CA2977084C - Modular shuttering block - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular shuttering block (1) defining a through-housing that connects a first face (A) of the modular block (1) and a second face (B), opposite the first face, for the reception of a filling material; the modular block (1) being provided with means (2) for assembling with at least one other block. According to the invention, the modular block (1) is in the form of a right prism with isosceles triangular bases formed by the first and second faces (A, B). The invention also relates to an assembly formed by a plurality of such modular blocks and finds application notably for the production of swimming pool steps.

Description

MODULAR BLOCK FOR BANCHER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of the elements of prefabricated buildings, in particular for the production works such as swimming pools or swimming pool elements.
More particularly, the invention relates to a block modular shuttering and finds its application in particular in the construction of corner stair steps for swimming pools.
TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typically, such stairs either consist of in a one-piece construction attached and fixed to a wall or in the angle formed by two walls of the pool, or in one masonry structure, made like the construction of a wall, by stacking of bricks, or by pouring concrete into a formwork.
One-piece stairs are very expensive because they require large molds, they are also very bulky both in terms of storage and their transportation. In addition, the number of models offered is limited, so that they do not allow achievements original.
The masonry stairs allow more originality, within the limits, however, of the structures used and the installer capabilities. They also present disadvantages, in particular of a long implementation, more particularly when made of poured concrete, especially to install the formwork. formwork means classic wood must be removed after construction.
Another formwork technique also classically used in the construction of swimming pools, and in particular the construction of swimming pool stairs, consists of

2 use shuttering blocks that remain in the construction after the concrete has been poured inside these and solidified therein. Forming blocks currently used are rectangular or cubic in shape and require cutting and adjustment work in the particular case corner staircase. These cutting and adjustment works can be difficult, time-consuming and therefore expensive. Moreover, the exact dimensions of a corner staircase may vary according to the adjustments made to compensate for the inaccuracy of the cutouts. It is therefore necessary to also adapt the exact dimensions of the flexible sealing envelope (liner ) with each construction, which is also expensive and generates longer delivery times. Moreover, the imprecision of cutouts and/or measurements may be the cause of defects during the installation of the liner, which may in particular generate sealing problems at the time of commissioning pool operation.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to simplify and make the construction of corner stairs more reliable, especially for a pool basin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a modular shuttering block defining a through housing connecting a first face of the modular block and a second face opposite the first, to receiving a filler material; the modular block being provided with assembly means to at least one other block.
According to the invention, the modular block has the shape of a right prism of isosceles triangular bases formed by the first and second sides.

3 The modular shuttering block according to the invention has therefore a form particularly suitable for the construction of a corner staircase, in particular for a swimming pool, this one avoiding all cutting and adjustment work.
According to advantageous characteristics of the invention, taken alone or in combination:
- the through housing is defined by at least three walls forming the rectangular side faces of the prism right, two of these walls having the same dimensions;
- the through-housing comprises a plurality of ribs delimiting at least one through compartment;
These advantageous characteristics allow on the one hand ensure good rigidity and improve the mechanical strength of the modular block during filling with shuttering material.
- the two walls having the same dimensions are orthogonal;
Thus, the modular block is particularly suitable for the construction of right-angled stairs, which are the most currents, the right angle at the top of the bases triangular of the right prism allowing to optimize the number modular blocks to be assembled to form future stair steps.
According to other advantageous characteristics of the invention, taken alone or in combination:
- the assembly means are formed on each of the 2 side walls of the same size;

4 - the assembly means comprise at least one member male-type and a female-type member configured to cooperate with the male and female organs of another block;
- the male type organ is formed by a section tenon trapezoid extending from the first side to the second side and the female type member is formed by a shaped groove complementary, allowing assembly by sliding with a other block;
- the tenon has different widths at the level of the first and the second face, so as to block the sliding of said tenon in a groove of complementary shape from another block during assembly;
- the groove has different widths at the level of the first and the second face, so as to block the sliding of a stud of complementary shape from another block in said groove during assembly;
- the groove has a stop at its furthest end narrow able to block a tenon of another block in a assembly defined position;
- the tenon has a notch at its furthest end narrow able to cooperate with the abutment of the groove of another block, to lock the tenon in a defined position assembly;
These beneficial features simplify the interlocking assembly of the modular blocks and ensure alignment of all modular blocks in the planes of the first and second faces during assembly.
According to other advantageous characteristics of the invention:
- the walls, the ribs and the means of assembly are made of plastic;

