Reinforced self-supporting structure for a pool

Abstract

Title: Reinforced self-supporting structure for a basin The invention relates to a structure (1) for a basin (2) intended to contain a liquid, comprising a metal frame (10) comprising profiles (100) each comprising a front face (110) and a rear face (120) opposite the front face, and configured so as to form a self-supporting structure, panels (20) each comprising a front face (21) defining a geometric shape of the basin volume (2) and a rear face (22), opposite the front face, and configured so that the rear face of the panels is assembled to the metal frame by the front face of at least one profile, characterized in that the structure comprises for at least one panel, at least one reinforcement (30) secured both to the rear face of at least one profile and to the rear face of said panel. Figure for abstract: Fig.5B

Description

Title of the invention: Reinforced self-supporting structure for a basin Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of custom-made pool production. It relates more particularly to the field of self-supporting structures that can be used for both in-ground and above-ground pools. It finds, for example, a particularly advantageous but non-limiting application in the installation of swimming pools, spas or other aquatic pools. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] There are several types of pond structures and self-supporting structures.

[0003] A first type of self-supporting structure is made up of metal profiles capable of integrating panels and covered with resin. This structure is made with the aim of allowing the creation of a swimming pool shell directly at the customer's premises. This self-supporting structure is made up of metal profiles positioned perpendicular to each other. Panels or plates, made of lightweight fibrous concrete and designed to serve as a support for a stratification, are assembled to this structure. The surface of the panels is then covered with a resin in order to form a waterproof shell before dismantling the metal structure. Thus these swimming pools require a costly and lengthy assembly process. In addition, the solidity of the swimming pool is not guaranteed after dismantling the main metal structure.

[0004] Document FR3070176A1 describes a reinforced swimming pool with honeycomb panels. It describes a device comprising panels with a honeycomb structure, honeycomb type, assembled in a watertight manner between them by coupling profiles. This method makes it possible in particular to construct pools with variable geometry. The fixing of the coupling profiles to the ends of the panels can be carried out by any known and appropriate means such as gluing, screwing, riveting. However, in order to provide sufficient rigidity to take into account the thrust forces of the water and possibly the terrain, the wings of the coupling profiles must be riveted. Thus, this type of structure requires riveting to be sufficiently strong to withstand all the forces applied to its structure.

[0005] Thus, despite the numerous solutions already proposed, there is still a need to allow greater solidity of a self-supporting swimming pool structure and simple construction.

[0006] This is an object of the present innovation. The other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on examining the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated. SUMMARY

[0007] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a structure is provided for a basin intended to contain a liquid, for example water, comprising: • a metal frame comprising profiles each comprising a front face and a rear face opposite the front face, and configured so as to form a self-supporting structure, • panels each comprising a front face defining a geometric shape of the pool volume and a rear face, opposite the front face, and configured so that the rear face of the panels is assembled to the metal frame by the front face of at least one profile.

[0008] The structure comprises, for at least one panel, at least one reinforcement secured both to the rear face of at least one profile and to the rear face of said panel.

[0009] Thus, the invention proposes a particularly effective solution; this pool structure is modular and allows a pool of any size to be obtained. This solution allows for a pool that is more resistant and yet no heavier than a swimming pool made using existing methods.

[0010] While current techniques direct those in the art towards solidifying structures by improving the metal structures themselves or by using new materials, a particular system is proposed here, allowing solidification of the structure without increasing its weight.

[0011] As a result, the proposed solution allows increased resistance to the thrust forces of the ground and / or liquid without increasing the weight of the structure.

[0012] The invention also relates to a method for positioning such a structure comprising: • installation of plots on previously terraced ground at the level of the future positions of at least one foot, • installation of the structure on the pads, • adjustment of the level of the structure by modifying the height of at least one adjustable foot, • pouring concrete at least up to half the height of the profiles forming the lower part of the frame.

[0013] Thus, the invention also proposes a method for positioning the structure. This method allows for optimal and rapid positioning of a basin and for reinforcing the solidity of the structure once in place.

[0014] While current techniques are moving towards the use of concrete sleepers cast on site and positioned along the length of the basin to ensure flatness, we offers here a process which does not involve wasting time while guaranteeing increased flatness.

[0015] As a result, this method allows optimization of the flatness of the structure without increasing the positioning time of the structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] represents a view of a panel configured on profiles.

[0018] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a top view of the superposition of two panels at the level of an angle of the pelvis.

[0019] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents the assembly of several panels on the structure.

[0020] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a profile view of a leg.

[0021] [Fig.5A] [Fig.5A] represents the frame of the structure.

[0022] [Fig.5B] [Fig.5B] represents the structure.

