Device for protecting a pool, and corresponding method

Abstract

The invention relates to a protection device (1) for a pool (2) comprising water (3), preferably a swimming pool, the device (1) comprising: - an inflatable cover (4) extending, in the inflated state, substantially in a longitudinal direction between a front side (4a) and a rear side, the inflatable cover (4) comprising a front portion comprising the front side, and a rear portion comprising the rear side, and - a storage means (6), intended to be mounted near an edge of the pool, for example outside the pool (2), and comprising a shaft (32) mounted in rotation connected to the rear portion of the inflatable cover (4). Said protection device (1) is configured to deflate and roll up the inflatable cover (4) around the shaft in order to store it, and to unroll and inflate the inflatable cover (4) in order to deploy it on the surface of the water of the pool (2).The invention also relates to a method for protecting a basin (2) comprising water, preferably a swimming pool, using such a device (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pool protection devices, particularly swimming pool protection devices. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of protection devices comprising an inflatable cover. Prior art

[0002] Flexible pool covers that can be stored by rolling them around an axle have been known for a long time. Such covers are described in particular in documents EP 1 950 362, EP 2 196 601 and FR 2 765 606.

[0003] However, such covers are not entirely satisfactory, particularly in terms of thermal insulation and safety. In particular, it is potentially dangerous to move on the unrolled cover covering the swimming pool, unless you damage the cover and / or push it into the pool, deforming it.

[0004] Inflatable pool covers are also known to be used. Such covers are described in particular in documents CH 703 887, US 2022 / 154484 or BR 2020 20003486-9.

[0005] However, inflating and deflating such a cover, particularly to remove it from the surface of the pool, remains complicated to implement. In particular, the forces that can be exerted by the cover during inflation can be very significant and are likely to cause damage to the pool or its accessories, or even injure users nearby, if the cover does not inflate or deploy correctly.

[0006] Thus, while inflatable covers offer obvious advantages in terms of thermal insulation and safety, when deployed on the water surface, they are often associated with storage or retraction methods that are difficult to use and complex, and therefore expensive.

[0007] Furthermore, even with such a complex system, there remains a risk that the cover will not deploy correctly, and therefore that the system will stop for safety reasons, locking the inflatable cover in position and making it impossible or inadvisable to use the pool. Statement of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the various technical problems stated above. In particular, the present invention aims to propose a device for protecting a pool, in particular a swimming pool, comprising an inflatable cover and configured to allow and make reliable the use of a storage means by rolling up the cover. In particular, the present invention aims to propose a storage means, in particular automated or motorized, of an inflatable cover improving and facilitating the deployment and storage of the inflatable cover by inflation and deflation.

[0009] Thus, according to one aspect, there is provided a device for protecting a basin comprising water, preferably a swimming pool. The device comprises: an inflatable cover extending, in the inflated state, substantially in a longitudinal direction between a front side and a rear side, the inflatable cover comprising a front portion comprising the front side, and a rear portion comprising the rear side, and a storage means, intended to be mounted near an edge of the pool, for example outside the pool, and comprising a rotatably mounted shaft connected to the rear portion of the inflatable cover.

[0010] Said protective device is configured to deflate and roll up the inflatable cover around the tree in order to store it, and to unroll and inflate the inflatable cover in order to deploy it on the surface of the water of the pool.

[0011] Preferably, said protective device is also configured to gradually inflate the cover, from the front portion to the rear portion.

[0012] Thus, the device according to the invention provides for a progressive inflation of the cover, from the end by which the cover begins to deploy on the surface of the pool.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the inflatable cover comprises an inflation means, for example a valve, in the front portion. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the inflatable cover may comprise an inflation means, for example a valve, in the rear portion, the cover being configured to allow air to circulate inside it, in the folded state, in order to allow a progressive inflation of the cover, from the front end by which the cover begins to deploy on the surface of the pool. It is then possible, in both embodiments, to progressively inflate the cover, during its deployment, starting with the front portion and finishing with the rear portion.

[0014] Preferably, the device is configured to leave the shaft of the storage means free to rotate in the direction of unwinding of the inflatable cover, at least during part of the inflation and deployment of the inflatable cover.

[0015] Thus, the unwinding of the rolled-up cover on the shaft is done freely when inflating the cover, for its deployment. The rotation of the shaft of the storage means, and therefore the deployment of the cover, is therefore not constrained by a programmed rotation speed, but is done by the force exerted gradually by the cover during inflation, on the storage means. By leaving the rotation of the shaft free, it is then possible to avoid the appearance of significant constraints created by a desynchronization of the inflation and rotation of the shaft, and therefore to avoid damage to the protection device. Free rotation of the shaft of the storage means allows the storage means to unwind the inflatable cover according to its inflation speed, that is to say as the forces exerted by the inflated portion of the cover are exerted on the storage means.

[0016] Preferably, the protection device comprises a drive means, for example motorized or manual, configured to drive the shaft of the storage means in rotation only in the direction of winding of the inflatable cover, for example integral in rotation with said shaft in the direction of winding of the inflatable cover, and to leave the shaft of the storage means free to rotate in the direction of unwinding of the inflatable cover.

