Swimming pool shutter

Abstract

Swimming pool shutter Apron (2) for a swimming pool shutter (1) comprising a plurality of slats (51) arranged next to each other and hinged to each other so as to form an apron body (2), each slat comprising a respective profile section (9) and at least one additional slat mounted at one end of the apron body (2), in an articulated manner, characterized in that this additional slat comprises a respective profile section (509) having a thickness substantially greater than the thickness of most of the profile sections (9) of the slats (51) of the apron body (2). (Fig. 6)

Description

Title of the invention: Swimming pool shutter

[0001] The invention relates to an apron for the shutter of a pool, in particular a private swimming pool.

[0002] Private swimming pools include pool protection equipment, intended to prevent accidents, including drowning. Safety regulations are strict. Generally, private swimming pools are equipped with at least one of the following safety devices: a cover intended to cover most of the water surface, a barrier preventing access to the pool, an alarm, such as an immersion alarm, which is triggered in the event of a fall into the pool, or a perimeter alarm, which is triggered when approaching the pool, a shelter placed above the pool, access to which conditions access to the pool.

[0003] Safety covers include in particular shutters, manually or motorized. A shutter typically comprises a floating panel intended to cover the pool. Such a panel is also called an "apron" in the art, or "curtain". This apron, generally rectangular, is made up of elementary slats, arranged transversely to the apron, in an articulated manner between them and each made in the form of a section of profile. The profile in question comprises at least one portion shaped into a flotation module. Often, this flotation module corresponds to a portion of the profile with a hollow section, the longitudinal ends of which are sealed in a watertight manner to allow the slat to float on the surface of the water. Typically, the profile is made of rigid plastic, by extrusion. An example of a shutter of this type is described in EP 1 233 125 A1 in the name of the Applicant.Also known, for example from EP 1 999 321 Bl, are blades whose flotation module is shaped into a solid portion of the profile.

[0004] Generally, the shutter further comprises a mechanical device, motorized or manual, which allows the apron to be deployed over the pool and rolled up.

[0005] The shutter also includes one or more fasteners, which allow it to be attached to at least one edge of the pool. The fasteners can be manually or automatically operated.

[0006] Equipping the swimming pool with a safety shutter is a safe, effective and practical way of securing the pool. In the so-called "safety" position, when it covers the pool and is attached to the ends of the latter, the shutter prevents any involuntary immersion, resulting for example from a fall.

[0007] It is customary to design the safety shutter in such a way that once attached, the shutter is at least capable of preventing the involuntary immersion of a child under five years. Particular attention must be paid to the risk of passage between the walls of the pool and the ends of the apron.

[0008] For example, in France there is a test based on the NF P90-308 standard which is carried out using a test tube, intended to represent the child's torso and legs as well as its mass. This test consists of checking that once attached, the flap prevents the entire test tube from passing under the apron. A critical area is located at the end of the apron, where it is attached to the pelvis, and, more particularly, between two adjacent fasteners as well as at the corners.

[0009] To succeed in this test, the designers play on the number of fasteners and their distribution on the end of the deck.

[0010] These fasteners are most often operated manually. Attaching the apron is all the more tedious as the number of fasteners increases. So much so that it is not uncommon for the user to give up attaching at least some of these fasteners. The shutter then no longer offers the required safety. The shutter can even become dangerous, as a child could become trapped under the apron.

[0011] In the rarer case of automatically actuated fasteners, increasing the number of fasteners complicates the design of the shutter and its installation, significantly increases its cost and harms its democratization.

[0012] The Applicant sought to improve the situation.

[0013] The proposed device is an apron for a swimming pool shutter. This apron comprises a plurality of blades arranged next to each other and hinged to each other so as to form an apron body. Each blade comprises a respective profile section and at least one additional blade mounted at one end of the apron body, in an articulated manner. The apron is characterized in that this additional blade comprises a respective profile section having a thickness substantially greater than the thickness of most of the profile sections of the blades of the apron body.

[0014] The proposed apron has at least one additional blade reinforced compared to most of the other blades that constitute it. This additional blade is less likely to deform than the others, in particular in bending. All things being equal, this additional blade tends to reduce the gap between the end of the shutter and the edge of the pool during the test of passage between the wall and the end of the blades described above. The safety of the shutter is thus considerably improved.

