Safety device for a pool cover

Abstract

Safety device for a pool cover. A safety device for a pool cover, particularly a swimming pool cover, comprises a support (403, 503) and a retaining rod (405, 505) mounted on the support (403, 503). The rod extends along a longitudinal axis (477, 577) and has at least one retaining face (411) suitable for engaging with a latch (1). The support (403, 503) is securely mounted to the cover or a pool wall such that the longitudinal axis (477, 577) of the rod (405, 505) is generally positioned vertically. The rod (405, 505) is capable of rotating relative to the support (403, 503) about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis (477, 577), between at least a first position, in which the retaining face (411) is active and is directed towards the support (403, 503), and a second position, in which the retaining face (411) is retracted. (Fig. 3)

Description

Title of the invention: Safety device for a pool cover

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

[0002] Swimming pools, particularly private ones, are equipped with safety devices that prevent people from accidentally falling into the pool when it is not in use, or at least reduce the risk of serious consequences should such a fall occur. These devices also aim to prevent unaccompanied children from accessing the pool. These safety devices may be made mandatory, notably by law. They may also be subject to standards.

[0003] The protective devices in question can be varied. For example, devices comprising barriers or shelters, which prohibit access to the area around the pool, can be used. As a replacement or supplement, devices comprising one or more fall detectors, capable of triggering an audible or other alarm signal if necessary, can also be used.

[0004] Nowadays, protective devices including a cover adapted to the pool are quite widely used and are put in place when the pool is not in use. The cover also helps to limit evaporation of the pool water and to maintain its cleanliness by preventing external pollution such as debris, insects, plants, and other contaminants. The cover also plays a role in the thermal insulation of the pool water by reducing heat loss. Depending on the design, the cover can also improve the efficiency of natural heating by solar radiation.

[0005] The covers in question can be rigid or semi-rigid, for example in the form of a shutter made of slats hinged to one another. These covers prove to be very effective. However, they are rather difficult to handle, unless specific devices are used for their installation and removal, such as rollers, possibly motorized. Typically, such a roller is positioned at one end of the pool.

[0006] When a cover is deployed over the pool so as to cover it, it is necessary, for safety reasons, to secure the cover to at least some of the pool walls or to the area around the pool. Typically, at least one end of the cover is secured to one end of the pool by means of a safety device.

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

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

[0009] The safety device further includes a release element connected to the lock. The lock disengages from the bridge by pulling on the release element. Such a pull could result from a fall onto the cover, which is problematic from a safety point of view.

[0010] The Applicant sought to improve the situation.

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

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

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

[0014] Optional features of the invention, complementary or alternative, are stated below

[0015] - The stem further has at least one disengagement face, capable of cooperating with the lock. This face is active and is directed towards the support when the rod is in the second position.

[0016] - At least one of the disengagement faces comprises at least one surface of guide, suitable for cooperating with the lock. This surface is active when the rod is in the second position.

[0017] - The rod has a plurality of faces of the retaining face type and a plurality of faces of the disengagement face type. The retaining face type and the disengagement face type are arranged alternately around the longitudinal axis.

[0018] - The rod has an odd number of faces of the retaining face type and faces of the disengagement face type.

[0019] - The rod has three faces of the retaining face type and three faces of the face of disengagement.

[0020] - The support has a projection opposite the rod, while a space between the stem and this advance is strictly less than 8 millimeters.

[0021] - The stem includes an enlarged portion which has a notch, suitable for housing the advance and forming at least one stop adapted to this advance. The stop is active when the rod is pivoted from its second position to its first position or from its first position to its second position.

[0022] - The device further includes a magnetic coupling. This coupling It comprises an enlarged portion fixed to the rod, with at least rotational capability, and a magnetic coupling portion mounted on the support, opposite the enlarged portion. A rotation of the magnetic coupling portion relative to the support (503) causes the rod to move from its first position to its second position.

[0023] - The magnetic coupling comprises at least one pair of permanent magnets. One is housed in the enlarged portion. The other in the magnetic coupling section. These magnets are positioned relative to each other so as to have the same polarity orientation.

[0024] - The enlarged portion has at least one stable position relative to the part magnetic coupling, position in which at least some of the magnets of the magnetic coupling portion are opposite a respective magnet of the enlarged portion.

[0025] - The magnetic coupling part or the enlarged portion also houses at least An additional permanent magnet. This magnet has the opposite polarity orientation to the other permanent magnets. The additional magnet is positioned relative to the others so that the magnetic coupling portion and the enlarged portion are drawn towards the stable position.

[0026] - The support has a window. The enlarged portion has at least one groove which is positioned opposite at least part of the window when the rod is in its initial position. The rod can be held in its initial position by means of an accessory inserted into the groove and designed to butt against the window of the support.

[0027] - The enlarged portion has a visual indicator, which is located near the groove and is located opposite at least part of the window when the rod is in its first position.

[0028] - The stem has a visual indicator, which is revealed when the stem is in its first position.

[0029] - The device further includes the lock. In the first position, the face of The retainer is presented to the bolt in such a way that the bolt is engaged with the rod via this face. In the second position, the bolt is disengaged from the rod.

[0030] - The disengagement face is presented to the latch in the second position. The The disengagement face is shaped in such a way that the rod tends to open the lock in this second position.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the invention are set out in detail in the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - [Fig.l] is a cross-sectional view of a safety device according to the invention, the bridge having a first state and the lock being engaged with the bridge; - [Fig.2] is analogous to [Fig.1], the bridge having a second state and the lock being engaged with the bridge; - [Fig.3] is analogous to [Fig.2] and represents the lock disengaging from the bridge; - [Fig.4] is analogous to [Fig.3]; - [Fig.5] is analogous to [Fig.2], with the lock disengaged from the bridge; - [Fig.6] is analogous to [Fig.1], with the lock disengaged from the bridge; - [Fig.7] is analogous to [Fig.6] and represents the lock engaging with the bridge; - [Fig.8] is analogous to [Fig.1]; - [Fig.9] is analogous to [Fig.7]; - [Fig. 10] represents a cross-section of the bridge, in isometric perspective; - [Fig. 11] represents part of the bridge, in isometric perspective; - [Fig. 12] is an exploded view of part of the bridge, in perspective isometric.