[0023] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a view of an adjustable foot

[0024] The drawings are given as examples and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively are set out below:

[0026] According to one example, the frame 10 and the panels 20 are assembled by chemical bonding. This bonding allows solidification of the metal structure 1. It allows solidification without weighing down the structure 1.

[0027] According to one example, at least one reinforcement 30 is assembled by chemical bonding to the rear face 120 of at least one profile 100 and to the rear face 22 of at least one panel 20.

[0028] The assembly by gluing of the reinforcement 30 allows solidification of the structure 1 without weighing it down.

[0029] According to one example, at least one reinforcement 30 is assembled to the rear face 22 of the panel 20 by two surfaces of said reinforcement 30 arranged on either side of the profile 20.

[0030] The configuration of the reinforcement 30 allows the profile 100 to be wrapped and maximizes its contact surface with the rear face 22 of the panels 20, making it possible to reinforce the structure 1.

[0031] According to one example, the frame 10 is made of galvanized steel, aluminum or stainless steel.

[0032] This makes it possible to have a structure 1 that is more or less light depending on the terrain and the necessary solidity.

[0033] According to one example, the frame 10 has legs 40 configured to create a triangular shape with a wall of the frame 10.

[0034] This makes it possible, in the case where the basin 2 is above ground, to solidify the structure 1 from the thrust forces of the water. This also makes it possible to create a covering for the metallic structure 1.

[0035] According to one example, the structure 1 comprises at least one angle which is configured so that at least one panel 20 has its entire thickness in contact with the at least one adjacent panel 20.

[0036] This allows for the largest possible contact surface in order to guarantee the watertightness of the basin 2.

[0037] According to one example, at least one reinforcement 30 is based on glass fibers.

[0038] This allows the reinforcement 30 to be both strong and lightweight.

[0039] According to one example, the sealing between the panels 20 is achieved by means of sealing strips 300.

[0040] This avoids a connection between two panels 20 by means of a heavy metal profile 100 while ensuring optimal sealing.

[0041] According to one example, the sealing strips 300 are based on resin and glass fibers.

[0042] The sealing strips 300 being made of the same material as the material sprayed onto the panels 20, this allows for increased sealing and strength. In addition, this material allows any aesthetic coating of the interior of the pool 2 to be attached subsequently.

[0043] According to one example, a center distance 200 between two profiles 100 is between 20cm and 100cm, preferably between 30cm and 90cm, preferably between 40cm and 80cm. The center distance 200 is dependent on the length of the basin 2.

[0044] This allows several profiles 100 to be in contact with a single panel 20, thus reinforcing the structure 1.

[0045] According to one example, the reinforcements 30 are placed vertically every at least 40 cm and horizontally on at least one profile out of two, preferably on all the profiles.

[0046] According to one example, the panels 20 comprise a honeycomb frame.

[0047] This allows for structural strength of the panels 20 themselves while being lightweight. This also provides thermal insulation.

[0048] According to one example, the front 21 and rear 22 faces of the panels 20 are covered with a composite coating based on resin and fiberglass.

[0049] This allows reinforcement of the panels 20 and also allows the adhesion of a any covering inside the basin 2.

[0050] According to one example, at least one foot 400 adjustable in height and positioned securely on the chassis 10 on the part of the chassis 10 in contact with the ground.

[0051] According to an example, the method for positioning a structure 1 comprises, in this order, the installation of pads 500 on previously terraced ground at the level of the future positions of the at least one foot 400, then the installation of the structure 1 on the pads 500, an adjustment of the level of the structure 1 by modifying the height of the at least one adjustable foot 400, finally the pouring of concrete at least up to half the height of the profiles 100 forming the lower part of the chassis 10.

[0052] In the remainder of the description, the term “on” does not necessarily mean “directly on”. Thus, when it is indicated that a part or member A is supported “on” a part or member B, this does not mean that the parts or members A and B are necessarily in direct contact with each other. These parts or members A and B may be either in direct contact or be supported on each other by means of one or more other parts. The same applies to other expressions such as, for example, the expression “A acts on B” which may mean “A acts directly on B” or “A acts on B by means of one or more other parts”.

[0053] In the following detailed description, the terms "interior", "exterior", "internal", "external" may be used. These terms must be interpreted relatively in relation to the normal projection in the volume of the basin. For example, the term "towards the interior of the basin" means that the part is positioned so as to be directed towards the interior of the volume of the structure 1 forming a basin 2.

[0054] In the following detailed description, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "horizontally", "vertically" may be used. These terms must be interpreted relatively in relation to the normal position of a basin. For example, the term "placed vertically" means that the part is positioned according to the height of the basin.

