Modular pool
The modular basin design addresses the challenges of long implementation times and costly transport by using modules with joining flanks and sealing elements for easy assembly and transport, achieving efficient and simple installation of aquatic structures.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2024004050
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-04-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for creating aquatic basins, such as swimming pools and decorative ponds, face challenges including long implementation times, costly production, expensive transport, and complex installation due to the use of large preformed shells or masonry structures.
A modular basin design comprising modules with a back wall, side walls, and joining flanks that facilitate assembly and sealing, allowing for variable pool sizes and simplified logistics, transport, and installation.
The modular design enables easy manufacturing, storage, and transportation of basin components, reducing the need for exceptional transport and specialized equipment, while ensuring quick and simple assembly by low-skilled workers, and providing structural integrity and water resistance.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Modular basin Field of invention
[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of aquatic equipment.
[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a modular basin.
[0003] Among the basins, we can notably cite basins intended for leisure such as swimming pools, or basins intended for decoration such as fish basins. State of the art
[0004] Ponds are conventionally made for leisure purposes, for example swimming pools, or for decorative purposes, for example ponds containing plants and / or fish.
[0005] To create such pools, several solutions coexist.
[0006] Conventionally, a hole is dug in the ground to accommodate the pool. However, some pools can be used above ground, i.e. they rest on the ground and can be surrounded by decorative cladding, for example.
[0007] A first technique consists of creating a masonry structure to form the bottom and the peripheral edge of the pool. A finishing coating is then applied to the masonry structure before the pool thus created is filled.
[0008] The main drawback of this first technique is a particularly long implementation time.
[0009] Another disadvantage of this first method lies in the installation of the finishing coating which can prove to be long and tedious.
[0010] A second technique consists of using a shell in the shape of the basin. This shell is manufactured in a factory and then transported to the installation site before being generally placed in the hole that has been dug.
[0011] A first disadvantage of this second technique lies in the fact that beyond a certain size, the transport of the hull may require special conditions such as the implementation of exceptional transport or the use of large capacity lifting equipment. These special conditions thus make transport expensive.
[0012] Furthermore, the production of hulls can also prove costly depending on the material chosen and its dimensions. Indeed, for small hulls, the recurrent use of molds can be favorable whereas for large hulls or for hulls with functional features (stairs, slides or sunbathing areas) unitary molds or molds with accessories, generally expensive, will be preferred. In addition, when the hull is made of a material such as stainless steel, skilled, and therefore expensive, labor is required to allow the watertight junction, by welding, of the different elements that compose it. Objectives of the invention
[0013] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.
[0014] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a simple modular basin of transport.
[0015] The invention also aims to provide such a basin which is simple to manufacture.
[0016] The invention further aims to provide such a basin whose installation is simplified. Statement of the invention
[0017] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a module for a modular basin, characterized in that it comprises: - a back wall, - at least one side wall extending from the bottom wall, said bottom wall and said at least one side wall together defining a free edge, the module also comprising a joining flank extending from the bottom wall and the side wall, along the free edge, said flank having a joining face intended to cooperate with a joining face of an abutting module to form all or part of a basin.
[0018] Such a module makes it possible to create pools of variable length while facilitating logistics.
[0019] Indeed, the modules are easier to transport, store and handle than preformed pool shells.
[0020] Furthermore, the ease of transport is explained by the fact that for large basins (intended to form swimming pools), it is not necessary to resort to exceptional transport or specific routes, the modules being able to be transported on standard-sized trailers.
[0021] According to an advantageous aspect, the sidewall forms a shoulder with the bottom wall and each side wall.
[0022] Such a shoulder makes it possible to create a space for receiving a sealing element. at the junction between two adjacent modules.
[0023] In addition, the shoulder contributes to the stiffening of the module and therefore to the mechanical strength of the basin.
[0024] According to another advantageous aspect, each side has a groove extending parallel to the free edge.
[0025] The groove makes it possible to form a space for receiving a sealing element as will be explained below.
[0026] According to another advantageous aspect, each side has a plurality of holes allowing the passage of elements for fixing the modules.
[0027] The assembly of two butted modules to form a basin can thus be done by bolting the sides, which is simple to carry out for a low-skilled worker or even for an individual.
[0028] According to another advantageous aspect, the module comprises a single side wall forming a cavity intended for the interior of a basin, said module forming an end module.
