Modular pool cover

Abstract

A kit for forming a pool cover (3, 103, 203) comprises a plurality of elongate pieces of tarpaulin. The elongate pieces of tarpaulin are assembled substantially parallel to each other. The plurality of elongate pieces of tarpaulin comprises one or more wide pieces (7, 107, 207) and at least one narrow piece (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209). The wide pieces (7, 107, 207) together have a total width value of approximately 6 to 8 meters.

Description

[0001] Modular pool cover

[0002] The invention relates to the field of pond covers, in particular swimming pool covers. More particularly, the invention relates to a kit for forming a pond cover, to a cover mounted with this kit and to an accessory for a pond cover.

[0003] Swimming pools, especially private ones, are equipped with protective devices that prevent people from accidentally falling into the pool when the pool is not in use, or at least reduce the risk of dramatic consequences if such a fall were to occur. These devices also aim to prohibit unaccompanied access to the pool by children. These protective devices may be made mandatory, particularly by laws. They may be subject to standards.

[0004] The protective devices in question can be varied. For example, devices including barriers or shelters can be used, which prohibit access to the pool's surroundings. Alternatively or in addition, devices including one or more fall detectors can also be used, possibly capable of triggering an alarm signal, whether audible or otherwise.

[0005] These days, protective devices are widely used, including a cover adapted to the pool, which is put in place when the pool is not in use. The cover also helps limit the evaporation of the pool water and keeps it clean by preventing any external pollution, such as debris, insects, plants, and other things. The cover also plays a role in the thermal insulation of the pool water, reducing heat loss. In certain configurations, the cover can also improve the efficiency of natural heating by solar radiation.

[0006] The covers in question can be rigid or semi-rigid, for example in the form of a shutter made of slats hinged to each other. These covers prove to be very effective. However, they are quite difficult to handle, unless specific devices are provided for their installation and removal, such as reels for example, possibly motorized. In the latter case, however, the protection devices prove to be expensive, sometimes bulky and require the areas around the pool to be developed. In addition, they require an electrical supply. The covers can also be flexible, typically in the form of a single piece of tarpaulin made up of several tarpaulin elements welded together, and whose shape and dimensions correspond to the pool. Such a cover rests on the edge of the pool by means of crossbars secured to its tarpaulin piece.It is stretched over the pool and attached to the edge of the pool. A protective device that uses a flexible cover is generally less expensive and less bulky than a device based on a rigid or semi-rigid cover. Its installation is much simpler, especially in the case of renovation, since it requires practically no development of the pool or its surroundings. However, if part of the flexible cover is damaged, it generally has to be replaced entirely, unlike a rigid or semi-rigid cover where the slats can be replaced independently of each other.

[0007] Some flexible covers, such as those marketed under the names "WaluCover Evole" and "WaluCover Starlight" by the Walter Pool company, are made up of an assembly of basic tarpaulin pieces and bars. These covers, like those made up of a single piece of tarpaulin, are adapted to the dimensions of the pool for which they are intended. They are generally made to measure, depending on the dimensions of the pool to be covered. This implies significant manufacturing lead times when ordering and / or significant storage capacity requirements.

[0008] EP 0 570 311 A1 describes a swimming pool cover comprising a modular covering sheet, consisting of standard cover elements assembled together by means of crossbars. At one of its ends, this cover has an additional cover element, the width of which is adapted according to the length of the pool and, in any case, less than the width of the standard cover elements. This additional cover element is made to measure. According to an alternative embodiment, this single additional element is replaced by a pair of additional elements whose cumulative width is less than the width of the standard cover elements. This pair of elements is made to measure.

[0009] The production of the additional tarpaulin element(s) provided for by EP'311 involves the same disadvantages as those mentioned previously concerning manufacturing times and storage of custom-made covers.

[0010] In this context, the Applicant sought to improve the existing situation. A kit for forming a pond cover is proposed, comprising a plurality of elongated liner pieces. The elongated liner pieces are assembled substantially parallel to each other. The plurality of elongated liner pieces comprises one or more wide pieces and at least one narrow piece. The wide pieces together have a cumulative width value of between approximately 6 and 8 meters.

[0011] This kit therefore reduces the number of references required to produce covers suitable for pools of varying lengths, and therefore reduces storage capacity requirements and manufacturing times for these covers.

[0012] This kit is particularly advantageous because, by allowing the standardized manufacture of a cover that was previously made to measure, it allows for significant energy and material savings. It also becomes possible to diversify the marketing and distribution methods for flexible pool covers, which facilitates access to them for the greatest number of people.

[0013] A shaped cover is also offered with this kit.

[0014] Optional features of the invention, complementary or substitutable, are set forth below: the plurality of elongated tarpaulin pieces comprises exactly three wide pieces; the wide pieces have width values ​​substantially equal to each other; each wide piece has a width value of between 2.1 and 2.6 meters, preferably between 2.1 and 2.3 meters or between 2.4 and 2.6 meters; each narrow piece has a width value of between 0.4 and 0.6 meters, or between 0.9 and 1.1 meters; each wide piece and each narrow piece have a pair of mutually opposite transverse hems, each adapted to receive a respective strap;the kit comprises a plurality of first bars, through which the wide pieces and the narrow pieces are assembled to each other, so as to form an assembly, and a pair of second bars, which are fixed to the assembly so as to form mutually opposite transverse edges for the assembly, and the first bars and one of the second bars are similar to each other; the kit comprises a plurality of first bars, through which the wide pieces and the narrow pieces are assembled to each other, so as to form an assembly, each first bar has at least two longitudinal grooves, each wide piece and each narrow piece have a pair of mutually opposite longitudinal bolts, and the assembly is formed by the longitudinal bolts of the wide pieces and the narrow pieces being inserted into the longitudinal grooves of the first bars adjacent to them;the longitudinal grooves have a length substantially equal to that of the longitudinal ropes; the kit comprises a set of depth sections, which are assembled to each other so as to form a plurality of first bars, by means of which the wide pieces and the narrow pieces are assembled to each other, and at least some of the depth sections have a length value between the smallest of the width values ​​of the narrow pieces and the largest of the width values ​​of the wide pieces; the set of depth sections comprises first sections, of length between 1.6 and 1.8 meters, and second sections, of length between 0.9 and 1.1 meters, each first bar being formed by the assembly of two first sections and a second section; the narrow piece is capable of being assembled in an intervertible manner to the wide pieces.;

