Fixing assembly for submerged platforms of swimming pools

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing assembly (1) for submerged beaches of swimming pools, designed to secure cover plates (2) to support beams (3). The fixing assembly (1) comprises a fixed part (4) and a sliding part (5). The fixed part (4) is attachable to the underside of a cover plate (2) and includes a sliding rail (8) extending along its length, as well as fixed hooks (10) configured to engage the cover plate (2). The sliding part (5) is designed to engage with the support beam (3) and slide along the sliding rail (8), comprising movable hooks (12). The sliding part (5) is adjustable along the sliding rail (8), and the movable hooks (12) cooperate with the fixed hooks (10) to provide an adjustable securing mechanism between the cover plate (2) and the support beams (3), ensuring stability and ease of installation.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention falls within the technical field of swimming pools, more specifically within that of pool coverings made of flexible material wound up on a fixed axis. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a fixing assembly for securing cover plates to support beams located on submerged beaches of swimming pools.Background of the invention

[0002] Submerged beaches in swimming pools are specialized areas located at one end of the pool, generally below water level. These zones are designed to house retractable pool covers and their associated mechanisms, providing a way to cover the pool for various purposes, including enhanced safety, protection against debris, and energy conservation. The surface of these submerged beaches is typically covered with walkable cover plates, which must not only provide sufficient structural integrity to support the weight of users but also resist mechanical stresses during installation and prolonged use. The cover plates often function as a critical interface between the underwater environment and the above-ground pool area, making their proper fixation to the support beams essential for safe and effective operation.

[0003] However, submerged beaches present several challenges that remain inadequately addressed in the prior art. Safety concerns are particularly significant, as regulatory frameworks emphasize the need to prevent accidents, such as slips, falls, or unauthorized access to the water. Fixing systems must therefore ensure a secure and reliable connection between the cover plates and the underlying support beams. Additionally, the underwater environment imposes strict material requirements, as components are continuously exposed to water and must exhibit resistance to corrosion and wear to ensure long-term durability. The complexity of installation further adds to the problem, as fixing systems must be straightforward, adjustable, and adaptable to a variety of pool structures without necessitating extensive modifications to existing designs.

[0004] The prior art reveals various solutions addressing pool covers and associated fixing mechanisms, but these often fail to address the specific challenges of submerged beaches. Document FR3124535, for example, describes a fixing system for a pool-cover device that includes supports designed to anchor to the pool bottom or sidewall. While it provides viable anchoring solutions, its applicability is limited to specific configurations, and it does not address adjustable fixing systems suitable for flat beams. Similarly, Document WO2010077695 discloses a modular system for supporting and operating pool deck lids, incorporating rigid top plates reinforced with structural elements. Although it includes robust deck-plate designs, its focus on modularity and operational mechanisms leaves it unsuited for submerged beach fixing assemblies requiring adaptability and precision.

[0005] Document FR3115060 outlines a housing system designed to accommodate a rolling shutter at the bottom of a pool. It incorporates upper beams for support and mentions covers supported by these beams. However, it does not provide details on adaptable or adjustable systems for securing cover plates to flat beams. Another relevant publication, Document EP4357559, discloses a locking system for pool covers with sliding locking elements designed to secure the cover to a pool wall. While this offers an innovative locking mechanism, it does not address the specific challenges of fixing cover plates on submerged beaches. Document EP2066856 relates to a wind-up overlay for swimming pools, consisting of floating slats and safety components. While it provides an effective safety solution for pool covers, it lacks the technical features required to secure rigid cover plates to support beams under submerged conditions. Document FR3106842 discloses a storage structure for an underwater rolling shutter, featuring a housing with an upper opening. Although it discusses structural elements supporting the shutter, it does not propose any solutions for fixing walkable cover plates to beams.

[0006] Finally, FR2967184 relates to a covering kit for rolling system of cover of swimming pool, which has panel fixed in structure in removable manner and provided with panel unit and fixing units fixed to panel unit, where fixing units are fixed on fitting unit by fitment. The kit has a structure fixed in or above a swimming pool and extended along a rolling system. A panel is fixed in the structure in a removable manner, where the structure includes a fitting unit e.g. fixing rib. The panel includes a panel unit and fixing units fixed to the panel unit. Each fixing unit is fixed on the fitting unit by a fitment. Each fixing unit is in the form of jaws between which a groove extends, where the groove is intended to receive the fitting unit.

