INFLATABLE POOL SET

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflatable assembly (1) forming a cover for a body of water (3) in the inflated state, comprising at least two inflatable modules (2a, 2b) forming mattresses. According to the invention, part of a connecting device is present on one inflatable module (2a, 2b), a second part being present on the other module (2a, 2b), and at least one wall oriented perpendicular to the two internal surfaces of at least one of the modules is fixed to said internal surfaces along its entire length, in the direction of the width of said module (2a, 2b). Figure for the abstract: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: INFLATABLE POOL ASSEMBLY

[0001] The present invention relates to inflatable assemblies forming a cover in the inflated state for bodies of water such as basins or swimming pools.

[0002] In the field of inflatable structures, inflatable mattresses designed to cover the surface of bodies of water such as swimming pools are known. Inflated mattresses, due to the layer of air formed within them, provide thermal insulation to maintain the water temperature, particularly during cooling periods when the pool is not in use. They also limit water loss through evaporation. Furthermore, they can serve as a safety feature and help prevent accidents.

[0003] These inflatable mattresses can be made from sheets or films of thermoplastic polymer that are heat-sealed together. Heat sealing can be achieved by locally heating the sheet to its melting temperature.

[0004] The heat sealing of sheets, or films, of thermoplastic polymer can in particular be carried out by ultrasound, conduction or high frequency.

[0005] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer sheet or films have a thickness of less than 1 mm and preferably less than 0.5 mm.

[0006] This type of material allows, in a known manner, the simple production of an element having a sealed cavity that can be pressurized. Particularly suitable materials are thermoplastic polyurethanes or polyvinyl chlorides.

[0007] Such inflatable mattresses must be simple to use, quick to install and maneuverable by a limited number of people, advantageously not exceeding two.

[0008] In their deflated state, such mattresses can advantageously be wound around an axle, with winding and unwinding triggered by rotating the axle. The mattress is then only inflated when used as a pool cover. Since storage is in the deflated state, the size is reduced. Storage can also be done on a mobile pallet on which the mattress is folded in its deflated state.

[0009] Such inflatable mattresses also have the advantage of being lightweight and easy to handle.

[0010] Inflating the mattress ensures that it takes its shape on the pool and covers the surface of the water. The inflation pressure is generally between 0.1 and 0.5 bar, and most often between 0.2 and 0.35 bar.

[0011] Mattresses thus produced form, in the inflated state, a three-dimensional product having a length, a width and a height or thickness.

[0012] For the purposes of this invention, the length of an inflatable assembly forming a cover for a body of water when inflated corresponds to its longest dimension. It is most often defined by the direction in which the inflated assembly is wound or unwound during its deployment or storage.

[0013] In the context of the invention, the width of an inflatable assembly forming a cover for a body of water when inflated is measured along a direction perpendicular to the length of the inflatable assembly. The directions of the width and length define a plane that substantially coincides with the substantially parallel surfaces of the mattress, including the one intended to come into contact with the surface of the body of water.

[0014] In the context of the invention, the height or thickness of an inflatable assembly forming a cover in the inflated state for a body of water is measured along a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the directions of the length and width of the inflatable assembly.

[0015] Such inflatable assemblies are described, for example, in document DE 3000396 A1. The inflatable pool cover described in this publication is an inflatable mattress that rests on the water's surface when inflated and essentially covers the entire water surface. When not in use, the cover can be rolled up onto a roller located at the edge of the pool.

[0016] Document WO 2022 / 264052 A1 further describes a swimming pool cover consisting of an inflatable mattress in which two sheets of flexible material are connected to each other by a plurality of binding threads or fibers. This document describes an embodiment known as "drop stitch" which provides significant rigidity and perfectly flat mattress surfaces.

[0017] The inventors were able to demonstrate that these inflatable structures for forming pool covers could present major drawbacks in certain applications. Particularly in the case of infinity pools, it turned out that such covers, designed to fit very close to the edges of the pool, could prevent the proper functioning of the water filtration system. Indeed, the filtration system must remain active when the pool cover is in place, and it became apparent that the cover, manufactured according to the documents described above, disrupted the proper circulation of the water, even risking damage to the suction pumps when they pumped air for too long.

[0018] There is also known retractable pool cover systems. Such systems are made with rigid slats to form roller shutters that float on the water when they are unrolled. These systems provide a barrier to evaporation, a safety device for people, and insulation. limited thermal performance. They also have a significant weight which requires reinforced winding structures and are therefore limited in size.

[0019] There are also tarpaulin systems reinforced by spaced bars that cover the water's surface, resting on the beach. These offer the same advantages in terms of safety and evaporation barrier as the shutter solution described earlier. They also have the same limitations in terms of thermal insulation and dimensions, particularly due to their weight. Furthermore, storing these tarpaulins is complicated due to their bulk, and their installation is not straightforward.

