Strut for self-supporting basin structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a support leg (1) for a basin structure comprising: - a base profile (3), configured to be arranged horizontally, - a panel profile (4), configured to be arranged vertically against a panel (2), and - an oblique profile (5), forming a triangle with the base profile (3) and the panel profile (4). Said support leg (1) is particular in that it can be: - in a first configuration, the panel profile (4) being fixed to the base profile (3) at the first fixing means (6) of the base profile (3), or - in a second configuration, the panel profile (4) being fixed to the base profile (3) at the second fixing means (7) of the base profile (3). The present invention also relates to a structure and a method for designing a structure. Figure for the abstract: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: Support leg for self-supporting basin structure. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a set of support legs for self-supporting basin structures such as swimming pools, the main elements of which are common parts, the support legs being able to be manufactured in two different configurations. The invention makes it possible, with common basic elements, to create different shapes of basins, meeting different constraints. Previous technique

[0002] The applicant's kit pools are well known to the public, particularly for their freeform and customizable shape, their quick and easy self-installation, and their value for money. These pools have a self-supporting, modular structure made from standardized prefabricated elements and can be in-ground or above-ground, in accordance with publications FR2420626, FR3016909, and FR3145943 belonging to the applicant, or with publication FR2718179.

[0003] These self-supporting structures are primarily composed of panels, defining the perimeter of the pool, and support legs, whose function is to hold the panels in position by absorbing the various stresses exerted on them from inside or outside the pool. The planned ground footprint for the pool must take into account the dimensions of the pool's perimeter and add to this perimeter the dimensions of the support legs, which are standardized. This pool design method lacks flexibility and is not suitable for all types of installations.

[0004] Document FR2816651 proposes a swimming pool structure offering a degree of modularity. This structure is made of wood, and the solutions are difficult to transpose to a metal structure. Furthermore, the rigidity of the structure is not satisfactory in all the proposed configurations, resulting in insufficient mechanical resistance. Description of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a support leg for a self-supporting basin structure such as a swimming pool, said support leg comprising: - a base profile, comprising a first, a second and a third means of fastening, the three means of fastening being distributed along the length of the base profile, the base profile being configured to be arranged horizontally, - a panel profile, comprising a lower fixing means, a first upper fixing means, and a second upper fixing means offset relative to the first upper fixing means according to the main dimension of the panel profile, the panel profile being perpendicular to the base profile, and being configured to be positioned vertically against a panel, and - an oblique profile, comprising a lower fixing means, and an upper fixing means, the oblique profile forming a triangle with the base profile and the panel profile, said triangle being configured to be located outside the contour of the basin.

[0006] The strut according to the invention is particular in that it can be: - in a first configuration, in which the panel profile is fixed to the base profile at the level of the lower fixing means of the panel profile and the first fixing means of the base profile, the oblique profile is fixed to the base profile at the level of the lower fixing means of the oblique profile and the third fixing means of the base profile, and the panel profile is fixed to the oblique profile at the level of the first upper fixing means of the panel profile and the upper fixing means of the oblique profile, or - in a second configuration, in which the panel profile is fixed to the base profile at the lower fixing means of the panel profile and the second fixing means of the base profile, and the oblique profile is fixed to the base profile at the lower fixing means of the oblique profile and the first fixing means of the base profile, and the panel profile is fixed to the oblique profile at the second upper fixing means of the panel profile, located above the first upper fixing means of the panel profile, and the upper fixing means of the oblique profile.

[0007] Thanks to these provisions, the support leg is made from standard elements—base, panel, and angled profiles—which can be used to create different support legs for various self-supporting structures, thus meeting different installation requirements. This simplifies the manufacturing of these different support legs, resulting in a more flexible self-supporting structure without complicating its construction. The support leg in the first configuration may be preferred when the pool installation site is sufficiently large and there is no need to optimize the footprint of the self-supporting structure, allowing for deeper pools and / or pools with non-flat bottoms, such as spoon-shaped or diamond-shaped pools. The support leg in the second configuration may be favoured when the land for installing the pool is more restricted, and it is important to obtain a maximum pool area in relation to the available land area, the pool cannot then be very deep and must have a flat bottom.

