Bottom skimmer for aquatic equipment, especially for swimming pools

Abstract

Bottom skimmer for aquatic equipment, particularly for swimming pools. This skimmer comprises a frame (1), a basket (8), and a handle (9), means (5, 6, 7) for removably mounting the handle to the proximal wall of the frame, and means (15, 82) for securing the handle to the frame. According to the invention, the removable mounting means include three mounting members distributed along the proximal wall, namely a central mounting member (5) and two eccentric mounting members (6, 7), so as to provide a central operating configuration and two eccentric operating configurations. This allows the skimmer to be adapted to different areas of a swimming pool, particularly the bottom of the housing containing a submerged cover. Furthermore, the mounting members are integral with the body, thus eliminating the need for any additional separate parts. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Bottom skimmer for aquatic equipment, particularly for swimming pools. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of aquatic equipment, which, within the meaning of the invention, includes, among other things, swimming pools. More particularly, it relates to a skimmer net for efficiently cleaning all the bottom walls of such aquatic equipment. State of the art

[0002] It is understood that, with use, dirt is likely to accumulate at the bottom of aquatic equipment, particularly swimming pools. This dirt may include leaves, but also debris that falls into the pool unexpectedly. It is therefore necessary to periodically clean the bottom walls of the pool by collecting this dirt.

[0003] For this purpose, there are well-known bottom skimmers. Such a skimmer typically comprises a frame defining an opening for a collection basket. The basket contains a net whose bottom, opposite the frame, is closed to retain debris. To ensure proper collection, the lower wall of the frame forms a scraper that can be used to engage with the bottom of the pool. Finally, a handle attached to the frame allows the user to grip the skimmer.

[0004] Initially, skimmers of the aforementioned type were proposed, in which the handle is fixed to the upper wall of the frame in a fixed manner, that is, without the possibility of varying the position and angle of the handle. Under these conditions, handling the skimmer proves rather inconvenient, particularly at a distance from the side walls of the pool. Indeed, when the user moves away from these walls, the handle tends to tilt, so that the frame may no longer rest firmly on the bottom of the pool. Consequently, this affects the quality of the collection of leaves and other debris.

[0005] To remedy this drawback, it was proposed in WO 2009 / 133329 to insert a connecting piece between the frame and the handle. This connecting piece, rotating with the upper wall of the frame, allows the handle to be tilted at a variable angle relative to the frame. The user can therefore adjust the handle's angle, particularly when cleaning a section of the pool bottom located away from the pool's edges.

[0006] This solution, however, presents certain specific drawbacks. First, it requires the manufacture of an additional mechanical part. This consequently entails an unavoidable additional cost, while also creating a risk of loss of this mechanical part, which is removable. Furthermore, the bottom skimmer, conforming to this document, does not allow for satisfactory cleaning of all areas of the pool. In particular, it has been found that it is not suitable for optimal cleaning of the bottom wall of the cover box, which is fitted to pools equipped with a submerged cover.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, one objective of the present invention is therefore to remedy, at least partially, the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

[0008] Another objective of the invention is to provide a bottom skimmer for aquatic equipment such as swimming pools, which ensures efficient collection of dirt in the different areas of this swimming pool.

[0009] Another objective of the invention is to propose such a landing net whose mechanical structure remains simple, in particular which does not incorporate any additional removable mechanical part.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to provide such a landing net which allows a removable connection between the basket and the body, while allowing convenient placement of this basket on this body. Object of the invention

[0011] According to the invention, at least one of the above objectives is achieved by means of a first object of the invention which is a bottom skimmer (I) for aquatic equipment, in particular for swimming pool, said skimmer comprising a frame (1), a basket (8) and a handle (9),

[0012] said basket comprising a hoop (80) and a net (85) attached to this hoop, this net comprising a mouth (86) and a closed bottom (87)

[0013] said frame comprising peripheral walls (10-40) including a so-called proximal wall (10) adjacent to the handle, these peripheral walls defining an opening (O), the frame further comprising means (5, 6, 7) for removable mounting of the handle on the proximal wall as well as means (15, 82) for securing the headband to the frame

[0014] characterized in that the removable mounting means comprise three mounting members distributed along the proximal wall, namely a median mounting member (5) and two so-called eccentric mounting members (6, 7),

[0015] so as to provide a so-called median usage configuration in which the handle cooperates with the median mounting member (5), as well as two so-called eccentric usage configurations in each of which the handle cooperates with a respective eccentric mounting member (6, 7).

