Automatic pool cover

Abstract

A safety cover (1) for a basin (3), in particular the basin (3) of a swimming pool, comprises a cover (2) with a main portion (7) and at least one part (131) of a first automatic locking device (13). This part (131) is mounted on the main portion (7), near a front end (15). The cover (1) further comprises a connecting assembly (10), through which the cover (2) is connected to a roller (5). This connecting assembly (10) is attached to the main portion (7) of the cover (2), near a rear end. The cover (2) further comprises a secondary portion (9) and at least one part (131) of a second automatic locking device (13). This part (131) is mounted on the secondary portion (9), near 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 cover

[0001] The invention relates to a cover for a basin, in particular a swimming pool basin, and more particularly a private swimming pool. The invention also relates to a cover panel for such a cover.

[0002] Private swimming pools almost always include pool safety equipment designed to prevent accidents, particularly drownings. 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 immersion alarm, which is triggered in the event of a fall into the pool, or a perimeter alarm, which is triggered when someone approaches the pool, and a shelter placed over the pool, access to which is a condition for accessing the pool.

[0003] Safety covers include, in particular, pool covers. A pool cover typically comprises a floating panel designed to cover the pool. Such a panel may be called a "deck" in the technical field, or simply a "curtain." This deck, whose general shape corresponds to the pool, may be made up of individual slats, capable of floating on the surface of the water and joined together in an articulated manner. An example of a cover of this type, comprising hollow slats, is described in EP 1 233 125 AL. Another example of a cover of this type, comprising solid slats, is disclosed by WO 2007 / 112821 AL.

[0004] Generally, the cover also includes a mechanical device that allows the apron to be deployed over and withdrawn from the pool, in particular by unrolling and rolling it up. This is sometimes referred to as a "roller" in the technical field. This roller is generally located near one edge of the pool, the proximal edge, along its length.

[0005] Equipping the swimming pool with a safety cover is a safe, effective and practical way to secure the pool.

[0006] Such a flap is generally designed to present at least one safety position, in which the flap 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 fastening devices are usually used, at least one part of which is fixed to the pelvis, near the proximal or distal edge, and another part mounted on the apron, near one end of the latter in relation to the edge in question, these parts being able to engage each other in a restraint position: the front end of the apron is held to the distal edge of the pelvis, the rear end to the proximal edge.

[0009] Typically, these fastening devices are designed to be operated manually, meaning that the mutual engagement of the fixed and mounted parts is performed by the user after the deck has been deployed. FR 2 936 829 Al discloses an example of a manual fastening device.

[0010] There are also known attachment devices designed to be activated automatically when the deck is deployed, that is to say that the mutual engagement of the fixed and onboard parts results from the end of the deck being pressed against the edge of the basin.

[0011] Such devices facilitate, in theory at least, putting the shutters into the safety position, in that these devices allow the front end of the apron to be automatically hooked to the distal edge of the basin.

[0012] In practice, however, these automatic devices are primarily suited to pool covers with a specific configuration, where it is sufficient to attach only the front end of the cover without compromising the cover's safety performance. This is almost exclusively the case for covers whose roller is submerged in the pool, near its surface. In this case, it is indeed permissible to forgo attaching the cover to the proximal edge of the pool.

[0013] Shutters that allow unilateral attachment of the curtain are relatively uncommon. For most currently installed shutters, on the contrary, the curtain must be attached to both the distal and proximal edges of the pelvis for the shutter to be 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 safety positioning of the flap more automatic, including the hooking of the apron to both the distal and proximal edges of the basin.

[0015] A safety cover for a basin, in particular a swimming pool basin, is proposed, of the type comprising a cover including a main portion and at least part of a first automatic locking device, this part being mounted on the main portion, near a front end of this portion, and a connecting assembly, by means of which the cover is connected to a roller, this connecting assembly being attached to the main portion of the cover, near a rear end of this portion, opposite the front end. The cover further comprises a secondary portion and at least part of a second automatic locking device, this part being mounted on the secondary portion, near 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 close to the rear end of the main portion.

[0016] In the proposed flap, the connecting assembly acts such that, upon deployment of the flap, the front end of the main portion and the front end of the secondary portion each advance towards a respective edge of the basin. This movement is accompanied, upon docking, by a support of the main and secondary portions on their respective edges. This support facilitates the automatic actuation of the first and second attachment devices provided respectively on the main and secondary portions of the flap. The proposed flap thus allows the apron to be automatically attached to the basin, in particular at the proximal and distal edges of the basin. At these edges, the first and second attachment devices are activated following the deployment of the apron on the basin.