[0020] The inventors have thus set themselves the task of proposing a pool cover that is compact, easy to install and adaptable to any type of pool regardless of the filtration system and its size.

[0021] This objective is achieved according to the invention by an inflatable assembly forming a cover for a body of water in the inflated state, comprising at least two inflatable modules forming mattresses comprising two substantially parallel external surfaces, one being intended to come into contact with the water, said surfaces being formed by films of flexible material connected to each other on their edges by at least one film of flexible material to form a watertight mattress, said at least two inflatable modules having a length, a width and a thickness, a part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts being present on at least one external surface of one of said at least two inflatable modules,a second part of said connecting device comprising at least two separable parts being present on at least one external surface of the other of said at least two inflatable modules and at least one wall oriented perpendicularly to the two internal surfaces of at least one of said two inflatable modules being fixed to said two internal surfaces along its entire length, in the direction of the width of said at least one of said two inflatable modules.

[0022] The inventors have thus been able to present an inflatable assembly acting as a pool cover which can be installed quickly by one or two people and which can be easily sized for the body of water to be covered.

[0023] Indeed, the inflatable assembly thus created from several modules can be made to the size of the body of water by adjusting the number of inflatable modules to get as close as possible to the water surface to be covered. Assembling modules also allows, on the one hand, for the simplification of manufacturing such an inflatable assembly without the need for manufacturing tools sized to the body of water, and therefore also for limiting manufacturing costs, and on the other hand, for the possibility of offering an inflatable assembly adapted to a given size without any delay, provided that The modules are available. An inflatable system made up of modules offers the possibility of limiting repair costs in case of damage such as a puncture, as only the damaged module(s) need to be replaced. Repairs are therefore also faster since it is not necessary to replace the entire inflatable system.

[0024] Like the inflatable structures described above, the resulting cover is lightweight and easy to install. Indeed, this type of inflatable structure is designed for quick and easy installation. The materials used result in a relatively low weight, and installation is primarily accomplished by inflation using a compressor connected to an inflatable module via a valve. Installation can be easily carried out by one or two operators.

[0025] Furthermore, compared to known inflatable mattresses manufactured using the drop-stitch technique, the mass of the inflatable assembly according to the invention is even lower for a given size. Indeed, the system of walls oriented perpendicularly to the two internal surfaces of an inflatable module and fixed to said two internal surfaces along the entire length of the walls, in the direction of the width of an inflatable module, results in an overall mass lower than that of a mattress of the same size manufactured using the drop-stitch technique. This wall system is also simpler to implement for the manufacture of an inflatable module.

[0026] The inventors have also demonstrated that the inflatable assembly according to the invention is adaptable to any type of body of water or swimming pool, and more particularly to the case of infinity pools, which require drainage at the water's surface. It appears, in fact, that the system of walls oriented perpendicularly to the two internal surfaces of an inflatable module and fixed to said two internal surfaces along the entire length of the walls, in the direction of the width of an inflatable module, makes it possible to create, on each of the external surfaces of an inflatable module, a slight inward recess of said surfaces towards the cavity of said inflatable module. This recess creates a channel on each surface which is oriented along the line formed by the fixing of a wall to a surface.This channel creates a water flow path across the surface of the inflatable module in contact with the water, allowing circulation to the suction zone. This water circulation is further facilitated by the connection points between modules, particularly along the length of the water body. Indeed, regardless of the assembly methods used, since these points are not pressurized, they also form passages for water between two modules that are pressurized.

[0027] Like the inflatable structures described above, the cover thus produced provides a thermal insulation function to maintain the water temperature, particularly during cooling periods when the pool is not in use.

[0028] Preferably according to the invention, the films of flexible material forming the mattress constituting the inflation module are joined together by heat welding as explained previously.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, said at least one film of flexible material, which connects the two surfaces by forming the sides of the mattress forming an inflatable module according to the invention, is made of at least two films, for example welded together to form the four sides of the mattress. According to another embodiment, each side is made individually of a film, the four films being welded together.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the invention, said at least one film of flexible material, which connects the two surfaces by forming the sides of the mattress forming an inflatable module according to the invention, is made with a single film so as to limit the number of welds and facilitate the manufacture of an inflatable module.

[0031] Preferably according to the invention, the flexible material films forming the surfaces of the mattress and said at least one flexible material film forming the sides of the mattress are polymer materials such as polyurethanes or polyvinyl chloride.

[0032] Preferably, the films made of flexible materials have a thickness of between 100 and 500 microns and preferably between 150 and 350 microns.

