Aid device for persons with motor disabilities for entering and exiting in / from a swimming pool

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of aid devices for persons with motor disabilities and in particular to an aid device for entering and exiting a swimming pool.

Description

[0001] AID DEVICE FOR PERSONS WITH MOTOR DISABILITIES FOR ENTERING AND EXITING IN / FROM A SWIMMING POOL

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of aid devices for persons with motor disabilities and in particular to an aid device for entering and exiting a swimming pool.

[0004] A swimming pool in the present invention is generally understood to be a tank, of variable size, with containment side walls delimiting a compartment of water or other liquid such as thermal water, thermal mud, etc.

[0005] In the following text, for the sake of simplicity, mention can be made of 'entering' the tank or swimming pool or 'exiting' the tank or swimming pool, sometimes in combination, sometimes individually. It goes without saying that the device allows both entering and exiting the water compartment, therefore even if one of the two terms is omitted it is understood as implied, unless otherwise specified.

[0006] There are a variety of systems which help people with motor disabilities enter and exit a swimming pool. Such known systems are, for example, stairlifts installed in a flight of stairs which allows access to the water compartment, or lift systems, installed at the walls of the tank. The lift systems in particular can be simple seats or platforms to accompany the user in entering and exiting the water directly with their wheelchair. What are called crane systems are also known, which, just like construction cranes, include a mechanical arm to which a seat or harness is connected for the user. Moving, the arm carries the user into the water.

[0007] However, the known systems have limitations.

[0008] For example, such systems are fixed, viz., they are installed in the swimming pool area with structural interventions and cannot be easily removed. In particular, the known systems cannot be removed except through disassembly operations, which require experienced personnel and appropriate equipment. They therefore constitute a de facto integrated element with the swimming pool and the space surrounding the tank, which they permanently occupy.

[0009] Evidently, this condition of a de facto fixed installation represents a non-negligible inconvenience since swimming pools or in general facilities with tanks sometimes have scarce walkable space around the water compartment and its occupation with fixed elements can be problematic, even for example for practising other motor activities (swimming, all, water sports, etc.).

[0010] It is further noted that the known systems, being permanently mounted, force the user to enter the tank exclusively from a single access point. To enter the tank from other points, the swimming pool should be equipped with several devices placed at different points of the peripheral wall. Clearly, this is not possible in small plants and would generally constitute a not inconsiderable cost.

[0011] Moreover, the known systems, such as crane systems or stairlifts, require the help of an assistant and are therefore not usable independently by a user with motor disabilities.

[0012] It is also evident that these systems are extremely impactful and also psychologically difficult for a user to use, as they do not allow him or her to move independently, forcing them to grasp, couple to the seat, lift and descend into the water, which can be embarrassing.

[0013] The aim of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing an aid for entering and exiting a swimming pool for persons with motor disabilities which is uncomfortable and easy to install / un install.

[0014] A further aim is for the device to be relatively space-saving when being installed and / or in use.

[0015] Further, the device according to the invention has the aim of being safe even in fully autonomous use by users with motor disabilities of various kinds.

[0016] These and other aims are achieved by the aid device for entering and exiting a swimming pool for persons with motor disabilities, according to the invention of claim 1 and its dependants.

[0017] The characteristics and advantages of the aid device according to the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description of an embodiment thereof, provided by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

[0018] - Figure 1 shows the aid device in use, installed at the edge of a swimming pool;

[0019] - Figure 2 is an isolated view of the aid device, with a diving platform in the rest position and some parts of a frame omitted for greater clarity in the drawing; - Figure 3 shows the device with diving platform in working position;

[0020] - Figure 4 shows the device with the diving platform lowered for a user to enter / exit the water;

[0021] - Figure 5 is a detailed view of handling means of the device and locking means of the device;

[0022] - Figure 6 is an enlargement of Figure 5 showing the handling means of the device in even more detail; and

[0023] - Figure 7 is a further view of the device according to the invention, with platform in rest position.

[0024] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, an aid device for entering and exiting a swimming pool for persons with motor disabilities comprises a frame 1 which movably supports a diving platform 2. The frame 1 comprises at least two side columns 10. The frame 1 also comprises an access platform 3.

