Structure for dry fountain

Abstract

Title: Structure for a Dry Fountain The invention relates to a structure (100) for a dry fountain comprising a watertight basin (1) including a portion serving as a reservoir for holding a liquid (50), for example, water, the basin having a bottom (3) and a wall (2), at least one floor support configured to support a floor (200), and at least one central pump (20) configured to be supplied by the liquid in the reservoir and to eject liquid through the floor. The basin is configured to form a self-supporting structure and shaped to support the floor support and the floor on its own. It comprises a plurality of modules (M1, M2) assembled together to form the bottom of the basin. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Structure for a dry fountain technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of dry fountains, and more particularly to dry fountains for private use. It relates more specifically to a structure for supporting a floor in such a way as to form a terrace. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Dry, buried fountains, often installed in public spaces such as parks or municipal gardens, are known from prior art. The construction of this type of dry fountain requires extensive groundwork, including leveling the ground, excavation, masonry work, and backfilling with concrete or mortar. This work is very expensive and requires the use of construction equipment. Therefore, the installation of dry fountains in private homes is very rare today.

[0003] Furthermore, when a dry fountain is installed today in a public complex or as part of a large-scale private project, the work is custom-designed. For reasons of cost and industrialization, this is not feasible for dry fountains intended for installation in private homes.

[0004] In addition, the maintenance of existing dry fountains is particularly complex because the various elements of the fountains (pumps, filtration systems, etc.) are mostly buried and difficult to access.

[0005] Finally, dry fountains are commonly intended to be located beneath a walkable flowerbed. It is therefore necessary, after the installation of the dry fountain itself, to create the flowerbed above it. A further stage of significant work is thus required to finalize the project.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a dry fountain system that can be easily installed in private homes. Preferably, the proposed system will have modular dimensions so that it can be easily adapted to the available space. Preferably, the proposed system will allow for the easy integration of a flowerbed above the system. SUMMARY

[0007] To achieve this objective, a first aspect of the invention relates to a dry fountain system comprising a sealed tank including: a. a portion serving as a reservoir intended to hold a liquid, for example water, the container having a bottom and at least one wall extending from the bottom, b. at least one floor support configured to rest on at least one of the bottom and the side of the tank, the floor support being further configured to be able to support, preferably entirely, a floor, c. at least one pump, called the central pump, configured so as to be supplied by the liquid present in the tank and to eject liquid through the floor.

[0008] The tank is, moreover, preferably configured to form a self-supporting structure and shaped to support the floor support and the floor itself. Furthermore, the tank comprises a plurality of modules, each module forming a part of the bottom of the tank, the modules comprising complementary components shaped so that the components of a first module cooperate with the components of a second module, adjacent to the first module, so as to ensure the mechanical assembly of the first module with the second module.

[0009] Since the basin forms a self-supporting structure, it is not necessary to bury it. This significantly reduces the work required to install the dry fountain, and in particular eliminates any excavation or backfilling. Due to the minimal equipment needed for its installation, the structure is therefore much more accessible to individuals than current solutions. It is understood that the structure according to the invention can perfectly well be buried or partially buried, for example, to allow the structure to blend better into the landscape. However, since the basin is self-supporting, it will not be necessary to carry out a deep excavation and, above all, no concrete backfill will be required.

[0010] Furthermore, once a floor is installed on the floor supports included in the structure according to the invention, the latter forms a usable terrace. The proposed solution is therefore a two-in-one solution allowing for the simultaneous creation of a dry fountain and a terrace.

[0011] Furthermore, the fact that the basin is made up of multiple modules allows the size of the structure, and therefore of the dry fountain, to be adjusted, particularly according to the available space. A user can thus easily create a fountain and a terrace of their desired dimensions. It is even possible to modify the dimensions of the terrace after initial installation without requiring major work. Simply disassemble two adjacent modules to add one or more others between them, or conversely, remove one or more modules. The dimensions of the floor can then be easily adapted accordingly. the addition or removal of boards or slabs. The proposed solution therefore meets the need for modularity not provided by existing solutions.

[0012] Finally, the fact that the dry fountain structure also serves as a reservoir for the sprayed liquid facilitates maintenance of the structure. This is also an ecological and economic advantage since the sprayed water can be collected at gaps in the floor. The water then falls directly back into the reservoir and is reused by the dry fountain.