[0033] Preferably also according to the invention, in use on a body of water, the inflation pressure of the inflatable assembly is generally between 0.1 and 0.5 bar, and most often between 0.2 and 0.35 bar.

[0034] Advantageously according to the invention, said connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is a Velcro® type device, each of whose parts is fixed to the surface of a module by welding, by sewing or by any other suitable means.

[0035] This connecting device comprising at least two separable parts may also be any other type of fastening system advantageously simple to use such as, for example, fasteners of the detachable zipper type or any type of quick-release buckle system.

[0036] The opening and closing of the devices can be easily performed by an operator during the assembly of the modules to form the inflatable unit. Similarly, if it is necessary to change a module, the operation is carried out simply.

[0037] When the inflatable assembly consists of several modules, it is possible to provide one or more modules with a portion of a connecting device on each of the lengths and widths of the edges of an external surface to allow the A module can be linked to several other modules either along its length or width, on one side or the other of the module. A module can thus potentially be linked to four other modules.

[0038] Advantageously, according to the invention, the inflatable modules comprise parts of a connecting device including at least two separable parts on each of the external surfaces of said module. The connection between two modules is thus achieved at each of the external surfaces by extending them. This double connection makes it possible, on the one hand, to better rigidify the inflatable assembly when it is inflated. On the other hand, this double connection forms an air cushion between two modules which contributes to the thermal insulation provided by the inflatable assembly.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the inflatable modules constituting an inflatable assembly is provided with a valve and can be inflated independently of the other inflatable modules.

[0040] According to other embodiments, said at least two inflatable modules are pneumatically linked. Inflation of one module via a valve then inflates said at least two modules.

[0041] Advantageously, according to one of these other embodiments, all the modules constituting the inflatable assembly are pneumatically linked. It is thus possible to inflate all the modules by a single valve, for example, that of one of these modules.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, for example, in the case of an inflatable assembly consisting of several modules connected to each other along the width of the body of water, each of these modules being itself connected to a module along its length, the latter being able to be connected to yet another module along its length, the invention advantageously provides a manifold pneumatically connected to each of the modules connected to each other along their width. The manifold then advantageously includes a valve through which all the modules are inflated. A manifold is, for example, an inflatable tube arranged along its width, comprising a valve for inflation and pneumatic connection systems for being linked to each of the modules to which it is attached.The power supply further advantageously comprises at least one part of a linking system comprising at least two separable parts to be associated with each of the modules by connecting said at least one part to a part present on each of the modules.

[0043] Advantageously, according to the invention, the valves or pneumatic connection devices between the inflatable modules are fixed to said at least one film of flexible material connecting the two substantially parallel external surfaces. According to this advantageous embodiment of the invention, the valves or connection devices The pneumatic connections between inflatable modules are hidden from view when the inflatable assembly is in use and pressurized. Indeed, according to this advantageous embodiment of the invention, the valves or pneumatic connection devices between two inflatable modules are concealed by the connection devices comprising at least two separable parts that mechanically link the two modules.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one wall oriented perpendicularly to the two internal surfaces of at least one of said two inflatable modules is a film of flexible material. Said film of flexible material is advantageously identical to the material constituting the mattress and is a polymer material such as polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.

[0045] Preferably, said at least one wall oriented perpendicularly to the two internal surfaces of at least one of said two inflatable modules has a thickness between 100 and 500 microns and preferably between 150 and 350 microns.

[0046] Said at least one wall oriented perpendicularly to the two internal surfaces of at least one of said two inflatable modules is advantageously put in place during the manufacture of the inflatable module before finishing the placement of the sides made up of said at least one flexible film and connecting the two surfaces forming the mattress.

[0047] Said at least one wall oriented perpendicularly to the two internal surfaces of at least one of said two inflatable modules is further advantageously fixed by heat welding to the two internal surfaces and further advantageously to said at least one film of flexible material connecting the two substantially parallel surfaces, and forming the sides of the module or mattress.

[0048] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said at least one wall, oriented perpendicularly to the two surfaces of at least one of said two inflatable modules, fixed to said two surfaces along its entire length, along the direction of the width of said at least one of said two inflatable modules, includes an opening.

[0049] According to this embodiment of the invention, at least one wall allows air to circulate within the module. It is thus possible to inflate the module from a single valve.

[0050] Preferably according to the invention, the length of a module is between 2 m and 7 m.

[0051] Preferably also according to the invention, the width of a module is between 0.5 m and 1.2 m.

[0052] Preferably, according to the invention, the height of a module is between 5 cm and 25 cm.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inflatable assembly comprises at least one inflatable tube, said at least one inflatable tube extending along the length of the cover and said at least one inflatable tube comprising at least one part of a connecting device, comprising at least two separable parts.