[0025] In an embodiment solution, the access platform 3 joins the side columns 10 of the frame.

[0026] The access platform 3 is arranged according to a walking surface XY, representing the ground surface.

[0027] The side columns 10 rise from the walking surface XY according to a perpendicular direction Z.

[0028] The frame 1 further comprises plinths 11 which extend substantially perpendicular to the columns, on the walking surface. In a preferred embodiment, the plinths 11 are arranged in continuity with the columns 10, shaping 'L'-shape sides of the frame 1 .

[0029] Returning to the platform 2, this is rotatably engaged with the side columns 10, so as to pass from a rest position, in which the platform is raised and leaning against the frame (figure 2), viz., arranged according to a plane substantially perpendicular to the walking surface XY, and a working position (figure 3) in which the platform 2 is arranged substantially according to the walking surface XY. The diving platform 2 in general, and more in particular in the working position, is supported cantilevered from the frame 1 .

[0030] The frame 1 houses tilting means of the platform which allow movement from the rest position to the working position. For example, in an embodiment solution shown in Figure 7, the tilting means are endless screw actuators indicated in the image with the numerical reference 20.

[0031] Once in the working position, the platform 2 is moved linearly along the axis Z to lower itself into the water or to raise itself up, so as to immerse the user (entry into the water, Figure 4) or to allow the user to exit the water. Such linear movement is actuated by actuating means 21 comprising a telescopic connection linkage 210 between the platform and column (Figure 4). In a preferred embodiment example, the actuating means further comprise an endless screw drive to determine the movement of the telescopic linkage, indicated in Figure 7 with the numerical reference 211 .

[0032] The endless screw actuators have a passive ball screw safety system active by means of electromagnetic brake.

[0033] Movement commands are also provided for such actuators. The movement commands can, for example, include manual push-button, transponder, Braille language or voice commands. There are also solutions involving the use of remote control devices, such as wristbands or remote controls, communicating with on-board controls by means of Bluetooth or other remote transmission systems.

[0034] The movement controls can be installed on the frame 1 (for example but not limited to one or more columns), on the platform itself, or on both. In general, the movement controls are installed in a suitable position so that the platform can be moved from land but also by the user in the water in order to get back on board.

[0035] The device further provides handling means. In a preferred embodiment solution, illustrated in the figures, the handling means are placed in the frame 1 . Even more in detail, the handling means are placed in each of the plinths 11 .

[0036] The handling means are in turn movable between an extracted position in which they project from the frame and in which they define the ground support for the aid device, and a retracted position in which they are retracted inside the frame 1 and it is the latter to define the ground support of the aid device.

[0037] Going into further detail, the handling means of the device comprise one or more wheels 4.

[0038] Preferably one or more of the one or more wheels is drive 4A. Preferably the one or more drive wheels 4A is driven by a gear motor 40.

[0039] The gear motor 40 is preferably, but not limitedly, battery-powered.

[0040] The gear motor 40 is preferably, but not limitedly, controlled by an external joystick.

[0041] In an embodiment solution, the device provides at least two wheels 4 for each plinth 11. At least one wheel is placed at the side column. Such at least one wheel is preferably the drive wheel 4A. At least a second wheel 4B is located at the distal end of the plinth and is of the pivoting idler type.

[0042] Further, the handling means comprise sensor means which detect the position of the pool deck aid device. Such sensor means communicate with an on-board control system which commands the safety lock of the one or more drive wheels or their automatic braking.

[0043] The one or more wheels can be raised to allow the frame and the plinths in particular to rest on the floor. Such lifting occurs, for example, by means of an electromechanical endless screw actuator 41 (figure 6).

[0044] Further, the aid device also comprises a safety locking device 5. Such a locking device acts by interfering with the walking surface and making the stable anchoring of the device thereto.

[0045] The locking device comprises one or more threaded rods 50 intended to be screwed into appropriate threaded housings made in the pool deck. The descent of the one or more threaded rods can be perfected manually or automatically.

