Swimming pool entertainment device

Abstract

The invention relates to an entertainment device (7) for a swimming pool (1), comprising a housing (10) accommodating a video projector (11) capable of projecting at least one image (8) onto a bottom (9) of the swimming pool (1). The housing (10) is provided with a circuit for cooling the video projector (11) and / or electrical and / or electronic components housed within the housing (10). The entertainment device (7) comprises a fastening device (18) comprising at least two fastening links.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a swimming pool entertainment device. It is an object of the present invention to provide such a device. The present invention also relates to an entertainment system comprising a plurality of devices equipped with a single swimming pool. The present invention also relates to an entertainment installation comprising a plurality of entertainment systems equipped with a plurality of swimming pools.

[0002] Swimming in a swimming pool is a sport or leisure activity practiced by many people. This practice usually involves a series of pool crossings over the length of the pool. The swimmer often finds this multiple crossing tedious or boring and can be tempted to abandon the activity in favor of another sport. In addition, this practice is essentially isolated, which often makes it frustrating.

[0003] Furthermore, the operating and maintenance costs inherent to the operation of a swimming pool are increasingly burdensome for the operator. It is therefore wise for the operator to offer new activities and / or entertainment that can win the loyalty of existing customers or attract new customers or even one-off events, as this attractiveness makes the operation more profitable. It is also desirable for the operator to offer new activities with the lowest possible investment in equipment and supervisory staff. This expectation is even more important considering that swimming has changed little in the last few decades compared to other sports and leisure activities.

[0004] Document WO2013 / 121229 describes an underwater image projection system immersed in a swimming pool and projecting images onto one of the surfaces delimiting the swimming pool. The projection system comprises a housing equipped with a lens. The projection system also comprises a projection element with a light source, which projects and directs the images. A controller coupled to the light source controls the light source and a steering device for the light source used for projection. An entertainment operator supplies image data to the controller via an input device. The controller interprets the supplied image data as a set of image control variables and controls the light source so that the projection element projects a static image or a moving image onto one of the surfaces of the swimming pool.

[0005] The drawback of this system is that it is unattractive, does not provide interactivity between the swimmer and / or the pool spectator, and provides low-quality and low-variety entertainment.

[0006] Another drawback of this system is that it is low in durability.

[0007] Another drawback of this system is that the installation on the swimming pool is time-consuming and tedious.

[0008] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a robust, durable entertainment device that allows better use of the swimming pool, based on a simple, effective and inexpensive entertainment device that is stimulating and entertaining for the swimming user.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an entertainment device that can be easily and quickly installed on or removed from a swimming pool without damaging the swimming pool structure, so that temporary entertainment can be carried out within the swimming pool.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an entertainment device that allows images to be projected onto the swimming lane without any length limitation.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an entertainment device that provides an audio atmosphere.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an entertainment device with a simple control system.

[0013] Finally, another object of the present invention is to make swimming or other water activities in a swimming pool (such as synchronized swimming, water polo, etc.) as attractive as possible, in particular by making swimming instructions more accessible to all public or individual swimming pools, to all spectators, regardless of the age and / or athletic level of the user.

[0014] These objects are achieved by proposing an entertainment device for a swimming pool, comprising a housing containing a video projector capable of projecting at least one image onto the bottom of the swimming pool. The housing is provided with a circuit for cooling the video projector and / or electrical and / or electronic components housed within the housing.

[0015] According to the invention, the entertainment device comprises a fastening device comprising at least two fastening links.

[0016] The entertainment device advantageously comprises any one or more of the following technical features, taken separately or in combination:

[0017] - the fastening device comprises a fastening member connected to the fastening links and designed to be housed in a recess,

[0018] - the fastening member is telescopic,

[0019] - the fastening member comprises a body equipped with at least one threaded rod that can move within a channel formed through the body,

[0020] - the shape of the body is set like a ring comprising two straight branches parallel to each other,

[0021] - the body comprises at least one shaft interposed between the branches, the shaft housing a channel within which the threaded rod can move,

[0022] - the cooling circuit comprises at least one heat-conducting part interposed between the video projector and / or the electrical and / or electronic components and the housing,

[0023] - the electrical and / or electronic assembly comprises a remote communication component for exchanging data with an external receiver / transmitter connected with equipment fitted to the swimmer and / or to the swimming pool and / or to a float line fitted to the swimming pool,

[0024] - the housing is watertight,

[0025] - the housing houses a watertight compartment.