[0054] The presence of said at least one inflatable tube extending along the entire length of the cover allows the dimensions of the cover according to the invention to be adjusted to the size of the body of water to be covered. It is thus possible to increase the width of the cover formed by the inflatable assembly when adding an inflatable module is no longer feasible if its width is too great, at the risk of providing a cover wider than the body of water to be covered.

[0055] Said at least one inflatable tube is advantageously made integral with an inflatable module by associating said at least one part, of a linking device comprising at least two separable parts, with said at least one inflatable tube with a part, of a linking device comprising at least two separable parts, present on an external surface of the inflatable module.

[0056] Advantageously, according to the invention, said at least one inflatable tube has a diameter substantially equivalent to the height of an inflatable module. The overall thickness of the cover is thus relatively uniform. This can provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

[0057] Said at least one inflatable tube is advantageously made of a flexible film material. Said flexible film material is advantageously identical to the material constituting the mattress and is a polymer material such as polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.

[0058] Preferably, said film constituting said at least one roll has a thickness between 100 and 500 microns and preferably between 150 and 350 microns.

[0059] According to this embodiment of the invention, the invention provides, in a first embodiment, that said at least one inflatable tube is inserted between said at least two inflatable modules. According to this first embodiment of the invention, said at least one inflatable tube comprises at least two connecting parts, each of said at least two parts being able to be associated with a part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts, present on an external surface of an inflatable module.

[0060] According to this embodiment of the invention, the invention provides, in a second embodiment, that said at least one inflatable tube is associated with at least one inflatable module to form at least one lateral edge of the cover. Advantageously, according to this second embodiment of the invention, the inflatable assembly comprises at least two inflatable tubes, each forming lateral edges of the cover. According to this embodiment of the invention, in the case of a swimming pool whose side walls rise above the water level, the Two inflatable tubes forming the lateral edges of the cover can be sized and pressurized to rest against the side walls of the pool and stiffen the cover's hold on the water surface.

[0061] According to this embodiment of the invention, the invention provides a third embodiment combining the first and second embodiments. According to this third embodiment of the invention, there is at least one inflatable tube inserted between said at least two inflatable modules and at least one inflatable tube forming at least one lateral edge of the cover.

[0062] An advantageous variant of the invention provides that said at least one inflatable tube is pneumatically connected to at least one inflatable module.

[0063] When a manifold is present to supply several inflatable modules, a variant of the invention provides that said at least one inflatable tube is pneumatically connected to said manifold.

[0064] It is also possible according to other embodiment variants that said at least one inflatable tube is provided to be connected directly to a compressor.

[0065] According to other embodiments of the invention, at least one of the inflatable modules intended to form a lateral edge of said inflatable assembly comprises on the axially external part of the external surface which is not intended to come into contact with the water at least one movable flap linked to said surface which is not intended to come into contact with the water.

[0066] Advantageously, said at least one bib has a length at least equal to that of said inflatable module.

[0067] According to these embodiments of the invention, when the combination of modules is insufficient to cover the entire width of the body of water, the presence of flaps on the edges of the inflatable assembly, forming a cover, allows the entire body of water to be covered and is advantageously designed to rest against the edges of the pool. The presence of these flaps thus creates a layer of air above the water not covered by a module and contributes to the thermal efficiency of the cover thus created.

[0068] In the case of two flaps on each of the edges of the cover, their width will be at most substantially equal to half the width of a module, the sum of two flaps thus being substantially close to the width of a module.

[0069] The flaps are advantageously made of a flexible film material. Said flexible film material is advantageously identical to the material constituting the mattress and is a polymer material such as polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.

[0070] Preferably, said film constituting the flaps has a thickness between 100 and 500 microns and preferably between 150 and 350 microns.

[0071] Said at least one bib is advantageously fixed to the axially outer part of the external surface, which is not intended to come into contact with the water, of the inflatable assembly by heat welding, by sewing or by any other means known to those skilled in the art such as Velcro® type fastening means, detachable zipper or any type of quick-release buckle system.

[0072] Variants of the invention further provide for the simultaneous presence of at least one inflatable tube and at least one flap attached to the surface, which is not intended to come into contact with the water, of at least one inflatable module intended to form a lateral edge of said inflatable assembly.

[0073] During the deployment of the inflatable assembly according to the invention, pressurizing the inflatable modules can be used for this purpose. Indeed, the progressive inflation of the inflatable assembly from one end can help to advance the inflatable assembly across the body of water, for example, by deploying it between two freely rotating rollers arranged according to the width of the body of water. The inflation of the portion in contact with the water exerts a tensile force on the rollers, which deploys the remaining uninflated portion of the inflatable assembly. This contribution of inflation to the deployment of the inflatable assembly is described, for example, in document WO 2022 / 264052 AL

[0074] When the width of the modular cover is very close to, or even exactly the same as, the width of the body of water or swimming pool to be covered, it is possible to inflate only some of the inflatable modules positioned across the width of the water to avoid friction on the pool's edges. The other modules are inflated when the entire cover is deployed over the water.

