Support for fixing a sealing membrane of a basin

Abstract

The invention is a support (1) for holding the edge of a basin waterproofing membrane, comprising: - a transverse wall (10) forming a base; - a first lateral wall (11) extending from the base to a first end (21); - a second lateral wall (12) extending from the base to a second end (22); - the support being configured such that a groove extends between the base, the first lateral wall, and the second lateral wall; The support includes a flap (20) configured to transition from: • a closed configuration, the flap being connected to the first and second lateral walls, the flap extending towards the base to close the groove; • an open configuration, the flap being detached from the first and / or second wall to open the groove. Figure 2D.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field of the invention concerns equipment for manufacturing a swimming pool. PREVIOUS ART

[0002] In swimming pools equipped with a waterproofing membrane, or liner, it is common to use a hanging bracket, usually referred to as a "rail". The hanging bracket is fixed to the vertical walls of the pool. The hanging bracket forms a groove open to the inside of the pool. A liner edge is inserted inside the groove of the hanging bracket. Generally, the liner edge has an extra thickness, and the shape of the rail has a non-return geometry, approaching for example the shape of a hook, to hang the liner edge once it has been inserted into the groove.

[0003] Supports have been described in DE20017839 for above-ground type swimming pools, or, intended for masonry swimming pools, in US2755484 or GB2051572.

[0004] The inventor noted that such a hanging support can be fragile. During transport or during assembly operations, it can be deformed or broken, for example due to being crushed by a person or a heavy object. In addition, during certain operations prior to installing the liner, dust or other debris can accumulate in the rail. This can include projections or drips of glue or coating, which dry inside the rail and become difficult to remove.

[0005] The invention described below provides a support, in the form of a rail, which is more robust and has the advantages described below. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A first object of the invention is a support according to claim 1, intended to maintain an edge of a waterproofing membrane of a basin, comprising: a transverse wall forming a bottom; a first side wall, extending from the bottom, towards a first end; a second side wall, opposite the first side wall, and extending from the bottom, towards a second end; the support being configured so that a groove extends between the bottom, the first side wall and the second side wall; the support being characterized in that it comprises a flap, the flap being configured to pass: from a closed configuration, in which the flap is connected to the first side wall and to the second side wall, the flap extending facing the bottom, to close the groove; to an open configuration, in which the flap is removed from the first wall and / or the second wall, so as to open the groove; such that in the open configuration, the edge of the waterproofing membrane can be introduced into the groove, through the opening resulting from the removal of the flap.

[0007] Preferably, the support is such that the first side wall and / or the second side wall comprises a lug, projecting towards the opposite side wall, to reduce a cross-section of the groove, the lug being intended to retain the sealing membrane within the groove.

[0008] According to one possibility, in the closed configuration, the flap forms a cover extending from the first end to the second end.

[0009] According to one possibility, the flap comprises an adhesive face, arranged in contact with the first end and the second end, the support being such that the flap is configured to be removed from the first end and the second end.

[0010] The flap may be connected to the first side wall and / or to the second side wall by a connection that can be broken by pressure exerted by a user. Preferably, the pressure is exerted manually by the user, advantageously without specific tools. According to one embodiment, in the open configuration: the shutter is connected to a retaining wall, chosen from the first side wall or the second side wall; the shutter is free to rotate around the retaining wall.

[0011] Advantageously, the flap comprises a protrusion, the protrusion being such that in the closed configuration, the protrusion extends towards the bottom, bearing on the first or second side wall. In the closed configuration, the protrusion may bear on the lug.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the flap extends between the first end and the second end, the flap comprising a tab, extending from one of said ends, away from the groove, the tab being intended to facilitate gripping of the flap or arrangement of the flap on a vertical wall of the basin.

[0013] The leg may extend, from the first end or the second end, perpendicular to the side wall defined by said end.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the support comprises a support portion extending the first or second side wall, such that the bottom is arranged between the support portion and the end of said side portion.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the support comprises a support portion extending, from the first or second side wall, perpendicular to said side wall.

[0016] According to one possibility, the shutter comprises a shim, the shim being such that when the shutter is in the closed configuration, the shim extending, from the shutter, towards the bottom, at a non-zero distance from the lug, the shim being arranged to wedge the membrane inside the groove after introduction of the sealing membrane into the groove.

[0017] A second subject of the invention is a method according to claim 13 for arranging a waterproofing membrane in a basin, the method comprising the following steps: a) arrangement of a support according to the first subject of the invention, along a vertical wall of the basin, so that the groove of the support extends horizontally; b) manipulation of the flap, so as to pass from the closed configuration to the open configuration; c) following steps a) and b) introduction of an edge of the sealing membrane into the groove.

