Automatic pool shutter

Abstract

A safety shutter (1) for a pool (3), in particular the pool (3) of a swimming pool, comprises an apron (2) with a main portion (7) and at least one part (131) of a first automatic hooking device (13). This part (131) is mounted on the main portion (7), in the vicinity of a front end (15). The shutter (1) further comprises a connecting assembly (10), by means of which the apron (2) is connected to a reel (5). This connecting assembly (10) is attached to the main portion (7) of the apron (2), in the vicinity of a rear end. The apron (2) further comprises a secondary portion (9) and at least one part (131) of a second automatic hooking device (13). This part (131) is mounted on the secondary portion (9), in the vicinity of a front end (17).The connecting assembly (10) is further attached to this secondary portion (9), in the vicinity of a rear end opposite the front end (1) and close to the rear end of the main portion (7). (Fig. 3).

Description

Title of the invention: Automatic swimming pool shutter

[0001] The invention relates to a shutter for covering a pool, in particular a swimming pool, and more particularly a private swimming pool. The invention also relates to an apron for such a shutter.

[0002] Private swimming pools almost always include pool protection equipment, intended to prevent accidents, particularly 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 and access to which conditions access to the pool.

[0003] Safety covers include in particular shutters. A shutter conventionally comprises a floating panel intended to cover the pool. Such a panel may be called an "apron" in the art, or even a "curtain". This apron, the general shape of which corresponds to the pool, may be made up of elementary slats, capable of floating on the surface of the water and assembled to each other in an articulated manner. An example of a shutter of this type, comprising hollow slats, is described in EP 1 233 125 AL Another example of a shutter of this type, comprising solid slats, is disclosed by WO 2007 / 112821 AL

[0004] Generally, the shutter further comprises a mechanical device which allows the apron to be deployed over the basin and removed from the latter, in particular by unrolling and rolling it up. This is sometimes referred to as a "winder" in the art. This winder is generally arranged near one edge of the basin, the proximal edge, along it.

[0005] Equipping the swimming pool with a safety shutter is a safe, effective and practical way of securing the pool.

[0006] Such a shutter is generally designed to have at least one safety position, in which the shutter is capable of preventing any immersion, voluntary or accidental, of a child, at least up to a certain age (typically, five years).

[0007] In this safety position, the apron is most often deployed on the surface of the pelvis and attached to the latter, at least in the vicinity of the proximal edge of the pelvis and the opposite edge, the distal edge.

[0008] To attach the apron to the pelvis, one or more attachment devices are usually used, at least one part of which is fixed to the pelvis, near the proximal or distal edge, and another part of which is mounted on the apron, near one end. of the latter opposite the edge in question, these parts being able to engage each other in a retaining position: the front end of the apron is retained at the distal edge of the pelvis, the rear end at the proximal edge.

[0009] Conventionally, these attachment devices are designed to be operated manually, that is to say that the mutual engagement of the fixed and on-board parts is carried out by the user, after the deployment of the apron. FR 2 936 829 A1 discloses an example of a manual attachment device.

[0010] Attachment devices are also known which are designed to be activated automatically when the apron is deployed, i.e. the mutual engagement of the fixed and on-board parts results from the end of the apron pressing against the edge of the pool.

[0011] Such devices facilitate, in theory at least, the placing of the flaps in the safety position, in that these devices make it possible to automatically hook the front end of the apron to the distal edge of the basin.

[0012] In practice, however, these automatic devices are essentially adapted to shutters having a particular configuration, in which it is sufficient to hook only the front end of the apron, without harming the safety performance of the shutter. This is the case, almost exclusively, of shutters whose winder is immersed in the pool, close to the surface of the latter. In this case, in fact, it is permissible to do without hooking the shutter to the proximal edge of the pool.

[0013] Flaps that allow unilateral attachment of the apron are relatively uncommon. For most of the flaps currently installed, on the contrary, it is necessary to attach the apron to both the distal edge and the proximal edge of the pelvis so that the flap is effective in the safety position. In this case, manual attachment devices are generally sufficient.

[0014] The Applicant sought to improve the situation and, in particular, to make the placing of the shutter in the safety position more automatic, in particular the attachment of the apron to both the distal edge and the proximal edge of the pelvis.

[0015] A safety shutter is proposed for a pool, in particular a swimming pool, of the type comprising an apron comprising a main portion and at least part of a first automatic hooking device, this part being mounted on the main portion, in the vicinity of a front end of this portion and a connecting assembly, by means of which the apron is connected to a reel, this connecting assembly being attached to the main portion of the apron, in the vicinity of a rear end of this portion, opposite the front end. The apron further comprises a secondary portion and at least part of a second automatic hooking device, this part being mounted on the secondary portion, in the vicinity of a front end of this portion, the connecting assembly being further attached to this secondary portion, in the vicinity of a rear end of this portion, opposite the front end and adjacent to the rear end of the main portion.

[0016] In the proposed flap, the connecting assembly acts in such a way that when the flap is deployed, the front end of the main portion and the front end of the secondary portion each advance towards a respective edge of the pelvis. This movement is accompanied, upon docking, by a support of the main portion and the secondary portion on their respective edge. This support is useful for the automatic actuation of the first and second attachment devices provided respectively on the main portion and the secondary portion of the flap. The proposed flap thus makes it possible to automatically attach the apron to the pelvis, in particular to the proximal and distal edges of the pelvis. At these edges, the first and second attachment devices are actuated following the deployment of the apron onto the pelvis.

[0017] Optional features of the invention, complementary or substitutable, are set out below: - at least one of the main portion and the secondary portion of the deck comprises, in the vicinity of its rear end, a hinge wing of a first type, and the connecting assembly comprises a hinge wing of a second type, capable of engaging, at least partially, with the wing of the first type; - the connecting assembly comprises an articulation mounted on the one hand on the secondary portion of the deck and, on the other hand, on the main portion of the latter, this articulation being arranged in such a way that the main portion and the secondary portion of the deck are free to pivot relative to each other, at least in areas close to their respective rear ends; - the articulation comprises at least a first connection capable of engaging with the main portion of the deck, in the vicinity of the rear end of the latter, and at least a second connection capable of engaging with the secondary portion of the deck, in the vicinity of the rear end of the latter, the articulation further comprising a pivot arrangement which mutually connects the first connection and the second connection, the pivot arrangement being active at least when the deck is rolled up; - the pivot arrangement comprises at least one section of flexible band and the section is connected to at least one of the first link and the second link; - the pivot arrangement further comprises at least one joining portion, and the first link and the second link are each connected to this portion junction, at least one of this first connection and this second connection with the possibility of pivoting; at least one of the first connection and the second connection is connected to the joining portion via a section of flexible strip; the joining portion comprises a generally cylindrical shaft, and at least one of the first link and the second link is rotatably mounted on this cylindrical shaft; the pivot arrangement further comprises at least one bearing rotatably mounted on the cylindrical shaft, and at least one of the first connection and the second connection is integral with this bearing; the articulation comprises a set of elementary parts, mutually homologous, each elementary part comprising a portion forming a bearing and a portion shaped into a first connection or a second connection, this first connection or second connection being integral with the bearing; the main portion of the deck comprises a plurality of elementary blades assembled to each other in an articulated manner, and the secondary portion of the deck comprises at least one blade similar to at least some of the elementary blades of the main portion; the articulation comprises at least two blades integral with each other, one of these blades being mounted on the main portion in an articulated manner, while another of these blades is mounted on the secondary portion, in an articulated manner; the secondary portion of the deck comprises exactly between one and three blades, in particular only one front end blade and one rear end blade; the secondary portion comprises at least one blade arranged in the vicinity of its rear end, this blade being assembled in an articulated manner to the connecting assembly; the secondary portion comprises at least one blade arranged in the vicinity of its front end, this blade supporting at least part of the second automatic attachment device; the connecting assembly comprises a joint, this joint comprising a first attachment which is mounted on the main portion of the apron and a second attachment which is mounted on the secondary portion of the latter, the joint further having a pivot around which at least one of the first attachment and the second attachment is capable of rotating, the distance from one of the first attachment and the second attachment to the pivot being substantially greater than the distance from the other of these attachments to the pivot; the connecting assembly comprises a section of flexible strip having a generally Y-shaped profile, a portion of this section corresponding to a foot of this Y being capable of being connected to the winder, while each portion of this section corresponding to a branch of this Y is attached respectively to the main portion of the apron or the secondary portion of the latter; the pivot arrangement comprises a flexible core which mutually connects the first link and the second link; at least one of the first connection and the second connection is made in one piece with the flexible core; the connecting assembly comprises at least one flexible link capable of connecting at least one of the main portion of the deck and the secondary portion of the latter, and the flexible core has at least one passage adapted to this flexible link; the first connection, the second connection and the flexible core are shaped into a section of profile in the general shape of a J or U, at least when the articulation is active; at least one of the first connection and the second connection is shaped into a hinge wing; the connecting assembly comprises a joint which mutually connects the main portion of the apron and the secondary portion of the latter, and at least one link capable of being attached to the reel, the link in question being attached to a blade of at least one of the main portion of the apron and the secondary portion of the latter, in the vicinity of the joint; the main portion and the secondary portion each have a respective large face in contact with the water when the apron is deployed, and in which the main portion rolls up via its respective large face while the secondary portion rolls up via a large face opposite its respective large face, or the main portion rolls up via a large face opposite its respective large face while the secondary portion rolls up via its respective large face; the main portion and the secondary portion each have a large lower face intended for contact with the water of the pool or the like and a large upper face opposite the large lower face, and the connecting assembly is arranged in such a way that in the rolled-up state of the apron, the main portion is rolled up on its large upper face and the secondary portion on its large lower face, or the main portion is rolled up on its large lower face and the secondary portion on its large upper face.