- the assembly means are integrated into the walls sides of the same size;
The invention also relates to an assembly consisting

5 of a plurality of modular shuttering blocks, the blocks modules being juxtaposed in rows.
This assembly may further comprise a plurality rows of modular blocks superimposed on each other others.
According to an advantageous characteristic, the assembly comprising a plurality of modular shuttering blocks stacked may also include a rail slid into a opening formed by the alignment of through compartments modular blocks. The dimension of the rail is adjusted to the dimension of the compartments, so that the rail allows ensure the vertical alignment of stacked modular blocks and more particularly rows of stacked modular blocks.
The invention finally relates to a swimming pool staircase comprising such an assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description and examination of the figures which accompany him. These figures are given only as illustrative but in no way limiting of the invention.
- Figures 1 and 2a show views in perspective of the modular block to be shuttered according to a mode of implementation work of the invention;
- Figure 2b shows a plan view of a face triangular of the modular block to be shuttered according to a setting mode implementation of the invention;

6 - Figure 3 shows a plan view of a face side of the modular block to be shuttered according to a setting mode work of the invention;
- Figure 4 shows a top plan view of a assembly of a plurality of modular shuttering blocks according to an embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a assembly of a plurality of modular shuttering blocks for the construction of a swimming pool corner staircase, according to a method implementation of the invention;
- Figure 6 shows a sectional view along a plane bisector of the angle of a swimming pool of an assembly of a plurality of modular shuttering blocks for construction a swimming pool corner staircase, made up of 3 steps (M1, M2, M3);
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figures 1 to 3 represent a modular block with shuttering 1 according to the invention and forming an element of permanent formwork for the construction of works such as swimming pools and stairs, in particular corner stairs pool.
By modular block, we understand an element capable of being assembled with other identical elements, using means assembly described in more detail later.
The modular shuttering block 1 is in the form of a right prism whose faces A, B form the bases isosceles triangular.
The modular block 1 comprises a through housing, advantageously defined by at least three walls 3, 4, 5 forming the rectangular side faces (C, D, E) of the right prism,

7 which connects the first face A and the second face B and is used for the acceptance of filling material, in particular, concrete to flow. The through-housing therefore has no wall closed at the level of faces A, B which makes possible the flow of the filler material through the modular block.
Preferably, the through-housing comprises a plurality of ribs 6 delimiting size compartments sufficient to allow effective flow of the material from filling in the structure. By rib, we mean a wall internal to the through-housing, at least one end of which can rest on one of the three walls 3, 4, 5 of the housing crossing.
As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, but as example only, the ribs 6 delimit 9 compartments of different sizes inside the pass-through housing.
These ribs 6 and the walls 3, 4, 5 allow stiffen the structure of the modular block 1 and reinforce its mechanical resistance to internal pressures exerted by the material filling.
According to a variant not shown, part of one or both sides A, B may be closed by a wall, thus closing off part of the compartments of the housing crossing: this variant makes it possible to limit the number of through compartments and therefore the amount of material of filling introduced into the block for formwork.
The height h of the modular block 1 constitutes a dimension from the side wall 5.
The triangular bases of the prism being isosceles, the two side walls 3, 4, called side walls principal ones, are of identical dimensions. Both walls main side panels are arranged to form between them a