[0029] According to another advantageous aspect, the module comprises two side walls located opposite one another.
[0030] The invention also relates to a modular basin characterized in that it comprises at least two modules as previously presented, the assembly of the modular basin being carried out by abutting the free edges of the modules and bringing their respective junction faces into contact.
[0031] Such a basin can thus be transported and installed simply and quickly.
[0032] Indeed, the use of modules makes transport simple since it is not no need to use an exceptional convoy for a very long basin, or to use high-capacity lifting equipment as is the case for basins formed by a single hull.
[0033] Furthermore, in addition to their role in assembling the modules together, the sides make it possible to give the pool good resistance to the pressure of the water contained in the pool.
[0034] Finally, the use of modules allows easy manufacturing without the need for heavy tools (molds, lifting and transport equipment, etc.) and simplified storage since identical modules can be stacked in a limited space and handled more easily than entire shells thanks to their contained dimensions and weight.
[0035] According to an advantageous aspect, the basin also comprises a sealing element intended to take place in a groove formed by the cooperation of the shoulders of two abutting modules.
[0036] As described previously, the sealing element contributes to the sealing of the basin at the junction between two modules.
[0037] In addition, depending on the type of sealing element and / or its shape, the sealing element can contribute to the comfort of use of the pool, in particular when it is used as a swimming pool, being perfectly aligned with the bottom wall so as not to form any roughness. In other words, the sealing element can form a continuity from the bottom wall of the modules to the junction between two modules.
[0038] According to another advantageous aspect, the basin also comprises a seal placed jointly in the groove of two adjacent modules.
[0039] The cooperation between the seal and the grooves of two abutting modules then contributes to the sealing between the modules.
[0040] According to another advantageous aspect, the basin comprises only two end modules.
[0041] The single side wall thus defines one end of the basin.
[0042] A basin can thus be obtained by joining two end modules uniquely.
[0043] According to another advantageous aspect, the basin comprises two end modules and at least one intermediate module interposed between the two end modules, the side walls of the intermediate module forming an interface between the side wall of the two end modules to define a closed peripheral border of the basin.
[0044] The length of the pool, and therefore its modularity, can therefore be modified by simply choosing the number of intermediate modules chosen.
[0045] This then does not complicate either the transport or the installation which retain their respective advantages as presented previously. Figures
[0046] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings described below.
[0047] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation in perspective from above of a modular basin according to the invention, according to a first embodiment.
[0048] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation in perspective from above of a detail of a module of the basin according to the invention.
[0049] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation in perspective from above of a first module, called the end module, of the modular basin according to the invention.
[0050] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation in perspective from above of a second module, called the intermediate module, of the modular basin according to the invention.
[0051] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective representation from above of a modular basin according to the invention, according to a second embodiment.
[0052] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the assembly of two modules to form a pool according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention
[0053] [Fig.l] illustrates a modular basin 100 according to the invention.
[0054] The basin 100 comprises at least two modules 200 assembled together to form a receptacle that can hold a liquid such as water.
[0055] Each module 200 comprises: - a bottom wall 210; - at least one side wall 220 extending from the bottom wall 210.
[0056] The bottom wall 210 is intended to form a part of a bottom of the basin 100 and the or each side wall is intended to drill a part of a peripheral edge of the basin 100.
[0057] Furthermore, for each module 200, the bottom wall 210 and the or each side wall 220 together define the free edge 230.
[0058] As will be explained below, the modules 200 forming the basin 100 are assembled by abutting two or more modules 200 along their free edge 230.
[0059] With reference to [Fig.2], each module 200 also has an upper wall 240 and a joining side 250.
[0060] The upper wall 240 extends the side wall 220 opposite the bottom wall 210. According to the embodiment illustrated by [Fig.l], the upper wall 240 extends substantially parallel to the bottom wall 210. Alternatively, the upper wall 240 could be inclined relative to the bottom wall 210.
[0061] Still with reference to [Fig.2], the flank 250 extends from the bottom wall 210 and the side wall 220, along the free edge 230.
[0062] Advantageously, the flank 250 extends substantially transversely to the bottom wall 210 and to the or each side wall 220.
[0063] The side 250 has a junction face 255 intended to come into contact with a junction face 255 of an abutted module 200, as will be explained later.
