Modular basin

Abstract

Title: Modular Basin The invention relates to a modular module (200) and a modular basin (100) comprising at least two joined modules (200), each module (200) having a bottom wall (210), at least one side wall (220) extending from the bottom wall (210), and a connecting side (250) having a joining face, the assembly of the modular basin (100) being achieved by bringing the joining face of two joined modules (200) into contact. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Modular basin Scope of the 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 basins, one can notably mention basins intended for leisure such as swimming pools, or basins intended for decoration such as fish ponds. Prior art

[0004] Ponds are classically made for leisure purposes, for example swimming pools, or for decorative purposes, for example ponds receiving plants and / or fish.

[0005] To create such basins, several solutions coexist.

[0006] In a conventional manner, a hole is dug in the ground to receive the basin. However, some basins can be used above ground, that is to say they rest on the ground and can be surrounded by decorative cladding for example.

[0007] A first technique consists of constructing a masonry structure to form the base and the peripheral edge of the basin. A finishing coating is then applied to the masonry structure before the resulting basin is filled.

[0008] This first technique has as its main drawback a particularly long implementation time.

[0009] Another disadvantage of this first method lies in the application of the finishing coating, which can prove to be long and tedious.

[0010] A second technique involves using a shell shaped like the basin. This shell is manufactured in a factory and then transported to the installation site before being placed, generally, in the hole that has been dug.

[0011] A first drawback of this second technique lies in the fact that, beyond a certain size, transporting the hull may require special conditions such as the use of exceptional transport or large-capacity lifting equipment. These special conditions thus make transport expensive.

[0012] Furthermore, the production of shells can also prove costly depending on the material chosen and their dimensions. Indeed, for small shells, the recurring use of molds may be advantageous, whereas for large shells or for shells with functional features (stairs, slides or sunbeds), individual or accessory molds are required. 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 joining, by welding, of the different elements that compose it. Objectives of the invention

[0013] The invention aims in particular to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0014] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a simple modular basin 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. Description of the invention

[0017] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a modular basin module, characterized in that it comprises: - a back wall, - at least one side wall extending from the back wall, said bottom wall and said at least one side wall together defining a free edge, the module also comprising a joining side extending from the bottom wall and the side wall, along the free edge, said side having a joining face intended to cooperate with a joining face of an abutted module to form all or part of a basin.

[0018] Such a module makes it possible to create basins of variable length while facilitating logistics.

[0019] Indeed, the modules are simpler to transport, store and handle than pre-formed 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 roads, the modules being able to be transported on standard-sized trailers.

[0021] According to an advantageous aspect, the flank 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 pelvis.

[0024] According to another advantageous aspect, each side has a groove extending parallel to the free edge.

[0025] The groove allows a space to be formed 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 module fixing elements.

[0027] The assembly of two modules joined together to form a basin can thus be done by bolting the sides, which is simple to carry out for an unskilled 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 inside of a basin, said module forming an end module.

[0029] According to another advantageous aspect, the module comprises two side walls situated opposite each other.

[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 butting the free edges of the modules together and bringing their respective junction faces into contact.

[0031] Such a basin can thus be transported and installed in a simple and quick manner.

[0032] Indeed, the use of modules makes transport simple since it is It is not necessary to use an exceptional convoy for a long basin, or to use large capacity lifting equipment as is the case for basins formed by a single shell.

[0033] In addition to their role in assembling the modules together, the sides help to give the basin good resistance to the pressure of the water contained in the basin.

[0034] Finally, the use of modules allows for easy manufacturing without the need for heavy tooling (molds, lifting and transport equipment, etc.) and simplified storage since identical modules can be stacked in a limited space and handled more easily than whole shells thanks to their contained dimensions and weight.

[0035] According to an advantageous aspect, the basin also includes a sealing element intended to take place in a groove formed by the cooperation of the shoulders of two butted modules.

[0036] As described previously, the sealing element contributes to the sealing of the basin at the junction between two modules.

[0037] Furthermore, depending on the type of sealing element and / or its shape, the sealing element can contribute to the user comfort of the pool, particularly when it is When used as a swimming pool, it must be perfectly aligned with the back wall to avoid any unevenness. In other words, the sealing element can create a continuous surface from the back wall of the modules to the junction between two modules.

[0038] According to another advantageous aspect, the basin also includes a joint taking place jointly in the groove of two adjacent modules.

[0039] The cooperation between the joint and the grooves of two butted 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 lateral wall thus defines one end of the pelvis.

[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 basin, and therefore its modularity, can thus be modified by the sole choice of the number of intermediate modules chosen.

[0045] This does not complicate either the transport or the installation, which retain their respective advantages as previously presented. Figures

[0046] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the accompanying drawings described below.

[0047] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a schematic perspective top view representation of a modular basin according to the invention, according to a first embodiment.

[0048] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective top view representation of a detail of a module of the basin according to the invention.

[0049] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective top view representation of a first module, called the end module, of the modular basin according to the invention.

[0050] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective top view representation of a second module, called the intermediate module, of the modular basin according to the invention.

[0051] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective top view representation of a modular basin according to the invention, according to a second embodiment.