8 determined angle. This angle can be chosen to match (or be a divider of) an angle of a pool basin in which a staircase should be formed. Advantageously, and as this is shown in the figures, the two side walls main 3.4 form between them an angle of 90 degrees, this which makes it possible to limit the number of modular blocks to be assembled to form the steps of a right-angled staircase, which is the most common corner staircase.
The two main side walls 3, 4 comprise assembly means 2 for joining together several blocks modular units to form between them.
These means include male type organs 7 and female type organs 8 making it possible to establish an assembly by sliding between two modular blocks. As shown in the figures, the male-type organs 7 can be formed from tenons and the female type organs 8 of grooves whose shapes complementary elements cooperate to allow an assembly of the type dovetail.
In the particularly advantageous embodiment shown in Figure 3, the tenon has widths 1, the different at the level of the first side A and the second face B of the modular block. Similarly, the groove has different widths at the level of the first and the second side A, B of the modular block. This setup particular makes it possible to block the sliding of a tenon of a first modular block in a groove of complementary shape of a second modular block when assembling two blocks modular.
The assembly of two modular blocks is done by their respective side faces C, D; the blocks being head to tail, one having its side A facing down and the other having its face A facing upwards, the side face D of the first block

9 is assembled with face C of the second block, by sliding the hold in the grooves provided for this purpose.
Advantageously, and as illustrated in the figures 1 to 3, each main side wall 3, 4 has a shape defining a plurality of lugs and grooves, particular 2 tenons and 2 grooves, extending all along these walls. In other words, the assembly means are integrated into the main side walls 3, 4. This preferred feature simplifies the manufacture of means of assembly and promotes the cohesion of the modular blocks assembled.
In addition, a stopper 9 may be present at the end narrower by at least one groove, to block the tenon of a another block in a defined assembly position. So advantageous, each groove has at the furthest end narrow a stop allowing to adjust the position and to block the interlocking of the tenons of another block in their position assembly final.
Preferably, each pin has a notch 10 at its narrowest end capable of cooperating with the abutment 9 of the groove of another block, to lock it in a position defined assembly. Thus each groove being provided with a abutment and each tenon being provided with a notch, the interlocking of a first modular block on a second modular block will be easily adjusted and locked in its final assembly position.
Figure 4 shows an assembly formed of a first row of modular shuttering blocks. Note in this view alternating exposed faces A, B between modular blocks adjacent, induced by the method of assembly described above.

Stacking a plurality of rows or blocks shuttering modules can be made with good alignment, by positioning rows or blocks on top of each other and fitting a rail into the opening formed by the alignment 5 of a through compartment of each block. The size of the rail is adjusted to the size of the compartment of each block, so that the rail helps to ensure the vertical alignment of stacked modular blocks.

10 The assembly of a plurality of modular blocks to shuttering, juxtaposed in rows, then stacked allows the construction of different masonry elements.
According to an advantageous example of implementation, such assembly of modular blocks to shuttering can be used for the manufacture of a swimming pool corner staircase, as illustrated in Figure 5.
The manufacture of a swimming pool requires the casting of a concrete structure, in particular for the construction of the slab and of the walls thereof. The implementation according to the invention makes it possible to pour the concrete in one go, for the apron, pool walls and stairs.
The assembly of the modular blocks in rows is carried out by interlocking the blocks into each other by through the assembly means, as described previously, and without cutting.
Each row can come to rest, in its ends, on the perpendicular walls of the basin of pool. Optionally, support rails 12 can be fixed to the walls of the pool or to the ground to support the first rows; these first rows can also be supported by at least one central support rail and/or at

11 least one stud fixed to the ground. These rails and/or studs are positioned to be flush with the level of the final bottom of the swimming pool and allow you to adjust the level of the stairs, before the flow of concrete.
The side wall 5 of the modular blocks will constitute the exposed face of the riser. And the height h of the block modular will constitute the step height. For exemple, this height may be between 5cm and 50cm, preferably its dimension will be 30cm. Advantageously, when the two main side walls are orthogonal, the step depth is defined by the half-width of the wall side 5 of the modular blocks. For example, she may be between 15 and 40cm, preferably its size will be 30cm.
The first row to be positioned for the elaboration of the stair is row R1 of the M3 step that can be seen in Figure 6 showing the sectional view of the staircase right angle of Figure 5 along a bisecting plane. This one is wedged against the walls of the swimming pool 14 and optionally on the rails (12) or support studs. Row R2 of the step M3, then the row R3 of this same step are then stacked on row R1 to form this step. To ensure alignment of this stack, a rail 11 is introduced vertically in an opening formed by the alignment of the through compartments of the modular blocks. As example and as shown in Figure 2b, the rail 11 is introduced into compartment 13. The width of the rail is adjusted to the size of the compartments, so that the rail makes it possible to ensure the vertical alignment of modular blocks stacked and more particularly of rows of modular blocks stacked. The length of rail 11 is adjusted to the number of stacked rows: it must be long enough to cross

