Safety device for a pool cover

Abstract

A safety device for a pool cover, particularly a swimming pool cover, comprises a support (403, 503) and a retaining rod (405, 505) mounted on the support (403, 503). The rod extends along a longitudinal axis (477, 577) and has at least one retaining face (411) suitable for engaging with a locking mechanism (1). The support (403, 503) is securely mounted to the cover or a pool wall such that the longitudinal axis (477, 577) of the rod (405, 505) is generally positioned vertically. The rod (405,505) is able to rotate relative to the support (403,503) around an axis of rotation substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis (477,577), between at least a first position, in which the retaining face (411) is active and is directed towards the support (403,503), and a second position, in which the retaining face (411) is retracted.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of pool covers, particularly swimming pool covers. More specifically, the invention relates to a safety device suitable for securing a pool cover to the pool wall.

[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 the pool to cover it, it is advisable, for safety reasons, to secure the cover to at least some of the pool walls or the surrounding area. Typically, at least one end of the cover is secured to one end of the pool using a safety device.

[0007] Safety devices are known to consist of a first part, also called a bridge in technical terms, comprising a safety mechanism in the form of a generally elongated piece, and a second part comprising a lock, designed to engage with the bridge. The bridge and the lock are fixed respectively to a wall of the pool and to the end of the cover.

[0008] EP 3 763 899 A1 describes a safety device comprising a latch, fixed to the end of a cover, and a bridge including a retaining rod, integral with a bracket fixed to a pool wall. The rod extends along a longitudinal axis and is mounted on the bracket so that its longitudinal axis is positioned vertically. The rod has a retaining face, through which the latch engages with the rod.

[0009] The safety device also includes a release mechanism connected to the lock. The lock disengages from the bracket by pulling on the release mechanism. Such a pull could result from a fall onto the cover, which is problematic from a safety standpoint.

[0010] The Plaintiff sought to improve the situation.

[0011] A safety device for a pool cover is proposed. This safety device comprises a support and a retaining rod, mounted on the support and extending along a longitudinal axis. The rod has at least one retaining face, capable of engaging with a locking mechanism. The support is securely mounted to the cover or a pool wall such that the longitudinal axis of the rod is generally positioned vertically. The rod is capable of rotating relative to the support around an axis of rotation substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis, between at least a first position, in which the retaining face is active and points towards the support, and a second position, in which the retaining face is retracted.

[0012] Releasing the lock via the rod involves a movement of the rod relative to the support. This movement cannot be accidental. The safety device according to the invention offers increased safety because, in the event of a fall onto the cover, the lock remains engaged with the rod.

[0013] Furthermore, the safety device according to the invention also simplifies the disengagement of the lock. The safety device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in an automated locking system for a pool cover on a pool wall.

[0014] Optional features of the invention, which are complementary or substitute, are listed below: The rod also has at least one disengagement face, capable of cooperating with the latch. This face is active and is directed towards the support when the rod is in the second position. At least one of the disengagement faces includes at least one guide surface, also capable of cooperating with the latch. This surface is active when the rod is in the second position. The rod has a plurality of faces of the retaining face type and a plurality of faces of the disengagement face type. The retaining face type and disengagement face type faces are arranged alternately around the longitudinal axis. The rod has an odd number of retaining face type and disengagement face type faces. The rod has three retaining face type faces and three disengagement face type faces.The support has a projection opposite the rod, while the gap between the rod and this projection is strictly less than 8 millimeters. The rod includes an enlarged portion with a notch designed to accommodate the projection and forming at least one stop adapted to this projection. The stop is active when the rod is rotated from its second position to its first position or from its first position to its second position. The device further includes a magnetic coupling. This coupling comprises an enlarged portion fixed to the rod, at least rotatably, and a magnetic coupling portion mounted on the support, opposite the enlarged portion. Rotating the magnetic coupling portion relative to the support moves the rod from its first position to its second position. The magnetic coupling includes at least one pair of permanent magnets. One is housed in the enlarged portion, and the other in the magnetic coupling portion.These magnets are arranged relative to each other so as to have the same polarity orientation. The enlarged portion has at least one stable position relative to the magnetic coupling part, in which at least some of the magnets of the magnetic coupling part are opposite a respective magnet of the enlarged portion. The magnetic coupling part or the enlarged portion also houses at least one additional permanent magnet. This magnet has a polarity orientation opposite to the other permanent magnets. The additional magnet is arranged relative to the others so as to pull the magnetic coupling part and the enlarged portion back to the stable position. The support has a window. The enlarged portion has at least one groove that is opposite at least part of the window when the rod is in its first position.The rod can be held in its first position by means of an accessory inserted into the groove and designed to abut against the window of the support. The enlarged portion has a visual indicator, which is located near the groove and is aligned with at least part of the window when the rod is in its first position. The rod itself has a visual indicator, which is visible when the rod is in its first position. The device further includes the lock. In the first position, the retaining face is presented to the lock such that the lock engages with the rod via this face. In the second position, the lock is disengaged from the rod. The disengagement face is presented to the lock in the second position. The disengagement face is shaped such that the rod tends to open the lock in this second position.

[0015] 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 cross-sectional view of a safety device according to the invention, the bridge in a first state and the lock engaged with the bridge; the figure 2 is analogous to the figure 1 the trigger guard exhibiting a second state and the lock being engaged with the trigger guard; the figure 3 is analogous to the figure 2 and represents the lock disengaging from the bridge; the figure 4 is analogous to the figure 3 ; there Figure 5 is analogous to the figure 2 the bolt being disengaged from the trigger guard; the figure 6 is analogous to the figure 1 the bolt being disengaged from the trigger guard; the figure 7 is analogous to the figure 6 and represents the lock engaging with the bridge; the figure 8 is analogous to the figure 1 ; there figure 9 is analogous to the figure 7; there figure 10 represents a cross-section of the bridge, in isometric perspective; the figure 11 represents a portion of the bridge, in isometric perspective; the figure 12 is an exploded view of part of the bridge, in isometric perspective.

[0016] 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.

[0017] We are referring to figures 1 to 9 .