[0017] Optional features of the invention, complementary or alternative, are stated below: - at least one of the main and secondary portions of the deck includes, near its rear end, a hinge wing of a first type, and the connecting assembly includes a hinge wing of a second type, capable of engaging, at least partially, with the wing of the first type; - the linking assembly includes a joint mounted on the secondary portion of the deck and on the main portion of the latter, this joint being arranged in such a way that the main and secondary portions of the deck are free to pivot relative to each other, at least in areas close to their respective rear ends; - the articulation includes 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 including a pivot arrangement which mutually connects the first connection and the second connection, the pivot arrangement being active at least when the deck is being wound; - the pivot arrangement includes at least one flexible band section and the section is connected to at least one of the first and second links; - the pivot arrangement further includes at least one junction portion, and the first and second joints are each connected to this portion of junction, at least one of this first connection and of this second connection with possibility of pivoting; at least one of the first and second links is connected to the junction portion via a section of flexible tape; the junction portion includes a generally cylindrical shaft, and at least one of the first and second joints is rotationally mounted on this cylindrical shaft; the pivot arrangement further includes at least one bearing mounted for rotation on the cylindrical shaft, and at least one of the first and second joints is integral with this bearing; the joint comprises a set of elementary, mutually homologous parts, each elementary part comprising a portion forming a bearing and a portion formed into a first or second joint, this first or second joint 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 analogous to at least some of the elementary blades of the main portion; the joint comprises at least two blades joined together, 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 includes at least one blade arranged near its rear end, this blade being articulated to the connecting assembly; the secondary portion includes at least one blade arranged near its front end, this blade supporting at least part of the second automatic hooking device; the linking assembly includes a joint, this joint comprising a first attachment which is mounted on the main portion of the deck 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 and second attachments is capable of rotating, the distance of one of the first and second attachments to the pivot being substantially greater than the distance of the other of these attachments to the pivot; the connecting assembly includes a flexible band section having a generally Y-shaped profile, a portion of this section corresponding to a foot of this Y being suitable for connection to the reel, 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 thereof; the pivot arrangement includes a flexible core that mutually connects the first and second joints; at least one of the first and second bonds is made in one piece with the flexible core; the connecting assembly includes at least one flexible link capable of connecting at least one of the main portion of the deck and the secondary portion thereof, 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 formed into a section of profile in the general shape of a J or a U, at least when the articulation is active; at least one of the first and second links is shaped into a hinge wing; the linking assembly includes a joint which mutually connects the main portion of the apron and the secondary portion thereof, and at least one link suitable for attaching to the winder, the link in question being attached to a slat of at least one of the main portion of the apron and the secondary portion thereof, in the vicinity of the joint; the main portion and the secondary portion each present a respective large face in contact with the water when the deck is deployed, and in which the main portion winds through its respective large face while the secondary portion winds through a large face opposite its respective large face, or the main portion winds through a large face opposite its respective large face while the secondary portion winds through 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 basin or similar 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 deck, 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] A cover for the safety shutter of a pool, in particular a swimming pool, is also proposed. The cover comprises a main portion and at least part of a first automatic locking device, this part being mounted on the main portion, near a front end of that portion. The cover further comprises a secondary portion and at least part of a second automatic locking device, this part being mounted on the secondary portion, near a front end of that portion.

[0019] The apron may further include at least one part of a connecting assembly, through 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 features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, taken from illustrative and non-limiting examples shown in the drawings: [Fig.1] represents a perspective view of a pool equipped with a pool cover according to the invention; [Fig.2] represents the flap of [Fig.1] being deployed, seen in cross-section; [Fig.3] represents the flap of [Fig.1] deployed, seen in cross-section; [Fig.4] is analogous to [Fig.3] and schematically shows one embodiment of the flap of [Fig.1]; [Fig.5] represents a variant embodiment of the flap of [Fig.4]; [Fig.6] represents a joint for the flap of [Fig.1], according to an embodiment of the invention, seen in section; [Fig.7] represents a joint for the flap of [Fig.1], according to another embodiment of the invention, perspective view, in an exploded state; [Fig.8] represents, in cross-section, part of a flap according to the invention equipped with a joint, the joint being in a deployed state; [Fig.9] is analogous to [Fig.8], the joint being in a folded state; [Fig. 10] represents the rolled-up flap of figures 8 and 9, seen in section; [Fig.1 1] is analogous to [Fig. 10] and represents a variant of the panel in figures 8 and 9, seen in section; [Fig. 12] represents in perspective of the flap according to another embodiment; [Fig. 13] represents the flap of [Fig. 12] seen in section; [Fig. 14] represents, in cross-section, a flap 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, essentially, elements of a definite nature. 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 basin 3, for example of a private swimming pool, filled with water or the like, with edges which form the contour of the basin 3. Here, the basin 3 has a generally rectangular contour.

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

[0025] The apron 2 is designed to be wound in a specific direction, represented here by 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 generally has a rectangular shape. Alternatively, the apron 2 can be designed so that its winding direction 21 corresponds to a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, or transverse direction.