[0055] In the following detailed description, the terms "upper" and "lower" may be used. These terms must be interpreted relatively in relation to the normal projection in the volume of the basin. For example, the term "the lower part of the frame" means that the part is located in the lowest part of the structure 1 relative to its normal position placed on the ground.

[0056] The subject of the present invention is a structure 1 for a basin 2 intended to receive a liquid such as water. The invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0057] The structure 1 comprises a metal frame 10, a plurality of panels 20, reinforcements 30, sealing strips 300 and, preferably, legs 40. The structure 1 is configured to present a volume. This volume forms a basin 2. According to one possibility, it is of rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0058] The structure 1 allows the creation of a basin 2 capable of containing water. The structure 1 is preferably used in the construction of swimming pools.

[0059] Structure 1 is modular. Structure 1 can be made to measure. Structure 1 can be used for an in-ground or above-ground pool 2.

[0060] The structure 1 comprises a metal frame 10. The metal frame 10 is the outer part of the structure 1.

[0061] The frame 10 makes it possible to define the volume of the basin 2. The frame 10 also makes it possible to solidify the structure 1.

[0062] The frame 10 advantageously makes it possible to make the structure 1 self-supporting.

[0063] The frame 10 comprises a plurality of profiles 100.

[0064] The profiles 100 are positioned perpendicular to each other in order to form the metal frame 10 as illustrated in [Fig.5A]. The profiles 100 are positioned with a center distance 200. The center distance 200 between two profiles 100 is between 20cm and 100cm, preferably between 30cm and 90cm, preferably between 40cm and 80cm. The center distance 200 is dependent on the length of the pool 2. There may be a bottom portion and a side portion forming a single-piece assembly in this structure. The side portion may have four sides laterally delimiting the pool.

[0065] The profiles make it possible to create the framework of the structure 1 of a pool 2. The profiles allow the structure 1 to be self-supporting.

[0066] The profiles 100 are preferably assembled by welding. The profiles 100 may be assembled by means of bolts. The profiles 100 comprise a front face 110 and a rear face 120, the rear face 120 being opposite the front face 110. The adjective "front" of the profiles 100 refers to its relative position with respect to the structure 1 with the front corresponding to the part directed towards the interior of the volume formed by the structure 1. The adjective "rear" being opposite the front is then understood as being the part directed towards the exterior of the volume formed by the structure 1.

[0067] The rear face 120 of the profiles 100 is in contact with the ground if the structure 1 is buried. The rear face 120 of the profiles 100 is in contact with cladding if the structure 1 is above ground.

[0068] The structure 1 comprises a plurality of panels 20.

[0069] The panels 20 are positioned on the internal part of the frame 10. If they are located on the side of the structure, they can be superimposed and juxtaposed with each other along a vertical dimension and a horizontal dimension. If they are on the bottom, they can be juxtaposed along the two horizontal dimensions. The adjective “internal” is understood to be the part inside the volume of the basin 2 or even the interior of the frame 10. The panels 20 are assembled on the profiles 100.

[0070] The panels 20 preferably comprise a front face 21 and a rear face 22. The adjectives front and rear being qualified in the same way as previously. The rear face 22 of the panels 20 being assembled to the front face 110 of the profiles 100. The rear face 22 of the panels 20 being preferably fixed by gluing to the front face 110 of the profiles.

[0071] The panels 20 are each assembled on at least two profiles 100.

[0072] The panels 20 located at an angle of the basin 2, as illustrated in [Fig.2], being po positioned so that the thickness of a panel 20 is positioned on the front face 21 of the adjacent panel 20.

[0073] The panels 20 make it possible to constitute the watertight walls of the basin 2.

[0074] The panels 20 have a honeycomb structure. The configuration in honeycomb gives the 20 panels increased strength and significant thermal insulation.

[0075] The panels 20 are polypropylene panels. The panels 20 are pre-cut.

[0076] The front face 21 of the panels 20 is positioned towards the inside of the basin 2.

[0077] The front face 21 of the panels 20 is laminated to allow its sealing. front face 21 is laminated with a composite coating preferably based on resin and fiberglass. According to one example, the resin is a polyester resin.

[0078] After lamination, the front face 21 can receive any type of coating used for the basins 2 such as swimming pools. According to one example, the front face 21 can receive tiles, mosaics or a liner.

[0079] The rear face 22 of the panels 20 is positioned towards the outside of the basin 2. The rear face 22 is assembled by gluing to the front face of the profiles 100.

[0080] The rear face 22 of the panels 20 is laminated by a composite coating preferably based on resin and fiberglass. The lamination of the rear face 22 allows a panel 20 to be sealed. The lamination also allows the panel 20 to be reinforced in strength.

