Scaffolding for forming a rain protection for frame pools
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025001965
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-07-31
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a universally applicable, roof-like framework for forming rain protection for frame pools.
[0002] A frame pool is a specific type of swimming pool. At its core is a sturdy frame made of poles or tubes connected to form a stable base. This frame is lined with durable plastic sheeting or a similar material to create the actual swimming pool. The main feature of a frame pool is its robust design, which gives it greater stability and longevity compared to inflatable pools. At the same time, frame pools are easy to assemble and maintain; in particular, no excavation is required to construct the pool. Therefore, frame pools are also inexpensive to purchase and install.
[0003] Frame pools are available in various sizes and shapes, such as rectangular, square or round versions with different diameters.
[0004] A problem with frame pools is the introduction of foreign particles and rainwater, especially during the typically long periods of non-use. Rainwater can contain various contaminants, such as chemical or biological substances. In any case, adding rainwater changes the pH value of the pool water, so that, in some cases, additional chemicals may need to be added regularly. This extra effort is usually undesirable.
[0005] To protect the water in a frame pool, pool covers are regularly placed over it. However, since the edge of a frame pool is always higher than the water level, the cover often creates a depression that fills with water after rainfall. Removing the cover is quite a chore, as it's necessary to remove the accumulated rainwater and any debris to prevent the water or debris from seeping into the pool.
[0006] Against this background, it is known to provide a framework in the frame pool that stretches the pool cover upwards against the force of gravity, so that a roof-like rain protection is provided, down whose roof slopes rainwater flows.
[0007] Recognized concepts in this regard are disclosed, for example, in US 3,271,789 A, US 6,442,773,81, and US 4,951,327 A. The prior art suffers from various shortcomings: US Patent 3,271,789 A discloses a pool cover that automatically folds out over a swimming pool. The installation effort for such an automated cover is relatively high; such a cover is also expensive to manufacture.
[0008] US Patents 6,442,773 81 and 4,951,327 A disclose systems in which rafters are connected to a post centrally located within the frame pool, thus providing a framework over which a pool cover can be draped. One problem with the proposed designs is their difficult handling: To ensure maximum protection for the frame pool against external environmental influences, such a framework must be flexible and easy to install within the pool so that the cover can be installed almost daily. US Patent 6,442,773 81 proposes that the rafters be inserted from the outside into fittings on the end of a centrally located post. However, this means that the central post must be permanently installed within the frame pool, which reduces the available space.Otherwise, the person installing the scaffolding must enter the frame pool to position the central post accordingly. The same applies to US 4,951,327 A. Furthermore, both designs are only applicable to different frame pool sizes to a very limited extent, meaning that a separate product must be created for each frame pool size. This increases development and manufacturing costs.
[0009] Against this background, the invention aims to provide an improved framework for forming rain protection for frame pools, overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art and being particularly suitable for frame pools of different sizes, thus enabling simple and stepless adaptability.
[0010] This task is solved by a roof-like framework mentioned at the beginning, for forming rain protection for frame pools, wherein the framework in a first configuration spans a frame pool of a first size and in a second configuration a frame pool of a second size, different from the first size, with at least two rafters connected to each other at the ridge, which have support means at their eaves-side end, with which they can be supported against an upper end of a frame of a frame pool in and transverse to the direction of the weight force.
[0011] Advantageous designs result from the dependent requirements and the description.
[0012] The core of the invention is to provide a framework for creating rain protection for frame pools, which can be configured in various ways and is designed accordingly. By adapting the framework to different configurations, it can be adjusted to accommodate different frame pools, and in particular, different frame pool sizes. Frame pool sizes can vary by several meters in diameter.
[0013] Specifically, it is proposed to provide at least two rafters, hinged together at the ridge. This creates a roof-like triangle when the rafters are angled relative to each other and not lying in the same plane. By changing the angle of their angle, the distance between the two eaves-side ends of the rafters is altered, allowing this framework to be used for different frame pool diameters: For a small frame pool, the rafters are arranged so that there is only a small angle between them (forming a "pointed" roof); for a large frame pool, the two rafters form a larger angle (the roof is "flatter").The angle enclosed between the two rafters can be up to 180°; however, it is preferred that it be less than 180° in order to provide roof slopes from which rainwater and foreign particles can drain away and to support the frame stably against the frame pool.