[0026] The present application also relates to an entertainment system comprising a plurality of such entertainment devices.

[0027] The present application also relates to an entertainment installation comprising a plurality of such entertainment systems equipped with a plurality of swimming pools.

[0028] The present application and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description and the non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0029] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 a swimming pool equipped with an entertainment system according to the present application comprising a plurality of entertainment devices according to the present application is shown.

[0030] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 a swimming pool equipped with an entertainment system according to the present application comprising a plurality of entertainment devices according to the present application is shown. Figure 1 a schematic side view of one of the entertainment devices shown.

[0031] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 a swimming pool equipped with an entertainment system according to the present application comprising a plurality of entertainment devices according to the present application is shown. Figure 2 a schematic side view of the assembly housing of the entertainment device shown.

[0032] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 a front view of three ways of attaching the entertainment device shown to a swimming pool. Figure 2 a front view of two other ways of attaching the entertainment device shown to a swimming pool.

[0033] Figure 5 a front view of two other ways of attaching the entertainment device shown to a swimming pool. Figure 5 Figure 2 a side view of two other ways of attaching the entertainment device shown to a swimming pool.

[0034] a side view of two other ways of attaching the entertainment device shown to a swimming pool. Figure 6 Figure 6 a side view of two other ways of attaching the entertainment device shown to a swimming pool. Figure 2 a side view of two other ways of attaching the entertainment device shown to a swimming pool.

[0035] Figure 7 a side view of two other ways of attaching the entertainment device shown to a swimming pool. Figure 7 a fastener participating in the entertainment device shown in the previous figures.​​​​

[0036] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 A cooling circuit for an entertainment device is shown. Figures 1 to 6 A variant embodiment of the entertainment device shown.

[0037] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 A variant embodiment of the entertainment device shown. Figures 1 to 6

[0038] Figure 1 A swimming pool 1 is shown from above. The swimming pool 1 can be a swimming pool forming part of a nautical center intended for public use, or a private swimming pool. The swimming pool 1 has a parallelepiped shape, preferably rectangular, and is delimited by two longitudinal edges 2 having a first length LI and two lateral edges 3 having a first width L2. The swimming pool 1 comprises a plurality of lanes 4 parallel to each other and extending along the first length LI of the swimming pool 1. Two successive lanes 4 are separated from each other by a buoy line 5. Each lane 4 forms a training and / or competition lane for swimmers.

[0039] According to the invention, the swimming pool 1 is equipped with an entertainment system 6 comprising a plurality of entertainment devices 7 distributed along the first length LI of the swimming pool 1. In particular, the entertainment devices 7 are spaced equidistantly along one or both of the longitudinal edges 2. Each entertainment device 7 is able to project an image 8 onto the bottom 9 of the swimming pool 1, for example on a strip 5 meters long and 2.5 meters wide (within plus or minus 10%), and over the entire first length LI of the swimming pool 1. In other words, the entertainment system 6 is able to project an image 8 onto the bottom 9 of the swimming pool 1 for each lane 4 and over the entire first length LI of the lane 4, the images 8 being successive two by two to give the impression of a continuous image over the entire first length LI of the swimming pool 1. In another embodiment, the entertainment devices 7 are arranged on the bottom 9 of the swimming pool 1 to project the images 8 onto the center of the swimming pool 1 or onto the longitudinal edges 2 and / or the lateral edges 3. The entertainment devices 7 can also be grouped in pairs, in particular one above the other, to double the luminosity of the images 8 or to create a three-dimensional effect of the images 8. It should be noted at this point that the images 8 can be static or animated. Thus, when a user is swimming in his lane 4, he can watch these images 8 adapted to the entertainment and / or information. These images 8 assigned to a lane 4 can be customized for the user of this lane 4.

