Inflatable assembly forming a cover for a body of water

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflatable assembly (1) that forms, when in the inflated state, a cover for a body of water (3), the assembly comprising at least one inflatable structure (2). According to the invention, the inflatable assembly (1) comprises at least one inflatable tube (6), the at least one inflatable tube (6) extending along the length of the cover.

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, we are familiar with the creation of inflatable structures designed to cover the surface of bodies of water such as swimming pools. These inflatable structures, thanks to the layer of air inside them, provide thermal insulation to maintain the water temperature, particularly during cooling periods when the pool is not in use. They also help limit water loss through evaporation. Furthermore, they can serve as a safety feature and help prevent accidents.

[0003] These inflatable structures 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 structures 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 structures can advantageously be wound around an axis, the winding and unwinding being triggered by rotation of The structure is 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 when deflated.

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

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

[0011] Structures thus created, when inflated, form a three-dimensional inflatable product or assembly 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] For the purposes of this invention, the height or thickness of an inflatable assembly forming a cover for a body of water when inflated is measured along a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the length and width directions of the inflatable assembly. The height or thickness of such an assembly is the distance measured between two parallel planes parallel to each other and to the plane formed by the length and width directions of the inflatable assembly, said two planes being tangent to the outermost points of the outer surfaces 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 FR 2822488 Al describes a swimming pool cover in the shape of a cushion made of sheets or films welded together around their perimeter.

[0017] 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.

[0018] This document describes yet another method for deploying the inflatable assembly. Pressurizing the inflatable assemblies is used for this deployment. In fact, the progressive inflation of the inflatable assembly from one end helps to move it across the body of water, for example, by deploying it between two free-rotating rollers positioned according to the width of the water. The inflation of the portion in contact with the water exerts a tensile force on the rollers, which then deploys the remaining uninflated portion of the inflatable assembly.

[0019] The inventors highlighted that this method of deploying the inflatable structure on the pool could have drawbacks. Ideally, to avoid heat loss, the inflatable structure should cover the entire surface of the water. However, this deployment method can cause the inflatable structure to rub against the pool walls, leading to its rapid deterioration.

[0020] 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, a safety device for people, and insulation. limited thermal performance. They also have a significant weight which requires reinforced winding structures and are therefore limited in size.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The inventors have therefore set themselves the task of proposing a pool cover that is compact, easy to install regardless of the size of the pool, and whose installation does not risk causing damage to the cover.

[0023] This goal is achieved according to the invention by an inflatable assembly forming a cover for a body of water in the inflated state, comprising at least one inflatable structure comprising two external surfaces whose average planes are substantially parallel, 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 to form a watertight structure having a length, a width and a thickness, said inflatable assembly comprising at least one inflatable tube, said at least one inflatable tube extending over the length of the cover.

[0024] For the purposes of the invention, the average plane of an external surface of an inflatable structure is defined as the plane tangent to the outermost points of the external surfaces of the inflatable structure and parallel to the plane formed by the directions of the length and width of the inflatable structure.

[0025] Like the inflatable structures described previously, this type of cover is lightweight and easy to set up. Indeed, this type of inflatable structure is designed for quick and simple installation. The materials used result in a relatively low weight, and setup is primarily accomplished by inflation using a compressor connected to the inflatable unit via at least one valve. Installation can easily be carried out by one or two people.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Preferably according to the invention, the flexible material films forming an inflatable structure are joined together by heat sealing as explained previously.

[0028] According to a first variant embodiment, the external surfaces of said at least one inflatable structure are formed by films of flexible material connected to each other on their edges to form a cushion.

[0029] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the external surfaces of said at least one inflatable structure are formed by films of flexible material connected to each other on their edges by at least one film of flexible material to form a mattress.

[0030] According to one embodiment, according to this second variant of the invention, said at least one film of flexible material, which connects the two surfaces to form the sides of the inflatable mattress, 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.

[0031] According to another embodiment, according to this second variant of the invention, said at least one film of flexible material, which connects the two surfaces by forming the sides of the mattress, is made with a single film so as to limit the number of welds and facilitate the manufacture of an inflatable mattress.