[0015] The distribution of the fasteners on the additional blade can be modified, and the number of these fasteners reduced, compared to a conventional shutter, the end blade of which is similar to the other blades of the apron, while improving the level of safety performance, or at the very least maintaining this level.

[0016] Optional features of the invention, complementary or substitutable, are set out below: - The profile section of the additional blade corresponds to at least two sections of profile of blades of the apron body mutually superimposed. - The profile sections of the blades of the deck body, which are superimposed on each other, are mounted head to tail. The same end blade can be mounted at both ends of the deck. The number of references to be produced is reduced. Production is made easier. - The profile section of the additional blade corresponds to the superposition of a profile section of at least some of the blades of the deck body on a different profile section. The different profile section has a width smaller than the profile section of the blades of the deck body. Winding of the deck is made easier. - The profile sections overlapping each other and are secured to each other. Slippage between the two profile sections is prevented, and the rigidity of the end blade is increased. - The overlapping profile sections are secured to each other by gluing, high-frequency welding and / or watertight riveting. The methods for fastening the profile sections are adapted to the production area of decks. - The additional blade has a single-piece profile section. The rigidity and deformation of the end blade are controlled. - The thickness of the profile section of the additional blade is at least 15 percent and at least 3 millimeters greater than the thickness of the profile section of most of the blades of the deck body. - The thickness of the profile section of the additional blade is less than the width of the profile section. - The thickness of the profile section of the additional blade is twice the thickness of the profile sections of most of the deck blades. - The apron comprises at least one member intended for attaching the apron to the pool arranged on the additional blade. The apron is capable of being attached to the edges of the swimming pool.

[0017] A kit is also provided comprising an apron, an apron winding system and a system for attaching the apron to the body of the pool.

[0018] A kit is also provided for forming an apron for a swimming pool shutter. The kit comprises a plurality of slats which are mounted next to each other and in an articulated manner to each other so as to form an apron body. Each slat comprises a respective profile section and at least one additional slat which is mounted at one end of the apron body, in an articulated manner. This additional slat comprises a respective profile section having a thickness significantly greater than the thickness of most of the sections of the apron body blade profiles.

[0019] Finally, a shutter for a swimming pool basin is proposed, comprising an apron of the type mentioned above.

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which: - [Fig.l] represents a classic swimming pool shutter, in perspective; - [Fig.2] represents a portion of the shutter of [Fig.l], seen in section along a plane II; - [Fig.3] represents a part of the shutter of [Fig.l], seen in perspective; - [Fig.4] represents a shutter according to an embodiment of the invention in sectional view. - [Fig.5] is similar to [Fig.4] and shows another portion of the shutter; - [Fig.6] is similar to [Fig.4] and illustrates a second embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.7] is analogous to [Fig.5] and illustrates the second embodiment; - [Fig.8] represents a portion of the shutter of [Fig.6], according to a second embodiment of the invention, seen in section along a plane VIII; - [Fig.9] is similar to [Fig.4] and illustrates a third embodiment of the invention; - [Fig. 10] is analogous to [Fig.5] and illustrates the third embodiment; - [Fig.l 1] represents a swimming pool shutter according to the invention, in perspective; - [Fig. 12] represents a portion of the shutter of [Fig.6], in perspective.

[0021] The attached drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, where appropriate.

[0022] Reference is made to [Fig.l].

[0023] A swimming pool comprises a basin 3 filled with water and a beach, which borders this basin 3. The swimming pool is equipped with a safety cover 1. This cover 1 comprises an apron 2 which covers the pool 3 and floats on the surface of the water. Here, for example, the apron 2 is generally rectangular. The cover 1 may further comprise a reel (not shown) for the apron 2.

[0024] Conventionally, the apron 2 comprises a plurality of elementary blades 5 similar to each other, arranged next to each other, transversely to the apron 2 and articulated together on their longitudinal edges. The blades 5 have an elongated and flat appearance.

[0025] The apron 2 has a length corresponding to the length of the basin 3.

[0026] At one of its longitudinal ends, the apron 2 is fixed to the basin 3 by means of fasteners 7 of a first type, or first fasteners 7. These first fasteners 7 are three in number in [Fig.l]. The first fasteners 7 have each a part secured to a blade 5 located near the end of the apron 2 and a part installed on basin 3.