[0040] In Figure 2 ​In this device, each entertainment unit 7 includes a housing 10 that houses at least one video projector 11 (such as an ultra-short throw laser projector, commonly referred to as a UST laser projector). The video projector 11 includes a light source 11a capable of generating a projection cone 12 that passes through a window 13 in the housing 10 to form an image 8 on the bottom 9 of the swimming pool 1. The light source 11a may be a laser source, a light-emitting diode source, or a miniature light-emitting diode source.

[0041] according to Figure 3 In the variant shown, window 13 includes a spherical refractive element 13a having a refractive radius R of, for example, approximately 260 mm (within + / - 10%), which is the distance between window 13 and light source 11a. Note that the spherical refractive element 13a is arranged around the refractive center, aligned with light source 11a. Also note that the spherical refractive element 13a is made, for example, a quarter-sphere of plastic or glass. These measures are designed to correct optical distortions caused by water in swimming pool 1.

[0042] Window 13 also includes a cover 13b that is suspended over the spherical refractive element 13a to protect it, and the cover is made, for example, of a cheaper, more durable and possibly opaque plastic material.

[0043] The entertainment device 7 of the entertainment system 6 is connected to the control unit 14 via a wired connector 15. The wired connector 15 includes a power cable 15a that supplies the entertainment device 7 with a maximum of 12V DC or 30V DC, particularly 24V DC compliant with low-voltage safety standards. The wired connector 15 also includes a communication cable 15b, such as a USB cable link, adapted to transmit data from the control unit 14 to the entertainment device 7 or vice versa. In the latter case, the data is, for example, data relating to the temperature of the video projector 11 or the temperature of the air contained within the housing 10. It should be understood that the housing 10 houses at least one sensor 16, such as a temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature of the video projector 11 or the temperature of the fluid contained within the housing 10, and / or a humidity sensor capable of measuring the humidity of the air to prevent fogging within the housing 10. Finally, the wired connector 15 includes a video cable 15c that can transmit image streams from the control unit 14 to the entertainment device 7, and more specifically to the video projector 11. The video cable 15c may be an HDMI cable, an Ethernet cable, an optical fiber, a DisplayPort cable, a Thunderbolt cable, an SDI cable, a USB cable, etc.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the entertainment device 7 is connected in series to the control unit 14. According to another embodiment, the entertainment device 7 is connected in parallel to the control unit 14.

[0045] Each entertainment device 7 is also attached to the wall 17 of the swimming pool by means of a fastening device 18, in particular the wall 17 forming one of the longitudinal edges 2.

[0046] Figures 4 to 6 Different versions of the fastening device 18 are shown.

[0047] According to Figure 4 The first embodiment 101 shown, the fastening device 18 comprises two fastening links 19. Each fastening link 19 connects an attachment point 20 on the entertainment device 7 to an anchoring point 21 on one of the longitudinal edges 2 of the swimming pool 1.

[0048] According to Figure 4 The second embodiment 102 shown, the fastening device 18 comprises four fastening links 19. Each fastening link 19 connects an attachment point 20 on the entertainment device 7 to a respective anchoring point 21 on one of the longitudinal edges 2 of the swimming pool 1. The fastening links 19 are arranged substantially in pairs in parallel.

[0049] According to Figure 4 The third embodiment 103 shown, the fastening device 18 also comprises four fastening links 19. One pair of fastening links 19 is connected on the one hand to a single anchoring point 21 on one of the longitudinal edges 2 of the swimming pool 1 and on the other hand to two attachment points 20 on the entertainment device 7, the fastening links 19 not crossing each other.

[0050] According to Figure 5 The fourth embodiment 104 shown, the fastening device 18 also comprises four fastening links 19. The fastening links 19 are connected on the one hand to respective anchoring points 21 arranged on one of the longitudinal edges 2 of the swimming pool 1 and on the other hand to respective attachment points 20 on the entertainment device 7, the fastening links 19 crossing each other in pairs.