12 the stacking of modular blocks, thus ensuring its function alignment of superimposed rows.
After assembling the M3 step, i.e. the superposition of the three rows R1, R2, R3 and positioning of the alignment rail, the assembly can be held in position by fixing elements, such as screws, against the pool walls.
The assembly of steps M2 and M1 is then carried out way similar to what has just been described for walking M3.
The assembly of modular blocks as described below above and shown in Figure 5 is ready for operation subsequent shuttering. Filling material, such as concrete, is poured to make the pool floor and bring the final floor level with step Ml. The material can be cast at the modular block assembly; he flows through the through compartments to the floor, and up to filling and outcropping at the level of the steps M1, M2, M3.
After drying, we obtain a swimming pool corner staircase, not requiring cutting, cast simultaneously with the base and the walls of the swimming pool, thus forming a structure monobloc with the entire basin. Its dimensions are precise and reproducible. In addition, the one-piece character confers a great structural strength.
In the example according to figure 5, the corner staircase comprises 3 steps whose dimensions are defined by the size of modular blocks.

13 The standardization of the dimensions of a corner staircase advantageously allows the standardization of flexible envelopes sealing (liner), leading to lower costs and shorter delivery times.
The modular block and assembly by juxtaposition and/or stack according to the invention are not reduced to this single use. For example, they can also be used for the construction of straight stairs or walls with banker. To this end, a second category of modular blocks of different form and complementary to that exposed, so as to be able to define lost formwork of any shape and size without requiring or limiting modular block cutting for shuttering.

Claims (14)

1. Modular shuttering block:
- defining a through housing connecting a first face (A) of the modular block and a second face (B) opposite to the first for receiving a filling material - provided with assembly means to at least one other block, - having a right prism shape with triangular bases isosceles formed by the first and second faces (A, B);
- in which the assembly means comprise at least one male type organ and a female type organ (8) configured to cooperate with the male and female members from another block, the male type organ being formed by a trapezoidal tenon extending from the first face (A) to the second side (B) and the female-like organ being formed by a groove of complementary shape, allowing a slip fit with another block;
The modular shuttering block being characterized in that the tenon has different widths at the level of the first (A) and second (B) side, so as to block the sliding of said tenon in a shaped groove complementary to another block during assembly. 2.Modular block shuttering according to claim 1 wherein the through housing is defined by at least three walls forming rectangular side faces (C, D, E) of the prism right, two of these walls having the same dimensions. 3. Modular shuttering block according to claim 2 wherein the two walls having the same dimensions are orthogonal. 4.Modular block to shutter according to any of the claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the through-housing comprises a plurality of ribs delimiting at least one cross compartment. 5. Modular block shuttering according to one of claims 2 or 3 in which the assembly means are formed on each 2 side walls of the same size. 6. Modular block shuttering according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the groove has different widths at the level of the first and the second face, so as to block the sliding of a tenon of complementary shape to another block in said groove during assembly. 7. Modular shuttering block according to claim 6 wherein the groove has a stop at its narrower end capable of locking a tenon of another block in a position defined assembly. 8. Modular shuttering block according to claim 7 wherein the tenon has a notch at its narrower end capable of cooperating with the abutment of the groove of another block, to lock the tenon in a defined assembly position. 9. Modular block shuttering according to claims 2 and 4 in which the walls and the ribs and the joining means are made of plastic. 10. Modular shuttering block according to claim 5 in in which the assembly means are integrated into the walls sides of the same size. 11. Assembly consisting of a plurality of modular blocks to shuttering according to one of claims 1 to 10, the blocks modules being juxtaposed in rows. 12. Assembly according to claim 11, comprising a plurality of rows of modular blocks superimposed on each other on others. 13. Assembly comprising a superimposed plurality of blocks modular units according to claim 4 and comprising a rail slid into an opening formed by the alignment of the through compartments of the modular blocks. 14. Pool corner stairs comprising an assembly according to one of claims 11 to 13.