[0027] [Fig.l] shows only one of the longitudinal ends of the apron 2. At the opposite end, not shown, the apron 2 can also be fixed to the basin 3 by means of second fasteners, of the type of the first fasteners 7 or of a different type. In particular, the first fasteners 7 can be manually or automatically operated.

[0028] [Fig.2] shows the cross-section of an end portion of a conventional deck 2, for example the deck of [Fig.l].

[0029] This portion comprises an end blade 52 and two running blades 51 articulated to each other.

[0030] Each current blade 51 comprises a generally flat section of profile 9, here slightly curved. The section 9 has two large faces 15 mutually opposite each other in a first direction of the profile and which extend in a longitudinal direction of the blade 51. The distance between these two large faces 15 corresponds to the thickness of the blade 51.

[0031] The section 9 comprises a flotation module 13 consisting of a hollow, closed, at least partially, and rigid structure which ensures the buoyancy of the blade. The hollow structure comprises longitudinal cells 23, or compartments, which extend over the entire length of the module 13. These cells 23 are integral with the module 13. These cells 23 have cross sections, here of a fairly simple shape and similar to each other, here generally rectangular.

[0032] The flotation module 13 has a generally rectangular section. The module 13 here comprises three cells 23, separated from each other by partitions 25.

[0033] The thickness of a current blade 51 corresponds to the height of its flotation module 13, namely the distance between the two large faces 15. The width of the module 13 is significantly greater than its height, which gives the section 9 an elongated and flat appearance. Typically, the height of the module 13 is between 1 and 2 centimeters, while its width is between 5 and 10 centimeters.

[0034] The section 9 of each of the running blades 51 further comprises a pair of articulation wings, arranged laterally on one side and the other of the flotation module 13 of this blade 51, respectively. This pair of wings comprises a male type wing 19 and a female type wing 21 which each connect to the module 13. The male wing 19 and the female wing 21 each extend over practically the entire length of the section 9 of a running blade 51.

[0035] The male wing 19 and the female wing 21 are shaped in correspondence with each other so as to be able to engage, at least partially, with the female wing 21 and the wing male 19 respectively of adjacent homologous blades. The male wing 19 and the female wing 21 are made of the same material as the rest of the section 9, in particular of the flotation module 13.

[0036] The male wing 19 and the female wing 21 of the section 9 make it possible to create an articulation between two adjacent homologous blades. The male wing 19 fits into the female wing 21. When the male wing 19 of a current blade 51 is fitted into the female wing 21 of an adjacent current blade 51, an angular movement between these blades remains possible. This movement is useful for rolling up the apron 2. Here, for example, the male wing 19 of the current blade 51 furthest to the right of [Fig.2] is received in the female wing 21 of the adjacent current blade 51.

[0037] The male wing 19 and the female wing 21 are obtained by extrusion, like the rest of the section 9. The mutual assembly of current blades 51 in order to form an apron 2, like the apron of [Fig.l], can be done by sliding a first current blade 51 relative to a second, the male wing 19 of the first current blade 51 sliding in the female wing 21 of the second. As a replacement, the assembly can be done by directly fitting the male wing 19 into the female wing 21.

[0038] The end blade 52 is similar to the current blades 51 of the deck 2, except that its profile section 9 is devoid of a male wing 19. This section 9 comprises a female wing 21 similar to that of the current blades 51 and which receives the male wing 19 of the current blade 51 so that the end blade 52 is articulated with this current blade 51. Unlike the current blades 51, the section 9 of the end blade 52 has, opposite its female shape 21, a straight longitudinal edge, without a male or female wing. The section 9 of the end blade 52 has a flotation module 13 identical to that of the current blades 51, in particular with the same alveolar structure. The end blade 52 can be obtained by removing its male wing 19 from a blade of the type of the current blades 51, for example by edging.

[0039] With reference to [Fig. 3], the strap 41 of a fastener is arranged around an end blade 52, for example of the type described above in relation to [Fig. 2]. The male wing 19 of the current blade 51 adjacent to the end blade 52 is interrupted so as to provide a passage for the strap 4L. The strap 41 is secured to a rod, here in the form of a dumbbell 42. This dumbbell 42 is intended to be received in a housing provided in a device attached to the wall of a swimming pool to actuate the fastener.

