Swimming equipment

Abstract

A bathing device (1) comprising a frame (10) defining a basin (2) configured to hold a water volume of less than 2 m³ and a technical housing (3) in which a treatment system is mounted, configured to treat the water in the basin (2). The bathing device (1) comprises an outer ring (7) surrounding the frame (10), the outer ring (7) being set back from the frame (10) so as to delimit at least one functional space (EF), the functional space (EF) being enclosed by a coping (5) connecting the frame (10) to the outer ring (5). (See abstract figure: Figure 3)

Description

Title of the invention: Bathing device technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of bathing and more particularly to a bathing device comprising a pool for users to relax in. The bath can notably be used with water that can reach a temperature of 35°C.

[0002] In the prior art, a bathing device is already known from patent application US2019 / 0257103A1. Such a bathing device comprises an outer enclosure, for example, round in shape, in which a basin configured to receive water is mounted. The bathing device further comprises a treatment system, such as a pump or filter, for treating the water in the basin. As is known, the treatment system generates noise and extends externally to the outer enclosure, which affects the overall aesthetic appearance and induces significant noise that disturbs the rest of the users.

[0003] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks by proposing a new type of bathing device. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to a bathing device comprising a frame defining a basin configured to receive a volume of water less than 2m3 and a technical housing in which is mounted a treatment system configured to treat the water of the basin, the bathing device comprising an outer ring surrounding the frame, the outer ring being separated from the frame so as to delimit at least one functional space, the functional space being closed by a coping connecting the frame to the outer ring.

[0005] Thanks to the invention, the treatment system is integrated into the bathing device, thus reducing its size and improving its aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the creation of an outer ring with a functional space facilitates the installation and replacement of the outer ring. This functional space also allows for the installation of ancillary equipment such as lighting. Finally, the functional space advantageously provides thermal insulation to limit heat loss from the pool. In addition, the functional space allows for the creation of a ventilation space in which the thermal heat from the treatment system is used for thermal insulation purposes.

[0006] According to one aspect, the frame comprises a plurality of support members fixed to the upper end of the frame, the curb being fixed to the support members. Support elements fulfill an interface function by allowing mechanical forces to be absorbed while ensuring precise positioning of the coping.

[0007] According to one aspect, the frame comprising a partition wall between the basin and the technical housing, at least one support member is fixed to the upper end of the partition wall. This allows the liner to be fixed in the basin in an optimal manner.

[0008] According to one aspect, each support member comprises an upper relief configured to cooperate with a lower relief of the coping. The positioning of the coping is thus stable and precise.

[0009] According to one aspect, each support member includes an internal groove configured to receive a liner.

[0010] In one aspect, the outer ring comprises a plurality of cover panels, preferably removable. This allows for variation in the aesthetic appearance while also providing convenient access to the technical housing. Preferably, the outer ring has cover panels around its entire perimeter.

[0011] According to one aspect, the outer belt includes a foot element comprising a mounting groove configured to receive a cover panel. The cover panels are thus held securely and precisely.

[0012] According to one aspect, the bathing device includes a plurality of retaining tabs mounted in the functional space to press at least one cover panel against an outer edge of the coping.

[0013] According to one aspect, the bathing device includes at least one lighting element mounted in the functional space.

[0014] According to one aspect, the frame includes at least one ventilation opening fluidly connecting the technical housing to the functional space. This allows, on the one hand, for the technical housing to be cooled to protect the treatment system and, on the other hand, for the functional space to be heated to limit heat loss from the pool.

[0015] In one aspect, the water volume is less than 1 m³. This limits water consumption while maintaining a small volume, thus allowing installation in many locations. This small water volume also allows for rapid and energy-efficient heating.

[0016] In one aspect, the functional space extends peripherally. This allows for significant air circulation while also enabling the aesthetic aspect to be addressed around the entire perimeter. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a bathing device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the chassis of the bathing device.

[0020] Figure [Fig. 3] is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional representation of the device bathing.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a schematic lateral section representation of the bathing device.

[0022] Fig. 5 is a close schematic representation of the foot assembly for the lower mounting of a cover panel.

[0023] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of the chassis after the mounting of the support elements.

[0024] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a support member.

[0025] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the chassis after the assembly of the coping stone.

[0026] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a step in the assembly of a cover panel.

[0027] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a retaining tab for the cover panel.

[0028] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of a step in the assembly of a damping and shim joint allowing the elimination of play.