[0008] The base, panel and oblique profiles may have a U-shaped section, the means for fixing these profiles together being located on the legs of the U, which is a simple and robust embodiment of the invention.

[0009] The base profile may include at least one through-hole configured to accommodate at least one reinforcing bar, said at least one hole having a recessed portion, offset from the through-hole end of the hole, said recessed portion forming a stop to prevent the reinforcing bar from being extracted from the hole in a direction parallel to the main dimension of the panel profile, which is a simple and effective way of providing reinforcement of the concrete which will be poured at the level of the legs to anchor them to the ground.

[0010] The base profile may include at least one first through hole, configured to accommodate at least one support iron for the strut on the ground when the strut is in the first configuration, and at least one second through hole, separate from the first hole, configured to accommodate at least one support iron for the strut on the ground when the strut is in the second configuration, which is a simple and effective embodiment of the invention.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a set of struts according to the invention, characterized in that the struts are all in the first configuration, or all in the second configuration.

[0012] Thanks to these provisions, one or more self-supporting structures in which all the struts are in the same configuration can be easily produced.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a set of struts according to the invention, characterized in that some struts are in the first configuration, and other struts are in the second configuration.

[0014] Thanks to these provisions, a self-supporting structure or a plurality of self-supporting structures in which the struts are not all in the same configuration can easily be produced from standardized parts composing the struts, their assembly means, and panels, which are also standardized parts. In this case, it is possible that each self-supporting structure may have struts that are all in the same configuration, but it is also possible that some self-supporting structures may have struts in different configurations.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a self-supporting structure of a basin, characterized in that it comprises a set of support legs according to the invention, and a plurality of panels arranged to be assembled side by side to form the walls of the basin, defining at least in part a contour of the basin, the panels being fixed to the struts at the level of the panel profiles of the struts.

[0016] Thanks to these provisions, the self-supporting structure can easily be prefabricated and assembled on the installation site, benefiting from the advantages of the invention mentioned above.

[0017] The self-supporting structure may also include a means of access, such as a ladder, which can for example be fixed against a panel, or a staircase, which takes the place of a panel in the structure.

[0018] At least one panel profile may include a unique fastening means for attaching two adjacent panels to that panel profile, thereby simplifying the assembly of the self-supporting structure, with one fastening step required to assemble these three elements, and reducing the total number of fastening parts for the structure.

[0019] Said self-supporting structure may include at least one panel comprising horizontal grooves of trapezoidal cross-section, said trapezoid comprising two parallel bases of different lengths configured to be arranged vertically, at least one strut being in contact with the panel at the shorter bases of the trapezoids, which makes it possible to reinforce the rigidity of the panel while having easy interlocking of the panels, which ensures better continuity of the wall of the pool at the intersection between adjacent panels.

[0020] Said self-supporting structure may include at least one strut in the first configuration, and no part of this strut is located under the inside of the contour of the basin defined by the panels, in particular none of the three means of fixing the base profile being arranged under the inside of the contour defined by the panels, this configuration thus making it possible to create a deeper basin and with a bottom that is not necessarily flat, but requiring a larger footprint with a constant contour.

[0021] Said self-supporting structure may include at least one strut in the second configuration, the third means of fixing the base profile being disposed under the inside of the contour defined by the panels, this configuration making it possible to reduce the footprint with a constant contour, but imposing either a flat bottom of the basin, or the creation of a peripheral bottom step after which it is possible to create a sloping bottom.

[0022] At least one panel may include a wedge located near its upper end, said wedge being configured to come into contact with the panel profile of a strut, said wedge being of variable thickness, in order to allow a fine local adjustment of the verticality of the panel, which allows fine adjustment of the verticality of the top of the panel in the vicinity of the wedge, and thus improve the straightness of the upper edge of the panel, and therefore the aesthetic appearance of the basin.