[0018] An apron is also provided for the safety shutter of a pool, in particular a swimming pool. The apron comprises a main portion and at least part of a first automatic hooking device, this part being mounted on the main portion, in the vicinity of a front end of this portion. The apron further comprises a secondary portion and at least part of a second automatic hooking device, this part being mounted on the secondary portion, in the vicinity of a front end of this portion.

[0019] The apron may further comprise at least one part of a connecting assembly, by means of which the apron is connected to a reel, this part of the connecting assembly being attached to the main portion of the apron, in the vicinity of a rear end of this portion, opposite the front end and to the secondary portion, in the vicinity of a rear end of this portion, opposite the front end and close to the rear end of the main portion.

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, taken from examples given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, taken from the drawings in which: [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of a pool equipped with a swimming pool shutter according to the invention; [Fig.2] represents the flap of [Fig.l] being deployed, seen in section; [Fig.3] represents the flap of [Fig.l] deployed, seen in section; [Fig.4] is analogous to [Fig.3] and shows schematically an embodiment of the shutter of [Fig.l]; [Fig.5] represents an alternative embodiment of the shutter of [Fig.4]; [Fig.6] represents an articulation for the flap of [Fig.l], according to an embodiment of the invention, seen in section; [Fig.7] represents a hinge for the flap of [Fig.l], according to another embodiment of the invention, perspective view, in an exploded state; [Fig.8] represents, in section, a part of a shutter according to the invention equipped with an articulation, the articulation being in a deployed state; [Fig.9] is analogous to [Fig.8], the joint being in a folded state; [Fig. 10] represents the shutter of figures 8 and 9 rolled up, seen in section; [Fig.l 1] is analogous to [Fig. 10] and represents a variant of the shutter of figures 8 and 9, seen in section; [Fig. 12] represents in perspective the shutter according to another embodiment; [Fig. 13] represents the shutter of [Fig. 12] seen in section; [Fig. 14] represents, in section, a shutter according to yet another embodiment of the invention; [Fig. 15] represents the articulation of [Fig.7] in an assembled state.

[0021] The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, elements of a certain character. They may therefore not only serve to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0022] Reference is made to Figures 1 and 3.

[0023] These figures show a pool 3, for example a private swimming pool, filled with water or the like, with edges which form the outline of the pool 3. Here, the pool 3 has a generally rectangular outline.

[0024] The pool 3 is equipped with a safety shutter 1. This shutter 1 comprises an apron 2, shown here in a deployed state, which is configured to cover the surface of the pool 3, from one edge to the others, while floating. The apron 2 has a shape corresponding substantially to that of the pool 3. For example, the apron 2 is here generally rectangular.

[0025] The apron 2 is capable of being wound in a specific direction, represented here by the arrow 21. When the apron 2 has an elongated shape, this winding direction 21 generally corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the apron 2. This is the case here, where the apron 2 has a generally rectangular shape. As a replacement, the apron 2 can be made so that its winding direction 21 corresponds to a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, or transverse direction.

[0026] The shutter 1 further comprises a reel-type device 5 (visible only in [Fig. 3]) adapted to the apron 2 and operable so as to remove the apron 2 from the basin 3 by rolling it up and to deploy the apron 2 on this basin 3 by unrolling it.

[0027] The reel 5 conventionally comprises a drum 51 mounted on a frame (not shown), rotating about an axis 52 which generally corresponds to the central axis of the drum 51. If necessary, the frame may be equipped with feet. The reel 5 may further comprise an actuator (not shown), configured to drive the drum 51 in rotation relative to the frame. In particular, the actuator may comprise a geared motor. As a replacement or in addition, the drum 5 may be driven manually.

[0028] The reel 5 shown in these figures is of the above-ground type, that is to say that the reel 5, or at least its drum 51, is located high above the surface of the water. The drum 51 of the reel 5 is arranged at least partially above the basin 3, at least for the winding and unwinding of the apron 2.

[0029] The reel 5 is arranged near one of the edges of the basin 3, or proximal edge 401, on the left in [Fig. 3]. The basin 3 has an edge opposite this proximal edge 401, the distal edge 402.

[0030] The apron 2 comprises a first portion, or main part 7, shaped here so as to cover a large area of the surface of the basin 3 and a second portion, or secondary part 9, shaped so as to cover the rest of this surface. The secondary part 9 and the main part 7 are arranged one after the other in the winding direction 21 of the deck 2. The main part 7 and the secondary part 9 are each shaped and sized so as to correspond to the shape and dimension of the deck 2 in a direction transverse to the winding direction 21.

[0031] The main part 7 and the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 are each capable of being wound in a respective direction. This main part 7 and this secondary part 9 are arranged relative to each other in such a way that their respective winding direction extends in the winding direction 21 of the apron 2.

[0032] The main part 7 of the apron 2 has a first end, or front end 15, which is located near the distal edge 402 when the apron 2 is deployed over the pelvis 3. This front end 15 corresponds to an end of the apron 2 intended to be attached to the distal edge 402 when the flap 1 is in the safety position.

[0033] The front end 15 of the main part 7 is generally shaped in a manner which corresponds to the general shape of the distal edge 402 of the basin 3. Here, the distal edge 402 of the basin 3 and the front end 15 of the main part 7 of the apron 2 are generally rectilinear.

[0034] When the apron 2 rests on the surface of the basin 3, including during its rolling and unrolling, the front end 15 of the main part 7 is located opposite the distal edge 402 of the basin 3. This main part 7 also has a second end or rear end 16, opposite the front end 15 in the direction of rolling of the main part 7.