[0040] [Fig.4] shows the cross-section of an end portion 520 of an apron 2 according to the invention.

[0041] The apron 2 of [Fig. 4] differs from a conventional apron, for example the apron described in relation to figures 1 to 3, in that it has at least one end blade of a new type, or first end blade 520. The first end blade 520 is similar to the current blades 51 of the rest of the deck 2, without a male flange, except that its profile section 509 has a flotation module 513 that is substantially thicker than the flotation module 13 of the current blades 51. The profile portion corresponding to the flotation module 513 of the first end blade 520 has a height that is substantially greater than that of the flotation module 13 of the current blades 51. Preferably, the thickness of the flotation module 513 of the first end blade 520 is at least 15 percent and at least 3 millimeters greater than the thickness of the flotation module 13 of the adjacent current blade 51. Preferably, the thickness of the flotation module 513 of the first end blade 520 is less than the width of the module 13.Preferably, the flotation module 513 of the first end blade 520 is approximately twice as thick as the flotation module 13 of the adjacent current blade 51.

[0042] The profile of the section 509 of the first end blade 520 differs from that of the current blades 51 essentially by its substantially greater height on the portion corresponding to the flotation module. In particular, the section 509 of this first end blade 520 comprises a female wing 521 similar to the female wing 21 of the current blades 51 of the deck 2. The large faces 515 of this first end blade 520 are also similar to the large faces 15 of the current blades 51. The end blade 520 has partitions 250 similar to the partitions 25 of the blades 51 included between the two large opposite faces 515. The end blade 520 comprises compartments 230 similar to the compartments 23 of the blades 51. The height of the compartments 230 is greater than the height of the compartments 23.The female wing 521 of the first end blade 520 is positioned relative to the flotation module 513 in such a way that the large face 515 oriented towards the upper face of the deck 2 of this blade is at the level of the large homologous face 15 of the adjacent current blade 51 in the absence of curvature of the deck 2.

[0043] With reference to [Fig. 5], an apron 2 according to the invention may comprise, in addition to or as a replacement for the first end blade 520, an end blade of a second type, or second end blade 620, where appropriate opposite the first end blade 520 relative to the rest of the apron 2.

[0044] The section of profile 629 of the second end blade 620 comprises a male wing 619, similar to the male wings 19 of the current blades 51. The large faces 615 of the second end blade 620 are similar to the large faces 15 of the current blades 51. Unlike the current blades 51, the second end blade 620 has, opposite its male wing 619, a straight edge, without a male or female wing. The profile section 9 of the second end blade 620 has a flotation module 613 similar to the module 513 of the first end blade 520.

[0045] [Fig. 6] shows a second embodiment of the invention, in which the first end blade 520 comprises two superimposed and secured profile sections, namely an upper section 509S and a lower section 5091. The upper 509S and lower 5091 profile sections are similar to each other. In particular, the upper 509S and lower 5091 sections are similar to the profile sections 9 of the current blades 51, except that they are devoid of a male wing on their longitudinal edge opposite their female wing 521. The first end blade 520 has a thickness substantially greater than that of the current blades 51. The thickness of this end blade 520 corresponds approximately to twice the thickness of the current blades 51.

[0046] The two superimposed profile sections 5091, 509S are integral with one another so that one of these sections is prevented from sliding relative to the other.

[0047] The mutually superimposed profile sections can be secured to each other by gluing, high-frequency welding or even by watertight riveting, for example.

[0048] An articulation between the first end blade 520 and the adjacent running blade 51 is produced by fitting the male wing 19 of the running blade 51 in question and a female wing of the first end blade 520, here the female wing 521 of the upper profile section 509S. The first end blade 520 has a female wing 521 similar to the female wing of the running blades 51. The articulation between the first end blade 520 and the adjacent running blade 51 is similar to the articulation between two running blades 51.

[0049] Here, the articulation in question is made between the upper section 529S of the end blade 520 and the adjacent running blade 51. The lower section 5291 is located below the waterline of the deck 2. Under the effect of the flotation of the lower section 5291 of the end blade 520, this end blade 520 can tend to lift relative to the rest of the deck 2. This can be favorable in that the leading blade tends to remain above the water, thus facilitating the advancement of the deck 2 during the deployment of the deck 2.