[0029] The [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of the mounting of a lighting device in the functional space.

[0030] Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of a bathing device with a first type of cover panels.

[0031] Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of a bathing device with a second type of cover panels.

[0032] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures being of course able to serve to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The invention relates to a bathing device, in particular, capable of accommodating up to 6 people. With reference to [Fig. 1], the bathing device 1 comprises a basin 2 configured to receive a volume of water less than 2m3, preferably 1m3.

[0034] The bathing device 1 extends longitudinally along an X axis oriented from back to front, laterally along a Y axis oriented from left to right and vertically along a Z axis oriented from bottom to top.

[0035] Preferably, the bathing device 1 has a length between 250cm and 400cm, a width between 156cm and 250cm and a height between 60cm and 85cm.

[0036] With reference to [Fig. 2], the bathing device 1 comprises a frame 10 defining a basin 2 configured to receive the volume of water and a technical housing 3 in which a treatment system 4 is mounted, configured to treat the water of the basin 2. With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the bathing device 1 further comprises an outer ring 7 surrounding the frame 10. The outer ring 7 is set back from the frame 10 so as to delimit a functional space EF, the functional space EF being closed by a coping 5 connecting the frame 10 to the outer ring 7.

[0037] The various elements of the bathing device 1 will now be presented.

[0038] With reference to [Fig. 2], the frame 10 comprises vertical walls, in particular made by assembling aluminum profiles, forming an internal ring. The frame 10 also comprises a vertical partition wall 10S, at the interface between the pool 2 and the technical housing 3, which has openings to accommodate the suction and return inlets for water circulation and treatment. In this example, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], the partition wall 10S has two water return inlets and two water suction inlets. The upper water suction inlet is in the form of a skimmer.

[0039] With reference to [Fig. 2], the pool 2 has a length between 160 cm and 300 cm, a width between 120 cm and 220 cm, and a height between 60 cm and 85 cm. As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the pool 2 includes an internal step 22 to allow users to sit down. A liner 21 is fitted in the pool 2 to ensure its watertightness. The fitting of the liner 21 will be shown later.

[0040] In this example, with reference to [Fig. 2], the bathing device 1 comprises a technical housing 3 mounted at the rear end of the pool 2, extending from the latter. The technical housing 3 also has a rectangular shape in this example.

[0041] In this example, the technical housing 3 has the same height and width as the basin 2. Preferably, the technical housing 3 has a length between 60 cm and 100 cm.

[0042] A treatment system 4, configured to treat the water in basin 2, is mounted in the technical housing 3. In this example, the treatment system 4 is configured to filter the water but also to heat it. For this purpose, the treatment system 4 comprises a water circuit connected on one side to one or more water outlets and on one or more water inlets. The water circuit includes a filtration element, here connected to the upper water outlet, which is in the form of a filtration element known as a filter skimmer.

[0043] The treatment system 4 further comprises a drive pump and a water heating element, preferably an electric heater to limit noise. The technical housing 3 further comprises an electrical box to supply power to the drive pump and the electric heater. Preferably, a temperature probe is provided to allow regulation of the water temperature.

[0044] Preferably, the treatment system 4 does not include a bubbler to generate bubbles in the basin 2 in order to reduce the noise generated and obtain a soothing experience for users.

[0045] According to one aspect, the treatment system 4 may also include an overflow system configured to discharge excess water outside the bathing device 1 or into an integrated tank, for example, when too many users are present in the bath 2 simultaneously.

[0046] With reference to [Fig. 2], the frame 10 includes ventilation openings 11 fluidly connecting the technical housing 3 to the functional space EF so as to allow the evacuation of heat from the treatment system 4, in particular, from the pump. The thermal heat from the treatment system 4 is used for thermal insulation of the basin 2, which reduces the heating requirement for the basin water.

[0047] With reference to [Fig. 1], the technical housing 3 is closed by a closure panel 31 which extends, preferably, in the continuation of the coping 5. The closure panel 31 has a hatch to allow maintenance access.

[0048] Preferably, the closing panel 31 includes a control box for the processing system 4

[0049] As illustrated in figures 3 and 4, the bathing device 1 comprises an outer ring 7 surrounding the frame 10, the outer ring 7 being separated from the frame 10 so as to delimit a functional space EF, the functional space EF being closed by a coping 5 connecting the frame 10 to the outer ring 7.