[0035] The secondary part 9 of the apron 2 has a first end, or front end 17, which is located near the proximal edge 401 of the pelvis 3 when the apron 2 is deployed over the pelvis 3. This front end 17 corresponds to an end of the apron 2 intended to be attached to the proximal edge 401 when the flap 1 is in the safety position. The front end 17 of the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 and the front end 15 of the main part 7 are mutually opposite in the winding direction 21 of the apron 2.

[0036] The front end 17 of the secondary part 9 is generally shaped in a manner which corresponds to the general shape of the proximal edge 401 of the basin 3. Here, the proximal edge 401 of the basin 3 and the front end 17 of the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 are generally rectilinear.

[0037] When the apron 2 rests on the surface of the basin 3, the front end 17 of the secondary part 9 is located opposite the proximal edge 401 of the basin 3. The part secondary 9 of the apron 2 further has a second end, or rear end 18, opposite its front end 17 in the winding direction of this secondary part 9.

[0038] The shutter 1 further comprises a connecting assembly 10, arranged so as to connect the main part 7 of the apron 2 on the one hand and, on the other hand, the secondary part 9 of the latter to the winder 5. The connecting assembly 10 is arranged so as to allow pivoting of the main part 7 and the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 relative to each other, at least in areas close to their respective rear ends.

[0039] The connecting assembly 10 is capable of functionally connecting the apron 2 to the winder 5. The connecting assembly 10 is arranged in such a way that rotation of the drum 51 of the winder 5 simultaneously causes the winding of the main part 7 and the secondary part 9 of the apron 2, or the unwinding, depending on the direction of rotation of the drum 51.

[0040] Here, the connecting assembly 10 is attached to the main part 7 of the apron 2, in the vicinity of the rear end 16 of this main part 7, and to the secondary part 9, in the vicinity of the rear end 18 of the latter, each time in an articulated manner.

[0041] When the apron 2 is deployed, the front end 15 of the main part 7 advances towards the distal edge 402 of the pelvis 3 as the apron 2 is unrolled. And the front end 17 of the secondary part 9 advances towards the proximal edge 401 of the pelvis 3 as the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 is unrolled. The unrolling of the secondary part 9 begins after that of the main part 7.

[0042] The flap 1 also comprises at least a first attachment mechanism which, once actuated, is capable of retaining the apron 2 on the distal edge 402 of the pelvis 3 and a second attachment mechanism, homologous to the first, for retaining the apron 2 on the proximal edge 401 of the pelvis 3.

[0043] The first attachment mechanism is mounted at least partly on the main part 7 of the apron 2, in the vicinity of the front end 15 of the latter, while the second attachment mechanism is at least partly installed on the secondary part 9, in the vicinity of the front end 17 of the latter.

[0044] The first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism each comprise at least one respective elementary attachment device 13. Here, each of these mechanisms comprises two elementary devices 13.

[0045] Each elementary device 13 comprises an embedded part 131, integral with the main part 7 or the secondary part 9 of the apron 2, and a fixed part 132, attached to the distal edge 402 or to the proximal edge 401 of the basin 3. The embedded part 131 of each elementary device 13 is capable of engaging with the fixed part 132 of the latter in order to retain the apron 2 to the basin 3.

[0046] The actuation of the first or second latching mechanism corresponds to the actuation of each of the elementary devices 13 of this mechanism. The actuation of an elementary device 13 involves in particular the mutual engagement of its embedded part 131 and its fixed part 132.

[0047] The first attachment mechanism is of the automatic actuation type. This first mechanism is actuated without requiring direct human intervention, at least for the engagement of the embedded parts 131 with the fixed parts 132, as a result of the main part 7 of the apron 2 pressing against the distal edge 402 of the basin 3. Such a pressing occurs upon deployment of the apron 2, when the main part 7 of the apron 2 approaches the distal edge 402 of the basin 3. In a non-limiting manner, this first attachment mechanism comprises for example one or more devices of the type described in FR 3 098 536 A1 or EP 2 682 540 A2 as elementary devices 13.

[0048] The second hooking mechanism is also of the automatically actuated type. This second mechanism is actuated without requiring human intervention, as a result of the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 pressing against the proximal edge 401 of the basin 3.

[0049] In particular, as shown schematically in [Fig. 1], the embedded part 131 of at least some of the attachment mechanisms 13 can be integrated into the main part 7 of the apron 2, or into the secondary part 9, in the vicinity of their respective front end 15, 17.

[0050] Here, the connecting assembly 10 comprises an articulation 11 connected on the one hand to the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 and, on the other hand, to the main part 7 of the latter. The articulation 11 is arranged in such a way that the main portion 7 and the secondary portion 9 of the apron 2 are free to pivot relative to each other, at least in areas close to their respective rear ends. Here, the connecting assembly 10 further comprises at least one link 6 for connecting with driving capacity the main part 7 and the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 to the reel 5. For example, the link 6 shown in [Fig. 3] is attached on the one hand to the drum 51 of the reel 5 and, on the other hand, to the articulation 11. The link 6 may comprise one or more straps distributed over the length of the reel 5. For example, the straps 6 are spaced from each other by 1.5 to 3 meters.

[0051] At least one of the links 6 can connect the articulation 11 to the drum 51 of the reel 5. As a replacement or in addition, at least one of the links 6 can be attached to the main part 7 of the apron 2, in particular in the vicinity of its rear end 16, or to the secondary part 9 of the latter, in particular in the vicinity of its rear end 18.

[0052] Reference is made to Figures 2 and 3.

[0053] The main part 7 of the apron 2 has a large face, or lower face 71, intended to be in contact with the water when the apron 2 is deployed on the surface of the pool 3, and a large face opposite this lower face 71, or upper face 72. Similarly, the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 comprises a lower face 91 and an opposite upper face 92.

[0054] The main part 7 of the apron 2 is wound onto the drum 51 of the reel 5 by its lower face 71. This lower face 71 corresponds to the intrados of the winding.

[0055] To deploy the apron 2 over the pool 3 from a state where the apron 2 is wound, in particular on the drum 51 of the reel 5, this drum 51 is driven in rotation in a first direction, or unwinding direction, represented by the curved arrow 53. The rotation of the drum 51 in the unwinding direction causes the main part 7 of the apron 2 to advance over the water, from the vertical of the drum 51, in the vicinity of the proximal edge 401 of the pool 3 towards the distal edge 402. This movement is represented by the arrow 73.

[0056] By gravity, the main part 7 of the apron 2 comes into contact with the water, and more precisely the front end 15 of this main part 7, followed by the rest of this part, via its winding face, the lower face 71. The main part 7 floats and deploys along the basin 3 as the drum 51 of the reel 5 rotates. The main part 7 of the apron 2 continues to deploy until its front end 15 comes into contact with the distal edge 402 of the basin 3.

[0057] The secondary part 9 of the apron 2 is wound onto the drum 51 of the reel 5 by its upper face 92. This upper face 92 corresponds to the intrados of the winding. The lower face 71 of the main part 7 is in contact with the lower face 91 of the secondary part 9.

[0058] A little before the main part 7 of the apron 2 is completely unwound, it is the turn of its secondary part 9 to be unwound from the drum 51 of the reel 5. The secondary part 9 comes into contact with the water, more precisely its front end 17, followed by the rest of this part via its face opposite the winding face, the lower face 91. The secondary part 9 of the apron 2 floats and unfolds along the pool 3 as the drum 51 rotates. The rotation of the drum 51 in the unwinding direction 53 causes the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 to advance on the water, from the vertical of the drum 51 towards the proximal edge 401. This movement is represented by the arrow 93. The secondary part 9 unfolds on the surface of the pool 3 until its front end 17 comes into contact with the proximal edge 401 of the pool 3.