[0075] When flaps are present on the edges of the cover to ensure that the entire body of water is covered, the entire set of inflatable modules can advantageously be inflated simultaneously. The flaps are then deployed to cover the edges of the pool.

[0076] In the case of at least one inflatable tube, it is possible, according to a first embodiment, to inflate all the modules to stretch the cover, and then to pressurize said at least one inflatable tube to finish covering the body of water. According to another embodiment of the inflation, it is possible to inflate said at least one inflatable tube to unroll or unfold the cover and stretch it over the body of water, and then to pressurize the inflatable modules.

[0077] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that at least one inflatable module includes at least one water ballast intended to be submerged in water.

[0078] According to this variant of the invention, said at least one water ballast is advantageously fixed to the surface of the inflatable module coming into contact with the water to be immersed in the water when the inflatable assembly is deployed on the body of water to be covered.

[0079] In the context of the invention, a water ballast is a container that fills with water when the inflatable assembly is deployed. It fills through its open upper surface, which forms the opening of the container. The volume of water it contains provides a load that helps to keep the inflatable assembly in place on the surface of the water on which it is deployed. Such a water ballast can, in particular, counteract the forces exerted by the wind and thus prevent the inflatable assembly from lifting.

[0080] Said at least one water ballast is advantageously made of a flexible film material. Said flexible film material is advantageously identical to the constituent material of the mattress and is a polymer material such as polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.

[0081] Preferably, said film constituting the flaps has a thickness between 100 and 500 microns and preferably between 150 and 350 microns.

[0082] Said at least one water ballast advantageously has a cylindrical or conical shape with a circular or polygonal cross-section.

[0083] Said at least one water ballast is advantageously attached to the inflatable module by a connecting tab fixed at each of its ends, on one side to the water ballast and on the other side to the inflatable module. The connecting tab is advantageously made of the same material as the water ballast. It is advantageously attached to the water ballast and the inflatable module by heat sealing, sewing, or any other means known to those skilled in the art, such as Velcro® fasteners, detachable zippers, or any type of quick-release buckle system.

[0084] To allow the inflatable assembly to be folded or rolled up, said at least one water ballast is advantageously provided with means allowing the water to be evacuated without any effort other than that exerted by rolling or folding. A preferred embodiment consists of providing a perforation in the material forming said at least one water ballast. The presence of at least one hole allows the water to be evacuated, for example, when said at least one water ballast is carried out of the water with the inflatable assembly before it passes between rollers provided to expel the inflation air from the inflatable assembly.

[0085] Other advantageous details and features of the invention will become apparent from the description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to Figures 1 to 9, which represent: - [Fig. 1], a perspective view of a diagram of an inflatable assembly according to the invention, - [Fig. 2], a semi-transparent schematic representation of an inflatable module, - [Fig. 3], a cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an inflatable module, - [Fig. 4], a partial view of an inflatable module in its inflated state, - [Fig. 5], a view of the inflatable module from [Fig. 4] in its deflated state. - [Fig. 6], a schematic representation of an inflatable assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, - [Fig.7], a schematic representation of an inflatable assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, - [Fig.8], a schematic representation of an inflatable assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention, - [Fig.9], a schematic representation of a water ballast fixed to a surface of an inflatable module.

[0086] The figures are not shown to scale to simplify understanding.

[0087] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an inflatable assembly 1, shown in its inflated state, comprising twenty-two inflatable modules 2a, 2b and arranged on a body of water 3. The inflatable assembly 1 thus presents a visible surface 4 and a non-apparent surface 5 on Fig. 1 which comes into contact with the water.

[0088] Figure 1 also shows a cylindrical tube 6 oriented along the width of the inflatable modules 2a, 2b and positioned at one end of the inflatable assembly 1. This tube acts as a reservoir, being pneumatically connected to the eleven inflatable modules 2a with which it is in contact. The pneumatic connections, not shown in Figure 1, are made by means of valve or tube systems connecting the inflatable modules 2 to the cylindrical tube 6. The cylindrical tube 6 also has a valve connected to a compressor for inflating the inflatable assembly 1.

[0089] Each of the modules 2a is also pneumatically connected to a module 2b so that the inflation air can penetrate the whole of the modules 2a, 2b, it being blown only at the level of the valve of the cylindrical tube 6.

