Inflatable assembly forming a cover for a body of water

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflatable assembly (1) which forms a cover for a body of water (3) when in the inflated state, the assembly comprising at least two inflatable modules (2a, 2b) forming mats. According to the invention, one portion of a connecting device is present on one inflatable module (2a, 2b), a second portion being present on the other module (2a, 2b), and at least one wall oriented perpendicularly to the two inner surfaces of at least one of the modules is attached to the inner surfaces along the entire length thereof, extending across the width of the module (2a, 2b).

Description

INFLATABLE SET FORMING A COVER FOR A LARGE AREA WATER

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

[0002] In the field of inflatable structures, inflatable mattresses are commonly used to cover the surface of bodies of water, such as swimming pools. Thanks to the layer of air inside, these inflated mattresses provide thermal insulation, helping to maintain the water temperature, especially during cooler periods when the pool is not in use. They also help limit water loss through evaporation and can serve as a safety feature, preventing accidents.

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

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

[0005] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer sheet(s) or film(s) have a thickness of less than 1 mm and preferably even less than 0.5 mm.

[0006] This type of material allows, as is well known, the simple production of a component with a sealed cavity that can be pressurized. Thermoplastic polyurethanes and polyvinyl chlorides are particularly suitable materials.

[0007] Such inflatable mattresses must be easy to use, quick to set up and maneuverable by a limited number of people, ideally no more than two.

[0008] In their deflated state, such mattresses can advantageously be rolled around an axle, the rolling and unrolling being triggered by rotation of The axis. The mattress is then only inflated when used as a pool cover. Since it is stored deflated, its footprint is reduced. It can also be stored on a mobile pallet, folded upon deflating.

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

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

[0011] Mattresses made in this way, when inflated, form a three-dimensional product with a length, a width, and a height or thickness.

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

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

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

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

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

[0017] The inventors were able to demonstrate that these inflatable structures used as pool covers could present major drawbacks in certain applications. Particularly in the case of infinity pools, it turned out that such covers, designed to fit very close to the pool's edges, could impede the proper functioning of the water filtration system. Indeed, the filtration system must remain active when the pool cover is in place, and it became apparent that the cover, constructed according to the documents described above, disrupted the proper water circulation, potentially damaging the suction pumps when they pumped air for extended periods.

[0018] There are also known retractable pool cover systems. These systems are made with rigid slats to form roller shutters that float on the water when unrolled. These systems provide a barrier to evaporation and a safety feature for people, but offer limited thermal insulation. They are also quite heavy, requiring reinforced roller mechanisms, and are consequently limited in size.

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

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

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

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

[0023] Indeed, the inflatable structure thus created from several modules can be made to the exact dimensions of the body of water by adjusting the number of inflatable modules to closely match the surface area to be covered. Assembling modules also simplifies the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for manufacturing tools sized specifically for the body of water, thereby reducing production costs. Furthermore, it allows for the immediate delivery of an inflatable structure tailored to a given size, provided the modules are available. An inflatable structure made of modules also minimizes repair costs in case of damage such as a puncture, as only the damaged module(s) need to be replaced. Repairs are therefore also faster, since it is not necessary to replace the entire inflatable structure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0036] The connecting devices can be opened or closed by an operator during the assembly of the modules to form the inflatable unit in a simple manner. Similarly, if it becomes necessary to change a module, the operation is carried out easily.

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

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

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

[0040] In other embodiments, the at least two inflatable modules are pneumatically linked. Inflating one module via a valve then inflates the at least two modules.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0073] According to one of these embodiments of the invention, when a tube is present to form at least one edge of the inflatable assembly forming a cover for a body of water, at least one flap associated with the inflatable assembly is fixed on said tube.

[0074] During the deployment of the inflatable assembly according to the invention, pressurizing the inflatable modules can be used for this purpose. Indeed, the progressive inflation of the inflatable assembly from one end can help to advance the assembly across the body of water, for example, by deploying it between two freely rotating rollers positioned across the width of the water. The inflation of the portion in contact with the water exerts a tensile force on the rollers, which deploys the remaining uninflated portion of the inflatable assembly. This contribution of inflation to the deployment of the inflatable assembly is described, for example, in document WO 2022 / 264052 AL

[0075] When the width of the modular cover is very close to, or even exactly the same as, the width of the body of water or pool to be covered, it is possible to inflate only some of the inflatable modules positioned across the width of the water to avoid friction on the pool's edges. The remaining modules are inflated once the entire cover is deployed over the water.

[0076] When flaps are present on the edges of the cover to ensure complete coverage of the water area, the entire set of inflatable modules can be advantageously inflated simultaneously. The flaps are then deployed to cover the edges of the pool.