[0018] Step b) can be implemented before or after step a).

[0019] According to one possibility, the shutter comprises a wedge, as previously described. The method may comprise: d) following the introduction of the edge of the sealing membrane into the groove, manipulation of the shutter, so as to pass from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the wedge pressing on the sealing membrane when the shutter is in the closed configuration.

[0020] The invention will be better understood by reading the description of the exemplary embodiments presented in the remainder of the description, in conjunction with the figures listed below. FIGURES

[0021] There figure 1 represents a support intended for hanging a waterproofing membrane according to the prior art. The Figures 2A to 2H illustrate a first embodiment of a support according to the invention. On the Figure 2A and the Figure 2C, the support is shown while the shutter is in the closed configuration. On the Figure 2B and the 2D figure , the support is shown while the shutter is in an open configuration. On the Figure 2E and the Figure 2F , the support is shown in another open configuration. The Figure 2G and the Figure 2H show an introduction of a border of a membrane into the groove formed by the support. The Figures 3A to 3D illustrate a second embodiment of a support according to the invention. On the Figure 3A and the Figure 3B , the support is shown while the shutter is in the closed configuration. On the Figure 3C and the 3D figure , the support is shown while the shutter is in an open configuration. figure 4 represents an embodiment according to which the support comprises a support portion extending from a side wall, perpendicular to the latter. The Figures 5A to 5Crepresent examples of application of a support, according to the invention, against a vertical wall of a basin. The Figures 6A to 6C describe an embodiment in which the shutter comprises a wedge intended to rest on the membrane after the membrane has been inserted into the support. The Figures 7A to 7C show a variant of the embodiment described in the Figures 6A to 6C . PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL EMBODIMENTS

[0022] We have represented, on the figure 1, an example of a support 1 AA according to the prior art. A basin, for example a swimming pool, comprises a vertical wall 2. The vertical wall extends, vertically, from a coping 4. The basin is equipped with a waterproofing membrane 3, usually designated by the term "liner". As explained in connection with the prior art, an edge of the waterproofing membrane is attached to a support 1 AA, forming a groove 13 AA extending horizontally, close to the coping. The groove 13 AA generally extends at a distance of between 0 cm and 10 cm or 20 cm from the coping.

[0023] The support 1 AA is usually referred to as "rail", or by the English term "hung". An edge of the liner 3 is engaged in the support 1 AA. The edge generally has a shape adapted so that when it is engaged in the groove 13, it remains stuck in the groove. The edge of the liner may for example have an excess thickness. It is compressed to be introduced into the groove. After it has been introduced into the groove 13, the edge returns to its initial shape and remains stuck in the groove.

[0024] However, as mentioned in the prior art, such a support 1 AA can be easily damaged, for example by crushing, when a user walks on it or when it is placed under a significant mass, for example during transport. Under the effect of crushing, the groove closes. The support thus becomes weakened or unusable. The support can also be affected by projections of liquid elements, for example concrete or glue, likely to harden inside the groove. This hinders the introduction of the waterproofing membrane inside the groove.

[0025] THE Figures 2A to 2H represent a first embodiment of a support 1 intended to hold an edge of a waterproofing membrane. The support 1 comprises: a transverse wall forming a bottom 10. a first side wall 11, extending from the bottom 10 towards a first end 21; a second side wall 12, opposite the first side wall 11, and extending from the bottom 10, towards a second end 22.

[0026] The transverse wall is parallel to a transverse axis Z. When the support is fixed on the vertical wall 2 of a basin, the transverse axis is vertical. The side walls extend parallel to a lateral axis X, secant from the transverse axis Z. The lateral axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Z. The upper edge of the vertical wall extends along a horizontal plane defined by the lateral axis X and a longitudinal axis Y.

[0027] The transverse wall 10, the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 form a groove 13, intended to receive an edge of a waterproofing membrane 3, as previously described. When using the support 1, the groove 13 is open, so as to allow the insertion of the edge of the waterproofing membrane 3.

[0028] Whatever the embodiment, the spacing between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12, along the transverse axis Z, is preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm, or even 15 mm or 20 mm. In the example shown, the spacing is of the order of 6 mm.

[0029] An important aspect of the invention is that prior to the introduction of the edge of the membrane 3 into the groove 13, the latter is closed by a removable flap 20. The flap 20 extends between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12. In the example described in the Figures 2A to 2H, the flap 20 extends between the first end 21 and the second end 22.