[0014] In a particular embodiment, the rafters are designed to be hinged relative to each other, allowing them to be completely folded together – especially when not in use – so that they are essentially aligned in the same direction and parallel. The angle formed by the two rafters is then essentially 0°.
[0015] In another embodiment, the joint allows the rafters to pivot relative to each other by only a few tens of degrees. This can be achieved, for example, by a stop in the area of the joint or by an additional brace that supports and connects the two rafters. This allows the scaffold to be adapted to different frame pool sizes, while even in its smallest configuration the scaffold has sufficient clearance for a person installing it in a frame pool to reach the rafters and grasp them from the outside during installation.
[0016] To support the scaffolding, each rafter has bracing elements at its eaves end, allowing it to be braced against the upper end of a frame pool's frame. Bracing is provided both in and across the direction of the weight force. Specifically, the bracing elements have contact surfaces that are positively engaged with the frame pool's frame, so that the bracing forces are transmitted as compressive forces. This cross-bracing also secures the scaffolding against lateral toppling, for example, due to wind loads. Both the rafters and the bracing elements primarily transmit compressive forces; however, transmission via tensile forces is also possible. The frame of a frame pool is typically robust enough to safely support the applied loads.
[0017] Because the frame is supported by the frame pool's frame, the rafters do not need to be fixed to each other at the intended angle. In particular, the hinged connection between the two rafters at the ridge does not need to be secured or braced. Typically, depending on the assembly, the hinged parts are pre-tensioned to create a frictional fit, ensuring that the angle between the two rafters remains essentially unchanged. This allows the scaffold to be easily placed on the frame pool from the outside, without the installer necessarily having to enter the frame pool. However, this pre-tensioning is not necessary to maintain the shape of the roof-like scaffold once installed; this is achieved by the support provided by the frame pool's frame.
[0018] Preferably, a headboard is provided at the ridge end, to which the rafters are hinged and which is rounded at the top. Providing a headboard creates a transition at the ridge end of the frame. The pool liner is laid over this ridge or pulled over it during installation. To prevent damage to the pool liner, the headboard is rounded at the top, i.e., towards the pool liner, and has no sharp edges.
[0019] Furthermore, the head section can be designed to provide a bearing surface at its highest point, which is shaped like a ridge plateau that is flattened relative to the angle of the rafters. This flattens the overall curvature of the transition from one side of the roof to the other, thus making it more uniform and preventing point loads on the pool cover. The bearing surface is typically curved to match the overall roof shape, but with a relatively shallow angle of curvature. This increased surface area supports the cover over a larger radius in the ridge area. This radius can be approximately 7 to 20 cm in the direction of the rafters.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the support means are rectangular half-shells 6 open at an angle of 78°, extending over a segment of > 180° and designed to partially encircle the frame of the frame pool, particularly on its upper side. The support is provided by an extension transverse to the rafter extension, typically at a 90° angle. The extension of the support means in the frame extension direction can exceed the rafter diameter, approximately three to five times the width of the rafter, or about 10 to 15 cm. This reduces the surface pressure on the frame and / or the plastic liner stretched over the frame that lines the frame pool. The width of the support means is 18 cm.
[0021] The half-shells preferably grip the frame of the framepool in a clip-like manner, providing an undercut; for a clip installation, the half-shells are designed to be material-elastic so that the half-shell ends providing the undercut can be opened towards each other far enough to be clipped over the frame.
[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the support means can be designed in the manner of a screw clamp, with the frame clamped between a fixed part and a movable counter-bearing. The movable counter-bearing can be moved and locked relative to the fixed part by means of a screw bolt, a bayonet fitting, or another type of fastener.
[0023] In a further embodiment, the support elements can be equipped with magnets. The frame of a frame pool is typically made of a ferromagnetic metal, such as painted or hot-dip galvanized steel. Using appropriate magnets, possibly in combination with half-shells adapted to the geometry of the frame pool's frame, the support elements can be securely held to the frame.
[0024] If the support elements are designed as half-shells, an insert can be placed inside the half-shells during the final adaptation of the frame to the respective frame pool to adjust the inner diameter of the half-shell to the frame of the frame pool. Such an insert can be made of a plastic material, such as deformable rubber. This creates a support element that is particularly easy and intuitive to use, while also being usable over a relatively large tolerance range. Due to the elastic properties of a rubber insert, misalignments of the rafters relative to the frame can be tolerated without the risk of damaging the plastic liner of the swimming pool. Any misalignments are compensated for by local compression of the rubber insert.