[0077] In the case of at least one inflatable tube, one possible implementation method involves inflating all the modules to stretch the cover, then pressurizing the at least one inflatable tube to fully cover the body of water. Another inflation method involves inflating the at least one inflatable tube to unroll or unfold the cover and stretch it over the body of water, then pressurizing the inflatable modules.

[0078] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that at least one inflatable module includes at least one water ballast intended to be submerged in water.

[0079] According to this variant of the invention, at least one water ballast is advantageously fixed to the surface of the inflatable module coming into contact with the water to be immersed in the water when the inflatable assembly is deployed on the body of water to be covered.

[0080] For the purposes of this invention, a water ballast is a container that fills with water when the inflatable assembly is deployed. It fills through its open upper surface, which forms the opening of the container. The volume of water inside provides a load that helps to keep the inflatable assembly in place on the surface of the water on which it is deployed. Such a water ballast can, in particular, counteract the forces exerted by the wind and thus prevent the inflatable assembly from lifting.

[0081] Said at least one water ballast is advantageously made of a flexible film material. Said flexible film material is advantageously identical to the material constituting the mattress and is a polymer material such as polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.

[0082] Preferably, said film constituting said at least one water ballast has a thickness between 100 and 500 microns and preferably between 150 and 350 microns.

[0083] Said at least one water ballast advantageously has a cylindrical or conical shape with a circular or polygonal cross-section.

[0084] Said at least one water ballast is advantageously attached to the inflatable module by at least one connecting tab fixed at each end, on one side to the water ballast and on the other to the inflatable module. Said at least one connecting tab is advantageously made of the same material as that forming the water ballast. It is advantageously attached to the water ballast and the inflatable module by heat sealing, sewing, or any other means known to those skilled in the art, such as Velcro® fasteners, detachable zippers, or any type of quick-release buckle system.

[0085] To allow the inflatable assembly to be folded or rolled up, at least one water ballast is advantageously equipped with means for evacuating the water with no effort other than that exerted by rolling or folding. A preferred embodiment consists of providing a perforation in the material forming at least one water ballast. The presence of at least one hole allows the water to be evacuated, for example, when at least one water ballast is pulled out of the water with the inflatable assembly before it passes between rollers designed to expel the inflation air from the inflatable assembly.

[0086] Other advantageous details and features of the invention will become apparent from the description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to Figures 1 to 9, which represent: Figure 1, a perspective view of a diagram of an inflatable assembly according to the invention; Figure 2, a semi-transparent schematic representation of an inflatable module; Figure 3, a cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an inflatable module. Figure 4, a partial view of an inflatable module in the inflated state, Figure 5, a view of the inflatable module of Figure 4 in the deflated state, Figure 6, a schematic representation of an inflatable assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, Figure 7, a schematic representation of an inflatable assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, Figure 8, a schematic representation of an inflatable assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention, Figure 9, a schematic representation of a water ballast fixed on a surface of an inflatable module.

[0087] The figures are not shown to scale to simplify understanding.

[0088] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an inflatable assembly 1, shown in its inflated state, comprising twenty-two inflatable modules 2a, 2b and arranged on a body of water 3. The inflatable assembly 1 thus presents a visible surface 4 and a surface 5 not apparent in Figure 1 which comes into contact with the water.

[0089] Figure 1 also shows a cylindrical tube 6 oriented along the width of the inflatable modules 2a and 2b and positioned at one end of the inflatable assembly 1. This tube acts as a reservoir, being pneumatically connected to the eleven inflatable modules 2a with which it is in contact. The pneumatic connections, not shown in Figure 1, are achieved by valve or tube systems linking the inflatable modules 2 to the cylindrical tube 6. The cylindrical tube 6 also has a valve connected to a compressor for inflating the inflatable assembly 1.

[0090] Each of the modules 2a is also pneumatically connected to a module 2b so that the inflation air can penetrate the whole of the modules 2a, 2b, it being blown only at the level of the valve of the cylindrical tube 6.

[0091] The cylindrical tube 6 corresponds to the end of the inflatable assembly, the initiation of which will allow the deployment of the inflatable assembly 1 on the body of water.

[0092] Furthermore, as explained previously, all the inflatable modules 2a, 2b are mechanically linked together along their length and / or width by Velcro® type fasteners.

[0093] The entire mechanical and pneumatic system is initially created by joining inflatable modules 2a and 2b to obtain the desired coverage area. During deflation and folding or rolling of the inflatable assembly 1, these mechanical and pneumatic connections remain in place, allowing for quick and easy deployment or storage of the resulting cover.