[0015] An accessory for an elongated pool cover is also provided. The cover is formed from elongated pieces of tarpaulin, arranged substantially parallel to each other and held together by bars. The accessory comprises an additional, narrower, elongated piece of tarpaulin and an additional bar. The additional bar attaches to the additional piece and allows this additional piece to be integrated into the cover so as to increase the length of the cover.

[0016] Optional features of this accessory, complementary or substitutable, are set out below: the additional elongated tarpaulin piece has a width value of between 0.4 and 0.6 meters, or between 0.9 and 1.1 meters; the additional elongated tarpaulin piece is capable of being assembled in an interchangeable manner with the elongated tarpaulin pieces. Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, taken from examples given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a pool cover according to the state of the art, for a pool having a first length value and a first width value; Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1, the pool having a second width value; Figure 3 is similar to Figure 1, the pool having a second length value;Figure 4 is analogous to Figure 3, the pool having the second width value; Figure 5 is a top view of a pool cover according to the invention covering the pool of Figure 3, the cover being formed with a kit according to a first embodiment; Figure 6 is a top view of a pool cover according to the invention covering the pool of Figure 4, the cover being formed with a kit according to a second embodiment; Figure 7 shows a variant of the cover of Figure 5; Figure 8 shows a variant of the cover of Figure 6; Figure 9 shows a variant of a cover formed with the kit according to the first embodiment, for a pool having a third length value; Figure 10 shows a variant of a cover formed with the kit according to the second embodiment, the pool having the third length value;Figure 11 shows a variant of the cover of Figure 9; Figure 12 shows a variant of the cover of Figure 10; Figure 13 is analogous to Figure 11; Figure 14 is analogous to Figure 12; Figure 15 is analogous to Figure 11; Figure 16 is analogous to Figure 12; Figure 17 shows a variant of the cover formed with the kit according to the first embodiment, for a pool having a fourth length value; Figure 18 shows a variant of the cover formed with the kit according to the second embodiment, the pool having the fourth length value; Figure 19 shows a step of mounting the kit of the invention; Figure 20 is analogous to Figure 19; Figure 21 is analogous to Figure 19; Figure 22 is a top view of a pool cover according to the invention covering the pool of Figure 3, the cover being formed with a kit according to a third embodiment.;

[0017] The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, elements of a certain character. They may therefore not only serve to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0018] Functionally similar items have identical reference numbers.

[0019] Figures 1 to 4 show state-of-the-art pool covers, such as those marketed under the names "WaluCover Evole" and "WaluCover Starlight" by the company Walter Pool.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a pool 1, for example a private swimming pool. The outline of pool 1 is shown in a dashed line. Pool 1 may be buried, at least in part. For example, the upper parts of pool 1 are substantially at ground level. Typically, pool 1 is surrounded by a peripheral wall, which supports a coping (not shown). A beach may also be arranged on the periphery of pool 1, beyond the coping. The outline of pool 1 is generally rectangular here.

[0021] The pool 1 is covered with a flexible cover 4, of the so-called "bar" type. The cover 4 has a generally rectangular appearance. The cover 4 is made up of elementary tarpaulin pieces 6, generally rectangular, and connecting bars 12, by means of which the tarpaulin pieces 6 are assembled to each other, by their longitudinal edges. In this, the cover 4 differs from the conventional model of bar cover, which comprises an assembly of several tarpaulin pieces welded together and having orifices through which transverse bars are slid.

[0022] The tarpaulin pieces 6 have dimensions similar to each other. The bars 12 are each made from a respective section of profile. The bars 12 have profiles similar to each other. With the exception of the bar 12 located at a longitudinal end of the cover 4 (on the left of Figure 1), the other bars 12 of the cover 4 have lengths similar to each other. This end bar 12 is longer than the others in order to facilitate the wrapping of the cover 4 around it.

[0023] Pool 1 in Figure 1 is approximately 7 meters long by 4 meters wide. These dimensions are among the most common, at least in the case of a private swimming pool, and in countries where the metric system is commonly used.

[0024] The cover 4 typically extends about 7.5 meters in length and about 4.5 meters in width. In other words, the dimensions of the cover 4 exceed those of the pool 1 by about 50 centimeters. The cover 4 may be arranged above the pool 1 so as to extend beyond the contour of the latter by 25 centimeters on each side.

[0025] The cover 4 is formed from six elementary pieces of tarpaulin 6. Each of these pieces 6 has a length adapted to the width of the pool 1, namely 4.5 meters, and a width, adapted to the length of the pool 1, of 1.25 meters.