[0050] By superimposing sections 529 similar to the sections 9 of the current blades 51 to form the end blade 520, it is possible to use plugs of the same type for the first end blade 520 and the current blades 51.

[0051] With reference to [Fig.7], the apron 2 may comprise, in addition to or as a replacement, a second end blade 620, opposite the first end blade relative to the rest of the apron 2, produced in a manner similar to the first end blade 520 described in relation to [Fig.6]. The second end blade 620 comprises two profile sections 629 superimposed and secured, namely an upper section 629S and a lower section 6291. The second end blade 620 comprises a male wing, here the male wing 619 of the upper section 629S. The second end blade 620 here comprises two female wings 21 because the end blade 620 is made from two common blades 51 superimposed on each other. As a replacement, specific profiles without a female wing could be used. The large faces 615 of the second end blade 620 are similar to the large faces 15 of the common blades 51.

[0052] With reference to [Fig.8], an end blade, for example the first end blade 520 of [Fig.6], receives a strap such as the strap 41 described in relation to [Fig.3]. The strap 41 is arranged around this first end blade 520, more precisely around the two profile sections. The male wing 19 of the adjacent current blade 51 is interrupted where the straps 4L pass. The strap 41 is secured to a rod, in the shape of a dumbbell 42.

[0053] With reference to [Fig.9], an end blade is analogous to the end blade 520 described in connection with [Fig.4], except that the female wing 521 extends approximately in the middle (mid-height) of the flotation module 513 and not on the upper portion.

[0054] With reference to [Fig. 10], the apron 2 comprises a second end blade, similar to the second end blade 620 described in relation to [Fig. 5], except that the male wing 619 extends halfway up the flotation module 613.

[0055] The sections 9 of profile of the floating blades 5 can be made of PVC or polycarbonate.

[0056] With reference to [Fig. 11], a shutter 1 comprises an end blade, for example of the type of the first end blades 520 described in relation to FIGS. 4 to 10, comprises a respective section of profile having a thickness substantially greater than the thickness of the sections of profiles of the blades of the rest of the apron 2. Unlike a conventional shutter, as shown in [Fig.l] for example, which has three fasteners 7, the shutter 1 comprises two fasteners 7, with manual or automatic actuation, a part of which is integral with this end blade 520.

[0057] The number of fasteners of a shutter depends on the width of the pool for which this shutter is intended. The spacing between two mutually close fasteners is determined by taking into account the capacity of the apron 2 to resist deformation, close to the edge of the pool.

[0058] It is sought to respect a deformation limit in critical zones of two types, namely a first type of critical zone each time between two fasteners 7, equidistant from each of the fasteners 7, and a second type of critical zone in each corner of the deck 2. This limit may result from a standard. For example, the standard may provide that the edge of the apron 2 must not, under certain conditions at least, deform to the point that the edge of the apron 2 deviates locally beyond a certain distance from the edge of the basin.

[0059] The maximum deformation, the deflection, of the edge of the apron 2 is conventionally located between two fasteners, equidistant from them, or at the angle of the basin.

[0060] The deck according to the invention has an end blade whose profile section has a thickness substantially greater than the thickness of the profile sections of the blades of the rest of the deck. These standard blades have a profile section of conventional shape and thickness. This results in an end blade which is less subject to deformation. All other things being equal, this end blade has a lower deflection than a conventional blade.

[0061] The profile section of the end blade has a thickness that is at least 15 percent greater than the thickness of a profile section of a standard blade. This is accompanied by a 50 percent gain in rigidity. In practice, the end blade has a thickness that is at least 3 millimeters greater. Below this, the gain in distance between two fasteners is of little use. Since the number of fasteners is an integer, an increase in the distance between two fasteners of less than 30 percent rarely allows the number of fasteners to be reduced, at least for pools of standard dimensions.