[0017] The shaft of the storage means may thus comprise a drive means, such as a motor, to facilitate the storage of the cover by rolling it up. Such a drive means is only active in the rolling direction, and therefore does not prevent the free rotation of the shaft in the unrolling direction, during inflation. The drive means makes it easier to store the cover while ensuring safety during unrolling.

[0018] Preferably, the shaft of the storage means is connected to the inflatable cover, at a distance from the rear side of the inflatable cover, for example at a distance greater than the distance between the shaft and said edge of the pool, for example at a distance substantially equal to the distance between the shaft and the surface of the water in the pool.

[0019] The connection between the tree and the cover is not made by the rear end of the cover, but on the contrary at a distance from it. Indeed, in order to allow a good positioning of the rear portion of the cover on the surface of the pool to be covered, it is preferable that the rear side (or rear end) of the cover is already in contact with the edge of the pool even before the cover is completely inflated. In this case, before finalizing the inflation of the inflatable cover, the front and rear ends of the cover are already correctly positioned in relation to the pool, and all that remains is to finish the inflation to obtain a flat cover and correctly positioned on the surface of the water.

[0020] Preferably, the shaft is connected at a distance from the rear side of the inflatable cover, so that, when deploying the inflatable cover, before the inflatable cover is fully inflated, and / or when rolling up the inflatable cover, after the start of deflation, the rear portion of the inflatable cover has, at least momentarily, a V-shaped configuration, in particular an inverted V-shaped configuration.

[0021] The inverted V configuration of the cover at the end of inflation or at the start of deflation makes it possible to improve the longitudinal positioning of the inflatable cover relative to the surface of the pool, by keeping the front and rear sides (or ends) correctly positioned relative to the edges of the pool, during these two transitional periods of deployment or storage of the cover. More precisely, the inflation of the cover having the inverted V configuration at the rear portion, leads to a flattening of said inverted V, and therefore to a spreading force exerted in the longitudinal direction of the cover. This results in an inflated cover whose front and rear ends are pressed against the respective edges of the pool.

[0022] Furthermore, the presence of the inverted V configuration when deflating the cover allows it to be rolled up onto the tree by the tip of the inverted V, and not by the rear side of the cover, which will lead, during inflation, to the rear side of the cover being positioned close to the edge of the pool before the cover is completely unrolled from the tree.

[0023] Preferably, the inflatable cover is configured to wrap around the tree from above.

[0024] The rolling up of the cover is preferably carried out from above the shaft of the storage means, so as to allow better positioning of the cover at the end of unrolling.

[0025] Preferably, the inflatable cover comprises flexible stiffening means mounted on the surface of the inflatable cover, in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] The flexible stiffening means allow the inflatable cover to adopt a gentler slope between the shaft of the storage means and the surface of the pool, particularly during deployment periods. The unrolling of the inflatable cover is then carried out more efficiently and more gradually, while facilitating the circulation of air from the front side. The flexible stiffening means in fact make it possible to limit, in the inflatable cover, the formation of transverse folds likely to hinder the circulation of air inside the inflatable cover, particularly on either side of such transverse folds.

[0027] Preferably, the flexible stiffening means extend over at least part of the longitudinal length of the inflatable cover going from the front side to the part of the rear side connected to the shaft.

[0028] Preferably, the front portion of the inflatable cover comprises at least one ballast arranged in a central portion of the inflatable cover, for example in the middle of the front side.

[0029] The addition of a ballast in the middle of the front portion of the inflatable cover makes it possible to improve the lateral positioning, i.e. transversely to the longitudinal direction, of the inflatable cover relative to the edge of the pool, and more particularly the lateral positioning of the front side of the inflatable cover throughout the deployment process, without limiting the winding of the inflatable cover around the tree.

[0030] The ballast may be an added element, for example mounted on one of the main walls of the inflatable cover, for example the lower wall of the inflatable cover.

[0031] According to the embodiment in which the inflatable cover comprises an inflation means in the front portion, the protection device also comprises a deployable inflation, and possibly deflation, conduit, said conduit extending from a first end, for example located near the storage means, to a second end connected to the front portion of the inflatable cover, the conduit being configured to deploy or fold back at least partially under the inflatable cover, preferably at least partially submerged in the water of the pool, during deployment or rolling up of the inflatable cover.

[0032] In order to allow inflation from the front side of the inflatable cover, throughout its movement over the surface of the pool, the protection device may comprise a conduit which can extend under the entire length of the cover in the deployed state, i.e. from the front side to the rear side. Such a conduit unfolds and folds under the inflatable cover, so as not to become wrapped around the tree with it.

[0033] Furthermore, in order to limit friction between said pipe and the lower surface of the inflatable cover during deployment or storage of the inflatable cover, the pipe is designed to remain at least partially submerged. Indeed, due to the air it contains, the pipe is likely to float and therefore be pushed against the lower surface of the inflatable cover by flotation, which can lead to friction or even premature wear of the inflatable cover. In order to limit such disadvantages, the pipe is provided in a material making it possible to compensate for the Archimedes thrust exerted on it, so as to remain at least partially submerged, and therefore to limit friction between it and the inflatable cover. For example, the pipe may be designed in a material causing it to be completely submerged, thus avoiding any contact with the inflatable cover.