[0016] According to other features of the landing net conforming to the first object of the invention, taken individually or in any technically compatible combination:

[0017] - the median mounting member (5) extends along a so-called median axis (YY) of the body connecting the proximal wall (10) to an opposite wall (40), said frame being symmetrical with respect to this median axis.

[0018] - each mounting member comprises a mounting barrel (50, 60, 70), in particular made of material, advantageously made of molding with the proximal wall (10), suitable for receiving one end of the handle.

[0019] - the handle (9) comprises a body (90) and an end fitting (92) removable from the body, said fitting being suitable to be received in a respective mounting barrel.

[0020] - this landing net includes a locking element (94) for locking, removable, the handle, in particular the fitting, in relation to each mounting component.

[0021] - the locking element is an elastic blade (94) comprising two wings elastically deformable, each wing comprising at its free end a nipple suitable for penetrating a respective locking orifice (98) belonging to the handle and a respective locking hole (53) belonging to the mounting member.

[0022] - the respective locking holes are provided in opposite faces of the mounting component

[0023] - this landing net further includes means for securing the basket hoop by relation to the framework.

[0024] - the retaining means include a rib (12, 22, 32) provided on at least a part of the periphery of the frame, as well as a groove (81) formed on at least a part of the periphery of the hoop.

[0025] - at its inner edge, the opposite wall (40) is equipped with at least one notch (42) opening into the basket receiving opening.

[0026] - the side walls (20,30) of the frame include a scraping member (25,35) capable of collecting dirt present against vertical walls of aquatic equipment.

[0027] - the means of securing the hoop to the frame are means of securing by elastic snap-fit.

[0028] - the means for securing by elastic snap-locking comprise a ramp (15) formed on an inner edge (11) of the body, and an elastic tab provided on the hoop, said tab (82) being able to slide along the rail by deforming and then to fit into a space (17) adjacent to said rail.

[0029] A second object of the invention is a bottom skimmer (I) for aquatic equipment, in particular for swimming pools, said skimmer comprising a frame (1), a basket (8) and a handle (9),

[0030] said basket comprising a hoop (80) and a net (85) attached to this hoop, this net comprising a mouth (86) and a closed bottom (87)

[0031] said frame comprising peripheral walls (10-40) including a so-called proximal wall (10) adjacent to the handle, these peripheral walls defining an opening (O), the frame further comprising means for mounting the handle on the proximal wall as well as means (15, 82) for securing the headband to the frame

[0032] characterized in that the means of securing the hoop to the frame are means of securing by elastic snap-fit.

[0033] According to other features of the landing net conforming to the second object of the invention, taken individually or in any technically compatible combination:

[0034] - the means for mounting the handle on the proximal wall are means (5, 6, 7) removable mounting

[0035] - the removable mounting means comprise three distributed mounting members along the proximal wall, namely a median mounting member (5) and two so-called eccentric mounting members (6, 7), so as to confer a so-called median operating configuration in which the handle cooperates with the median mounting member (5), and two so-called eccentric operating configurations in each of which the handle cooperates with a respective eccentric mounting member (6, 7).

[0036] - the median mounting member (5) extends along a so-called median axis (YY) of the body connecting the proximal wall (10) to an opposite wall (40), said frame being symmetrical with respect to this median axis.

[0037] - each locking member comprises a mounting barrel (50, 60, 70), in particular material, advantageously molded with the proximal wall (10), suitable for receiving one end of the handle.

[0038] - the handle (9) comprises a body (90) and an end fitting (92) removable from the body, said fitting being suitable to be received in a respective mounting barrel.