[0013] The invention thus proposes a structure for a dry fountain that is easy to install, inexpensive, uses little water and can constitute the structure of a usable terrace.

[0014] A second aspect of the invention relates to a dry fountain comprising a structure according to the first aspect of the invention, in which the basin rests on a floor or in which the bottom of the basin and at least part of the wall of the basin are housed in a cavity formed in a floor.

[0015] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for constructing a structure for a dry fountain according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising the following steps: a. Supply of modules to an installation site, b. Construction of the tank by assembling the modules through cooperation the components of the first module and the second module so as to ensure the mechanical assembly of the first module with the second module, c. installation of at least one floor support on the tray.

[0016] The advantages provided by the structure according to the first aspect of the invention apply mutatis mutandis to the dry fountain and the process according to the second and third aspects respectively of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig.1] Figures 1 and 2 represent perspective views of the structure for a dry fountain according to the present invention.

[0019] [Fig.2]

[0020] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the structure for a dry fountain according to the present invention.

[0021] [Fig.4] Fig.4 illustrates one embodiment of the assembly of a floor support at the bottom of the tank.

[0022] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the mechanical assembly between two modules of the baccalaureate.

[0023] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. In particular, the dimensions are not representative of reality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are listed below:

[0025] According to a preferred example, the tank includes at least one buttress extending from the tank wall. The presence of buttresses improves the rigidity of the tank.

[0026] According to a preferred example, each floor support comprises at least one pedestal extending from the bottom of the tray, and each pedestal is height-adjustable. The use of height-adjustable pedestals makes it possible to compensate for an inclination of the ground on which the structure is placed. This limits the inclination of the floor supported by the structure.

[0027] According to a preferred example, the structure comprises a plurality of floor supports and at least one pad of each floor support is height-adjustable independently of the pads of the other floor supports.

[0028] According to a preferred example, each floor support comprises at least one pedestal extending from the bottom of the tank, and the bottom of the tank comprises at least one base plate, each base plate receiving one pedestal. This creates a structure in the bottom of the tank and thus improves the rigidity of the tank. The bases also serve as alignment guides during the assembly of the structure, and particularly when attaching the pedestals to the bottom of the tank.

[0029] According to a preferred example, the bottom of the tank defines at least one rib forming a closed contour around at least one base. This creates a structure in the bottom of the tank and thus improves the rigidity of the tank.

[0030] According to a preferred example, each floor support includes at least one fixing clip configured to be able to hold planks forming the floor.

[0031] According to a preferred example, each floor support includes at least one cross brace configured to be able to hold slabs forming the floor.

[0032] According to a preferred example, the first and second modules are configured so that when assembled, they define at least one housing extending along an interface defined by their assembly.

[0033] According to a preferred example, at least one housing is filled by a seal, preferably made of a manually deformable and watertight material, preferably silicone. The presence of the seal improves the watertightness between the modules of the tray.

[0034] According to a preferred example, the structure includes a filtration system configured to filter the liquid contained in the tank. This makes it possible to sanitize the liquid contained in the tank.

[0035] According to a preferred example, the structure further comprises a floor supported by at least one floor support.

[0036] A coordinate system, preferably orthonormal, comprising the X, Y, and Z axes is shown in Figures 1 and 2. It is applicable by extension to the other figures. The X direction may be designated as the "longitudinal X direction," the Y direction as the "transverse Y direction," and the Z direction as the "vertical Z direction." The concepts of height and "top" and "bottom" of an element will be defined according to the vertical Z direction, it being understood that the height along Z is greater the further one moves from the ground of the environment in which the structure is located.

[0037] The dry fountain structure 100 according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0038] The structure 100 for a dry fountain comprises, firstly, a watertight container 1 for receiving a liquid 50 such as water. In the remainder of this description, water will be referred to, but it is understood that any liquid composition may be used. The container 1 is typically made of plastic. Advantageously, the container 1 is made of a material resistant to ultraviolet (UV), for example, a thermoplastic polymer such as ABS PMMA (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymethyl methacrylate) or PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or a plastic containing additives such as UV stabilizers or carbon black. The container 1 may also be coated with a surface coating that increases UV resistance (paint or metallization). Since the container 1 is most often intended for outdoor use, it is regularly exposed to sunlight.These characteristics thus help to limit its degradation.