[0051] According to Figure 5 The fifth embodiment 105 shown, the fastening device 18 still comprises four fastening links 19. One pair of fastening links 19 is connected on the one hand to a single anchoring point 21 on one of the longitudinal edges 2 of the swimming pool 1 and on the other hand to a respective attachment point 20 on the entertainment device 7, the fastening links 19 crossing each other in pairs.

[0052] According to Figure 6 The sixth embodiment 106 shown, the fastening device 18 comprises at least two fastening links 19, such as those described above, connecting two attachment points 20 provided on the entertainment device 7 to anchoring points 21 provided on a fastening member 22 housed within an overflow recess 23 of the swimming pool 1, the overflow recess being provided within the wall 19.

[0053] According toFigure 6 In the seventh embodiment 106 shown, the fastening device 18 comprises at least two fastening links 19, such as those described above, connecting two attachment points 20 provided on the wall base 24 to which the entertainment device 7 is fastened, to anchoring points 21 provided on a fastening member 22 housed within the overflow recess 23 provided within the wall 19 of the swimming pool 1.

[0054] It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments can be combined or cumulated, where technically feasible.

[0055] Figure 7 The fastening member 22 is shown from the side. Advantageously, the fastening member 22 is telescopic. To this end, the fastening member 22 comprises a main body 25 and two threaded rods 26 that translate within respective channels 27 formed through the main body 25. It will be appreciated that the walls delimiting the channels 27 are provided with threads complementary to those on the threaded rods 26. Preferably, the channels 27 are cylindrical and arranged around the same rotation axis Al. Each threaded rod 26 has a distal end 28 fitted with a pad 29. Each pad 29 is made of an elastic material, in particular such as rubber, and is designed to come into contact with the wall delimiting the recess 23. It will be appreciated that the second length L'1 of the fastening member 22 can be adjusted according to the movement of the threaded rods 26 within the channels 27, to adapt to the second width L'2 of the recess 23, so as to retain the fastening member 22 within the recess 23. It will be appreciated that the second width L'2 is obtained between the ends of the pads 29 parallel to the rotation axis Al. In other words, the aim is to adapt the fastening member 22 to the dimensions of the overflow recess 23 of the swimming pool 1. This mounting of the fastening member 22 within the recess 23 and removal of the fastening member 22 from the recess 23 is quick and easy.

[0056] The fastening member 22 is also provided with retaining means 30 for the at least two fastening links 19. The retaining means 30 comprise a tongue 31 movably mounted on a bracket 32, so that it can be tilted to lock the fastening link 19 to the anchoring point 21. This makes it quick and easy to attach the entertainment device 7 to the swimming pool 1, either permanently or temporarily.

[0057] It is noted that the shape of the main body 25 is set like a ring comprising two branches 40 parallel to each other and to the rotation axis Al. The ends of the branches 40 are connected in pairs by two shafts 41, each of which accommodates a channel 27. These arrangements are designed to facilitate the gripping of the main body 25 and the fitting of the fastening member 22.

[0058] In Figure 8In the design, the housing 10 is provided with a circuit 50 for cooling the video projector 11 and / or the electrical and / or electronic components 60 housed within the housing 10. This cooling circuit 50 includes at least one thermally conductive element 51 that contacts the video projector 11 and the electrical and / or electronic components 60 to transfer heat generated by the video projector and the electrical and / or electronic components to the housing 10, which then diffuses this transferred heat into the water contained in the swimming pool 1. The element 51 forms a thermal bridge between the video projector 11 and / or the electrical and / or electronic components 60 on one side and the housing 10 on the other side. Such an element 51 is, for example, T-shaped, with its head contacting the video projector 11 and / or the electrical and / or electronic components 60 and its feet contacting the housing 10.

[0059] These features ensure the durability of the entertainment device 7 by preventing overheating of the video projector 11 and / or the electrical and electronic components 60 housed within the housing 10. This heating is also minimized by making the housing 10 waterproof, such as from stainless steel, allowing the housing 10 to transfer heat to the water in the swimming pool 1 via conduction.

[0060] In this variant, housing 10 is a sealed housing comprising at least two shells 61 joined together, wherein a seal 62, made of, for example, an elastomeric material (such as EPDM), is inserted between the shells 61.