[0059] The deployment of the apron 2, including that of its secondary part 9, is carried out by the rotation of the drum 51 of the reel 5 in the same direction of unwinding 53 and by the effect that gravity exerts on portions of the main part 7 and of the secondary part 9 unwound and not yet in contact with the water of the basin 3.

[0060] When the apron 2 is deployed, its main part 7 and its secondary part 9 advance on the surface of the water, respectively towards the distal edge 402 and the proximal edge 401. The main part 7 and the secondary part 9 are deployed relative to the basin 3 in mutually opposite directions.

[0061] The main part 7 of the apron 2 and, where appropriate, the articulation 11 of the connecting assembly 10 are dimensioned such that, when the front end 15 of the main part 7 approaches the distal edge 402 of the basin 3, a portion of the main part 7 close to the rear end 16 and / or the articulation 11 is out of the water. On this portion there is an effect of gravity which, unlike the rest of the main part 7 which is in contact with the water of the basin 3, is not compensated by Archimedes' thrust, nor by a traction of the links 6. This effect of gravity results in a support of the front end 15 of the main part 7 against the distal edge 402 of the basin 3. This support contributes to the actuation of the automatic hooking mechanism provided between the main part 7 of the apron 2 and the distal edge 402 of the basin 3.

[0062] The same applies to the secondary part 9 of the apron 2, the front end 17 of which presses against the proximal edge 401 of the basin 3. This support contributes to the actuation of the automatic hooking mechanism provided between the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 and the proximal edge 401 of the basin 3.

[0063] When the apron 2 is deployed, the articulation 11 is moved from a folded state where this articulation 11 allows the main part 7 and the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 to be close to each other, at least in areas close to their rear end, to a deployed state where these parts, or the areas in question, are distant from each other.

[0064] To remove the apron 2 from the pool 3 from its deployed state, the drum 51 of the reel 5 is rotated in a direction opposite to the unwinding direction 53. The connecting assembly 10, in particular the links 6, lift the main part 7 and the secondary part 9 of the apron 2, close to their respective rear ends, while the articulation 11 folds back under the effect of gravity. This removal of the apron 2 involves a prior release of the hooking mechanisms which allows the main part 7 and the secondary part 9 to be moved away from the distal edge 402 and the proximal edge 401 of the pool 3 respectively.

[0065] When rolling up the apron 2, under the effect of gravity on the secondary part 9 and the portion of the main part 7 out of the water, the articulation 11 folds. The secondary part 9 first wraps around the drum 51 via its upper face 92 (intrados), accompanied by a portion of the main part 7 via its lower surface 71. Then it is the turn of the rest of the part main part 7 of the apron 2. The winding ends when the entire main part 7 is removed from the basin 3.

[0066] The dimension of the apron 2 in its winding direction corresponds to the extent of its main part 7 and its secondary part 9 together, to which is added the extent, in this direction, of the articulation IL. From the description which has just been given, it is understood that the main part 7, the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 and the articulation 11 in the unfolded (deployed) state are mutually dimensioned so that the dimension of the apron 2 in its winding direction is substantially greater than the distance which separates the proximal edge 401 of the basin 3 from the distal edge 402. Thus, once the apron 2 is deployed, the articulation 11, where appropriate in combination of portions of the main part 7 and of the secondary part 9 adjacent to the rear end 16, 18 of these parts, constitutes a reserve of length which contributes to the support of the front ends 15 and 17 of the main 7 and secondary 9 parts of the apron 2.Furthermore, the articulation 11 and the portions in question make it possible to adapt the effective dimension of the apron 2 in its winding direction to the distance which actually separates the proximal edge 401 from the distal edge 402.

[0067] Reference is made to [Fig.4].

[0068] [Fig. 4] is analogous to [Fig. 3]. In particular, [Fig. 4] shows schematically an example of an embodiment of an apron 2 for use, for example, with the shutter described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0069] Conventionally, the main part 7 comprises a succession of elementary blades 70, arranged next to each other in the winding direction of the main part 7. The elementary blades 70 occupy most of the surface of the main part 7. The elementary blades 70 are assembled to each other laterally, each time by means of a respective articulation 74. Each articulation 74 allows angular movement of two elementary blades 70 adjacent to each other. This movement gives the main part 7 most of its winding capacity.

[0070] The main part 7 may further comprise a front end blade (not visible in [Fig.4]), or front blade, arranged in the vicinity of the end in question. This front end blade may be mounted on an adjacent elementary blade 70, in particular by means of a respective articulation. The main part 7 further comprises a rear end blade, or rear blade 76, arranged in the vicinity of the end in question. This rear blade 76 is mounted on an adjacent elementary blade 70, here by means of an articulation 75.

[0071] The secondary part 9 comprises a front end blade, or front blade 97, arranged in the vicinity of the end in question. Preferably, the front blade 97 of the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 is similar to the front blade of the main part 7, in particularly when these blades incorporate mutually analogous attachment mechanisms. The secondary part 9 also comprises a rear end blade, or rear blade 98, arranged in the vicinity of the end in question.

[0072] Here, the rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9 is mounted on the front blade 97, by means of a respective articulation 94. Alternatively, the secondary part 9 could further comprise an elementary blade or a succession of such blades assembled to each other in an articulated manner, on which the front blade 97 and the rear blade 98 are mounted, each time in an articulated manner. In this case, the elementary blades of the secondary part 9 may be similar to the elementary blades 70 of the main part 7, in particular to facilitate the rolling up of the apron 2.

[0073] The rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9 is preferably similar to the rear blade 76 of the main part 7, in particular to facilitate the rolling up of the apron 2.

[0074] The elementary blades 70 of the main part 7, where appropriate those of the secondary part 9, the rear blade 98 of this secondary part 9, that 76 of the main part and the front blades of these parts may each comprise a generally flat section of profile. This section of profile has two large faces mutually opposite each other in a first direction of the profile and which extend in a longitudinal direction of the blade. These faces belong respectively to the upper and lower faces of the main 7 and secondary 9 parts. This section of profile may comprise a flotation module, for example consisting of a hollow structure, which gives the blade its buoyancy.Preferably, the elementary blades 70 of the main part 7, where appropriate those of the secondary part 9, the rear blade 98 of the secondary part, that 76 of the main part and the front blades of these parts are similar to each other, at least with regard to their flotation module.

[0075] The rear blade 76 of the main part 7 of the apron 2 and the rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9 are each mounted on the articulation 11 of the connecting assembly 10, in particular in an articulated manner.

[0076] At the end of deployment of the apron 2, the rear blade 76 of the main part 7 is predominantly subject to its own weight, in particular because the links 6 tend to be loose. Due to the articulation 75 between the rear blade 76 and the adjacent elementary blade 70, the effect of gravity on the end blade 76 generates in the articulation 75 in question a thrust force directed towards the distal edge of the pelvis 3. This thrust force is represented by the arrow 79. This force is found at the front end of the main part 7 and contributes to the actuation of the automatic attachment mechanism. It is understood that during deployment of the apron 2, a a similar phenomenon occurs in each elementary blade 70 of the main part 7, which contributes to moving this main part 7 towards the distal edge of the pelvis.

[0077] Still at the end of deployment of the apron 2, a similar phenomenon occurs in the rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9, which generates a thrust force directed towards the proximal edge 401, represented here by the arrow 99, here on the front blade 97.

[0078] Reference is made to [Fig.5].

[0079] [Fig. 5] shows a shutter similar to that of [Fig. 4], except that the reel 5, at least its drum 51, is here submerged in the basin 3. For example, the reel 5 is arranged at the bottom of the basin 3, under this basin 3 or even under a portion of the basin 3 forming a bench or staircase. When it is submerged, the reel 5 is generally concealed, for example by means of a covering (not shown) from which the apron emerges, in particular through what is called a loophole in the art.