[0064] As illustrated by [Fig.2], the flank 250 forms with the bottom wall 210 and each side wall 220 a shoulder 260. The shoulder 260 is turned towards the inside of the basin 100.
[0065] As will be explained later, when two modules 200 are abutted, the respective shoulders 260 of the two abutted modules 200 cooperate together to form a groove 300.
[0066] A sealing element 400 is placed in said groove 300 to ensure sealing between the two modules 200 abutted at their junction.
[0067] The sealing element 400 is for example a sealing strip. The sealing strip can in particular be packaged in the form of a roll which is unrolled and cut to the desired size when installing the pool as explained below. Alternatively, the sealing element 400 may take the form of a paste intended to fill the groove 300.
[0068] With reference to Figures 4 and 6, each flank 250 has a groove 270 extending parallel to the free edge 230.
[0069] The basin 100 also comprises a seal 500 positioned jointly in the grooves 270 of two abutting modules 200, as illustrated by [Fig.6].
[0070] Furthermore, according to a particular embodiment, as can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6, each side 250 has a plurality of holes 280. These holes allow the passage of fixing elements 600 of the modules 200 between them.
[0071] For informational and non-limiting purposes, according to a first embodiment, the fixing elements 600 take the form of bolts including a screw 610 and at least one nut 620.
[0072] According to another embodiment not illustrated by the figures, the sides are devoid of holes 280 and the fixing elements 600 take the form of a layer of glue applied to the sides 250 of two butted modules 200.
[0073] The modules 200 are divided into two categories, namely modules 200 called end modules 200a, as illustrated by [Fig.3], and modules 200 called intermediate modules 200b, as illustrated by [Fig.4].
[0074] The end modules 200a comprise a bottom wall 210 and a single side wall 220. In addition, the end modules 200a comprise a single sidewall 250.
[0075] The single side wall 220 forms a cavity opening onto the interior of the basin 100. The single side wall 220 may have several abutting sides as illustrated in [Fig.3], or a single side following for example a curved line.
[0076] On the other hand, the intermediate modules 200b comprise a bottom wall 210 and two side walls 220. In addition, the intermediate modules 200b comprise two sides 250, and therefore two free edges 230.
[0077] The two side walls 220 are located opposite each other. The two side walls 220 of the intermediate module 200b form an interface between the side wall 220 of the two end modules 200a. In other words, the two side walls 220 of the or each intermediate module 200b make it possible to define a closed peripheral edge of the basin 100 by extending the side wall 220 of the first end module 200a to the side wall of the second end module 200a and then, in return, by extending the side wall 220 of the second end module 200a to the side wall of the first end module 200a.
[0078] Thus, a basin 100 can consist of only two modules 200, namely two end modules 200a, or more than two modules 200, namely two end modules 200a and at least one intermediate module 200b.
[0079] According to a first exemplary embodiment, the pool 100 illustrated by [Fig.l] is a pool 4 meters wide and 6 meters long. For this purpose, the pool of [Fig.l] comprises two end modules 200a between which an intermediate module 200b is placed.
[0080] The flank 250 of each end module 200a cooperates with one of the flanks 250 of the intermediate module 200b.
[0081] According to a second exemplary embodiment, the pool 100 illustrated by [Fig. 5] is a pool 4 meters wide and 4 meters long. For this purpose, the pool of [Fig. 5] comprises only two end modules 200a abutting each other.
[0082] The flanks 250 of the end modules 200a thus cooperate together to form the basin 100.
[0083] Regardless of the number of modules 200 that it comprises, the basin 100 is produced by abutting the free edges 230 of the modules 200, and therefore bringing into contact the junction face 255 of the sides 250 of two abutting modules 200.
[0084] Finally, the modules 200 can also integrate bosses 290 which can form steps or even benches or sun loungers.
[0085] The assembly of a basin 100 according to the invention is carried out as follows, the possible structural work operations (excavation, earthworks, water and / or electricity supply, etc.) not being described.
[0086] A first module 200 is installed.
[0087] More precisely, this first module 200 is an end module 200a.
[0088] A seal 500 is then placed in the groove 270 of the side 250 of the module. end 200a.
[0089] Following the installation of the joint 500, a second module 200 is joined to the first and then secured to it.
