Pool cover lock

Abstract

A lock for a basin cover, particularly a swimming pool cover, comprises a support (301) and a pair of arms (101, 201). Each arm (101, 201) has a respective articulated portion (37) through which it is rotationally mounted on the support (301). Each arm (101, 201) further has a respective end portion (5). The end portions (5) define, at least partially, a cavity (7) adapted to receive a locking member. The end portions (5) of the arms (101, 201) move away from each other when the lock is opened. And these portions (5) move towards each other when the lock is closed. Each branch (101,201) also has a respective intermediate portion (9), which connects the articulation portion (37) of the branch (101,201) to its end portion (5).The intermediate portions (9) of the branches (101,201) are shaped into a mutual crossing zone, active between the open state and the closed state of the lock.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of pool covers, particularly swimming pool covers. More specifically, the invention relates to a lock for securing a pool cover to the pool wall. The invention further relates to a locking system comprising such a lock, as well as to a cover equipped with such a lock.

[0002] Swimming pools, especially private ones, are equipped with safety devices that prevent people from accidentally falling into the pool when it is not in use, or at least reduce the risk of serious consequences should such a fall occur. These devices also aim to prevent unaccompanied children from accessing the pool. These safety devices may be mandated, notably by law, and may be subject to standards.

[0003] The protective devices in question can vary. For example, barriers or shelters can be used to prevent access to the area around the pool. Alternatively, or in addition to these, one can also use devices including one or more fall detectors, capable of triggering an audible or other alarm signal if necessary.

[0004] Nowadays, protective devices such as a pool cover are widely used and are installed when the pool is not in use. The cover helps limit water evaporation and maintain cleanliness by preventing external pollution such as debris, insects, plants, and other contaminants. The cover also plays a role in the thermal insulation of the pool water, reducing heat loss. Depending on the design, the cover can also improve the efficiency of natural solar heating.

[0005] The covers in question can be rigid or semi-rigid, for example, in the form of a shutter made of slats hinged to one another. These covers prove to be very effective. However, they are rather difficult to handle, unless specific equipment is used for their installation and removal, such as rollers, possibly motorized. Typically, such a roller is positioned at one end of the pool.

[0006] When a cover is deployed over a pool to cover it, it must, for safety reasons, be secured to at least some of the pool walls or its surroundings. Typically, at least one end of the cover is secured to one end of the pool using a locking system.

[0007] Locking systems are known to have a first part, also called a bridge in the technical sense, comprising a locking mechanism in the form of a generally elongated piece, and a second part comprising a bolt, designed to engage with the bridge. The bridge and the bolt are fixed respectively to a wall of the pool and to the end of the cover.

[0008] EP 3 763 899 A1 describes a locking system comprising a trigger guard and a bolt. The bolt has a support and a pair of arms, each mounted for rotation on the support via a respective hinge portion. Each arm has a respective end portion. The end portions define, at least in part, a cavity for receiving the trigger guard. The end portions of the arms move away from each other when the bolt is opened, and they move towards each other when the bolt is closed.

[0009] Engaging the latch in the lock requires applying significant force, via the latch, to the end portions of the arms. Furthermore, when the mutual engagement of the latch and the lock secures the cover to a pool wall, if a person falls onto the cover, the lock tends to open and release the latch.

[0010] The EP 3 763 899 A1 system therefore does not give full satisfaction, for reasons of ergonomics and safety.

[0011] In this context, the Applicant sought to improve the existing situation.

[0012] A pond cover lock is proposed, comprising a support and a pair of arms. Each arm has a respective hinge portion through which it is rotationally mounted on the support. Each arm also has a respective end portion, the end portions of which partially define a cavity suitable for receiving a locking mechanism. The end portions of the arms move away from each other when the lock is opened. These portions move towards each other when the lock is closed. Each arm also has a respective intermediate portion that connects the hinge portion of the arm to its end portion. The intermediate portions of the arms are formed into a mutually intersecting zone, active between the open and closed states of the lock.

[0013] The configuration of the intermediate sections of the branches in a mutually intersecting zone ensures that the articulation point of each branch is positioned on the same side of the cavity as the end of the other branch. This results in an increased moment when the latch is engaged, which tends to separate the branches, thus facilitating opening. The proposed latch opens to engage with the latch without requiring significant force on the branches. Locking the cover to the pool wall is therefore easier and quicker.

[0014] When the latch and the latch are engaged to lock the cover to the pool wall, if the end portion of one of the arms exerts force on the latch, typically following a fall onto the cover, this force creates a moment that tends to pull the arms closer together. The latch and the latch remain engaged. The proposed locking system thus offers increased safety, resulting from a self-locking effect of the latch. This effect can be described as "paradoxical," since the force exerted by the latch on the latch arms tends to pull these arms closer together rather than apart.

[0015] Thanks to the invention, it is also possible to position the articulation portions of the branches away from their end portions, in order to facilitate the spreading of the branches when engaging the bridge, without facilitating such spreading once the bridge is housed in the cavity.