[0046] The locking device not only ensures the stable restraint of the aid when positioned, but also provides a safety feature to prevent accidents such as accidental tipping of the device if it is used improperly (jumping, use as a trampoline, overloading on the platform, etc.).

[0047] The walkable parts of the device can be made of materials suitable for contact with water; if necessary, a cooling system which exploits water from the swimming pool itself can be provided to cool the diving platforms 2 and access platform 3. For example, the cooling system may be such that it takes water from the swimming pool and sprays it onto the walkable parts of the device.

[0048] Again, in an embodiment solution, the device comprises solar charging means, such as one or more photovoltaic panels, which serve to power the device and in particular the aforementioned battery. See in this respect the element indicated with the numerical reference 6.

[0049] The device described above offers several advantages. Firstly, it offers the possibility of enjoying the beneficial and inclusive aquatic and swimming activity to all those people with motor disabilities, the disabled, the elderly, and the visually impaired, who until now have been required to use outdated crane systems and with the need for a support assistant; old systems which are heavily impacting from a psychological and visual point of view that very often the user finds himself preferring to give up the activity. Instead, the device according to the invention can be used independently by the user without the need for aid.

[0050] As it is movable, the device can be easily removed and moved to another location to clear the area in front of the water tank, or moved to another point on the peripheral wall for entry into the tank from another access point without the aid of external handling equipment (such as stairlifts or carriages or cranes).

[0051] The diving platform is motorised and can be closed vertically to avoid obstruction in the water.

[0052] Thanks to the platform, the wheelchair user can enter the water with the same wheelchair suitable for diving.

[0053] Thanks to wireless controls with wearable transponders and audio and tactile signals, the device can be used independently by the user and also by blind people.

[0054] The present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof. It is intended that other embodiments may exist which relate to the same inventive core, all falling within the scope of protection of the claims indicated below.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A aid device to assist entry into and / or exit from a swimming pool, comprising:-a frame (1 );-a diving platform (2), said platform being movable on said frame (1) along a direction (Z) perpendicular to a lowering or raising walking surface, said platform being supported projecting by said frame;- actuating means of said movement along said direction (Z) of said platform; said device being further characterised by the fact that it comprises integrated handling means (4), mobile between an extracted position in which they project from the frame and in which they define the ground support for said aid device and a retracted position in which they are internally retracted from the frame (1) so that the latter defines the ground support for said aid device, said handling means enabling, in said extracted position, the handling of said aid device without the aid of external handling means.

2. The aid device according to claim 1 wherein said handling means comprises one or more wheels (4).

3. The aid device according to claim 2 in which at least one of said one or more wheels is driven (4A).

4. The aid device according to claim 3 wherein said drive wheel is driven by a gear motor (40).

5. The aid device according to claim 3 or 4 wherein said handling means comprise sensor means that detect the position of said assisting device, said assisting device further comprising a control system that receives position information from said sensor means and controls said drive wheel (4A) in braking or stopping according to said detected position.

6. The aid device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said frame (1) comprises at least two vertical columns (10) arranged in said direction (Z) and plinths (11) arranged in a plane XY parallel to the walking surface.

7. The aid device according to claim 6 wherein said means for handling said device are placed within said plinths (11).

8. The aid device according to claim 7 wherein said handling means further comprise at least one pivoting idler wheel (4B), wherein said idler wheel is arranged insaid plinth in a position distal from said columns.

9. The aid device according to claim 7 or 8 further comprising a safety locking device (5), said safety locking device comprising one or more threaded rods (50) intended to be screwed into appropriate threaded housings made in said pool deck.

10. The aid device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said diving platform (2) is movable between a rest position in which it is placed against said frame substantially perpendicular to said walking surface, and a working position in which it is placed in an attitude parallel to said walking surface, cantilevered from said frame.

11. The aid device according to claim 10 comprising means for tilting said platform to implement said movement from said rest position to said lowered position and vice versa.

12. The aid device according to claim 10 or 11 wherein said actuating means comprise a endless screw.

13. The aid device according to any one of claims 10 to 12 comprising movement controls of said actuating means, wherein said movement controls may include manual push-button, transponder, voice or remote commands.

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