, 30B) extending substantially parallel to one another. The cover (24) consists of a plurality of modules (36A, 36B), each of which is mounted so as to slide over each crossbar (30A, 30B) via a slidable linkage (38).

Description

SHELTER COMPRISING ROOF ELEMENTS HAVING A

COVERAGE COMPOSED SLIDING MODULES

The present invention relates to a shelter roof element, of the type comprising a rigid frame and a cover carried by said frame, the frame comprising two cross members extending substantially parallel to each other.

Shelters are known for covering, partially or totally, a floor surface such as that defined by a pool, for example a swimming pool. Such shelters generally comprise a plurality of roof elements longitudinally juxtaposed next to each other, manipulable independently of each other to release access to the covered surface.

These shelters are thus a solution for the protection of swimming pools.

Shelters known as "low shelters", so-called because of height lower than the size of a human being, are more particularly known.

If the use of such shelters in connection with a pleasure pool allows to isolate the pool from the outside, and thus maintain a temperate atmosphere above the basin and avoid the introduction of any element that pollute water, they nevertheless hinder access to the pool.

Commonly, the shelters are generally designed so that each roof element is separable from the ground and transportable away from the covered surface, this transport being most often done manually.

In order to simplify the basin clearing operation, foldable shelters have been developed, whose roof elements are movable in a longitudinal direction between an unfolded configuration of the shelter, in which at least two roof elements are juxtaposed longitudinally next to each other, and a folded configuration of the shelter, in which the roof elements are all stacked on top of each other.

However, these conventional solutions allow only a complete clearance of the basin, but it may be desirable, for example in the mid-season, to release only part of the basin.

In the context of arm shelters, a special solution has been developed consisting in adapting the roof elements of the shelter so that everyone can pivot on one of its longitudinal edges, so as to open and leave a better access to the covered area. A crutch is generally provided on these types of shelters to keep the roof element in the open position.

FR 2,873,395 describes such a low shelter. However, this shelter is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, the opening operation of the roof element requires to separate one of the longitudinal edges of the roof element of the ground, which requires disassembly of the retaining elements of said longitudinal edge to the ground and may consist in a long and tedious work. In addition, this operation requires manually raising the longitudinal edge, which requires some effort on the part of the user. Finally, the crutch impedes access to the pool.

Shelters are also known comprising a roof element in which is formed an opening for venting the atmosphere above the basin. A hatch is slidably mounted on the roof element between a closed position of the opening and a position of disengagement of the opening.

However, the opening in the shelter is too small to allow easy access to the basin when the hatch is in the release position. In addition, the opening can not be easily enlarged.

An object of the invention is to provide a roofing element for shelter allowing easy partial release of the surface covered by the shelter. Other objectives are to provide a solid, reliable and low cost roof element.

To this end, the invention relates to a roof element of the aforementioned type, wherein the cover consists of a plurality of modules, each slidably mounted on each cross member via a sliding connection.

According to particular embodiments of the invention, the roof element comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or according to any combination (s) technically possible (s):

the sliding connection comprises a first member, secured to the cross member and a second member, integral with the module, one of the first and second members being a slide, and the other of the first and second members being a slide, housed in the slide, the slide and the slide being adapted to each other to oppose the withdrawal of the slide from the slide by applying a longitudinal spacing force between the module and the cross member,

- The slide comprises a tubular cavity formed in one of the transverse and the module, oriented transversely, and a slot, opening into the tubular cavity and in one face of the cross respectively of the module, facing the other of the through and module, the slot having a height less than that of the tubular cavity, and the slider comprises a head, housed in the tubular cavity, and a body, extending through the slot, the head having a greater height than to that of the slot, the tubular cavity is cylindrical of revolution, and the head comprises a plate, of height substantially equal to the diameter of the tubular cavity, and having rounded lower and upper ends,

for at least one of the modules, the first member is specific to the module and extends from one lateral end of the cross member to the other lateral end of the cross member,

the reinforcement consists of the two crosspieces and two longitudinal members, each connecting one lateral end of one of the crosspieces to one lateral end of the other cross-member;

at least one of the modules is slidably movable on the cross members between a first position, in which the module is in abutment against a first of the two longitudinal members, and a second position, in which the module is in abutment with the second of the two side members; ,

the roof element has an arch shape, and

the sliding connections are adapted so that at least two modules slide one above the other.