[0016] Optional features of the invention, which are complementary or substitute, are listed below: In the mutual crossing zone, the intermediate portions of the arms have mutual drive regions that are active when the lock is opened or closed. At least some of these mutual drive regions act reciprocally when the lock is opened or closed. In the mutual crossing zone, the intermediate portion of one of the arms has at least one recess capable of housing, at least partially, the intermediate portion of the other arm. In the mutual crossing zone, the intermediate portion of each arm has at least one recess capable of housing, at least partially, the intermediate portion of the other arm. In the mutual crossing zone, the intermediate portion of at least one of the arms has at least one stop surface for the other arm. This stop surface is active at the end of the lock's opening or closing.In the area of ​​mutual crossing, the intermediate portion of at least one of the arms has at least two abutment surfaces for the other arm. One of these surfaces is active at the end of the lock's opening. The other is active at the end of its closing. In the area of ​​mutual crossing, the intermediate portion of at least one of the arms has at least two abutment surfaces for the other arm. These surfaces are active at the end of the lock's opening. The lock includes an elastic element mounted on at least one of the arms. This element tends to pull the end portions towards each other. The intermediate portions of the arms are similar, at least in the area of ​​mutual crossing. The arms are similar.

[0017] We also offer a system for locking a pool cover onto a pool wall, comprising a locking mechanism and a latch as described above. The latch is designed to engage with the locking mechanism.

[0018] We also offer a pool cover that includes a lock of the type proposed above.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention are described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: there figure 1 is a top view of a basin cover lock according to the invention, in a first state; the figure 2 is analogous to the figure 1 the lock being in a second state; the figure 3 is analogous to the figure 1 , the lock being in a third state; the figure 4 represents a branch of the lock according to the invention, in isometric perspective; the figure 5 is analogous to the figure 4 ; there figure 6 is analogous to the figure 4 ; there figure 7 represents the lock of the figure 1 with its support; the figure 8 is analogous to the figure 7 , the lock being in the second state; the figure 9 is analogous to the figure 7 the lock being in the third state; the Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a locking system comprising a bolt according to the invention and a bridge, the bolt being disengaged from the bridge; the figure 11 is analogous to the Figure 10 and represents a step of mutual engagement between the bridge and the bolt; the figure 12 is analogous to the figure 11 ; there figure 13 is analogous to the Figure 10 the bolt being engaged with the bridge; the figure 14 is analogous to the figure 13 ; there figure 15 is analogous to the Figure 10 and represents a step of mutual disengagement of the bridge and the bolt; the figure 16 is analogous to the figure 15 ; there figure 17 is analogous to the figure 15 ; there figure 18 is analogous to the Figure 10 .

[0020] The accompanying drawings contain, for the most part, elements of a definite nature. They can therefore not only serve to better explain the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0021] THE figures 1 to 3 represent a lock for a swimming pool cover. Hidden parts of this lock are shown in dotted lines.

[0022] The lock is intended to be fixed to one end of a pond cover, or to a pond wall.

[0023] The lock comprises a pair of corresponding parts, each formed into a respective branch, namely a first branch, or right branch 101, predominantly to the right of the figures 1 to 3and a second branch, or left branch 201, mostly to the left of these figures. The right branch 101 and the left branch 201 are arranged opposite each other, here mirrored with respect to a plane of symmetry 6 of the lock.

[0024] The right branch 101 and the left branch 201 are intended to be mounted each on a rotational basis on a common support (not shown).

[0025] The right arm 101 and the left arm 201 each have a first end portion, or joint 37, through which this arm is rotationally mounted on the support. The right arm 101 and the left arm 201 also each have a second end portion, or head 5, opposite the joint portion 37. The right arm 101 and the left arm 201 each further have an intermediate portion 9, which connects the joint 37 of this arm to its head 5.

[0026] The joint 37 of each arm 101, 201 here has the general shape of a straight cylinder, the axis of which corresponds to a respective pivot 3. Each pivot 3 is formed by a lug, fixed to the lock support. The joint 37 of each arm 101, 201 here has a bore, corresponding in shape to the lug of its respective pivot 3. Each arm 101, 201 is capable of rotating relative to the support around an axis, materialized here by its respective pivot 3.

[0027] Each intermediate portion 9 has a generally angled shape, comprising two generally straight parts which join each other by forming an angle of approximately 120°.

[0028] The heads 5 of the right branch 101 and of the left branch 201 are at least partly shaped into a hook 51. The part of the head 5 forming the hook 51 projects from the intermediate portion 9, at least from a part of this portion 9 close to the head 5, towards the other branch.

[0029] The intermediate portions 9 of the right branch 101 and of the left branch 201, and the heads 5 of these branches, in particular the hooks 51, jointly delimit a cavity 7 suitable for receiving a locking device, such as a bolt or a bridge for example, typically fixed on the end of the basin cover or the wall of the basin.

[0030] The lock may be in a closed state, visible on the figure 1 , where the heads 5 of the right branch 101 and the left branch 201 are close to each other, a completely open state, visible on the figure 3, where the 5 heads are furthest apart from each other, and intermediate states are open, as on the figure 2 For example.

[0031] An opening movement of the lock corresponds to a rotational movement of the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 such that the ends 5 of these arms move away from each other. A closing movement of the lock corresponds to a rotational movement of the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 in opposite directions, such that the ends 5 of these arms move towards each other.

[0032] The right branch 101 and the left branch 201 are shaped such that their intermediate portions 9 intersect, when the lock is in its fully open state, in its open intermediate states and in its closed state. On the figures 1 to 3The head 5 of the right branch 101 is located to the right of the plane of symmetry 6, and the head 5 of the left branch 201 to the left, while the joint 37 of the right branch 101 is located to the left of this plane 6 and the joint 37 of the left branch 201 to the right. The intermediate portions 9 of the right branch 101 and the left branch 201 are at least partially formed into a zone of mutual crossing, active between the fully open and closed states of the lock.

[0033] THE figures 4 to 6 show an isolated part 1 in the shape of a branch, for a lock of the type of figures 1 to 3 , for example the right branch or the left branch.