[0025] Preferably, the rafters are designed to be adjustable in length by being at least two-part, with the two parts being adjustable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. This adds a configuration option for size adjustment to the frame. The configuration for adapting to a specific frame pool can thus be achieved by the articulation of the two rafters, and therefore by adjusting the roof angle on the one hand, and by changing the rafter length on the other. Typically, a rough adjustment is made by adjusting the rafter length, while precise adaptation to the specific conditions is enabled by the articulation of the rafters relative to each other.
[0026] The two rafter sections are designed to slide into one another, making each rafter telescopic. The rafter can be constructed like a telescopic stem. This is achieved by sliding several hollow profiles into one another, allowing for telescopic extension and retraction. A locking mechanism secures the hollow profiles to each other, enabling the telescopic rafter to be fixed at the desired length. These locking mechanisms can be of various designs, including rotary locks, quick-release clamps, or clamping mechanisms.
[0027] Preferably, the rafter sections are fixed to each other in a positive-locking, discontinuous manner, for example by providing a cotter pin or a locking bolt mechanism. With a locking bolt mechanism, the smaller diameter rafter section has a spring-loaded locking bolt that engages in recesses in the rafter section surrounding it. These recesses can be spaced approximately ten centimeters apart along the entire length of the rafter section. The locking bolt mechanism provides a positive-locking and therefore very strong and robust connection. Due to the predetermined spacing of the recesses, the rafter sections can only be locked to each other at these predetermined intervals, thus allowing for discontinuous length adjustment of the rafter.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the rafter sections are mounted in a twist-proof manner relative to each other. This allows torsional moments to be transferred from the eaves end of the rafters to the ridge. This facilitates the handling of the entire frame when erecting it in the frame pool.
[0029] In one embodiment, the frame may have a central post that additionally supports the rafters at the ridge against the weight force on the pool floor. The post is therefore positioned at the junction between the two rafters. If a top section is provided, the post may have such a top section at its end or be connected to it. By providing a post- The stability of the frame is further increased, especially if the angle between the two rafters is large, for example greater than 130°. A design with posts is particularly suitable for round pools.
[0030] The rafters, which are hinged at the top of the post, can be folded down parallel to the post in one configuration. The frame then resembles an umbrella. In this way, it can be easily stored away.
[0031] The post can be designed to be adjustable in length by being at least two-part, with the two parts being adjustable relative to each other lengthwise. The two post parts can be designed and locked against each other in the same way as described above for the rafters. The adjustable post length allows the frame to be adapted not only to the frame pool height but also to the frame pool width.
[0032] It is particularly preferred that both the post and the rafters are adjustable in length, with the post being continuously adjustable and the rafter sections discontinuously. This simplifies the assembly of the frame when adapting it to a specific frame pool and simultaneously provides great flexibility for various size configurations: The rafters are set to a predetermined length. To provide an effective and stable frame, it is advantageous to make several, preferably all, rafters exactly the same length. Then the post is positioned exactly at half the diameter, and thus, in most cases, in the center of the frame pool. Providing nearly identical rafter lengths is simplified by discontinuous length adjustment, for example, by means of a locking pin mechanism, during assembly.For simplification, the cutouts can be marked with a scale or numbered accordingly. Fine-tuning the width of the frame, so that the rafters can be supported against the frame of the pool on the eaves side, is achieved by adjusting the angle between the rafters and thus by the length or height of the post. The post can be adjusted continuously, for example, by means of a clamping mechanism.
[0033] Preferably, the post has a base section at its bottom, which has a support surface that is radially spaced outwards from the diameter of the post. The radial diameter of the base section is therefore larger than the diameter of the post. The base section can be approximately plate-shaped. The support surface at the bottom prevents the post from tipping over. At the same time, it distributes the applied pressure force, thus preventing damage to the bottom of the frame pool liner. In particular, the edge of the base section facing the pool floor can be rounded.
[0034] Preferably, the base section has recesses extending through it in the direction of the force of gravity. These recesses serve as passages for water flowing through them when the post is inserted into the water-filled frame pool. The recesses are therefore oriented essentially in the direction of the force of gravity. The base section can be designed like a coarse-mesh sieve or in a rim-like shape. Reducing the water resistance of the base section when moving the post facilitates handling, particularly when the post is to be positioned from outside the frame pool, essentially in the center.