[0026] The shutter 1 further includes a winder-type device 5 (visible only on [Fig.3]) adapted to the apron 2 and operable so as to remove the apron 2 from the basin 3 by winding and to deploy the apron 2 on this basin 3 by unwinding.

[0027] The winder 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. Optionally, the frame may be equipped with feet. The winder 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. Alternatively, or in addition to, 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, the reel 5, or at least its drum 51, is located at a height relative to the water surface. The drum 51 of the reel 5 is positioned at least partially above the basin 3, at least for the winding and unwinding of the cover 2.

[0029] The reel 5 is positioned 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 deck 2 comprises a first portion, or main part 7, shaped here to cover a large area of ​​the surface of the basin 3, and a second portion, or secondary part 9, shaped to cover the remainder of this surface. The secondary part 9 and the main part 7 are arranged one after the other along the winding direction 21 of the deck 2. The main part 7 and the secondary part 9 are each shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape and dimension of the deck 2 along a direction transverse to the winding direction 21.

[0031] The main part 7 and the secondary part 9 of the deck 2 are each capable of winding in their respective directions. This main part 7 and this secondary part 9 are arranged relative to each other such that their respective winding directions extend along the winding direction 21 of the deck 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 on the basin 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 way that 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 straight.

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

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

[0036] The front end 17 of the secondary part 9 is generally shaped in a way that 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 straight.

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

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

[0039] The linkage assembly 10 is suitable for functionally linking the apron 2 to the winder 5. The linkage assembly 10 is arranged so that a rotation of the drum 51 of the winder 5 causes simultaneously 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 attaches to the main part 7 of the deck 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] During the deployment of the apron 2, the front end 15 of the main part 7 advances towards the distal edge 402 of the basin 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 basin 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 further includes at least a first hooking mechanism which, once actuated, is capable of retaining the apron 2 on the distal edge 402 of the pelvis 3 and a second hooking mechanism, homologous to the first, to retain 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 and second latching mechanisms each comprise at least one respective elementary latching 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 the proximal edge 401 of the pelvis 3. The embedded part 131 of each elementary device 13 is able to engage with the fixed part 132 of the latter in order to retain the apron 2 to the pelvis 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 mounted part 131 and its fixed part 132.

[0047] The first latching mechanism is of the automatic-actuated type. This first mechanism is actuated without requiring direct human intervention, at least for the engagement of the mounted parts 131 with the fixed parts 132, as a result of the main part 7 of the apron 2 bearing against the distal edge 402 of the basin 3. Such bearing occurs during the deployment of the apron 2, when the main part 7 of the apron 2 comes into contact with the distal edge 402 of the basin 3. By way of non-limitation, this first latching mechanism includes, 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 latching mechanism is also of the automatic-actuated type. This second mechanism is activated 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 latching mechanisms 13 can be integrated into the main part 7 of the deck 2, or into the secondary part 9, in the vicinity of their respective front ends 15, 17.

[0050] Here, the connecting assembly 10 comprises a joint 11 connected on one side to the secondary portion 9 of the apron 2 and, on the other side, to the main portion 7 thereof. The joint 11 is arranged such 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 linkage assembly 10 further includes at least one link 6 to connect with drive capacity the main part 7 and the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 to the winder 5. For example, the link 6 shown in [Fig.3] is attached on one side to the drum 51 of the winder 5 and, on the other side, to the joint 11. The link 6 may include one or more straps distributed along the length of the winder 5. For example, the straps 6 are spaced 1.5 to 3 meters apart.

[0051] At least one of the links 6 can connect the joint 11 to the drum 51 of the winder 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 deck 2 has a large face, or lower face 71, intended to be in contact with the water when the deck 2 is deployed on the surface of the basin 3, and a large face opposite this lower face 71, or upper face 72. Similarly, the secondary part 9 of the deck 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 winder 5 by its lower face 71. This lower face 71 corresponds to the intrados of the winding.

[0055] To deploy the apron 2 on the basin 3 from a state where the apron 2 is wound, in particular on the drum 51 of the winder 5, this drum 51 is rotated in a first direction, or unwinding direction, represented by the curved arrow 53. The rotation of the drum 51 in the unwinding direction advances the main part 7 of the apron 2 on the water, from the vertical position of the drum 51, in the vicinity of the proximal edge 401 of the basin, 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 specifically 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 unfolds along the basin 3 as the drum 51 of the winder 5 rotates. The main part 7 of the apron 2 continues to unfold 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 winder 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] Shortly before the main part 7 of the apron 2 is fully unfurled, its secondary part 9 is unfurled 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 unfurls along the basin 3 as the drum 51 rotates. The rotation of the drum 51 in the unfurling direction 53 moves the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 forward on the water, from directly below the drum 51 towards the proximal edge 401. This movement is represented by the arrow 93. The secondary part 9 unfurls on the surface of the basin 3 until its front end 17 comes into contact with the proximal edge 401 of the basin 3.