[0032] The accompanying drawings contain, for the most part, elements of a definite nature. They can therefore not only serve to better explain the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0033] Reference is made to figures 1 to 9.

[0034] These figures show a safety device intended for use in a pool, in particular a private swimming pool. The device mainly comprises a locking device, or lock 1, intended to be fixed to a pool cover or a pool wall, and a retaining device, or bracket 400, intended to be fixed to the wall or the cover, unlike the mounting of the lock 1. The lock 1 is adapted to engage with the bracket 400, as shown in particular in [Fig. 1], such that the cover is fixed to, or retained on, the pool wall. Equivalently, the lock 1 and the bracket 400 can be seen as being adapted to engage with each other, or the bracket 400 as being adapted to engage with the lock 1.

[0035] The bridge 400 mainly comprises a support 403 and a retaining rod 405 pivotally mounted on the support 403. The rod 405 has a longitudinal axis 477. The support 403 is fixed, for example, to the wall of the basin, typically such that the longitudinal axis 477 of the rod 405 is vertical. The rod 405 is capable of pivoting relative to the support 403 about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis 477. Here, this axis of rotation corresponds to the longitudinal axis 477 of the rod 405.

[0036] The support 403 has a frame-forming portion 421, which is fixed to the wall of the basin. The bridge 400 has a median plane 6 (shown in Figures 6 and 9), which includes the axis of rotation of the rod 405, here its longitudinal axis 477. Here, the median plane 6 extends substantially perpendicularly to the wall of the basin.

[0037] The support 403 further has an arm 423, which extends from the frame 421 and supports at its end opposite the frame 421 a lug (not shown), called the lower lug. The lower lug extends along the axis of rotation of the rod 405, here its longitudinal axis 477. The rod 405 has at one of its ends, here its lower end, a bore, in a form compatible with the lower lug. This bore and the lower lug together form a rotational guide for the rod 405.

[0038] The support 403 further has a housing portion (not shown), which accommodates a motor assembly capable of rotating the rod 405 relative to the support 403. The rod 405 is kinematically coupled to the motor assembly via a magnetic coupling (not shown in Figures 1 to 9), housed at least partially within the housing. Here, the housing is located in an upper portion of the support 403, opposite the arm 423 with respect to the rod 405.

[0039] Here, the support 403 also has, opposite the rod 405, a projection 419. The projection 419 extends from the frame 421, tapering as it does so. The projection 419 is located between the arm 423 and the housing of the support 403. A space is provided between the rod 405 and the projection 419.

[0040] The lock 1 comprises a support, here in the form of a lower part of a housing 301, and a pair of arms mounted inside the housing 301, namely a first arm, or right arm 101, predominantly on the right in Figures 1 to 9, and a second arm, or left arm 201, predominantly on the left in these figures. For clarity, the housing 301 is shown here open, i.e., without its cover.

[0041] The right branch 101 and the left branch 201 jointly define a cavity 7 suitable for receiving at least one longitudinal section of the retaining rod 405.

[0042] The right arm 101 and the left arm 201 each further have a respective end portion, or head 5, by means of which the rod 405 can be retained in the cavity 7, at least when these heads are sufficiently close to each other ([Fig. 1]). The heads 5 are here shaped into respective hooks 51, at least in part. The heads 5 correspond to the active parts of the latch 1.

[0043] The right arm 101 and the left arm 201 are arranged here opposite each other. The lock 1 shown here comprises a pair of corresponding parts, each formed into a respective arm of the right arm 101 and the left arm 201. Alternatively, the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 are made as a single piece.

[0044] The lock 1, via its housing 301, is fixed, for example, near one end of the cover, particularly when the support 403 of the bridge 400 is fixed to the wall of the pool. For example, the housing 301 can be mounted on an end slat when the cover takes the form of a flap (not shown).

[0045] The lock 1 has at least one state in which the heads 5 are sufficiently far apart from each other to delimit between them a passage suitable for at least one longitudinal section of the rod 405, at least in one position of this rod 405 relative to the support 403 ([Fig.4]).

[0046] The lock 1 has at least one state in which the heads 5 are sufficiently close to each other to prevent the passage of at least one longitudinal section of the rod 405, at least in one position of this rod 405 relative to the support 403 ([Fig.1]).

[0047] In a lock 1 whose arms 101, 201 are fixed or slightly deformable, these two states can become one.

[0048] Here, the latch 1 can have several states which correspond to different spacings of the heads 5 relative to each other, as in Figures 4 and 7 by example. Here, the lock 1 can also have a closed state, visible in figures 1 and 6 for example, where the heads 5 of the right branch 101 and the left branch 201 are closest to each other.

[0049] For example, the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 are each movably mounted on the housing 301. When the latch 1 opens, these arms move relative to the housing 301 such that their ends 5 move apart. A closing movement of the latch 1 corresponds to a movement of these arms such that the ends 5 move closer together. Typically, the opening and closing movements are performed in opposite directions. In the case of the latch 1 described here, by way of example only, the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 are each rotatably mounted on the housing 301. The opening and closing of the latch 1 correspond to rotational movements of the arms in opposite directions.

[0050] The right arm 101 and the left arm 201 each have a respective end portion, or joint 37, opposite the head 5 and by means of which this arm is rotatably mounted on the housing 301 around a respective pivot 3. The right arm 101 and the left arm 201 each also have a respective intermediate portion 9, which connects the joint 37 of this arm to its head 5.

[0051] Along its hook 51, each branch 101,201 has a lateral surface, at least part of which forms a face generally oriented towards the cavity, or inner face 23. Here, another part of this lateral surface further forms a face directed opposite to the inner face 23, or outer face 25. The inner face 23 partially borders the cavity 7.

[0052] As shown in particular in [Fig.1], the inner face 23 of the hooks 51 is arranged so as to retain the rod 405 inside the cavity 7, in at least one position of this rod 405 relative to the support 403 of the bridge 400, in particular when the heads 5 of the lock 1 are close to each other.