[0030] The flap 20 is configured to close the groove 13 during transport or handling of the support 1, and to be opened, or even removed, so as to allow the insertion of the edge of the membrane 3 into the groove 13. Figures 2A and 2B represent the support 1, the closing flap 20 being respectively in the closed and open configuration. In the closed configuration, the flap 20 is connected to the first end 21 and to the second end 22. The connection between the flap 20 and the second end 22 is configured to be easily broken, in particular manually, without requiring specific tools. Thus, following a break in the connection between the flap 20 and the second end 22, the flap is free to rotate around the first end 21. This allows the membrane to be engaged in the groove 13.

[0031] After the edge has been introduced into the groove, the connection between the flap and the first end 21 can be broken, preferably manually, for example by carrying out several successive rotations in opposite directions: this allows wear, then breakage, by work hardening, of the connection between the flap and the end 21.

[0032] The groove 13 may comprise a lug 14, for example in the form of a hook, so as to facilitate the retention of the membrane 3 after the edge of said membrane has been inserted into the groove 13. The lug 14 is a widened portion of a side wall, in this case the second side wall 12, forming a lug 14. The lug 14 extends towards the opposite side wall. The lug 14 makes it possible to restrict, locally, the section of the groove, parallel to the transverse axis Z. This forms a means of constricting the edge of the sealing membrane 3 inside the groove 13. This improves the retention of the edge of the membrane inside the groove 13. Preferably, the lug has a “non-return” geometry, opposing a withdrawal of the sealing membrane from the groove.

[0033] In the embodiment shown in the Figures 2A to 2H, the flap comprises a tab 23, extending beyond the second end 22. This facilitates the breaking of the connection between the flap 20 and the second end 22. Thus, according to this embodiment, the flap 20 extends, facing the bottom 10, between the first end 21 and the second end 22, but also beyond the second end 22. The part of the flap extending beyond the end 22, moving away from the groove 13, forms the tab 23 facilitating the handling of the flap. According to this embodiment, following opening, the flap is movable in rotation around the first end 21.

[0034] Advantageously, the tab 23 extends perpendicular to the side wall 22. The right angle θ between the tab 23 forms a stop when the support is arranged on the vertical wall 2. The support is then slid along an upper edge of the vertical wall, until the tab 23 blocks the translation of the support parallel to the lateral axis X. On the Figure 2A , the vertical wall 2 has been represented by dotted lines.

[0035] The connection between the flap 20 and the first end 21 allows the flap to rotate around the latter. The first side wall 11 thus forms a retaining wall, because it holds the flap after it has opened, allowing the flap to rotate around the first end 21.

[0036] THE Figures 2C and 2D are three-dimensional views representing support 1 in the open and closed configurations respectively.

[0037] In the closed configuration, the flap 20 allows stiffening of the support 1. It forms a spacer between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12, so as to keep the spacing between said walls constant, in particular at the level of the first end 21 and the second end 22. It thus ensures an anti-crushing function.

[0038] In the closed configuration, the flap 20 also prevents the entry of undesirable elements, for example debris or dust, into the groove, prior to the opening of the latter.

[0039] To optimize the anti-crushing effect, the flap is advantageously made of a rigid material. This can be a rigid plastic material, or metal, or wood. Preferably, it is a metal, for example aluminum.

[0040] Advantageously, the flap comprises a protuberance 24 extending, from the flap, towards the bottom 10 of the groove 13. The protuberance 24 is intended to rest on one of the side walls extending from the bottom 10. In the example of Figures 2A to 2H , the protuberance 24 bears on the second side wall 12, via the lug 14 provided on the second wall 12. The shape of the protuberance 24 is advantageously arranged in a complementary manner to the shape of the second wall 12, so as to facilitate contact between the flap 20 and the second side wall 12. The protuberance 24 bears against the lug 14 provided at the level of the second side wall 12. The protuberance 24 improves the anti-crushing function of the flap.

[0041] THE Figures 2E and 2Frepresent the support in another open configuration. In this configuration, the flap is fully open, in the sense that it extends beyond the first side wall 11, the latter holding the flap. The groove 13 is then fully open. The flap extends, relative to the closed position, at an opening angle β greater than 90°, and preferably greater than 100° or 110°. When the support 1 is arranged on the vertical wall 2 of the basin, as shown in the Figures 5A to 5C , such a configuration makes it possible to prevent glue, allowing the coping to be fixed, from falling into the pool. The flap 20 then forms a protective flap against projections resulting from operations carried out above the support.