[0023] Said self-supporting structure may include a plurality of cage nuts, and at least some of the fixings between adjacent panels and / or between a panel and a strut are made by means of said cage nuts, which allows a single person to assemble the structure.

[0024] The present invention further relates to a set of self-supporting structures according to the invention, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one self-supporting structure whose struts are all in the first configuration, and - at least one self-supporting structure whose struts are all in the second configuration.

[0025] Thanks to these provisions, a plurality of self-supporting structures in which the struts are not all in the same configuration, can be easily produced, from standardized parts composing the struts, and from panels, which are also standardized parts, and whose production is easily industrialized.

[0026] The set of self-supporting structures may also include at least one self-supporting structure of which some struts are in the first configuration, and other struts are in the second configuration.

[0027] The present invention further relates to a method for designing and assembling a self-supporting structure of a basin according to the invention, comprising the following steps: - Determination of the available ground space for the self-supporting structure at the pool installation site - depending on the footprint, joint determination of the three-dimensional envelope of the pelvis, and of the configuration of the support legs, - according to the configuration of the support legs determined, assembly of the support legs, all in the first configuration, all in the second configuration, or some in the first configuration and others in the second configuration.

[0028] Thanks to these provisions, a self-supporting structure offering great flexibility in the typology of basins can be made from standardized and highly industrialized parts.

[0029] For at least one section of the basin contour, the following rules may be applied: - if the distance between the edge of the pool and the limit of the footprint of the self-supporting structure is greater than or equal to a certain threshold, then at least one leg force elements intended to be positioned at this section are assembled in the first configuration, - otherwise, the at least one strut intended to be placed at the level of this section are assembled in the second configuration. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] The present invention and its advantages will become more apparent from the following description of several embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of a strut of a together according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in a first configuration,

[0032] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a front perspective view of the strut of the [Fig.1],

[0033] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a side view of the strut of the [Fig.1],

[0034] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a rear perspective view of a strut of the same together with the strut of [Fig. 1], in a second configuration,

[0035] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a front perspective view of the strut of [Fig.4],

[0036] [Fig.6] is a side view of the strut of [Fig.4],

[0037] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a rear perspective view of the strut of the [Fig. 1], assembled from two adjacent panels,

[0038] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a front perspective view of the assembly of the [Fig.7],

[0039] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a side view of the assembly of the [Fig.7],

[0040] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a rear perspective view of the strut of [Fig. 4], assembled to two adjacent panels,

[0041] [Fig.11] The [Fig.11] is a front perspective view of the assembly of the [Fig.10],

[0042] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a side view of the assembly of the [Fig. 10]. Description of the implementation methods

[0043] In the illustrated embodiments, identical elements or parts bear the same reference numbers. Furthermore, terms with a relative meaning, such as vertical, horizontal, right, left, front, back, above, below, etc., should be interpreted under normal conditions of use of the invention, and as shown in the figures. Moreover, the geometric positions indicated in the description and the claims, such as "perpendicular," "parallel," and "symmetrical," are not limited to the strict sense defined in geometry, but extend to geometric positions that are close, that is, that allow a certain tolerance within the technical field considered, without affecting the result obtained. These tolerances are notably introduced by the adverb "substantially," without this term necessarily being repeated before each adjective.

[0044] With reference to the figures, the invention relates to a support leg 1 for a self-supporting pool structure. In the context of the present invention, "pool" means any water container intended for recreational, wellness, or therapeutic purposes, such as a swimming pool, hot tub, diving pool, or similar, without these examples being limiting.

[0045] The self-supporting pool structure comprises, for example, a plurality of panels 2 arranged to be assembled side by side to form the pool walls, defining at least part of a pool outline, with struts 1 attached to the pool walls to hold them in position. Each panel 2 may include a metal sheet, for example, made of steel. The panels 2 are, for example, made from steel sheets with a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm.

[0046] The strut 1 mainly comprises three elements: a base profile 3, a panel profile 4, and an oblique profile 5.