[0034] According to the other embodiment in which the inflatable cover comprises an inflation means in the rear portion, the protection device also comprises a partially rigid inflation, and possibly deflation, conduit, said conduit extending from a first end, for example located near the storage means or on the shaft of the storage means, to a second end connected to the rear portion of the inflatable cover, the conduit being configured to allow air to circulate, even when the inflatable cover is folded.

[0035] Such a partially rigid pipe therefore allows it to deform and only partially collapse when the inflatable cover is in the folded state, in order to limit mechanical or unsightly stresses on the inflatable cover folded above it, while allowing air circulation inside it, to allow inflation or deflation of the inflatable cover. The partially rigid pipe can then be positioned on the rear side of the inflatable cover.

[0036] Preferably, the inflatable cover is formed from at least two, preferably several, strips of fabric assembled together at one, preferably several, junction zones, and said junction zone, preferably said junction zones, extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0037] Due to the variety of shapes and sometimes substantial dimensions of the inflatable cover, it is often necessary to make it by assembling several parts or strips of fabric. Said parts, or strips of fabric, are then assembled together, for example by welding or by applying a joining strip. However, such a design can lead to an asymmetry of the inflatable cover relative to a vertical plane comprising the longitudinal direction, and therefore to a displacement (during deployment or storage) of the inflatable cover which is not perfectly in the longitudinal direction but which is at an angle.

[0038] In order to limit such a risk, and stress asymmetries when moving the inflatable cover, the strips of canvas are assembled along junction lines perpendicular to the longitudinal direction: this ensures symmetry of the cover relative to the vertical plane including the longitudinal direction, while maintaining simplicity of construction of the cover by assembling several strips of canvas.

[0039] Preferably, the inflatable cover comprises two walls, upper and lower, superimposed, and a peripheral wall connecting, in a sealed manner, the periphery of the two superimposed walls together and forming a peripheral edge of the inflatable cover, said two superimposed walls each comprising a textile sheet and being connected to each other by a multitude of connecting threads distributed over the entire surface of said sheets, forming a cover adapted to be inflated to a pressure capable of stiffening said cover.

[0040] Such an inflatable cover is made of a so-called "dropstitch" material. Such a material allows in particular an inflation leading to a stiffening of the cover which is sufficient to support in particular the weight of one or more people, even at relatively low pressures such as 200 mbar. Such a material thus allows the inflatable cover to be able to walk on it when inflated. Furthermore, such an inflatable cover made of a so-called "dropstitch" material allows in particular the circulation of air inside it, even in the folded state. It is therefore possible to use such a material in the case of an inflatable cover comprising an inflation means in the rear portion.

[0041] Preferably, the storage means is automated and / or autonomous.

[0042] According to another aspect, there is also provided a device for protecting a basin comprising water, preferably a swimming pool. The device comprises: an inflatable cover extending, in the inflated state, substantially in a longitudinal direction between a front side and a rear side, the inflatable cover comprising a front portion comprising the front side, and a rear portion comprising the rear side, and a storage means, intended to be mounted near an edge of the pool, for example outside the pool, and comprising a rotatably mounted shaft connected to the rear portion of the inflatable cover.

[0043] The shaft of the storage means is connected to the inflatable cover, at a distance from the rear side of the inflatable cover, for example at a distance greater than the distance between the shaft and said edge of the pool, for example at a distance substantially equal to the distance between the shaft and the surface of the water of the pool.

[0044] Preferably, the protective device is configured to deflate and roll up the inflatable cover around the tree in order to store it, and to unroll and inflate the inflatable cover in order to deploy it on the surface of the water of the pool.

[0045] Preferably, said protective device is also configured to gradually inflate the cover, from the front portion to the rear portion. The inflatable cover may in particular comprise an inflation means, for example a valve, in the front and / or rear portion.

[0046] Preferably, the protection device also comprises one or other of the preferred characteristics described above.

[0047] According to another aspect, there is also provided a storage means for a device for protecting a pool comprising water, preferably a swimming pool. The storage means is intended to be mounted near an edge of the pool, for example outside the pool, and comprises a rotatably mounted shaft connected to the rear portion of the inflatable cover.

[0048] Said storage means is configured to wind the inflatable cover around the shaft in order to store it, and to unroll the inflatable cover in order to deploy it on the surface of the water of the pool. The storage means is configured to leave the shaft of the storage means free to rotate in the direction of unrolling of the inflatable cover, at least during a part of the inflation and deployment of the inflatable cover.

[0049] Preferably, the protective device comprising said storage means also comprises an inflatable cover extending, in the inflated state, substantially in a longitudinal direction between a front side and a rear side, the inflatable cover comprising a front portion comprising the front side, and a rear portion comprising the rear side.

[0050] Preferably, said protective device is configured to deflate and roll up the inflatable cover around the shaft in order to store it, and to unroll and inflate the inflatable cover in order to deploy it on the surface of the water of the pool. The device is configured to leave the shaft of the storage means free to rotate in the direction of unrolling of the inflatable cover, at least during part of the inflation and deployment of the inflatable cover.