[0090] The cylindrical tube 6 corresponds to the end of the inflatable assembly, the initiation of which will allow the deployment of the inflatable assembly 1 on the body of water.

[0091] Furthermore, as explained previously, all the inflatable modules 2a, 2b are mechanically linked together along their length and / or width by Velcro® type fasteners.

[0092] The entire set of mechanical and pneumatic connections is initially achieved by combining the inflatable modules 2a and 2b to obtain the desired surface area of cover. During deflation and folding or rolling of the inflatable assembly 1, these mechanical and pneumatic connections remain, thus allowing the cover thus made to be deployed or stored in a simple and quick manner.

[0093] The inflatable modules and the inflatable tube are made from sheets of woven PVC (woven polyvinyl chloride) with a thickness of approximately 500 microns.

[0094] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a semi-transparent perspective view of an inflatable module 22. The example shown in this figure has a small length to simplify its representation.

[0095] This inflatable module 22 has a length L equal to 1 meter, a width D equal to 70 centimeters and a height H approximately equal to 20 centimeters.

[0096] The inflatable module 22 consists of two sheets of woven PVC (woven polyvinyl chloride) approximately 500 microns thick, one forming surface 4, visible when the inflatable assembly is in use, and the other forming surface 3, in contact with the water when the inflatable assembly is in use. The two sheets are joined by the sides 21a, 21b, 23a, 23b, which in the example produced are formed by a sheet approximately 3.5 meters long, folded and welded at its ends. The sheet forming the sides is also heat-sealed along its entire length to each of the two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5.

[0097] According to the embodiment shown, the sheet forming the sides is heat-welded to each of the two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5 so that these overhang by a length E of approximately 3.5 centimeters all around the inflatable module 22. This overhang of the two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5 allows the Velcro® type fasteners to be attached to link the different inflatable modules together either according to their width or according to their length.

[0098] Inside the inflatable module 22, four walls 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, arranged parallel to the sides 23a and 23b, can still be seen through the transparent material. These four walls are also heat-sealed along their entire length to each of the two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5. In the example shown, particularly to simplify manufacturing, these walls 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d are not connected to the sides 21a and 21b. The length of these walls 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d is chosen in the example presented to be approximately 60 centimeters so as to be at a distance R of approximately 1.5 centimeters from each of the sides 21a and 21b. Furthermore, this lack of contact with the sides 21a and 21b allows the inflation air to circulate throughout the inflatable module 20. In addition, these walls 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d are provided at each of their ends with a semi-circular cutout 26 to further promote air circulation.

[0099] The distance dl between each of the walls 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d is approximately 25 centimeters and the walls 25a and 25d are respectively at a distance d2 from the sides 23a and 23b of approximately 12.5 centimeters.

[0100] On this [Fig.2] and on all the schematic representations that follow, the indentations on the surface of an inflatable module which comes into contact with the water and on the visible surface of an inflatable module in use, induced by the presence of the walls 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d and which form channels, on these surfaces, parallel to said walls are not shown.

[0101] Similarly, the valves present on the flanks 23a and 23b are not represented on all schematic representations.

[0102] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the inflatable module 22 of Figure 2 in cross-section along a cutting axis parallel to the sides 23a and 23b and passing between two walls 25. The wall 25 is shown between the two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5, to which it is heat-sealed along its entire length. The two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5 are also shown heat-sealed to the sides 21a and 21b with an overhang of length E. The ends of the wall 25 have a semi-circular shape 26 providing a passage for the inflation air.

[0103] Fig. 4 shows a view of an inflatable module 22 according to the invention on the surface 4 of which channels 27 can be observed, formed by the presence of walls 25 which are heat-welded to the inner faces of the two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5. These channels 27, which are also on the surface which comes into contact with the water, allow water circulation, essential in particular in the case of infinity pools.

[0104] An inflation valve 28 is present on the side 23a. The valve 28 can be connected either directly to a compressor, or to a reservoir such as the inflatable tube 6 shown in [Fig. 1], or to a valve of another inflatable module to which the inflatable module 22 is associated. The module 22 also has another valve on the side 23b allowing either of the connections just listed for the valve 28.

[0105] Figure 5 shows a further view of the inflatable module 22 of Figure 4 in a deflated and folded state. This view demonstrates the small size of an inflatable module according to the invention.

[0106] Figure 6 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. It includes an inflatable assembly 61 consisting of 22 inflatable modules 62a, 62b, the inflatable modules being connected to a reservoir 66 and the surface 65 of the inflatable assembly 61 resting on the body of water 63. The inflatable assembly 61 further comprises an inflatable tube 67 oriented along the length of the inflatable modules 62a, 62b. This inflatable tube 67 is made of the same material as the inflatable modules 62a, 62b and is attached to them with Velcro®-type fastening systems. not shown in the figure. The inflatable tube 67 also has a valve, not shown in [Fig. 6], either connected to the reservoir 66 or directly connected to a compressor. The diameter of the inflatable tube 67 is approximately 20 centimeters.