[0007] The reviewed prior art highlights several limitations in existing technologies. None of the disclosed solutions adequately address the need for an adjustable fixing system that can be adapted to flat beams on submerged beaches. Furthermore, existing fixing mechanisms do not simplify the installation process or minimize structural alterations to the pool, which are often necessary when retrofitting submerged beaches with modern safety and functionality requirements.

[0008] These gaps in the prior art underscore the need for a new and innovative fixing assembly that is specifically designed for submerged beach applications. Such an assembly must combine ease of installation, material durability, and a secure, adjustable connection to meet both safety standards and operational demands. The invention described herein aims to bridge these gaps by introducing a solution that overcomes the limitations identified in the prior art.Description of the invention

[0009] The present invention relates to a fixing assembly specifically designed for securing walkable cover plates to support beams located on submerged beaches of swimming pools. These submerged beaches, as described in the prior art, are typically installed at one end of the pool, beneath the water level, and serve as a structural platform to house retractable pool covers and their associated mechanisms. The fixing assembly addressed by this invention ensures a stable, durable, and adjustable connection between the cover plates and the beams, meeting the rigorous requirements of underwater environments while facilitating installation and maintenance.

[0010] The fixing assembly comprises two main parts that work together to achieve a secure and adaptable fixation. In a preferred embodiment, the first part is manufactured from injected ABS plastic, a material selected for its excellent mechanical properties, lightweight nature, and resistance to water-induced degradation. This part is designed to attach firmly to the underside of the cover plate, acting as a guide for the second part. However, other materials with similar properties, such as polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or reinforced composite materials, may also be employed, depending on specific application requirements or environmental conditions. The design of this first part allows for adaptability to various beam geometries and tolerances, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of submerged beach configurations.

[0011] This first part of the fixing assembly can be secured to the cover plate in different ways, depending on the material of the cover plate. For example, it can be screwed onto the plate if it is made of polyester, composite, or wood. If the plate is made of ceramics, the first part is attached using adhesive bonding.

[0012] The second part of the fixing assembly, in a preferred embodiment, is a sliding element made of stainless steel. This material offers exceptional resistance to corrosion and mechanical stress, making it well-suited for submerged applications. The sliding part is designed to engage securely with the support beam, providing a robust anchoring point for the cover plate. Its sliding mechanism enables precise alignment during installation, allowing adjustments to accommodate variations in beam dimensions or positioning. Additionally, alternative materials such as aluminium alloys with corrosion-resistant coatings, or high-strength engineering plastics, may be considered for this part, depending on the operational environment and cost considerations.

[0013] The fixing assembly secures the cover plates to the beams through an adjustable clamping mechanism. This mechanism is engineered to exert uniform pressure across the contact surfaces, preventing slippage or displacement of the cover plates. By distributing loads evenly, the clamping system minimizes stress concentrations on both the beams and the plates, thus enhancing the structural integrity of the installation. During the initial installation, the fixing assembly can be manually adjusted to align the cover plate with the beam. This manual adjustment provides flexibility during the installation process and ensures that the assembly can accommodate variations in beam dimensions or placement. Once the desired position is reached, the clamping mechanism is locked into place, preventing further manual manipulation.

[0014] A significant aspect of the invention is its contribution to the overall safety of the submerged beach area. After the fixing assembly has been locked, it can only be adjusted or released using a common tool such as a screwdriver. This locking feature prevents unauthorized or accidental tampering, ensuring that the cover plates remain securely fixed to the beams at all times. By incorporating this safety mechanism, the invention addresses a critical concern in submerged beach applications, where unwanted adjustments could compromise the stability of the cover plates or the safety of pool users.

[0015] This feature provides an advantage over the current state of the art. For example, it distinguishes the invention from what is described in document FR2967184, which discloses a clip that does not require a tool for its release. However, access to the clip is significantly more complex compared to the fixing assembly described in this application.

[0016] One of the significant benefits of this fixing assembly is its user-friendly design, which simplifies installation and maintenance. The modular nature of the parts allows the assembly to be mounted onto the cover plates and beams without requiring specialized tools or significant modifications to the existing pool structure. This ease of assembly not only reduces installation time but also ensures that the system can be integrated seamlessly into a variety of pool designs. Moreover, the modular configuration facilitates the replacement or repair of individual parts, thereby lowering maintenance costs and minimizing downtime.