[0039] The tank 1 is formed of at least two modules M1, M2, designated respectively first module M1 and second module M2. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a tank 1 formed of two modules M1, M2, but it is understood that the tank 1 can comprise a larger number of modules, depending on the user's wish and, for example, the space available for the dry fountain.

[0040] The modules of tray 1 are typically arranged in line with one another along an assembly direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction X in Figures 1 and 2. At least a third module can be added, for example between the first module M1 and the second module M2, always along the assembly direction. These additional modules thus serve as extensions to tray 1 along the longitudinal direction X. The assembly of the different modules - at a minimum the first module M1 and the second module M2, and optionally one or more additional modules - forms tray 1.

[0041] Each module M1, M2 comprises at least one component enabling its mechanical assembly with at least one adjacent module. For example, in the case of a tray 1 with two modules M1, M2, the first module M1 comprises assembly components enabling its mechanical assembly with the complementary components of the second module M2. When a third module is added between the first module M1 and the second module M2, it has components enabling its mechanical assembly with each of the first module M1 and the second module M2. An example of a method of mechanical assembly between the modules will be described later.

[0042] The mechanical assembly is preferably configured to ensure the support of the tray 1 by itself. The movement of one of the modules M1, M2 forming the tray 1 consequently causes the movement of the other module(s).

[0043] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the container 1 has a length L1 measured along the longitudinal direction X, a width 11 measured along the direction Y, and a height hl measured along the vertical direction Z. In a typical example, L1 is greater than or equal to 2 meters (m), preferably greater than or equal to 3 m. Each module may, for example, have a length of approximately 1.5 m. L1 may thus, for example, be approximately 3 m, 4.5 m, or 6 m. In a typical example, 11 is greater than or equal to 1 m, preferably greater than or equal to 2.40 m. In a typical example, hl is greater than or equal to 20 centimeters (cm). Advantageously, hl is less than or equal to 40 cm, preferably less than or equal to 30 cm.

[0044] The container 1 has a base 3 extending mainly in the XY plane in the figures. As will be shown later, the base 3 is typically structured. The structure of the base 3 of the container 1 has several functions, including improving the robustness of the container 1 and improving the adhesion of the container 1 to the ground on which the container 1 is placed or buried.

[0045] The tank 1 also has a wall 2 extending from the bottom 3 of the tank 1. The wall 2 defines a closed contour in projection onto the XY plane. The wall 2 is typically formed of four sides facing each other in pairs. The wall 2 also preferably defines a rim 8 at its upper part along the vertical direction Z. The rim 8 can serve as a support for the floor 200 when the latter is placed above the tank.

[0046] The container 1 thus forms a water reservoir.

[0047] The tank 1 also has an inlet orifice 22 through its wall 2. This inlet orifice 22 allows the supply of water to the reservoir formed by the tank 1. It can be connected to a domestic water network.

[0048] The tank 1 preferably also has an overflow orifice not shown allowing the quantity of water contained in the tank 1 to be regulated.

[0049] The tray 1 preferably forms a self-supporting structure. A self-supporting structure is defined as one that does not require any external element for mechanical support. The tray 1 is thus advantageously shaped to support, on its own, the floor support 45 and the floor 200, which will be described later. In particular, the wall 3 of the tray 1 does not sag under its own weight, and preferably under the weight of the floor 200 supported by the floor support of the structure 100.

[0050] Furthermore, the tank 1 is preferably configured to withstand the pressure of the water 50 contained in the tank 1. In particular, when the tank 1 contains water, its wall 2 does not collapse under the pressure exerted by this water.

[0051] To improve the rigidity of the tray 1 and thus promote its self-supporting property, several options can be implemented, individually or in combination.

[0052] For example, according to an advantageous embodiment, the tray 1 comprises at least one buttress 7, and preferably a plurality of buttresses 7. The buttresses 7 are preferably positioned inside the tray 1, that is, inside the closed contour defined by the wall 2 of the tray 1. The buttresses 7 support the wall 2 of the tray 1. Thus, each buttress 7 extends from the bottom 3 to the wall 2 of the tray 1, for example, in a right-angled shape. The buttresses 7 are preferably formed during the manufacture of the modules M1, M2. They are thus preferably integral with the modules M1, M2, that is, for each module M1, M2, the assembly formed by the bottom 3, the wall 2, and the buttresses 7 is a single unit. Preferably, each side of wall 2 of tank 1 is supported by at least one, preferably several buttresses 7.