[0051] Preferably, said protective device is also configured to gradually inflate the cover, from the front portion to the rear portion. The inflatable cover may in particular comprise an inflation means, for example a valve, in the front and / or rear portion.

[0052] Preferably, the storage means and / or protection device also includes one or other of the preferred characteristics described above.

[0053] According to another aspect, there is also provided an inflatable cover for a device for protecting a pool comprising water, preferably a swimming pool. The inflatable cover extends, in the inflated state, substantially in a longitudinal direction between a front side and a rear side, the inflatable cover comprising a front portion comprising the front side, and a rear portion comprising the rear side. The inflatable cover comprises means for connection to a storage means, in particular by rolling, said connection means being mounted on the inflatable cover at a distance from the rear side of the inflatable cover, for example at a distance greater than the distance between the storage means and said edge of the pool, for example at a distance substantially equal to the distance between the storage means and the surface of the water of the pool.

[0054] Preferably, the protection device comprising said inflatable cover also comprises a storage means, intended to be mounted near an edge of the pool, for example outside the pool, and comprising a rotatably mounted shaft connected to the rear portion of the inflatable cover.

[0055] Preferably, the protective device is configured to deflate and roll up the inflatable cover around the tree in order to store it, and to unroll and inflate the inflatable cover in order to deploy it on the surface of the water of the pool.

[0056] Preferably, said protective device is also configured to gradually inflate the cover, from the front portion to the rear portion. The inflatable cover may in particular comprise an inflation means, for example a valve, in the front and / or rear portion.

[0057] Preferably, the inflatable protection device and / or cover also includes one or other of the preferred characteristics described above.

[0058] According to another aspect, there is also provided an inflatable cover for a device for protecting a basin comprising water, preferably a swimming pool. The inflatable cover extends, in the inflated state, substantially in a longitudinal direction between a front side and a rear side, the inflatable cover comprising a front portion comprising the front side, and a rear portion comprising the rear side. The front portion of the inflatable cover comprises at least one ballast disposed in a central portion of the inflatable cover, for example in the middle of the front side.

[0059] Preferably, the protection device comprising said inflatable cover also comprises a storage means, intended to be mounted near an edge of the pool, for example outside the pool, and comprising a rotatably mounted shaft connected to the rear portion of the inflatable cover.

[0060] Preferably, the protective device is configured to deflate and roll up the inflatable cover around the tree in order to store it, and to unroll and inflate the inflatable cover in order to deploy it on the surface of the water of the pool.

[0061] Preferably, said protective device is also configured to gradually inflate the cover, from the front portion to the rear portion. The inflatable cover may in particular comprise an inflation means, for example a valve, in the front and / or rear portion.

[0062] Preferably, the inflatable protection device and / or cover also includes one or other of the preferred characteristics described above.

[0063] According to another aspect, there is also provided an inflatable cover for a device for protecting a pool comprising water, preferably a swimming pool. The inflatable cover extends, in the inflated state, substantially in a longitudinal direction between a front side and a rear side, the inflatable cover comprising a front portion comprising the front side, and a rear portion comprising the rear side. The inflatable cover is formed from at least two, preferably several, strips of fabric assembled together at one, preferably several, junction zones, and said junction zone, preferably said junction zones, extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0064] Preferably, the protection device comprising said inflatable cover also comprises a storage means, intended to be mounted near an edge of the pool, for example outside the pool, and comprising a rotatably mounted shaft connected to the rear portion of the inflatable cover.

[0065] Preferably, the protective device is configured to deflate and roll up the inflatable cover around the tree in order to store it, and to unroll and inflate the inflatable cover in order to deploy it on the surface of the water of the pool.

[0066] Preferably, said protective device is also configured to gradually inflate the cover, from the front portion to the rear portion. The inflatable cover may in particular comprise an inflation means, for example a valve, in the front and / or rear portion.

[0067] Preferably, the inflatable protection device and / or cover also includes one or other of the preferred characteristics described above.

[0068] According to another aspect, there is also provided an inflatable cover for a device for protecting a pool comprising water, preferably a swimming pool. The inflatable cover extends, in the inflated state, substantially in a longitudinal direction between a front side and a rear side, the inflatable cover comprising a front portion comprising the front side, and a rear portion comprising the rear side. The inflatable cover comprises one or more positioning means configured so that, during at least part of the inflation and / or deflation, at least part of the longitudinal and / or transverse section of the inflatable cover has a V and / or inverted V configuration.

[0069] In particular, said positioning means are configured to: during at least part of the inflation, the front portion, in particular the front side, of the inflatable cover has a V-shaped cross-section, and / or, during at least part of the inflation and / or deflation, the rear portion of the inflatable cover has an inverted V-shaped longitudinal section.

[0070] Said positioning means or means may comprise a ballast positioned in a central portion of the front portion of the inflatable cover, and / or means for connection to a storage means, the connection means being mounted on the inflatable cover, for example on the rear portion, at a distance from the rear side.

[0071] Preferably, the protection device comprising said inflatable cover also comprises a storage means, intended to be mounted near an edge of the pool, for example outside the pool, and comprising a rotatably mounted shaft connected to the rear portion of the inflatable cover.