[0047] The base profile 3 is configured to be positioned horizontally and to rest on the ground, preferably by means of supports 18, for example, two supports 18 distributed along its length. The supports 18 may be height-adjustable and conform to the applicant's publication FR 3016909, or any other equivalent solution. The base profile 3 preferably has a U-shaped cross-section. The base profile 3 is, for example, a metal profile, for example, made of steel. The base profile 3 measures, for example, in its main dimension, between 45 and 60 cm.

[0048] The panel profile 4, perpendicular to the base profile 3, is configured to be positioned vertically against a panel 2. The panel profile 4 preferably has a U-shaped cross-section identical to or different from that of the base profile 3. The panel profile 4 is, for example, a metal profile, for example, made of steel. The panel profile 4 measures, for example, in its main dimension, between 110 and 150 cm.

[0049] The oblique profile 5 is arranged to form a triangle with the base profiles 3 and panel profiles 4, and serves to stiffen the strut. The triangle formed by the base profiles 3, panel profiles 4, and oblique profile 5 is located outside the contour of the basin. The oblique profile 5 preferably has a U-shaped cross-section, which may be identical or different from that of the base profile 3. The oblique profile 5 is, for example, a metal profile, for example, made of steel. The oblique profile 5 measures, for example, in its main dimension, between 90 and 110 cm.

[0050] The base profiles 3, panel profiles 4 and oblique profiles 5 have provisions allowing them to be fixed together.

[0051] The base profile 3 comprises a first fastening means 6, a second fastening means 7, and a third fastening means 8. These three fastening means 6, 7, 8 are distributed along the length of the base profile 3: the first fastening means 6 is closest to a first end of the base profile 3, the third means The first fastening means 8 is closest to a second end of the base profile 3, and the second fastening means 8 is located between the first fastening means 6 and the third fastening means 8. The three fastening means 6, 7, and 8 of the base profile 3 may be aligned, but they may also be misaligned. The distance between the first fastening means 6 and the second fastening means 7 may be the same as the distance between the second fastening means 7 and the third fastening means 8, but these distances may also be different. The first fastening means 6, the second fastening means 7, and the third fastening means 8 are preferably identical. The first fastening means 6, the second fastening means 7, and the third fastening means 8 are, for example, circular holes for a bolt.If the basic profile 3 has a U-shaped section, each fastening means can have a pair of holes, each hole being located on one wing of the U.

[0052] The panel profile 4 comprises a lower fastening means 9 and two upper fastening means 10a, 10b. When the panel profile 4 is in position within a self-supporting structure, the lower fastening means 9 is located near the lower end of the panel profile 4, and the upper fastening means 10a, 10b are located one above the other, higher than the lower fastening means 9. The second upper fastening means 10b is located above the first upper fastening means 10a. The upper fastening means 10a, 10b are, for example, located between 70 and 100 cm higher than the lower fastening means 9. The upper fastening means 10a, 10b are preferably identical. The lower fastening means 9 may also be identical to the upper fastening means 10a, 10b.The lower fixing means 9, and the two upper fixing means 10a, 10b, are, for example, circular holes, allowing a bolt to pass through. If the panel profile 4 has a U-shaped cross-section, each fixing means may have a pair of holes, each hole being located on a flange of the U.

[0053] The oblique profile 5 comprises a lower fastening means 11 and an upper fastening means 12. The lower fastening means 11 and the upper fastening means 12 are located near the ends of the oblique profile 5. The lower fastening means 11 and the upper fastening means 12 are preferably identical. The lower fastening means 11 and the upper fastening means 12 are, for example, circular holes for the passage of a bolt. If the oblique profile 5 has a U-shaped cross-section, each fastening means may have a pair of holes, each hole being located on a flange of the U.

[0054] The fixing means 6, 7, 8, 9, 10a, 10b, 11, 12 of the profiles 3, 4, 5 allow two different assembly configurations of the profiles 3, 4, 5 to be defined in order to arrive at two different configurations of struts.