[0034] Part 1 has a first face, or notched face 31, exposed on the figures 4 And 5 , and a second face, or full face 33, exposed on the figure 6The notched face 31 and the solid face 33 are opposite each other. The solid face 33 is generally flat. The notched face 31 is generally flat, except in the intermediate portion 9 of part 1, where the latter has a recess open to the notched face 31. Part 1 also has a lateral surface, which connects its notched face 31 to its solid face 33.

[0035] Along the hook 51, the lateral surface forms a face generally oriented towards the cavity, or inner face 23, and a face directed in the opposite direction, or outer face 25. The inner face 23 partially delimits the lock cavity. The inner face 23 serves as a retaining surface for the locking member when it is inside the cavity, particularly when the lock is closed. The outer face 25 is intended to be presented to this locking member when it is disengaged from the lock, outside the cavity. Here, the outer face 25 is partially shaped into a ramp 27, suitable for guiding the locking member towards the cavity. The lateral surface also forms, on the end portion 5, an engagement face 29, interposed between the inner face 23 and the outer face 25, and which here corresponds to the end of the hook 51.

[0036] The distance between the notched face 31 of part 1 and its solid face 33 corresponds to the thickness of this part 1. The thickness of part 1 is generally constant here, except at the recess. At this recess, the intermediate portion 9 has a reduced thickness, for example, about half the thickness of the rest of the arm 1.

[0037] On the notched face 31 of part 1, the recess reveals a recessed surface 15, which is generally flat. This recess further defines a first intercalated surface 21, which connects the recessed surface 15 to the rest of the notched face 31 on the side of the joint 37, and a second intercalated surface, which connects the recessed surface 15 to the rest of the notched face 31 on the side of the head 5. The first intercalated surface 21 and the second intercalated surface are mutually opposed with respect to the recessed surface 15. Here, the first intercalated surface 21 is generally flat.

[0038] The second intercalated surface comprises a first part 17 and a second part 19, mutually adjacent and joined to each other by a first edge 11. The first part 17 of the second intercalated surface is generally planar. The second part 19 of the second intercalated surface is generally planar. Here, the first intercalated surface 21 and the second part 19 of the second intercalated surface extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0039] Here, the intermediate portion 9 also has a second edge 39, which connects the recessed surface 15 to the lateral surface, between the first intermediate surface 21 and the first part 17 of the second intermediate surface. The intermediate portion 9 further has a third edge 41, which connects the recessed surface 15 to the lateral surface, between the first intermediate surface 21 and the second part 19 of the second intermediate surface. Here, the second edge 39 and the third edge 41 are mutually opposite with respect to the recessed surface 15.

[0040] On the figures 1 to 3 In particular, the right branch 101 and the left branch 201 are each made like part 1 of the figures 3 to 5 , and arranged so that their recessed surfaces 15 are opposite each other. Here, the right branch 101 and left branch 201 are similar.

[0041] In the area of ​​mutual crossing, the hollowing out of the intermediate portion 9 of each of these branches accommodates at least part of the intermediate portion 9 of the other branch. figures 1 to 3 show the solid face 33 of the piece forming the right branch 101 and the notched face 31 of the piece forming the left branch 201. In the area of ​​mutual crossing, the left branch 201 is partly shown in dotted line, when it is hidden by the right branch 101.

[0042] On the figures 1 to 3 , the first intercalated surface 21, the first part 17 of the second intercalated surface and the second part 19 of the second intercalated surface of the right branch 101 are represented in dotted line.

[0043] Here, the right branch 101 and the left branch 201 are in mutual contact, in particular through their respective retraction surface 15.

[0044] On the intermediate portion 9 of the right branch 101, the lateral surface here presents, along the third edge 41, a first bearing portion 43. This first bearing portion 43 of the right branch 101 is capable of cooperating with the first intermediate surface 21 of the left branch 201, particularly at the end of the latch opening. The first intermediate surface 21 of the left branch 201 is shaped into a stop surface for the first bearing portion 43 of the right branch 101 in the area of ​​mutual intersection. This stop is active at the end of the latch opening.

[0045] Similarly, on the intermediate portion 9 of the left branch 201, the lateral surface here presents, along the third edge 41, a first bearing portion 43. This first bearing portion 43 of the left branch 201 is capable of cooperating with the first intermediate surface 21 of the right branch 101, particularly at the end of the latch opening. The first intermediate surface 21 of the right branch 101 is shaped into a stop surface for the first bearing portion 43 of the left branch 201 in the area of ​​mutual intersection. This stop is active at the end of the latch opening.

[0046] Here, the intermediate portion 9 of the right branch 101 also has, on its lateral surface, a second support portion 45, which is positioned along the second edge 39 and near the second intermediate surface. This second support portion 45 of the right branch 101 is able to cooperate with the first part 17 of the second intermediate surface of the left branch 201, particularly at the end of the lock's closure. The first part 17 of the second intermediate surface of the left branch 201 is shaped into a stop surface for the second support portion 45 of the right branch 101 in the area of ​​mutual intersection. This stop is active at the end of the lock's closure.

[0047] Similarly, the intermediate portion 9 of the left branch 201 also has, on its lateral surface, a second support portion 45, which is positioned along the second edge 39 and near the second intermediate surface. This second support portion 45 of the left branch 201 is able to cooperate with the first part 17 of the second intermediate surface of the right branch 101, particularly at the end of the lock's closure. The first part 17 of the second intermediate surface of the right branch 101 is shaped into a stop surface for the second support portion 45 of the left branch 201 in the area of ​​mutual intersection. This stop is active at the end of the lock's closure.