[0072] Preferably, the protective device is configured to deflate and roll up the inflatable cover around the tree in order to store it, and to unroll and inflate the inflatable cover in order to deploy it on the surface of the water of the pool.

[0073] Preferably, said protective device is also configured to gradually inflate the cover, from the front portion to the rear portion. The inflatable cover may in particular comprise an inflation means, for example a valve, in the front and / or rear portion.

[0074] Preferably, the inflatable protection device and / or cover also includes one or other of the preferred characteristics described above.

[0075] According to another aspect, there is also provided a method for protecting a pool comprising water, preferably a swimming pool, using any of the devices and / or inflatable covers and / or storage means described above, in which the inflatable cover is inflated, preferably progressively from the front portion to the rear portion, and the shaft of the storage means is left free to rotate in the direction of unwinding of the inflatable cover, at least during part of the inflation and deployment of the inflatable cover. Thus, preferably, the inflatable cover is inflated from the front portion, and the shaft of the storage means is left free to rotate in the direction of unwinding of the inflatable cover, at least during part of the inflation and deployment of the inflatable cover.

[0076] In particular, a method is proposed for protecting a basin comprising water, preferably a swimming pool, using a device comprising: an inflatable cover extending, in the inflated state, substantially in a longitudinal direction between a front side and a rear side, the inflatable cover comprising a front portion comprising the front side, and a rear portion comprising the rear side, and a storage means, intended to be mounted near an edge of the pool, and comprising a rotatably mounted shaft connected to the rear portion of the inflatable cover.

[0077] According to the process: the inflatable cover is deflated and rolled up around the tree for storage, and the inflatable cover is unrolled and inflated for deployment on the surface of the pool water,

[0078] Preferably, the inflatable cover is gradually inflated from the front portion to the rear portion. Thus, the inflatable cover is inflated from the front portion.

[0079] Preferably, the shaft of the storage means is left free to rotate in the direction of unwinding of the inflatable cover, at least during part of the inflation and deployment of the inflatable cover.

[0080] According to another aspect, there is also provided a method of protecting a basin comprising water, preferably a swimming pool, using any of the devices and / or inflatable covers and / or storage means described above, wherein, during at least part of the inflation and / or deflation, at least part of the longitudinal and / or transverse section of the inflatable cover has a V and / or inverted V configuration.

[0081] In particular, according to the process: during at least part of the inflation, the front portion, in particular the front side, of the inflatable cover has a V-shaped cross-section, and / or, during at least part of the inflation and / or deflation, the rear portion of the inflatable cover has an inverted V-shaped longitudinal section.

[0082] Preferably, the inflatable cover is flat at the end of inflation.

[0083] The V-shaped configuration, whether inverted or not, allows for better movement of the inflatable cover over the surface of the pool, when it is deployed or rolled up, and / or better final positioning, before complete inflation. The V-shaped configuration, whether inverted or not, is preferably temporary, during the inflation or deflation phases. At the end of the inflation phase, the inflatable cover preferably returns to a flat shape. Brief description of the drawings

[0084] [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1represents a schematic top view of a device for protecting a pool according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the cover deployed; [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 represents a schematic view from below of the protection device of the figure 1 ; [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 represents a schematic view from below of the protection device of the figure 1 , with the blanket rolled up; [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 represents a schematic view of a basin with the protection device of the figure 1 , being deployed or rolled up; [ Fig. 5 ] There Figure 5 represents a schematic top view of a device for protecting a pool according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the cover deployed; [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 represents a schematic view from below of the protection device of the Figure 5 ; And [ Fig. 7 ] There figure 7represents a schematic view from below of the protection device of the figure 7 , with the blanket rolled up. Description of the embodiments

[0085] THE figures 1 to 4 illustrate, schematically, an example of a protection device 1 for a pool 2, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The purpose of the protection device 1 is to cover, in the deployed state, the surface of the water 3 present in the pool 2. In particular, the pool 2 may be a swimming pool.

[0086] The protective device 1 thus comprises an inflatable cover 4 and a storage means 6. The inflatable cover 4 deploys, from the storage means 6, in a longitudinal direction D and is stored towards the storage means 6 in the same longitudinal direction D which corresponds to the direction in which the inflatable cover 4 extends in the deployed state. In the longitudinal direction D, the inflatable cover 4 extends between a front side 4a and a rear side 4b. The front side 4a corresponds to the side of the inflatable cover 4 by which it moves away from the drive means 6 during deployment. The rear side 4b is substantially parallel and opposite to the front side 4a, and corresponds to the side of the inflatable cover 4 which remains close to the storage means when the inflatable cover 4 is deployed.

[0087] The inflatable cover 4 also includes a front portion 4c, comprising the front side 4a, and a rear portion 4d, comprising the rear side 4b. The front portion 4c is the part of the inflatable cover 4 that deploys first when the inflatable cover is deployed, while the rear portion 4d is the part of the inflatable cover 4 that stows first when the inflatable cover is folded.