[0053] The lateral surface further forms here, on the head 5 of each branch 101,201, a respective terminal face 29. Each terminal face 29 connects the inner face 23 and the outer face 25. Each terminal face 29 corresponds here to the end of the respective hook 51.

[0054] The lock 1 further includes an elastic return element, in the form of a compression spring 107, which connects the joints 37 of the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 to each other. The spring 107 returns the heads 5 of the right arm 101 and the left arm 201 to each other.

[0055] The lock 1 lacks its own opening mechanism, that is to say, the lock 1 does not include any mechanism capable of being controlled in such a way as to cause a movement or deformation of branches 101, 201 tending to move the heads 5 away from each other.

[0056] Figures 1 to 8 show the bridge 400 and the latch 1 in a typical relative position, which corresponds, for example, to a cover deployed on the water's surface, i.e., generally extending along a horizontal plane, and to one end of this cover opposite the pool wall. The latch 1 is located opposite the rod 405. The latch 1 is at the level of the median plane 6 of the bridge 400.

[0057] Reference is made more specifically to [Fig. 1].

[0058] The rod 405 has at least one face shaped into a retaining face 411, capable of cooperating with the inner faces 23 of the lock 1 when the lock 1 is engaged with the rod 405. The rod 405 is capable of adopting a first stable position relative to the support 403 such that its retaining face 411 is directed towards the support 403, i.e. towards the rear face of the support 403.

[0059] In [Fig. 1], the rod 405 is located inside the cavity 7, in its first position relative to the support 403. Its retaining face 411 is directed towards the heads 5 of the arms 101,201. The rod 405 can be retained by these heads 5 of the arms 101,201.

[0060] The lock 1 is engaged with the bridge 400 via the rod 405. The safety device is locked. The cover is fixed to the wall of the pool. The bridge 400 is in a first state, or locking state.

[0061] The rod 405 may include several faces of the type of the retaining face 411, in particular distributed around its longitudinal axis 477. Here, for example, in addition to the retaining face 411, the rod 405 has two additional faces 409 of the type of the retaining face 411. The retaining face 411 and the additional faces 409 of the type of the retaining face 411 are equidistant from the longitudinal axis 477.

[0062] The retaining face 411 and the additional faces 409 of the type of the retaining face 411 are analogous to each other. Here, the retaining face 411 and the additional faces 409 of the type of the retaining face 411 each essentially comprise a generally flat surface 412.

[0063] The retaining face 411 of the rod 405 is close to the inner faces 23 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches. Depending on the movement of the cover relative to the basin, the retaining face 411 can come into contact with the heads 5, in particular with their inner faces 23, here via its flat surface 412. When the cover is subjected to a force that tends to move it away from the basin wall, for example caused by a fall onto it, the retaining face 411 of the rod 405 comes to rest on one or both of the inner faces 23 of the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 branches.

[0064] When the rod 405 is in its initial position relative to the support 403, the retaining face 411 is aligned with the projection 419. The gap between the projection 419 and the retaining face 411, here its flat surface 412, is sufficiently narrow to prevent a finger from being pinched between the support 403 and the rod 405, or at least to considerably reduce the risk of such a pinch. This gap remains wide enough to allow the rod 405 to rotate about its longitudinal axis 477. For example, this gap measures approximately 5 millimeters.

[0065] Part of the arms 101,201 of the lock 1 can be housed in the space which separates the retaining face 411 of the rod 405 and the advance 419 of the support 403, here the heads 5, in particular the terminal faces 29 of these.

[0066] Reference is now made to figures 2 to 5.

[0067] These figures represent the lock 1 disengaging from the bridge 400.

[0068] Figure 2 illustrates the beginning of this disengagement. Figure 2 is analogous to Figure 1, except that the rod 405 is in a second position relative to the support 403, in which its retaining face 411 is directed obliquely with respect to the rear face of the support 403. This retaining face 411 is now directed away from the heads 5 of the arms 101, 201.

[0069] The rod 405 remains in the cavity 7. The bridge 400 is in a second state, or unlocked state, in which the retaining face 411 of its rod 405 is retracted. The lock 1 remains engaged with the bridge 400. However, the lock 1 is no longer in contact with the bridge 400. The safety device is unlocked, meaning that if the cover is pulled, its end can move significantly away from the pool wall. The cover is no longer fixed to the pool wall.

[0070] Here, the rod 405 further comprises at least one face shaped into a disengagement face 435, capable of cooperating with the heads 5 of the arms 101, 201, in particular their inner faces 23, to disengage the rod 405 from its grip in the lock 1.

[0071] In the position of the rod 405 shown in [Fig.2], the disengagement face 435 is presented to the heads 5 of the lock 1.

[0072] As shown in [Fig. 2], when the rod 405 is in its second position relative to the support 403, the disengagement face 435 is directed towards the support 403. In particular, the disengagement face 435 is opposite the extension 419. The space between the rod 405 and the extension 419 is smaller than in the first position of the rod 405 ([Fig. 1]). For example, this space is on the order of a millimeter.

[0073] Between the position of the rod 405 shown in [Fig.1] and that of [Fig.2], the rod 405 has rotated relative to the support 403, here around its longitudinal axis 477. As shown here, this rotation is in the clockwise direction. As a replacement or in addition, this rotation could be done in the counterclockwise direction.

[0074] The rod 405 may include several faces of the type of the disengagement face 435. Here, for example, in addition to the disengagement face 435, the rod 405 has two additional faces 437 of the type of the disengagement face 435. The disengagement face 435 and the additional faces 437 of the type of the disengagement face 435 are here equidistant from the longitudinal axis 477.

[0075] The disengagement face 435 and the additional faces 437 of the disengagement face 435 type are in particular analogous to each other. Here, the disengagement face 435 and the additional faces 437 of the disengagement face 435 type each essentially comprise a projecting surface arranged as a leading edge 436.

[0076] Here, the disengagement face 435 of the rod 405 further has two additional surfaces shaped as first guide surfaces 433, which are active when the rod 405 is disengaged from the lock 1. The first guide surfaces 433 of the disengagement face 435 are adjacent to its leading edge 436. Here, the first guide surfaces 433 are shaped analogously to the generally flat surfaces of the retaining face type 409, 411.