[0090] More precisely, the two modules 200 are positioned so as to bring into contact the junction face 255 of the junction flank 250 by which they are joined.
[0091] This positioning also allows the insertion of the seal 500 into the groove 270 of the side of the second module 200.
[0092] When the sides 250 are equipped with holes 280, the bolts 600 are put in place to tighten the sides 250 of the two modules 200 together. More precisely, the screws 610 are inserted into the holes 280 then the nuts 620 come into helical engagement with the screws to ensure that the sides 250 are held against each other.
[0093] On the other hand, when they are devoid of holes 280, the sides 250 are covered with a layer of glue before their joining face 255 is brought into contact.
[0094] For a basin 100 comprising only two end modules 200a, the installation is continued by placing the sealing element 400 in the groove 300 formed by the cooperation of two shoulders 260.
[0095] On the other hand, for a basin 100 comprising one or more intermediate modules 200b, the operations of placing the seal 500, of joining and securing the modules 200 and of placing the sealing element 400 are repeated as many times as necessary, prior to placing the sealing elements 400 in the grooves 300 formed by the cooperation of two shoulders 260.
[0096] Optionally, a step of connecting equipment to the electrical and fluid (water) networks can be carried out, as can the installation of an additional coating in the basin 100. The coating can, for example, be a “gelcoat”, the English term for gelled coating, or a liner.
[0097] The basin which has just been presented offers numerous advantages, including the following.
[0098] The manufacture of the modules 200 can be carried out in large quantities in a simple and rapid manner in dedicated molds for the manufacture of pools 100 of different dimensions.
[0099] The storage of the modules 200 thus manufactured is facilitated by the fact that similar modules 200 can be stacked easily.
[0100] Similarly, regardless of its size, the basin 100 according to the invention can be easily transported from its place of manufacture to its place of installation. Indeed, the end modules 200a can be stacked one inside the other and any intermediate modules 200b can also be stacked one inside the other. This thus makes it possible to limit the size of the basin 100 for its transport and, consequently, to avoid the need for special transport permits and exceptional convoys which represent a significant cost.
[0101] Furthermore, the modularity of the basins 100 is increased without compromising the simplicity and speed of installation. Indeed, by modifying the number of intermediate modules 200b it is possible to change the length of the basin 100 while maintaining the simplicity of assembly of the different modules 200.
[0102] Finally, the sides 250 form means for stiffening the basin 100, and in particular side walls 220 forming the peripheral edge of the basin 100. The basin 100 can thus withstand the pressure of the water it contains.
Claims
Claims
1. Module (200) for modular pool (100), characterized in that it comprises: - a bottom wall (210), - at least one side wall (220) extending from the bottom wall (210), said bottom wall (210) and said at least one side wall (220) together defining a free edge (230), the module (200) also comprising a joining flank (250) extending from the bottom wall (210) and the side wall (220), along the free edge (230), said flank (250) having a joining face (255) intended to cooperate with a joining face (255) of a module (200) joined to form all or part of a pool (100).
2. Module (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the side (250) forms with the bottom wall (210) and each side wall (220) a shoulder (260).
3. Module (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each flank (250) has a groove (270) extending parallel to the free edge (230).
4. Module (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each side (250) has a plurality of holes (280) allowing the passage of fixing elements of the modules (200).
5. Module (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a single side wall (220) forming a cavity intended to open onto the interior of a basin (100), said module (200) forming an end module (200a).
6. Module (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises two side walls (220) located opposite one another.
7. Modular basin (100) characterized in that it comprises at least two modules (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, the assembly of the modular basin (100) being carried out by abutting the free edges (230) of the modules (200) and bringing their respective junction face (255) into contact.
8. Modular basin (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it also comprises a sealing element (400) intended to take place in a groove (300) formed by the cooperation of the shoulders (260) of two abutting modules (200).
9. Modular basin (100) according to claim 7 or 8, said basin (100) integrating at least one module according to claim 3, characterized in that it also comprises a joint (500) taking place jointly in the groove (270) of two adjacent modules (200).
10. Modular basin (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises only two end modules (200a).
11. Modular basin (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises two end modules (200a) and at least one intermediate module (200b) interposed between the two end modules (200a), the side walls (220) of the intermediate module (200b) forming an interface between the side wall (210) of the two end modules (220a) to define a closed peripheral edge of the basin (100).