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 one inflatable mattress (2). According to the invention, the inflatable assembly (1) comprises at least one inflatable tube (6), said at least one inflatable tube (6) extending along the length of the cover. 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] This document describes yet another method for deploying the inflatable assembly. Pressurizing the inflatable assemblies is used for this deployment. In fact, the progressive inflation of the inflatable assembly from one end helps 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.

[0018] The inventors have pointed out that this method of deploying the inflatable assembly on the pool could present drawbacks. Ideally, to avoid heat loss, the inflatable assembly should cover the entire surface of the water. However, this deployment method can cause the inflatable assembly to rub against the pool walls, leading to its rapid deterioration.

[0019] 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 unrolled. These systems provide a barrier to evaporation, a safety device for people, but limited thermal insulation. Above all, they are quite heavy, requiring reinforced winding structures, and are therefore limited in size.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The inventors have thus set themselves the task of proposing a pool cover that is compact, easy to install regardless of its size, and whose installation does not risk causing damage to the cover.

[0022] This goal 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 one mattress having 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 having a length, a width and a thickness, said inflatable assembly comprising at least one inflatable tube, said at least one inflatable tube extending over the length of the cover.

[0023] Like the inflatable structures described above, the cover thus produced 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 essentially accomplished by inflation using a compressor connected to the inflatable assembly by at least one valve. Installation can be easily carried out by one or two operators.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Preferably according to the invention, the films of flexible material forming the mattress are joined together by heat welding as explained previously.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, said at least one film made of flexible material, which connects the two surfaces by forming the sides of the inflatable mattress according to The invention is made with 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 from a film, the four films being welded together.

[0027] 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 mattress 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 mattress.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Preferably, the films made of flexible materials have a thickness of between 100 and 500 microns and preferably between 150 and 350 microns.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Preferably, said film constituting said at least one roll has a thickness between 100 and 500 microns and preferably between 150 and 350 microns.

[0033] The presence of said at least one inflatable tube extending along the entire length of the cover allows the size of the cover according to the invention to be adjusted to the size of the body of water to be covered. The mattress can thus be made with a width less than that of the body of water to be covered.

[0034] 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 placed on a body of water without risk of being damaged.

[0035] Indeed, the inflatable assembly thus created can be deployed in two stages. The first stage consists of pressurizing the mattress, for example, according to the technique described previously and in document WO 2022 / 264052, whereby the progressive inflation of the mattress exerts a tensile force that allows the inflatable assembly to unfold over the body of water. In the second stage, the inflatable tube is pressurized to obtain complete coverage of the body of water. During the inflation phase, since the mattress does not cover the entire width of the body of water, it does not rub against the edges of the pool and is not at risk of being damaged by friction.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one inflatable tube has a diameter substantially equivalent to the height of an inflatable mattress.

[0037] According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the overall thickness of the cover is thus relatively homogeneous. This can give it a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

[0038] Advantageously according to the invention, said at least one inflatable tube is connected to said at least one inflatable mattress, a part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts being present on at least one external surface of said at least one inflatable mattress and said at least one inflatable tube comprising at least one part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts.

[0039] Said at least one inflatable tube can thus be made attached to the inflatable mattress by associating said at least one part, of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts, of said at least one inflatable tube with a part, of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts, present on an external surface of the inflatable mattress.

[0040] 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 mattress and to the inflatable tube by welding, by sewing or by any other suitable means.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The closing of the connecting device can be carried out by an operator during the assembly of the inflatable mattress and the inflatable tube to form the inflatable assembly in a simple way.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, said at least one inflatable tube forms at least one lateral edge of the cover.

[0044] According to this embodiment of the invention, the inflatable assembly preferably comprises two inflatable tubes, each forming one of the edges of the inflatable assembly.

[0045] According to another embodiment of the invention, said inflatable assembly comprising at least two inflatable mattresses, said at least one inflatable tube is inserted between said at least two inflatable mattresses.

[0046] According to this other embodiment of the invention, the inflatable assembly comprising at least two inflatable mattresses, each of the mattresses advantageously comprises on its outer surface, at least along its length, a portion of a A connecting device comprising at least two separable parts. This part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts may be associated with a part of the connecting device comprising at least two separable parts that is integral with the inflatable tube.

[0047] Said at least one inflatable tube inserted axially between two inflatable mattresses advantageously comprises two parts of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts to be associated with each of the two inflatable mattresses between which it is inserted.