[0077] Each of the retaining face type 409,411 and the disengagement face type 435,437 extends along the longitudinal axis 477. The retaining face type 409,411 and the disengagement face type 435,437 are arranged alternately around the longitudinal axis 477 of the rod 405. A rotation of the rod 405 around its axis 477 allows one of the retaining face type 409,411 and one of the disengagement face type 435,437 to be presented alternately to the lock 1.

[0078] In particular, the rod 405 has a general prism shape based on a regular polygon, here with a triangular base, some at least of whose faces include faces of the type of the retaining face 409,411.

[0079] The rod 405 rotates on its longitudinal axis 477 until the bridge 400 reaches its unlocked state. Here, this corresponds to a 60° rotation of the rod 405, in the clockwise direction.

[0080] The space between the stem 405 and the extension 419 decreases. The heads 5 of the right branch 101 and left branch 201 are no longer housed in this space. The terminal faces 29 of the heads 5 of the right branch 101 and left branch 201 move apart. The terminal faces 29 of the heads 5 of the right branch 101 and left branch 201 engage with the extension 419. The latch 1 begins to open.

[0081] Reference is made to [Fig.3].

[0082] This figure shows the continued disengagement of the lock 1 from the rod 405, as it results, for example, from forces tending to move the cover away from the wall of the pool, in particular during the rolling up of the cover. This [Fig. 3] illustrates the continuation of [Fig. 2].

[0083] The rod 405 is in its second position relative to the support 403. The rod 405 here has a face shaped into a release face 431, which is active when the lock 1 of the rod 405 is disengaged. When the rod 405 is in its second position relative to the support 403, the release face 431 is directed opposite to the rear face of the support 403. Here, the release face 431 includes one of the additional faces of the type of the retaining face 411.

[0084] The end faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms extend from the 419 shaft. The end faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms cooperate with the first guide surfaces 433 of the rod 405. The end faces 29 slide along these surfaces. The arrangement of the first guide surfaces 433 tends to open the lock 1.

[0085] Reference is made to [Fig.4].

[0086] This figure shows the end of the mutual disengagement of the rod 405 and the lock 1. It illustrates the continuation of [Fig.3], as it results for example from an additional distancing of the end of the cover from the basin wall, in particular during the continuation of the winding of the cover.

[0087] The rod 405 is in its second position relative to the support 403. The terminal faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms are in contact with the additional faces 437 of the disengagement face type 435, in particular with their leading edges 436. The latch 1 is in a more open state than that shown in [Fig. 3]. The rod 405 has exited the cavity 7.

[0088] Reference is made to [Fig.5].

[0089] This figure shows the lock 1 disengaged from the rod 405, for example after the disengagement illustrated in Figures 2 to 4. This figure illustrates a relative position of the bridge 400 and the lock 1 which results, in particular, from an additional distancing of the end of the basin wall cover from the [Fig.4],

[0090] In [Fig. 5], the rod 405 is in its second position. The lock 1 is closed. The rod 405 is out of the cavity 7. The release face 431 of the rod 405 is opposite the outer faces 25 of the heads 5.

[0091] The bridge 400 can then return to its configuration described in relation to [Fig.1], by a rotation of the rod 405 on its longitudinal axis 477 until this rod 405 reaches its first position relative to the support 403. Here, this corresponds to a 60° rotation of the rod 405, in the counterclockwise direction.

[0092] Reference is now made to figures 6 and 7. These figures represent the lock 1 engaging the bridge 400.

[0093] Figure 6 shows the latch 1 opposite the rod 405, for the purpose of fixing the cover to the wall of the basin. The rod 405 is located outside the cavity 7 of the latch 1, out of engagement.

[0094] The rod 405 includes at least one face shaped into an engagement face 413, capable of cooperating with the heads 5 of the arms 101,201, in particular their outer faces 25, to bring the lock 1 into contact with the rod 405.

[0095] The rod 405 has at least one third stable position relative to the support 403 in which the engagement face 413 is directed opposite to the rear face of the support 403 with respect to the longitudinal axis 477. Here, the third position and the first position of the rod 405 correspond to the same position of the rod 405 with respect to the support 403. Here, when the rod 405 is in the third position, the bridge 400 is in a locking state.

[0096] In [Fig. 6], the rod 405 is in this third position. The engagement face 413 is opposite the heads 5, in particular their outer faces 25.

[0097] In the particular case represented here, the engagement face 413 is opposite the retention face 411 relative to the longitudinal axis 477 of the rod 405.

[0098] Reference is made to [Fig.7].

[0099] This figure represents the latch 1 continuing its engagement with the rod 405, as it results, for example, from forces tending to bring the cover closer to the wall of the basin. This [Fig.7] illustrates the continuation of [Fig.6].

[0100] The rod 405 remains in its third position.

[0101] In the example shown here, the engagement face 413 has two surfaces shaped as second guide surfaces 415, adapted to cooperate with the end faces 29 of the latch 1 when the latch 1 engages with the rod 405. These second guide surfaces 415 are active when the latch 1 engages with the rod 405. Here, one of these second guide surfaces 415 corresponds to one of the first guide surfaces of the disengagement face. Here, the second guide surfaces 415 correspond to the generally flat surfaces of the additional faces of the type of the retaining face 411. The engagement face 413 also has a leading surface 414 shaped so as to initiate an opening of the latch 1 from its closed state.

[0102] The engagement face 413 of the rod 405 cooperates here with the end faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms. The lock 1 is open. The end faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 arms are engaged with the second guide surfaces 415 of the engagement face 413 of the rod 405 and slide along these last. This tends to open the lock 1 by separating the heads 5 of the right 101 and left 201 arms from each other. These second guide surfaces 415 move the heads 5 apart to open a passage allowing access to the cavity 7. Previously, the engagement face 413 began its cooperation with the lock 1 by engaging its attack surface 414 between the heads 5 of the lock 1. In [Fig. 7], the attack surface 414 is located in the cavity 7.

[0103] Once the rod 405 is in the cavity 7, the rod 405 can be pivoted so as to be in its first position relative to the support 403 and to be engaged in the lock 1. Here, this is unnecessary, since the third position and the first position of the rod 405 relative to the support 403 are coincident.