[0035] In a further embodiment, the base can be provided with a buoyancy element dimensioned such that the frame floats in a water-filled frame pool. This buoyancy element has a flooding opening through which it can be flooded. The flooding opening is dimensioned to allow air to escape from the buoyancy element only slowly. The post can thus be positioned in the water-filled frame pool in a essentially suspended position for a certain period of time – for example, a few minutes. The buoyancy element has a volume sufficient to at least reduce, and preferably compensate for, the weight of the frame, allowing the frame to be installed from outside the frame pool. In particular, positioning the post in the center of the frame pool is considerably easier in this way.As soon as the flooding opening comes into contact with water, the buoyancy aid is gradually flooded. In this way, the base slowly sinks to the bottom, ensuring that the post rests securely on the pool floor at the end of the installation.
[0036] The buoyancy chamber can have several flooding openings, particularly if a first opening allows water to enter the chamber and a second opening allows air trapped within it to escape. For example, the base may be designed like a diving bell, with a flooding opening leading into the upper part of the chamber's volume. The diving bell is open at the bottom and thus already has a flooding opening there. The air trapped in the upper part of the chamber is gradually released through this opening. Such a flooding opening is typically only a few tenths of a millimeter in size.
[0037] The frame, including the post, can be installed in a frame pool as follows: First, the post is inserted into the frame pool near the edge. Then, using the rafters attached to the top of the post, the post is moved to the center of the frame pool. It is advantageous here if... The rafters are permanently attached to the post and, if their length is adjustable, can transmit torsional moments, allowing the post to be tilted slightly from the outside by means of the rafters to reduce friction between the base and the pool floor. It is also advantageous if the rafters are angled relative to the post so that they project away from it, allowing them to be easily supported by the top of the frame pool's frame when the post is centered.
[0038] In another embodiment, the frame is designed to be free-floating and supported against its own weight only at the top of the frame. The supports for the two rafters provide significantly wider bracing against the frame of the pool than the rafters themselves are wide. This design is particularly suitable for rectangular pools; the support is provided solely by the frame of the pool. No posts are used. To prevent the two rafters forming the roof-like structure from tilting laterally, they are stably braced at the eaves. The supports therefore have a certain length, approximately 10 to 30 cm, that can be attached to the frame of the pool. For easy installation of such a frame, the hinged connection between the two rafters is designed to be stable and lockable, at least for one installation.Such a locking mechanism can be achieved, for example, via friction, making fine adjustments during installation easy.
[0039] The two rafters are preferably connected by means of hinged joints that contact each other. These hinged joints rest against each other with their bearing surfaces facing each other and pivot around a central point via hinges in the plane of these bearing surfaces. The two hinged joints are connected by a bolt to form the pivot point. The contact pressure of the two bearing surfaces against each other can provide a surmountable frictional connection, which holds the two rafters at a predetermined angle to each other, which, however, can be continuously influenced by applying a specific force from the outside by a fitter installing the scaffolding.
[0040] Preferably, the bolt around which the two hinge discs are connected is located outside the plane of the outer surfaces of the two rafters. This provides a hinge that allows the two rafters to be folded completely flat, so that they are parallel and side by side. This reduces the space required for the scaffolding.
[0041] In a further embodiment, a stop element can be provided on each joint disc, with at least one stop element projecting towards the other joint disc so that the two stop elements contact each other at a predetermined angle, thus preventing further pivoting of the joint. Preferably, the stop elements project from the joint disc like a stop projection. The angle can be approximately 180° relative to the orientation of the two rafters. Smaller angles are also conceivable. Providing such a stop not only prevents the scaffold from buckling under load but also simplifies assembly: The two rafters can be positioned at 180° to each other, allowing for easy reaching over the frame pool. In this case, one end of the scaffold typically extends beyond the frame pool.This protruding end can easily be grasped from the outside and attached to the top of the frame of the framepool.
[0042] To stiffen the triangular frame, it can also be provided that the two rafters are supported at a distance from their formed ridge by a crossbeam connecting the two rafters approximately at their midpoints. In this way, the force transmitted to the frame of the frame pool from the roof-like framework is reduced.
[0043] In principle, the rafters and, if applicable, the posts can be made of anodized aluminum. The supports are usually made of plastic. This allows for continuous use in a chlorine-containing environment, while simultaneously reducing the weight of the scaffolding for easier handling.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the rafters are made of anodized aluminum and the support elements are made of plastic.