[0042] THE Figures 2G and 2Hrepresent an insertion of a sealing membrane 3, and more precisely of the edge of such a membrane, inside the groove 13 delimited by the support 1. When inserting the membrane 3, the flap 20 is preferably detached from the support 1. The edge of the sealing membrane 3 may have a shape facilitating attachment against the lug 14. The edge of the membrane may have a shape complementary to that of the lug 14, which makes it possible to wedge the membrane inside the groove 13.

[0043] THE Figures 3A and 3B represent a second embodiment, in which the flap 20 forms a seal extending from the first wall 11 to the second wall 12. The flap 20 is connected to the first wall 11 and to the second wall 12 by a breakable connection. The connection can be broken by manual pressure exerted on the flap. The Figures 3A and 3B respectively represent the shutter according to the closed configuration. The Figures 3C and 3D represent the shutter according to the open configuration. The Figure 3A and the Figure 3C have dimensions expressed in mm (millimeters).

[0044] According to one variant, the flap forms a cover connecting the first end 21 to the second end 22.

[0045] Regardless of the embodiment, the connection between the flap and a side wall, whether the first wall or the second wall, may be achieved by means of an adhesive, or by a thin thickness of glue or hardened material. When the flap extends between the first end 21 and the second end 22, it may have an adhesive face, the latter being applied to both ends.

[0046] When the material forming the support 1 is plastic, all or part of the support may be made by extrusion or molding. When the support 1 is made of metal, for example aluminum, the support may be obtained by spinning.

[0047] Whatever the embodiment, the support 1 advantageously comprises a support portion 15, configured to facilitate the installation of the support 1 on a vertical wall of a basin. The support portion 15 is intended to rest on a flat surface, preferably horizontal or vertical. In the embodiments described in connection with the Figures 2A to 2H and 3A to 3D, the support portion 15 extends the second side wall 12, by a distance of a few cm, for example between 3 and 10 cm. The support portion 15 is parallel to the side wall that it extends. It is perpendicular to the bottom 10. The support portion 15 is arranged so that the bottom 10 extends between the end of the side wall that it extends (in this case the second end 22 in the example shown) and said support portion.

[0048] In the examples described on the Figures 2A to 2H And 3A to 3D, the support portion 15 is intended to rest on an upper edge of the vertical wall 2 of the basin. A notch 16 makes it possible to identify drilling points of the support portion, so as to fix the latter by a mechanical fixing means, for example a screw. Alternatively, the support portion can be adhesive.

[0049] According to a variant, the support portion 15 can extend, from a side wall, parallel to the transverse axis Z. Such a variant is shown in the figure 4 . The support portion 15 then extends perpendicular to the side wall to which it is connected. According to this variant, the support portion is intended to be applied against the vertical wall of the basin.

[0050] Whatever the embodiment, the support extends, parallel to a longitudinal axis Y, along a length preferably greater than 30 cm, and possibly greater than 1 m or even a few meters. The length can be between 1 m and 4 m. The longitudinal axis Y is perpendicular to the transverse axis Z and to the lateral axis X.

[0051] There Figure 5A shows an example of mounting a support according to the invention. The support is arranged on an upper edge of a vertical wall 2 of a pool. The tab 23 can then form a stop, blocking a translation of the support parallel to the lateral axis X. The support 1 is fixed to the vertical wall 2 then covered with a layer of glue 5, the latter allowing the gluing of the coping 4 overhanging the vertical wall 2. When applying the glue, the shutter can be “fully open”, as shown in the Figures 2E and 2F, thus forming a protective flap. After the support 1 has been mounted on the vertical wall 2, the flap 20 can be opened. The opening can also be carried out before mounting. The support 1 is fixed on the vertical wall 2 so that the transverse axis Z is vertical and the longitudinal axis Y is horizontal. Thus, the groove 13 extends horizontally, along the vertical wall.

[0052] On the Figure 5B and the Figure 5C, an embodiment is shown in which the vertical wall is covered with a coating after the support 1 has been fixed. According to this embodiment, the support 1 is fixed to the vertical wall 2 while the tab 23 is moved forward relative to said wall. Following the fixing of the support, the space between the vertical wall 2 and the tab 23 can be filled with a coating 6. The flap, and more precisely the tab 23, perpendicular to the lateral axis X, thus forms a mark indicating the thickness of coating to be applied.

[0053] On the Figures 6A, 6B and 6C , an embodiment is shown in which the flap 20 comprises, in addition to the protuberance 24, a wedge 25. On the Figures 6A and 6B , the shutter is respectively in the open and closed configurations.