[0094] The inflatable modules and the inflatable tube are made from sheets of woven PVC (woven polyvinyl chloride) with a thickness of approximately 500 microns.

[0095] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a semi-transparent perspective view of an inflatable module 22. The example shown in this figure is of a short length to simplify its representation.

[0096] This inflatable module 22 has a length L equal to 1 meter, a width D equal to 70 centimeters and a height H approximately equal to 20 centimeters.

[0097] The inflatable module 22 consists of two sheets of woven PVC (polyvinyl chloride) approximately 500 microns thick. One sheet forms surface 4, visible when the inflatable assembly is in use, and the other forms surface 3, which is in contact with the water when the inflatable assembly is in use. The two sheets are joined by the sides 21a, 21b, 23a, and 23b, which in the example shown are formed by a sheet approximately 3.5 meters long, folded and welded at its ends. The sheet forming the sides is also heat-sealed along its entire length to each of the two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5.

[0098] According to the embodiment shown, the sheet forming the sides is heat-sealed to each of the two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5 so that these overhang by a length E of approximately 3.5 centimeters all around the inflatable module 22. This overhang of the two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5 allows the Velcro® type fasteners to be attached to link the different inflatable modules together either according to their width or according to their length.

[0099] Inside the inflatable module 22, four walls 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d, arranged parallel to the sides 23a and 23b, can still be seen through the transparent material. These four walls are also heat-sealed along their entire length to each of the two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5. In the example shown, particularly to simplify manufacturing, these walls 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d are not connected to the sides 21a and 21b. The length of these walls 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d is chosen in the example presented to be approximately 60 centimeters, so that they are spaced at a distance R of approximately 1.5 centimeters from each of the sides 21a and 21b. Furthermore, this lack of contact with the sides 21a and 21b allows the inflation air to circulate throughout the inflatable module 20. In addition, these walls 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d are provided at each of their ends with a semi-circular cutout 26 to further promote air circulation.

[0100] The distance dl between each of the walls 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d is approximately 25 centimeters and the walls 25a and 25d are respectively at a distance d2 from the sides 23a and 23b of approximately 12.5 centimeters.

[0101] On this figure 2 and on all the schematic representations that follow, the indentations on the surface of an inflatable module which comes into contact with the water as well as on the visible surface of an inflatable module in use, induced by the presence of the walls 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d and which form channels, on these surfaces, parallel to said walls are not represented.

[0102] Similarly, the valves present on the sides 23a and 23b are not represented on all schematic representations.

[0103] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the inflatable module 22 of Figure 2 in cross-section along a cutting axis parallel to the sides 23a and 23b and passing between two walls 25. The wall 25 is shown between the two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5, to which it is heat-sealed along its entire length. The two sheets forming surfaces 4 and 5 are also shown heat-sealed to the sides 21a and 21b with an overhang of length E. The ends of the wall 25 have a semi-circular shape 26 providing a passage for the inflation air.

[0104] Figure 4 shows a view of an inflatable module 22 according to the invention on the surface 4 of which one can observe the channels 27 formed by the presence of the walls 25 which are heat-welded on the inner faces of the two sheets forming the surfaces 4 and 5. These channels 27 which are also on the surface which comes on the water allow a circulation of the water, essential in particular in the case of infinity pools.

[0105] An inflation valve 28 is located on the side 23a. Valve 28 can be connected either directly to a compressor, to a reservoir such as the inflatable tube 6 shown in Figure 1, or to a valve on another inflatable module to which the inflatable module 22 is connected. Module 22 has yet another valve on its side 23b, allowing for any of the connections described above for valve 28.

[0106] Figure 5 shows another view of the inflatable module 22 of Figure 4 in a deflated and folded state. This view demonstrates the small size of an inflatable module according to the invention.

[0107] Figure 6 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. It shows an inflatable assembly 61 consisting of 22 inflatable modules 62a, 62b, the inflatable modules being connected to a reservoir 66, and the surface 65 of the inflatable assembly 61 resting on the body of water 63. The inflatable assembly 61 further includes an inflatable tube 67 oriented along the length of the inflatable modules 62a, 62b. This inflatable tube 67 is made of the same material as the inflatable modules 62a, 62b and is attached to them with Velcro®-type fastening systems, not shown in the figure. The inflatable tube 67 also includes a valve, not shown in Figure 6, either connected to the reservoir 66 or directly connected to a compressor. The diameter of the inflatable tube 67 is approximately 20 centimeters.