[0045] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1: A three-dimensional view of a universally applicable, roof-like framework for forming rain protection for frame pools, Fig. 2: a detailed view of the head of the scaffolding, Fig. 3: A detailed view of a support element of the scaffolding, Fig. 4: A detailed view of the base of the scaffold, Fig. 5: A detailed view of a universally applicable, roof-like framework for forming rain protection for frame pools in a first alternative design, Fig. 6: A detailed view of a universally applicable, roof-like frame for forming rain protection for frame pools in a second alternative design, shown here in an unfolded configuration. Fig. 7: a detailed view of the second alternative design, compared to the one in Fig. 6 shown rotated, and Fig. 8: A frontal view of the second alternative design in a folded configuration.
[0046] Fig. Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a universally applicable, roof-like scaffold 1 for forming rain protection for a frame pool (not shown in detail). The scaffold 1 comprises three rafters 2, 3, 4, which are hinged together at the ridge by means of a head section 5. At their eaves end, i.e., at their end opposite the head section 5, the rafters have support elements 6, 7, 8. The support elements 6, 7, 8 are all identical. The support elements 6, 7, 8 brace the rafters 2, 3, 4 against an upper termination of a frame pool frame (not shown), both in and across the direction of the weight force. This securely holds the scaffold 1 within the frame pool.
[0047] In the configuration described here, each rafter 2, 3, 4 is formed in two parts, comprising a first rafter part 9 and a second rafter part 10 (in Fig. 1 only as an example with regard to rafter 2). These two rafter sections 9, 10 are connected by means of a telescopic rod system 44 ( Fig. The rafters are connected to each other. The outward-facing rafter section 10 can be telescopically inserted into the headboard-side rafter section 9; the outward-facing rafter section 10 has a smaller or essentially the same outer diameter as the inner cross-section of the headboard-side rafter section 9. Rafter lengths can be easily and reliably adjusted discontinuously by means of spaced-apart recesses. The different recesses are provided with laser-engraved scales 45. This ensures that all rafters 2, 3, 4 or 26 and 27 have the same length. The connection between the two rafter parts 9, 10 can also transmit torsional moments, which are introduced into the framework 1 from the support-side end of the rafter part 10, by means of a locking bolt connection.
[0048] The frame 1 also has a central post 11, which is likewise connected to the head section 5 and supports the frame 1 against swimming in the pool. The post 11 is also designed in two parts, comprising a first post section 12 and a second post section 13. The two post sections 12 and 13 are telescopically extendable relative to each other; in this case, the base post section 13 can be inserted into the head section post section 12. The outer diameter of the base post section 13 is therefore smaller than, or essentially equal to, the inner cross-section of the head section post section 12. The two post sections 12 and 13 can be locked against each other by means of a clamping lock or a rotary clamping lock.
[0049] Regarding the length adjustment of rafters 2, 3, 4 and post 11, it follows that rafters 2, 3, 4 can be adjusted discontinuously, i.e., in predetermined increments, while post 11 can be adjusted continuously and thus steplessly. This allows for particularly precise and simple adaptation of the frame 1 to different frame pool diameters.
[0050] At its base, post 11 has a foot section 14. The frame 1 rests on the bottom of the pool (not shown) by means of the foot section 14.
[0051] The Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows details of scaffolding 1.
[0052] Fig. Figure 2 shows the head section 5 of the scaffold 1. The rafters 2, 3, 4 can be seen in their connection area on the head section side.
[0053] The head section 5 has a central body for receiving the post 11, which terminates at the top in a ridge plate 15. The ridge plate 15 is rounded on the outside and provides a bearing surface that is flatter than the angle of the rafters 2, 3, 4. This prevents damage to a pool cover stretched over the frame 1.
[0054] The ridge plateau 15 is adjoined by connecting recesses 16, 17, 18 extending along the rafter length. These recesses are rounded at the top. The connecting recesses 16, 17, 18 are shaped like a half-arch and enclose the rafters 2, 3, 4 at the top. A bolted connection (example bolt hole marked with reference numeral 19) serves to connect the rafters 2, 3, 4. The respective rafter 2, 3, 4 is hingedly connected to the head section 5 via the bolted connection. Thus, the rafters 2, 3, 4 are hingedly connected to each other.