The invention also relates to a collapsible shelter, in particular for a pool, comprising a plurality of roof elements movable in a longitudinal direction between an unfolded configuration of the shelter, in which the roof elements are arranged longitudinally in each case. the extension of the others, and a folded configuration of the shelter, in which at least two roof elements are arranged one above the other, at least one of the roof elements being a roof element as defined above.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a pool-type pool and shelter covering said basin, the shelter being a shelter as defined above.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a roof element of the shelter of the assembly of FIG. 1, in closed configuration,

- Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, the roof element being in open configuration,

- Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first detail of the roof element of Figure 2,

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second detail of the roof element of FIG. 2, and - Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third detail of the roof element of Figure 2.

In the following, the orientation terms are to be understood with respect to the following orthogonal reference mark, represented in FIGS. 1 to 10, and in which:

the X axis is a longitudinal axis, extending from the rear towards the front,

the Y axis is a transverse axis, oriented from right to left, perpendicular to the X axis and defining with the latter a horizontal plane, and the Z axis is a vertical axis, perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and oriented from bottom up.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the assembly according to the invention comprises a collapsible shelter 10 covering a swimming pool 12, elongate in the longitudinal direction X. In particular, in FIG. 1, the collapsible shelter 10 is represented in FIG. an unfolded configuration above the pool 12.

The folding shelter 10 is a low shelter. It is substantially symmetrical with respect to a median longitudinal plane M.

The shelter 10 comprises a plurality of roof elements 20 movable in the longitudinal direction X between an unfolded configuration of the shelter 10, in which the roof elements 20 are juxtaposed longitudinally next to each other, as shown in FIG. 1, and a folded configuration of the shelter 10, in which the roof elements 20 are all stacked on one another, at a longitudinal end of the basin 12. In the unfolded configuration, each roof element 20 is placed on a S edge surface of the basin 12, this edge surface S being typically a lip of the basin 12, or a tiling bordering the basin 12.

The method for opening the shelter 10, that is to say to move from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration, and to close the shelter 10, that is to say to move from the folded configuration with the unfolded configuration, is known to those skilled in the art. An example of such a process is given in FR-A-2 894 607.

In the example shown, the roof elements 20 are four in number, but this example is in no way limiting and, alternatively, the shelter 10 comprises any number of roof elements 20, this number depending on the length of the roof. basin 12, this number being at least two, and preferably greater than or equal to three.

Referring to Figure 2, each roof element 20 comprises a rigid armature 22 and a cover 24. Each roof element 20 further has a lower face 26, facing the basin 12, and an upper face 28, opposite the lower face 26, and facing upwards. The frame 22 is preferably made of aluminum. Alternatively, it is made of plastic material.

The armature 22 consists of two crosspieces 30A, 30B, and two longitudinal members 32A, 32B. In particular, it does not include a third spar connecting a cross member 30A to the other 30B.

Each crossbar 30A, 30B extends substantially transversely between a right-hand lateral end 34A and a left-hand lateral end 34B. A front cross member 30A delimits a forward longitudinal end of the roof element 20, and a rear cross member 30B delimits a rear longitudinal end of the roof element 20.

Preferably, each cross member 30A, 30B is bent, with a concavity oriented downwards. It then has a finite radius of curvature, preferably between 3 and 7 m. The roof element 20 thus has an arch shape, the top of which is at a distance from the surface S of between 50 and 100 cm. Alternatively, each cross member 30A, 30B is rectilinear, in other words, it has an infinite radius of curvature, so that the roof element 20 is substantially flat.

The front cross member 30A and the rear cross member 30B have the same radius of curvature and the same length of arc, taken between the lateral ends 34A, 34B of the crossbar.