[0053] Other optional embodiments allowing for an improvement in the rigidity of the tray 1 will be described further.

[0054] The structure 100 further includes at least one floor support 45 for receiving a floor 200. The floor support(s) 45 are configured to hold the floor 200 above the tray 1. The floor 200 defines a platform on which users can stand and walk. The floor supports 45 are thus configured to be able to support the weight of the floor 200 as well as the weight of at least one person of average weight, and preferably the weight of several people of average weight. The structure 100 and the floor supports are thus preferably configured to support a load of at least 500 kg, preferably of at least 900 kg. The floor 200 can be formed from planks, for example in wood or composite material, or from slabs, for example in sandstone.

[0055] Each floor support 45 typically comprises a plurality of pedestals 5 extending from the bottom 3 of the tray 1. These are preferably height-adjustable pedestals, for example screw-mounted pedestals 5.

[0056] Each floor support 45 also typically includes a crossbar 4 extending above the pads 5. The crossbars 4 can be fixed to the pads 5 by means of clips present on the pads 5. The crossbars 4 are conventionally made of a metallic material, for example aluminium.

[0057] A floor support 45 is therefore typically formed of a crossbar 4 and a plurality of pads 5, for example four pads 5 as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The floor supports 45 are typically arranged so that the crossbars 4 extend along the width of the tray 1, along the Y direction in the figures.

[0058] When the floor 200 intended to cover the structure 200 is made of planks, the latter are typically fixed to the cross bars 4 by means of clips or fixing clamps.

[0059] When the floor 200 intended to cover the structure 200 is made of ceramic or stoneware slabs, the latter are typically laid on the cross bars 4 by means of cross braces, preferably shock absorbers, mounted on the cross bars 4.

[0060] The use of height-adjustable pedestals 5 is particularly advantageous when the ground on which the structure 200 is placed is inclined. It is then possible to adjust the height of the pedestals 5 to compensate for this inclination and thus ensure that the floor 200 is less inclined than the ground relative to the horizontal, or even that it is horizontal. It is possible to compensate for the inclination of the ground both along a profile in the longitudinal direction X and along a profile in the transverse direction Y. Indeed, it is possible to adjust the pedestals 5 of separate floor supports 45 and / or the pedestals 5 of the same floor support 45 to different heights.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the bottom 3 of the tank 1 has bases 6 shaped to hold the supports 5 at the level of the bottom 3 of the tank 1. The bases 6 thus serve as mechanical support for the floor support. The bases 6 are typically circular in projection in the XY plane.

[0062] The presence of the bases 6 first of all provides a simple means of fixing the supports 5 to the base 3 of the container 1. Furthermore, the bases 6 provide structure to the base 3 of the container 1, which strengthens the structure 200 by giving it greater rigidity. Finally, the bases 6 act as keying guides during the assembly of the supports 5: thanks at the bases 6, the user necessarily places the studs 5 in the correct place when fixing them.

[0063] According to another embodiment, the floor supports 45 are formed during the manufacture of the modules and are preferably integral with the base 3 of the module. In this embodiment, the floor supports 45 and the tray 1 are thus a single unit. For example, each floor support 45 can be attached to the base 3 of the tray 1. Thus, for example, the base 3 of the tray 1 is made of a material that extends to form the floor support 45.

[0064] According to an advantageous example, the base 3 of the tank 1 also comprises a network of ribs 9, 9'. The base 3 of the tank 1 may, for example, have a rib 9 defining a closed contour around each base 6, as shown in the figures. Preferably, the ribs 9 follow the shape of the bases 6. When the bases 6 are circular in projection onto the XY plane, the ribs 9, for example, have the shape of a crown. The ribs 9 have a thickness e9 measured radially in the XY plane. The thickness e9 is preferably greater than or equal to 5 cm, and preferably 8 cm.

[0065] The bottom 3 of the tank 1 may also have ribs 9' at the level of other areas of the bottom 3 of the tank 1, for example between two ribs 9 surrounding the bases 6.

[0066] Like the bases 6, the ribs 9, 9' provide structure to the bottom 3 of the tray 1, which improves the rigidity of the tray 1.