[0055] Fig. Figure 1 shows a support element 6, which is connected at its end to the rafter 2. The support element 6 is designed in the form of a rectangular half-shell, which extends transversely to the direction of extension of the rafter 2. The half-shell encloses an inner volume 20 at an angle >180°, here approximately 200°. The outwardly facing, free ends 21, 22 of the rectangular half-shell are therefore spaced with a smaller clear width than the diameter of the inner volume 20 and thus form an undercut with respect to the inner volume 20. In this way, a two-sided bearing surface is provided: The rectangular half-shell can be placed on the upper end of a frame of a frame pool, which is essentially oriented in a horizontal direction.
[0056] Fig. Figure 4 shows a foot section 14, which is connected to the post 11 at its base. The foot section 14 has a support surface 23, which is spaced radially outwards from the diameter of the post 11, so that the post 11 is supported on the pool floor in a way that prevents it from tipping over.
[0057] The foot section 14 also has recesses 24 extending through it. These are in the form of holes pointing in the direction of the force of gravity and simplify the insertion and movement of the post 11 in a water-filled frame pool: Water can flow through the recesses 24, thus reducing the resistance to movement of the foot section 14 within the water.
[0058] Fig. Figure 1 shows an alternative embodiment of a roof-like scaffold 25. The scaffold 25 shown in this embodiment differs from the previously described scaffold 1 in that it has neither a post nor a separate head section. The scaffold 25 has two rafters 26, 27 which are attached to their Fig. The eaves-side end, not shown, also has support means with which the scaffold 25 can be supported at an upper end of a frame of a frame pool in and across the direction of the weight force.
[0059] The two rafters 26, 27 are connected to each other by means of a hinge 28. For this purpose, the two rafters 26, 27 have projecting hinge discs 29, 30, which are connected to each other by means of a bolt, for example, a screw connection 31. The two hinge discs 29, 30, with their mutually facing bearing surfaces including a toothed joint 46 that can be adjusted in 12-degree increments, frictionally engage with each other, so that the angle 32 enclosed between the two rafters 26, 27 remains unchanged at least during installation, although adjustment is possible by applying a certain force to at least one of the rafters 26, 27. An alphabetical marking 47 is also embossed on the hinge disc 30, which makes it easier to set and read the position of the angle.The upward-facing side of scaffold 25 is also rounded to prevent damage to the pool liner that slides over scaffold 25.
[0060] The Fig. Figures 6 to 8 show a second alternative embodiment of the framework 33, which is similar to the one in Fig. The scaffold 25 described in section 5 is also present. This scaffold 33 also has two rafters 34, 35, which are connected at the ridge by means of a hinge 36. The support elements to be attached to the frame of the frame pool at the free ends of the two rafters 34, 35 are not shown.
[0061] The joint 36 is formed by two articulated discs 37, 38, which are connected to each other by means of a bolt 39. The joint 36 pivots about the bolt 39 and is stabilized against lateral tilting by the articulated discs 37, 38, or rather by the overlapping bearing surfaces of the articulated discs 37, 38.
[0062] Furthermore, both joint discs 37, 38, or rather their outer circumference, are provided with cooperating stop elements 40, 41, designed as stop projections. These each have mutually facing stop surfaces 42, 43 that can abut each other when the two rafters 34, 35 are set at a predetermined angle to each other. In this embodiment, this angle is 180°. This prevents buckling of the frame 33 in the area of the joint 36, thus enabling a higher load-bearing capacity.
[0063] At the same time, with the design provided here, and in particular with the fact that the bolt 39 is arranged outside the plane of the outer surfaces of the two rafters 34, 35, the frame 33 can be folded up, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows the two rafters 34 and 35 arranged parallel and side by side. This reduces the required storage area for the scaffolding 33.
[0064] While the first described framework 1 ( Fig. 1 - 4) is primarily used for round framepools, the frameworks described last 25, 33 ( Fig. 5-8) are used particularly for rectangular pools. Depending on the size of the rectangular pool, several frames (25, 33) may be arranged side by side, spaced approximately one or more meters apart. This securely supports a pool cover placed over it, allowing rainwater and any debris that may come into contact with the cover to slide or flow off.