[0080] The reel 5 is immersed near the proximal edge 401 of the basin 3.

[0081] At the end of deployment of the apron 2, the rear blade 76 of the main part 7 and the rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9 respectively produce a thrust force 79 directed towards the distal edge of the pelvis 3 and a thrust force 99 directed towards the proximal edge under the effect of the Archimedes thrust which is exerted on these blades.

[0082] The deployment and winding of the main part 7 of the shutter 2 and of its secondary part 9 by means of a submerged winder 5 are implemented in a manner analogous to that described above in the case of an above-ground winder: the Archimedes thrust exerted on the submerged blades causes an effect similar to that of gravity exerted on the emerged blades.

[0083] It will be noted that here, unlike the above-ground case, the main part 7 of the apron 2 is wound by its upper face and the secondary part 9 by its lower face. When the apron 2 is wound on the drum 51, the upper face of the main part 7 is in contact with the upper face of the secondary part 9. It is also possible to provide for the winding of the apron 2 to be carried out on the opposite faces of the main part 7 and the secondary part 9, in particular by arranging the link 6 on the other side of the winder 5.

[0084] Reference is made to [Fig.6].

[0085] [Fig. 6] shows an example of an embodiment of an articulation 11 for use in particular in an apron of the type described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 3, between the main part and the secondary part of the apron. This articulation 11 is shown in an intermediate state, between its deployed state and its folded state.

[0086] The articulation 11 comprises a connecting portion of a first type, or first connection 39, capable of being attached to the main part of the apron, in the vicinity of the rear end of the latter, and a connecting portion of a second type, or second connection 41, capable of being attached to the secondary part, in the vicinity of the rear end of the latter. The articulation 11 further comprises a pivot portion, which connects the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 to each other with the possibility of relative movement of these connections, in particular by pivoting.

[0087] The pivot portion is arranged such that the first link 39 and the second link 41 are at least partly movable relative to each other, between a first position in which the first link 39 and the second link 41 are close to each other and a second position in which the first link 39 and the second link 41 are distant from each other. The first relative position of the first link 39 and the second link 41 corresponds to a folded state of the joint 11, while the second relative position corresponds to a deployed state of the joint 11.

[0088] Here, the pivot portion comprises an elongated and rigid connecting piece while at least one of the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 is shaped at least partially into a flexible wing which extends laterally along this connecting piece. In particular here, the connecting piece takes the form of a tube section.

[0089] In the example shown here, the first connection 39 is shaped so as to be mounted on one side of a rear blade of the main part of the apron. As shown here, this first connection 39 is partly shaped as a male wing capable of being received in the female wing of a rear blade.

[0090] Here, the second connection 41 is also shaped so as to be mounted on one side of a rear blade of the secondary part of the apron. As shown here, this second connection 39 is partly shaped as a male wing capable of being received in the female wing of a rear blade. For example, at least one of the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 is at least partly shaped in a similar manner to a male wing of the type of those of elementary blades of the main part or of the secondary part of the apron.

[0091] More generally, since at least one of the main part and the secondary part of the deck comprises a succession of elementary blades connected to each other by articulations, at least one of the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 can be produced in a manner analogous to said articulations.

[0092] Here, the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 each comprise at least one portion shaped so as to cooperate with the female wing of a rear blade of the main part and of the secondary part. Here, the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 each comprise an end portion shaped in a manner similar to an end portion of the male wing of at least some of the elementary blades of the main part and of the secondary part of the apron. Thus, the first connection 39 is capable of being mounted on the female wing of a rear blade similar to the rest of the elementary blades of the main part. And the second connection 41 is capable of being mounted on the female wing of a rear blade of the secondary part similar, where appropriate, to elementary blades of this secondary part or of the main part.

[0093] Here, the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 are each shaped into a wing each time comprising a respective core-shaped portion 431 and a clip-shaped portion 45, fixed to one end of each core 431. The cores 431 of the first connection 39 and of the second connection 41 are connected to each other, here by means of an elongated part.

[0094] Here, the joint 11 comprises a tube segment 40 as a connecting piece and the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 are each attached to this tube 40. The tube 40 extends along a longitudinal axis. The end of the webs 431 opposite their attachment 45 is attached to the tube 40.

[0095] Here, at least one of the cores 431 of the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 is essentially flexible while the tube segment 40 is essentially rigid. This flexibility allows a movement of the fasteners 45 relative to each other, comparable to a pivoting, so that the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 jointly form a pivot.

[0096] The cores 431 may be made of a flexible material and / or have a shape or structure that gives them flexibility. For example, here, the cores 431 are shaped into strips.

[0097] The fasteners 45 may be rigid, at least more rigid than the cores 431. In particular, the fasteners 45 may be made of a rigid material and / or have a shape or structure which gives them more rigidity than the cores 431. In the latter case, the fasteners 45 may be made of the same material as the cores 431. Advantageously, the cores 431 and the fasteners 45 are extruded together.

[0098] The cores 431 each have a width which corresponds to the extent between the tube 40 and the attachment 45. Here, the distance which separates the attachment 45 from the first connection 39 to the axis of the tube 40 is substantially different from the distance which separates the attachment 45 from the second connection 41 to this axis, in particular greater. In other words, the core 431 of the first connection 39 is substantially wider than the core 431 of the second connection 4L. This contributes to improving the winding of the apron 2.

[0099] The first connection 39 and the second connection 41 extend along the tube 40 so as to secure the main part 7 and the secondary part 9 over a large part of their respective width. The first connection 39 and the second connection 41 may extend continuously. Preferably, the core 431 of the first connection 39 or that of the second connection 41 comprises one or more shaped passages adapted to one or more links in order to connect the tube segment 40, or at least one of the rear blades of the main part and the secondary part to a reel.

[0100] Reference is made to Figures 7 and 15.

[0101] These figures show a joint 11 as a variant of the joint described in relation to [Fig.6].

[0102] The articulation 11 comprises attachment parts of a first type, or primary attachments 49, each capable of being attached to the main part of the deck, in particular near its rear end, and attachment parts of a second type, or secondary attachments 51, each capable of being attached to the secondary part of the deck, in particular near its rear end.

[0103] Here, each primary attachment 49 comprises a portion shaped into a connection of a first type, or first connection 39, analogous to the first connection described in relation to [Fig.6], while each secondary attachment 51 comprises a portion shaped into a connection of a second type, or second connection 41, analogous to the second connection described in relation to [Fig.6].

[0104] The primary fasteners 49 and the secondary fasteners 51 are assembled to each other with the possibility of relative pivoting by means of a connecting piece. For example, each primary fastener 49 is mounted on a connecting piece of the articulation 11 by means of a respective pivot and / or each secondary fastener 51 is mounted on this connecting piece by means of a respective pivot.

[0105] Here, for example, the articulation 11 comprises a shaft 47 as a connecting piece, while each of the primary attachments 49 and the secondary attachments 51 comprises a respective portion shaped as a bearing, by means of which the part in question is mounted on the shaft 47. This shaft 47 can be solid as here, or hollow. Here, each of the primary attachments 49 and the secondary attachments 51 thus comprises a tubular portion 53, as a bearing, capable of being mounted around the shaft 47. The first connection 39 of each primary attachment 49 is integral with a respective tubular portion 53. The second connection 41 of each secondary attachment 51 is integral with a respective tubular portion 53. The shaft 47 and the primary attachments 49 and the secondary attachments 51 together form a hinge which allows the hinge wings 45 of the primary attachments 49 to pivot relative to the hinge wings 45 of the secondary attachments 51.