[0059] The deployment of the apron 2, including that of its secondary part 9, is achieved by the rotation of the drum 51 the winder 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] During the deployment of the apron 2, 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 deck 2 and, where applicable, the joint 11 of the connecting assembly 10 are dimensioned such that, when the front end 15 of the main part 7 comes into contact with the distal edge 402 of the basin 3, a portion of the main part 7 adjacent to the rear end 16 and / or the joint 11 is out of the water. This portion is subjected to a gravitational effect which, unlike the rest of the main part 7 which is in contact with the water of the basin 3, is not counteracted by buoyancy or by tension from the links 6. This gravitational effect results in the front end 15 of the main part 7 bearing against the distal edge 402 of the basin 3. This bearing contributes to the actuation of the automatic latching mechanism provided between the main part 7 of the deck 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] During the deployment of the apron 2, the hinge 11 went from a folded state where this hinge 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 near their rear end, to a deployed state where these parts, or the areas in question, are far apart from each other.

[0064] To withdraw the apron 2 from the basin 3 from its deployed state, the drum 51 of the winder 5 is rotated in the opposite direction to the unwinding direction 53. The linkage assembly 10, in particular the links 6, lifts the main part 7 and the secondary part 9 of the apron 2, near their respective rear ends, while the joint 11 folds back under the effect of gravity. This withdrawal of the apron 2 requires prior release of the latching 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 basin 3, respectively.

[0065] During the winding of the apron 2, under the effect of gravity on the secondary part 9 and the portion of the main part 7 outside the water, the joint 11 folds. The secondary part 9 first winds around the drum 51 via its upper surface 92 (intrados), accompanied by a portion of the main part 7 via its lower surface 71. Then the rest of the part main part 7 of the deck 2. The winding ends when the entire main part 7 is removed from the basin 3.

[0066] The dimension of the apron 2 according to 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 joint IL. From the explanation just given, it is understood that the main part 7, the secondary part 9 of the apron 2 and the joint 11 in the unfolded (deployed) state are mutually dimensioned so that the dimension of the apron 2 according to its winding direction is substantially greater than the distance between the proximal edge 401 of the pelvis 3 and the distal edge 402. Thus, once the apron 2 is deployed, the joint 11, where appropriate in combination with portions of the main part 7 and the secondary part 9 close 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 part 7 and secondary part 9 of the apron 2.Furthermore, the joint 11 and the portions in question allow the effective dimension of the apron 2 to be adapted in its winding direction to the actual distance between the proximal edge 401 and the distal edge 402.

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

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

[0069] Conventionally, the main part 7 comprises a series of elementary blades 70, arranged side by side according to the winding direction of the main part 7. The elementary blades 70 occupy most of the surface area of ​​the main part 7. The elementary blades 70 are joined to each other laterally, each time by means of a respective hinge 74. Each hinge 74 allows an angular deflection of two adjacent elementary blades 70 relative to each other. This deflection 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 can be mounted on an adjacent elementary blade 70, in particular by means of a respective hinge. The main part 7 also 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 a hinge 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 analogous to the front blade of the main part 7, in particularly when these blades incorporate mutually analogous locking mechanisms. The secondary part 9 also includes 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 hinge 94. Alternatively, the secondary part 9 could further comprise an elementary blade or a series of such blades joined to one another in a hinged manner, on which the front blade 97 and the rear blade 98 are mounted, each time in a hinged manner. In this case, the elementary blades of the secondary part 9 may be analogous to the elementary blades 70 of the main part 7, in particular to facilitate the winding of the curtain 2.

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

[0074] The elementary blades 70 of the main part 7, and where applicable those of the secondary part 9, the rear blade 98 of this secondary part 9, the rear blade 76 of the main part, and the front blades of these parts may each comprise a generally flat profile section. This profile section has two large faces that are mutually opposed along a first direction of the profile and that extend along a longitudinal direction of the blade. These faces belong respectively to the upper and lower faces of the main part 7 and the secondary part 9. This profile section 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 applicable those of the secondary part 9, the rear blade 98 of the secondary part, that 76 of the main part and the forward blades of these parts are similar to each other, at least with regard to their buoyancy modulus.

[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 joint 11 of the linkage assembly 10, in particular in an articulated manner.

[0076] At the end of the deployment of the apron 2, the rear blade 76 of the main part 7 is predominantly subjected to its own weight, due in particular to the fact that 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 a thrust force at the articulation 75 directed towards the distal edge of the basin 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 locking mechanism. It is understood that during the deployment of the apron 2, a A similar phenomenon occurs in each elementary blade 70 of the main part 7, which contributes to advancing this main part 7 towards the distal edge of the pelvis.