[0018] These figures show a safety device intended for use in a pool, particularly a private swimming pool. The device primarily comprises a locking device, or lock 1, designed to be securely mounted on a pool cover or wall, and a retaining device, or bridge 400, designed to be securely mounted on the wall or cover, unlike the mounting of lock 1. Lock 1 is designed to engage with bridge 400, as shown in the figure. figure 1 Specifically, in such a way that the cover is fixed to, or held against, the wall of the pool. Equivalently, the latch 1 and the bridge 400 can be seen as mutually compatible, or the bridge 400 as compatible with the latch 1.

[0019] The bridge 400 mainly comprises a support 403 and a retaining rod 405 pivotally mounted on the support 403. The rod 405 has a longitudinal axis 477. The support 403 is fixed, for example, to the wall of the basin, typically so that the longitudinal axis 477 of the rod 405 is vertical. The rod 405 is capable of pivoting relative to the support 403 about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis 477. Here, this axis of rotation corresponds to the longitudinal axis 477 of the rod 405.

[0020] The support 403 has a frame-forming portion 421, which is fixed to the wall of the basin. The bridge 400 here has a median plane 6 (represented on the figures 6 And 9 ), which includes the axis of rotation of the rod 405, here its longitudinal axis 477. Here, the median plane 6 extends substantially perpendicularly to the wall of the pelvis.

[0021] The support 403 further has an arm 423, which extends from the frame 421 and supports at its end opposite the frame 421 a lug (not shown), called the lower lug. The lower lug extends along the axis of rotation of the rod 405, here its longitudinal axis 477. The rod 405 has at one of its ends, here its lower end, a bore, in a form compatible with the lower lug. This bore and the lower lug together form a rotational guide for the rod 405.

[0022] The support 403 also has a housing portion (not shown), which contains a motor assembly capable of rotating the rod 405 relative to the support 403. The rod 405 is kinematically coupled to the motor assembly via a magnetic coupling (not shown in the diagrams). figures 1 to 9), housed at least in part in the casing. Here, the casing is located in an upper part of the support 403, opposite the arm 423 with respect to the rod 405.

[0023] Here, the support 403 also features, opposite the rod 405, a projection 419. The projection 419 extends from the frame 421, tapering as it does so. The projection 419 is positioned between the arm 423 and the housing of the support 403. A gap is provided between the rod 405 and the projection 419.

[0024] The lock 1 includes a support, here in the form of a lower part of a 301 housing, and a pair of arms mounted inside the 301 housing, namely here a first arm, or right arm 101, predominantly to the right of the figures 1 to 9 and a second branch, or left branch 201, mostly to the left of these figures. For clarity, the 301 case is shown here open, that is, without its cover.

[0025] The right branch 101 and the left branch 201 jointly define a cavity 7 suitable for receiving at least one longitudinal section of the retaining rod 405.

[0026] The right branch 101 and the left branch 201 each further present a respective end portion, or head 5, by means of which the rod 405 can be retained in the cavity 7, at least when these heads are sufficiently close to each other ( figure 1 ). The heads 5 are here formed into respective hooks 51, at least in part. The heads 5 correspond to the active parts of the lock 1.

[0027] The right arm 101 and the left arm 201 are arranged here opposite each other. The lock 1 shown here comprises a pair of corresponding parts, each formed into a respective arm of the right arm 101 and the left arm 201. Alternatively, the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 are made as a single piece.

[0028] The lock 1, via its housing 301, is fixed, for example, near one end of the cover, particularly when the support 403 of the bracket 400 is fixed to the pool wall. For example, the housing 301 can be mounted on an end slat when the cover takes the form of a flap (not shown).

[0029] The lock 1 has at least one state in which the heads 5 are sufficiently far apart to delimit between them a passage suitable for at least one longitudinal section of the rod 405, at least in one position of this rod 405 relative to the support 403 ( figure 4 ).

[0030] The lock 1 has at least one state in which the heads 5 are sufficiently close to each other to prevent the passage of at least one longitudinal section of the rod 405, at least in one position of this rod 405 relative to the support 403 ( figure 1 ).

[0031] In a lock 1 whose arms 101, 201 are fixed or slightly deformable, these two states can become one.

[0032] Here, the lock 1 can have several states which correspond to different spacings of the heads 5 relative to each other, as on the figures 4 And 7 for example. Here, lock 1 can also be in a closed state, visible on the figures 1 And 6 for example, where the 5 heads of the right branch 101 and the left branch 201 are closest to each other.

[0033] For example, the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 are each movablely mounted on the housing 301. During an opening movement of the latch 1, these arms move relative to the housing 301 such that their ends 5 move apart. A closing movement of the latch 1 corresponds to a movement of these arms such that the ends 5 move closer together. Typically, the opening and closing movements are performed in opposite directions. In the case of the latch 1 described here, as an example only, the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 are each rotatably mounted on the housing 301. The opening and closing of the latch 1 correspond to rotational movements of the arms in opposite directions.

[0034] The right arm 101 and the left arm 201 each have a respective end portion, or joint 37, opposite the head 5, and by means of which this arm is rotatably mounted on the housing 301 around a respective pivot 3. The right arm 101 and the left arm 201 each also have a respective intermediate portion 9, which connects the joint 37 of this arm to its head 5.

[0035] Along its hook 51, each branch 101,201 has a lateral surface, at least part of which forms a face generally oriented towards the cavity, or inner face 23. Here, another part of this lateral surface also forms a face directed opposite to the inner face 23, or outer face 25. The inner face 23 partially borders the cavity 7.

[0036] As shown by figure 1in particular, the inner face 23 of the hooks 51 is arranged so as to retain the rod 405 inside the cavity 7, in at least one position of this rod 405 relative to the support 403 of the bridge 400, in particular when the heads 5 of the lock 1 are close to each other.

[0037] The lateral surface also forms, on the head 5 of each branch 101,201, a respective terminal face 29. Each terminal face 29 connects the inner face 23 and the outer face 25. Each terminal face 29 corresponds here to the end of the respective hook 51.

[0038] The lock 1 further includes an elastic return element, 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. The spring 107 returns the heads 5 of the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 towards each other.

[0039] The lock 1 is devoid of its own opening mechanism, that is to say, the lock 1 does not include any mechanism capable of being controlled in such a way as to cause a movement or deformation of the arms 101, 201 tending to move the heads 5 away from each other.

[0040] THE figures 1 to 8 The diagram shows the bridge 400 and the latch 1 in a typical relative position, corresponding, for example, to a cover deployed on the water's surface, i.e., generally extending along a horizontal plane, with one end of this cover facing the pool wall. The latch 1 is positioned opposite the rod 405. The latch 1 is located at the level of the median plane 6 of the bridge 400.