[0032] Preferably according to the invention, the flexible material films forming the surfaces of an inflatable structure and said at least one flexible material film forming the sides in the case of a mattress are polymer materials such as polyurethanes or polyvinyl chloride.

[0033] Preferably, films made of flexible materials have a thickness between 100 and 500 microns and preferably between 150 and 350 microns.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 inflatable structure and is a polymer material such as polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.

[0036] Preferably, said film constituting said at least one roll has a thickness between 100 and 500 microns and preferably between 150 and 350 microns.

[0037] 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. The inflatable structure can thus be made with a width less than that of the body of water to be covered.

[0038] The inventors have thus been able to present an inflatable set that serves as a pool cover which can be quickly installed by one or two people and which can be easily placed on a body of water without risk of being damaged.

[0039] Indeed, the inflatable structure thus created can be deployed in two stages. The first stage involves pressurizing the structure, for example, using the technique described previously and in document WO 2022 / 264052. In this technique, the progressive inflation of the structure exerts a tensile force that allows the inflatable to spread across the water. In the second stage, the inflatable tube is pressurized to achieve complete coverage of the water. During the inflation phase, since the structure does not cover the entire width of the water, it does not rub against the edges of the pool and is not at risk of damage due to friction.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one inflatable tube has a diameter substantially equivalent to the height of the inflatable structure.

[0041] In accordance with this preferred embodiment of the invention, the overall thickness of the covering is thus relatively uniform. This can provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

[0042] Advantageously according to the invention, said at least one inflatable tube is connected to said at least one inflatable structure, a part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts being present on at least one external surface of said inflatable structure and said at least one inflatable tube comprising at least one part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts.

[0043] Said at least one inflatable tube can thus be made integral with the inflatable structure 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 structure.

[0044] Advantageously according to the invention, said connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is a detachable zipper type device, each of the parts of which is fixed to the surface of a mattress and to the inflatable tube by welding, by sewing or by any other suitable means.

[0045] 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, Velcro® type fasteners or any type of quick-release buckle system.

[0046] The closing of the connecting device can be carried out by an operator during the assembly of the inflatable structure and the inflatable tube to form the inflatable assembly in a simple way.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, said at least one inflatable tube forms at least one lateral edge of the cover.

[0048] According to this embodiment of the invention, the inflatable assembly preferably comprises two inflatable tubes, each forming one edge of the inflatable assembly.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the invention, said inflatable assembly comprising at least two inflatable structures, said at least one inflatable tube is inserted between said at least two inflatable structures.

[0050] According to this alternative embodiment of the invention, the inflatable assembly comprises at least two inflatable structures, each of the structures advantageously including, on its external surface, at least along its length, a portion of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts. This portion of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts may be associated with a portion of the connecting device comprising at least two separable parts that is integral with the inflatable tube.

[0051] Said at least one inflatable tube inserted axially between two inflatable structures advantageously comprises two parts of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts to be associated with each of the two inflatable structures between which it is inserted.

[0052] According to other embodiments of the invention, the inflatable assembly comprises at least two inflatable structures, at least one inflatable tube inserted between said at least two inflatable structures, and two inflatable tubes forming the edges of the inflatable assembly.

[0053] A variation in deploying an inflatable assembly on a body of water, when the inflatable assembly includes at least one inflatable tube inserted between two inflatable structures, involves pressurizing said at least one inflatable tube inserted between two inflatable structures to cause the inflatable assembly to deploy. Said at least two inflatable structures can then be pressurized once the inflatable assembly is fully deployed on the body of water.

[0054] When the inflatable assembly comprises several inflatable structures, according to an embodiment of the invention, each of the inflatable structures is provided with a valve and can be inflated independently of the other inflatable structures.

[0055] In other embodiments, the at least two inflatable structures are pneumatically linked. Inflating one structure through a valve then inflates the at least two structures.

[0056] According to these other embodiments, when the inflatable assembly comprises several inflatable structures, the invention advantageously provides a manifold pneumatically connected to each of the interconnected structures along their width. The manifold then advantageously includes a valve through which all the structures are inflated. A manifold is, for example, an inflatable tube arranged along its width, comprising a valve for inflation and pneumatic connection systems for linking it to each of the structures to which it is attached. The manifold further advantageously includes at least one part of a connection system comprising at least two separable parts for linking it to each of the structures by connecting said at least one part to a part present on each of the structures.