[0017] To further enhance the versatility of the fixing assembly, the invention may be adapted to include additional features or variations. For example, sealing elements could be integrated into the assembly to prevent the ingress of debris or water into critical interfaces, thereby improving long-term performance. The dimensions and specific configurations of the parts can also be adjusted to suit pools of different sizes or unique design constraints.

[0018] In summary, the invention provides a novel and effective solution for securing walkable cover plates to support beams on submerged beaches of swimming pools. By combining robust materials, precise adjustability, and a user-friendly design, the fixing assembly addresses the limitations of prior art and ensures a safe, durable, and adaptable connection that meets the demanding conditions of underwater installations. The inclusion of flexible material choices, a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized manipulation, and adjustable configurations makes this invention highly versatile, ensuring its applicability across a wide range of submerged beach applications.

[0019] The invention is not limited to the examples and embodiments described and shown, but is susceptible to numerous variants accessible to those skilled in the art. The fixing assembly has been more particularly described in the case of a submerged beach, but it can also be arranged out of water or on the deck of a swimming pool. The fixing assembly would be used to form a box enclosing the winding system in the latter case.Brief description of the drawings

[0020] To complement the description and to facilitate a better understanding of the features of the invention, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of this description. These drawings illustrate, in a non-limiting and exemplary manner, a preferred practical embodiment of the invention: Figure 1.- Shows an upper perspective view of the fixing assembly. Figure 2.- Shows a lower perspective view of the fixing assembly. Figure 3.- Shows an exploded perspective view of the fixing assembly, illustrating its two parts separated from each other. Figure 4.- Shows a schematic view of a submerged beach of a swimming pool, illustrating how the fixing assembly secures a cover plate to the beams. Figure 5.- Shows a detailed view of the fixing assembly attached to one beam. Figure 6.- Shows a cross-sectional view of the fixing assembly, corresponding to the perpendicular cut indicated in Figure 5. Figure 7.- Shows a view of the fixing assembly during the installation of the cover plates on the submerged beach. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

[0021] The following provides, with the help of the aforementioned figures, a detailed explanation of a preferred embodiment of the subject of the present invention.

[0022] The invention consists of a fixing assembly (1) for submerged beaches of swimming pools for securing cover plates (2) to support beams (3) located on said submerged beaches, as schematically shown on figure 4. The fixing assembly (1), shown in figures 1-3, comprises a fixed part (4) and a sliding part (5).

[0023] The fixed part (4) is intended to be fixed on the underside of a cover plate (2) to act as a guide for the sliding part (5), while said sliding part (5) interacts simultaneously with the fixed part (4) and the support beams (3) to create a secure and adjustable engagement between the cover plate (2) and the support beam (3). Therefore, the fixing assembly (1) attaches the cover plate (2) to the support beam (3) by a sliding-adjustable clamping between the sliding part (5) and the support beam (3) guided by the fixed part (4).

[0024] As can be seen in the exploded view of Figure 3, the fixed part (4) consists of a rectangular plate with an upper face (6), intended to be positioned against the cover plate (2), and a lower face (7), intended to face the support beam (3). A longitudinal sliding rail (8) is defined in a central section of the lower face (7), along which the sliding part (5) moves. A plurality of protrusions (9) is arranged in alignment along the sliding rail (8).

[0025] Extending from two opposite shorter sides of the upper face (6) of the fixed part (4) are two fixed alignment stops (10), which ensure that, during installation, the edge of the cover plate (2) remains consistently aligned with the support beam (3).

[0026] Figure 3 also shows a view of the sliding part (5) separated from the fixed part (4). The sliding part (5) consists of an elongated piece, which in this case is made of metal. This elongated piece features, at its central section, a set of slotted holes (11), which are present in the same number as the protrusions (9) on the fixed part (4).

[0027] Additionally, the sliding part (5) includes at least one hook (12), which provides an adjustable securing mechanism between the cover plate (2) and the support beams (3).

[0028] In the preferred embodiment of the fixing assembly, the sliding part (5) comprises two hooks (12) located on two opposite shorter sides of the elongated piece. Each of the hooks (12) has different dimensions, allowing the fixing assembly to adapt to various types of cover plates and support beams (3), particularly in relation to the dimensions of the flanges of the support beams (3). For example, one of the hooks (12) may have an overhang of 6 mm, while the other may have an overhang of 10 mm.