[0048] Here, the intermediate portion 9 of the right branch 101 also has, on its lateral surface, a third support portion 47, which is positioned along the second edge 39 and near the first intermediate surface 21. This third support portion 47 of the right branch 101 is able to cooperate with the second part 19 of the second intermediate surface of the left branch 201, particularly at the end of the latch opening. The second part 19 of the second intermediate surface of the left branch 201 is shaped into a stop surface for the third support portion 47 of the right branch 101 in the area of ​​mutual intersection. This stop is active at the end of the latch opening.

[0049] Similarly, the intermediate portion 9 of the left branch 201 also has, on its lateral surface, a third support portion 47, which is positioned along the second edge 39 and near the first intermediate surface 21. This third support portion 47 of the left branch 201 is able to cooperate with the second part 19 of the second intermediate surface of the right branch 101, particularly at the end of the latch opening. The second part 19 of the second intermediate surface of the right branch 101 is shaped into a stop surface for the third support portion 47 of the left branch 201 in the area of ​​mutual intersection. This stop is active at the end of the latch opening.

[0050] The intermediate portion 9 of the right branch 101 further has, on the lateral surface, a drive portion 13, which is positioned along the second edge 39 and between the second support portion 45 and the third support portion 47. This drive portion 13 of the right branch 101 is able to cooperate with the first edge or drive edge 11 of the left branch 201, in particular in the opening and closing of the lock.

[0051] Similarly, the intermediate portion 9 of the left branch 201 further presents, on the lateral surface, a drive portion 13, which is positioned along the second edge 39 and between the second support portion 45 and the third support portion 47. This drive portion 13 of the left branch 201 is able to cooperate with the first edge or drive edge 11 of the right branch 101, in particular in the opening and closing of the lock.

[0052] The drive portions 13 and the drive edges 11 are shaped into mutual drive regions for the right branch 101 and the left branch 201 in the mutual crossing zone. These mutual drive regions are active during the opening and closing of the lock.

[0053] The lock also includes an elastic return element, here in the form of a compression spring 107, which connects the joints 37 of the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 to each other, here near the area of ​​mutual intersection. The spring 107 returns the heads 5 of the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 towards each other.

[0054] When the lock is closed, as on the figure 1 ,The engagement faces 29 of the heads 5 are close to each other. The cavity 7 is at its minimum extent. The second bearing portion 45 of the intermediate portion 9 of the right arm 101 is close to the first part 17 of the second intermediate surface of the left arm 201, specifically abutting it. The spring 107 is in a slightly compressed state.

[0055] The lock changes from the closed state shown on the figure 1 in the open intermediate state shown on the figure 2by a rotation of the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 around their respective joints 37. The left arm 201 pivots counterclockwise and the right arm 101 clockwise. The engagement faces 29 of the heads 5 move away from each other. The cavity 7 enlarges. The spring 107 is compressed. The second support portion 45 of the intermediate portion 9 of the right branch 101 is no longer in contact with the first part 17 of the second intermediate surface of the left branch 201. The second support portion 45 of the intermediate portion 9 of the left branch 201 is no longer in contact with the first part 17 of the second intermediate surface of the right branch 101. The right branch 101 and the left branch 201 drive each other in rotation, and reciprocally, through the mutual drive regions.The training edge 11 of the right branch 101 presses against the training portion 13 of the left branch 201 and slides along it, and vice versa.

[0056] The lock transitions from the intermediate open state, shown on the figure 2 , in its fully open state, shown on the figure 3 , by a further rotation of the right branch 101 and left branch 201 around their respective articulation 37. The left branch 201 continues to rotate counterclockwise and the right branch 101 clockwise.

[0057] In the state of maximum opening shown on the figure 3 The engagement faces 29 of the heads 5 exhibit maximum mutual separation. The spring 107 is more compressed than in the closed state shown in the figure 1Cavity 7 is at its maximum extent. The first support portion 43 of the intermediate portion 9 of the right branch 101 is close to the first intercalated surface 21 of the left branch 201, specifically abutting it, and vice versa. The third support portion 47 of the intermediate portion 9 of the right branch 101 is close to the second part 19 of the second intercalated surface of the left branch 201, specifically abutting it, and vice versa. The first support portion 43 of the intermediate portion 9 of the left branch 201 is close to the first intercalated surface 21 of the right branch 101, specifically abutting it, and vice versa. The third support portion 47 of the intermediate portion 9 of the left branch 201 is close to the second part 19 of the second intercalated surface of the right branch 101, in particular in abutment against it, and vice versa.

[0058] The lock goes from the fully open state visible on the figure 3 in the intermediate open state shown on the figure 2by rotating the right arm 101 and left arm 201 around their respective joints 37. The left arm 201 pivots clockwise and the right arm 101 counterclockwise. The engagement faces 29 of the heads 5 move closer together. The cavity 7 narrows. The spring 107 relaxes. The spring 107 returns the heads 5 to each other. The spring 107 separates the right 101 and left 201 branches from each other near their joints 37. The right 101 and left 201 branches drive each other in rotation, and reciprocally, through the mutual drive regions and under the restoring force of the spring 107. The drive edge 11 of the right branch 101 presses on the drive portion 13 of the left branch 201 and slides along it, and vice versa.The training edge 11 of the left branch 201 presses on the training portion 13 of the right branch 101 and slides along it, and vice versa.

[0059] The lock transitions from the intermediate open state shown on the figure 2 in the closed state shown on the figure 1 by an additional rotation of the right branch 101 and left branch 201 around their respective articulation 37, the left branch 201 pivoting clockwise and the right branch 101 counterclockwise.