[0057] Advantageously, according to the invention, in the case of mattresses, the valves or pneumatic connection devices between the inflatable elements are fixed to at least one flexible film forming a side and connecting the two substantially parallel external surfaces. According to this advantageous embodiment of the invention, the valves or pneumatic connection devices between the inflatable elements are hidden from view when the inflatable assembly is in use and pressurized. Indeed, according to this advantageous embodiment of the invention, the valves or pneumatic connection devices between two inflatable elements are concealed by the connection devices comprising at least two separable parts mechanically linking these inflatable elements. Similarly, in the case of cushions, the valves are advantageously fixed to the external surface of the cushions that come into contact with the water's surface.

[0058] An advantageous variant of the invention provides that said at least one inflatable tube is pneumatically connected to at least one inflatable structure.

[0059] When a manifold is present to supply several inflatable structures, a variant of the invention provides that said at least one inflatable tube is pneumatically connected to said manifold.

[0060] It is also possible, according to other embodiment variants, that at least one inflatable tube is provided to be connected directly to a compressor.

[0061] Other advantageous details and features of the invention will become apparent from the description of examples of embodiments of the invention with reference to figures 1 to 2 which represent: figure 1, a perspective view of a diagram of an inflatable assembly according to the invention, figure 2, a schematic representation of an inflatable assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0062] The figures are not shown to scale to simplify understanding.

[0063] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an inflatable assembly 1, shown in its inflated state, comprising an inflatable structure 2 placed on a body of water 3. The inflatable structure 1 thus presents a visible surface 4 and a surface 5 not apparent in Figure 1 which comes into contact with the water.

[0064] The structure includes a valve, not shown in the figure, for connection to a compressor.

[0065] Inflatable assembly 1 is made from sheets of woven PVC (woven polyvinyl chloride) with a thickness of approximately 500 microns.

[0066] The inflatable structure 2 consists of two sheets of woven PVC, one forming surface 4, visible when the inflatable assembly is in use, the other forming surface 5, in contact with the water when the inflatable assembly is in use.

[0067] Inflatable structure 2 has a length of 12 meters, a width of 7.5 meters and a height of approximately 20 centimeters.

[0068] The inflatable assembly 1 further comprises two inflatable tubes 6 forming its lateral edges. These inflatable tubes 6 are oriented along the length of the inflatable structure 2. They are made of the same material as the inflatable structure 2 and are attached to it with detachable zipper-type fastening systems, not shown in the figure. Each inflatable tube 6 also includes a valve, not shown in Figure 1, which can be directly connected to a compressor.

[0069] The diameter of the 6 inflatable tubes is approximately 30 centimeters. The length of the 6 inflatable tubes is the same as that of the structure and is 12 meters.

[0070] The presence of the inflatable tubes 6 allows the width of the inflatable assembly 1 to be increased to adapt it to the width of the body of water to be covered.

[0071] When deploying inflatable assembly 1, it is possible to pressurize only the inflatable tubes 6, which will exert a pulling force that will bring the entire inflatable assembly 1 onto the water. Pressurizing only the inflatable tubes 6 prevents them from rubbing against the edges of the pool. Inflatable structure 2 can then be pressurized.

[0072] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. It shows an inflatable assembly 21 consisting of two inflatable structures 22a, 22b, whose surfaces 25 rest on the body of water 23. The structures 22a, 22b are connected to a transverse inflatable tube located at one end, which acts as a reservoir 27 for inflation. Each of the inflatable structures 22a, 22b is thus pneumatically connected to the reservoir 27, which itself has a valve (not shown in Figure 2) for connection to a compressor. The mechanical connection of the structures to the reservoir 27 is achieved using detachable zipper-type fastening systems (not shown in the figure).

[0073] The inflatable assembly 21 also includes an inflatable tube 26 oriented along the length of the inflatable structures 22a, 22b. This inflatable tube 26 is made of the same material as the inflatable structures 22a, 22b and is attached to them with detachable zipper fastening systems, not shown in the figure.

[0074] The inflatable tube 26 also has a valve not shown in figure 2 either connected to the manifold 27 or can be directly associated with a compressor.

