DEVICE FOR COVERING A POOL COMPRISING AN INSULATION ELEMENT

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for covering a pool (12) comprising a main body (16) movable between a position for covering the pool (12) and a position for uncovering the pool (12), the main body (16) comprising two main beams (18) between which a plurality of transverse beams (20) extend; the device (10) comprising at least one insulation element (30) and at least one displacement system (32) for the insulation element (30), the insulation element (30) comprising at least one flat insulation plate (34) which extends in a plane parallel to a main plane of the main body (16), the insulation plate (34) being connected to the main body (16) via the displacement system (32), the displacement system (32) allowing the vertical displacement of the insulation plate (34) between a high position and a low position so as to cover the pool (12). Figure for abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR COVERING A POOL COMPRISING AN INSULATION ELEMENT Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for covering a basin, for example for covering a swimming pool, comprising an insulating element. Technical background

[0002] Pool covering devices are, for example, mobile terraces intended to cover and uncover a swimming pool, depending on the desired use.

[0003] Such covering devices are advantageous both from an ergonomic point of view by adding useful space above a pool, but also from the point of view of the safety of the pool it covers, for example by preventing a child or a pet from falling into it.

[0004] However, the use of individual pools, such as swimming pools, raises numerous environmental problems, particularly with regard to the water consumption they require. Indeed, during periods of high heat, pools can lose a significant amount of water through evaporation, which requires them to be filled regularly to compensate for these losses.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is therefore to propose a device for covering a basin which makes it possible to limit the evaporation of water outside the basin.

[0006] The invention therefore proposes a covering device comprising thermal insulation in order to limit water losses from the pool.

[0007] Thus, such a covering device according to the invention combines the safety advantages of the covering device mentioned above, while providing an effective solution to combat the evaporation of water responsible for the daily filling of pools. The use of such a covering device thus makes it possible to significantly reduce the frequency of filling and the quantity of water necessary to fill the pool, for example during very hot weather.

[0008] In addition, such a covering device according to the invention also allows, through thermal insulation, better conservation of heat in the pool, thus allowing energy savings when the water in the pool is heated. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention proposes a device for covering a basin comprising a main body movable in a longitudinal direction between a position for covering the basin and a position for uncovering the basin, the main body comprising:

[0010] two main beams which extend in the longitudinal direction and between which a plurality of transverse beams extend in a transverse direction and in such a way that they connect the main beams;

[0011] the transverse beams being aligned and spaced apart by a non-zero longitudinal distance from each other in the longitudinal direction;

[0012] the device comprising at least one insulation element and at least one system for moving the insulation element,

[0013] the insulation element comprising at least one flat insulation plate which extends in a plane parallel to a main plane of the main body,

[0014] the insulation plate being connected to the main body via the movement system, the movement system allowing the vertical movement of the insulation plate between a high position and a low position when the main body is in its covering position, so as to cover the pool by contact of at least a part of the insulation plate with at least one edge of the pool.

[0015] According to other characteristics of the invention: - the high position of the insulation plate corresponds to a position of the insulation plate in which the insulation plate is pressed against an internal face of several transverse beams; - the movement system comprises at least one actuating member and at least two cables secured to the insulating plate, the actuating member being connected to the two cables so as to be able to allow the insulating plate to move between the high position and the low position; - the movement system comprises at least two angle return elements, each cooperating with one of the cables and such that each of the cables extends, between the actuating member and the angle return element in the transverse direction and, between the angle return element and the insulation plate in the vertical direction; - the insulation plate comprises several separate fixing points, the cables connected to the actuating member being secured to the insulation plate each at a separate fixing point of the insulation element, the fixing points being offset transversely from each other; - the actuating member is secured to one of the main beams of the main body and extends in a vertical thickness of the main beam, transversely between two transverse beams; - the device comprises two systems for moving the insulation element, the moving systems extending from one of the beams main ones opposite each other in the longitudinal direction; - the movement system comprises at least one manual actuator connected to at least four cables secured to the insulation plate so as to allow the movement of the insulation plate between the high position and the low position; - the device comprises at least one bracket, the bracket comprising a fixing wall secured to the insulation plate and a guide wall perpendicular to the fixing wall and configured to slide along one of the transverse beams of the main body when the insulation plate moves between its high position and its low position and vice versa; - the device comprises a sensor of the vertical position of the insulation plate relative to the main body of the device; - the device comprises a pair of rails which extend in the longitudinal direction, each of the main beams comprising a sliding device capable of cooperating with one of the rails so that the main body is capable of moving from its covering position to its uncovering position and vice versa;

[0016] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a basin and a covering device according to any one of the preceding characteristics, the basin being delimited by a peripheral coping and the insulation element being configured such that in its low position it is in contact with the peripheral coping.