[0062] The profile section of the end blade has a thickness less than three times the thickness of a profile section of a standard blade or half the distance separating two homologous parts of two adjacent blades of the apron, when these blades are clamped against each other. Beyond three times the thickness of a profile section of a conventional blade, the rolling up of the shutter could be hindered or even prevented, in particular due to an imbalance or a significant increase in the final diameter of the rolled up shutter. Any protrusion at the start of rolling up is reflected in each rolling up turn. The imbalance generated may prove harmful to the operation of the winder motor and / or impact the final shape of the rolled up apron.

[0063] Too much thickness of the end blade also harms the visual harmony of the shutter.

[0064] For example, in the embodiments of Figures 4 to 7 and 9 and 10 where the end blade of generally rectangular profile is approximately twice as thick as the end blade of Figures 2 and 3, the vertical deflection between two fasteners is approximately eight times smaller. The horizontal deflection is approximately half as small.

[0065] With an equivalent vertical arrow, the end blade of figures 4 to 7 and 9 and 10 allows two neighboring fasteners to be moved away from each other by almost double the distance the spacing of the end blade attachments in Figures 2 and 3. With an equivalent horizontal deflection the spacing can be as much as about 25 percent.

[0066] The resistance to horizontal deformation is much greater than the resistance to vertical deformation. On a conventional blade, such as a common blade for example, the resistance to horizontal deformation is very important. It is particularly interesting to improve the resistance to vertical deformation because the gain will be significant, even taking into account a combined deformation between the vertical deformation and the horizontal deformation.

[0067] The Applicant has carried out tests which show that an end blade having a profile section height twice that of a standard blade makes it possible to increase the distance between two neighboring fasteners, up to doubling this distance.

[0068] The greater the thickness of the end blade profile section, the greater the maximum distance permitted between two neighboring fasteners.

[0069] For a given swimming pool width, the number of fasteners required to properly fix the apron to the pool can be reduced, as shown by comparing Figures 1 and 11.

[0070] Reference is made to Table 1.

[0071] Each of lines I to IX of column I of this table indicates a pool width value in meters. For example, line IV of column I indicates a pool width of 4.5 meters. Each of lines I to IX of column II indicates the minimum number of fasteners provided on the end blade of the deck, when the latter has a conventional arrangement, as illustrated in [Fig.2] for example. For example, for a pool 5 meters wide (line V), a minimum of three fasteners are provided.

[0072] The pool widths presented in the table range from 0.5 meters to 0.5 meters.

[0073] In the case of a basin with an intermediate width, we take into account the row in the table corresponding to the larger width to find the minimum number of fasteners required. For example, for a pool with a width of 3.2 meters, refer to row II of Table 1, which corresponds to a pool width of 3.5 meters. Thus, for a pool with a width of 3.2 meters, a minimum of three fasteners are installed.

[0074] [Tables 1] I II I 3 2 II 3.5 3 III 4 3 IV 4.5 3 V 5 3 VI 5.5 4 VII 6 4 VIII 6.5 4 IX 7 4

[0075] Reference is made to Table 2.

[0076] Each of the lines I to IX of column I of this table indicates a pool width value. Each of the lines I to IX of column IV indicates the minimum number of fasteners that can be provided on the end blade of the deck, when the latter has a section of profile twice as thick as that of the end blade of table 1, taking into account the vertical deformation of the end blade. This increase in thickness makes it possible to space two neighboring fasteners apart by a maximum of 4 meters. For example, for a 5-meter wide pool (line V), only two fasteners can be provided and no longer three fasteners (tab. 1.1. V, col. II).

[0077] If one wishes to take into account in addition the horizontal deformation of the end blade, then one can simply space the fasteners 3.5 meters apart (column III) or even 3 meters apart (column II). In this case, three fasteners are kept for an apron intended for a 5 meter pool (1. V, col. III-IV). Under the same conditions, for a 4.5 meter pool, two fasteners can be provided (1. IV, col. III-IV) and not three (tab. 1,1. IV, col. II).

[0078] [Tables2] I II (3 m) III (3.5 m) IV (4 m) I 3 2 2 2 II 3.5 2 2 2 III 4 2 2 2 IV 4.5 3 2 2 V 5 3 3 2 VI 5.5 3 3 3 VII 6 3 3 3 VIII 6.5 3 3 3 IX 7 3 3 3

[0079] The values in Tables 1 and 2 are given under the assumption of a maximum distance from a fastener to the longitudinal edge of the pool of 0.5 meters. This distance is conventional in the art.