[0104] Reference is made to [Fig.8].

[0105] This figure shows the lock 1 and the bridge 400 in a relative position which may occur, for example, following the position of [Fig.1] and before the step shown in [Fig.2],

[0106] The rod 405 remains in its initial position relative to the support 403. Compared to the configuration shown in [Fig. 1], the cover has moved towards the basin wall. As a result of this movement, the end faces 29 of the heads 5 move apart upon contact with the projection 419 of the support 403 and engage with it. The space between the retaining face 411 of the rod 405 and the projection 419 of the support 403 is released. The bridge 400 and the latch 1 remain engaged with each other.

[0107] Here, the configuration shown on this [Fig.8] can also result, for example, from an additional displacement of the basin cover towards the basin wall, in continuity with [Fig.7].

[0108] Reference is made to [Fig.9].

[0109] This figure shows a configuration that can occur when the lock 1 is engaged with the bridge 400.

[0110] The rod 405 is in its third position relative to the support 403.

[0111] The outer faces 25 of the heads 5 are partly shaped into a ramp, suitable for guiding the rod 405 towards the cavity 7 when the lock 1 is presented to the rod 405.

[0112] In the configuration shown in [Fig. 9], the latch 1 is offset from the median plane 6 of the bridge 400, here to the right. This configuration can result from the cover moving on the water. The movement of the end of the cover towards the basin wall causes the engagement face 413 of the rod 405 to interact with the heads 5, in particular the head 5 of the left arm 201. In this interaction, the attack surface 414 of the rod 405 comes to rest against the ramp of the outer face 25 of the head 5, here of the left arm 201. This interaction tends to open the latch 1. The latch 1 is thus in an open state similar to that described in relation to [Fig. 7].

[0113] Furthermore, the engagement of the attack surface 414 with the ramp of the left branch 201 guides the movement of the cover to the left, as it continues to advance towards the basin wall. In this way, the lock 1 is positioned in the median plane 6 of the bridge 400 and the terminal faces 29 of the right 101 and left 201 branches come into contact with the rod 405, as described in relation to [Fig. 7].

[0114] Due to the symmetry of the lock 1, a similar effect is obtained when the lock 1 is offset to the left relative to the median plane 6 of the bridge 400.

[0115] Reference is made to figures 1 to 9.

[0116] According to the embodiment shown in these figures, the rod 405 moves between its first position and its second position by a rotation of 60° around its longitudinal axis 477.

[0117] The disengagement face 435 includes one of the second guide surfaces 415 of the engagement face 413. This disengagement face 435 further includes the generally flat surface 412 of the retention face 411.

[0118] The release face 431 includes one of the second guide surfaces 415 of the engagement face 413.

[0119] The retaining face 411 includes one of the first guiding surfaces 433 of the disengagement face 435.

[0120] The engagement face 413 corresponds to one of the additional faces 437 of the disengagement face type 435.

[0121] This embodiment has the advantage of requiring little energy for the movement of the rod 405 between the locking and unlocking state of the bridge 400. In particular, due to the relative positioning of the engagement face 413 and the retention face 411 on either side of the longitudinal axis 477, after the mutual engagement of the rod 405 and the lock 1, it is not necessary to move the rod 405 relative to the support 403 to bring the rod 405 and the lock 1 into mutual engagement.

[0122] According to an alternative embodiment, the disengagement face 435 and the retention face 411 are mutually opposed relative to the longitudinal axis 477 of the rod 405. In this case, the rod 405 moves between its first position and its second position by rotating 180° around its longitudinal axis 477.

[0123] In this case, the disengagement face 435 corresponds to the engagement face 413. The release face 431 includes the retention face 411. The generally flat surfaces 412 of the guide faces 409 correspond to the first guide surfaces 433 of the disengagement face 435 and to the second guide surfaces 415 of the engagement face 413.

[0124] Reference is made to figures 10 to 12.

[0125] These figures show an example of an embodiment of the bridge 501 for the safety device of Figures 1 to 9. The elements of this bridge 501 that are analogous to those described in connection with the bridge of Figures 1 to 9 bear the same reference numbers, plus one hundred. For clarity, the support 503 is shown open, i.e., without its cover. The bridge 501 is shown in [Fig. 10] in its locking state as described in connection with Figures 1 to 9.

[0126] The bridge 501 has a retaining rod 505, analogous to the retaining rod of the bridge in Figures 1 to 9, and a support 503, analogous to the support of the bridge in Figures 1 to 9. The rod 505 is rotatably mounted on the support 503, here about an axis of rotation which corresponds to its longitudinal axis 577. The position of the rod 505 relative to the support 503 in [Fig. 10] corresponds to the first (or third) position of the rod described in relation to Figures 1 to 9. The retaining face and the disengagement face of the rod 505 are not visible in Figures 10 to 12.

[0127] The rod 505 has, between its lower end 527 and its upper end 525, a main portion or active portion 506, which extends along its longitudinal axis 577. The active portion 506 is shown in cross-section in Figures 1 to 9. The lock engages with the rod 505 via its active portion 506. In particular, the active portion 506 has the retaining face, the additional faces 509 of the type of the retaining face, the disengagement face and the additional faces 537 of the type of the disengagement face, at least in part.

[0128] The active portion 506 of the rod 505 has, along the longitudinal axis 577, a height equal to the thickness of the latch with which the rod 505 is intended to cooperate, plus an additional clearance. This additional clearance is chosen to compensate for a slight variation in water level in the basin while preventing the cover from sinking deeply in the event of a fall. Typically, for a latch thickness of approximately 20 millimeters, the active portion 506 has a height of approximately 60 millimeters, which compensates for a variation in water level in the basin of approximately 40 millimeters.

[0129] The rod 505 further has at its upper end 525 an enlarged portion 539, rotationally fixed to its active portion 506. Here, the enlarged portion 539 and the active portion 506 of the rod 505 are formed as a single unit. The enlarged portion 539 has a flattened shape and a generally circular outer contour, centered on the longitudinal axis 577.