[0060] THE figures 7 to 9 show a lock according to the invention, for example the lock of the figures 1 to 3 , installed on a support.

[0061] There figure 7 represents the lock in the closed state, as on the figure 1 . There figure 8 represents the lock in the open intermediate state, as on the figure 2 . There figure 9 represents the fully open lock, as on the figure 3 .

[0062] The support includes a housing 301, which is attached, for example, to the end slat of a pool cover flap. The housing 301 is shown here open, i.e., without a cover.

[0063] The right arm 101 and left arm 201 are rotationally mounted on the housing 301 via their respective hinges 37. Here, the housing 301 is symmetrical, along a plane that corresponds to the mounting plane of the right arm 101 and left arm 201.

[0064] The 301 case has a visible face on the figures 7 to 9 , referred to as the upper face 231, and a face not visible in these figures, referred to as the lower face. The upper face 231 and the lower face are opposite each other. The upper face 231 and the lower face are generally flat, except that the case 301 has a recess on its upper face 231 and a notch on its lower face.

[0065] The housing 301 is hollowed out to a height at least equal to the thickness of the right 101 and left 201 arms. This hollowing creates a recessed, essentially flat surface 215 on the upper face 231 of the housing 301. On this recessed surface 215, the notch on the lower face of the housing 301 provides an opening that aligns with the cavity 7 defined by the right 101 and left 201 arms of the lock. The hollowing of the housing 301 also creates an intermediate surface 221, which connects the recessed surface 215 of the housing 301 to its upper face 231. The hollowed-out area of ​​the housing 301 accommodates the right 101 and left 201 arms between the closed and fully open positions of the lock.

[0066] The opening made on the retraction surface 215 has a cavity 211 and an entrance 209 which allows access to this cavity 211. The cavity 211 made in the retraction surface 215 has a shape which follows that of the cavity 7 delimited by the right 101 and left 201 arms of the lock when the latter is in the closed state.

[0067] We now describe the left half of the 301 case, that is, the half of the 301 case shown on the left side of the figures 7 to 9 .

[0068] The recessed area has a recess 203 that is form-fitting with the joint 37 of the right arm 101. The recess 203 is shaped like a portion of a cylinder. The recess 203 retains the joint 37 of the right arm 101 and guides its rotation. The recess 203 and the joint 37 of the right arm 101 work together to form a pivot joint that allows the arm 101 to rotate relative to the housing 301 around the axis formed by the pivot 3.

[0069] The intermediate surface 221 has, near the recess 203, a first essentially flat stop surface 205. The first stop surface 205 is able to cooperate with the intermediate portion 9 of the right arm 101 at the end of the lock's closure.

[0070] The intermediate surface 221 has, at a distance from the first stop surface 205, a second essentially flat stop surface 207. The second stop surface 207 is able to cooperate with the intermediate portion 9 of the left arm 201 at the end of the lock opening.

[0071] At the entrance 209 of the opening formed on the recessed surface 215, the recessed surface 215 is partially shaped into a ramp 227, which is active when the lock is opened. This ramp 227 helps guide the bridge towards the cavity 211 of the housing 301 when the bridge engages with the lock. When the lock is in its closed state, the ramp 227 of the recessed surface 215 disappears behind the head 5 of the left arm 201.

[0072] These characteristics are found, particularly in a symmetrical manner, on the right half of the 301 case, that is to say, the half of the 301 case shown on the right in the figures 7 to 9. The corresponding components bear the same reference numbers on the right half and on the left half of the 301 case.

[0073] When the lock is in the closed state, as shown in the figure 7 The engagement faces 29 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 arms are close to each other, so as to obstruct the entrance 209 of the cavity 211 formed in the recessed surface 215. The cavity 211 formed in the recessed surface 215 and the cavity 7 delimited by the right 101 and left 201 arms coincide. The ramps 227 formed on the recessed surface 215 are concealed by the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 arms. The intermediate portions 9 of the right 101 and left 201 arms are close to the first abutment surfaces 205 of the intermediate surface 221 of the housing 301, possibly abutting them.

[0074] When the lock changes from the closed state shown on the figure 7at the maximum opening state shown on the figure 9 , passing through the intermediate open state shown on the figure 8 The engagement faces 29 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches move away from each other, so as to free the entrance 209 of the cavity 211 formed in the withdrawal surface 215 and to allow access to this cavity 211. The cavity 7 delimited by the right 101 and left 201 branches enlarges relative to the cavity 211 formed in the withdrawal surface 215. The heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches, in particular their ramp portions 27, disappear behind the ramps 227 formed on the withdrawal surface 215. The ramps 227 formed on the withdrawal surface 215 become active. The intermediate portions 9 of the right 101 and left 201 branches move away from the first stop surfaces 205 of the intermediate surface 221 of the housing 301.

[0075] When the lock is in the fully open position, as shown in the figure 9 The engagement faces 29 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 arms are spaced apart so as to almost completely free the inlet 209 from the cavity 211 formed in the recessed surface 215. The engagement faces 29 and part of the ramps 27 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 arms protrude into the cavity 211 formed in the recessed surface 215. The ramps 227 formed on the recessed surface 215 are fully visible. The intermediate portions 9 of the right 101 and left 201 arms are close to the second abutment surfaces 207 of the intermediate surface 221 of the housing 301, possibly abutting them.

[0076] When the lock moves from the maximum open state shown on the figure 9 in the closed state shown on the figure 7 , passing through the intermediate open state shown on the figure 8The engagement faces 29 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches move closer together, so as to obstruct the entrance 209 of the cavity 211 formed in the recessed surface 215 and to restrict access to this cavity 211. The ramps 227 formed on the recessed surface 215 disappear behind the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches. The heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches move away from the second stop surfaces 207 of the intermediate surface 221 of the housing 301.