[0080] Increasing the resistance to deformation of the end blade according to the invention makes it possible to increase the resistance of the end of the shutter, and the safety of the latter, in particular in the critical zones of the first and second type.

[0081] Increasing the resistance to deformation of the end blade according to the invention makes it possible to increase this maximum distance without significantly increasing the deflection between the edge and the proximal attachment.

[0082] Table 3 brings together values similar to those of Table 2 in the case of a maximum distance from an attachment to the longitudinal edge of the pool of 0.75 meters.

[0083] For a 5-meter-wide pool, the number of attachments increases from three (tab. 1.1. V, col. II) to two (tab. 3.1. V, col. III-IV). For a 3.5-meter-wide pool, the number of attachments increases from three (tab. 1.1. II, col. II) to two (tab. 3.1. II, col. II).

[0084] [Tables3] I II (3 m) III (3.5 m) IV (4 m) I 3 2 2 2 II 3.5 2 2 2 III 4 2 2 2 IV 4.5 2 2 2 V 5 3 2 2 VI 5.5 3 3 2 VII 6 3 3 3 VIII 6.5 3 3 3 IX 7 3 3 3

[0085] Table 4 brings together values similar to those of Table 3 for a maximum distance of one meter from an attachment to the longitudinal edge of the pool.

[0086] [Tables4] I II (3 m) III (3.5 m) IV (4 m) I 3 2 2 2 II 3.5 2 2 2 III 4 2 2 2 IV 4.5 2 2 2 V 5 2 2 2 VI 5.5 3 2 2 VII 6 3 3 2 VIII 6.5 3 3 3 IX 7 3 3 3

[0087] The distance between each corner of the apron 2 and the first proximal fastener 7 may also be increased, as a result of increasing safety in critical areas of the second type but also allowing more freedom in the arrangement of the fasteners 7 on the end of the apron 2.

[0088] We are looking for the (integer) number of fasteners 7 and a maximum distance between the corner of the apron 2 and the first fastener 7. The contribution of rigidity of the additional blade allows more freedom in the choice of the position of the end fasteners 7 of the additional blade.

[0089] Depending on the pools and the equipment of these pools, it is not always possible to maintain an optimal distance between the end attachments 7 and the edge of the pool.

[0090] If it is impossible to respect the maximum distance between the edge of the pool and the end fasteners, then the end fasteners are arranged at a distance less than the maximum distance between the edge of the pool and the end fasteners. The number of fasteners 7 between the end fasteners or the distance between two consecutive fasteners will be increased. The invention therefore allows a greater number of combinations between the number of fasteners and the distance between each fastener because it allows both to increase the distance between the edge of the pool and the end fasteners and to increase the distance between two consecutive fasteners.

[0091] The tables show that the invention is most advantageous when the fasteners 7 are spaced 4 meters apart from each other and the end fasteners 7 are arranged 1 meter from the edge of the pool. This configuration provides the best gain in terms of the number of fasteners 7. A configuration in which the fasteners are spaced 3.5 meters apart from each other and in which the end fasteners are arranged at a distance of 0.75 meters from the edge of the pool provides a compromise between increased safety and gain in terms of the number of fasteners 7.

[0092] The invention makes it possible to reduce the number of attachments 7 for all pools having a width greater than or equal to 3 meters. Below 3 meters in width, at least two attachments 7 are provided.

[0093] The invention can also make it possible in certain cases to halve the number of attachments 7. This is the case for pools with a width of 5.5 meters or 6 meters depending on certain conditions (with attachments separated by 4 meters and whose end attachments 7 are separated by 1 meter from the edge of the pool).

[0094] The median width of pools sold in France is around 4 meters. The invention presents an advantage for the majority of pools sold.

[0095] Referring to [Fig. 12], a self-actuating fastener 71 is disposed on an end blade 520 according to the invention.

[0096] A self-actuating fastener 71 comprises a part fixed to the edge of the pool and a part arranged on one of the end blades 520 of the apron 2. The part fixed to the edge of the pool and the part arranged on one of the end blades 520 cooperate to hang the apron 2 on the edge of the pool in the so-called safety position. There are several types of self-actuating fasteners 71. For some self-actuating fasteners 71, the part fixed to the edge of the pool 3 comprises moving parts. For others self-actuating fasteners 71, the part arranged on one of the end blades 520 comprises moving parts. Here, the self-actuating fastener 71 is mounted on the two profile sections 5091, 509S. The end blade 520 is in several parts in order to install the self-actuating fastener 71.