[0055] In a first configuration, illustrated in figures 1 to 3: - The panel profile 4 is attached to the base profile 3 using the lower fastening means 9 of the panel profile and the first fastening means 6 of the base profile 3, for example, by using a bolt passing through these fastening means, each consisting of one or more holes. When the profiles 4 and 3 have U-shaped sections, two bolts can be used to fasten them together, one bolt for each flange of the U. - The oblique profile 5 is attached to the base profile 3 using the lower fastening means 11 of the oblique profile 5 and the third fastening means 8 of the base profile 3, for example, by using one or two bolts passing through these fastening means, each consisting of one or more holes. - the fixing of the panel profile 4 to the oblique profile 5 is carried out using the upper fixing means 12 of the oblique profile 5, and the first fixing means 10a, of the panel profile 4, for example using one or two bolts passing through these fixing means each consisting of one or more holes.

[0056] In a second configuration, illustrated in Figures 4 to 6: - the fixing of the panel profile 4 to the base profile 3 is carried out using the lower fixing means 9 of the panel profile and the second fixing means 7 of the base profile 3, for example by using one or two bolts passing through these fixing means, each consisting of one or more holes, - the attachment of the oblique profile 5 to the base profile 3 is achieved using the lower attachment means 11 of the oblique profile 5 and the first attachment means 6 of the base profile 3, for example by using one or two bolts passing through these attachment means, each consisting of one or more holes, and - the fixing of the panel profile 4 to the oblique profile 5 is carried out using the upper fixing means 12 of the oblique profile 5, and the second fixing means 10b, of the panel profile 4, for example using one or two bolts passing through these fixing means each consisting of one or more holes.

[0057] The strut 1 can thus be placed in either configuration, depending on the configuration of the pool. In its first configuration, the footprint of the strut 1, and therefore of the self-supporting structure, with a constant pool contour, is greater than if the strut is in its second configuration. Using struts in the first configuration therefore requires more space to create a pool with an equivalent contour. Conversely, in its second configuration, the base profile 3 of the strut 1 extends beyond the panel 2, as illustrated in Figures 10 to 12. To prevent the strut 1 from protruding into the pool, the pool floor must therefore be positioned above the base profile 3: the pool floor must then be flat, and the pool depth is therefore limited. In its first configuration, the base profile 3 of the strut 1 does not extend beyond panel 2, as illustrated in figures 7 to 9, allowing for the creation of deeper pools.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the panel profile 4 includes at least one means for attaching to a panel 2, and preferably a plurality of means for attaching to a panel 2, distributed along its length. In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, the panel profile 4 includes two sets of means for attaching to a panel 2. In these embodiments, the panel 4 is not positioned at the same height depending on the configuration of the strut. The panel profile 4 therefore includes a first set of means for attaching to a panel 2, to be used when the strut 1 is in its first configuration, and a second set of means for attaching to a panel 2, to be used when the strut 1 is in its second configuration. These means for attaching to a panel 2 may be holes arranged to cooperate with bolts.

[0059] In the self-supporting structure according to the invention, the struts are preferably assembled to the panels 2 at the intersection of two panels 2. At this intersection, the panels 2 partially overlap. At this point, it can therefore be provided that at least one single fastening means 13a, 13b can be used to fix the panel profile 4, and thus the strut 1 of which it is a part, to two panels 2. This allows that, during assembly, a single fastening operation is required to fix the adjacent panels 2 to each other and to the strut 1. Furthermore, the number of parts required to construct the self-supporting structure can be reduced, for example, the number of bolts. It is possible, but not limited to, to provide a strut 1 at each intersection between two adjacent panels 2.For example, if these means of fixing are bolts, it can be expected that at least some bolts will pass through the two consecutive panels 2, and the strut 1.

[0060] The means for attaching the struts to the panels 12, possibly common to the attachment of adjacent panels to each other, may advantageously be bolts with cage nuts. This type of nut, which most often has a square outer perimeter and whose rotation is blocked by a "cage," allows the bolts to be tightened without needing to hold the nut in place, and thus allows a single person to tighten the bolts, as the dimensions of the self-supporting structure do not allow a single person to hold a nut with one hand and tighten a screw with the other.