The cross members 30A, 30B of the roof elements 20 have radii of curvature equal to each other and arc lengths equal to each other. In other words, the roof elements 20 are of substantially the same size as each other. Thus, when the roof elements 20 are juxtaposed next to each other, their upper surfaces 28 are substantially aligned longitudinally with each other. This results in an aesthetic appearance of the shelter 10 unfolded configuration more satisfactory than with a telescopic shelter in which the roof elements are nestled one under the other.

Each spar, respectively 32A, 32B, connects a lateral end, respectively 34A, 34B, of one 30A of the cross members to a corresponding lateral end, respectively 34A, 34B of the other cross member 30B. The longitudinal members 32A, 32B thus delimit two parallel longitudinal edges of the roof element 20.

The cover 24 defines the lower face 26 and the upper face 28 of the roof element 20. It consists of a plurality of modules 36A, 36B, each slidably mounted on each cross member 30A, 30B via a sliding link 38 (Figure 4). In the example shown, these modules 36A, 36B are two in number. The cover 24 does not include a fixed panel relative to the cross members 30A, 30B, unlike the roof elements of the shelters of the state of the art. Each module 36A, 36B extends between the cross members 30A, 30B. It has a general shape in the cylinder arc sector if the roof element 20 is arch-shaped, and a generally rectangular shape if the roof element 20 is flat. The radius of curvature of each module 36A, 36B is equal to the radius of curvature of the cross members 30A, 30B.

Each module 36A, 36B is slidably movable on the cross members 30A,

30B between a first position, in which the module 36A, 36B abuts against the right spar 32A, and a second position, in which the module 36A, 36B abuts against the left spar 32B. In the example shown in Figure 2, the roof element 20 is in a closed configuration, in which a first module 36A is in its first position, and the second module 36B is in its second position. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the roof element is in an open configuration, in which the two modules 36A, 36B are in their second position.

More generally, the closed configuration of the roof element 20 will be defined as that in which the modules 36A, 36B form a continuous cover of the basin 12, and the open configuration of the roof element 20 will be defined as a configuration. wherein at least one module 36A, 36B is disposed so as not to form a continuous cover of the basin 12.

Each module 36A, 36B comprises a rigid frame 40, and a panel 42 carried by the frame 40.

The frame 40 defines the contour of the module 36A, 36B. It is advantageously made of aluminum, so as to lighten the module 36A, 36B. It comprises two transverse sections 44, a plurality of longitudinal beams 46A, 46B, 46C, and means (not shown) for fixing each transverse section 44 to each longitudinal beam 46A, 46B, 46C.

Each transverse section 44 defines a longitudinal end of the module 36A, 36B. It extends from a first lateral end 48A of the module 36A, 36B to the second lateral end 48B of the module 36A, 36B. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the panel 42 is encased in the transverse section 44.

Each longitudinal beam 46A, 46B, 46C extends from one transverse section 44 to the other. The longitudinal beams 46A, 46B, 46C are regularly distributed between the lateral ends 48A, 48B of the module 36A, 36B, that is to say that they delimit between them sectors of the module 36A, 36B of substantially equal widths.

A first longitudinal beam 46A extends along the first lateral end 48A, and a second longitudinal beam 46B extends along the second lateral end 48B. In the example shown, the longitudinal beams 46A, 46B, 46C are three in number. The third beam 46C is then substantially midway between the first and second lateral ends 48A, 48B. Alternatively, the number of longitudinal beams 46A, 46B, 46C is equal to two, or strictly greater than three.

The second lateral end 48B of each module 36A, 36B is designed to bear against one of the longitudinal members 32A, 32B when the roof element 20 is in a closed configuration.

Note that, in the example shown, the first lateral end 48A of the first module 36A is its left lateral end, the second lateral end 48B of the first module 36A is its right lateral end, the first lateral end 48A of the second module 36B is its right lateral end, and the second lateral end 48B of the second module 36B is its left lateral end.

The fixing means comprise for example screws.

The panel 42 is typically made of transparent polycarbonate.

With reference to FIG. 4, the sliding link 38 comprises a first member

50, secured to the cross member 30A, 30B, and a second member 52 secured to the module 36A, 36B.

The first member 50 extends from one lateral end 34A of the cross member 30A, 30B to the other lateral end 34B. The second member 52 extends from a lateral end 48A of the module 36A, 36B to the other lateral end 48B.