[0041] We are referring more specifically to the figure 1 .

[0042] The rod 405 has at least one face shaped into a retaining face 411, capable of cooperating with the inner faces 23 of the lock 1 when the lock 1 is engaged with the rod 405. The rod 405 is capable of adopting a first stable position relative to the support 403 such that its retaining face 411 is directed towards the support 403, i.e. towards the rear face of the support 403.

[0043] On the figure 1 The rod 405 is located inside the cavity 7, in its first position relative to the support 403. Its retaining face 411 is directed towards the heads 5 of the branches 101,201. The rod 405 can be retained by these heads 5 of the branches 101,201.

[0044] The lock 1 is engaged with the bridge 400 via the rod 405. The safety device is locked. The cover is attached to the pool wall. The bridge 400 is in its first, or locking, state.

[0045] The rod 405 may include several faces of the type of the retaining face 411, in particular distributed around its longitudinal axis 477. Here, for example, in addition to the retaining face 411, the rod 405 has two additional faces 409 of the type of the retaining face 411. The retaining face 411 and the additional faces 409 of the type of the retaining face 411 are equidistant from the longitudinal axis 477.

[0046] The retaining face 411 and the additional faces 409 of the type of the retaining face 411 are analogous to each other. Here, the retaining face 411 and the additional faces 409 of the type of the retaining face 411 each essentially comprise a generally flat surface 412.

[0047] The retaining face 411 of the rod 405 is close to the inner faces 23 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches. Depending on the movement of the cover relative to the basin, the retaining face 411 may come into contact with the heads 5, in particular with their inner faces 23, here via its flat surface 412. When the cover is subjected to a force that tends to move it away from the basin wall, for example caused by a fall onto it, the retaining face 411 of the rod 405 comes to rest against one or both of the inner faces 23 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches.

[0048] When the rod 405 is in its initial position relative to the support 403, the retaining face 411 is aligned with the projection 419. The gap between the projection 419 and the retaining face 411, here its flat surface 412, is narrow enough to prevent, or at least significantly reduce, the risk of, a finger being pinched between the support 403 and the rod 405. This gap remains wide enough to allow the rod 405 to rotate about its longitudinal axis 477. For example, this gap measures approximately 5 millimeters.

[0049] Part of the arms 101,201 of the lock 1 can be housed in the space which separates the retaining face 411 of the rod 405 and the advance 419 of the support 403, here the heads 5, in particular the terminal faces 29 of these.

[0050] We now refer to figures 2 to 5 .

[0051] These figures represent the lock 1 disengaging from the bridge 400.

[0052] There figure 2 illustrates the beginning of this disengagement. figure 2 is analogous to the figure 1 except that the rod 405 is in a second position relative to the support 403, in which its retaining face 411 is directed obliquely with respect to the rear face of the support 403. This retaining face 411 is now directed away from the heads 5 of the branches 101, 201.

[0053] The rod 405 remains in the cavity 7. The bridge 400 is in a second, or unlocked, state in which the retaining face 411 of its rod 405 is retracted. The lock 1 remains engaged with the bridge 400. However, the lock 1 is no longer in contact with the bridge 400. The safety device is unlocked, meaning that if the cover is pulled, its end can move significantly away from the pool wall. The cover is no longer fixed to the pool wall.

[0054] Here, the rod 405 further includes at least one face shaped into a disengagement face 435, capable of cooperating with the heads 5 of the arms 101, 201, in particular their inner faces 23, to disengage the rod 405 from its grip in the lock 1.

[0055] In the position of rod 405 shown on the figure 2 , the disengagement face 435 is presented to the heads 5 of the lock 1.

[0056] As shown by figure 2 , when the rod 405 is in its second position relative to the support 403, the disengagement face 435 is directed towards the support 403. In particular, the disengagement face 435 is opposite the extension 419. The space between the rod 405 and the extension 419 has a reduced dimension compared to the first position of the rod 405 ( figure 1 ). For example, this space is on the order of a millimeter.

[0057] Between the position of rod 405 shown on the figure 1 and that of the figure 2 The rod 405 has rotated relative to the support 403, here around its longitudinal axis 477. As shown here, this rotation is clockwise. Alternatively, or in addition, this rotation could be counterclockwise.

[0058] The rod 405 can include several faces of the type of the disengagement face 435. Here, for example, in addition to the disengagement face 435, the rod 405 has two additional faces 437 of the type of the disengagement face 435. The disengagement face 435 and the additional faces 437 of the type of the disengagement face 435 are here equidistant from the longitudinal axis 477.

[0059] The disengagement face 435 and the additional faces 437 of the disengagement face 435 type are particularly similar to each other. Here, the disengagement face 435 and the additional faces 437 of the disengagement face 435 type each essentially comprise a projecting surface arranged as a leading edge 436.

[0060] Here, the disengagement face 435 of the rod 405 also has two additional surfaces shaped as first guide surfaces 433, which are active when the rod 405 is disengaged from the lock 1. The first guide surfaces 433 of the disengagement face 435 are adjacent to its leading edge 436. Here, the first guide surfaces 433 are shaped similarly to the generally flat surfaces of the retaining face type 409, 411.

[0061] Each of the retaining face type 409,411 and the disengagement face type 435,437 extends along the longitudinal axis 477. The retaining face type 409,411 and the disengagement face type 435,437 are arranged alternately around the longitudinal axis 477 of the rod 405. A rotation of the rod 405 around its axis 477 allows one of the retaining face type 409,411 and one of the disengagement face type 435,437 to be presented alternately to the lock 1.

[0062] In particular, the rod 405 has a general prism shape based on a regular polygon, here with a triangular base, some at least of whose faces include faces of the type of the retaining face 409,411.

[0063] The rod 405 rotates on its longitudinal axis 477 until the bridge 400 reaches its unlocked state. Here, this corresponds to a 60° rotation of the rod 405, in the clockwise direction.

[0064] The space between the stem 405 and the projection 419 is reduced. The heads 5 of the right branch 101 and left branch 201 are no longer housed in this space. The terminal faces 29 of the heads 5 of the right branch 101 and left branch 201 move apart. The terminal faces 29 of the heads 5 of the right branch 101 and left branch 201 come into contact with the projection 419. The lock 1 begins to open.