[0039] - this landing net includes a locking element (94) for locking, removable, the handle, in particular the fitting, in relation to each mounting component.

[0040] - the mounting element is an elastic blade (94) comprising two wings elastically deformable, each wing comprising at its free end a nipple suitable for penetrating a respective locking orifice (98) belonging to the handle and a respective locking hole (53) belonging to the mounting member.

[0041] - the respective locking holes are provided in opposite faces of the organ disassembly

[0042] - this landing net further includes means for securing the basket hoop by relation to the framework.

[0043] - the retaining means include a rib (12, 22, 32) provided on at least a part of the periphery of the frame, as well as a groove (81) formed on at least a part of the periphery of the hoop.

[0044] - at its inner edge, the opposite wall (40) is equipped with at least one notch (42) opening into the basket receiving opening.

[0045] - the side walls (20,30) of the frame include a scraping member (25,35) suitable for to remove dirt present against the vertical walls of the aquatic equipment.

[0046] - the means for securing by elastic snap-locking comprise a ramp (15) formed on an inner edge (11) of the body, and an elastic tab provided on the hoop, said tab (82) being able to slide along the rail by deforming and then to fit into a space (17) adjacent to said rail. Description of the figures

[0047] The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

[0048] [Fig-1] is a perspective view, illustrating a bottom skimmer for aquatic equipment of the swimming pool type, according to the invention.

[0049] [Fig.2] is a front view, illustrating a frame belonging to the bottom net according to the invention.

[0050] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of [Fig.2].

[0051] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV of [Fig.2].

[0052] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view along line VV of [Fig.2].

[0053] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view along line VLVI of [Fig.2].

[0054] [Fig.7] is a perspective view, illustrating a basket belonging to the bottom net according to the invention.

[0055] [Fig.8] is a schematic side view, illustrating a step in placing the basket on the frame.

[0056] [Fig.9] is a cross-sectional view along line IX-IX of [Fig.1].

[0057] [Fig. 10] is a larger scale view of detail XX of [Fig.9].

[0058] [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional view along line XLXI of [Fig.1].

[0059] [Fig. 12] is a larger scale view of detail XILXII of [Fig. 11].

[0060] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view, illustrating the bottom net according to the invention from a different angle than that of [Fig.1].

[0061] [Fig. 14] is a larger scale view of detail XIV-XIV of [Fig. 13].

[0062] [Fig. 15] is a schematic view illustrating a first functional configuration of the skimmer according to the invention, suitable for collection in the main area of ​​a swimming pool.

[0063] [Fig. 16] is a schematic view illustrating a second functional configuration of the skimmer according to the invention, suitable for collecting inside a submerged box of this pool. Detailed description

[0064] The present invention relates to a bottom skimmer for aquatic equipment of the swimming pool type, which is designated as a whole by reference I. This skimmer essentially comprises a body 1, a basket 8 and a handle 9. As will be detailed below, the body comprises four peripheral walls, including a wall called proximal 10 cooperating with the handle 9, a wall called opposite or distal 40, and two lateral walls 20 and 30.

[0065] These walls define a central opening, referenced O. By convention, when viewing the body from the front as in [Fig. 2], the inner direction INT, facing the opening, and the outer direction EXT, opposite this same opening, are denoted O. By convention, when viewing the body from the side as in Figures 1 and 13, the forward direction AV, corresponding to the normal movement of the landing net in use, and the opposite rear direction AR, facing the closed bottom of the net basket, are also denoted YY. The median axis, connecting the midpoints of the proximal wall 10 and the opposite wall 40, is also denoted YY.

[0066] The proximal wall 10 of the body 1 comprises, as seen in cross-section in Figures 3 and 4, an inner rim 11 provided with a rib 12, the function of which will be explained below. This rim 11 extends first into a wing 13, projecting both outwards and forwards. This wing terminates in an inclined rim 14, projecting both outwards and backwards. The rear face of the wall 10 is further covered with a lattice 18, providing reinforcement.