[0077] We are referring to the Figure 10 .

[0078] This figure shows a locking system comprising a lock similar to that of the figure 1 mounted on a bracket. The lock is in its closed state. The bracket includes a 301 housing similar to the housing shown in the... figures 7 to 9and whose components bear the same reference numbers. For example, housing 301 is fixed to the end slat of a pool cover flap (not shown). For clarity, housing 301 is shown open, i.e., without its cover.

[0079] The locking system further includes a locking element, or bridge 401. The bridge 401 is, for example, fixed to a pool wall (not shown). The lock is designed to engage with the bridge 401, such that the cover is fixed to the pool wall. Equivalently, the lock and the bridge 401 can be seen as mutually compatible. Equivalently, the bridge 401 can be seen as compatible with the lock.

[0080] The bridge 401 has a support 403 and a retaining rod 405, rotatably mounted on this support 403. Here, the support 403 is fixed to the wall of the basin.

[0081] In the configuration shown on the Figure 10 The cover is positioned horizontally on the water's surface. The end slat of this cover is positioned opposite the pool wall. The latch is positioned opposite the bracket 401, in order to lock the pool cover to the pool wall. The latch is disengaged from the bracket 401. The bracket 401 is positioned in the plane of symmetry of the housing 301. Equivalently, the latch can be viewed as being positioned in a median plane of the bracket 401.

[0082] The rod 405 extends along a longitudinal axis. The rod 405 is mounted on the support 403 of the bridge 401 such that its longitudinal axis is positioned substantially parallel to a vertical direction. The rod 405 is able to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the support 403.

[0083] The rod 405 has a general shape of a triangular prism. The rod 405 has three essentially flat faces of a first type 407, 409, 411, and three faces of a second type 413, 415, 417, each forming a projection. Each face of the second type 413, 415, 417 connects two of the three faces of the first type 407, 409, 411. The faces of the first type 407, 409, 411 and the faces of the second type 413, 415, 417 are arranged alternately around the longitudinal axis of the rod 405. The faces of the first type 407, 409, 411 are similar. The faces of the second type 413, 415, 417 are similar.

[0084] There Figure 10 shows a first state of the bridge 401, in which its stem 405 presents one of its faces of the second type 413,415,417, called engagement face 413, to the outer faces 25 of the heads 5 of the right branches 101 and left branches 201. The two other faces of the second type 415,417 are called disengagement faces 415,417.

[0085] The two faces of the first type 407,409 connected to each other by the engagement face 413 are called guide faces 407,409. The third face of the first type 411, which is opposite the engagement face 413 of the rod 405 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the latter, is called retaining face 411.

[0086] The support 403 of the bridge 401 has, opposite the rod 405, a projection 419. A gap is provided between the rod 405 and the projection 419. In the first state of the bridge 401, this gap separates the projection 419 from the retaining face 411 of the rod 405. In the first state of the bridge 401, this gap measures approximately 5 millimeters, so as to reduce the risk of pinching a finger between the support 403 and the rod 405 of the bridge 401 during handling. This gap is nevertheless sufficient to allow rotation of the rod 405 about its longitudinal axis.

[0087] We are referring to the figure 11 .

[0088] This figure shows a step in the engagement of the lock of the Figure 10 with the 401 bridge of this same figure. This engagement results, for example, from a movement of the end blade of the flap towards the wall of the pool.

[0089] The bridge 401 is in its first state. In a first engagement stage, not shown, the engagement face 413 of the rod 405 engages the engagement faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms, so as to move the second end portions 5 of the right 101 and left 201 arms away from each other and to access the cavity 7 delimited by these right 101 and left 201 arms. The engagement face 413 of the rod 405 thus enters the cavity 211 formed in the recessed surface 215 of the housing 301.

[0090] In a second stage of engagement, represented on the figure 11 , the lock is in an open intermediate state, similar to that described in relation to the figures 2 And 8The engagement faces 29 of the right arm 101 and left arm 201 are in contact with the guide faces 407, 409 of the rod 405 and slide along them. This tends to open the lock by separating the heads 5 of the right arm 101 and left arm 201 from each other.

[0091] We are referring to the figure 12 .

[0092] This figure shows another step in the engagement of the lock with the 401 bridge.

[0093] In the configuration shown on the figure 12The bridge 401 is offset to the left relative to the plane of symmetry of the housing 301. Equivalently, the latch can be seen as being offset relative to the median plane of the bridge 401. This configuration can result from the movement of the pool cover flap on the water. The movement of the end blade of the pool cover flap towards the pool wall causes the engagement face 413 of the rod 405 to engage with the ramp 27 of the outer face 25 of the head 5 of the left arm 201. This engagement tends to open the latch, due to the particular arrangement of the intermediate portions 9 of its right 101 and left 201 arms described in relation to the figures 1 to 6 The lock thus finds itself in an open intermediate state similar to that described in relation to the figures 2 , 8 And 11 .

[0094] Furthermore, the engagement of the engagement face 413 of the rod 405 with the ramp 27 of the left arm 201 guides the movement of the blade to the left as it continues to advance towards the wall. In this way, the bridge 401 positions itself in the plane of symmetry of the housing 301 and engages with the engagement faces 29 of the right arm 101 and left arm 201, as described in relation to the figure 11 .