[0065] We are referring to the figure 3 .

[0066] This figure shows the continued disengagement of the lock 1 of the rod 405, as it results, for example, from forces tending to move the cover away from the wall of the pool, particularly during the rolling up of the cover. This figure 3 illustrates the continuation of the figure 2 .

[0067] The rod 405 is in its second position relative to the support 403. The rod 405 here has a face shaped into a release face 431, which is active when the lock 1 of the rod 405 is disengaged. When the rod 405 is in its second position relative to the support 403, the release face 431 is directed opposite to the rear face of the support 403. Here, the release face 431 includes one of the additional faces of the type of the retaining face 411.

[0068] The end faces 29 of the right branch 101 and left branch 201 extend from the shaft 419. The end faces 29 of the right branch 101 and left branch 201 cooperate with the first guide surfaces 433 of the rod 405. The end faces 29 slide along these surfaces. The arrangement of the first guide surfaces 433 tends to open the lock 1.

[0069] We are referring to the figure 4 .

[0070] This figure shows the end of the mutual disengagement of rod 405 and lock 1. It illustrates the continuation of the figure 3 , such as results for example from an additional distancing of the end of the cover from the basin wall, in particular when continuing to roll up the cover.

[0071] The rod 405 is in its second position relative to the support 403. The terminal faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms are in contact with the additional faces 437 of the disengagement face type 435, in particular with their leading edges 436. The lock 1 is in a more open state than that shown in the figure 3 . Rod 405 has been removed from cavity 7.

[0072] We are referring to the Figure 5 .

[0073] This figure shows the lock 1 disengaged from the rod 405, for example after the disengagement illustrated on the figures 2 to 4This figure illustrates a relative position of the bridge 400 and the lock 1 which results, in particular, from an additional distance of the end of the basin wall cover from the figure 4 .

[0074] On the Figure 5 The rod 405 is in its second position. The lock 1 is closed. The rod 405 is out of the cavity 7. The release face 431 of the rod 405 is opposite the outer faces 25 of the heads 5.

[0075] The 400 bridge can then return to its configuration as described in relation to the figure 1 , by a rotation of the rod 405 on its longitudinal axis 477 until this rod 405 reaches its first position relative to the support 403. Here, this corresponds to a 60° rotation of the rod 405, in the counter-clockwise direction.

[0076] We now refer to figures 6 And 7 These figures represent the lock 1 engaging the bridge 400.

[0077] There figure 6 The diagram shows the locking mechanism 1 opposite the rod 405, for securing the cover to the pool wall. The rod 405 is located outside the cavity 7 of the locking mechanism 1, out of engagement.

[0078] The rod 405 includes at least one face shaped into an engagement face 413, capable of cooperating with the heads 5 of the branches 101,201, in particular their outer faces 25, to bring the lock 1 into contact with the rod 405.

[0079] The rod 405 has at least one third stable position relative to the support 403 in which the engagement face 413 is directed opposite to the rear face of the support 403 with respect to the longitudinal axis 477. Here, the third position and the first position of the rod 405 correspond to the same position of the rod 405 with respect to the support 403. Here, when the rod 405 is in the third position, the bridge 400 is in a locking state.

[0080] On the figure 6The rod 405 is in this third position. The engagement face 413 is opposite the heads 5, in particular their outer faces 25.

[0081] In the particular case represented here, the engagement face 413 is opposite the retention face 411 relative to the longitudinal axis 477 of the rod 405.

[0082] We are referring to the figure 7 .

[0083] This figure represents the locking mechanism 1 continuing its engagement with the rod 405, as it results, for example, from forces tending to bring the cover closer to the wall of the basin. This figure 7 illustrates the continuation of the figure 6 .

[0084] The 405 stem remains in its third position.

[0085] In the example shown here, the engagement face 413 has two surfaces shaped as second guide surfaces 415, adapted to cooperate with the end faces 29 of the latch 1 when the latch 1 engages with the rod 405. These second guide surfaces 415 are active when the latch 1 engages with the rod 405. Here, one of these second guide surfaces 415 corresponds to one of the first guide surfaces of the disengagement face. Here, the second guide surfaces 415 correspond to the generally flat surfaces of the additional faces of the type of the retaining face 411. The engagement face 413 also has a leading surface 414 shaped to initiate the opening of the latch 1 from its closed state.

[0086] The engagement face 413 of the rod 405 cooperates here with the end faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms. The latch 1 is open. The end faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms are engaged with the second guide surfaces 415 of the engagement face 413 of the rod 405 and slide along them. This tends to open the latch 1 by separating the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 arms from each other. These second guide surfaces 415 move the heads 5 apart to open a passage allowing access to the cavity 7. Previously, the engagement face 413 began its cooperation with the latch 1 by engaging its leading surface 414 between the heads 5 of the latch 1. On the figure 7 , the attack surface 414 is located in cavity 7.

[0087] Once the rod 405 is in the cavity 7, the rod 405 can be pivoted so as to be in its first position relative to the support 403 and to be engaged in the lock 1. Here, this is unnecessary, since the third position and the first position of the rod 405 relative to the support 403 are coincident.

[0088] We are referring to the figure 8 .

[0089] This figure shows the lock 1 and the bridge 400 in a relative position that can occur, for example, as a result of the position of the figure 1 and before the step shown in figure 2 .

[0090] The 405 rod remains in its first position relative to the 403 support. Compared to the configuration shown in figure 1The cover moved towards the pool wall. As a result of this movement, the end faces 29 of the heads 5 spread apart upon contact with the projection 419 of the support 403 and engage with it. The space between the retaining face 411 of the rod 405 and the projection 419 of the support 403 is released. The bridge 400 and the locking mechanism 1 remain engaged with each other.

[0091] Here, the configuration shown on this figure 8 can also result, for example, from a further displacement of the pool cover towards the pool wall, in continuity with the figure 7 .

[0092] We are referring to the figure 9 .

[0093] This figure shows a configuration that can occur when locking 1 engages with bridge 400.

[0094] Rod 405 is in its third position relative to support 403.

[0095] The outer faces 25 of the heads 5 are partly shaped into a ramp, suitable for guiding the rod 405 towards the cavity 7 when the lock 1 is presented to the rod 405.