[0077] Still at the end of the deployment of the apron 2, a similar phenomenon occurs in the rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9, which generates a pushing 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] Figure 5 shows a shutter similar to that of Figure 4, except that the roller 5, or at least its drum 51, is here immersed in the basin 3. For example, the roller 5 is located at the bottom of the basin 3, under the basin 3, or under a portion of the basin 3 forming a bench or steps. When immersed, the roller 5 is generally concealed, for example by means of a casing (not shown) from which the curtain emerges, in particular through what is called a slit in the technical field.

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

[0081] At the end of the deployment of the apron 2, the rear blade 76 of the main part 7 and the rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9 produce respectively 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 flap 2 and 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 should 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 onto 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 that the winding of the apron 2 is carried out on the opposite faces of the main part 7 and the secondary part 9, in particular by placing the link 6 on the other side of the winder 5.

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

[0085] Figure 6 shows an example of an embodiment of a joint 11 for use particularly in a deck of the type described in relation to Figures 1 and 3, between the main and secondary parts of the deck. This joint 11 is shown in an intermediate state, between its deployed and folded states.

[0086] The joint 11 comprises a connecting portion of a first type, or first connection 39, adapted to attach to the main part of the deck, near the rear end of the latter, and a connecting portion of a second type, or second connection 41, capable of attaching to the secondary part, in the vicinity of the rear end of the latter. The joint 11 further includes a pivot portion, which connects the first link 39 and the second link 41 to each other with the possibility of relative displacement of these links, in particular by pivoting.

[0087] The pivot portion is arranged such that the first joint 39 and the second joint 41 are at least partially mobile relative to each other, between a first position in which the first joint 39 and the second joint 41 are close to each other and a second position in which the first joint 39 and the second joint 41 are far apart. The first relative position of the first joint 39 and the second joint 41 corresponds to a folded state of the joint 11, while the second relative position corresponds to an extended state of the joint 11.

[0088] Here, the pivot portion comprises an elongated and rigid connecting piece, while at least one of the first joint 39 and the second joint 41 is shaped at least partially into a flexible wing that 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 linkage 39 is shaped to be mounted on one side of a rear blade of the main part of the deck. As shown here, this first linkage 39 is partly shaped into a male wing adapted to be received into the female wing of a rear blade.

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

[0091] More generally, where 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 joints, at least one of the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 can be made in a manner analogous to said joints.

[0092] Here, the first linkage 39 and the second linkage 41 each comprise at least one portion shaped to cooperate with the female wing of a rear blade of the main and secondary parts. Here, the first linkage 39 and the second linkage 41 each comprise an end portion shaped analogously to an end portion of the male wing of at least some of the elementary blades of the main and secondary parts of the deck. Thus, the The first link 39 is suitable for mounting on the female wing of a rear blade similar to the other elementary blades of the main part. And the second link 41 is suitable for mounting on the female wing of a rear blade of the secondary part similar, where applicable, to elementary blades of this secondary part or of the main part.

[0093] Here, the first link 39 and the second link 41 are each formed into a wing comprising each time a respective web-shaped portion 431 and a fastener-shaped portion 45, fixed to one end of each web 431. The webs 431 of the first link 39 and the second link 41 are connected to each other, here by means of an elongated piece.

[0094] Here, the joint 11 includes a tube segment 40 as a connecting piece, and the first link 39 and the second link 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 webs 431 of the first connection 39 and of the second connection 41 is essentially flexible, while the tube segment 40 is essentially rigid. This flexibility allows a displacement of the fasteners 45 relative to each other, which can be likened to a pivoting, so that the first connection 39 and the second connection 41 together form a pivot.

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

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

[0098] The webs 431 each have a width corresponding to the distance between the tube 40 and the attachment 45. Here, the distance between the attachment 45 of the first connection 39 and the axis of the tube 40 is significantly different from the distance between the attachment 45 of the second connection 41 and this axis, in particular, it is greater. In other words, the web 431 of the first connection 39 is significantly wider than the web 431 of the second connection 41. This contributes to improving the winding of the curtain 2.

[0099] The first joint 39 and the second joint 41 extend along the tube 40 so as to secure the main part 7 and the secondary part 9 over a large portion of their respective widths. The first joint 39 and the second joint 41 may extend continuously. Preferably, the web 431 of the first joint 39 or that of the second joint 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 joint 11 includes attachment pieces of a first type, or primary attachments 49, each suitable for attaching to the main part of the apron, in particular near its rear end, and attachment pieces of a second type, or secondary attachments 51, each suitable for attaching to the secondary part of the apron, in particular near its rear end.