[0106] The primary fasteners 49 and the secondary fasteners 51 are mounted to rotate freely on the shaft 47. The first links 39 and the second links 41 are free to pivot relative to each other during the winding and unwinding of the apron 2.

[0107] The primary fasteners 49 and the secondary fasteners 51 may preferably be mounted alternately on the shaft 47 as here.

[0108] Here, the primary fasteners 49 and the secondary fasteners 51 are each single-piece and rigid. These parts can be produced by injection.

[0109] At least some of the primary fasteners 49 and secondary fasteners 51 may comprise a respective core analogous to the cores described in relation to [Fig.6] and a fastener 45. The cores may be made of flexible PVC. In particular, the cores are attached to the tubular portions 53 at one side edge and to the fasteners 45 on the opposite edge.

[0110] Reference is made to Figures 8 and 9.

[0111] These figures illustrate an embodiment of an apron conforming to the apron described in relation to figures 4 and 5.

[0112] The elementary blades 70 of the main part 7 of the deck 2 each comprise a flotation module consisting here of a hollow alveolar structure, which gives the elementary blade its buoyancy. Here, for example, this flotation module has a generally rectangular cross-section. Each elementary blade 70 has two large mutually opposite faces, namely a lower face 77 intended to be in contact with the water and an opposite upper face.

[0113] Each elementary blade 70 further comprises a pair of articulation wings, arranged respectively on one side and the other of the flotation module 25. This pair of wings comprises a male type wing 31 and a female type wing 33 shaped in correspondence with each other so as to be able to engage, at least partially, with the female wing 33 and the male wing 31 respectively of adjacent and homologous elementary blades 70 of the main part 7. In particular, the male wing 31 and the female wing 33 may be made in one piece with the rest of the section of profile.

[0114] Each time, a male wing 31 and a female wing 33 make it possible to produce an articulation between two homologous and mutually adjacent elementary blades 70. The male wing 31 fits into the female wing 33. When the male wing 31 of an elementary blade 70 is fitted into the female wing 33 of a homologous and adjacent elementary blade 70, these blades are connected to each other with a capacity for angular movement of these elementary blades 70. This movement is useful for rolling up the apron 2. The male wing 31 and the female wing 33 can each extend over practically the entire length of an elementary blade 70.

[0115] Here, the rear blade 76 of the main part 7 is analogous to the elementary blades 70.

[0116] The rear wing 98 of the secondary part 9 is also analogous to the elementary blades 70 of the main part 7.

[0117] The front blade 97 of the secondary part 9 here has a thickness substantially greater than the thickness of the rear blade 98 of this part and of the elementary blades 70 of the main part 7. This makes it possible to increase the rigidity of this front blade 97. Here, the front blade 97 of the secondary part 9 is obtained by superimposing two blades similar to the elementary blades 70 of the main part 7.

[0118] Here, the articulations formed each time by a male wing 31 and a female wing 33 have an asymmetrical operation: by their respective shape, these articulations have a greater angular displacement capacity in one direction than the other. This gives the main part 7 of the apron 2 a good ability to roll up by its lower face (flexibility) and a retention capacity by its upper face (stiffness), a capacity which contributes to the safety of the shutter. As an exception to the rest of the main part 7 of the apron 2, the elementary blade 70 adjacent to the rear blade 76 is arranged so that its lower face 77 belongs to the upper face of the main part 7. This makes it possible to obtain between the rear blade 76 of the main part 7 and this adjacent elementary blade 70 an articulation which operates in a manner inverse to most of the articulations of this main part 7. This promotes the rolling up of the apron 2.

[0119] The rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9 is connected to the articulation 11 in such a way that its lower face 77 belongs to the upper face of this secondary part 9. The same applies to each blade which constitutes the front blade 97 of this part 9. This promotes the rolling up of the apron 2.

[0120] The articulation 11 is similar to that described in relation to [Fig.6]. The core 431 of the connection to the secondary part 9 is rigid while the core 431 of the connection to the main part 7 is mainly flexible.

[0121] Reference is made to Figures 10 to 11.

[0122] Figures 10 and 11 show a portion of an apron 2 as described in relation to Figures 8 and 9, wound on a drum 51. The front blade 97 of the secondary portion 9 is substantially thicker than the other blades of the apron 2, in particular than the rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9 and the rear blade 76 of the main part 7.

[0123] The upper face of the secondary part 9 is in contact with the drum 51, while the lower face of the main part 7 is in contact with the lower face of the secondary part 9 and then with the drum 51. This could be the reverse.

[0124] The secondary part 9 wound on the drum creates locally, on an angular sector, an increase in diameter for the winding of the main part 7. In a certain way, the main part 7 wraps around an oval, while the secondary part 9 wraps around a circle.

[0125] This increase in the winding diameter remains quite small on the winding of [Fig.10], in particular in comparison with the winding of [Fig.11].

[0126] In [Fig. 10], the front blade 97 of the secondary part 9 is in contact with the elementary blade 70 adjacent to the rear blade 76 in the main part 7. This contact occurs on a face of this front blade 97 opposite the drum 51 and a face of this elementary blade 70 directed towards this drum 51.

[0127] In [Fig. 10], the difference in width of the webs 431 of the first connection 39 and of the second connection 41 makes it possible to adapt the relative position of the secondary part 9 of the deck and of a rear portion of the main part 7. In particular, the relative position of the front blade 97 of the secondary part 9 and the adjacent elementary blade 70 in the main part 7 of the rear blade 76 is adapted.

[0128] In [Fig. 11], the cores 431 of the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 have widths close to one another. The front blade 97 of the secondary part 9 is located astride two adjacent elementary blades 70 of the main part 7. These elementary blades 70 are arranged jointly in a corner which locally increases the winding diameter, in a significant manner. This increase in diameter is greater than in [Fig. 10].

[0129] The Applicant has thus realized the usefulness of adapting the relative position of the front blade 76 of the main part 7 and the rear blade 98 of the secondary portion 9 to the winding to improve the winding of the apron 2.

[0130] This adaptation may involve the articulation 11, as here where the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 have different widths from each other. The way of mounting the blades on top of each other to increase the angular movement of the articulations also tends to improve the winding.

[0131] The direction of mounting of the blades of the main part 7, on a rear portion of this part, and on the secondary part 9 makes it possible to make the best use of the angular movement between the adjacent blades.

[0132] The configuration which results in the best winding of the apron 2 may depend on the width of the blades and the diameter of the drum 51. The width of the cores 431 and the choice of the direction of mounting of the blades may vary accordingly.

[0133] Preferably, the difference in width between the respective webs of the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 is less than or equal to half the pitch of the elementary blades 70 of the main part 7.

[0134] Reference is made to Figures 12 and 13.

[0135] These figures show an apron 2 comprising a main part 7 and a secondary part 9, connected to each other by an articulation 11.

[0136] The articulation 11 connects together one end of the main part 7 formed by a rear blade 76 and one end of the secondary part 9 formed by a rear blade 98.

[0137] The articulation 11 comprises a first portion shaped as a first connection 39, capable of being mounted on the rear blade 76 of the main portion 7 and a second portion shaped as a second connection 41, capable of being mounted on the rear blade 98 of the secondary portion 9. The articulation 11 further comprises, as a junction, a portion shaped as a flexible core 57 mutually connecting the first connection 39 and the second connection 4L

[0138] The first connection 39 and the second connection 41 each comprise an end portion shaped as an articulation wing 45, here of the male type, capable of engaging in a wing of the rear blade 76 of the first portion 7 and of the rear blade 98 of the second portion 9, respectively, here female wings 33. For example here, each end portion comprises two edges curved towards the flexible core 57. The flexible core 57 may be made of a flexible material, in particular a strip material as here. Here, the articulation 11 is in the form of a profiled part whose cross section has an I-shape.