[0061] It should also be noted that the housing 10 is provided with a valve 63, by means of which a certain vacuum can be generated inside the housing 10 to check the sealing of the entertainment device 7 before it is installed in the swimming pool 1.

[0062] exist Figure 9 In the housing 10, waterproof compartments 71, 72, and 73 are included. These waterproof compartments include a first waterproof compartment 71 that houses the video projector 11, a second waterproof compartment 72 that houses the electrical and / or electronic components 60, and a third waterproof compartment 73 that houses the sensor 16. They are interconnected by a waterproof connector 74.

[0063] Electrical and / or electronic components 60 housed within housing 10 may include radio frequency, WiFi, Bluetooth, or similar types of remote communication components for exchanging data with external receivers / transmitters 64 (such as digital tablets, computers, etc.).

[0064] In this way, data can be exchanged between equipment 65 fitted to the swimmer (such as bone conduction headphones that are remotely linked to an external receiver / transmitter 64), for example, to synchronize audio ambience and projected images 8.

[0065] Therefore, it is also possible to exchange data between the equipment 65 fitted to the swimmer and / or to the float line 5, such as position and / or speed sensors remotely linked to external receivers / transmitters 64, for example to synchronize the projected images 8 and the performance of the swimmer. Therefore, it is possible to inform the swimmer of his live performance by superimposing his performance in the images 8 and / or in the instructions or information issued by the swimmer's coach.

[0066] Therefore, it is also possible to exchange data between the equipment 65 fitted to the swimming pool 1, such as cameras remotely linked to external receivers / transmitters 64, for example to project images 8 comprising images of the swimmer himself, thus providing the swimmer with a mirror effect.

[0067] It will be appreciated that these data can also be projected live by the television sending means and that these data can also be exported and stored in a personal space dedicated to each swimmer user.

[0068] It is also worth noting that the entertainment device comprising a plurality of entertainment systems fitted with a plurality of swimming pools makes it possible, for example, to organize competitions between swimmer users present in swimming pools distributed throughout the world.

Claims

1. A swimming pool (1) entertainment device (7) comprising a housing (10) which houses a video projector (11) capable of projecting at least one image (8) onto the bottom (9) of the swimming pool (1), said housing (10) being provided with a circuit (50) for cooling the video projector (11) and / or electrical and / or electronic components (60) housed within the housing (10), characterized in that, The entertainment device (7) comprises a fastening device (18) having at least two fastening links (19).

2. The entertainment device (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that The fastening device (18) comprises a fastening member (22) connected to the fastening links (19) and designed to be housed inside a recess (23).

3. An entertainment device (7) according to claim 2, characterized in that The fastening member (22) is a telescopic member.

4. An entertainment device (7) according to claim 3, characterized in that The fastening member (22) comprises a main body (25) equipped with at least one threaded rod (26) movable inside a channel (27) formed through the main body (25).

5. An entertainment device (7) according to claim 4, characterized in that The main body (25) is shaped like a ring comprising two straight branches (40) parallel to each other.

6. An entertainment device (7) according to claim 5, characterized in that The main body (25) comprises at least one shaft (41) interposed between the branches (40), the shaft (41) housing the channel (27) inside which the threaded rod (26) is movable.

7. An entertainment device (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cooling circuit (50) comprises at least one heat-conducting part (51) interposed between the video projector (11) and / or the electric and / or electronic assembly (60) and the casing (10).

8. An entertainment device (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electric and / or electronic assembly (60) comprises a remote communication component for exchanging data with an external receiver / transmitter (64) connected to equipment (65) fitted to a swimmer and / or to the swimming pool (1) and / or to a float line (5) fitted to the swimming pool (1).

9. An entertainment device (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The casing (10) is a sealed casing.

10. The entertainment device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The casing (10) houses sealed compartments (71, 72, 73).

11. An entertainment system (6) comprising a plurality of entertainment devices (7) according to any one of the preceding claims equipped with a single swimming pool (1).

12. An entertainment apparatus comprising a plurality of entertainment systems (6) according to claim 11 equipped with a plurality of swimming pools (1).

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