[0107] The presence of inflatable tubes 67 increases the width of the inflatable assembly 61 and allows the width of the inflatable assembly 61 to be adapted to the width of the body of water to be covered when adding inflatable modules 2a, 2b is no longer possible due to the risk of excessive width. It is also possible to install several inflatable tubes 67, either joined together or interspersed between different inflatable modules 62a, 62b, to further increase the width of the inflatable assembly 61.

[0108] As explained previously, during the deployment of the inflatable assembly 61, it is possible to pressurize only the inflatable tube 67, which will exert a tensile force causing the entire inflatable assembly to float on the water. Pressurizing only the inflatable tube prevents the inflatable modules 62a, 62b, which form the lateral edges of the inflatable assembly 61, from rubbing against the pool edges, as these modules remain deflated during deployment. They can then be pressurized. In the case of several inflatable tubes 67, they can all be pressurized during deployment, for example, to better distribute the tensile forces.

[0109] Figure 7 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention in which an inflatable assembly 71 consists of 22 inflatable modules 72a, 72b, connected to a reservoir 76, and whose surface 75 rests on the body of water 73. The inflatable assembly 71 further comprises two inflatable tubes 77 forming the lateral edges of the inflatable assembly 71. The inflatable tubes 77 are oriented along the length of the inflatable modules 72a, 72b. These inflatable tubes 77 are made of the same material as the inflatable modules 72a, 72b and are attached to them with Velcro®-type fastening systems, not shown in the figure. Each inflatable tube 77 also comprises a valve, not shown in Figure 7, either connected to the reservoir 76 or directly connected to a compressor. The diameter of the inflatable tubes 77 is approximately 20 centimeters.

[0110] The presence of the inflatable tubes 77 increases the width of the inflatable assembly 71 and allows the width of the inflatable assembly 71 to be adapted to that of the body of water to be covered when adding inflatable modules 72a, 72b is no longer possible due to the risk of excessive width. If this is insufficient, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with that of [Fig. 6] by placing one or more inflatable tubes between inflatable modules 72a, 72b.

[0111] During the deployment of the inflatable assembly 71, it is possible to pressurize only the inflatable tubes 77, which will exert a tensile force causing the entire inflatable assembly 71 to float on the water. Pressurizing only the inflatable tubes 77 prevents them from rubbing against the edges of the pool. The inflatable modules 72a and 72b can then be pressurized.

[0112] Figure 8 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the inflatable assembly of Figure 6, in which the inflatable assembly 81 comprises an inflatable tube 87 oriented along the length of the 22 inflatable modules 82a, 82b connected to a reservoir 86, and whose surface 85 of the inflatable assembly 81 rests on the body of water 83. The inflatable assembly 81 further comprises two flaps 88 attached to the inflatable modules 82a, 82b, forming the lateral edges of the inflatable assembly 81. These flaps are made of the same material as the inflatable modules 62a, 62b and are attached to them with Velcro®-type fastening systems, not shown in the figure.

[0113] These flaps 88 are folded over the inflatable modules 82a, 82b during the deployment of the inflatable assembly 81 so as not to disrupt this deployment by causing friction on the edges of the pool then after the complete inflation of the inflatable assembly 81, the flaps 88 are unfolded to come and rest on the coping stones surrounding the body of water.

[0114] These flaps allow, when the inflatable assembly 81 is not exactly the size of the body of water, to complete the coverage of this body of water to prevent heat loss.

[0115] To ensure that the splash guards cannot be folded over, for example by the wind, weights can be placed at intervals according to the length of the pool. These weights are positioned to hold the splash guards in place on the coping stones.

[0116] These mud flaps are shown in the case of the variant of [Fig.6] but can also be associated with any embodiment according to the invention in particular with that of [Fig.7] or with the case of an inflatable assembly which does not include any inflatable tube.

[0117] Figure 9 schematically illustrates a water ballast 96 fixed to the surface 95, which comes into contact with the water surface 93 of an inflatable assembly 91 according to the invention. The water ballast is made of the same material as the inflatable modules and is attached to them by four fixing tabs 97, themselves connected to the surface 95 by Velcro®-type fastening systems, not shown in the figure. The water ballast 96 has a conical shape with a square cross-section and a volume of 36 dm³. It thus exerts a restraining force on the inflatable assembly 91 equivalent to that of a body weighing 36 kg. Depending on the size of the inflatable assembly according to the invention, several water weights as described above are to be positioned to exert sufficient restraining force, counteract the wind, and keep the inflated assembly afloat. The water weight 96 also has holes 98 to facilitate water drainage during the folding or rolling of the inflatable assembly 91.