[0017] According to a characteristic of the assembly, the insulation element comprises a peripheral seal configured to be in contact with the peripheral edge of the pool when the insulation element is in its low position. Brief description of the figures

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0019] [Fig-1] is a general perspective view of a device for covering a basin, comprising at least one main body and one insulation element, the main body being in an uncovered position;

[0020] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of the basin covering device of [Fig.l], the main body being in a position covering the basin and the insulation element in a low position;

[0021] [Fig.3] is a close-up cross-sectional view of the covering device of [Fig.l] in which the insulation element is in its low position in contact with a pool edge;

[0022] [Fig.4] is a close-up cross-sectional view of the covering device of [Fig.l] in which the insulation element is in a high position at a distance from the edge of the pool;

[0023] [Fig.5] is a close-up view of a system for moving the insulation element

[0024] [Fig.6] is a general perspective view of the device for covering the [Fig.l] comprising at least one bracket;

[0025] [Fig.7] is a close-up view of the bracket of [Fig.6]. Detailed description of the invention

[0026] In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numbers.

[0027] [Fig.l] illustrates a device 10 for covering a basin 12, for example a swimming pool.

[0028] The basin 12 is notably delimited on the periphery by a coping stone 14.

[0029] The covering device 10 comprises a main body 16 movable in a longitudinal direction L between a position of covering the basin 12 and a position of uncovering the basin 12 illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0030] The main body 16 of the device 10 comprises two main beams 18 which extend in the longitudinal direction L, and between which a plurality of transverse beams 20 extend in a transverse direction T.

[0031] More specifically, the transverse beams 20 extend between the main beams 18 in such a way that they connect them.

[0032] The transverse beams 20 extend in the transverse direction T and in such a way that they are spaced from each other by a non-zero longitudinal distance DL.

[0033] Longitudinal ends 22 of the main beams 18 are defined, opposite one another in the longitudinal direction L.

[0034] At least two transverse beams 20 each extend transversely between the longitudinal ends 22 of the main beams 18 so as to form a peripheral frame of the main body 16, these transverse beams being called end transverse beams 20a.

[0035] Visible in [Fig.2], each of the transverse beams 20 comprises an external face 24 and an internal face 26, vertically opposite one another.

[0036] The internal face 26 of the transverse beams 20 then corresponds to the face intended to be opposite the basin 12 when the main body 16 is in its position covering the basin 12.

[0037] The device 10 also comprises a pair of rails 28, visible in [Fig.l], of which the rails 28 extend in the longitudinal direction L.

[0038] The rails 28 extend in particular longitudinally on either side of the basin 12.

[0039] Each of the main beams 18 then comprises a sliding device 29, visible in FIGS. 3 and 4, capable of cooperating with one of the rails 28 and in such a way that the main body 16 is capable of moving from its covering position to its uncovering position and vice versa, via the rails 28.

[0040] For example and in a non-limiting manner, the sliding device 29 is a wheel having a complementary shape with the rail.

[0041] Furthermore, it should be considered that the device 10 may comprise any other alternative system to the rails, as long as it allows the mobility of the main body 16 between its covering position and its uncovering position of the basin 12.

[0042] The device 10 further comprises at least one insulation element 30, and at least one system 32 for moving the insulation element 30, visible in [Fig.l].

[0043] The insulation element 30 according to the invention is an at least thermal insulation element.

[0044] According to the example of the invention illustrated, the insulation element 30 here takes the form of a flat insulation plate 34 which extends in a plane parallel to a main plane of the main body 16, corresponding here to a longitudinal plane L and transverse plane T.

[0045] Visible in [Fig.2], the insulation plate 34 comprises a lower face 36 and an upper face 38, opposite each other in the vertical direction V.

[0046] The upper face 38 faces the internal face 26 of the transverse beams 20 and the lower face 36 is configured to face the basin 12 in the position of covering the main body 16.

[0047] The insulation plate 34 is composed, for example and in a non-limiting manner, of a central layer of expanded polyurethane, covered externally, at its upper face 38 and its lower face 36, with a layer of resistant polymer such as polyester. Such a composition of the insulation plate 34 allows it to have sufficient rigidity for its use in the covering device.