[0088] The inflatable cover 4 is preferably a cover made of dropstitch material, that is to say an inflatable cover comprising two superimposed walls, an upper wall 8a and a lower wall 8b, said walls each comprising a textile sheet and being connected to each other by a multitude of connecting threads distributed over the entire surface of said sheets, forming a structure suitable for being inflated to a pressure capable of stiffening said structure. A peripheral wall 8c is mounted on the peripheral periphery of each of the upper 8a and lower 8b walls of the inflatable cover 4, in order to connect them to each other and form a closed volume.

[0089] The use of dropstitch material allows, in particular, with a relatively low inflation pressure such as 200mbar, to obtain a high rigidity of the cover in the inflated state. Such rigidity can in particular allow walking on the inflatable cover, in the inflated (or deployed) state, in complete safety.

[0090] In addition, the dropstitch material makes it possible to obtain inflatable volumes with the desired shapes, and in particular substantially flat shapes having a peripheral contour adapted to that of the basin 2 to be covered.

[0091] Thus, the inflatable cover 4 can be formed from several strips of fabric 10, for example from several sections of dropstitch material, assembled together. On the Figures 1 and 2, each wall 8a, 8b of the inflatable cover 4 is formed by assembling five strips of canvas 10, in this case five sections of dropstitch material. The strips of canvas 10, or sections, are assembled at junction zones 12.

[0092] Advantageously, the junction zones 12 are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D, that is to say perpendicular to the direction of deployment or storage of the inflatable cover 4. It is then easier to keep the inflatable cover oriented in the longitudinal direction D during the deployment or folding phases, thanks to the symmetry of the construction and the weight of the inflatable cover 4.

[0093] An inflation means 14, for example a valve, is provided for inflating, and possibly deflating, the inflatable cover 4. The valve is mounted near the front side 4a, in the front portion 4c, so that inflation of the inflatable cover 4 can be started from the part which deploys first.

[0094] In order to allow a connection between the inflation means 14 and the compressed air source throughout the deployment process of the inflatable cover 4, the protection device 1 also comprises an inflation pipe 16. The inflation pipe 16 may for example be an extensible flexible pipe whose length increases as the inflatable cover is deployed, or else an angled or articulated pipe configured to deploy at the same time as the inflatable cover 4. The inflation pipe 16 extends between a first end 16a positioned near the storage means 6, for connection to a compressed air source, and a second end 16b connected to the inflation means 14 of the inflatable cover 4.

[0095] In use, the inflation pipe 16 is positioned below the inflatable cover 4. Thus, during the deployment or storage phases of the inflatable cover 4, the inflatable pipe 16 could rub and prematurely wear the lower wall 8b of the inflatable cover 4, under the effect of Archimedes' thrust. In order to avoid such wear, the inflation pipe 16 is designed, that is to say manufactured with materials and / or dimensioned, so as to be at least partially submerged: in this way, the pipe does not float on the surface of the water, but can be at least partially submerged and not come into contact with the lower wall 8b of the inflatable cover 4.

[0096] In order to store the inflation pipe 16 when the inflatable cover 4 is completely wound around the storage means 6, the protection device 1 may comprise a retaining element 20 mounted on the lower wall 8b of the inflatable cover 4, and configured to catch and lift the inflation pipe 16 when the front side 4a of the inflatable cover is lifted by the storage means 6, at the end of the winding of the inflatable cover 4. The retaining element 20 may have a U-shape of suitable size to accommodate the flexible pipe 16, and oriented towards the flexible pipe 16, so that the flexible pipe 16 is housed in the U-shape of the retaining element 20.

[0097] In order to facilitate the movement of the inflatable cover 4, and more particularly of the front side 4a, between the edges of the pool 2 during the deployment of the inflatable cover 4, and possibly during its storage, a ballast 22 is provided in the front portion 4c, preferably near or on the front side 4a, and advantageously in the middle of the inflatable cover 4, that is to say in a central portion of the cross-section of the inflatable cover 4. The ballast 22 has the purpose, when the inflatable cover 4 is not completely inflated, of curving the cross-section thereof at least at the level of the front portion 4c, and in particular at the level of the front side 4a, in order to obtain, in cross-section, a V-shaped configuration and therefore to reduce the width of the inflatable cover 4 relative to the width of the pool 2. It is then possible to limit the friction of the edges of the inflatable cover 4 along the edges of the pool 2.

[0098] Once the inflatable cover 4 is positioned over the entire surface of the pool 2, it is then possible to find a flat configuration of the inflatable cover 4 by completely inflating it, leading to greater proximity of the edges of the inflatable cover 4 to the edges of the pool 2.

[0099] Furthermore, in order to limit the wear of the inflatable cover 4, the latter may also comprise protective means 24 mounted at each end of the front side 4a and making it possible to limit the wear thereof by friction with the edges of the pool 2. Alternatively, the inflatable cover 4 may comprise a protective means extending over the entire length of the front side 4a.

[0100] Similarly, in order to improve the positioning of the inflatable cover 4 in the longitudinal direction, it is also possible to provide connecting means 26 between the inflatable cover 4 and the storage means 6, configured to allow obtaining, during at least part of the inflation and / or deflation, in longitudinal section, an inverted V configuration, in particular at the rear portion 4a of the inflatable cover 4. The connecting means 26 may be straps, for example six, fixed to the upper wall 8a of the inflatable cover 4 and connecting it to the storage means 6. Thus, the connecting means 26 may be connected to the upper wall 8a of the inflatable cover 4, in the rear portion 4d and at a distance from the rear side 4b. The connecting means 26 are the means by which the inflatable cover 4 will be driven by the storage means 6.