[0054] When the flap is in the closed configuration, the wedge 25 extends towards the bottom 10 of the groove, at a non-zero distance from the lug 14: thus, in the closed configuration, the wedge points towards the inside of the groove. The spacing between the lug 14 and the wedge 25, in the closed configuration, is shown diagrammatically by a double arrow on the Figure 6B. Following the introduction of the membrane 3 into the support 1, when the shutter is arranged in the closed configuration, the membrane 3 occupies the space between the lug 14 and the wedge 25, so that the wedge 25 presses on the sealing membrane 3. The sealing membrane is thus compressed between the lug 14 and the wedge 25. Following the insertion of the sealing membrane 3 into the support 1, the shutter 20 moves from the open position to the closed position. Thus, in addition to the function of holding the sealing membrane, by means of the wedge 25, the shutter acts as a cover, so as to mask the junction between the membrane 3 and the support 1.

[0055] The fi Figures 7A to 7C represent a variant of the embodiment described in connection with the Figures 6A to 6C . According to this variant, the flap 20 does not have a protrusion 24, engaging against the lug 14 when the flap is in the closed configuration. On the Figure 7A, an insertion of a sealing membrane 3 is shown in the groove formed by the support 1, the shutter being open. On the Figure 7B , a configuration is shown in which the flap is closed after insertion of the membrane. The latter is maintained under pressure between the wedge 25 and the lug 14. As in the embodiment described in connection with the Figures 6A to 6C , the flap provides a function of maintaining the membrane and a function of masking the junction between the membrane and the support 1.

Claims

1. Support (1), intended to be applied above the edge of a pool, and to hold an edge of a waterproofing membrane (3) of the pool, comprising : - a transverse wall (10) forming a base, the base being configured to extend vertically when the support is positioned on the edge of the pool; - a first side wall (11) extending from the base to a first end (21); - a second side wall (12), opposite the first side wall (11), and extending from the base to a second end (22); the support being configured so that a groove extends between the base, the first side wall and the second side wall; the support being such that the first side wall or the second side wall comprises a lug (14), projecting towards the opposite side wall, to reduce a cross-section of the groove, the lug being intended to retain the waterproofing membrane inside the groove; the support comprising a flap (20), the flap being characterized in that it is configured to pass : - a closed configuration, according to which the flap is connected to the first side wall and to the second side wall, the flap extending opposite the bottom, to close the groove; - to an open configuration, in which the flap is removed from the first wall and / or the second wall so as to open the groove; so that in the open configuration, the edge of the waterproofing membrane can be introduced into the groove through the opening resulting from the removal of the flap.

2. Support as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the closed configuration the flap forms a cover extending from the first end (21) to the second end (22).

3. Support as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flap comprises an adhesive face, disposed in contact with the first end and the second end, the carrier being such that the flap is configured to be removed from the first end and the second end.

4. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the flap is connected to the first side wall and / or the second side wall by a connection that can be broken by pressure exerted by a user.

5. Support according to claim 4, in which, in the open configuration : - the flap is connected to a retaining wall, chosen from the first side wall or the second side wall; - the flap is rotatable around the retaining wall.

6. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the flap comprises a protrusion (24), the protrusion being such that, in the closed configuration, the protrusion extends towards the base, resting on the first or second side wall.

7. Support as claimed in claim 6, wherein in the closed configuration, the p protrusion (24) rests on the lug (14).

8. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the flap extends between the first end and the second end, the flap comprising a tab (23) extending from one of said ends, away from the groove, the tab being intended to facilitate gripping the flap or arranging the flap on a vertical wall (2) of the pool.

9. Support according to claim 8, in which the tab (23) extends, starting from the first end or the second end (22), perpendicular to the side wall (12) defined by said end.

10. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support portion (15) extending the first or second side wall, so that the base (10) is disposed between the support portion and the end (22) of said side portion.

11. Support according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a support portion extending, from the first or second side wall, perpendicularly to said side wall.

12. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a shim (25), the shim being such that when the flap is in the closed configuration, the shim extends, from the flap, towards the base (10), at a non-zero distance from the lug (14), the shim being arranged to wedge the membrane inside the groove after introduction of the waterproofing membrane (3) into the groove.

13. A method of arranging a waterproofing membrane (3) in a pool, the method comprising the following steps: a) arranging a support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, along a vertical wall (2) of the pool, the base being configured to extend vertically, so that the groove (13) of the support extends horizontally; b) moving the flap from the closed configuration to the open configuration; c) following steps a) and b) inserting an edge of the waterproofing membrane into the groove.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein step b) is carried out before or after step a).

15. Method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the support is a support according to claim 12, the method comprising: d) following introduction of the edge of the waterproofing membrane into the groove, manipulating the flap, so as to pass from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the shim (25) pressing on the waterproofing membrane.

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