[0061] As illustrated by way of example in Figures 1 to 6, the base profile 3 of the strut 1 may have a through-hole 14, configured to accommodate one or more reinforcing bars. A reinforcing bar is a metal bar, not necessarily made of iron. When the strut 1 is in position, the base profile 3 is horizontal, and the housing 14 opens upwards from the base profile 3, that is, in the direction in which the panel profile 4 extends from the base profile 3. The housing 14 has a recessed portion, offset from the opening end of the housing in the direction of the main dimension of the base profile 3. This recessed portion accommodates a reinforcing steel bar and acts as a stop to prevent the reinforcing steel bar from being removed from the housing by moving the reinforcing steel bar upwards. The reinforcing steel bar can be positioned once the strut 1 is in place, before pouring concrete around the base profile 3 to reinforce the concrete. Furthermore, the reinforcing steel bar stiffens the self-supporting structure once the concrete has been poured.

[0062] The base profile 3 can have several housings 14 distributed along its length, which allows several reinforcing bars to be placed and a greater reinforcing force to be obtained.

[0063] If the basic profile 3 has a U-shaped section, it can include two identical housings 14, each arranged opposite each other on one wing of the U.

[0064] The base profile 3 may also include at least one first through hole 19a, configured to accommodate at least one ground support bar for the strut 1 when the strut 1 is in the first configuration, and at least one second through hole 19b, separate from the first hole 19a, configured to accommodate at least one ground support bar for the strut 1 when the strut 1 is in the second configuration. Preferably, the base profile 3 has a U-shaped cross-section and includes a first hole 19a and a second hole 19b at each junction between the flange and the base of the U, the first two holes 19a facing each other, and the second two holes 19a facing each other. The support bar(s) may be driven into the ground on either side of the strut 1 and allow the position of the strut 1 to be fixed relative to the ground during the concrete pouring.

[0065] The use of different holes 19a, 19b depending on the configuration of the strut allows, despite the use of a common base profile 3 for both strut configurations 1, to obtain optimal support of the strut by the retaining iron.

[0066] According to the invention, a self-supporting structure may comprise: - only strut 1 in their initial configuration, - only strut 1 in their second configuration, or - some strut 1 in their first configuration, and other strut 1 in their second configuration.

[0067] The panels 2 may have horizontal grooves 15, the cross-section of which is preferably trapezoidal. This trapezoid, preferably isosceles, has Two parallel bases of different lengths, configured to be arranged vertically. For each groove 15, the smaller base is located on the outside of the basin and is formed by the bottom of the groove 15, while the larger base is located on the inside of the basin and corresponds to the opening of the groove 15 which leads into the rest of the basin. The panels 2 are then in contact with the struts 1 at the bottom of the grooves 15, that is, at the level of the smaller bases.

[0068] The grooves 15 increase the rigidity of the panels 2, and therefore their resistance to pressures from inside the basin, particularly water pressure, and from outside the basin, particularly earth pressure if the basin is buried, or water pressure alone or wind pressure if it is not.The trapezoidal section allows for easier and more reliable interlocking of adjacent panels 2, with the grooves of one panel 2 fitting into the grooves of the other panel 2.

[0069] The number of grooves 15 depends on the height of the panel 2. The grooves 15 can, for example, be arranged with a spatial periodicity of between 50 and 200 mm.

[0070] The means for fixing 12 of the struts to the panels 2, and possibly of the panels 2 adjacent to each other, are preferably arranged at the level of the bottom of the grooves 15.