[0101] When deflating and storing the inflatable cover 4, the connecting means 26 will thus deform the rear portion 4d, giving it an inverted V shape before rolling it up in the storage means 6.

[0102] Conversely, at the end of deployment of the inflatable cover 4, the rear portion 4d will have, in longitudinal section, an inverted V configuration allowing the rear side 4d to position itself correctly against the edge of the pool 2, before the complete inflation of the inflatable cover 4, that is to say before the inflatable cover 4 is completely flat (see figure 4 ). The complete inflation of the inflatable cover 4 then makes it possible to push the front portion 4c against the edge of the corresponding pool 2 in the longitudinal direction D, while the rear portion 4d flattens out.

[0103] Finally, the inflatable cover 4 may also comprise flexible stiffening means 28, mounted in the longitudinal direction D on the upper wall 8a or lower wall 8b of the inflatable cover 4. The flexible stiffening means 28 may be in the form of strips, for example five, uniformly distributed over the width of the inflatable cover 4.

[0104] The flexible stiffening means 28 make it possible, in particular, during inflation, to soften the slope of the inflatable cover 4 between the storage means 6 and the surface of the water 3. The stiffening means 28 make it possible, in particular, for the inflatable cover 4 to limit the formation of transverse folds likely to limit the good circulation of air in the inflatable cover 4, and in particular on either side of such folds, during inflation and / or deflation.

[0105] The flexible stiffening means 28 preferably extend over the front portion 4c of the inflatable cover 4, and between the front portion 4c and the rear portion 4d, but not over the rear portion 4d which is configured to form an inverted V at the start of deflation and at the end of inflation.

[0106] The storage means 6 is mounted in proximity to the basin 2, for example along an outer edge of the basin 2 or in proximity to an outer edge of the basin 2, as illustrated in the figure 4 Alternatively, the storage means 6 may be mounted in the basin 2, along an inner edge of the basin 2 or near an inner edge of the basin 2.

[0107] The storage means 6 thus comprises a support 30, for example two feet, and a shaft 32 rotatably mounted on the support 30, for example a shaft 32 rotatably mounted between the two feet of the support. The shaft 32 is preferably oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D and preferably extends over the entire width of the inflatable cover 4.

[0108] The storage means 6 is configured to store the inflatable cover 4 by rolling it up, in the deflated state, around the shaft 32, and to deploy the inflatable cover by unrolling it, when it is inflated.

[0109] For this purpose, the shaft 32 may comprise a drive means 34 configured to rotate the shaft 32 relative to the support 30. The drive means 34 may be a manual means, such as a handle, or a motorized means, such as a motor. In the remainder of the description, it is considered that the drive means 34 is a motor mounted inside the shaft 32.

[0110] The drive means 34 is configured to drive the shaft 32 in rotation during the storage phase of the inflatable cover 4, at the same time as the latter deflates.

[0111] However, for the deployment of the inflatable cover 4, the storage means 6, and more particularly the drive means 34, is configured to leave the shaft 32 free to rotate: thus, it is the forces which will be exerted inside the inflatable cover 4 during its progressive inflation which will cause it to unwind from the storage means 6, and therefore which will cause the rotation of the shaft 32 in the direction of unwinding of the inflatable cover 4. The motor of the drive means 34 is therefore configured to become integral with the shaft 32 when it rotates in one direction, and to become detached from it during the reverse rotation.

[0112] This can for example be implemented by the presence of mobile securing means driven in rotation by the motor, and configured to press against the shaft 32 under the effect of centrifugal force to drive it in rotation. Such mobile securing means can thus allow a mechanical connection between the motor and the shaft 32 when the motor is rotating, and an absence of mechanical connection between the motor and the shaft 32 when the motor is stopped.

[0113] Figures 5 to 8 illustrate, schematically, an example of a protection device 1 for a pool 2, according to a second embodiment of the invention. The purpose of the protection device 1 is to cover, in the deployed state, the surface of the water 3 present in the pool 2. In particular, the pool 2 may be a swimming pool.

[0114] In the second embodiment, the references identical to those of the first embodiment designate the same elements.

[0115] In the second embodiment, an inflation means 114, for example a valve, is provided for inflating, and possibly deflating, the inflatable cover 4. The valve is mounted near the rear side 4b, in the rear portion 4d, and allows inflation of the inflatable cover 4 to begin with the front portion 4c which deploys first.

[0116] In order to enable a connection between the inflation means 114 and the compressed air source throughout the deployment process of the inflatable blanket 4, the protective device 1 also comprises an inflation pipe 116. The inflation pipe 116 may for example be a partially rigid pipe whose cross-section can only partially collapse so as to always allow air to circulate inside, even when the inflatable blanket is in the folded state and is wrapped around the pipe. The inflation pipe 116 extends between a first end 116a positioned near the storage means 6, for connection to a compressed air source, and a second end 116b connected to the inflation means 114 of the inflatable blanket 4.