[0052] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the assembly of two modules to form a basin according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0053] Fig. 1 illustrates a modular basin 100 according to the invention.

[0054] The basin 100 comprises at least two modules 200 assembled together to to form a receptacle capable of holding 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 part of a bottom of the basin 100 and the or each side wall is intended to bore part of a peripheral edge of the basin 100.

[0057] In addition, for each module 200, the bottom wall 210 and the side wall 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 joining two or more modules 200 together along their free edge 230.

[0059] With reference to [Fig.2], each module 200 also has a top wall 240 and a side 250 of joining.

[0060] The upper wall 240 extends the side wall 220 opposite the bottom wall 210. According to the embodiment illustrated by [Fig. 1], 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 of the side walls 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 side 250 forms with the bottom wall 210 and each side wall 220 a shoulder 260. The shoulder 260 is turned towards the interior of the basin 100.

[0065] As will be explained later, when two modules 200 are joined together, the respective shoulders 260 of the two joined modules 200 cooperate together to form a groove 300.

[0066] A sealing element 400 is placed in said groove 300 to ensure a seal between the two modules 200 joined at their junction.

[0067] The sealing element 400 is, for example, a sealing strip. The sealing strip may, in particular, be supplied in roll form, which is unrolled and cut to the desired size during the installation of the pool, as explained below. Alternatively, the sealing element 400 can 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 includes a joint 500 positioned jointly in the grooves 270 of two butted modules 200, as illustrated by [Fig.6].

[0070] In addition, according to a particular embodiment, as can be seen in figures 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] By way of example and not limitation, according to a first embodiment, the fastening 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 flank 250.

[0075] The single lateral wall 220 forms a cavity opening onto the interior of the basin 100. The single lateral wall 220 may have several abutting faces as illustrated by [Fig.3], or a single face 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 flanks 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 intermediate module 200b define a closed peripheral border 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 of more than two modules 200, namely two end modules 200a and at least one intermediate module 200b.

[0079] According to a first embodiment, the basin 100 illustrated in [Fig. 1] is a basin 4 meters wide and 6 meters long. For this purpose, the basin in [Fig. 1] comprises two end modules 200a between which an intermediate module 200b is placed.

[0080] The side 250 of each end module 200a cooperates with one of the sides 250 of the intermediate module 200b.

[0081] According to a second embodiment, the basin 100 illustrated in [Fig. 5] is a basin 4 meters wide and 4 meters long. For this purpose, the basin in [Fig. 5] comprises only two end modules 200a joined together.

[0082] The sides 250 of the end modules 200a thus cooperate together to form the basin 100.

[0083] Regardless of the number of modules 200 it comprises, the basin 100 is made by joining the free edges 230 of the modules 200, and therefore bringing into contact the face 255 of junction of the sides 250 of two joined modules 200.

[0084] Finally, the modules 200 can also integrate bosses 290 which can form steps or even benches or sunbeds.

[0085] The assembly of a basin 100 according to the invention is carried out as follows, the possible major works operations (excavation, earthworks, water and / or electricity supply...) not being described.

[0086] A first module 200 is installed.

[0087] More specifically, 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 butted to the first and then secured to it.

[0090] More specifically, the two modules 200 are positioned so as to bring the junction face 255 into contact with 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 clamp the sides 250 of the two modules 200 together. More specifically, the screws 610 are inserted into the holes 280 and then the nuts 620 engage helically with the screws to ensure that the sides 250 are held together.

[0093] On the other hand, when they are without holes 280, the sides 250 are covered with a layer of glue prior to bringing their joining face 255 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 setting up the joint 500, joining and securing the modules 200 and setting up the sealing element 400 are repeated as much as necessary, prior to setting up 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 well as the installation of an additional coating in the basin 100. The coating can, for example, be a "gelcoat", an English term for a gelled coating, or a liner.

[0097] The basin that has just been presented offers many advantages, including the following.

[0098] The manufacture of the 200 modules can be carried out in large quantities simply and quickly in dedicated molds for the manufacture of 100 basins 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 makes it possible to limit the bulk of the basin 100 during 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 100 basins 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 100 basin while maintaining the ease of assembly of the different 200 modules.

[0102] Finally, the sides 250 form means of stiffening the basin 100, and in particular the lateral walls 220 forming the peripheral border of the basin 100. The basin 100 can thus withstand the pressure of the water it contains.

Claims

Demands

1. Module (200) for modular basin (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 connecting flank (250) extending from the bottom wall (210) and the side wall (220), along the free edge (230), said flank (250) having a connecting face (255) intended to cooperate with a connecting face (255) of an abutted module (200) to form all or part of a basin (100).

2. Module (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flank (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 for 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 any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises two side walls (220) situated opposite each other.

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 butting the free edges (230) of the modules (200) and bringing their respective joining faces (255) into contact.

8. Modular basin (100) according to the preceding claim characterized in that it also includes a sealing element (400) intended to take place in a groove (300) formed by the cooperation of the shoulders (260) of two butted modules (200).

9. Modular basin (100) according to claim 7 or 8, said basin (100) incorporating at least one module according to claim 3, characterized in that it also comprises a joint (500) jointly taking place 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 border of the basin (100).

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