[0075] The presence of the inflatable tube 26 increases the width of the inflatable assembly 21 and allows the width of the inflatable assembly 21 to be adapted to that of the body of water 23 to be covered. It is also possible to use several inflatable tubes 26 connected together.

[0076] Other variants not shown in the figures involve combining more than two inflatable structures and inserting inflatable tubes between different inflatable structures.

[0077] The invention further provides for combining the variant embodiments described in figures 1 and 2 by placing one or more inflatable tubes between inflatable structures and two other inflatable tubes to form the edges of the inflatable assembly.

[0078] As explained previously, when deploying the inflatable structure, it is possible to pressurize only one or more of the inflatable tubes, which will exert a pulling force that will bring the entire inflatable structure onto the water. This method avoids the risk of the inflatable rubbing against the edges of the pool, as the structure(s) remain deflated during deployment. They can then be pressurized. In the case of multiple inflatable tubes, they can all be pressurized during deployment, for example, to better distribute the pulling force.

[0079] Handling tests were carried out with an inflatable assembly as shown in Figure 1. The inflatable structure and the two side tubes are pre-assembled mechanically using detachable zipper-type 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 m³. 2 , 12 meters long and 8 meters wide, with its edges above the water level on all four sides. The two inflatable tubes are connected to a compressor that supplies them Inflating begins with the air chambers expanding, which then exert a pulling force on the two rollers between which the inflatable structure passes as it unfolds onto the water. Once the inflatable is fully deployed on the pool, the structure is in turn inflated. It is then inflated to a pressure between 200 and 250 millibars. The pressure of the two chambers is then increased to a value between 200 and 250 millibars so that they press against the edges of the pool.

[0080] The setup time for two people was approximately 30 minutes. Folding the entire unit, which requires deflation and then folding, takes 45 minutes.

[0081] The inflatable assembly tested with two lateral inflatable tubes confirmed the feasibility of installation without friction against the pool edges. Furthermore, in this test setup, it was possible to position the tubes resting on the pool's edges. This installation ensures the inflatable assembly remains stable with a very limited risk of movement in windy conditions.

Claims

DEMANDS 1 - Inflatable assembly (1, 21) forming a cover for a body of water (3, 23), in the inflated state, comprising at least one inflatable structure (2, 22a, 22b) comprising two external surfaces (4, 5; 24, 25) whose average planes are substantially parallel, one being intended to come into contact with the water (3, 23), said surfaces (4, 5; 24, 25) being formed by films of flexible material connected to each other on their edges to form a watertight structure having a length, a width and a thickness, characterized in that it comprises at least one inflatable tube (6, 26) and in that said at least one inflatable tube (6, 26) extends over the length of the cover. 2 - Inflatable assembly (1, 21) according to claim 1, characterized in that said two external surfaces of said at least one inflatable structure (2) are formed by films of flexible material connected to each other on their edges to form a cushion. 3 - Inflatable assembly (1, 21) according to claim 1, characterized in that said external surfaces of said at least one inflatable structure (2) are formed by films of flexible material connected to each other on their edges by at least one film of flexible material to form a mattress. 4 - Inflatable assembly (1, 21) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (6, 26) has a diameter substantially equivalent to the height of an inflatable structure (2, 22a, 22b). 5 - Inflatable assembly (1, 21) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (6, 26) is connected to said at least one inflatable structure (2, 22a, 22b), in that a part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is present on at least one external surface (4, 5; 24, 25) of said at least one inflatable structure (2, 22a, 22b) and in that said at least one inflatable tube (6, 26) comprises at least one part of a connecting device comprising at least two separable parts. 6 - Inflatable assembly (1, 21) according to claim 5, characterized in that said connecting device comprising at least two separable parts is of the detachable zipper type. 7 - Inflatable assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (6) forms at least one lateral edge of the cover. 8 - Inflatable assembly (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, said inflatable assembly comprising at least two inflatable structures (22a, 22b), characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (26) is inserted between said at least two inflatable structures (22a, 22b). 9 - Inflatable assembly (1, 21) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one inflatable tube (6, 26) is pneumatically connected to at least one inflatable structure (2, 22a, 22b).

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