[0095] Due to the symmetry of the mounting of the lock according to the invention, a similar effect is obtained when the bridge 401 is offset to the right with respect to the plane of symmetry of the housing 301.

[0096] We are referring to the figure 13 .

[0097] This figure shows the lock of the Figure 10 engaged with the 401 bridge in the same figure. This engagement results, for example, from a further movement of the blade towards the wall, in line with the steps described in relation to the figure 11 .

[0098] The bridge 401 is in its initial state. The lock is in its closed state. The bridge 401 is housed in the cavity 7 defined by the right arm 101 and left arm 201, which coincides with the cavity 211 formed in the recess 215 of the housing 301. The retaining face 411 of the rod 405 is close to the inner faces 23 of the heads 5 of the right arm 101 and left arm 201, possibly abutting them. The bridge 401 is positioned in the plane of symmetry of the housing 301. The heads 5 of the right arm 101 and left arm 201, in particular their engagement faces 29, are housed in the space between the retaining face 411 of the rod 405 and the projection 419 of the support 403 of the bridge 401.

[0099] When the flap is subjected to a tensile force that tends to pull it away from the pool wall, for example following a fall, one or both of the inner faces 23 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 arms bear against the retaining face 411 of the rod 405. This tends to close the lock due to the particular arrangement of the intermediate portions 9 of its right 101 and left 201 arms described in relation to the figures 1 to 6 .

[0100] The cavity 211 is delimited by a side wall shaped to prevent the bridge 401 from engaging with the intermediate portions 9 of the right 101 and left 201 arms of the latch when the bridge 401 is housed in the cavity 211. This shape of the side wall prevents the bridge 401 from opening the latch in the event of lateral movement of the cover. Such movement can occur due to water movement on the surface of the basin.

[0101] We are referring to the figure 14 .

[0102] This figure presents an optional step, which can, for example, occur after the step shown in figure 13 and before the step shown in figure 15 .

[0103] In this optional step, the 401 bridge remains in its initial state. Starting from the configuration shown in figure 13 The end blade of the pool cover flap is moved further towards the pool wall. As a result of this movement, the engagement faces 29 of the heads 5 of the right arm 101 and left arm 201 move apart upon contact with the projection 419 of the support 403 of the bridge 401 and come into contact with this projection 419. The space between the retaining face 411 of the rod 405 and the projection 419 of the support 403 of the bridge 401 is released. The latch remains engaged with the bridge 401.

[0104] When the locking system is in this configuration, a pulling force tending to move the flap away from the pool wall brings the locking system into its configuration described in relation to the figure 13 .

[0105] We are referring to the figure 15 .

[0106] This figure shows a stage of mutual disengagement of the lock of the figure 13 and of the 401 bridge of this same figure.

[0107] There figure 15 shows a second state of the bridge 401, which results for example from a 180° rotation of the rod 405 on its longitudinal axis, relative to the support 403 of the bridge 401. In this second state, the engagement face 413 of the rod 405 is opposite the projection 419 of the support 403 of the bridge 401. In this second state, the space between the rod 405 and the projection 419 is reduced, for example by a measure of the order of 1 millimeter.

[0108] The rotation of the rod 405 reduces the space between the rod 405 and the extension 419. The heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches are no longer housed in this space. The engagement faces 29 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches move apart. The engagement faces 29 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches come into contact with the extension 419. The lock opens, as described in relation to the figures 1 to 3 And 7 à 9 .

[0109] We are referring to the figure 16 .

[0110] This figure shows another step in the mutual disengagement of the 401 bridge and the locking mechanism. This step follows the step shown in figure 15 Disengagement results, for example, from the end blade moving away from the basin wall.

[0111] The bridge 401 is in its second state. The engagement faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms cease to be in contact with the advance 419. The engagement faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms engage with the guide faces 407, 409 of the rod 405 and slide along them. This tends to open the lock by separating the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 arms from each other, as described in relation to the figures 1 to 3 And 7 à 9 . The rod 405 exits the cavity 7 delimited by the right branches 101 and left branches 201, and the cavity 211 formed in the recessed surface 215 of the housing 301.

[0112] We are referring to the figure 17 .

[0113] This figure shows another step in the mutual disengagement of the 401 bridge and the locking mechanism, which follows the step shown in figure 16 This disengagement results, for example, from an additional distancing of the end blade from the basin wall.

[0114] The trigger guard 401 is in its second state. The engagement faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms are engaged with the disengagement faces 415, 417. The lock is in an intermediate open state similar to that shown on the figures 2 And 8 The rod 405 is out of the cavity 7 delimited by the right branches 101 and left branches 201, and of the cavity 211 made in the recessed surface 215 of the housing 301. The rod 405 is across the opening 209 made in the recessed surface 215 of the housing 301.

[0115] We are referring to the figure 18 .

[0116] This figure shows the disengaged lock of the 401 bridge, for example after the disengagement step shown in figure 17 The disengagement results, for example, from an additional distance of the end blade from the basin wall compared to the step shown in figure 17 .

[0117] The bridge 401 is in its second state. The lock is in its closed state. The bridge 401 is outside the cavity 7 delimited by the right arms 101 and left arms 201, and outside the cavity 211 formed in the retraction surface 215 of the housing 301. The retaining face 411 of the rod 405 is presented to the outer faces 25 of the heads 5 of the right arms 101 and left arms 201.

[0118] The locking system can then return to its configuration as described in relation to the figure 10 , for example by a 180° rotation of the rod on its longitudinal axis, relative to the support 403 of the bridge 401.