[0050] Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the functional space EF extends peripherally around the chassis 10 so as to form an enclosure that isolates noise from the processing system 4 and also allows for the convenient mounting of an outer ring 7 that can be adapted to customize the bathing device 1. The functional space EF allows for the formation a thermal insulation enclosure which helps to limit heat loss from pool 2.

[0051] Preferably, thermal insulation elements are positioned in the functional space EF so as to reduce heat loss from pool 2. In one aspect, the thermal insulation elements are in the form of panels, in particular, made of polystyrene. In a preferred aspect, in order to reduce thermal bridging with the ground, insulation elements are placed under the floor of pool 2.

[0052] Preferably, the outer belt 7 comprises a plurality of cover panels 70 which may be solid, perforated, and made of various materials such as metal or plastic. Preferably, the cover panels 70 are mounted in a removable manner.

[0053] According to one aspect, at least one cover panel 70 opening onto the technical housing 3 is perforated so as to allow optimal ventilation.

[0054] The assembly of the outer belt 7 will now be presented.

[0055] With reference to [Fig. 2], the frame 10 comprises a circumferential base member 12 that rests on the ground. With reference to [Fig. 8], the outer ring 7 comprises a circumferential foot member 72 that rests on the ground. In this example, the foot member 72 of the outer ring 7 is connected to the base member 12 of the frame 10. The foot member 72 of the outer ring 7 extends externally from the base member 12 of the frame 10. Preferably, the foot member 72 of the outer ring 7 is connected to the base member 12 of the frame 10 by connecting elements 73.

[0056] The foot member 72 allows for mounting the outer belt 7 at the bottom. The foot member 12 allows the functional space EF to be closed from below, as will be shown later. The foot member 72 preferably comprises several elements assembled together.

[0057] With reference to [Fig.5], the foot member 72 includes a mounting groove 721, the concavity of which is turned upwards, configured to receive a cover panel 70.

[0058] In this example, the foot member 72 comprises a metal body 72a and an elastic joint 12b mounted on the metal body 72a, the mounting groove 721 being formed in the elastic joint 72b. With reference to [Fig. 1], the outer ring 7 has vertical posts 71, in particular, one at each corner of the bathing device 1. The lower end of a vertical post 71 is connected to a foot member 72 as illustrated in [Fig. 5].

[0059] The upper end of a vertical post 71 is connected to the coping 5.

[0060] With reference to figures 1 and 9, the outer belt 7 includes vertical separating posts 74 between the cover panels 70.

[0061] With reference to [Fig.6], the frame 10 comprises a plurality of support members 6 fixed to the upper end of the frame 10. As illustrated in [Fig.7], each support member 6 is in the form of a profile configured to cooperate with a vertical wall of the frame 10, with a curb 5 and with a cover panel 7.

[0062] As illustrated in detail in [Fig. 7], a support member 6 is also fixed to the upper end of the partition wall 10S. A support member 6 thus covers the upper end of each vertical wall to improve mechanical strength. This also allows the liner 21 to be fixed in a similar manner to the periphery of the pool 2.

[0063] As illustrated in detail in [Fig. 7], the support member 6 includes an upper relief 61 configured to cooperate with a lower relief of the coping 5. The support member 6 includes a lower mounting groove 62, the concavity of which faces downwards, configured to be mounted at the upper end of a vertical wall of the frame 10. The support member 6 further includes an adjustment groove 63 configured to allow the mounting of retaining tabs 8, as will be shown later. The support member 6 also includes an internal groove 64 configured to receive the liner 21.

[0064] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 8, the coping 5 is fixed to the support members 6 located at the periphery of the frame 10 of the bathing device 1 so as to form a coping 5 with a peripheral shape. The coping 5 is made from coping elements, in particular, in the form of aluminum profiles as illustrated in [Fig. 6].

[0065] With reference to [Fig. 6], the coping 5 has a lower relief 51 configured to cooperate with the upper relief 61 of the support member 6 so as to ensure stable positioning. The coping 5 also has a downward-projecting outer edge 52 which helps to lock the cover panels 70 in place, as will be shown later.

[0066] Advantageously, with reference to [Fig. 9], an operator can take advantage of the depth of the functional space EF to mount cover panels 70 in the mounting groove 721 of the foot member 72. The presence of a mounting groove 721 allows for flexibility in the dimensions of the cover panels 70. Preferably, the functional space EF has a depth of between 14 cm and 70 cm, preferably between 14 cm and 30 cm. Such a depth facilitates the mounting of the outer ring 7 while ensuring ventilation and thermal insulation.