[0065] The invention has been described with reference to three exemplary embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the applicable claims, numerous further possibilities for implementing the invention would arise for a person skilled in the art, without the need to describe these in detail within the scope of these explanations. Reference numeral list 1, 25, 33 Scaffolding 2, 3, 4, 26, 27, 34, 35 rafters 5 Headboard 6, 7, 8 Support center 1 9 first rafter section 10 second rafter section 11 posts 12 first post section 13 second post section 14 Foot section 15 First plateau 16, 17, 18 Connection recordings 19. Mating season opening 20 internal volume 21, 22 half-shell ends 23 Support surface 24 recesses 29, 30, 37, 38 Joint discs 31, 39 Screw connection 32 angles 36 joint 40, 41 stop elements 42, 43 contact surfaces QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] US 3 271 789 A
[0007] US 6 442 773 81 [0007, 0008] US 4 951 327 [0007, 0008]
Claims
[1] Universally applicable, roof-like framework (1, 25, 33) for forming a rain protection for frame pools, which in a first configuration spans a frame pool of a first size and in a second configuration a frame pool of a second size different from the first size, with at least two rafters (2, 3, 4, 26, 27, 34, 35) connected to each other at the ridge side by hinges, which have support means (6, 7, 8) at their eaves-side end, with which they can be supported on an upper end of a frame of a frame pool in and transverse to the direction of the weight force. [2] Scaffold according to claim 1, characterized by, that a head section (5) is provided on the ridge side, to which the rafters (2, 3, 4) are each hingedly connected and which head section (5) is rounded upwards and provides a bearing surface at its highest point, which is designed as a ridge plateau (15) flattened relative to the angle of inclination (30) of the rafters (2, 3, 4). [3] Scaffold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the support means (6, 7, 8) are half-shells with a round inner cross-section, which extend over a segment of > 180° and are designed to sectionally encompass the frame of the framepool. [4] Scaffold according to claim 3, characterized by , that inside the half-shells an insert, in particular a rubber insert, is provided for use during the final adaptation of the frame to the respective frame pool, in order to adapt the inner diameter of the half-shell to the frame of the frame pool. [5] Scaffold according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that at least one rafter (2, 3, 4) is adjustable in length by being formed in at least two parts, wherein the two rafter parts (9, 10) are adjustable relative to each other in the length direction (44, 45). [6] Scaffold according to claim 5, characterized by , that the rafter parts (9,10) are mounted in a way that prevents them from twisting relative to each other (44,45). [7] Scaffold according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that the rafters (2, 3, 4) are discontinuously adjustable in their respective lengths. [8] Scaffold according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the scaffold (1) has a central post (11) which additionally supports the rafters (2, 3, 4) on the ridge side against the force of gravity. [9] Scaffold according to claim 8, characterized by , that the post (11) is adjustable in length by being designed in at least two parts, wherein the two post parts (12, 13) are adjustable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. [10] Scaffold according to claim 9, in particular by its reference to claim 7, characterized by , that the post (11) is continuously adjustable in its length. [11] Scaffold according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by , that the post (11) has a base part (14) on the bottom side, which has a bottom-side support surface (23) that is radially spaced outwards from the diameter of the post (11). [12] Scaffold according to claim 11, characterized by , that the foot section (14) has recesses (24) extending through the foot section (14) in the direction of the force of gravity. [13] Scaffold according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the base has a buoyancy body which is dimensioned so that the frame floats in a water-filled frame pool and wherein the buoyancy body has a flooding opening through which the buoyancy body can be flooded. [14] Scaffold according to claim 13, characterized bythat the foot section is designed in the style of a diving bell and leads to a flooding opening into the upper part of the bell volume. [15] Scaffold according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the scaffold (25, 33) is free-floating and supported against the force of gravity only at the upper end of the frame, and wherein the support means of the two rafters (26, 27, 34, 35) support the respective rafter (26, 27, 34, 35) on the frame of the frame pool significantly wider than the respective rafter (26, 27, 34, 35) is wide. [16] Scaffold according to claim 15, characterized by , that the two rafters (34, 35) are connected at the ridge side by means of a joint (36) whose pivot point is located outside the plane of the lateral surface of the two rafters (34, 35). [17] Scaffold according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized by, that the two rafters (34, 35) are connected at the ridge side by means of a joint (36), which joint (36) has two hinge discs (37, 38), whose mutually facing bearing surfaces are brought under preload against each other by means of a bolt connection (39) providing the pivot point of the joint (36). [18] Scaffold according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by , that the rafters (2, 3, 4, 26, 27, 34, 35) are made of anodized aluminium and the support elements (6, 7, 8) are made of a plastic.
Citation Information
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