[0130] The lower lug 549 of the support 503 is made in the form of a part that clips onto the end of the arm 523 thereof. The lower lug 549 has a general shape of a right cylinder, the axis of which corresponds to the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here its longitudinal axis 577. The rod 505 has at its lower end 527 a bore 551, in cooperation of form with the lower lug 549. This bore 551 and the lower lug 549 form a first bearing for the rotation of the rod 505 relative to the support 503.

[0131] The housing 545 further has an additional lug, called the upper lug 547, which extends along the longitudinal axis 577. The upper lug 547 is positioned opposite the lower lug 549. The upper lug 547 has a general shape of a right cylinder, the axis of which corresponds to the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here its longitudinal axis 577. The enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 has in its center a bore 543, which corresponds in shape to the upper lug 547. This bore 543 and the upper lug 547 together form a second bearing for the rotation of the rod 505 relative to the support 503.

[0132] The magnetic coupling of the bridge 501 includes the enlarged portion 539 and a magnetic coupling portion 555, suitable for engaging the enlarged portion 539.

[0133] The magnetic coupling part 555 is housed in the casing 545. The magnetic coupling part 555 is rotatably mounted in the casing 545, about an axis of rotation that corresponds to the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here its longitudinal axis 577. The magnetic coupling part 555 is positioned opposite the enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505. Here, the magnetic coupling part 555 is positioned above the enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505. The magnetic coupling part 555 generally has an annular shape, with a hollow area 579 in its center. The hollow area 579 is delimited by a generally circular contour wall, which provides internal guidance for the magnetic coupling part 555 in its rotation about the longitudinal axis 577. The magnetic coupling part 555 has an outer contour which is generally circular, centered on the longitudinal axis 577 of the stem 505.

[0134] The magnetic coupling further comprises at least one pair of permanent magnets, one being disposed in the enlarged portion 539, the other in the magnetic coupling part 555. Here, the magnetic coupling comprises seven permanent magnets, in particular three of them being disposed in the enlarged portion 539 and the other four in the magnetic coupling part 555.

[0135] The enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 has at least one housing for one of the permanent magnets. Here, the enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 has three housings 542, in each of which one of the permanent magnets 541 is housed. These housings 542 are distributed around the bore 543 of the enlarged portion 539. These housings 542 are arranged at substantially equal distances from the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here its longitudinal axis 577. These housings 542 are arranged at equal distances from each other. Each housing 542 is positioned overhanging one of the faces of the type of the retaining face 509 of the rod 505.

[0136] The magnetic coupling portion 555 has at least one housing for one of the permanent magnets. Here, the magnetic coupling portion 555 has a lateral surface 553 and six housings 561, each with an opening onto its lateral surface 553. Here, four of these six housings 561 accommodate one of the permanent magnets 563, 565. These magnets 563, 565 protrude partially from the openings that the housings 561 form on the lateral surface 553 of the magnetic coupling portion 555. These housings 561 are arranged at substantially equal distances from the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here its longitudinal axis 577. These housings 561 are arranged at regular intervals around this axis. The distance between the housings 561 of the magnetic coupling part 555 and the axis of rotation of the rod 505 is substantially equal to that between the housings 542 of the enlarged portion 539 of this axis.

[0137] Each magnet 541, 563, 565 has a first pole, or north pole, which bears the reference "+" on [Fig. 12], and a second pole, or south pole, which bears the reference on [Fig. 12]. Each magnet 541, 563, 565 is arranged in its respective housing 542, 561 so that the relative position of its north and south poles defines an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rod 505, here to its longitudinal axis 577.

[0138] The magnets 541 of the enlarged portion 539 are arranged in their respective housings 542 so as to have the same polarity orientation with respect to each other. Here, each of these magnets 541 is arranged so that its north pole is oriented downwards and its south pole is oriented upwards, when the longitudinal axis 577 of the rod 505 is positioned vertically.

[0139] The magnetic coupling portion 555 here has three magnets of a first type 563. The magnets of the first type 563 are housed in three recesses 561 of the magnetic coupling portion 555 arranged at equal distances from each other. The magnets of the first type 563 are arranged in their respective recesses 561 so as to have the same polarity orientation with each other. The magnets of the first type 563 are arranged in their respective recesses 561 so as to have the same polarity orientation as the magnets 541 of the enlarged portion 539. Here, for example, each magnet of the first type 563 is arranged so that its north pole is oriented downwards and its south pole is oriented upwards, when the longitudinal axis 577 of the rod 505 is positioned vertically.

[0140] Here, the magnetic coupling part 555 further has a second type magnet 565. The second type magnet 565 is housed in one of the recesses 561 of the magnetic coupling part 555 arranged between two of the recesses 561 housing the first type magnets 563. The second type magnet 565 is arranged in its respective recess 561 so as to have a polarity orientation reversed with respect to the polarity orientation of the magnets of the first type 563. The magnet of the second type 565 is arranged in its respective housing 561 so as to have a polarity orientation reversed with respect to the polarity orientation of the magnets 541 of the enlarged portion 539. The magnet of the second type 565 is arranged so that its south pole is oriented downwards and its north pole is oriented upwards when the longitudinal axis 577 of the rod 505 is positioned vertically. Alternatively, the magnetic coupling portion may include additional magnets, in particular of the second type, distributed around the axis of rotation of this portion relative to the housing, for example, alternating with the magnets of the first type. Alternatively, the magnets of the second type may be arranged in the enlarged portion of the rod.

[0141] Here, the rod 505 and the support 503 are made of plastic parts. The magnets 541 of the rod 505, once positioned in their respective housings 542, are sealed with resin to ensure their watertightness. The cover (not shown) on the housing 545 provides a seal for the magnets 563, 565 of the magnetic coupling part 555.

[0142] The enlarged portion 539 further has a notch 540, intended to receive the extension 519 of the support 503 when the rod 505 is between its locking and unlocking states. The notch 540 extends between two recesses 542 of the enlarged portion 539, from the bore 543 thereof. The notch 540 forms two stops for the advance 519 when the rod 505 rotates relative to the support 503. One of these stops is active when the rod 505 rotates from its first position (or third position, corresponding to the locking state of the bridge 501) to its second position (corresponding to the unlocking state of the bridge 501) relative to the support 503. The other of these stops is active when the rod 505 rotates from its second position to its first position relative to the support 503.