[0067] An example of an assembly method between modules M1 and M2 of tray 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 1, 4, and 5 in particular. These explanations are given for the assembly of the first module M1 with the second module M2, but it is understood that the same assembly method can be used between all adjacent modules when more than two modules form tray 1.

[0068] The first module M1 and the second module M2 are assembled at a fixing zone 10. This fixing zone 10 preferably extends over the entire width of the bottom 3 of the container 1, typically corresponding to the width 11 of the container 1. The fixing zone 10 also advantageously extends along the wall 2 of the container 1, and preferably over its entire height, typically corresponding to the height hl of the container 1. The fixing zone 10 defines an interface between the first module M1 and the second module M2 when they are assembled. This interface extends primarily along the Y direction, a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X along which the modules M1 and M2 are arranged in line with each other.

[0069] The attachment zone 10 comprises a portion 11 of the first module M1, referred to as the first portion 11, and a portion 12 of the second module M2, referred to as the second portion 12. Preferably, the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 overlap along the vertical direction Z. The first portion 11 and the second portion 12 are fastened together by means of fastening means 13 such as bolts 13 possibly combined with rivets. Preferably, the fastening means 13 are evenly distributed along the fastening area 10. In this example, the complementary assembly members of the modules M1, M2 are the first and second portions 11, 12.

[0070] The overlap between the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 is advantageously at least partially achieved through a contact zone 14 where the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 are in contact. This contact improves the sealing of the fixing zone 10 and therefore the sealing of the tray 1.

[0071] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 together define at least one housing 15 at the level of the fastening zone 10. Preferably, they define a plurality of housings 15, for example exactly four housings 15, as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. The housings 15 preferably extend over the entire width of the tray 1, and preferably also over the entire height of the wall 2 of the tray 1. The housings 15 typically extend at bends defined by the first and second portions 11, 12. For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], each of the first and second portions 11, 12 can define four successive bends along the longitudinal direction X, so as to define four housings 15. Advantageously, at least one housing 15 is present on either side of the fastening means 13 along the longitudinal direction X. According to the preferred example illustrated in [Fig.5], along the longitudinal direction X, there are two housings 15 on each side of the fixing means 13. .

[0072] The housings 15 are filled with watertight seals 15', for example, made of marine hybrid sealant or, advantageously, silicone. The seals 15' are also preferably manually deformable to facilitate their installation in the housings 15'. These seals 15' improve the watertightness of the fixing area 10. Referring to the example illustrated in [Fig. 5], it can be seen that the water 50 contained in the tank 1 can only escape from the tank 1 by passing successively through: two seals 15', the contact area 14, and then two more seals 15'. Leaks are thus greatly reduced or even completely prevented.

[0073] The elements of the structure 100 allowing the ejection of water through the floor 200 will now be described in more detail, and particularly with reference to [Fig.3],

[0074] The structure 200 includes at least one central pump 20. The central pump 20 is preferably located in the tank 1. It is thus typically submerged when the tank 1 is filled with water 50, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. An area at the bottom of the tank 1 without a base 6 is preferably arranged so that the central pump 20 is positioned there (see [Fig. 1]). The central pump 20 is configured as so as to be supplied by the water 50 contained in the reservoir formed by the tray 1. It is also configured to eject water through the floor 200 once it is placed on the floor supports 45.

[0075] According to an advantageous embodiment, the ejection of water through the floor 200 by the central pump 20 is towards the outside of the volume defined by the floor 200 and the tank 1. Thus, the water is ejected on the side of the floor 200 not facing the water reservoir defined by the tank 1.

[0076] Advantageously, the structure 100 includes at least one central projection element 25 supplied with water by the central pump 20. This element 25 may also be referred to as the central nozzle 25. This projection element 25 is configured so that it can be positioned opposite a through opening 35 in the floor 200. The projection element 25 is configured to project the water supplied by the central pump 20 over the floor 200. The water is typically projected in the form of a jet 55. Advantageously, when the floor 200 is installed on the floor supports 45, the central projection element 25 is flush with the floor 200.

[0077] The structure 100 can also include secondary projection elements 26 configured so as to be able to be placed opposite secondary through openings 36 in the floor 200. These secondary projection elements 26 can be supplied by the central pump 20, as illustrated in [Fig.3], or by a separate pump.

[0078] According to one example, the structure 100 may further include a misting pump (not shown). The misting pump is configured to be supplied by the water 50 contained in the reservoir formed by the tray 1 and to generate mist from this water and eject it through the floor 200.