[0117] In the case illustrated in the Figure 5, the inflation line 116 is mounted on the shaft 32, and connected to a fluid connection 117. The fluid connection 117 is mounted inside the shaft 32, along the axis of the shaft 32, preferably opposite the drive means 34, in particular when the latter is a motor integrated inside the shaft 32. The fluid connection 117 makes it possible to connect the inflation line 116 to a connector 118 pivotally mounted at the end of the shaft 32 for connection to a source of compressed air.

[0118] Finally, the inflatable cover 4 may also comprise flexible stiffening means 28, mounted in the longitudinal direction D on the upper wall 8a or lower wall 8b of the inflatable cover 4. The flexible stiffening means 28 may be in the form of strips, for example five, uniformly distributed over the width of the inflatable cover 4.

[0119] In the example shown in Figure 5, the flexible stiffening means 28 are mounted on the upper wall 8a, from the front side 4a to the connecting means 26 positioned in the rear portion 4d. Furthermore, the flexible stiffening means 28 may not all have the same length.

[0120] Thus, thanks to the protection device according to the present invention, it becomes possible and easy to protect the water of a pool using an inflatable cover on which it is possible to walk when it is deployed. In particular, whatever the pressures that can be used in the inflatable cover, the protection device, and in particular the storage means, is configured to ensure deployment and storage of the cover in complete safety.

Claims

1. Protective device (1) for a pool (2) comprising water (3), preferably a swimming pool, the device comprising: - an inflatable cover (4) extending, in the inflated state, substantially in a longitudinal direction (D) between a front side (4a) and a rear side (4b), the inflatable cover comprising a front portion (4c) comprising the front side, and a rear portion (4d) comprising the rear side, and - a storage means (6), intended to be mounted near an edge of the pool (2), for example outside the pool, and comprising a shaft (32) mounted in rotation connected to the rear portion (4d) of the inflatable cover, said protective device (1) being configured to deflate and roll up the inflatable cover (4) around the shaft (32) in order to store it, and to unroll and inflate the inflatable cover (4) in order to deploy it on the surface of the water of the pool (2), characterized in thatsaid protective device is also configured to progressively inflate the cover, from the front portion (4c) to the rear portion (4d).

2. Protective device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured to leave the shaft (32) of the storage means (6) free to rotate in the direction of unwinding of the inflatable cover, at least during part of the inflation and deployment of the inflatable cover (4).

3. Protective device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a drive means (34), for example motorized or manual, configured to drive the shaft (32) of the storage means in rotation only in the direction of winding of the inflatable cover (4), for example integral in rotation with said shaft (32) in the direction of winding of the inflatable cover (4), and to leave the shaft (32) of the storage means free to rotate in the direction of unwinding of the inflatable cover (4).

4. Protective device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shaft (32) of the storage means is connected to the inflatable cover (4), at a distance from the rear side (4b) of the inflatable cover, for example at a distance greater than the distance between the shaft (32) and said edge of the pool (2), for example at a distance substantially equal to the distance between the shaft (32) and the surface of the water (3) of the pool.

5. Protective device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the shaft (32) is connected at a distance from the rear side of the inflatable cover, so that, when deploying the inflatable cover (4), before the inflatable cover is fully inflated, and / or when rolling up the inflatable cover, after the start of deflation, the rear portion (4d) of the inflatable cover (4) has, at least momentarily, a V-shaped configuration, in particular an inverted V-shaped configuration.

6. Protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable cover (4) is configured to wrap around the shaft (32) from above, and wherein the inflatable cover (4) comprises flexible stiffening means (28) mounted on the surface of the inflatable cover, in the direction of the longitudinal direction (D).

7. Protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front portion (4c) of the inflatable cover comprises at least one ballast (22) arranged in a central portion of the inflatable cover, for example in the middle of the front side (4a).

8. Protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising a conduit, for example deployable or partially rigid, for inflation (16), and possibly for deflation, said conduit extending from a first end (16a), for example located near the storage means (6) or on the shaft of the storage means (6), to a second end (16b) connected to the front portion (4c) or to the rear portion (4d) of the inflatable cover.

9. Protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable cover (4) is formed from at least two, preferably several, strips of fabric (10) assembled together at one, preferably several, junction zones (12), and wherein said junction zone, preferably said junction zones, extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (D).

10. A method of protecting a pool comprising water, preferably a swimming pool, using a device (1) comprising: - an inflatable cover (4) extending, in the inflated state, substantially in a longitudinal direction between a front side and a rear side, the inflatable cover comprising a front portion comprising the front side, and a rear portion comprising the rear side, and - a storage means (6), intended to be mounted near an edge of the pool, and comprising a shaft (32) mounted in rotation connected to the rear portion of the inflatable cover, in which: - the inflatable cover (4) is deflated and rolled up around the shaft (32) in order to store it, and - the inflatable cover (4) is unrolled and inflated in order to deploy it on the surface of the water of the pool, characterized in that the inflatable cover is gradually inflated from the front portion (4c) to the rear portion (4d).

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