[0081] The structure 1 also comprises sealing strips 300. The sealing strips 300 are positioned at the junction between at least two panels 20.

[0082] The sealing strips 300 make it possible to complete the sealing of the structure 1.

[0083] The sealing strips are preferably made of a composite coating of fiberglass and resin. In one example, the resin is a polyester resin.

[0084] The structure 1 also comprises reinforcements 30. The reinforcements 30 are positioned on the outside of the structure 1. At least one reinforcement 30 is positioned both on, preferably in contact with, the rear face 22 of the panels 20 and on the front rear 120 of the profiles 100 as illustrated in [Fig.3]. The at least one reinforcement is assembled by gluing to the rear face 22 of the panels 20 and to the rear face 120 of the profiles 100. According to one example, the assembly by gluing is carried out using a two-component epoxy adhesive. The reinforcements 30 are positioned at least one vertical profile 100 out of two. The reinforcements 30 are preferably positioned on each profile 100. According to one example, the reinforcements 30 are positioned every 40 cm on the rear of the structure 1.

[0085] The at least one reinforcement 30 allows solidification of the structure 1. The at least one reinforcement 30 allows solidification of the structure 1 with respect to the thrust forces of the surrounding ground. The profiles 100 are thanks to them secured by their two faces 110, 120 to one or more panels 20, and not only glued by their front face 110 on these panels 20; the force absorption is more distributed and reduces the stress concentrations. The sealing strips 300 also have a mechanical reinforcement behavior completing the adhesion by gluing of the front face 110 of the profile 100 and the rear face 22 of the panels 20.

[0086] The at least one reinforcement 30 is composed of a composite coating based on fiberglass. The at least one reinforcement 30 has a parallelepiped shape with at least two sides assembled to the rear face of the panels 20. The at least one reinforcement 30 is positioned so as to be in contact with three faces of the profile 100 including its rear face 120.

[0087] The assembly by gluing of the elements of the structure 1 allows uniform expansion of the structure during a temperature gradient.

[0088] In one embodiment, the structure 1 also comprises legs 40. The legs 40 are positioned resting on the frame 10 directed towards the outside of the basin 2.

[0089] In this embodiment, the structure 1 is positioned above ground. The legs 40 make it possible to increase the resistance of the structure 1 to the thrust forces of the water contained in the basin 2.

[0090] The composition of the at least one leg 40 will be described with reference to [Fig.4].

[0091] At least one leg 40 is configured from two profiles 100 arranged so as to form a triangular leg 40. A profile 100 is positioned on the ground perpendicular to the frame 10 and directed towards the outside of the pool 2 with one end of this profile 100 in contact with the frame 10. Another profile 100 is positioned so as to connect the other end of this profile 100 with the upper part of the frame 10. The adjective “high” is understood in relation to the normal height of a pool 2.

[0092] The at least one leg 40 is preferably mechanically welded to the frame 10. The at least one leg 40 can be assembled by bolting.

[0093] ASSEMBLY OF THE STRUCTURE

[0094] According to one example, the frame 10 of the structure 1 is assembled, beforehand, preferably by welding. To facilitate transport, if the frame 10 is too large, part of the frame 10 is dismantled. The frame 10 may be reassembled by bolting. The frame 10 may include legs 40 if the basin 2 is intended to be positioned above ground.

[0095] The panels 20 are laminated on their front 21 and rear 22 faces.

[0096] Once the frame 10 is assembled to form the basin 2, the rear face 22 of the laminated panels 20 is assembled by gluing to the front face 110 of the profiles 100. The sealing strips 300 are assembled by gluing on the front face 21, at the intersection of at least two laminated panels 20.

[0097] The reinforcements 30 are assembled by gluing to the rear face 22 of the laminated panels 20 and to the rear face 120 of the profiles 100. The assembly forms the structure 1.

[0098] The front face 21 of the panels 20 is covered by a coating such as tiling, mosaic or a liner.

[0099] According to one example, if the pool 2 is positioned above ground, an aesthetic covering may be positioned on the rear face 120 of the profiles 100.

[0100] The preceding steps can be carried out in the factory or directly at the installation site of the final basin 2.

[0101] POSITIONING OF THE STRUCTURE

[0102] In order to facilitate the positioning of the structure 1, the chassis 10 advantageously comprises at least one adjustable foot 400. Preferably the chassis 10 comprises a plurality of adjustable feet 400.

[0103] The adjustable feet 400 are positioned on the lower part of the frame 10. More precisely, the adjustable feet 400 are positioned on the outer part of the profiles 100 constituting the bottom of the basin 2.