[0139] The connecting arrangement here comprises a link, in particular one or more straps 6. The straps 6 are attached here to the rear blade 76 of the main part 7, in particular by means of a portion of the straps 6 shaped into a loop 60. As a replacement or in addition, at least some of the straps 6 can be attached to the rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9.

[0140] The flexible core 57 may be provided with openings each shaped so as to allow the passage of a link, in particular the strap 6. The flexible core 57 may be seen as discontinuous or openwork.

[0141] A connecting assembly has been described comprising a link intended to be attached on the one hand to the drum of a reel and, on the other hand, to an end blade of the main part or of the secondary part or to at least part of an articulation between these blades.

[0142] The articulation of the connecting assembly is advantageous in that it forms a direct mechanical connection between the main part of the deck and the secondary part. This connection ensures mechanical integrity of the deck. When the connecting assembly is without articulation between the main and secondary parts of the deck, one or more links can be provided between the reel and the main part and one or more links between this reel and the secondary part.

[0143] The articulation has a deployed state which moves the rear ends of the main part and the secondary part of the deck away from each other and a folded state in which these ends are brought closer to each other. The deployed state of the articulation 11 is more particularly useful for deploying the deck, in that it constitutes a reserve of extension of the deck 2 in its unwinding direction opposite to the winding direction. The folded state is more particularly useful for winding of the deck, in that it brings the main and secondary parts closer together. Advantageously, the extension reserve offered by the articulation, and the rear slats is at least equal to the pitch of the slats of the main part. It is noted that the deployment of the deck on the basin is done without any play in the articulations between the elementary slats of the main part. In this, this positioning differs essentially from that of conventional decks.

[0144] Several assemblies have been described between the connecting assembly and the main and secondary parts of the deck, in particular by means of a joint. The assemblies described involve male-type fixing wings, capable of engaging in female-type fixing wings attached to the end blades of the main part and the secondary part. Alternatively, at least some of these assemblies may involve a female-type wing capable of engaging in a male wing of an end blade of these parts.

[0145] [Fig. 14] illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, similar to the alternative of Figures 8 and 9. The articulation 11 comprises a first connection 39 comprising a male wing 31 which engages in the female wing 33 of the rear blade 76 of the main portion 7 and a second connection 49 comprising a male wing 31 which engages in the female wing 33 of the rear blade 98 of the secondary portion. These connections are mutually secured by means of a joining piece 40. Here, this joining piece 40 is produced in the form of two similar blades 400 fixed against each other by means of one of their large faces. Each of these similar blades 400 carries a respective male wing 31. One of these analogous blades 400 is thus mounted in an articulated manner on the rear blade 76 of the main part 7 by means of its male wing 31, while the other is mounted in an articulated manner on the rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 by means of its male wing 31.The assembly of the analogous blades 400 of the articulation 11 can be done by gluing, by riveting or by mechanically welded assembly. Here, each of the analogous blades 400 is shaped in a similar manner to the elementary blades 70 of the main part 7. In the case where at least some of the blades of the secondary part 9 are shaped in a different manner from the elementary blades 70 of the main part 7, the analogous blade 400 of the articulation 11 can be shaped like this blade of the secondary part 9. The connecting assembly 10 here comprises at least one link 6 attached on the one hand to the articulation 11 and, on the other hand, to the drum of the reel. Here, the link 6 is partially shaped into a loop 60 which surrounds the assembly formed by the analogous blades 400. The male wings 31 of these analogous blades 400 can be interrupted by passages adapted to the link 6.

[0146] Here, the rear blade 76 of the main part 7 is mounted on the adjacent elementary blade 70 so that its lower face 77 belongs to the upper face of the main part 7. The same applies to the rear blade 98 of the secondary portion 9.

[0147] In yet another alternative embodiment, not shown, the connecting assembly may have a Y-shaped section, in particular a flexible strip, a portion of this section corresponding to a foot of the Y being capable of being connected to the winder, while each portion of this section corresponding to a branch of this Y is attached respectively to the main portion of the apron or the secondary portion of the latter, respectively. For example, this connecting assembly has a bead on its edges corresponding to the branches of the Y and reinforced openings to accommodate the straps of the winding system on the edge corresponding to the foot of the Y. The interface part may be a portion of profile or a canvas.

[0148] A main part of the apron has been shown that is substantially larger than the secondary part. A secondary part of small extent facilitates the positioning of the reel, the latter being able to be slightly advanced above the water relative to the proximal edge. In particular, the secondary portion of the apron comprises exactly between one and three blades, in particular only one front end blade and one rear end blade. However, it is possible to envisage providing main and secondary parts of similar extents, or even a secondary part that is substantially larger than the main part.

[0149] For the sake of simplification, a shutter according to the invention has been described in relation to a pool with a generally rectangular outline, as is the case for most swimming pools. However, the invention is not limited to this simple shape. It is sufficient that the shape and dimension of the apron, in particular of its main part and its secondary part, correspond to the shape and dimension of the pool.

[0150] An apron equipped with automatic hooking mechanisms has been described, which are actuated so that the apron is retained at the distal edge and at the proximal edge. Placing the shutter in the safe position may involve additional operations, possibly manual. Furthermore, the fact that the hooking mechanisms described above are actuated without requiring direct human intervention does not exclude the possibility of human intervention being provided elsewhere on the shutter to secure the latter. For example, it may be provided that the actuation of the reel requires human intervention on it, in particular for the entire time necessary for the deployment of the apron, until it is hooked.

[0151] Attachment mechanisms have been described, each comprising two elementary devices. Such a mechanism may comprise more than two devices. The latter are advantageously distributed along the edge of the main or secondary part of the apron. The number of these elementary devices may depend, at least in part, on the dimensions of the pelvis, in particular its proximal and distal edges.

[0152] Joints have been described, the connection to the main part and the connection to the secondary part of which are each provided with male-type articulation wings, capable of engaging with the female wing of the rear blade of each of these parts. At least one of the articulation wings of these connections may be of the female type and engage with the male wing of the rear blade of at least one of the parts in question.

[0153] A connecting assembly has been described comprising an articulation between the main part and the secondary part of the deck. This articulation contributes to securing the basin in that it mechanically links the main part and the secondary part to each other. Such an articulation remains optional.

[0154] A main part of the apron has been described having a front end. This end can be seen as a front edge of this main part. This front edge advances over the water of the pool, or the like, towards the distal edge when the apron is deployed. The same is true of the front end of the secondary part of the apron. In a way, the apron described above has two front edges, each of which advances towards a respective edge of the pool when the apron is deployed / unrolled. The front edges / ends can be described as unrolling, in that they are unrolled first. Similarly, the rear edges / ends of the main part and the secondary part can be described as rolling up in that they are rolled up first.

Claims

Claims

1. Safety shutter (1) for a pool (3), in particular the pool (3) of a swimming pool, of the type comprising: - an apron (2) comprising a main portion (7) and at least one part (131) of a first automatic hooking device (13), this part (131) being mounted on the main portion (7), in the vicinity of a front end (15) of this portion (7); - a connecting assembly (10), by means of which the apron (2) is connected to a reel (5), this connecting assembly (10) being attached to the main portion (7) of the apron (2), in the vicinity of a rear end (16) of this portion (7), opposite the front end (15);characterized in that the apron (2) further comprises a secondary portion (9) and at least one part (131) of a second automatic hooking device (13), this part (131) being mounted on the secondary portion (9), in the vicinity of a front end (17) of this portion (9), the connecting assembly (10) being further attached to this secondary portion (9), in the vicinity of a rear end (18) of this portion (9), opposite the front end (1) and close to the rear end (16) of the main portion (7).;

2. Shutter (1) according to claim 1, in which at least one of the main portion (7) and the secondary portion (9) of the apron (2) comprises, in the vicinity of its rear end (16, 18), an articulation wing of a first type (33), and the connecting assembly (10) comprises an articulation wing of a second type (45), capable of engaging, at least partially, with the wing of the first type (33).