[0119] We have described a lock in which each arm is rotationally mounted on the support via a pivot joint formed by both a form cooperation between its articulated portion and a recess in the support, and a form cooperation between a bore in its articulated portion and a pivoting lug. Alternatively, this pivot joint can be formed differently, for example, with only one of the form cooperations between its articulated portion and a respective recess in the support, and the form cooperation between a bore in its articulated portion and a pivoting lug.

[0120] A lock has been described in which, in the area of ​​mutual intersection, the intermediate portions of the arms have mutual drive regions that are active during both opening and closing of the lock. The lock according to the invention provides an advantage whenever the mutual drive regions are active during either opening or closing of the lock.

[0121] A lock has been described in which the mutually driven regions act reciprocally during the opening and closing of the lock. The lock according to the invention provides an advantage when the mutually driven regions act reciprocally during the opening or closing of the lock.

[0122] A lock has been described in which, at the point of mutual intersection, the intermediate portion of each arm has a recess that partially accommodates the intermediate portion of the other arm. The lock according to the invention provides an advantage when the intermediate portion of one arm has a recess that partially accommodates the intermediate portion of the other arm.

[0123] A lock has been described in which, at the point of mutual intersection, the intermediate portion of each arm presents three abutment surfaces for the other arm, one of these surfaces being active at the end of the lock's closing motion, and the other two being active at the end of the lock's opening motion. The lock according to the invention provides an advantage as soon as one of the arms presents a abutment surface for the other arm, this abutment surface being active at the end of either the opening or closing motion of the lock.

[0124] A lock has been described comprising an elastic element mounted on the two arms, which pulls the end portions towards each other. The lock according to the invention provides an advantage when the elastic element is mounted on one of the arms and pulls the end portions towards each other.

[0125] A lock with similar arms has been described. This feature has the advantage of streamlining and simplifying the industrial manufacturing process of the lock. The lock according to the invention provides an advantage when the intermediate portions of the arms are similar in the area where they cross.

[0126] Thanks to the arrangement of the pool cover lock according to the invention, particularly its mutual crossing area, the rotation of one of the lock's arms causes the other arms to rotate in the opposite direction. The lock according to the invention opens and closes easily to engage with a bracket. Engaging this lock with a bracket requires applying only moderate force to the arms via the bracket. This results in a practical and quick-to-use locking system. When the lock is engaged with the bracket to secure a cover to a pool wall, if a person falls onto the cover, the force exerted by the bracket on the lock forces it to remain closed. This results in increased safety for locking the cover to the pool wall.Furthermore, the arrangement of the stop surfaces limits the range of opening and closing movements of the lock, thus protecting the arms from impacts, particularly at their ends. The lock according to the invention is compact. The lock according to the invention is particularly well-suited for use in an automated locking system for a pool cover.

[0127] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses all variants conceivable by those skilled in the art. In particular, one of the latch arms may be fixed relative to the support while the other arm is rotatably mounted on the support.

Claims

1. A pond cover lock comprising: - a support (301), - a pair of branches (101, 201), each branch (101, 201) having a respective hinge portion (37) via which this branch (101, 201) is rotatably mounted on the support (301), each branch (101, 201) further having a respective end portion (5), the end portions (5) delimiting, in part at least, a cavity (7), capable of receiving a locking member (401), the end portions (5) of the branches (101, 201) moving away from each other upon opening the lock, and these portions (5) approaching each other upon closing the lock, characterised in that each branch (101, 201) further has a respective intermediate portion (9), which connects the hinge portion (37) of the branch (101, 201) to its end portion (5), the intermediate portions (9) of the branches (101, 201) being formed into a mutually intersecting zone, active between the open state and the closed state of the lock.

2. The lock according to claim 1, wherein, in the mutually intersecting zone, the intermediate portions (9) of the branches (101, 201) have mutual drive regions (11, 13), active upon opening the lock or upon closing it.

3. The lock according to claim 2, wherein at least some of the mutual drive regions (11, 13) act reciprocally upon opening the lock or closing it.

4. The lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the mutually intersecting zone, the intermediate portion (9) of one of the branches (101, 201) has at least one recess, capable of accommodating at least partially the intermediate portion (9) of the other branch (101, 201).

5. The lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the mutually intersecting zone, the intermediate portion (9) of each of the branches (101, 201) has at least one recess, capable of accommodating at least partially the intermediate portion (9) of the other branch (101, 201).

6. The lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the mutually intersecting zone, the intermediate portion (9) of at least one of the branches (101, 201) has at least one stop surface (17, 19, 21) for the other branch (101, 201), this stop surface (17, 19, 21) being active at the end of opening or closing of the lock.

7. The lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the mutually intersecting zone, the intermediate portion (9) of at least one of the branches (101, 201) has at least two stop surfaces (17, 19, 21) for the other branch (101, 201), one of these surfaces (19, 21) being active at the end of opening of the lock, the other (17) at the end of closing.

8. The lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the mutually intersecting zone, the intermediate portion (9) of at least one of the branches (101, 201) has at least two stop surfaces (19, 21) for the other branch (101, 201), these surfaces (19, 21) being active at the end of opening of the lock.

9. The lock according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a resilient member (107) mounted on at least one of the branches (101, 201), this member (107) tending to bring back the end portions (5) towards each other.

10. The lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate portions (9) of the branches (101, 201) are shaped in a similar manner, at least in the mutually intersecting zone.

11. The lock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the branches (101.201) are shaped in a similar manner.

12. A system for locking a pond cover onto a pond wall, comprising a locking member (401) and a lock according to one of the preceding claims, the lock being capable of engaging with the locking member (401).

13. A pond cover comprising a lock according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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