[0104] The adjustable feet 400 make it easy to level the structure 1 when positioning it on previously leveled ground.

[0105] The adjustable feet 400 are integrated into the frame 10 by means of a threaded rod 402 as illustrated in [Fig.6] or any other height adjustment means. The height of the adjustable feet can be adjusted by means of a bolt 403 positioned between the lower part of the profile 100 and the upper part of the end of the foot 401.

[0106] Advantageously, the feet 400 are machined at the same time as the frame 10. Thus, the adjustable feet 400 are preferably made of aluminum, galvanized steel or stainless steel.

[0107] The positioning of structure 1 is carried out on previously terraced ground.

[0108] Plots (particularly made of concrete) 500 and which can take any shape suitable for form an interface for resting the feet on the ground, are advantageously positioned to match the position of the adjustable feet on the chassis 10.

[0109] The structure 1 is then positioned on the concrete pads 500.

[0110] An adjustment of the level of the structure 1 is carried out using the adjustable feet 400 so that basin 2 is flat.

[0111] Once the leveling has been carried out, concrete is poured around the feet and the base of the structure, preferably up to a height corresponding to half the height of the profiles 100 present on the bottom of the pool 2. The concrete thus covers the pads 500 as well as the adjustable feet 400 and a lower part of the chassis 10.

[0112] The pouring of concrete makes it possible to reinforce the solidity of the positioning of structure 1.

[0113] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention. The present invention is not limited to the examples previously described. Many other variant embodiments are possible, for example by combining features previously described, without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may be combined with another aspect of the invention.

[0114] List of digital references 1. Structure 2. Basin 10. Chassis 20. Panel 21. Front panel face 22. Back panel 30. Reinforcement 40. Legs 100. Profile 110. Profiled front face 120. Profiled rear face 200. Center distance 300. Sealing strips 400. Adjustable foot 401. End of the foot 402. Threaded rod 403. Nut 500. Plot

Claims

Claims

1. Structure (1) for a basin (2) intended to contain a liquid, for example water, comprising: • a metal frame (10) comprising profiles (100) each comprising a front face (110) and a rear face (120) opposite the front face (110), and configured so as to form a self-supporting structure, • panels (20) each comprising a front face (21) defining a geometric shape of the basin volume (2) and a rear face (22), opposite the front face (21), and configured so that the rear face (22) of the panels (20) is assembled to the metal frame (10) by the front face (110) of at least one profile (100), characterized in that the structure (1) comprises for at least one panel (20), at least one reinforcement (30) secured both to the rear face (120) of at least one profile (100) and the rear face (22) of said panel (20).

2. Structure (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the frame (10) and the panels (20) are assembled by chemical bonding.

3. Structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one reinforcement (30) is assembled by chemical bonding to the rear face (120) of at least one profile (100) and to the rear face (22) of at least one panel (20).

4. Structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one reinforcement (30) is assembled to the rear face (22) of the panel (20) by two surfaces of said reinforcement (30) arranged on either side of the profile (100).

5. Structure (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (10) is made of galvanized steel, aluminum or stainless steel.

6. A structure (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame (10) has legs (40) configured to create a triangular shape with a wall of the frame (10).

7. Structure (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure (1) comprises at least one angle which is configured so that at least one panel (20) has its entire thickness in contact with the at least one adjacent panel (20).

8. Structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one reinforcement (30) is based on glass fibers.

9. Structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the sealing between the panels (20) is achieved by means of sealing strips (300).

10. Structure (1), according to the preceding claim, in which the sealing strips (300) are based on resin and glass fibers.

11. Structure (1), according to one of the preceding claims, in which a center distance (200) between two profiles (100) is between 20cm and 100cm, preferably between 30cm and 90cm, preferably between 40cm and 80cm depending on the length of the pool (2).

12. Structure (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reinforcements (30) are placed vertically every at least 40cm and horizontally on at least one profile out of two, preferably on all the profiles.

13. Structure (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the panels (20) comprise a honeycomb frame.

14. Structure (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the front (21) and rear (22) faces of the panels (20) are covered with a composite coating based on resin and fiberglass.

15. Structure (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one foot (400) adjustable in height and positioned securely to the chassis (10) on the part of the chassis (10) in contact with the ground.

16. Method for positioning a structure (1) according to the preceding claim comprising: • placing pads (500) on previously terraced ground at the level of the future positions of the at least one foot (400), • placing the structure (1) on the pads (500), • adjusting the level of the structure (1) by modifying the height of the at least one adjustable foot (400), • pouring concrete at least up to half the height of the profiles (100) forming the lower part of the chassis (10). 13

Images