3. Shutter (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the connecting assembly (10) comprises an articulation (11) mounted on the one hand on the secondary portion (9) of the apron (2) and, on the other hand, on the main portion (7) of the latter, this articulation (11) being arranged in such a way that the main portion (7) and the secondary portion (9) of the apron (2) are free to pivot relative to each other, at least in areas close to their respective rear ends (16, 18).

4. Shutter (1) according to claim 3, in which the articulation (11) comprises at least one first connection (39) capable of engaging with the main portion (7) of the apron (2), in the vicinity of the end rear (16) of the latter, and at least one second connection (41) capable of engaging with the secondary portion (9) of the apron (2), in the vicinity of the rear end (18) of the latter, the articulation (11) further comprising a pivot arrangement which mutually connects the first connection (39) and the second connection (41), the pivot arrangement being active at least when rolling up the apron (2).

5. A shutter (1) according to claim 4, wherein the pivot arrangement comprises at least one section of flexible strip and the section is connected to at least one of the first link (39) and the second link (41).

6. Shutter (1) according to one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the pivot arrangement further comprises at least one joining portion (47, 40, 57), and the first connection (39) and the second connection (41) are each connected to this joining portion (47, 40, 57), at least one of this first connection (39) and this second connection (41) with the possibility of pivoting.

7. Shutter (1) according to claim 6, in which at least one of the first connection (39) and the second connection (41) is connected to the joining portion (47, 40, 57) by means of a section of flexible strip.

8. Shutter (1) according to one of claims 6 and 7, in which the joining portion (47, 40, 57) comprises a generally cylindrical shaft (47), and at least one of the first connection (39) and the second connection (41) is rotatably mounted on this cylindrical shaft (47).

9. A shutter (1) according to claim 8, wherein the pivot arrangement further comprises at least one bearing (53) rotatably mounted on the cylindrical shaft (47), and at least one of the first link (39) and the second link (41) is integral with this bearing (53).

10. Shutter (1) according to one of claims 4 to 9, in which the articulation (11) comprises a set of elementary parts (49, 51), mutually homologous, each elementary part (49, 51) comprising a portion forming a bearing (53) and a portion shaped into a first connection (39) or a second connection (41), this first connection (39) or second connection (41) being integral with the bearing (53).

11. Shutter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the main portion (7) of the apron (2) comprises a plurality of elementary blades (70) assembled to each other in an articulated manner, and the secondary portion (9) of the apron (2) comprises at least one blade (97, 98) similar to at least some of the elementary blades (70) of the main portion (7).

12. Shutter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the articulation (11) comprises at least two blades (400) integral with one another, one of these blades (400) being mounted on the main portion (7) in an articulated manner, while another of these blades is mounted on the secondary portion (9), in an articulated manner.

13. Shutter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the secondary portion (9) of the apron (2) comprises exactly between one and three blades, in particular only one front end blade (97) and one rear end blade (98).

14. Shutter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the secondary portion (9) comprises at least one blade (98) arranged in the vicinity of its rear end (18), this blade (98) being assembled in an articulated manner to the connecting assembly (10).

15. Shutter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the secondary portion (9) comprises at least one blade (97) arranged in the vicinity of its front end (17), this blade (97) supporting at least one part (131) of the second automatic hooking device (13).

16. Shutter (1) according to claim 2, in which the connecting assembly (10) comprises a hinge (11), this hinge (11) comprising a first attachment (45) which is mounted on the main portion (7) of the apron (2) and a second attachment (45) which is mounted on the secondary portion (9) of the latter, the hinge (11) further having a pivot around which at least one of the first attachment (45) and the second attachment (45) is capable of rotating, the distance of one of the first attachment (45) and the second attachment (45) from the pivot being substantially greater than the distance of the other of these attachments (45) from the pivot.

17. Shutter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting assembly (10) comprises a section of flexible strip having a generally Y-shaped profile, a portion of this section corresponding to a foot of this Y being capable of being connected to the winder, while each portion of this section corresponding to one branch of this Y is attached respectively to the main portion (7) of the apron (2) or the secondary portion (9) of the latter.

18. A shutter (1) according to one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the pivot arrangement comprises a flexible core (431, 57) which mutually connects the first connection (39) and the second connection (41).

19. Shutter (1) according to claim 18, in which at least one of the first connection (39) and the second connection (41) is made in one piece with the flexible core (431, 57).

20. Shutter (1) according to one of claims 18 and 19, in which the connecting assembly (10) comprises at least one flexible link (6) capable of connecting at least one of the main portion (7) of the apron (2) and the secondary portion (9) of the latter, and the flexible core (431, 57) has at least one passage adapted to this flexible link (6).

21. Shutter (1) according to one of claims 18 to 20, in which the first connection (39), the second connection (41) and the flexible core (431, 57) are shaped into a section of profile in the general shape of a J or U, at least when the articulation (11) is active.

22. Shutter (1) according to one of claims 4 to 10 and 18 to 21, in which at least one of the first connection (39) and the second connection (41) is shaped as an articulation wing.

23. Shutter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting assembly (10) comprises an articulation (11) which mutually connects the main portion (7) of the apron (2) and the secondary portion (9) of the latter, and at least one link (6) capable of being attached to the winder (5), the link (6) in question being attached to a blade (96, 98) of at least one of the main portion (7) of the apron (2) and the secondary portion (9) of the latter, in the vicinity of the articulation (H).

24. Shutter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the main portion (7) and the secondary portion (9) each have a respective large face (71, 91) in contact with the water when the apron (2) is deployed, and in which the main portion (7) rolls up via its respective large face (71) while the secondary portion (9) rolls up via a large face (92) opposite its respective large face (91), or the main portion (7) rolls up via a large face (72) opposite its respective large face (71) while the secondary portion (9) is wound via its respective large face (91).

25. Shutter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the main portion (7) and the secondary portion (9) each have a large lower face (71; 91) intended for contact with the water of the pool (3) or the like and a large upper face (72; 92) opposite the large lower face (71; 91), and the connecting assembly (10) is arranged in such a way that in the rolled-up state of the apron (2), the main portion (7) is rolled up on its large upper face (72) and the secondary portion (9) on its large lower face (91), or the main portion (7) is rolled up on its large lower face (71) and the secondary portion (9) on its large upper face (92).

26. Apron (2) for the safety shutter (1) of a pool (3), in particular the pool (3) of a swimming pool, comprising a main portion (7) and at least one part (131) of a first automatic hooking device (13), this part (131) being mounted on the main portion (7), in the vicinity of a front end (15) of this portion (7); characterized in that the apron (2) further comprises a secondary portion (9) and at least one part (131) of a second automatic hooking device (13), this part (131) being mounted on the secondary portion (9), in the vicinity of a front end (17) of this portion (9).

27. Apron (2) according to claim 26 further comprising at least one part of a connecting assembly (10), by means of which the apron (2) connects to a reel (5), this part of the connecting assembly (10) being attached to the main portion (7) of the apron (2), in the vicinity of a rear end (16) of this portion (7), opposite the front end (15) and to the secondary portion (9), in the vicinity of a rear end (18) of this portion (9), opposite the front end (1) and close to the rear end (16) of the main portion (7).

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