[0048] According to other embodiments of the invention, the inflatable assembly comprises at least two inflatable mattresses, at least one inflatable tube inserted between said at least two inflatable mattresses, and two inflatable tubes forming the edges of the inflatable assembly.

[0049] A variation in deploying the inflatable assembly on a body of water, where the inflatable assembly includes at least one inflatable tube inserted between two inflatable mattresses, consists of pressurizing said at least one inflatable tube inserted between two inflatable mattresses to cause the inflatable assembly to deploy. Said at least two inflatable mattresses can then be pressurized once the inflatable assembly is fully deployed on the body of water.

[0050] When the inflatable assembly comprises several inflatable mattresses, according to an embodiment of the invention, each of the inflatable mattresses is provided with a valve and can be inflated independently of the other inflatable mattresses.

[0051] According to other embodiments, said at least two inflatable mattresses are pneumatically linked. Inflating one mattress via a valve then inflates said at least two mattresses.

[0052] According to these other embodiments, when the inflatable assembly comprises several inflatable mattresses, the invention advantageously provides a manifold pneumatically connected to each of the mattresses linked together along their width. The manifold then advantageously includes a valve through which all the mattresses 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 mattresses to which it is attached. The manifold further advantageously includes at least one part of a connection system comprising at least two separable parts for being associated with each of the mattresses by connecting said at least one part to a part present on each of the mattresses.

[0053] Advantageously, according to the invention, the valves or pneumatic connection devices between the inflatable elements are fixed to said at least one film of flexible material forming a flank and connecting the two substantially external surfaces parallels. According to this advantageous embodiment of the invention, the valves or pneumatic connecting devices between inflatable elements 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 connecting devices between two inflatable elements are concealed by connecting devices comprising at least two separable parts mechanically linking these inflatable elements.

[0054] An advantageous variant of the invention provides that said at least one inflatable tube is pneumatically connected to at least one inflatable mattress.

[0055] When a pump is present to supply several inflatable mattresses, a variant of the invention provides that said at least one inflatable tube is pneumatically connected to said pump.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 2, which represent: - [Fig. 1], a perspective view of a diagram of an inflatable assembly according to the invention, - [Fig.2], a schematic representation of an inflatable assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0058] The figures are not shown to scale to simplify understanding.

[0059] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an inflatable assembly 1, shown in its inflated state, comprising an inflatable mattress 2 placed on a body of water 3. The inflatable mattress 1 thus presents a visible surface 4 and a non-apparent surface 5 on Fig. 1 which comes into contact with the water.

[0060] The mattress includes a valve, not shown in the figure, for connection to a compressor.

[0061] The inflatable assembly 2 is made from sheets of woven PVC (woven polyvinyl chloride) with a thickness of approximately 500 microns.

[0062] The inflatable mattress 2 consists of two sheets of woven PVC, one forming surface 4, visible when the inflatable mattress is in use, and the other forming surface 5, in contact with the water when the inflatable assembly is in use. The two sheets are joined by the sides, which in the example produced are formed by a folded sheet of woven PVC 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.

[0063] The inflatable mattress 2 has a length of 12 meters, a width of 7.5 meters and a height approximately 20 centimeters.

[0064] The inflatable assembly 1 further comprises two inflatable tubes 6 forming the lateral edges of the inflatable assembly 1. The inflatable tubes 6 are oriented along the length of the inflatable mattress 2. These inflatable tubes 6 are made of the same material as the inflatable mattress 2 and are attached to it with Velcro®-type fastening systems, not shown in the figure. Each inflatable tube 6 also includes a valve, not shown in [Fig. 1], which can be directly connected to a compressor.

[0065] The diameter of the inflatable tubes 6 is approximately 30 centimeters. The length of the inflatable tubes 6 is the same as that of the mattress and is 12 meters.

[0066] The presence of the inflatable tubes 6 allows the width of the inflatable assembly 1 to be increased to adapt it to the width of the body of water to be covered.

[0067] During the deployment of the inflatable assembly 1, it is possible to pressurize only the inflatable tubes 6, which will exert a tensile force causing the entire inflatable assembly 1 to float on the water. Pressurizing only the inflatable tubes 6 prevents the risk of them rubbing against the edges of the pool. The inflatable mattress 2 can then be pressurized.