[0026] Six of the bars 12 have a length close to, or greater than, that of the pieces 6. These six bars 12 extend over approximately 4.5 meters in length. A seventh bar 12, at one longitudinal end of the cover 4, is significantly longer than the other six.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a second pool 2, similar to the first pool described in connection with Figure 1, except that this second pool 2 is approximately 3 meters wide. The second pool 2 is as long as the first pool and narrower than the latter. Here again, the second pool 2 has fairly common dimensions, at least in the case of private swimming pools.

[0028] The second pool 2 is covered with a second cover 8, similar to the first cover described in relation to FIG. 1, except that this second cover 8 is adapted to the dimensions of the second pool 2. The second cover 8 thus extends approximately 7.5 meters long and approximately 3.5 meters wide.

[0029] The second cover 8 is formed from six elementary tarpaulin pieces, or second pieces 16, each having a length adapted to the width of the second pool 2, namely 3.5 meters, and a width, adapted to the length of the second pool 2, of 1.25 meters. These second pieces 16 are assembled to each other by means of connecting bars, or second bars 22. These second bars 22 are similar to the connecting bars of the first cover, except that their length is adapted to the width of the second pool 2. The second bars 22 are shorter than the first. Typically, the second bars 22 extend over approximately 3.5 meters in length.

[0030] The first pieces and the second pieces 16 have widths close to each other. The second pieces 16 differ from the first pieces essentially in their length.

[0031] The first bars and the second bars 22 are made to the length of the tarpaulin pieces. These bars are cut from a segment of longer depth.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a third pool 101, similar to the first pool and the second pool, except that this third pool 101 is about 8 meters long and about 4 meters wide. This third pool 101 is as wide as the first pool and longer than the latter. The third pool 101 is wider and longer than the second pool.

[0033] The third pool 101 is covered with a flexible cover, or third cover 104. This third cover 104 is similar to the first cover and the second, except that its dimensions are adapted to the dimensions of the third pool 101. The third cover 104 extends over approximately 8.5 meters in length and approximately 4.5 meters in width.

[0034] This third cover 104 is formed from six elementary tarpaulin pieces, or third pieces 26. These third pieces 26 are similar to the pieces of the first cover, except that their width is increased so as to adapt the length of the third cover 104 to the length of the third pool 101. Each third piece 26 extends over approximately 4.5 meters in length. Each third piece 26 extends over approximately 1.4 meters in width, which corresponds to approximately one-sixth of the length of the third cover 104.

[0035] These third pieces 26 are assembled to each other by means of connecting bars 12 similar to the bars of the first cover. In particular, these third bars 12 extend over approximately 4.5 meters in length, like the first ones. Figure 4 shows a fourth basin 102 similar to the first basin 1, except that this fourth basin 102 extends over approximately 8 meters in length and approximately 3 meters in width. The fourth basin 102 is as long as the third basin 101 and as wide as the second basin 2.

[0036] The fourth pool 102 is covered with a cover, or fourth cover 108, the dimensions of which are adapted to the dimensions of the fourth pool 102. The fourth cover 108 extends over approximately 8.5 meters in length and approximately 3.5 meters in width. This fourth cover 108 is formed from six elementary tarpaulin pieces, or fourth pieces 36. The fourth pieces 36 are similar to the third pieces, except that these fourth pieces 36 are shorter. Typically, each of the fourth pieces 36 extends over approximately 3.5 meters in length by approximately 1.4 meters in width. These fourth pieces 36 are assembled to each other by means of connecting bars 22 similar to the second bars. The fourth bars 22 extend over approximately 3.5 meters in length.

[0037] Comparing the third cover to the first cover, or the fourth cover to the second cover, shows that the tarpaulin parts of each cover are made to measure, depending on the length of the pool for which this cover is intended.

[0038] The examples in Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a first difficulty with state-of-the-art covers: the parts of the pool cover are custom-made, depending on the dimensions of the pool for which the covers are intended. This results in fairly long manufacturing times, tedious cutting operations and material losses due to offcuts of the cover. The same applies to the bars, which must be cut to size depending on the width of the pool for which the cover is intended.

[0039] With the coverage presented below, we intend to improve the situation.

[0040] Reference is made to Figure 5.

[0041] This figure shows, in dashed lines, the outline of a pool 101, similar to the third pool described in relation to figure 3. This pool 101 has a rectangular outline, approximately 8 meters long by approximately 4 meters wide. The pool 101 is equipped with a protective device comprising a flexible cover 3, of the bar type.

[0042] The cover 3 has a generally rectangular shape. The cover 3 completely covers the pool 101. The dimensions of the cover 3 are such that the cover 3 can be arranged above the pool 101 so as to protrude beyond the periphery of the latter, for example by approximately 25 centimeters, onto the edge. The cover 3 extends over approximately 8.5 meters in length and approximately 4.5 meters in width.

[0043] Cover 3 results from the assembly of a kit comprising basic, rectangular tarpaulin pieces, the length of which corresponds to the width of cover 3.

[0044] These elementary pieces comprise three wide pieces 7, which together have a cumulative width of approximately 7.5 meters. The elementary pieces further comprise a single narrow piece 9, which has a width of approximately 1 meter. The wide pieces 7 and the narrow piece 9 together have a cumulative width of approximately 8.5 meters. This cumulative width corresponds substantially to the length of the roof 3. Here, the three wide pieces 7 together have a cumulative width of 7.29 meters. Here, the wide pieces 7 and the narrow piece 9 together have a cumulative width of 8.29 meters.

[0045] The wide pieces 7 have widths that are substantially similar to each other. Each wide piece 7 here has a width of approximately 2.5 meters. Here, each wide piece has a width of 2.43 meters. The wide pieces 7 and the narrow piece 9 have lengths that are similar to each other. The wide pieces 7 and the narrow piece 9 here have a length of approximately 4.5 meters. The wide pieces 7 and the narrow piece 9 differ from each other in the value of their width.