[0096] In the configuration shown on the figure 9 The latch 1 is offset relative to the median plane 6 of the bridge 400, here to the right. This configuration can result from the cover moving on the water. The movement of the cover's end towards the basin wall causes the engagement face 413 of the rod 405 to interact with the heads 5, in particular head 5 of the left arm 201. In this interaction, the attack surface 414 of the rod 405 comes to rest against the ramp of the outer face 25 of head 5, here of the left arm 201. This interaction tends to open the latch 1. The latch 1 is thus in an open state similar to that described in relation to the figure 7 .

[0097] Furthermore, the engagement of the attack surface 414 with the ramp of the left branch 201 guides the movement of the cover to the left as it continues to advance towards the pool wall. In this way, the latch 1 is positioned in the median plane 6 of the bridge 400, and the end faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 branches come into contact with the rod 405, as described in relation to the figure 7 .

[0098] Due to the symmetry of the lock 1, a similar effect is obtained when the lock 1 is offset to the left relative to the median plane 6 of the bridge 400.

[0099] We are referring to figures 1 to 9 .

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in these figures, the rod 405 moves between its first position and its second position by a rotation of 60° around its longitudinal axis 477.

[0101] The disengagement face 435 includes one of the second guiding surfaces 415 of the engagement face 413. This disengagement face 435 further includes the generally flat surface 412 of the retention face 411.

[0102] The release face 431 includes one of the second guiding surfaces 415 of the engagement face 413.

[0103] The retaining face 411 includes one of the first guiding surfaces 433 of the disengagement face 435.

[0104] The engagement face 413 corresponds to one of the additional faces 437 of the disengagement face type 435.

[0105] This embodiment has the advantage of requiring little energy for the movement of the rod 405 between the locking and unlocking state of the bridge 400. In particular, due to the relative positioning of the engagement face 413 and the retention face 411 on either side of the longitudinal axis 477, after the mutual engagement of the rod 405 and the lock 1, it is not necessary to move the rod 405 relative to the support 403 to bring the rod 405 and the lock 1 into mutual engagement.

[0106] According to an alternative embodiment, the disengagement face 435 and the retention face 411 are mutually opposed relative to the longitudinal axis 477 of the rod 405. In this case, the rod 405 moves between its first position and its second position by rotating 180° around its longitudinal axis 477.

[0107] In this case, the disengagement face 435 corresponds to the engagement face 413. The release face 431 includes the retention face 411. The generally flat surfaces 412 of the guide faces 409 correspond to the first guide surfaces 433 of the disengagement face 435 and to the second guide surfaces 415 of the engagement face 413.

[0108] We are referring to Figures 10 to 12 .

[0109] These figures show an example of a 501 bridge implementation for the safety device of figures 1 to 9 The elements of this 501 bridge that are analogous to those described in relation to the bridge of the figures 1 to 9 They bear the same reference numbers, plus one hundred. For clarity, support 503 is shown open, that is, without its cover. The bridge 501 is shown on the figure 10 in its locking state described in relation to the figures 1 to 9 .

[0110] The bridge 501 has a retaining rod 505, analogous to the retaining rod of the bridge of the figures 1 to 9 , and a 503 support, analogous to the bridge support of the figures 1 to 9 The rod 505 is mounted for rotation on the support 503, here around an axis of rotation which corresponds to its longitudinal axis 577. The position of the rod 505 relative to the support 503 on the figure 10 corresponds to the first (or third) position of the stem described in relation to the figures 1 to 9 The retaining face and the disengagement face of the 505 rod are not visible on the Figures 10 to 12 .

[0111] The rod 505 has, between its lower end 527 and its upper end 525, a main portion or active portion 506, which extends along its longitudinal axis 577. The active portion 506 is shown in cross-section on the figures 1 to 9The lock engages with the rod 505 via its active portion 506. In particular, the active portion 506 has the retaining face, the additional faces 509 of the retaining face type, the disengagement face and the additional faces 537 of the disengagement face type, at least in part.

[0112] The active portion 506 of the rod 505 has, along the longitudinal axis 577, a height equal to the thickness of the latch with which the rod 505 is designed to cooperate, plus an additional clearance. This additional clearance is chosen to compensate for slight variations in water level in the basin while preventing the cover from sinking deeply in the event of a fall. Typically, for a latch thickness of approximately 20 millimeters, the active portion 506 has a height of approximately 60 millimeters, which compensates for a variation in water level in the basin of approximately 40 millimeters.

[0113] The rod 505 further has at its upper end 525 an enlarged portion 539, rotationally fixed to its active portion 506. Here, the enlarged portion 539 and the active portion 506 of the rod 505 are formed as a single unit. The enlarged portion 539 has a flattened shape and a generally circular outer contour, centered on the longitudinal axis 577.

[0114] The lower lug 549 of the support 503 is made in the form of a part that clips onto the end of the arm 523 thereof. The lower lug 549 has a general shape of a right cylinder, the axis of which corresponds to the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here its longitudinal axis 577. The rod 505 has at its lower end 527 a bore 551, in a form compatible with the lower lug 549. This bore 551 and the lower lug 549 form a first bearing for the rotation of the rod 505 relative to the support 503.

[0115] The housing 545 also has an additional lug, called the upper lug 547, which extends along the longitudinal axis 577. The upper lug 547 is positioned opposite the lower lug 549. The upper lug 547 has a general shape of a right cylinder, the axis of which corresponds to the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here its longitudinal axis 577. The enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 has a bore 543 in its center, which corresponds in shape to the upper lug 547. This bore 543 and the upper lug 547 together form a second bearing for the rotation of the rod 505 relative to the support 503.

[0116] The magnetic coupling of the bridge 501 includes the enlarged portion 539 and a magnetic coupling portion 555, suitable for engaging the enlarged portion 539.

[0117] The magnetic coupling part 555 is housed in the casing 545. The magnetic coupling part 555 is rotatably mounted in the casing 545, around an axis of rotation that corresponds to the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here its longitudinal axis 577. The magnetic coupling part 555 is positioned opposite the enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505. Here, the magnetic coupling part 555 is positioned above the enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505. The magnetic coupling part 555 generally has an annular shape, with a hollow area 579 in its center. The hollow area 579 is delimited by a generally circular contour wall, which provides internal guidance for the magnetic coupling part 555 in its rotation around the longitudinal axis 577. The magnetic coupling part 555 has an outer contour generally circular, centered on the longitudinal axis 577 of the stem 505.