[0067] As shown more particularly in [Fig. 3], the middle part of the wall 10, namely aligned with the axis YY, defines a ramp 15 projecting both inwards and backwards. This ramp terminates in a shoulder 16, forming a space 17 for blocking the net hoop, as will be seen below.

[0068] According to the invention, the proximal wall 10 is equipped with three mounting elements 5, 6, and 7, allowing for the removable mounting of the handle, as will be seen below. There is a central mounting element 5, which is aligned with the YY axis, as well as two eccentric mounting elements 6 and 7. The structure of mounting element 5 will now be described, it being understood that those 6 and 7 have an identical structure.

[0069] The mounting member 5 is formed in the form of a shaft 50 with a substantially square cross-section, defining a recess 51 for receiving the handle (see in particular [Fig. 3]). The main axis X5 of this mounting member 5 is substantially coincident with the median axis YY of the body (see in particular [Fig. 2]), it being understood that the main axes X6 and X7 of the members 6 and 7 respectively are parallel to this median axis YY while being at a distance from it. The front and rear faces of the shaft are each hollowed out with a hole, of which only the hole 53 on the front face is visible, for the insertion of a locking element between the handle and the mounting member.

[0070] Preferably, the body 1 is symmetrical with respect to the median axis YY. This is more convenient, particularly in terms of manufacturing and handling by the user. By way of illustrative example, given without limitation - the distance D56 or D57 (see [Fig.2]), separating the main axis X5 of the median shaft and the main axis X6, X7 of each eccentric shaft, is between 10 and 50 cm (centimeters) - the internal section s7 of the shaft of each mounting element (in this case that 7 on the [Fig.l]) is between 2 and 10 cm.

[0071] We will now describe, particularly with reference to the cross-sectional view in [Fig. 5], the profile of the side wall 20. The other side wall 30 has a structure that is symmetrical to that of wall 20 with respect to the median axis YY. This wall 20 comprises, firstly, an inner edge 21, provided with a rib 22. This edge extends into a wing 23 projecting outwards and forwards, which terminates in a web 24 projecting rearwards. Unlike the rim 14 above, the web 24 is not inclined either inwards or outwards. In operation, the web 24, together with the wing 23, forms a scraping element 25 for effectively cleaning the vertical walls of the pool.

[0072] The transition between the proximal wall 10 and each of the lateral walls 20, 30 is ensured by respective fillets 26, 36. As shown in particular in [Fig. 2], each fillet is provided with a rounded intermediate rib 27, 37. This rib ensures the transition between, on the one hand, the rib 12 present on the proximal wall and, on the other hand, each rib 22, 32 equipping a respective lateral wall. Finally, the rear face of each wall is covered with a lattice 28, 38 (see in particular [Fig. 13]), similar to that 18 above.

[0073] As shown in [Fig. 2], the opposite wall 40 includes an inner edge 41, which is ribless, unlike the other edges 11 to 31. The transition between this opposite wall 40 and each of the side walls 20, 30 is ensured by respective fillets 29, 39. As shown in particular in [Fig. 2], each fillet 29, 39 differs from those 26, 36, in that it is ribless. The edge 41 extended directly by a flap 44, visible in [Fig.6], projecting both outwards and forwards. This flap forms a scraping element, the free end 45 of which is intended to cooperate with the bottom of the pool.

[0074] The edge 41 is discontinuous, meaning that it is interrupted by three regularly spaced notches 42. These include a central notch 42M and two eccentric notches 42E (see again [Fig. 2]). These notches are through notches, meaning that they connect with the central opening O, which, as will be seen later, facilitates the placement of the basket. Similar to the other walls, the rear face of the flap 44 has a reinforcing mesh 48 (see [Fig. 13]). However, opposite the notches 42M and 42E, as shown in particular in [Fig. 13], this rear face forms respective areas 46M and 46E, the walls of which are substantially smooth. These beaches, which are equipped with 47M and 47E markers, ensure convenient placement of the basket as will be seen below.