The cross member 30A, 30B carries at least two first members 50. These first members 50 are advantageously, as shown, arranged one above the other. Thus, when a module 36A, 36B slidably moves relative to another module 36A, 36B, the modules 36A, 36B can pass one above the other. The stroke of a module 36A, 36B is thus not impeded by the presence of the other modules 36A, 36B. There is thus an upper module 36A, and a lower module 36B.

Each first member 50 is preferably specific to a module 36A, 36B. The first member 50 is constituted by a slide 54, and the second member 52 is constituted by a slide 56 housed in the slide 54. In a variant, the first member 50 is constituted by a slide, and the second member 52 is constituted by a slide, the slide being housed in the slide.

The slide 54 is continuous. Advantageously, the slider 56 is also continuous. In a variant, the slider 56 is discontinuous.

The slide 54 and the slide 56 are adapted to each other to oppose the withdrawal of the slide 56 from the slide 54 by applying a longitudinal force distance between the module 36A, 36B and the cross member 30A, 30B, illustrated by the arrow E in Figure 4. The module 36A, 36B thus contributes to the rigidity of the roof element 20, ensuring the longitudinal connection of the cross members 30A, 30B to each other. In this respect, it differs from the hatches of roofing elements of the state of the art, which consist of a single panel whose opposite edges are housed in U-shaped rails, and which confer no rigidity on the roof element.

For this purpose, the slide 54 comprises a tubular cavity 60, formed in the crossbar 30A, 30B, and a slot 62, opening into the tubular cavity 60 and in a face 64 of the crossbar 30A, 30B oriented towards the module 36A, 36B , the slot 62 having a height less than that of the tubular cavity 60. In addition, the slide 56 comprises a head 66, housed in the tubular cavity 60, and a body 68, extending through the slot 62, the head 66 having a height greater than that of the slot 62.

In this case, the height is defined not in relation to the vertical direction Z, but in relation to a direction oriented perpendicular to the upper face 28. Thus, in the case where the roof element 20 is flat, the height is oriented. parallel to the Z axis and, in the case where the roof element 20 is arched, the height has components on the Y and Z axes.

The tubular cavity 60 is oriented transversely. In other words, its axis is included in a transverse plane. It extends substantially parallel to the upper face 28, a lateral end 34A of the cross member 30A, 30B at the other end 34B.

The tubular cavity 60 is advantageously, as shown, cylindrical of revolution.

The slot 62 is continuous and extends from a lateral end 34A of the cross member 30A, 30B to the other lateral end 34B.

The head 66 comprises a plate 68, of height substantially equal to the diameter of the tubular cavity 60, and having lower ends 70 and upper 72 rounded. Combined with the cylindrical profile of revolution of the tubular cavity 60, this feature makes it possible to prevent the slide 56 from jamming in the slide 54.

The body 68 mechanically links the head 66 to the profile 44. Preferably, the body

68, the head 66 and the section 44 are made of material.

With reference to FIG. 5, the upper module 36A also comprises means 80 for sealing with the lower module 36B.

These sealing means 80 comprise a seal 84 attached to the first longitudinal beam 46A. The beam 46A delimits in its lower face a longitudinal groove 86 for receiving the seal 84. This groove 86 extends from one transverse section 44 to the other. The seal 84 extends from one transverse section 44 to the other. It comprises a bead 88 housed in the groove 86, and a lip 90 extending from the bead 88 away from the longitudinal section 82. The lip 90 is dimensioned to touch the module 36B when the first end 48A of the module 36A is above it.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the roof element 20 further comprises means 92 sealing between each module, respectively 36A, 36B, and one of the longitudinal members, respectively 32A, 32B.

These sealing means 92 comprise a second longitudinal section 94, integral with the module 36A, 36B, and a groove 96 for receiving the second longitudinal section 94 formed in the spar 32A, 32B.

The longitudinal section 94 defines the second lateral end 48B of the module 36A, 36B. It is fixed to the second longitudinal beam 46B by fastening means (not shown), typically screws. The panel 42 is encased in the longitudinal section 94.