[0103] Here, each primary attachment 49 includes a portion shaped into a bond of a first type, or first bond 39, analogous to the first bond described in relation to [Fig.6], while each secondary attachment 51 includes a portion shaped into a bond of a second type, or second bond 41, analogous to the second bond 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 via a connecting piece. For example, each primary fastener 49 is mounted on a connecting piece of the joint 11 via a respective pivot and / or each secondary fastener 51 is mounted on this connecting piece via a respective pivot.

[0105] Here, for example, the joint 11 includes a shaft 47 as a connecting piece, while each of the primary fasteners 49 and secondary fasteners 51 includes a respective portion shaped as a bearing, through 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 fasteners 49 and secondary fasteners 51 thus includes a tubular portion 53, as a bearing, suitable for mounting around the shaft 47. The first connection 39 of each primary fastener 49 is integral with a respective tubular portion 53. The second connection 41 of each secondary fastener 51 is integral with a respective tubular portion 53. The shaft 47 and the primary fasteners 49 and the secondary fasteners 51 together form a hinge which allows the articulation wings 45 of the primary fasteners 49 to pivot relative to the articulation wings 45 of the secondary fasteners 51.

[0106] The primary fasteners 49 and the secondary fasteners 51 are mounted freely for rotation 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 curtain 2.

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

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

[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 on one lateral 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, here consisting of a hollow honeycomb 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 opposed faces, namely a lower face 77 intended to be in contact with the water and an opposing 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 wing 31 and a female 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 of the same material as the rest of the profile section.

[0114] In each case, a male wing 31 and a female wing 33 allow for 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 with an angular deflection capacity of these elementary blades 70. This deflection is useful for winding the curtain 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 has a thickness significantly greater than the thickness of the rear blade 98 of this part and of the elementary blades 70 of the main part 7. This increases 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 joints, each formed by a male wing 31 and a female wing 33, operate asymmetrically: by their respective shapes, these joints exhibit a greater angular deflection capacity in one direction than the other. This gives the main part 7 of the curtain 2 a good ability to roll up from its lower face (flexibility) and a holding capacity from its upper face (rigidity), a capacity that contributes to the safety of the shutter. As an exception to the rest of the main part 7 of the curtain 2, the elementary slat 70 adjacent to the rear slat 76 is arranged so that its lower face 77 lies on the upper face of the main part 7. This creates a joint between the rear slat 76 of the main part 7 and this adjacent elementary slat 70 that operates in the opposite direction to most of the joints of this main part 7. This facilitates the rolling of the curtain 2.

[0119] The rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9 is connected to the joint 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 facilitates the rolling of the apron 2.

[0120] The joint 11 is analogous to that described in relation to [Fig.6]. The web 431 of the connection to the secondary part 9 is rigid while the web 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 portion 9 and the rear blade 76 of the main portion 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 locally creates, on an angular sector, an increase in diameter for the winding of the main part 7. In a certain way, the main part 7 winds around an oval, while the secondary part 9 winds around a circle.

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

[0126] On [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 one face of this front blade 97 opposite the drum 51 and one face of this elementary blade 70 directed towards this drum 51.

[0127] On [Fig.10], the difference in width of the webs 431 of the first link 39 and the second link 41 allows the relative position of the secondary part 9 of the deck and a rear portion of the main part 7 to be adapted. 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 webs 431 of the first link 39 and the second link 41 have widths close to each other. The front blade 97 of the secondary part 9 straddles two adjacent elementary blades 70 of the main part 7. These elementary blades 70 are arranged together in a wedge which locally increases the winding diameter significantly. This increase in diameter is greater than in [Fig. 10].

[0129] The Applicant 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 in order to improve the winding of the apron 2.

[0130] This adaptation may involve the joint 11, as here where the first link 39 and the second link 41 have different widths. The way the blades are mounted one on top of the other to increase the angular travel of the joints also tends to improve winding.

[0131] The mounting direction of the blades of the main part 7, on a rear portion of this part, and on the secondary part 9 allows the best use of the angular clearance between the adjacent blades.

[0132] The configuration that 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 webs 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 link 39 and the second link 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 a joint 11.

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

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

[0138] The first joint 39 and the second joint 41 each comprise an end portion shaped into a hinge wing 45, here of the male type, adapted to engage 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 can be made of a flexible material, in particular a strip material as shown here. Here, the joint 11 is in the form of a profiled part whose cross-section has an L-shape.

[0139] The linking 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 formed into a loop 60. As an alternative or in addition, at least some of the straps 6 may be attached to the rear blade 98 of the secondary part 9.

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

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

[0142] The articulation of the connecting assembly is advantageous in that it forms a direct mechanical link between the main part of the deck and the secondary part. This link ensures the mechanical integrity of the deck. When the connecting assembly lacks articulation between the main and secondary parts of the deck, one or more links can be provided between the winder and the main part and one or more links between this winder and the secondary part.