[0097] The buoyancy effect, which tends to raise the end blade 52, compensates for the mass of the automatic fasteners 7 mounted on the end blade 52. Thus, an end blade 52 is horizontal when the apron 2 is deployed on the pool. This facilitates the automatic attachment of the two parts of the fastener 7.

[0098] In an embodiment not shown, the attachment is arranged on a lower or upper part of the end blade, on the lower profile section or the upper profile section for example.

[0099] In one embodiment, the two mutually superimposed profile sections are mounted head to tail: the male wing of one profile section is located opposite the male wing of the other profile section. A male wing and a female wing are arranged on each side of the end blade. This makes it possible to have two identical end blades, for example.

[0100] The end blade may comprise more than two mutually superimposed profile sections.

[0101] The end blade may comprise mutually superimposed profile sections having profiles that are distinct from one another. The upper profile section of the end blade preferably corresponds to the profile section of the current blades in order to maintain the visual harmony of the deck. The lower profile section(s) may have a width less than or equal to the width of the upper profile section. The lower profile section(s) may be made of a different material or have a specific shape providing only additional rigidity or also increased buoyancy.

[0102] The end blade may comprise an upper profile section similar to the profile section of the current blades and at least two juxtaposed lower profile sections. The width of the two juxtaposed profile sections may be less than the width of the upper profile section.

Claims

Claims

1. Apron (2) for a shutter (1) of a swimming pool (3) comprising a plurality of blades (51) arranged next to each other and hinged to each other so as to form an apron body (2), each blade comprising a respective profile section (9), and further an end blade mounted at one end of the apron body (2), in an articulated manner, characterized in that this end blade (520) comprises a respective profile section (509, 629) having a thickness substantially greater than the thickness of most of the profile sections (9) of the blades (51) of the apron body (2).

2. Apron according to claim 1, in which the profile section (509, 629) of the end blade (520) corresponds to at least two profile sections (9) of blades (51) mutually superimposed.

3. Apron according to claim 2, in which the profile sections (9) of mutually superimposed blades (51) are mounted head to tail.

4. Apron according to one of the preceding claims, in which the profile section (509, 629) of the end blade (520) corresponds to the superposition of a profile section (9) of at least some of the blades (51) of the apron body (2) on a different profile section, said different profile section having a width less than the profile section (9) of the blades (51) of the apron body (2).

5. Apron according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which said at least two superimposed profile sections of the end blade (520) are integral with one another.

6. Apron according to claim 5, in which the mutually superimposed profile sections (509, 629) are secured to each other by gluing, high-frequency welding and / or watertight riveting.

7. Apron according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the end blade (520) has a single-piece profile section (509, 629).

8. Apron according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the profile section (509, 629) of the end blade (520) is at least 15 percent and at least 3 millimeters greater than the thickness of the profile section of most of the blades (51) of the apron body (2).

9. Apron according to one of the preceding claims, in which the thickness of the profile section (509, 629) of the end blade (520) is less than a width of the profile section (509, 629).

10. Apron according to one of the preceding claims, in which the thickness of the profile section (509, 629) of the end blade (520) is twice the thickness of the profile sections (9) of most of the blades (51) of the apron (2).

11. Apron according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one member intended for attaching the apron to the basin arranged on the end blade (520).

12. Kit comprising an apron according to one of the preceding claims, a system for rolling up the apron and a system for attaching the apron to the body of the pool.

13. Kit for forming an apron (2) for a shutter (1) of a swimming pool (3) comprising: a plurality of blades (51) which are mounted next to each other and in an articulated manner to each other so as to form an apron body (2), each blade comprising a respective section (9), and an end blade (520) which is mounted at one end of the apron body (2), in an articulated manner, characterized in that this end blade (520) comprises a respective section (509, 629) of profile having a thickness substantially greater than the thickness of most of the sections (9) of profiles of the blades (51) of the apron body (2).

14. Swimming pool cover comprising an apron according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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