[0075] With reference in particular to [Fig.7], the basket 8 includes first of all a rectangular hoop 80, the dimensions of which are close to those of the body 2. This hoop has, in cross-section, an overall U shape. In this way it defines, on its rear face, a peripheral groove 81 visible on a larger scale in figures 10 and 12.

[0076] On the inner edge of one of its long sides, the hoop 80 is equipped with a tab 82 projecting both forward and inward. This tab, which is elastically deformable, is adapted to cooperate with the ramp 15 as will be seen below. On the opposite long side, the outer edge of the hoop is further provided with three tabs 83M and 83E, projecting both forward and outward. These tabs are pierced with respective holes 84M and 84E, intended to cooperate with the respective pins 47M and 47E.

[0077] The basket 8 further comprises a net 85, of a type known per se. This net is fixed to the inner edge of the hoop, by any suitable means, so as to delimit an opening 86. Opposite this opening, this net has a closed bottom 87 for retaining dirt.

[0078] Finally, the handle 9 comprises, firstly, a body 90 of the conventional type, which is partially shown in particular in [Fig. 1]. This handle 9 also includes a fitting 92 intended to cooperate with the body 90 by any suitable means, in particular by fitting or elastic snap-fit. In particular, an elastic blade, such as the one described below, can be used to secure the connection between the fitting 92 and each barrel 50, 60, and 70. The body 90 is commonly referred to commercially as a "telescopic handle," while the fitting 92 is a custom-made part intended to be sold with the frame and basket of the landing net.

[0079] This elastic blade, designated as a whole by reference numeral 94, is fully visible in [Fig. 9] and partially visible in [Fig. 10]. It comprises a V-shaped body 95, the wings of which can be brought together against an elastic preload. Each wing terminates in a respective lug 97 capable of penetrating both the holes 53 in the shaft 50 and diametrically opposed orifices 98 in the fitting 92.

[0080] It can be seen that the fitting 92, which is hollow, has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. Indeed, standard handle bodies are typically circular, so this fitting can adapt to any type of handle body. In contrast, the cross-section of each barrel 50 to 70 is quadrilateral, specifically almost square. The shape of this barrel limits the rotational forces between the plastic studs 97 and the barrel walls. In fact, this allows the rotational forces to be transferred to the fitting 92, rather than to the studs 97.

[0081] The assembly of the various constituent elements of the landing net I as described above, as well as the implementation of the latter, will now be explained.

[0082] With reference in particular to [Fig. 8], the first step is to secure the body 1 and the basket 8 together. To this end, the user advantageously positions the body in a generally horizontal position, with the rear face facing downwards. Then, the user moves the basket so that each of the tabs 83 comes to rest against a respective area of ​​the opposite wall 40. It should be noted that this movement of the basket is facilitated by the presence of open notches, which do not have any strip of material that could impede this movement.

[0083] The user then positions the basket so that the pegs 47 enter the openings 84. [Fig. 14] particularly illustrates the interaction of the median peg 47M with the median opening 84M, also showing the ear 83M which rests on the beach 46M. As can be seen in [Fig. 8], the user can then rotate the basket relative to the body around an axis A8, as indicated by arrow F8. This axis, which extends from the back to the front of the sheet, connects the various pegs 47. As this rotation progresses, the tab 82 moves closer to the proximal wall of the body. When it comes into contact with the ramp 15, the tab slides along this ramp while deforming, which is shown by arrow F82 in [Fig. 10].

[0084] At the end of this movement, this tab is lodged in space 17, preventing any reverse movement of the basket, as indicated by the crossed arrow F'82. There is therefore a mutual locking mechanism between the body and the basket, which is further reinforced by the interaction between the groove and the rib. If the user wishes to detach the basket from the body, they act on the end of the tab as indicated by arrow G82 in [Fig. 12], so as to retract this tab out of space 15, and then remove the basket according to actions opposite to those described above which is notably materialized by the arrow F” 82. It is therefore understood that the connection between the basket and the body is of a removable nature, thanks to an elastic snap-fit.