[0046] To form the cover 3, the wide pieces 7 and the narrow piece 9 are assembled together by means of connecting bars. This assembly is removable or reversible. The elongated tarpaulin pieces are assembled substantially parallel to each other.

[0047] Once the wide pieces 7 and the narrow piece 9 have been assembled to each other by means of the connecting bars, the cover 3 has a length substantially equal to 8.5 meters. The kit from which the cover 3 results thus comprises a plurality of bars of a first type, or intermediate bars 11, by which the elongated tarpaulin pieces are mounted on top of each other so as to form an assembly. The intermediate bars 11 have lengths close to each other. The cover 3 here has four intermediate bars 11, which serve for the mutual assembly of the wide pieces 7 and the narrow piece 9.

[0048] The intermediate bars 11 have a length significantly less than the length of the elongated tarpaulin pieces, here approximately 4.35 meters.

[0049] The intermediate bars 11 are similar to each other. The intermediate bars have similar depths to each other. The intermediate bars 11 have lengths close to each other. The length of the intermediate bars 11 is such that the cover 3 can be stretched over the pool 101 and the ends of the intermediate bars 11 rest on the edge.

[0050] The kit resulting in cover 3 includes one intermediate bar 11 less than the number of tarpaulin pieces. Here, the kit thus includes three intermediate bars 11.

[0051] The cover 3 further comprises two other bars, which are fixed to the assembly of the wide pieces 7, the narrow piece 9 and the intermediate bars 11, so as to form mutually opposite transverse edges of the cover 3.

[0052] One of these bars, called the anchor bar 13, preferably has a length close to the length of the intermediate bars 11, while the other, called the traction or winding bar 15, has a length substantially greater than the length of the tarpaulin pieces.

[0053] The anchor bar 13 here has a shape and length identical to the intermediate bars 11, so that the anchor bar 13 and the intermediate bars 11 are interchangeable or interchangeable. The length of the winding bar 15 is such that the cover 3 can be wound around the winding bar 15. For example, the winding bar 15 has a length of approximately 4.7 meters. The protection device further comprises a set of anchors (not shown) fixed in the ground, such as hooks, ratchets and pitons, near the pool 1. The protection device further comprises fasteners (not shown), which connect the anchors to the cover 3. In particular, the fasteners connect the anchors to the anchor bar 13 and to the winding bar 15, so as to tension the cover 3 above the pool 101.

[0054] Here, at least some of the intermediate bars 11, the anchor bar 13 and the winding bar 15 result from the assembly of bar elements, each in the form of a section of profile. Preferably, the kit from which the cover 3 results comprises the corresponding bar elements, in the unassembled state.

[0055] These bar elements comprise at least one set of elements of a first type, or first elements 17, similar to each other. These first elements have the same profile and a first length, here close to 1.45 meters.

[0056] The intermediate bars 11 are each formed from three mutually assembled first elements 17. Here, the anchor bar 13 is analogous to the intermediate bars 11. The anchor bar 13 is formed from the mutual assembly of three first elements 17.

[0057] Here, the bar elements further comprise a pair of elements of a second type, or second elements 18, similar to each other. These second elements 18 have the same profile and a second length, greater than that of the first elements 17. Here, this second length is close to 1.625 meters. Preferably, the second elements 18 are distinguished from the first elements 17 essentially by their length. The winding bar 15 is formed by the mutual assembly of a first element 17 and the pair of second elements 18.

[0058] Reference is made to Figure 21.

[0059] A bar element 170, for example a bar element of the first type or the second type described in relation to FIG. 5, is produced in the form of a longitudinal portion of a tubular profile. The bar element 170 is for example made of aluminum alloy. The bar element 170 has a generally circular cross-section. Here, this cross-section has for example an external diameter of approximately 45 millimeters. The bar element 170 has a pair of longitudinal grooves 21, each open to the outside and configured so that the element 170 is capable of receiving, at least in part, one of the longitudinal edges of an elongated tarpaulin piece, such as the narrow pieces or the wide pieces described above. For example, the longitudinal grooves 21 have a generally circular cross-section.

[0060] The bar element 170 may further have, as here, a longitudinal rail 29, arranged between the longitudinal grooves 21 and intended to be positioned downwards when the cover is on the pool.

[0061] Figure 21 illustrates a step of assembly of a kit intended to form a pool cover, in which the bar element 170 is assembled to a homologous bar element 170. This may involve the mutual assembly of two bar elements of the first type or of an element of the first type with an element of the second type in the case of the cover of Figure 5.

[0062] The bar elements 170 are assembled to each other by means of a coupling sleeve 27, arranged internally.

[0063] The outer contour of the cross-section of the sleeve 27 and the inner contour of the cross-section of the bar elements 170 are arranged in shape cooperation for long guidance.

[0064] Here, the outer contour of the cross-section of the sleeve 27 is in correspondence in shape with the inner contour of the cross-section of the bar elements 170. Here, the sleeve 27 is produced in the form of a longitudinal portion of a tubular profile of generally circular cross-section.

[0065] The sleeve 27 may have any form of external contour capable of ensuring long guidance of the sleeve 27 in the depths of the bar elements 170. For example, the sleeve 27 may have a generally triangular section whose external contour is in shape cooperation with the internal contour of the cross section of the bar elements 170.