[0068] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. It shows an inflatable assembly 21 consisting of two inflatable mattresses 22a, 22b, the surfaces of which 25 rest on the body of water 23. The mattresses 22a, 22b are connected to a transverse inflatable tube located at one end, which acts as a reservoir 27 for inflation. Each of the inflatable mattresses 22a, 22b is thus pneumatically connected to the reservoir 27, which itself has a valve, not shown in Figure 2, for connection to a compressor. The mechanical connection of the mattresses to the reservoir 27 is achieved with Velcro®-type fastening systems, not shown in the figure.

[0069] The inflatable assembly 21 further comprises an inflatable tube 26 oriented according to the length of the inflatable mattresses 22a, 22b. This inflatable tube 26 is made of the same material as the inflatable mattresses 22a, 22b and is attached to them with Velcro® type fastening systems, not shown in the figure.

[0070] The inflatable sausage 26 also includes a valve not shown in [Fig.2] either connected to the manifold 27 or able to be directly associated with a compressor.

[0071] The presence of the inflatable tube 26 makes it possible to increase the width of the inflatable assembly 21 and to adapt the width of the inflatable assembly 21 to that of the body of water 23 to be covered. It is also possible to use several inflatable tubes 26 connected together.

[0072] Other variants not shown in the figures provide for the association of more than two inflatable mattresses and the interleaving of inflatable tubes between different inflatable mattresses.

[0073] The invention further provides for combining the variant embodiments described in figures 1 and 2 by arranging one or more inflatable tubes between inflatable mattresses and two other inflatable tubes to form the edges of the inflatable assembly.

[0074] As explained previously, during the deployment of the inflatable assembly, it is possible to pressurize only one or more inflatable tubes, which will exert a tensile force that will bring the entire inflatable assembly onto the water. This practice avoids the risk of the inflatable assembly rubbing against the edges of the pool, as the inflatable mattress(es) remain deflated during deployment. They can then be pressurized. In the case of several inflatable tubes, they can all be pressurized during deployment, for example, to better distribute the tensile forces.

[0075] Handling tests were carried out with an inflatable assembly as shown in [Fig. 1]. The inflatable mattress and the two side tubes are first mechanically assembled using 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 moved to one end of an outdoor swimming pool measuring approximately 96 m², 12 meters long, and 8 meters wide, with its edges above the water level on all four sides. The two tubes are connected to a compressor that supplies them with air. The initial inflation causes the tubes 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 inflatable mattress is also supplied with air.The mattress is inflated to a pressure between 200 and 250 millibars. The pressure of the two air chambers is then brought to a value between 200 and 250 millibars so that they press against the edges of the pool.

[0076] The setup time for two people was approximately 30 minutes. Folding the entire assembly, which requires deflation and then folding, takes 45 minutes.

[0077] The example of an inflatable assembly tested with two lateral inflatable tubes confirmed the feasibility of installation without friction on the edges of the pool. Furthermore, in this embodiment during the test, it was possible to position the tubes resting on the edges of the pool. This installation ensures that the inflatable assembly remains stable with a very limited risk of displacement in windy conditions.

Claims

Demands

1. An inflatable assembly (1,21) forming a cover for a body of water (3, 23), in the inflated state, comprising at least one mattress (2, 22a, 22b) comprising two substantially parallel external surfaces (4, 5; 24, 25), one of which is intended to come into contact with the water (3, 23), said surfaces (4, 5; 24, 25) 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 having a length, a width and a thickness, characterized in that it comprises at least one inflatable tube (6, 26), in that said at least one inflatable tube (6, 26) extends over the length of the cover.

2. Inflatable assembly (1,21) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has at least one inflatable tube (6, 26) having a diameter substantially equivalent to the height of an inflatable mattress (2, 22a, 22b).

3. Inflatable assembly (1, 21) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (6, 26) is connected to said at least one inflatable mattress (2, 22a, 22b), in that a part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is present on at least one external surface (4, 5; 24, 25) of said at least one inflatable mattress (2, 22a, 22b) and in that said at least one inflatable tube (6, 26) comprises at least one part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts.

4. Inflatable assembly (1,21) according to claim 3, characterized in that said a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is of the velcro® type.

5. Inflatable assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (6) forms at least one lateral edge of the cover.

6. Inflatable assembly according to (21) any one of claims 1 to 5, said inflatable assembly comprising at least two inflatable mattresses (22a, 22b), characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (26) is inserted between said at least two inflatable mattresses (22a, 22b).

7. 11 Inflatable assembly (1, 21) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (6, 26) is pneumatically connected to at least one inflatable mattress (2, 22a, 22b).

Images