[0079] According to an advantageous embodiment, the ejection of water through the floor 200 by the misting pump is done towards the outside of the volume defined by the floor 200 and the tank 1. Thus, the water is ejected on the side of the floor 200 not facing the water reservoir defined by the tank 1.

[0080] According to another example, misting is provided by at least one misting nozzle supplied by the central pump 20. For example, six nozzles provide this function.

[0081] According to one example, the structure 100 may include a backlighting system. This system typically includes at least one LED spotlight 40 (LED stands for light-emitting diode), and preferably a plurality of LED spotlights 40. The LED spotlights 40 are preferably positioned so as to be flush with the floor 200. They are oriented so as to illuminate the water exiting the projection devices 25, 26.

[0082] According to an advantageous example, the structure 100 is equipped with means for filtering the water 50 contained in the tank 1. These means may be a filtration system 18 placed at least partly outside the tank 1. For example, one of the modules M1, M2 (in [Fig.1], the second module M2) may have an inlet port 17 and an outlet port 16 allowing the connection of the tank 1 to the filtration system 18. The filtration system 18 may be placed on the ground surrounding the dry fountain, or be buried or semi-buried, for example in a technical room of the dry fountain.

[0083] The filtration system 18 is configured to filter and purify the water coming from the reservoir through the outlet 16, and then to return the filtered water to the reservoir through the inlet 17. The filtration system 18 may include at least one of the following filtration elements: a filter, a filter foam, or an ultraviolet (UV) light source. The filtration system 18 typically includes a pump, called the filtration pump, which circulates water from the reservoir to the filtration element(s), and vice versa. The filtration pump may be submerged inside the tank 1, in order to push the water 50 out of the tank 1, through the outlet 16, to the filtration element, and then return it to the tank 1 in a closed loop through the outlet 17. Advantageously, the filtration pump is placed in a protective strainer.

[0084] The filtration system 18 is preferably in a closed circuit with the reservoir formed by the tank 1.

[0085] Preferably, the outlet orifice 16 is located below the inlet orifice 17 in the vertical direction Z. Since the quantity of residues contained in the water tends, by decantation effect, to increase as one approaches the bottom 3 of the tank 1, this allows the efficiency of the filtration treatment to be increased.

[0086] The various pumps are typically electrically powered by a source external to the structure 100. The power supply is provided by waterproof electrical cables not shown in the figures. Cable glands 21 are typically provided on the wall 2 of the tank 1, allowing the electrical cables to supply the pumps submerged in the reservoir 19. The cable glands 21 are preferably positioned on the same side of the wall 2 as the inlet port 22 so that the distance to be traveled to supply the pumps is as short as possible.

[0087] According to an advantageous embodiment, the structure can be controlled by a control system such as a remote control or a computer application, for example available on a mobile phone, such as a smartphone. For example, the control system can induce the following actions: a. the activation and deactivation of the central pump 20, as well as any other pumps (in particular the misting pump), independently of each other, b. Activation and deactivation of the 40 LED projectors of the backlighting system, c. the possibility of creating different scenarios featuring light shows and water jets.

[0088] As explained previously, the structure 100 according to the invention can be placed on the ground (above-ground configuration) or buried or semi-buried. For example, for a container 1 with a height hl of 30 cm, it is possible to bury the container 1 to a depth of 20 cm and have it protrude 10 cm above the ground.

[0089] One advantage of not burying the structure 100 is to limit the steps required for its installation. In this case, the structure is operational after simple assembly of the modules M1, M2 and installation of the floor supports 45.

[0090] Burying the structure 100 can also offer advantages. In particular, by at least partially burying the structure, the water 50 contained in the reservoir is less exposed to sunlight. It is also tempered by the surrounding ground. In summer, when the ground is cooler than the air, this naturally cools the water, which is particularly beneficial for cooling users of the dry fountain.

[0091] It is understood that burying the structure 100 according to the invention does not involve as much work as installing a dry fountain according to the prior art, in particular because the structure described herein is self-supporting and does not require external mechanical support.

[0092] A second aspect of the invention relates to a dry fountain comprising the structure 100 according to any one of the embodiments described above. As described above, the basin 1 of the dry fountain may rest on the ground (the "above ground" configuration) or the bottom 3 of the basin 1 and at least part of the wall 2 of the basin 1 may be housed in a cavity formed in the ground (the "buried" or "semi-buried" configuration).