[0029] The movement of the sliding part (5) along the sliding rail (8) of the fixed part (4), which determines the adjustment of the fixing assembly (1) with different types of cover plates (2) and support beams (3), is guided and limited by the length of the slotted holes (11).

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates the fixing assembly (1) in operation. Figures 5 and 6 also depict the fixing assembly (1), but the cover plate (2) has been omitted to provide a clearer view of how it interacts with a support beam (3).

[0031] At the initial stage of installation, during the fixation of the fixed part (4) on the underside of a cover plate (2), the alignment stops (10) come into contact with the edge of the cover plate (2), ensuring correct positioning. In the next stage of installation, shown in Figure 7, the sliding part (5) is manually actuated to slide along the fixing rail (8) until the clamping of the hooks (12) with the flanges of the support beam (3) occurs. In this manner, a firm yet removable securing of the cover plate (2) to the support beam (3) is achieved.

[0032] Once clamping occurs, the sliding part (5) remains locked on its position and cannot be manipulated manually.

[0033] Therefore, the fixing assembly (1) further comprises tool-actuated locking means, which are not shown on the attached figures, for securing the sliding part (5) in place relative to the fixed part (4). Said locking means also prevent unauthorized manual adjustments and can only be released by means of means of an external common tool such as a screwdriver or similar. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking means comprise a ratchet-based mechanism to prevent accidental displacement of the sliding part (5) after installation.

[0034] In one embodiment, the sliding part (5) further comprises a tightening mechanism to improve the clamping force between the cover plate (2) and the support beam (3).

[0035] In one embodiment, the fixed part (4) and the sliding part (5) further comprise interlocking profiles to enhance the mechanical stability of the assembly.

[0036] In one embodiment, the sliding rail (8) further comprises reinforcing ribs to improve the structural integrity of the fixed part (4).

Claims

1. A fixing assembly (1) for submerged beaches of swimming pools, for securing cover plates (2) to support beams (3) located on said submerged beaches, the fixing assembly (1) being characterized in that it comprises: - a fixed part (4) attachable to the underside of a cover plate (2), said fixed part (4) comprising: - a sliding rail (8) extending along its length; and - fixed alignment stops (10) configured to align an edge of the cover plate (2) with the support beam (3); - a sliding part (5) configured to engage with the support beam (3) and to slide along the sliding rail (8) of the fixed part (4), said sliding part (5) comprising at least one hook (12); and - tool-actuated locking means for securing the sliding part (5) in place relative to the fixed part (4); wherein the sliding part (5) is adjustable along the sliding rail (8), and wherein the hook (12) provides an adjustable securing mechanism between the cover plate (2) and the support beams (3).

2. The fixing assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sliding part (5) comprises slotted holes (11) configured to receive protrusions (9) of the fixed part (4), thereby allowing precise adjustment of the cover plate (2) relative to the support beam (3).

3. The fixing assembly (1) according to claim 2 wherein the protrusions (9) are arranged in alignment along the sliding rail (8).

4. The fixing assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the sliding part (5) comprises two hooks (12) located on two opposite sides of said sliding part (5).

5. The fixing assembly (1) according to claim 4 wherein each of the hooks (12) has different dimensions.

6. The fixing assembly (1) according to claim 5 wherein one of the hooks (12) has an overhang of 6 mm and the other hook (12) has an overhang of 10 mm.

7. The fixing assembly (1) according to claim 1 wherein the locking means comprise a ratchet-based mechanism.

8. The fixing assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding part (5) is made of stainless steel to provide corrosion resistance in submerged environments.

9. The fixing assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed part (4) is made of injected ABS plastic, or alternatively polycarbonate, HDPE, or reinforced composite materials, for enhanced mechanical strength and resistance to water exposure.

10. The fixing assembly for submerged beaches of swimming pools (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding part (5) further comprises a tightening mechanism to improve the clamping force between the cover plate (2) and the support beam (3).

11. The fixing assembly for submerged beaches of swimming pools (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed part (4) and the sliding part (5) further comprise interlocking profiles to enhance the mechanical stability of the assembly.

12. The fixing assembly for submerged beaches of swimming pools (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding rail (8) further comprises reinforcing ribs to improve the structural integrity of the fixed part (4).

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