[0048] The insulation plate 34 extends relative to the main body 16, covering, at least in part, the internal face 26 of the transverse beams 20.

[0049] The insulation plate 34 is connected to the main body 16 of the device 10 via the displacement system 32.

[0050] The movement system 32 allows in particular the vertical movement of the insulation plate 34 between a high position, visible in [Fig.4], and a low position, visible in [Fig.3], when the main body 16 is in its position covering the basin 12.

[0051] It is then understood that the movement of the insulation plate 34 between its high position and its low position and vice versa, takes place only when the body main 16 is positioned covering the basin 12.

[0052] The low position of the insulation plate 34 makes it possible to cover the basin 12 by contact of at least a part of the insulation plate 34 with at least one edge of the basin, hereinafter called coping 14.

[0053] It is then understood that the contact between the insulation plate 34 and the edge 14 of the basin 12 makes it possible to ensure the thermal insulation of the basin 12 with respect to the environment outside the basin 12, thus limiting the increase in the temperature of the surface of the water in the basin and thus limiting the phenomenon of evaporation.

[0054] A vertical thickness EV of the main beams 18 is defined, taken along the vertical direction V and particularly visible in Figures 3 and 4.

[0055] According to a characteristic of the invention, the transverse beams 20 and the insulation plate 34 extend between the main beams 18, in their vertical thickness EV.

[0056] More precisely, the insulation plate 34 extends relative to the main body 16 of the device 10 in such a way that it is included in the vertical thickness EV of the main beams 18, in its low position and in its high position defined previously.

[0057] In its high position, the insulation plate 34 is in particular pressed against the internal face 26 of several of the transverse beams 20.

[0058] In other words, in its high position, the insulation plate 34 comprises its upper face 38 in contact with several internal faces 26 of several transverse beams 20.

[0059] In its low position, the insulation plate 34 is at a non-zero vertical distance from the internal faces 26 of the transverse beams 20.

[0060] The displacement system 32 of the insulation plate 34, visible in [Fig. 5], comprises at least one actuating member 40 and at least two cables 42 secured to the insulation plate 34.

[0061] In particular, the actuating member 40 is connected to the two cables 42 so as to be able to move the insulating plate 34 between the high position and the low position.

[0062] The actuating member 40 here takes, in a non-limiting manner, the form of a jack, for example pneumatic, the movement of which is controlled by a motorized unit. The jack of the actuating member moves in particular in the transverse direction T.

[0063] The actuating member 40 is integral with one of the main beams 18 of the main body 16 and extends in particular in its vertical thickness.

[0064] In addition, the actuating member 40 is secured to one of the main beams 18 at one of its longitudinal ends 22.

[0065] It is then understood that the actuating member 40 extends from one of the beams main beams 18, along the transverse direction T and between two transverse beams 20.

[0066] Thus, the actuating member 40 allows the transverse translational movement of the cables 42 to which it is secured.

[0067] The two cables 42 are integral with the actuating member 40 in such a way that they are offset longitudinally from one another.

[0068] The displacement system 32 also comprises two angle return elements 44, each cooperating with one of the cables 42 of the displacement system 32 and such that each of the cables 42 extends, between the actuating member 40 and the angle return element 44 in the transverse direction T and, between the angle return element 44 and the insulation plate 34 in the vertical direction V.

[0069] According to a non-limiting example of the invention, the angle return elements 44 are pulleys.

[0070] The two angle return elements 44 of the displacement system 32 are in particular integral with the end transverse beam 20a which extends from the same longitudinal end 22 of the main beam 18 to which the actuating member 40 is integral.

[0071] The two corner return elements 44 are then secured to the end transverse beam 20a in such a way that they are offset transversely from each other.

[0072] Thus, it is understood that the cables 42 of the movement system 32 extend from the actuating member 40 and are secured to the insulation plate 34 at two fixing points 46 distinct from the insulation plate 34, the fixing points 46 being offset transversely from one another.

[0073] It is also understood that each of the fixing points 46 extends vertically opposite one of the angle return elements 44 of the movement system 32.

[0074] Such an arrangement of the fixing points 46 on the insulation plate 34 makes it possible to ensure better stability of the insulation plate 34 during its vertical movement, between its high position and its low position and vice versa.