[0118] The magnetic coupling further includes at least one pair of permanent magnets, one being disposed in the enlarged portion 539, the other in the magnetic coupling part 555. Here, the magnetic coupling includes seven permanent magnets, in particular three of them being disposed in the enlarged portion 539 and the other four in the magnetic coupling part 555.

[0119] The enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 has at least one housing for one of the permanent magnets. Here, the enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 has three housings 542, in each of which one of the permanent magnets 541 is housed. These housings 542 are distributed around the bore 543 of the enlarged portion 539. These housings 542 are arranged at substantially equal distances from the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here its longitudinal axis 577. These housings 542 are arranged at equal distances from each other. Each housing 542 is positioned overhanging one of the faces of the type of the retaining face 509 of the rod 505.

[0120] The magnetic coupling portion 555 has at least one housing for one of the permanent magnets. Here, the magnetic coupling portion 555 has a lateral surface 553 and six housings 561, each with an opening onto its lateral surface 553. Here, four of these six housings 561 accommodate one of the permanent magnets 563, 565. These magnets 563, 565 protrude partially from the openings that the housings 561 form on the lateral surface 553 of the magnetic coupling portion 555. These housings 561 are arranged at substantially equal distances from the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here its longitudinal axis 577. These housings 561 are arranged at regular intervals around this axis. The distance between the housings 561 of the magnetic coupling part 555 and the axis of rotation of the rod 505 is substantially equal to that between the housings 542 of the enlarged portion 539 of this axis.

[0121] Each magnet 541, 563, 565, has a first pole, or north pole, which bears the reference "+" on the figure 12 , and a second pole, or south pole, which bears the reference "-" on the figure 12 . Each magnet 541,563,565, is arranged in its respective housing 542,561 so that the relative position of its north pole and its south pole defines an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here to its longitudinal axis 577.

[0122] The magnets 541 of the enlarged portion 539 are arranged in their respective housings 542 so as to have the same polarity orientation with respect to each other. Here, each of these magnets 541 is arranged so that its north pole is oriented downwards and its south pole is oriented upwards, when the longitudinal axis 577 of the rod 505 is positioned vertically.

[0123] The magnetic coupling portion 555 here has three magnets of a first type 563. The magnets of the first type 563 are housed in three recesses 561 of the magnetic coupling portion 555, arranged at equal distances from each other. The magnets of the first type 563 are arranged in their respective recesses 561 so as to have the same polarity orientation with each other. The magnets of the first type 563 are arranged in their respective recesses 561 so as to have the same polarity orientation as the magnets 541 of the enlarged portion 539. Here, for example, each magnet of the first type 563 is arranged so that its north pole is oriented downwards and its south pole is oriented upwards, when the longitudinal axis 577 of the rod 505 is positioned vertically.

[0124] Here, the magnetic coupling portion 555 further includes a second-type magnet 565. The second-type magnet 565 is housed in one of the recesses 561 of the magnetic coupling portion 555, which is located between two of the recesses 561 housing the first-type magnets 563. The second-type magnet 565 is arranged in its respective recess 561 so as to have a polarity orientation reversed with respect to the polarity orientation of the first-type magnets 563. The second-type magnet 565 is arranged in its respective recess 561 so as to have a polarity orientation reversed with respect to the polarity orientation of the magnets 541 of the enlarged portion 539. The second-type magnet 565 is arranged so that its south pole is oriented downwards and its north pole is oriented upwards, when the longitudinal axis 577 of the rod 505 is positioned vertically.Alternatively, the magnetic coupling section may include additional magnets, particularly of the second type, distributed around the axis of rotation of this section relative to the housing, for example, alternating with the magnets of the first type. Alternatively, the magnets of the second type may be arranged in the enlarged portion of the rod.

[0125] Here, the rod 505 and the support 503 are made of plastic parts. The magnets 541 of the rod 505, once positioned in their respective housings 542, are sealed with resin to ensure they are watertight. The cover (not shown) on the housing 545 seals the magnets 563, 565 of the magnetic coupling part 555.

[0126] The enlarged portion 539 further features a notch 540, designed to receive the extension 519 of the support 503 when the rod 505 is between its locking and unlocking states. The notch 540 extends between two recesses 542 of the enlarged portion 539, from the bore 543 thereof. The notch 540 forms two stops for the advance 519 when the rod 505 rotates relative to the support 503. One of these stops is active when the rod 505 rotates from its first position (or third position, corresponding to the locking state of the bridge 501) to its second position (corresponding to the unlocking state of the bridge 501) relative to the support 503. The other of these stops is active when the rod 505 rotates from its second position to its first position relative to the support 503.

[0127] The magnets 541 of the enlarged portion 539 and the magnets of the first type 563 of the magnetic coupling portion 555 are arranged relative to each other such that the rod 505 has at least one equilibrium, or stable, position relative to the magnetic coupling portion 555, in which each of the magnets 541 of the rod 505 is positioned opposite one of the magnets of the first type 563. Here, the interaction between the notch 540 of the rod 505 and the extension 519 results in the rod 505 having a unique equilibrium position relative to the magnetic coupling portion 555. In this equilibrium position, each of the magnets 541 of the rod 505 is opposite one of the magnets of the first type 563 of the magnetic coupling portion 555, and the notch 540 of the rod 505 is located opposite the second type magnet 565 of the magnetic coupling part 555.

[0128] The coupling between the magnetic coupling part 555 and the enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 has the effect that the rod 505 tends to position itself relative to the magnetic coupling part 555 in its equilibrium position.

[0129] The housing 545 contains the motor assembly capable of rotating the rod 505 around its axis of rotation, here its longitudinal axis 577. The motor assembly comprises a motor (not shown) kinematically connected to the magnetic coupling portion 555. The kinematic linkage between the motor and the magnetic coupling portion 555 is achieved via a gear mechanism comprising a toothed wheel 557, mounted on the motor output. The magnetic coupling portion 555 has a toothed section 559, which meshes with the toothed wheel 557. The rotation of the motor causes the toothed wheel 557 to rotate in one direction, which in turn causes the magnetic coupling portion 555 to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0130] The toothed portion 559 extends along a portion of the outer contour of the magnetic coupling part 555, here connecting three adjacent housings 561. The first of these housings 561 houses the magnet of the second type 565, the second of these housings 561 houses one of the magnets of the first type 563, and the third of these housings 561 is without a magnet. The magnetic coupling part 555 has a first position relative to the housing 545, in which the toothed wheel 557 meshes the toothed portion 559 near this first housing 561 housing the magnet of the second type 565. The magnetic coupling part 555 also has a second position relative to the housing 545, in which the toothed wheel 557 meshes the toothed portion 559 between this second housing 561 housing one of the magnets of the first type 563 and this third housing 561 without a magnet.