[0108] The presence of inflatable tube 67 increases the width of the inflatable assembly 61 and allows the width of the inflatable assembly 61 to be adapted to the body of water to be covered when adding inflatable modules 62a, 62b is no longer possible due to the risk of excessive width. It is also possible to install several inflatable tubes 67, either joined together or interleaved. different inflatable modules 62a, 62b to further increase the width of the inflatable assembly 61.

[0109] As explained previously, during the deployment of the inflatable assembly 61, it is possible to pressurize only the inflatable tube 67, which will exert a tensile force that will bring the entire inflatable assembly onto the water. Pressurizing only the inflatable tube 67 prevents the inflatable modules 62a and 62b, which form the lateral edges of the inflatable assembly 61, from rubbing against the pool edges. These modules remain deflated during deployment and can then be pressurized. In the case of multiple inflatable tubes 67, they can all be pressurized during deployment, for example, to better distribute the tensile forces.

[0110] Figure 7 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention in which an inflatable assembly 71 consists of 22 inflatable modules 72a, 72b, connected to a reservoir 76, and whose surface 75 rests on the body of water 73. The inflatable assembly 71 further comprises two inflatable tubes 77 forming the lateral edges of the inflatable assembly 71. The inflatable tubes 77 are oriented along the length of the inflatable modules 72a, 72b. These inflatable tubes 77 are made of the same material as the inflatable modules 72a, 72b and are attached to them with Velcro®-type fastening systems, not shown in the figure. Each inflatable tube 77 also comprises a valve, not shown in Figure 7, either connected to the reservoir 76 or directly connected to a compressor. The diameter of the inflatable tubes 77 is approximately 20 centimeters.

[0111] The presence of the inflatable tubes 77 increases the width of the inflatable assembly 71 and allows the width of the inflatable assembly 71 to be adapted to the width of the body of water to be covered when adding inflatable modules 72a, 72b is no longer possible due to the risk of excessive width. If this is insufficient, this embodiment can be combined with that of Figure 6 by placing one or more inflatable tubes between inflatable modules 72a, 72b.

[0112] During the deployment of the inflatable assembly 71, it is possible to pressurize only the inflatable tubes 77, which will exert a tensile force leading to the entire inflatable assembly 71 being placed on the body of water. Do not put The inflatable rings 77, when pressurized, prevent the risk of them rubbing against the edges of the pool. The inflatable modules 72a and 72b can then be pressurized.

[0113] Figure 8 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the inflatable assembly of Figure 6 in which the inflatable assembly 81 comprises an inflatable tube 87 oriented along the length of the 22 inflatable modules 82a, 82b connected to a reservoir 86 and whose surface 85 of the inflatable assembly 81 rests on the body of water 83. The inflatable assembly 81 further comprises two flaps 88 attached to the inflatable modules 82a, 82b forming the lateral edges of the inflatable assembly 81. These flaps are made of the same material as the inflatable modules 82a, 82b and are attached to them with Velcro® type fastening systems, not shown in the figure.

[0114] These 88 flaps are folded over the inflatable modules 82a, 82b during the deployment of the inflatable assembly 81 so as not to disrupt this deployment by causing friction on the edges of the pool then after the complete inflation of the inflatable assembly 81, the 88 flaps are unfolded to come and rest on the coping stones surrounding the body of water.

[0115] These flaps allow, when the inflatable assembly 81 is not exactly the size of the body of water, to complete the coverage of this body of water to prevent heat loss.

[0116] To ensure that the splash guards cannot be folded over, for example by the wind, weights can be placed at intervals along the length of the pool. These weights are positioned to hold the splash guards in place on the coping stones.

[0117] These mud flaps are shown in the case of the variant in Figure 6 but can also be associated with any embodiment according to the invention, in particular with that of Figure 7, or with the case of an inflatable assembly which does not include any inflatable tube.

[0118] Figure 9 schematically illustrates a water ballast 96 fixed to the surface 95 which comes into contact with the water surface 93 of an inflatable assembly 91 according to the invention. The water ballast is made of the same material as the inflatable modules and is attached to them by four fixing tabs 97 which are themselves connected to the surface 95 by Velcro® type fastening systems, not shown in the figure. The 96 water ballast has a conical shape with a square cross-section and offers a volume of 36 dm³ 3It thus exerts a restraining force on the inflatable assembly 91 equivalent to a 36 kg body. Depending on the size of the inflatable assembly according to the invention, several water weights described above are to be positioned to exert sufficient restraining force, counteract the wind, and keep the inflated assembly afloat. The water weight 96 also has holes 98 to facilitate water drainage during the folding or rolling of the inflatable assembly 91.