[0071] When the panel 2 has grooves 15, trapezoidal or otherwise, it may also have an area without grooves 15, for example, the top and bottom of the panel 2. In order to fix the panel 2 to the panel profile 4 in these areas without grooves 15, the panel 2 may have recesses 16 in which fastening means are located. The recesses 16 extend outwards from the panel 2 and may be in the form of an inverted dome. The recesses 16 allow, on the side of the panel 2 outside the basin, to compensate for the depth of the groove 15 and to come into contact with the panel profile 4, and on the side of the panel 2 inside the basin, to accommodate a fastener such as a bolt, so that it does not protrude from the panel 2 inside the basin.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the panels 2 each include at least one shim 17 of variable thickness, positioned near their upper end. The distance from the shim 17 to the upper end of the panel may be less than 30 cm, preferably less than 15 cm, for example 10 cm. The shim 17 is intended to be inserted between the recess 16 and the panel profile 4. By changing the thickness of the shim 17, it is possible to locally modify the distance from the panel 2 to the panel profile 4, and thus to fine-tune the straightness of the upper edge of the panel 2. Indeed, since the upper part of the panel 2 is above the water level of the pool, any deviations in straightness are more visible and affect the aesthetic appearance of the pool. The shim 17 is easily used when the panel 2 has grooves, and that the plane of the panel between the grooves is located at a certain distance from the panel profile 4. It is precisely this distance which can be fine-tuned locally by adjusting the thickness of the shim 17. The shim 17 can be located at the level of a recess 16.

[0073] The invention allows for the definition of a method for designing and assembling a self-supporting structure comprising a plurality of struts 1, comprising at least the following steps: - Determination of the ground footprint dedicated to the self-supporting structure at the pool installation site, - Depending on the footprint, the three-dimensional envelope of the pool and the configuration of the support legs 1 are jointly determined. The three-dimensional envelope of the pool includes the outline defined by the panels 2, and the shape and depth of the pool bottom. This determination is joint, because using either support leg configuration allows for a different three-dimensional envelope with a constant footprint. - according to the determined configuration of the strut 1, assembly of the strut 1. The struts of the self-supporting structure can then be all in the first configuration, all in the second configuration, or some in the first configuration and others in the second configuration.

[0074] The above process may use the following principles: - if the distance between the edge of the pool and the limit of the footprint of the self-supporting structure is greater than or equal to a certain threshold, then at least one strut 1 intended to be positioned at this section is mounted in the first configuration. The threshold may be greater than 30 cm, preferably greater than 40 cm, for example between 40 and 60 cm. - otherwise, at least one strut 1 intended to be placed at the level of this section is mounted in the second configuration.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art, within the limits of the appended claims. Furthermore, the technical features of the various embodiments and variants mentioned above may be combined, in whole or in part.

Claims

1. Demands A support leg (1) for a self-supporting basin structure such as a swimming pool, said support leg (1) comprising: - a base profile (3), comprising a first fixing means (6), a second fixing means (7) and a third fixing means (8), the three fixing means (6, 7, 8) being distributed along the length of the base profile (3), the base profile (3) being configured to be arranged horizontally, - a panel profile (4), comprising a lower fixing means (9), a first upper fixing means (10a), and a second upper fixing means (10b) offset relative to the first upper fixing means (10a) according to the main dimension of the panel profile (4), the panel profile (4) being perpendicular to the base profile (3), and being configured to be arranged vertically against a panel (2), and - an oblique profile (5), comprising a lower fixing means (11), and an upper fixing means (12), the oblique profile (5) forming a triangle with the base profile (3) and the panel profile (4), said triangle being configured to be located outside the contour of the basin, characterized in that said strut (1) can be: - in a first configuration, in which the panel profile (4) is fixed to the base profile (3) at the lower fixing means (9) of the panel profile (4) and the first fixing means (6) of the base profile (3), the oblique profile (5) is fixed to the base profile (3) at the lower fixing means (11) of the oblique profile (5) and the third fixing means (8) of the base profile (3), and the panel profile (4) is fixed to the oblique profile (5) at the first upper fixing means (10a) of the panel profile (4) and the upper fixing means (12) of the oblique profile (5), or - in a second configuration, in which the panel profile (4) is fixed to the base profile (3) at the lower fixing means (9) of the panel profile (4) and the second fixing means (7) of the base profile (3), and the oblique profile (5) is fixed to the base profile (3) at the lower fixing means (11) of the oblique profile (5) and the first fixing means (6) of the base profile (3), and the panel profile (4) is fixed to the oblique profile (5) at the level of the second upper fixing means (10b) of the panel profile (4), located above the first upper fixing means (10a) of the panel profile (4), and the upper fixing means (12) of the oblique profile (5).