[0093] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing the structure described above.

[0094] This process comprises the following steps: a. Supply of M1 and M2 modules to an installation site, b. Construction of tray 1 by assembling modules M1, M2 by putting in cooperation between the components of the first module M1 and the second module M2 so as to ensure the mechanical assembly of the first module M1 with the second module M2, c. installation of at least one floor support 45 on tray 1.

[0095] Preferably, the floor supports 45 are installed on the tray 1 after the assembly of the modules M1, M2 together.

[0096] Through the various embodiments described above, it appears that the present invention offers a dry fountain structure that is easy to install, requiring very little technical expertise and not necessitating the use of construction equipment. Furthermore, the structure according to the invention is relatively inexpensive. This solution can therefore be used by individuals wishing to install a cooling system in their homes. This solution is also less expensive and more environmentally friendly than a swimming pool or spa.

[0097] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A dry fountain structure (100) comprising: • a watertight basin (1) including a portion serving as a reservoir for holding a liquid (50), for example water, the basin (1) having a bottom (3) and at least one wall (2) extending from the bottom (3), • at least one floor support (45) configured to rest on at least one of the bottom (3) and the wall (2) of the basin (1), the floor support (45) further being configured to support, preferably in its entirety, a floor (200), • at least one pump, referred to as the central pump (20), configured to be supplied by the liquid present in the reservoir and to eject liquid through the floor (200), characterized in that: the basin (1) is configured to form a self-supporting structure and shaped to support the floor support (45) and the floor (200) by itself, the basin (1) comprising a plurality of modules (Ml, M2), each module (Ml,M2) forming part of the bottom (3) of the tank (1), the modules (M1, M2) comprising complementary elements (11, 12) shaped so that the elements of a first module (M1) cooperate with the elements of a second module (M2), adjacent to the first module (M1), so as to ensure the mechanical assembly of the first module (M1) with the second module (M2).

2. Structure (100) for dry fountain according to the preceding claim in which the basin (1) comprises at least one buttress (7) extending from the wall (2) of the basin (1).

3. Structure (100) for a dry fountain according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each floor support (45) comprises at least one pad (5) extending from the bottom (3) of the basin (1) and wherein each pad (5) is a height-adjustable pad.

4. Structure (100) for a dry fountain according to the preceding claim comprising a plurality of floor supports (45) and wherein at least one pad (5) of each floor support (45) is height adjustable independently of the pads (5) of the other floor supports (45).

5. Structure (100) for a dry fountain according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each floor support (45) comprises at least one stud (5) extending from the bottom (3) of the basin (1) and wherein the bottom (3) of the basin (1) comprises at least one base (6), each base (6) receiving a stud (5).

6. Structure (100) for dry fountain according to the preceding claim in which the bottom (3) of the tray (1) defines at least one rib (9) forming a closed contour around at least one base (6).

7. Structure (100) for dry fountain according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each floor support (45) includes at least one fixing clip configured to be able to hold boards forming the floor (200).

8. Structure (100) for dry fountain according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein each floor support (45) includes at least one cross brace configured to be able to hold slabs forming the floor (200).

9. Structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second modules (M1, M2) are configured so that when assembled, they define at least one housing (15) extending along an interface defined by their assembly.

10. Structure (100) according to the preceding claim in which at least one housing (15) is filled by a seal, preferably formed of a manually deformable and watertight material, preferably silicone.

11. Structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a filtration system (18) configured to filter the liquid contained in the tank (1).

12. Structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a floor (200) supported by at least one floor support (45).

13. Dry fountain comprising a structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the basin (1) rests on a floor or in which the bottom (3) of the basin (1) and at least part of the wall (2) of the basin (1) are housed in a cavity formed in a floor.

14. Method of making a structure (100) for a dry fountain according to any one of the preceding claims comprising the following steps: • supplying the modules (M1, M2) to an installation site, • making the tank (1) by assembling the modules (M1, M2) by cooperating the components of the first module (M1) and the second module (M2) so as to ensure the mechanical assembly of the first module (M1) with the second module (M2), • installing at least one floor support (45) on the tank (1).

15. Method according to the preceding claim further comprising the following step: • installation of the floor (200) on at least one floor support (45).

Images