[0085] Figure 15 illustrates a first configuration of the skimmer according to the invention, in which the aim is to collect debris in the main area 1100 of a swimming pool 1000, shown schematically. In this case, it is preferred that the handle 9 be connected to the shaft 50 of the central mounting member 5. To this end, the fitting 92 is first fixed to this shaft 50 by inserting the elastic blade as shown by arrow F94 in Figure 9. Once in position, the opposing lugs 97 perform their locking function by engaging in the orifices 98 and the holes 53 (see Figure 10). Furthermore, the body 90 is brought onto the fitting 92.

[0086] The collection of debris, particularly leaves, present on the bottom 1110 of zone 1100 can be carried out in the conventional manner. The user moves the skimmer net from the back to the front of the leaf, as indicated by arrow FE. The central configuration of the handle facilitates this movement, as it ensures overall symmetry of the skimmer net. During this movement, the scraping flap 44 provides effective action against the bottom, directing the debris towards the inner volume of the net. It should also be noted that, thanks to the presence of the straight web 24, the scraping element 25 also provides effective action against the lateral wall 1120 of the pool. Figure 15 also illustrates, in dotted lines, the skimmer net I according to the invention at a distance from the lateral wall 1120. In this case, the operation is identical to that described above.

[0087] It is now assumed, with reference to [Fig. 16], that the bottom of the submerged cover housing belonging to the pool 1000 needs to be cleaned. Typically, this housing 1200 is bordered by a vertical wall 1130 of the pool and by a partition wall 1210. This housing contains a cover 1220, which is wound around a shaft 1230. It is understood that, in the configuration of [Fig. 15], the skimmer net according to the invention cannot effectively clean the bottom 1240 of the housing. Indeed, in this symmetrical configuration, the region of the frame located to the left of the handle will prevent the skimmer net from being correctly positioned between the wall 1120 and the cover 1220.

[0088] According to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the landing net is placed in an off-center configuration. First, the handle is detached from the central shaft 50 by pushing back the lugs 97 of the blade 94 and then pulling axially on the handle in the opposite direction from the shaft. The handle is then placed in one of the off-center shafts, in this case shaft 70, using the same procedures as those described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0089] The landing net can then, in this off-center configuration, be placed against the bottom 1240 of the chest. As can be seen from [Fig. 16], the handle 9 of the landing net can extend vertically without being obstructed by the shutter. Dirt collection can then be implemented, as in the median configuration of [Fig. 15], with the scraping device 35 cooperating with the wall 1130.

[0090] Typically, a first operation is carried out in the configuration shown in solid lines in [Fig. 16], namely with the handle and the side wall against the wall 1130. Then, in a second step, the net is moved laterally until the handle comes into contact with the element 1220, so as to clean the bottom wall located in the middle of the box, or even towards the end adjacent to the partition 1210. The finishing touch can be carried out, if necessary, by removing the net, rotating it through a half turn and then lowering it as shown in dashed lines in [Fig. 16]. In this case, the scraping member 25 now cooperates with this partition 1220.

[0091] In the configuration shown in [Fig. 16], the handle is mounted on the mounting member 7. However, it is possible to mount this handle alternatively on the member 6. This choice may be preferred depending on whether the user is right-handed or left-handed, or according to various contingencies related to the accessibility of the trunk. In this case, the implementation is similar to that described with reference to [Fig. 16].

[0092] The invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives mentioned above.

[0093] Providing several mounting elements to attach the handle to the body in different configurations allows the skimmer net according to the invention to be adapted to different areas of a swimming pool. Furthermore, making these mounting elements a single unit with the body eliminates the need for any additional separate parts. Besides the cost savings, this prevents any risk of accidental loss.

[0094] In this regard, it should be noted that, particularly advantageously, the landing net is made of a moldable material, notably by a plastic injection molding process. By way of non-limiting example, the use of a plastic material, in particular acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (or ABS), is preferred. The use of such a moldable material allows for large-scale industrial production of this landing net, so as to supply large quantities of product at relatively low costs.