The end of the longitudinal section 94 forming the second lateral end 48B is tapered. Thus, the insertion of the longitudinal section 94 into the groove 96 is facilitated.

Finally, again with reference to Figure 6, the roof element 20 comprises wheels 100, adapted to allow the rolling of the roof element 20 on the edge surface S.

Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible to easily clear the access to the basin 12 by simply sliding one of the modules 36A, 36B on the cross members 30A, 30B.

It is also possible to access the basin 12 as well by its left side as by its right side.

In addition, the roof element 20 is designed to prevent the modules 36A, 36B from becoming detached from the frame 22.

In addition, reliable sliding of the modules 36A, 36B on the cross members 30A, 30B is guaranteed.

Finally, the sealing of the roof element 20 when in closed configuration is ensured.

Claims

1. - Folding shelter (10), in particular for a pool, comprising a plurality of roof elements (20) displaceable in a longitudinal direction (X) between an unfolded configuration of the shelter (10), in which the roof elements ( 20) are arranged longitudinally one in the extension of the others, and a folded configuration of the shelter (10), wherein at least two roof elements (20) are arranged one above the other, each roof element (20) comprising a rigid armature (22) and a cover (24) carried by said armature (22), the armature (22) comprising two crosspieces (30A, 30B) extending substantially parallel to each other; the other, characterized in that, for at least one of the roof elements (20), the cover (24) consists of a plurality of modules (36A, 36B), each slidably mounted on each crossmember (30A, 30B ) via a sliding connection (38).

2. - foldable shelter (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding connection (38) comprises a first member (50) integral with the cross member (30A, 30B), and a second member (52), integral of the module (36A, 36B), one of the first and second members (50, 52) being a slide (54), and the other of the first and second members (50, 52) being a slide (56), housed in the slide (54), the slide (54) and the slide (56) being adapted to cooperate with each other so as to oppose the withdrawal of the slide (56) from the slide (54) by applying a longitudinal spacing force (E) between the module (36A, 36B) and the cross member (30A, 30B).

3. - foldable shelter (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the slide (54) comprises a tubular cavity (60) formed in one of the cross member (30A, 30B) module and the module (36A, 36B). ), oriented transversely, and a slot (62), opening into the tubular cavity (60) and into a face (64) of the cross member (30A, 30B), respectively of the module, facing the other of the cross member (30A , 30B) and the module (36A, 36B), the slot (62) having a height less than that of the tubular cavity (60), and in that the slider (56) comprises a head (66), housed in the tubular cavity (60), and a body (68) extending through the slot (62), the head (66) having a height greater than that of the slot (62).

4. - foldable shelter (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the tubular cavity (60) is cylindrical in revolution, and in that the head (66) comprises a plate (68) of height substantially equal to the diameter of the tubular cavity (60), and having lower (70) and upper (72) rounded ends.

5. Folding shelter (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, for at least one of the modules (36A, 36B), the first member (50) is clean to the module (36A, 36B) and extends from one lateral end (34A) of the crossbar (30A, 30B) to the other lateral end (34B) of the crossbar (30A, 30B).

6. - foldable shelter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armature (22) consists of two crosspieces (30A, 30B) and two longitudinal members (32A, 32B), each connecting a lateral end (34A, 34B) of one of the cross members (30A) at one lateral end (34A, 34B) of the other cross member (30B).

7. - foldable shelter (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the modules (36A, 36B) is slidably movable on the crosspieces (30A, 30B) between a first position, in which the module ( 36A, 36B) is in abutment against a first (32A) of the two longitudinal members, and a second position, wherein the module (36A, 36B) abuts against the second (36B) of the two longitudinal members.

8. - foldable shelter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an arch shape.

9. - foldable shelter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding connections (38) are adapted so that at least two modules (36A, 36B) slide one above the 'other.

10. - foldable shelter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in unfolded configuration, the roof elements (20) are juxtaposed longitudinally next to each other and, in folded configuration, the elements roof (20) are all stacked one above the other.

1 1. - Assembly comprising a pool (12) and a pool (10) covering said pool (12), characterized in that the shelter (10) is a collapsible shelter according to any one of the preceding claims