[0131] The magnetic coupling portion 555 has a pair of projections 558, each located near one of its magnet-free housings 561. These projections 558 cooperate with sensors (not shown) to detect when the magnetic coupling portion 555 is in its first or second position relative to the housing 545.

[0132] When the magnetic coupling part 555 is in its first position relative to the housing 545 and the rod 505 is in its equilibrium position relative to the magnetic coupling part 555, the rod 505 is in its first (or third) position relative to the support 503 and the bridge 501 is in its locking state described in relation to the figures 1 to 9When the magnetic coupling part 555 is in its second position relative to the housing 545 and the rod 505 is in its equilibrium position relative to the magnetic coupling part 555, the rod 505 is in its second position relative to the support 503 and the bridge 501 is in its unlocked state described in relation to the figures 1 to 9 .

[0133] The first position of the magnetic coupling part 555 relative to the housing 545 can be defined as a default position of the latter.

[0134] The magnetic coupling part 555 moves from its first position to its second position relative to the housing 545 by a rotation, here 60° clockwise, which tends to move the bridge 501 from its locking state to its unlocking state. The magnetic coupling part 555 moves from its second position to its first position relative to the housing 545 by a rotation, here 60° counterclockwise, which tends to move the bridge 501 from its unlocking state to its locking state.

[0135] Thus, it is possible to move the 501 bridge between its locking and unlocking states using a motorized system.

[0136] The number and strength of the magnets are chosen so that the coupling between the magnetic coupling portion 555 and the enlarged portion 539 can be manually disengaged, allowing the rod 505 to be moved out of its equilibrium position relative to the magnetic coupling portion 555. The bridge 501 can thus be manually moved between its locking and unlocking positions, regardless of the position of the magnetic coupling portion 555. This manual operation is particularly useful in the event of a malfunction of the motor assembly. The notch 540 forms two mechanical stops for the advancement 519 when the rod 505 is manually rotated relative to its support 503 between its first and second positions.

[0137] The enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 has a projection 556, which extends over one of its additional faces 537 of the disengagement face type. The cover for the support 503 has, in the middle of its front face, a window arranged so as to reveal this projection 556 when the bridge 501 is in its locking state (i.e., the rod 505 is in its first position relative to the support 503).

[0138] The bridge 501 may also have an indicator showing that the rod 505 is in its first position, i.e., that the bridge 501 is in its locking state. This indicator may be a visual one that becomes visible when the rod 505 is in its first position. Such a visual indicator may, as shown here, be positioned on the advance 556. The visual indicator may, for example, consist of the word "LOCKED" or its English equivalent, or a solid, suggestive color. When the rod 505 is rotated relative to the support 503, particularly manually, the user is informed that the bridge 501 has reached its locking state by the visibility of the indicator through the window in the cover.

[0139] The magnets 541 of the rod 505 exhibit, on the one hand, such a power of mutual attraction with the magnets of the first type 563, and, on the other hand, such a power of mutual repulsion with the magnet of the second type 565 that, when the rod 505 is moved manually out of its equilibrium position with respect to the magnetic coupling part 555, the rod 505 tends to reposition itself spontaneously in this equilibrium position once released.

[0140] The advancement 556 also has a pair of grooves 544, designed to cooperate with a pair of corresponding lugs on a tool (not shown). When the advancement 556 is exposed through the hood window, the user can insert the tool into the grooves 544. The inserted tool then abuts against the hood window, which holds the rod 505 in its initial position even if this position does not correspond to its equilibrium position relative to the magnetic coupling portion 555. The bridge 501 is held in its locked state.

[0141] The enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 further has an opening 546, intended to receive a tool or accessory. The opening 546 is positioned on the enlarged portion 539 at the advancement 556. The opening 546 is located near the housing 542 of the enlarged portion 539, which is diametrically opposite the notch 540, with respect to the longitudinal axis 577. The opening 546 is visible through the hood window when the bridge 501 is in its unlocked state (i.e., the rod 505 is in its second position relative to the support 503). The accessory may be part of the same tool as that having the pair of lugs intended to cooperate with the pair of grooves 544 of the advancement 556. When the orifice 546 is revealed by the window of the hood, the user may insert the accessory into the orifice 546.The accessory thus introduced comes to rest against the hood window, which maintains the rod 505 in its second position even if this position does not correspond to its equilibrium position with respect to the magnetic coupling part 555. The bridge 501 is maintained in its unlocked state.

[0142] Thus, even in the event of a malfunction of the motor assembly, it is possible to manually rotate the rod 505 relative to the support 503, and to maintain the bridge 501 in its locking or unlocking state.

[0143] A retaining rod has been described that has three retaining faces and three disengagement faces. This embodiment is advantageous, particularly because it allows for a small gap between the rod and the support extension, resulting in a compact design and a low risk of finger pinching, while also allowing the rod to cooperate with a latch whose arm heads are only slightly separated from each other.

[0144] Furthermore, this embodiment allows the rod to remain in the same position relative to the support for engagement and locking. This advantage is found in all variants of the invention having an odd number of retaining and disengaging faces.

[0145] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the rod of the safety device may have two faces of the type of the retaining face and two faces of the type of the disengagement face. This first embodiment is advantageous because the rod can cooperate with a lock whose arm heads are only slightly separated from each other, or even fixed.

[0146] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the rod of the safety device may have four retaining faces and four disengagement faces. In this second embodiment, the steep slopes between the retaining faces allow for very gradual guidance when the lock engages with or disengages from the bridge.

[0147] It has been described that the rod is capable of pivoting about an axis that coincides with its longitudinal axis relative to the support. Alternatively, the rod may be capable of pivoting relative to the support about an axis different from its longitudinal axis, for example about a vertical axis parallel to its longitudinal axis.