[0066] The sleeve 27 is for example made of aluminum alloy. Here, the sleeve 27 has a length of approximately 30 centimeters. Here, the cross-section of the sleeve 27 has an external diameter substantially smaller than the internal diameter of the cross-section of the bar elements 170. Here, the sleeve 27 has a pair of longitudinal grooves 31 capable of receiving the longitudinal grooves 21 of the bar elements 170. Here, the sleeve 27 further has a longitudinal slot 39 capable of receiving the longitudinal rail 29 of the bar elements 170.

[0067] As illustrated by the pair of arrows 50, the two bar elements 170 each fit around the sleeve 27 so that their longitudinal grooves 21 are aligned with each other and their longitudinal rails 29 are aligned with each other. Here, each bar element 170 fits onto the sleeve 27 over a length of approximately 15 centimeters.

[0068] Once fitted, the bar elements 170 can be screwed onto the sleeve 27, as shown here by the arrows 52, so as to prevent their disassembly. The screws are received in the longitudinal rails 29, so that their head does not protrude from the portion of bar thus formed. Along the longitudinal slot 39, which receives the longitudinal rails 29, the cross-section of the sleeve 27 has a sufficient thickness to ensure the grip of the screws.

[0069] Alternatively, different joining devices can be used, in particular an externally arranged coupling sleeve or telescopic couplings.

[0070] The kit according to the invention may comprise a set of sleeves of the type of sleeve 27 which has just been described. These sleeves are inserted into adjacent bar elements so as to hold them together and form all or part of the connecting bars.

[0071] Reference is made to Figures 19 and 20.

[0072] An elongated tarpaulin piece 5, such as the narrow tarpaulin pieces or the wide tarpaulin pieces described above, particularly in relation to FIG. 5, has a pair of hems 23 which each extend along a respective transverse edge of this piece.

[0073] In these figures, only one hem 23 per elongated tarpaulin piece 5 is visible. When the tarpaulin piece 5 is assembled to a homologous tarpaulin piece 5, for example by means of a joining bar 11 similar to the intermediate bars described above, its hems 23 are aligned with the hems 23 of the homologous piece. For example, the hems 23 have a respective width of approximately 7 centimeters.

[0074] The kit resulting in the cover according to the invention further comprises a pair of straps 25 (the positioning of which is shown in dotted lines in Figure 5). Once these tarpaulin pieces 5 are assembled together, the straps 25 are each threaded into a respective hem 23 of the tarpaulin pieces 5. Each strap 25 then extends along a longitudinal edge of the cover. The straps 25 can be rolled up with the rest of the cover.

[0075] Once the cover is placed on the pool, the straps 25 can be tensioned so as to press the longitudinal edges of the cover against the edge. In this way, the lifting of the tarpaulin parts of the cover is prevented, which increases the safety of the protective device. In particular, the wind resistance of the cover is limited. The deposit of external dirt is also prevented, which guarantees the cleanliness of the pool water.

[0076] The connecting bar 11 which holds the tarpaulin piece 5 on the homologous tarpaulin piece 5 is substantially shorter than these pieces. The difference in length between the tarpaulin pieces 5 and this connecting bar 11 is greater than the sum of the widths of the hems 23. Preferably, this difference is close to higher values. Here, this difference is approximately 14 centimeters. In this way, the connecting bar 11 ends at a distance from the longitudinal edge of the cover 3, set back from the hems 23.

[0077] In the covers of the state of the art, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 for example, the lifting of the cover is generally prevented by a set of tensioners. These tensioners each connect a transverse edge of a respective elementary tarpaulin piece to a peg arranged on the periphery of the pool. In addition, a pair of straps can be stretched above the cover, so as to limit its wind resistance.

[0078] Compared to the covers of the prior art, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 for example, the cover according to the invention has wider elongated tarpaulin pieces 5. This results in a greater distance between joining bars 11. The Applicant has found that attaching a single tensioner to each transverse edge of each elongated tarpaulin piece, as described above in relation to Figures 1 to 4, may not be sufficient to effectively prevent the cover according to the invention from lifting. Several tensioners can be attached to each longitudinal edge of each elongated tarpaulin piece to achieve this. This can be tedious. It is preferred to press the longitudinal edges of the cover against the coping by tensioning straps threaded through longitudinal hems. This proves to be much easier and at least as effective in preventing the cover according to the invention from lifting.In addition, this reduces its wind resistance without requiring additional independent straps, unlike state-of-the-art covers.

[0079] Each tarpaulin piece 5 has a pair of ropes 19. The ropes of a tarpaulin piece 5 each extend along at least a portion of a respective longitudinal edge. Here, the ropes 19 are formed of rods, in particular of generally circular cross-section. The ropes 19 may be formed of bungee cords or rope, for example.

[0080] The joining bar 11 has two longitudinal grooves 21. In particular, these grooves 21 result from the end-to-end placement of longitudinal grooves provided on deep elements constituting the joining bar 11 as described in relation to FIG. 21. The longitudinal grooves 21 correspond in shape to the ropes 19 of the tarpaulin parts 5.

[0081] A joining bar 11 is assembled to a piece of tarpaulin 5 which is adjacent to it by threading one of the ropes 19 of the piece of tarpaulin into one of its longitudinal grooves 21.

[0082] The kit may further comprise a set of plugs 35, each of which is mounted at a longitudinal end of the connecting bars 11, once this bar 11 is assembled to its adjacent tarpaulin pieces. The plugs 35 block the translation of the ropes 19 in the longitudinal grooves 21. The plugs 35 further protect the edges of the connecting bars 11.

[0083] The length of the connecting bars 11 is such that the length of the longitudinal grooves 21 is substantially equal to the length of the ropes 19. When the plugs 35 are in place, these plugs 35 prevent, or at least greatly limit, any linear movement between the tarpaulin pieces and the connecting bars 11. This greatly facilitates the handling of the cover. Reference is made to Figure 5 and Figure 7.