[0143] The hinge has a deployed state in which the rear ends of the main and secondary parts of the apron move apart, and a folded state in which these ends are brought closer together. The deployed state of the hinge 11 is particularly useful for deploying the apron, as it provides a reserve of extension for the apron 2 in its unwinding direction opposite to the winding direction. The folded state is particularly useful for winding. of the apron, in that it brings the main and secondary sections closer together. Advantageously, the extension reserve offered by the hinge and the rear slats is at least equal to the spacing of the slats in the main section. It should be noted that the apron is deployed over the pool without any play in the hinges between the individual slats of the main section. In this respect, this deployment differs significantly from that of conventional aprons.

[0144] Several connections between the connecting assembly and the main and secondary parts of the deck have been described, in particular via a hinge. The described connections involve male-type fastening flanges adapted to engage with female-type fastening flanges attached to the end slats of the main and secondary parts. Alternatively, at least some of these connections may involve a female-type flange adapted to engage with a male flange of an end slat of these parts.

[0145] Figure 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, analogous to the variant Figures 8 and 9. The joint 11 comprises a first connection 39 including a male wing 31 which engages with the female wing 33 of the rear blade 76 of the main portion 7 and a second connection 49 including a male wing 31 which engages with 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 made 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 joint 11 can be carried out by gluing, riveting, or by welded assembly. Here, each of the analogous blades 400 is shaped similarly 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 differently from the elementary blades 70 of the main part 7, the analogous blade 400 of the joint 11 can be shaped like this blade of the secondary part 9. The connecting assembly 10 here includes at least one link 6 attached on one side to the joint 11 and, on the other side, to the drum of the winder. Here, the link 6 is partially shaped into a loop 60 that 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 embodiment, not shown, the connecting assembly may have a Y-shaped cross-section, particularly made of flexible material. A portion of this cross-section, corresponding to one leg of the Y, is suitable for connection to the roller, while each portion of this cross-section, corresponding to one arm of the Y, is attached respectively to the main or secondary portion of the curtain. For example, this connecting assembly has a bead on its edges corresponding to the arms 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 piece may be a profile section or a fabric panel.

[0148] A principal portion of the deck that is significantly larger than the secondary portion has been shown. A small secondary portion facilitates the positioning of the furler, which can then be positioned only slightly forward of the water relative to the proximal edge. In particular, the secondary portion of the deck comprises exactly between one and three blades, specifically only a forward end blade and a rear end blade. However, it is possible to have principal and secondary portions of similar sizes, or even a secondary portion that is significantly larger than the principal portion.

[0149] For the sake of simplicity, a cover 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 dimensions of the cover, in particular its main and secondary parts, correspond to the shape and dimensions of the pool.

[0150] A curtain equipped with automatic locking mechanisms has been described, which are actuated so that the curtain is held at the distal and proximal edges. Putting the curtain into the secure position may involve additional operations, possibly manual. Furthermore, the fact that the locking mechanisms described above are actuated without requiring direct human intervention does not preclude human intervention elsewhere on the curtain for its secure locking. For example, it may be envisaged that actuating the roller mechanism will require human intervention, in particular for the entire time necessary to deploy the curtain until it is locked.

[0151] Attachment mechanisms have been described, each comprising two elementary devices. Such a mechanism may comprise more than two devices. These 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 in which the connection to the main part and the connection to the secondary part 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 linkage assembly has been described comprising a hinge between the main and secondary parts of the deck. This hinge contributes to the safety of the basin by mechanically linking the main and secondary parts together. Such a hinge remains optional.

[0154] A main part of the deck has been described, having a forward end. This end can be viewed as a leading edge of this main part. This leading edge extends over the water of the basin, or similar, towards the distal edge during the deployment of the deck. The same is true of the leading end of the secondary part of the deck. In a certain way, the deck described above has two leading edges, each of which extends towards a respective edge of the basin during the deployment / unfurling of the deck. The leading edges / ends can be described as unfurling, in that they are unfurled first. Similarly, the trailing edges / ends of the main and secondary parts can be described as winding, in that they are wound first.

Claims

Demands

1. Safety cover (1) for a basin (3), in particular the basin (3) of a swimming pool, of the type comprising: - a cover (2) comprising a main portion (7) and at least a part (131) of a first automatic attachment 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), through which the cover (2) is connected to a roller (5), this connecting assembly (10) being attached to the main portion (7) of the cover (2), in the vicinity of a rear end (16) of this portion (7), opposite the front end (15);characterized in that the deck (2) further comprises a secondary portion (9) and at least a part (131) of a second automatic attachment 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) further being 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. Flap (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the main portion (7) and the secondary portion (9) of the deck (2) comprises, in the vicinity of its rear end (16, 18), a hinge wing of a first type (33), and the linkage assembly (10) comprises a hinge wing of a second type (45), capable of engaging, at least partially, with the wing of the first type (33).