[0143] The magnets 541 of the enlarged portion 539 and the magnets of the first type 563 of the magnetic coupling portion 555 are arranged relative to each other such that the rod 505 has at least one equilibrium, or stable, position relative to the magnetic coupling portion 555, in which each of the magnets 541 of the rod 505 is positioned opposite one of the magnets of the first type 563. Here, the interaction between the notch 540 of the rod 505 and the extension 519 results in the rod 505 having a unique equilibrium position relative to the magnetic coupling portion 555. In this equilibrium position, each of the magnets 541 of the rod 505 is located opposite one of the magnets of the first type 563 of the magnetic coupling portion 555 and the notch 540 of the rod 505 is located opposite the magnet of the second type 565 of the magnetic coupling part 555.

[0144] The coupling between the magnetic coupling part 555 and the enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 has the effect that the rod 505 tends to position itself relative to the magnetic coupling part 555 in its equilibrium position.

[0145] The housing 545 contains the motor assembly capable of rotating the rod 505 about its axis of rotation, here its longitudinal axis 577. The motor assembly comprises a motor (not shown) kinematically connected to the magnetic coupling portion 555. The kinematic connection between the motor and the magnetic coupling portion 555 is achieved via a gear mechanism comprising a toothed wheel 557, mounted on the motor output. The magnetic coupling portion 555 has a toothed portion 559, which meshes with the toothed wheel 557. The rotation of the motor rotates the toothed wheel 557 in one direction, which in turn rotates the magnetic coupling portion 555 in the opposite direction.

[0146] The toothed portion 559 extends along a portion of the outer contour of the magnetic coupling part 555, here connecting three adjacent housings 561. The first of these housings 561 houses the magnet of the second type 565, the second of these housings 561 houses one of the magnets of the first type 563, and the third of these housings 561 is without a magnet. The magnetic coupling part 555 has a first position relative to the housing 545, in which the toothed wheel 557 meshes the toothed portion 559 near this first housing 561 housing the magnet of the second type 565. The magnetic coupling part 555 also has a second position relative to the housing 545, in which the toothed wheel 557 meshes the toothed portion 559 between this second housing 561 housing one of the magnets of the first type 563 and this third housing 561 without a magnet.

[0147] The magnetic coupling portion 555 has a pair of projections 558, each located near one of its magnet-free housings 561. These projections 558 cooperate with sensors (not shown) to detect when the magnetic coupling portion 555 is in its first or second position relative to the housing 545.

[0148] When the magnetic coupling part 555 is in its first position relative to the housing 545 and the rod 505 is in its equilibrium position relative to the magnetic coupling part 555, the rod 505 is in its first (or third) position relative to the support 503 and the bridge 501 is in its locking state described in relation to Figures 1 to 9. When the magnetic coupling part 555 is in its second position relative to the housing 545 and the rod 505 is in its equilibrium position relative to the magnetic coupling part 555, the rod 505 is in its second position relative to the support 503 and the bridge 501 is in its unlocking state described in relation to Figures 1 to 9.

[0149] The first position of the magnetic coupling part 555 relative to the housing 545 can be defined as a default position of the latter.

[0150] The magnetic coupling portion 555 moves from its first position to its second position relative to the housing 545 by a rotation, here 60° clockwise, which tends to move the bridge 501 from its locking state to its unlocking state. The magnetic coupling portion 555 moves from its second position to its first position relative to the housing 545 by a rotation, here 60° counterclockwise, which tends to move the bridge 501 from its unlocking state to its locking state.

[0151] Thus, it is possible to move the bridge 501 between its locking state and its unlocking state by motorized means.

[0152] The number of magnets and their strength are chosen so that the coupling between the magnetic coupling portion 555 and the enlarged portion 539 can be manually disengaged, allowing the rod 505 to be moved out of its equilibrium position relative to the magnetic coupling portion 555. The bridge 501 can thus be moved manually between its locking and unlocking states, regardless of the position of the magnetic coupling portion 555. This manual operating mode is particularly useful in the event of a malfunction of the motor assembly. The notch 540 forms two mechanical stops for the advancement 519 when the rod 505 is manually rotated relative to its support 503 between its first and second positions.

[0153] The enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 has a projection 556, which extends over one of its additional faces 537 of the disengagement face type. The cover for the support 503 has, in the middle of its front face, a window, arranged so as to reveal this projection 556 when the bridge 501 is in its locking state (i.e., the rod 505 is in its first position relative to the support 503).

[0154] The bridge 501 may also have an indicator showing that the rod 505 is in its first position, i.e., that the bridge 501 is in its locking state. This indicator may be a visual indicator that is revealed when the rod 505 is in its first position. Such a visual indicator may, as shown here, be positioned on the advance 556. The visual indicator may, for example, consist of the word "LOCK" or its English equivalent, or a solid, suggestive color. When the rod 505 is rotated relative to the support 503, particularly manually, the user is informed that the bridge 501 has reached its locking state by the revelation of the indicator through the window in the cover.

[0155] The magnets 541 of the rod 505 have, on the one hand, such a power of mutual attraction with the magnets of the first type 563, and, on the other hand, such a power of mutual repulsion with the magnet of the second type 565 that, when the rod 505 is moved manually out of its equilibrium position with respect to the magnetic coupling part 555, the rod 505 tends to reposition itself spontaneously in this equilibrium position once released.

[0156] The advancement 556 further has a pair of grooves 544, intended to cooperate with a pair of corresponding lugs on a tool (not shown). When the advancement 556 is revealed through the hood window, the user can insert the tool into the grooves 544. The inserted tool comes to rest against the hood window, which holds the rod 505 in its initial position even if this position does not correspond to its equilibrium position relative to the magnetic coupling portion 555. The bridge 501 is held in its locked state.