[0084] Figure 7 shows a variant of cover 3 described in connection with Figure 5.

[0085] The narrow pieces 9 and the wide pieces 7 can be interchanged when assembling the cover 3. In Figure 5, the wide pieces 7 are adjacent to each other, while the narrow piece 9 is arranged at one end of the cover 3. In Figure 7, the narrow piece 9 is arranged between two wide pieces 7. Other arrangements of the wide pieces 7 and the narrow pieces 9 in the cover 3 are conceivable.

[0086] Reference is made to Figure 5.

[0087] The narrow piece 9 and one of the first bars 11 can be seen as an accessory which, by being integrated into the cover formed by the wide pieces 7 and the rest of the first bars 11, allows it to be lengthened, here by approximately 1 meter. The kit from which the cover 3 results can also be seen as the union of a first kit, or basic kit, allowing the assembly of a cover formed by the wide pieces only, and a second kit corresponding to the accessory. The storage of the cover 3 can be optimized by providing, on the one hand, one or more packages comprising the constituent elements of the basic kit and, on the other hand, one or more packages comprising the elements of the accessory in kit form.

[0088] The covers of the prior art are generally delivered assembled, in a package of bulky length (which is at least greater than the width of the pool). The transport of such a package generally requires the use of a specialized vehicle. On the contrary, thanks to the invention, the packaging of the kits can be adapted so that the packages can be transported in a personal vehicle. The packaging can also be adapted so that these packages can be carried by a single person, for example by limiting the weight of each package to 20 kilograms: typically, it is possible to provide, for the basic kit, on the one hand a first package comprising the first elements 17 and the second elements 18 and, on the other hand, a second package comprising the wide parts 7.

[0089] Reference is made to Figure 9.

[0090] It shows a fifth rectangular pool 201, approximately 9 meters long by approximately 4 meters wide. The pool 201 is covered with a cover 3 similar to the cover described in relation to Figure 5, except that this cover 3 comprises an additional narrow piece of tarpaulin 9S, similar to the narrow piece 9, and an additional intermediate bar 11S, similar to the intermediate bars 11.

[0091] The additional bar 11 S is analogous to the intermediate bars described previously. The additional piece 9S is analogous to the narrow piece described previously. The assembly of the additional piece 9S and the additional bar 11 S with the intermediate bars 11 and the narrow 9 and wide 7 tarpaulin pieces is carried out in the manner described above, in particular in relation to Figures 19 and 20.

[0092] This cover 3 results from the assembly of a kit comprising, in addition to the constituent elements of the kit which results in the cover of figure 5, a piece of tarpaulin similar to the narrow piece 9 and a bar similar to an intermediate bar 11.

[0093] In other words, cover 3 results here from the assembly of the basic kit assembled with two accessories in kit.

[0094] We have just highlighted a property of the proposed kit: the same basic kit and the same kit accessories can be combined to form covers adapted to pools of different lengths. The same basic kit can be used for an 8-meter pool like the pool in Figure 5 and a 9-meter pool, depending on whether one or two kit accessories are added. This allows us to rationalize the stock of covers, which is essentially made up of basic kits and kit accessories. We reduce the number of product references. We reduce the time required to provide the customer with a cover adapted to their pool.

[0095] In general, the proposed kit differs from conventional bar covers, which consist of a single piece of custom-made tarpaulin or custom-cut tarpaulin elements, in that it comprises only tarpaulin pieces of predetermined width. More particularly, the proposed kit differs from EP 0 570 311 A1 in particular in that it comprises three wide pieces and two narrow pieces of predetermined width, whereas EP'311 provides tarpaulin elements of standard width and one or two elements of custom width. The cover 3 formed with the proposed kit further differs from that of EP'311 in that its tarpaulin pieces, in particular the end pieces, can be interchanged in the cover 3, contrary to what is provided in EP'311. The cover 3 formed with the proposed kit further differs from that of EP'311 in that its wide tarpaulin pieces are wider than the standard width tarpaulin elements of EP'311.The cover 3 formed with the proposed kit is further distinguished from that of EP'311 in that its tarpaulin pieces each have a pair of transverse hems, into which straps are inserted which can be put under tension so as to press the longitudinal edges of the cover against the coping.

[0096] In Figure 9, the wide pieces 7 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the narrow pieces 9 are arranged adjacent to each other, in the vicinity of one end of the cover 3. In Figure 11, one of the narrow pieces 9 is arranged between two wide pieces 7, while the other narrow piece 9 is positioned at the end of the cover 3. In Figure 13, the wide pieces 7 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the narrow pieces 9 are arranged on either side thereof. In Figure 15, the narrow pieces 9 are arranged adjacent to each other, between two wide pieces 7.

[0097] Other arrangements of the wide pieces 7 and the narrow pieces 9 in the cover 3 are still possible.

[0098] Reference is made to Figure 17.

[0099] It shows a pool 301 about 10 meters long by about 4 meters wide. The pool 301 is covered with a cover 3 similar to the cover described in relation to Figure 5, except that this cover 3, and the kit from which it results, include two additional accessories, each consisting of an additional piece of narrow tarpaulin 9S and an additional joining bar 11S.

[0100] The accessories are identical to the accessory described in relation to Figure 9.

[0101] The elongated tarpaulin pieces can be interchanged in the cover 3. In Figure 17, the wide pieces 7 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the narrow pieces 9 are arranged adjacent to each other, at one end of the cover 3. Other arrangements of the wide pieces 7 and the narrow pieces 9 in the cover 3 are nevertheless conceivable.