[0067] Preferably, with reference to [Fig. 10], the bathing device 1 comprises a plurality of retaining clips 8 mounted in the functional space EF and configured to hold a cover panel 70 outwards. Each retaining clip 8 is mounted to a support member 6, in particular guided in the adjustment groove 63, the concavity of which faces outwards. This allows a retaining clip 8 to be placed in the most suitable longitudinal position to achieve proper support of the cover panel 70. The retaining clip 8 advantageously allows the upper end of the cover panel 70 to be pressed against the outer edge 52 of the coping 5, as illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0068] To prevent noise during the use of the bathing device 1, the bathing device 1 includes at least one damping seal 82 positioned between the upper end of the cover panel 70 and the outer edge 52 of the coping 5, as illustrated in [Fig. 11]. Preferably, each retaining bracket 8 includes a damping pad 81 positioned at its end in contact with the cover panel 70 to dampen any vibration, in particular, related to the treatment system 4. Such a damping seal 82 ensures proper alignment and eliminates play.

[0069] Preferably, with reference to [Fig. 12], the bathing device 1 comprises at least one lighting element 9 mounted in the functional space EF to allow the cover panels 70 to be illuminated from the inside. This is particularly advantageous when the cover panels 70 are perforated or translucent.

[0070] With reference to [Fig. 12], the lighting element 9 is preferably in the form of an LED strip positioned at the top of the functional space EF to avoid any direct illumination that could be bothersome to users. In this example, the lighting element 9 is positioned directly below the support elements 6 in the functional space EF. The lighting element 9 is powered by the electrical box mounted in the technical housing 3. The lighting element 9 is preferably controllable (color, intensity, etc.).

[0071] Advantageously, the bathing device 1 is removable and can be conveniently assembled / disassembled. In practice, every element of the assembly is configured to fit through a standard doorway. This advantageously allows the bathing device 1 to be assembled in a location that is difficult to access, such as a basement.

[0072] With reference to Figures 13 and 14, a bathing device 1 is shown with a first type of cover panels 70, for example perforated ([Fig. 13]), and with a second type of cover panels 70', for example translucent ([Fig. 14]). Advantageously, the cover panels 70, 70' can be replaced to aesthetically match the installation environment. Their simple removal This also allows convenient access to the technical housing 3 from the rear for major maintenance. Access for minor maintenance can be achieved through the hatch in the closing panel 31.

[0073] Advantageously, a bathing device 1 is obtained with a low weight, preferably less than 500 kg when empty. The size of the pool 2 and the aluminum frame help to reduce the weight, making the bathing device 1 compatible with many rooftop terraces. The bench seating in the pool 2 and the increased floor area due to the outer rim 5 improve the load distribution, which is highly advantageous.

Claims

Demands

1. Bathing device (1) comprising a frame (10) defining a basin (2) configured to receive a volume of water less than 2m3 and a technical housing (3) in which is mounted a treatment system (4) configured to treat the water of the basin (2), the bathing device (1) comprising an outer ring (7) surrounding the frame (10), the outer ring (7) being separated from the frame (10) so as to delimit at least one functional space (EF), the functional space (EF) being closed by a coping (5) connecting the frame (10) to the outer ring (7), the frame (10) comprising a plurality of support members (6) fixed to the upper end of the frame (10), the coping (5) being fixed to the support members (6), each support member (6) comprising an internal groove (64) configured to receive a liner (21).

2. Bathing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (10) comprising a partition wall (10S) between the basin (2) and the technical housing (3), at least one support member (6) is fixed to the upper end of the partition wall (10S).

3. Bathing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein each support member (6) comprises an upper relief (61) configured to cooperate with a lower relief (51) of the coping (5).

4. Bathing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer belt (7) comprises a plurality of cover panels (70), preferably removable.

5. Bathing device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the outer belt (7) includes a foot member (72) comprising a mounting groove (721) configured to receive a cover panel (70).

6. Bathing device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the bathing device (1) comprises a plurality of retaining tabs (8) mounted in the functional space (EF) to press at least one cover panel (70) against an outer edge (52) of the coping (5).

7. Bathing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one lighting element (9) mounted in the functional space (EF).

8. Bathing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frame (10) has at least one ventilation opening (11) fluidly connecting the technical housing (3) to the functional space (EF).

9. Bathing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the water volume is less than lm3.

10. Bathing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the functional space (EF) extends peripherally.

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