[0118] Handling tests were carried out with an inflatable assembly as shown in [Fig. 6], each module having a length of 6 meters when deflated and approximately 5.7 meters when inflated, a width of 70 centimeters and a height of 20 centimeters, and the side tube having a length of 11.5 meters and a diameter of 30 centimeters. The manifold, pneumatically connected to part of the inflatable modules, has a diameter of 50 centimeters. The inflatable modules, the manifold, and the two side tubes are pre-assembled pneumatically and mechanically with Velcro® fasteners. The inflatable assembly is folded and placed on a mobile trolley with two rollers between which the inflatable assembly can pass.The trolley is brought to one end of an outdoor swimming pool measuring approximately 96 square meters, 12 meters long, and 8 meters wide, with its edges above the water level on all four sides. The inflatable ring is connected to a compressor that supplies it with air. The initial inflation causes the ring to expand, exerting a pulling force on the two rollers between which the inflatable assembly passes, unfurling across the water. Once the inflatable assembly is fully deployed on the pool, the air tank is then supplied to inflate all the inflatable modules. The modules are inflated to a pressure between 200 and 250 millibars. The ring's pressure is then increased to a value between 200 and 250 millibars so that the inflatable mattresses pressurize against the pool's edges.

[0119] The setup time for two people was approximately 30 minutes. Folding the entire unit, which requires deflation and then folding, takes 45 minutes.

[0120] The example of an inflatable assembly tested with an inflatable ring confirmed the feasibility of frictionless installation on the edges of the pool. Furthermore, in this embodiment during the test, it was possible to position the mattresses resting on the edges of the pool. This installation demonstrated that water ballast was not necessary in such a configuration, as the inflatable assembly according to the invention offered no wind resistance.

Claims

Demands

1. Inflatable assembly (1) forming a cover for a body of water (3) in the inflated state, characterized in that it comprises at least two inflatable modules (2a, 2b, 22) forming mattresses comprising two substantially parallel external surfaces (4, 5), one of which is intended to come into contact with the water, said surfaces (4, 5) being formed by films of flexible material connected to each other on their edges by at least one film of flexible material to form a watertight mattress, said at least two inflatable modules (2a, 2b, 22) having a length, a width and a thickness, in that a part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is present on at least one external surface of one of said at least two inflatable modules (2a, 2b, 22),in that a second part of said connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is present on at least one external surface of the other of said at least two inflatable modules (2a, 2b, 22) and in that at least one wall (25) oriented perpendicularly to the two internal surfaces of at least one of said two inflatable modules (2a, 2b, 22) is fixed to said two internal surfaces along its entire length, in the direction of the width of said at least one of said two inflatable modules and in that said at least two inflatable modules (2a, 2b, 22) are pneumatically connected.

2. Inflatable assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is of the velcro® type.

3. Inflatable assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the length of a module (2a, 2b, 22) is between 2 m and 7 m.

4. Inflatable assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the width of a module (2a, 2b, 22) is between 0.5 m and 1.2 m.

5. Inflatable assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the height of a module (2a, 2b, 22) is between 5 cm and 25 cm.

6. Inflatable assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one wall (25) oriented perpendicular to the two surfaces of at least one of said two inflatable modules fixed to said two surfaces over the entire width includes an opening (26).

7. Inflatable assembly (61,71) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one inflatable tube (67, 77), in that said at least one inflatable tube (67, 77) extends over the length of the cover and in that said at least one inflatable tube comprises at least one part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts.

8. Inflatable assembly (61,71) according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (67, 77) has a diameter substantially equivalent to the height of an inflatable module.

9. Inflatable assembly (61, 71) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (67, 77) is pneumatically connected to at least one inflatable module (62a, 62b, 72a, 72b).

10. Inflatable assembly (61) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (67) is inserted between said at least two inflatable modules (62a, 62b).

11. Inflatable assembly (71) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (77) is associated with at least one inflatable module (72a, 72b) to form at least one lateral edge of the cover.

12. Inflatable assembly (81) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the inflatable modules (82a, 82b) intended to form a lateral edge of said inflatable assembly has on the axially external part of the external surface (84) which is not intended to come into contact with the water (83) at least one flap (88) linked to said surface (84) which is not intended to come into contact with the water (83).

13. Inflatable assembly (81) according to claim 12, characterized in that said at least one flap (88) has a length at least equal to that of said inflatable module (82a, 82b).

14. Inflatable assembly (91) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one inflatable module comprises at least one water ballast (96) intended to be immersed in water (93).

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