[0095] Furthermore, the attachment of the basket to the body by means of an elastic snap-fit ​​offers specific advantages. Indeed, the invention allows the user to mount the basket onto the body with one hand. This can be compared with the prior art, which uses locking buttons to secure the basket to the body. It should also be noted that this attachment by elastic snap-fit ​​can be implemented independently of the presence of several handle mounting elements on the body. In other words, this elastic snap-lock fastening is applicable to conventional handles, which have a single mounting position on the body. In this case, the landing net conforms to the second object of the invention as defined above.

[0096] The invention also has additional advantages, related to advantageous but optional modes.

[0097] The presence of the lateral scraping elements 25 and 35 provides additional cleaning efficiency, carried out using the skimmer net according to the invention. Indeed, these scraping elements make it possible to recover the dirt present between the skimmer net and the vertical walls of the pool.

[0098] The peripheral rib 11, 21, 31, provided on the frame, cooperating with the groove 81 of the hoop 80, ensures that the frame remains in position relative to the basket. Consequently, any untimely separation between these mechanical parts is largely avoided.

[0099] Finally, as explained above, the presence of the notches 42 facilitates mounting the basket onto the frame. In particular, the absence of a strip of material allows the user to conveniently position the hoop.

Claims

Demands

1. Bottom landing net (I) for aquatic equipment, in particular for swimming pools, said landing net comprising a frame (1), a basket (8) and a handle (9), said basket comprising a hoop (80) and a net (85) attached to this hoop, this net comprising a mouth (86) and a closed bottom (87), said frame comprising peripheral walls (10 - 40) including a so-called proximal wall (10) adjacent to the handle, these peripheral walls defining an opening (0), the frame further comprising means (5, 6, 7) for removable mounting of the handle on the proximal wall and means (15, 82) for securing the hoop to the frame characterized in that the removable mounting means comprise three mounting members distributed along the proximal wall, namely a median mounting member (5) and two so-called eccentric mounting members (6, 7),so as to provide a so-called central operating configuration in which the handle cooperates with the central mounting member (5), as well as two so-called eccentric operating configurations in each of which the handle cooperates with a respective eccentric mounting member (6, 7).

2. Bottom landing net according to the preceding claim, wherein the median mounting member (5) extends along a so-called median axis (YY) of the body connecting the proximal wall (10) to an opposite wall (40), said frame being symmetrical with respect to this median axis.

3. Bottom landing net according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each mounting member comprises a mounting barrel (50, 60, 70), in particular made of material, advantageously made by molding with the proximal wall (10), suitable for receiving one end of the handle.

4. Bottom landing net according to the preceding claim, wherein the handle (9) comprises a body (90) and an end fitting (92) removable from the body, said fitting being suitable to be received in a respective mounting barrel.

5. A bottom landing net according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a locking element (94) allowing to lock, in a removable manner, the handle, in particular the fitting (92), with respect to each mounting member, the locking element advantageously being an elastic blade (94) comprising two elastically deformable wings, each wing advantageously comprising at its free end a lug suitable for penetrating into a respective locking orifice (98) belonging to the handle and into a respective locking hole (53) belonging to the mounting member.

6. Landing net according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for retaining the hoop of the basket relative to the frame, the retaining means advantageously comprising a rib (12, 22, 32) provided on at least a part of the periphery of the frame, as well as a groove (81) formed on at least a part of the periphery of the hoop.

7. Landing net according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, at its inner edge, the opposite wall (40) is equipped with at least one notch (42) opening into the basket receiving opening (0).

8. Landing net according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls (20, 30) of the frame include a scraping member (25, 35) capable of recovering dirt present against vertical walls of the aquatic equipment.

9. Landing net according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means of securing the hoop to the frame are means of securing by elastic snap-fit.

10. Landing net according to the preceding claim, wherein the means for securing by elastic snap-lock comprise a ramp (15) formed on an inner edge (11) of the body, as well as an elastic tab provided on the hoop, said tab (82) being able to slide along the ramp while deforming and then to fit into a space (17) adjacent to said ramp.

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