[0102] Reference is made to Figure 6. It shows a basin 102 similar to the fourth basin described in relation to Figure 4. This basin 102 is covered with a cover 103. The elements of the cover 103 similar to those of the cover of Figure 5 bear the same reference number, increased by one hundred.

[0103] The cover 103 is assembled from a kit which differs from the kit which results in the cover of figure 5 firstly in that the elongated tarpaulin pieces 107 and 109 have a reduced length, close to 3.5 meters.

[0104] Then, the intermediate bars 111 and the winding bar 113 are each formed from an assembly of two first elements 117, while the winding bar 115 is formed from an assembly of two longer second elements 118. The first elements 117 have lengths substantially equal to each other, of approximately 1.675 meters. Here, the first elements 117 are substantially identical to each other. The second elements 118 have lengths substantially equal to each other, of approximately 1.85 meters.

[0105] Figure 8 shows a variant of the cover 103 shown in Figure 6. This variant differs from the cover 103 shown in Figure 6 in that its narrow piece 109 and its wide pieces 107 are arranged differently relative to each other.

[0106] Basin 202 in Figure 10 has a length of approximately 9 meters.

[0107] Figure 12, Figure 14 and Figure 16 show variants of the cover 103 shown in Figure 10. These variants differ from the cover 103 shown in Figure 10 in that their narrow pieces 109 and 109S and their wide pieces 107 are arranged differently relative to each other.

[0108] Basin 302 in Figure 18 has a length of approximately 10 meters.

[0109] The advantages of the cover 103 obtained with this second embodiment of the kit are similar to those described in relation to the cover of FIG. 5.

[0110] Reference is made to Figure 22. This figure shows a cover 203 formed with a kit according to a third embodiment. This cover 203 covers a pool 101 similar to the third pool described in relation to Figure 3. The elements of the cover 203 similar to those presented in the first embodiment bear the same reference number, increased by two hundred.

[0111] This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the intermediate bars 211 and the anchor bar 213 are each formed from an assembly of three bar elements, each in the form of a section of profile, comprising a short element 250, positioned here centrally, and two long elements 251, of substantially equal length. The short element 250 has a length value of approximately 1 meter. The long elements 251 correspond to the first elements described in relation to FIG. 6. The long elements 251 have a length of approximately 1.675 meters.

[0112] The use of the short elements 251 with the first elements of the second embodiment makes it possible to lengthen by 1 meter the connecting bars obtained by the assembly of these first elements, so as to adapt them to a wider pool. It is thus possible to reuse the elements constituting the intermediate bars and the anchor bar of the second embodiment of the kit, intended to form covers covering pools 3 meters wide, in covers covering pools 4 meters wide.

[0113] The combination of the second and third embodiments of the kit makes it possible to reduce the number of element references required to form the intermediate bars and the anchor bar of covers adapted to different pool widths.

[0114] Wide tarpaulin pieces have been described which together have a cumulative width value of 7.29 metres. The kit according to the invention works when the wide pieces together have a cumulative width value of between approximately 6 and 8 metres.

[0115] A kit comprising exactly three wide pieces is described, which is the preferred number of wide pieces for forming covers suitable for pools of varying lengths while limiting the number of pieces required to form these covers and facilitating the manufacture of the wide pieces. Alternatively, the kit could nevertheless comprise a different number of wide pieces. A kit comprising wide pieces having width values ​​substantially equal to each other is described, which is the preferred composition for forming covers suitable for pools of varying lengths while reducing the number of references required to form these covers. Alternatively, the kit could nevertheless comprise wide pieces having width values ​​distinct from each other.

[0116] Wide pieces have been described, each having a width value of 2.43 meters. The kit according to the invention works when the wide pieces each have a width value of between 2.1 and 2.6 meters, preferably between 2.1 and 2.3 meters or between 2.4 and 2.6 meters.

[0117] Narrow pieces have been described, each of which has a width value of approximately 1 meter. The kit according to the invention works when the narrow pieces each have a width value of between 0.4 and 0.6 meters, or between 0.9 and 1.1 meters.

[0118] Bar elements having length values ​​of approximately 1 meter, 1.45 meters, 1.625 meters, 1.675 meters or 1.85 meters have been described. The kit according to the invention operates when at least some of the bar elements have a length value between the smallest of the width values ​​of the narrow pieces and the largest of the width values ​​of the wide pieces. This makes it possible to reduce the length of the package in which these elements are placed.

[0119] In connection with the second and third embodiments, first bar members or bar members about 1.675 meters long, and short bar members about 1 meter long, have been described. The kit according to these embodiments of the invention operates when it comprises first bar members or long bar members between 1.6 and 1.8 meters long, and short bar members between 0.9 and 1.1 meters long.

[0120] Thanks to the kit of the invention, it is possible to simply adapt a cover intended for a pool having a given length, for example of approximately 7 meters, to longer pools, for example of 8, 9 or even 10 meters. To do this, one or more accessories are used, such as that described above, which are integrated into the cover so as to lengthen it. The proposed kit therefore makes it possible to reduce the number of references of cover parts, per pool width value.

[0121] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses all the variants conceivable by those skilled in the art. In particular: the kit according to the invention may comprise one or more pieces of tarpaulin that are shorter than the others, so as to form a cover that also covers a staircase providing access to the pool; the kit according to the invention may comprise one or more pieces of tarpaulin that have a shape other than rectangular, so as to form a cover that covers a pool of shape other than rectangular; the pieces of tarpaulin mentioned in the two preceding points may be the subject of a kit separate from the basic kit and the accessory kit presented above, in particular in relation to Figure 5.