2. Strut (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (3), panel (4) and oblique (5) profiles have a U-shaped section, the means for fixing (6, 7, 8, 9, 10a, 10b, 11, 12) these profiles (3, 4, 5) to each other being located on the legs of the U.

3. Strut (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the base profile (3) has at least one through-hole housing (14) configured to accommodate at least one reinforcing iron, said at least one housing (14) having a recessed portion, offset from the through-hole end of the housing (14), said recessed portion forming a stop to prevent the reinforcing iron from being extracted from the housing (14) in a direction parallel to the main dimension of the panel profile (4).

4. Strut (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the base profile (3) has at least one first through hole (19a) configured to accommodate at least one strut (1) retaining iron to the ground when the strut (1) is in the first configuration, and at least one second through hole (19b), separate from the first hole (19a), configured to accommodate at least one strut (1) retaining iron to the ground when the strut (1) is in the second configuration.

5. Assembly of struts (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the struts (1) are all in the first configuration, or all in the second configuration.

6. Assembly of struts (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that some struts (1) are in the first configuration, and other struts (1) are in the second configuration.

7. Self-supporting structure of a basin, characterized in that it comprises a set of struts (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, and a plurality of panels (2) arranged to be assembled side by side to form the walls of the basin, defining at least in part a contour of the basin, the panels (2) being fixed to the struts (1) at the level of the panel profiles (4) of the struts (1).

8. Self-supporting structure according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one panel profile (4) has a unique fastening means (13a, 13b) for fastening two panels (2) adjacent to this panel profile (4).

9. Self-supporting structure according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one panel (2) comprising horizontal grooves (15) of trapezoidal cross-section, said trapezoid comprising two parallel bases of different lengths configured to be arranged vertically, at least one strut (1) being in contact with the panel (2) at the shorter bases of the trapezoids (15).

10. Self-supporting structure according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises at least one strut (1) in the first configuration, and that no part of this strut (1) is located under the inside of the contour of the basin defined by the panels (2), in particular none of the three means of fixing (6, 7, 8) of the base profile (3) being arranged under the inside of the contour defined by the panels (2).

11. Self-supporting structure according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it comprises at least one strut (1) in the second configuration, the third means of fixing (8) of the base profile (3) being disposed under the inside of the contour defined by the panels (2).

12. Self-supporting structure according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that at least one panel (2) has a wedge (17) located near its upper end, said wedge (17) being configured to come into contact with the panel profile (4) of a strut (1), said wedge (17) being of variable thickness, in order to allow fine local adjustment of the verticality of the panel (2).

13. Self-supporting structure according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of cage nuts, and at least some of the fixings between adjacent panels (2) and / or between a panel (2) and a strut (1) are made by means of said cage nuts.

14. A set of self-supporting structures according to any one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one self-supporting structure whose struts (1) are all in the first configuration, and - at least one self-supporting structure whose struts (1) are all in the second configuration.

15. A method for designing and assembling a self-supporting structure for a pool according to any one of claims 7 to 13, comprising the following steps: - determining the available ground area for the self-supporting structure at the pool installation site - depending on the ground area, joint determination of the three-dimensional envelope of the pool, and of the configuration of the struts (1), - depending on the determined strut configuration (1), assembly of the struts (1), all in the first configuration, all in the second configuration, or some in the first configuration and others in the second configuration.

16. A design and assembly method according to claim 15, wherein for at least one section of the basin contour: - if the distance between the basin contour and the limit of the footprint of the self-supporting structure is greater than or equal to a certain threshold, then the at least one strut (1) intended to be arranged at the level of this section are assembled in the first configuration, - otherwise, the at least one strut (1) intended to be arranged at the level of this section are assembled in the second configuration.

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