[0148] It has been described that the rod is guided in rotation by the cooperation of a bore at its lower end with a lower lug of the support, possibly supplemented by the cooperation of a bore at its upper end with an upper lug of the support. Alternatively, the rod can be guided in rotation in a different way, for example by the cooperation of a lug located at one of its ends with a bore of the support, or by the cooperation of a shaft passing through the rod with a pair of mutually opposed bores of the support.

[0149] We have described a disengagement face whose profile has the shape of a wedge. Alternatively, the disengagement face can have a different shaped profile.

[0150] A magnetic coupling between the rod and the motor assembly has been described, which has the advantage of ensuring the motor assembly is sealed. Alternatively, other types of coupling are possible.

[0151] It has been described that each magnet on the rod and each magnet of the first type is arranged so that its north pole points downwards and its south pole points upwards, and that the magnet of the second type is arranged so that its south pole points downwards and its north pole points upwards, when the longitudinal axis of the rod is positioned vertically. Alternatively, each magnet on the rod and each magnet of the first type can be arranged so that its north pole points upwards and its south pole points downwards, while the magnet of the second type is arranged so that its south pole points upwards and its north pole points downwards, when the longitudinal axis of the rod is positioned vertically.

[0152] A magnetic coupling involving seven magnets has been described. This embodiment is advantageous because it provides both effective rotational drive of the rod by the magnetic coupling and an efficient return of the rod to its equilibrium position, all within a limited space. However, the drive effect is achieved when the magnetic coupling uses two magnets with the same polarity orientation, one positioned on the rod and the other on the magnetic coupling. Alternatively, the magnetic coupling can use a permanent magnet and a ferromagnetic element, for example, one positioned on the rod and the other on the magnetic coupling. The magnetic coupling can use more than seven permanent magnets. For space reasons, it is preferable that this number remain below twelve.

[0153] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses all variants conceivable by those skilled in the art. In particular, the invention is not limited to the lock model described as an example, but is suitable for use with any type of lock, including those of different shapes, such as those with fixed arms.

[0154] A safety device comprising a retaining device or bridge suitable for use with any type of lock has been described. The invention also relates to an embodiment of the safety device comprising: a support, attached to one part of the cover and a basin, a lock, attached to the other part of the cover and the basin, a retaining rod, which extends along a longitudinal axis and has at least one face of a first type, the rod being mounted on the support so that its longitudinal axis is generally positioned vertically, and which is characterized in that the rod is able to rotate relative to the support, between at least a first position, in which the face of the first type is presented to the lock in such a way that the lock is engaged with the rod through this face, and a second position, in which the face of the first type is retracted, in such a way that the lock is out of engagement with the rod.

[0155] In this embodiment, the rod may further have at least one face of a second type, distinct from the first. This second-type face is presented to the latch in the second position and is shaped such that the rod tends to open the latch in this second position. At least one of the second-type faces may further include at least one guide surface that is active during the opening of the latch.

Claims

1. Safety device for a pool cover, the safety device comprising: - a support (403,503), - a retaining rod (405,505), mounted on the support (403,503) and extending along a longitudinal axis (477,577), the rod (405,505) having at least one retaining face (411), capable of cooperating with a lock (1), the support (403,503) being mounted securely on the cover or a pool wall such that the longitudinal axis (477,577) of the rod (405,505) is positioned generally vertically, characterized in that the rod (405,505) is able to rotate relative to the support (403,503) around an axis of rotation substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis (477,577), between at least a first position, in which the retaining face (411) is active and is directed towards the support (403,503), and a second position, in which the retaining face (411) is retracted.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the rod (405,505) further has at least one disengagement face (435), capable of cooperating with the lock (1), which face is active and is directed towards the support (403,503) when the rod (405,505) is in the second position.

3. Device according to claim 2, in which at least one of the disengagement faces (435) comprises at least one guide surface (433), capable of cooperating with the lock (1), which surface is active when the rod (405,505) is in the second position.

4. Device according to one of claims 2 and 3, in which the rod (405,505) has a plurality of faces of the type of the retaining face (409,411,509) and a plurality of faces of the type of the disengagement face (435,437,537), the faces of the type of the retaining face (409,411,509) and the faces of the type of the disengagement face (435,437,537) being arranged alternately around the longitudinal axis (477,577).

5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which the rod (405,505) has an odd number of faces of the type of the retaining face (409,411,509) and faces of the type of the disengagement face (435,437,537).

6. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, in which the rod (405,505) has three faces of the type of the retaining face (409,411,509) and three faces of the type of the disengagement face (435,437,537).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support (403,503) has a projection (419,519) opposite the rod (405,505), while a space between the rod (405,505) and this projection (419,519) is strictly less than 8 millimeters.

8. Device according to claim 7, in which the rod (505) comprises a widened portion (539) which has a notch (540), suitable for housing the projection (519) and forming at least one stop adapted to this projection (519), the stop being active when the rod (505) is pivoted from its second position to its first position or from its first position to its second position.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a magnetic coupling (555; 539), this coupling comprising an enlarged portion (539) integral with the rod (505), at least rotatable, and a magnetic coupling part (555) mounted on the support (503), opposite the enlarged portion (539), in which a rotation of the magnetic coupling part (555) relative to the support (503) drives the rod (505) from its first position to its second position.

10. Device according to claim 9, in which the magnetic coupling (555; 539) comprises at least one pair of permanent magnets (541; 563), one being housed in the widened portion (539), the other in the magnetic coupling part (555), these magnets (541; 563) being arranged relative to each other so as to have the same polarity orientation.

11. Device according to one of claims 9 and 10, in which the widened portion (539) has at least one stable position relative to the magnetic coupling part (555), position in which at least some of the magnets of the magnetic coupling part (555) are located opposite a respective magnet of the widened portion (539).

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the magnetic coupling part (555) or the enlarged portion (539) further houses at least one additional permanent magnet (565), which has a reverse polarity orientation relative to the other permanent magnets, the additional magnet (565) being arranged relative to the others so as to return the magnetic coupling part (555) and the enlarged portion (539) to the stable position.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the rod (505) has a visual indicator, which is revealed when the rod (505) is in its first position.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the lock (1), and in which, in the first position, the retaining face (411) is presented to the lock (1) such that the lock (1) is engaged with the rod (405,505) via this face, and, in the second position, the lock (1) is out of engagement with the rod (405,505).

15. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the disengagement face (435) is presented to the lock (1) in the second position, the disengagement face (435) being shaped in such a way that the rod (405,505) tends to open the lock (1) in this second position.

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