[0122] The covers obtained with the kit according to the invention, as described above, are more particularly intended for countries using the metric system of units. In these countries, the pools generally have a length value equal to a whole number of meters. Other embodiments of the kit according to the invention are provided for countries using the imperial system of units, which make it possible to produce covers for pools having a length value equal to a whole number of yards. These other embodiments differ from the first three embodiments presented in that the length measurements given for the different components of the kit are expressed in yards, the numerical values ​​remaining unchanged.In particular, for these other embodiments of the invention, the kit may comprise: wide pieces which together have a cumulative width value of between about 6 and 8 yards (about 5.5 and 7.3 meters); wide pieces which each have a width value of between 2.1 and 2.6 yards (about 1.9 and 2.4 meters), preferably between 2.1 and 2.3 yards (about 1.9 and 2.1 meters) or between 2.4 and 2.6 yards (about 2.2 and 2.4 meters); narrow pieces which each have a width value of between 0.4 and 0.6 yards (about 0.4 and 0.5 meters), or between 0.9 and 1.1 yards (about 0.8 and 1.0 meters); according to the second and third embodiments, first members or long bar members having a length of between 1.6 and 1.8 yards (approximately 1.5 and 1.6 meters), and short bar members having a length of between 0.9 and 1.1 yards (approximately 0.8 and 1.0 meters).

Claims

Claims 1. Kit for forming a pool cover (3, 103, 203), comprising a plurality of elongated tarpaulin pieces, which assemble in a substantially parallel manner to each other, characterized in that the plurality of elongated tarpaulin pieces comprises one or more wide pieces (7, 107, 207) and at least one narrow piece (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209), and the wide pieces (7, 107, 207) together have a cumulative width value of between approximately 6 and 8 meters.

2. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of elongated tarpaulin pieces comprises exactly three wide pieces (7, 107, 207).

3. Kit according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the wide parts (7, 107, 207) have width values ​​substantially equal to each other.

4. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, in which each wide piece (7, 107, 207) has a width value of between 2.1 and 2.6 meters, preferably between 2.1 and 2.3 meters or between 2.4 and 2.6 meters.

5. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, in which each narrow piece (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) has a width value of between 0.4 and 0.6 meters, or between 0.9 and 1.1 meters.

6. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, in which each wide piece (7, 107, 207) and each narrow piece (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) have a pair of mutually opposite transverse hems (23), each capable of receiving a respective strap (25, 125, 225).

7. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a plurality of first bars (11, 11S, 111, 111S, 211), by means of which the wide pieces (7, 107, 207) and the narrow pieces (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) are assembled to each other, so as to form an assembly, and - a pair of second bars (13, 15, 113, 115, 213, 215), which are fixed to the assembly so as to form mutually opposite transverse edges for the assembly, wherein the first bars (11, 11 S, 111, 111 S, 211) and one of the second bars (13, 113, 213) are similar to each other.

8. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of first bars (11, 11S, 111, 111S, 211), by means of which the wide pieces (7, 107, 207) and the narrow pieces (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) are assembled to each other, so as to form an assembly, in which each first bar (11, 11S, 111, 111S, 211) has at least two longitudinal grooves (21), in which each wide piece (7, 107, 207) and each narrow piece (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) have a pair of mutually opposite longitudinal bolt ropes (19), and in which the assembly is formed by the expansion of the bolt ropes longitudinal (19) of the wide pieces (7, 107, 207) and of the narrow pieces (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) in the longitudinal grooves (21) of the first bars (11, 1 IS, 111, 111S, 211) which are adjacent to them.

9. Kit according to claim 8, in which the longitudinal grooves (21) have a length substantially equal to that of the longitudinal ropes (19).

10. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a set of depth sections (17, 117, 250, 251), which assemble to each other so as to form a plurality of first bars (11, 11S, 111, 111S, 211), by means of which the wide pieces (7, 107, 207) and the narrow pieces (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) assemble to each other, and in which at least some of the depth sections (17, 117, 250, 251) have a length value between the smallest of the width values ​​of the narrow pieces (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) and the largest of the width values ​​of the wide pieces (7, 107, 207) and the narrow pieces (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209). 207).

11. Kit according to claim 10, in which the set of depth sections (250, 251) comprises first sections (251), of length between 1.6 and 1.8 meters, and second sections (250), of length between 0.9 and 1.1 meters, each first bar (211) being formed from the assembly of two first sections (251) and a second section (250).

12. Kit according to one of the preceding claims, in which the narrow part (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) is capable of being assembled in an interchangeable manner with the wide parts (7, 107, 207).

13. Cover (3, 103, 203) formed with the kit according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Accessory for an elongated pool cover (3, 103, 203), the cover (3, 103, 203) being formed of elongated tarpaulin pieces (7, 107, 207), arranged substantially parallel to each other and held together by bars (11, 111, 211), the accessory comprising an additional elongated tarpaulin piece (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209), narrower, and an additional bar (11, 11 S, 111, 111 S, 211), which is fixed to the additional piece (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) and allows this additional piece (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) to be integrated into the cover (3, 103, 203) in a manner to increase a length of it.

15. Accessory according to claim 14, wherein the additional elongated tarpaulin piece (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) has a width value of between 0.4 and 0.6 meters, or between 0.9 and 1.1 meters.

16. Accessory according to one of claims 14 and 15, in which the additional elongated tarpaulin piece (9, 9S, 109, 109S, 209) is capable of being assembled in an interchangeable manner to the elongated tarpaulin pieces (7, 107, 207).

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