[0157] The enlarged portion 539 of the rod 505 further has an opening 546, intended to receive a tool or accessory. The opening 546 is positioned on the enlarged portion 539 at the advancement 556. The opening 546 is located near the housing 542 of the enlarged portion 539 which is diametrically opposite the notch 540, with respect to the longitudinal axis 577. The opening 546 is revealed by the hood window when the bridge 501 is in its unlocked state (i.e., the rod 505 is in its second position with respect to the support 503). The accessory may be part of the same tool as that having the pair of lugs intended to cooperate with the pair of grooves 544 of the advancement 556. When the orifice 546 is revealed by the window of the hood, the user may insert the accessory into the orifice 546.The accessory thus introduced comes to rest against the hood window, which maintains the rod 505 in its second position even if this position does not correspond to its equilibrium position relative to the magnetic coupling part 555. The bridge 501 is held in its unlocked state.

[0158] Thus, even in the event of a malfunction of the motor assembly, it is possible to manually rotate the rod 505 relative to the support 503, and to maintain the bridge 501 in its locking state or in its unlocking state.

[0159] A retaining rod has been described which has three faces of the type of the retaining face and three faces of the type of the disengagement face. This embodiment is advantageous, in particular because it allows for a reduced space between the rod and the extension of the support, resulting in a high degree of compactness and a low risk of finger pinching, while also allowing the rod to cooperate with a lock whose arm heads are only slightly separated from each other.

[0160] Furthermore, this embodiment makes it possible to maintain the same position of the rod relative to the support for the engagement and locking of the bolt with it. ci. This advantage is found in all variants of the invention having an odd number of faces of the type of the retaining face and of faces of the type of the disengagement face.

[0161] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the rod of the safety device may have two faces of the retaining face type and two faces of the disengagement face type. This first embodiment is advantageous because the rod can cooperate with a lock whose arm heads are only slightly separated from each other, or even fixed.

[0162] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the rod of the safety device may have four retaining faces and four disengagement faces. In this second embodiment, the steep slopes between the retaining faces allow for very gradual guidance when the lock engages with or disengages from the bridge.

[0163] It has been described that the rod is capable of pivoting about an axis that coincides with its longitudinal axis relative to the support. Alternatively, the rod may be capable of pivoting relative to the support about an axis other than its longitudinal axis, for example about a vertical axis parallel to its longitudinal axis.

[0164] It has been described that the rod is guided in rotation by a cooperation between a bore at its lower end and a lower lug of the support, optionally supplemented by a cooperation between a bore at its upper end and an upper lug of the support. Alternatively, the rod can be guided in rotation in a different way, for example by a cooperation between a lug disposed at one of its ends and a bore of the support, or by a cooperation between a shaft passing through the rod and a pair of mutually opposed bores of the support.

[0165] A disengagement face has been described whose profile has the shape of a wedge. Alternatively, the disengagement face may have a different shaped profile.

[0166] A magnetic coupling between the rod and the motor assembly has been described, which has the advantage of ensuring the sealing of the motor assembly. Alternatively, other types of coupling are possible.

[0167] It has been described that each magnet in the rod and each magnet of the first type is arranged so that its north pole is oriented downwards and its south pole is oriented upwards, and that the magnet of the second type is arranged so that its south pole is oriented downwards and its north pole is oriented upwards, when the longitudinal axis of the rod is positioned vertically. Alternatively, each magnet in the rod and each magnet of the first type can be arranged so that its north pole is oriented upwards and its south pole is oriented downwards, while the magnet of the second type is arranged so that its south pole is oriented upwards and its north pole is oriented downwards, when the longitudinal axis of the rod is positioned vertically.

[0168] A magnetic coupling involving seven magnets has been described. This embodiment is advantageous because it provides both effective rotational drive of the rod by the magnetic coupling and an efficient return of the rod to its equilibrium position, all within a limited space. However, the drive effect is achieved when the magnetic coupling involves two magnets with the same polarity orientation, one located on the rod and the other on the magnetic coupling. Alternatively, the magnetic coupling may involve a permanent magnet and a ferromagnetic element, one, for example, positioned on the rod and the other on the magnetic coupling. The magnetic coupling may involve more than seven permanent magnets. For space reasons, it is preferable that this number remain below twelve.

[0169] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses all variants conceivable by those skilled in the art. In particular, the invention is not limited to the lock model described as an example, but is suitable for use with any type of lock, including locks of different shapes, including those with fixed arms.

[0170] A safety device comprising a retaining device or bridge adapted to cooperate with any type of lock has been described. The invention also relates to an embodiment of the safety device comprising: - a support, attached to one of the cover and to a basin, - a lock, attached to the other of the cover and to the basin, - a retaining rod, which extends along a longitudinal axis and has at least one face of a first type, the rod being mounted on the support so that its longitudinal axis is generally positioned vertically,

[0171] and which is characterized in that the rod is able to rotate relative to the support, between at least a first position, in which the face of the first type is presented to the lock so that the lock is engaged with the rod through this face, and a second position, in which the face of the first type is retracted, so that the lock is out of engagement with the rod.

[0172] In this embodiment, the rod may further have at least one face of a second type, distinct from the first. This second-type face is presented to the latch in the second position and is shaped such that the rod tends to open the latch in this second position. At least one of the second-type faces may further include at least one guide surface that is active in opening the latch.

Claims

Demands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a magnetic coupling (555; 539), said coupling comprising an enlarged portion (539) integral with the rod (505), at least rotationally, and a magnetic coupling portion (555) mounted on the support (503), opposite the enlarged portion (539), wherein a rotation of the magnetic coupling portion (555) relative to the support (503) drives the rod (505) from its first position to its second position.

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

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

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the magnetic coupling portion (555) or the enlarged portion (539) is housed in addition at least one additional permanent magnet (565), which has a reversed polarity orientation with respect to the other permanent magnets, the additional magnet (565) being arranged relative to the others so as to bring the magnetic coupling portion (555) and the enlarged portion (539) back to the stable position.

13. Device according to claim 12, wherein the support (503) has a window, and the enlarged portion (539) has at least one groove (544), which is opposite at least a part of the window when the rod (505) is in its first position, and wherein the rod (505) can be held in its first position by means of an accessory inserted into the groove (544) and adapted to come against the window of the support (503).

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the enlarged portion (539) has a visual indicator, which is disposed near the groove (544) and is opposite at least a part of the window when the rod (505) is in its first position.

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

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

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

Images