[0119] Handling tests were carried out with an inflatable assembly as shown in Figure 6. Each module is 6 meters long when deflated and approximately 5.7 meters long when inflated, 70 centimeters wide, and 20 centimeters high. The inflatable ring is 11.5 meters long and 30 centimeters in diameter. The manifold, pneumatically connected to some of the inflatable modules, has a diameter of 50 centimeters. The inflatable modules, manifold, and ring are pre-assembled pneumatically and mechanically using Velcro® fasteners. The inflatable assembly is folded and placed on a mobile trolley with two rollers between which the inflatable assembly can pass. The trolley is moved to one end of an outdoor swimming pool measuring approximately 96 m². 2The inflatable tube, 12 meters long and 8 meters wide, has its edges above the water level on all four sides. It is connected to a compressor that supplies it with air. The initial inflation causes the tube to expand, exerting a pulling force on the two rollers between which the entire inflatable assembly passes, unfurling across the water. Once the inflatable is fully deployed on the pool, the compressor is then supplied with air to inflate all the inflatable modules. The modules are inflated to a pressure between 200 and 250 millibars. The tube's pressure is then increased to a value between 200 and 250 millibars so that the inflatable mattresses pressurize against the pool's edges.

[0120] The setup time for two people was approximately 30 minutes. Folding the entire unit, which requires deflation and then folding, takes 45 minutes.

[0121] The inflatable assembly tested with an inflatable ring confirmed the feasibility of friction-free installation on the pool's edges. Furthermore, in this particular setup, it was possible to position the mattresses resting on the pool's edges during the test. This installation demonstrated that water ballast was unnecessary in such a configuration, as the inflatable assembly according to the invention offered no wind resistance.

Claims

DEMANDS 1 - Inflatable assembly (1) forming a cover for a body of water (3) in the inflated state, characterized in that it comprises at least two inflatable modules (2a, 2b, 22) forming mattresses comprising two substantially parallel external surfaces (4, 5), one of which is intended to come into contact with the water, said external surfaces (4, 5) being formed by films of flexible material connected to each other at their edges by at least one film of flexible material to form a watertight mattress, said at least two inflatable modules having a length, a width and a thickness, in that a part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is present on at least one external surface of one of said at least two inflatable modules (2a, 2b, 22), in that a second part of said connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is present on at least one external surface of the other of said at least two inflatable modules (2a, 2b,22) and in that at least one wall (25) oriented perpendicularly to the two internal surfaces of at least one of said two inflatable modules (2a, 2b, 22) is fixed to said two internal surfaces along its entire length, in the direction of the width of said at least one of said two inflatable modules. 2 - Inflatable assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is of the velcro® type. 3 - Inflatable assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least two inflatable modules (2a, 2b, 22) are pneumatically linked. 4 - Inflatable assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the length of a module (2a, 2b, 22) is between 2 m and 7 m. 5 - Inflatable assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the width of a module (2a, 2b, 22) is between 0.5 m and 1.2 m. 6 - Inflatable assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the height of a module (2a, 2b, 22) is between 5 cm and 25 cm. 7 - Inflatable assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said at least one wall (25) oriented perpendicularly to the two internal surfaces of at least one of said two inflatable modules fixed to said two internal surfaces over the entire width comprises an opening (26). 8 - Inflatable assembly (61, 71) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one inflatable tube (67, 77), in that said at least one inflatable tube (67, 77) extends over the length of the cover and in that said at least one inflatable tube comprises at least one part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts. 9 - Inflatable assembly (61, 71) according to claim 8, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (67, 77) has a diameter substantially equivalent to the height of an inflatable module. 10 - Inflatable assembly (61, 71) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (67, 77) is pneumatically connected to at least one inflatable module (62a, 62b, 72a, 72b). 11 - Inflatable assembly (61) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (67) is inserted between said at least two inflatable modules (62a, 62b). 12 - Inflatable assembly (71) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (77) is associated with at least one inflatable module (72a, 72b) to form at least one lateral edge of the cover. 13 - Inflatable assembly (81) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the inflatable modules (82a, 82b) intended to form a lateral edge of said inflatable assembly comprises on the axially external part of the external surface (84) which is not intended to come into contact with the water (83) at least one flap (88) linked to said surface (84) which is not intended to come into contact with the water. 14 - Inflatable assembly (81) according to claim 13, characterized in that said at least one flap (88) has a length at least equal to that of said inflatable module (82a, 82b). 15 - Inflatable assembly (91) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one inflatable module comprises at least one water ballast (96) intended to be immersed in water (93).

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