[0075] According to a non-limiting example of the invention, the fixing points 46 take the form of non-through orifices, into which expanding dowels are inserted. The end of each of the cables 42, intended to cooperate with the fixing points 46, can then comprise an element capable of being screwed into the expanding dowel.

[0076] According to the example of the invention illustrated, the device 10 comprises two systems 32 for moving the insulation element 30 in accordance with what has just been described previously.

[0077] More particularly, the two displacement systems 32 extend from one of the main beams 18 and opposite each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0078] According to the example of the invention illustrated, the two displacement systems 32 extend from one of the main beams 18 each from one of its longitudinal ends 22.

[0079] It is then understood that in such a configuration of the device 10, the insulation plate 34 comprises four fixing points 46 distributed in opposite pairs along the longitudinal direction L.

[0080] Such a configuration of the device 10 is advantageous in that the distribution of the four fixing points 46 on the insulation plate 34 makes it possible to improve the stability of the insulation plate 34 during its vertical movement.

[0081] It should be considered that, alternatively, the movement system may comprise a manual actuator connected to at least four cables secured to the insulation plate as described above, so as to allow the movement of the insulation plate between the high position and the low position.

[0082] According to a characteristic of the invention visible in figures 6 and 7, the device 10 comprises at least one bracket 48.

[0083] More precisely, the bracket 48 comprises a fixing wall 50 secured to the insulation plate 34 and a guide wall 52 perpendicular to the fixing wall 50 and configured to slide along one of the end transverse beams 20a of the main body 16 when the insulation plate 34 moves between its low position and its high position and vice versa.

[0084] More precisely, the bracket 48 is positioned on the insulation plate 34 in such a way that it slides along the end transverse beam 20a carrying the angle return elements 44 previously described.

[0085] Thus, the bracket 48 comprises grooves 54 formed in vertical alignment with the corner return elements 44, such that the grooves 54 allow the passage of the corner return elements 44 when the insulation plate 34 moves from its low position to its high position.

[0086] According to the example of the invention, the device 10 comprises two brackets 48, which extend opposite one another in the longitudinal direction L, such that each slides along one of the end transverse beams 20a carrying the angle return elements 44 of each of the displacement systems 32.

[0087] Furthermore, when the device 10 comprises the brackets 48, the cables 42 are secured to the fixing wall 50.

[0088] Such brackets 48 make it possible in particular to guide the movement of the insulation plate 34 between its low position and its high position and vice versa, by limiting its tilting.

[0089] As seen in [Fig. 1], the device 10 comprises a sensor 56 of the vertical position of the insulation plate 34 relative to the main body 16 of the device 10.

[0090] The position sensor 56 can, for example, take the form of a lever which moves vertically in contact with the insulation plate 34.

[0091] The position of the insulation plate 34 in the high position or in the low position is then communicated for example to an electronic control system, not shown, making it possible to inform a user of the position of the insulation plate 34.

[0092] According to a characteristic of the invention visible in [Fig.2], the insulation element 30 comprises a peripheral seal 58 configured to be in contact with the peripheral edge 14 of the basin 12 when the insulation element 30 is in its low position.

[0093] It is then understood that the peripheral seal 58 extends from the lower face 36 of the insulation plate 34 and in such a way that it is in contact with the edge 14 of the basin 12 when the insulation element 30 is in its low position.

[0094] Such a peripheral seal 58 of the insulation element 30 advantageously makes it possible to compensate for irregularities in the coping 14, for example when it has irregularities in vertical height which can generate spaces between the coping 14 and the insulation plate 34 when the latter is in its low position.

[0095] The peripheral seal 58 thus makes it possible to maintain the thermal insulation effect provided by the insulation plate 34 independently of the irregularities of the edge 14 of the basin 12 to be covered.

[0096] According to another example of the invention, the insulation element 30 may comprise a holding foot 60, visible in [Fig.2].

[0097] The retaining foot 60 may take the form of a threaded rod which extends vertically from the insulation plate 34, and at the end of which extends a base intended to be in contact with the coping 14. It is then understood that a vertical dimension of the retaining foot 60 may be adapted via the thread of the threaded rod.

[0098] Advantage is taken of such a support foot 60, in particular when the basin 12 comprises a peripheral edge 14 with different vertical heights, as visible in [Fig.2].

[0099] Thus, the holding foot 60 makes it possible to compensate for the vertical offset of the coping stone 14, by supporting the insulation plate 34 in its low position.