3. A part (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the connecting assembly (10) comprises a joint (11) mounted on the secondary portion (9) of the deck (2) and on the main portion (7) thereof, this joint (11) being arranged in such a way that the main portion (7) and the secondary portion (9) of the deck (2) are free to pivot relative to each other, at least in areas close to their respective rear ends (16, 18).

4. A flap (1) according to claim 3, wherein the hinge (11) comprises at least one first linkage (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 link (41) capable of engaging with the secondary portion (9) of the deck (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 link (39) and the second link (41), the pivot arrangement being active at least when the deck (2) is wound.

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

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

7. A flap (1) according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first link (39) and the second link (41) is connected to the junction portion (47, 40, 57) via a section of flexible strip.

8. Part (1) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the junction portion (47, 40, 57) comprises a generally cylindrical shaft (47), and at least one of the first linkage (39) and the second linkage (41) is rotationally mounted on this cylindrical shaft (47).

9. Part (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 linkage (39) and the second linkage (41) is integral with this bearing (53).

10. Part (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the joint (11) comprises a set of mutually homologous elementary parts (49, 51), each elementary part (49, 51) comprising a bearing portion (53) and a portion formed into a first linkage (39) or a second linkage (41), this first linkage (39) or second linkage (41) being integral with the bearing (53).

11. A flap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main portion (7) of the deck (2) comprises a plurality of elementary blades (70) assembled to each other in an articulated manner, and the secondary portion (9) of the deck (2) includes at least one blade (97, 98) analogous to at least some of the elementary blades (70) of the main portion (7).

12. A part (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint (11) comprises at least two blades (400) joined together, 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. Flap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary portion (9) of the apron (2) comprises exactly between one and three blades, in particular only a front end blade (97) and a rear end blade (98).

14. A flap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary portion (9) comprises at least one blade (98) arranged in the vicinity of its rear end (18), this blade (98) being articulated to the connecting assembly (10).

15. Flap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 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 a part (131) of the second automatic latching device (13).

16. A flap (1) according to claim 2, wherein the connecting assembly (10) comprises a joint (11), this joint (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) thereof, the joint (11) further having a pivot around which at least one of the first attachment (45) and the second (45) is capable of rotating, the distance of one of the first attachment (45) and the second attachment (45) to the pivot being substantially greater than the distance of the other of these attachments (45) to the pivot.

17. A flap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting assembly (10) comprises a flexible band section having a generally Y-shaped profile, a portion of this section corresponding to a foot of this Y being suitable for connection to the reel, while each portion of this section corresponding to a branch of this Y attaches respectively to the main portion (7) of the deck (2) or the secondary portion (9) of the latter.

18. Part (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the pivot arrangement includes a flexible core (431, 57) which mutually connects the first link (39) and the second link (41).

19. Flap (1) according to claim 18, wherein 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. A section (1) according to any one of claims 18 and 19, wherein the connecting assembly (10) comprises at least one flexible link (6) capable of connecting at least one of the main portion (7) of the deck (2) and the secondary portion (9) thereof, and the flexible web (431, 57) has at least one passage adapted to this flexible link (6).

21. Part (1) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the first link (39), the second link (41) and the flexible core (431, 57) are formed into a profile section in the general shape of a J or a U, at least when the joint (11) is active.

22. Flap (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10 and 18 to 21, wherein at least one of the first linkage (39) and the second linkage (41) is shaped into a hinge wing.

23. A flap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting assembly (10) comprises a joint (11) which mutually connects the main portion (7) of the apron (2) and the secondary portion (9) thereof, and at least one link (6) capable of attaching to the winder (5), the link (6) in question being attached to a slat (96, 98) of at least one of the main portion (7) of the apron (2) and the secondary portion (9) thereof, in the vicinity of the joint (H).

24. A flap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main portion (7) and the secondary portion (9) each have a respective large face (71, 91) in contact with the water when the deck (2) is deployed, and wherein the main portion (7) winds through its respective large face (71) while the secondary portion (9) winds through a large face (92) opposite its respective large face (91), or the main portion (7) winds through a large face (72) opposite its respective large face (71) while the secondary portion (9) wraps through its respective large face (91).

25. A section (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 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 basin (3) or similar and a large upper face (72;92) opposite the large lower face (71;91), and the connecting assembly (10) is arranged such that in the rolled-up state of the deck (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. A cover (2) for the safety cover (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 attachment 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 cover (2) further comprises a secondary portion (9) and at least one part (131) of a second automatic attachment 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), through which the apron (2) is connected to a winder (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 adjacent to the rear end (16) of the main portion (7).

Images