[0100] The holding foot 60 plays, among other things, the role of a wedge.

[0101] In such a configuration of the coping 14, the peripheral seal 58 described previously then extends between the insulation plate 34 and the coping 14 so as to fill the space between the latter, due to the vertical offset of the coping 14.

[0102] According to an example of the invention not shown, the insulation plate may comprise an integrated probe making it possible to form a passage for gas emissions linked to water treatment when the basin is covered by the main body of the covering device.

[0103] Advantage is taken of the covering device as just described in that it allows, in addition to the safety aspect of covering the basin, to limit the evaporation of water from the pool by thermally insulating it from the external environment.

[0104] Thus, the thermal insulation of the pool by the insulation plate makes it possible to reduce the water requirements of a pool by directly limiting water losses, particularly during periods of high heat.

[0105] Furthermore, such an insulation plate advantageously protects the pool from external pollution by preventing it from entering the pool.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (10) for covering a basin (12) comprising a main body (16) movable in a longitudinal direction (L) between a position for covering the basin (12) and a position for uncovering the basin (12), the main body (16) comprising: - two main beams (18) which extend in the longitudinal direction (L) and between which a plurality of transverse beams (20) extend in a transverse direction (T) and in such a way that they connect the main beams (18); - the transverse beams (20) being aligned and spaced apart by a non-zero longitudinal distance (DL) from each other in the longitudinal direction (L);the device (10) comprising at least one insulation element (30) and at least one displacement system (32) for the insulation element (30), the insulation element (30) comprising at least one flat insulation plate (34) which extends in a plane parallel to a main plane of the main body (16), the insulation plate (34) being connected to the main body (16) via the displacement system (32), the displacement system (32) allowing the vertical displacement of the insulation plate (34) between a high position and a low position when the main body (16) is in its covering position, so as to cover the pool (12) by contact of at least a portion of the insulation plate (34) with at least one edge (14) of the pool (12).;

2. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the high position of the insulation plate (34) corresponds to a position of the insulation plate (34) in which the insulation plate (34) is pressed against an internal face (26) of several transverse beams (20).

3. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the displacement system (32) comprises at least one actuating member (40) and at least two cables (42) secured to the insulating plate (34), the actuating member (40) being connected to the two cables (42) so as to be able to allow the displacement of the insulation plate (34) between the high position and the low position.

4. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the displacement system (32) comprises at least two angle return elements (44) each cooperating with one of the cables (42) and such that each of the cables (42) extends, between the actuating member (40) and the angle return element (44) in the transverse direction (T) and, between the angle return element (44) and the insulation plate (34) in the vertical direction (V).

5. Device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, in which the insulating plate (34) comprises several separate fixing points (46), the cables (42) connected to the actuating member (40) being secured to the insulating plate (34) each at a fixing point (46) separate from the insulating element (30), the fixing points (46) being offset transversely from one another.

6. Device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which the actuating member (40) is integral with one of the main beams (16) of the main body (16) and extends in a vertical thickness (EV) of the main beam (16), transversely between two transverse beams (20).

7. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two displacement systems (32) of the insulation element (30), the displacement systems (32) extending from one of the main beams (18) opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (L).

8. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in which the movement system (32) comprises at least one manual actuator connected to at least four cables (42) secured to the insulation plate (34) so ​​as to allow the movement of the insulation plate (34) between the high position and the low position.

9. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one bracket (48), the bracket (48) comprising a fixing wall (50) integral with the insulation plate (34) and a guide wall (52) perpendicular to the fixing wall (50) and configured to slide along one of the transverse beams (20) of the main body (16) when the insulation plate (34) moves between its high position and its low position and vice versa.

10. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sensor (60) of the vertical position of the plate insulation (34) relative to the main body (16) of the device (10).

11. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pair of rails (28) which extend in the longitudinal direction (L), each of the main beams (16) comprising a sliding device (29) capable of cooperating with one of the rails (28) so that the main body (16) is capable of moving from its covering position to its uncovering position and vice versa.

12. Assembly comprising a basin (12) and a covering device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the basin (12) being delimited by a peripheral coping (14) and the insulating element (30) being configured such that in its low position it is in contact with the peripheral coping (14).

13. Assembly according to the preceding claim, in which the insulation element (30) comprises a peripheral seal (58) configured to be in contact with the peripheral edge (14) of the basin (12) when the insulation element (30) is in its low position.

Images