FR2872676A1 - Pool e.g. swimming pool, covering device, has pole unit disposed between upper convex shape flexible cover forming unit and lower concave shape flexible cover forming unit, and stressing unit to stress circumference of cover forming units - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has an upper convex shape flexible cover forming unit (1), a lower concave shape flexible cover forming unit (2), and a pole unit (3) disposed between the upper and lower cover forming units. The units (1, 2) are connected to each other on a part of their circumference. The pole unit exerts a stress between the units (1, 2). A stressing unit (20) stresses the circumference of the cover forming units. An independent claim is also included for an installation constituted of a pool and a pool covering device.

Description

Basin covering device, tarpaulin system including such

  device and corresponding installations.

  The invention relates to the field of designing and producing tarpaulin devices for covering a pond.

  Such basins may in particular be constituted by basins collecting effluents such as, for example and not exclusively, manure pits or sewage treatment basins. However, the present invention may find its application for other types of basins (pools, wells, tanks, etc.) since they must be equipped with a cover device covering them.

  Note that the present invention relates to any type of basin shapes, they can be indifferently circular, square or rectangular in particular. However, the invention is particularly applicable to the equipment basins of substantially circular shape, that is to say of circular, oval or elliptical forms in particular.

  The main purpose of such tarpaulins covering the basins is to isolate the contents thereof.

  In the case of tanks containing effluents, the main purpose of such devices is thus, in particular, to limit the dissemination of unpleasant odors emanating from their contents in order to eliminate or at least limit the resulting nuisance.

  A parallel objective of these devices is also to limit access to the interior of these basins to secure them.

  Tarpaulins of such devices are generally made of a sealed flexible plastic material. It can be essentially conical or essentially planar.

  Such tarpaulins must be stretched to prevent the accumulation of rainwater in areas of their surface, an accumulation that could affect their integrity. When they have a conical shape, this rainwater is evacuated towards their periphery. When they are flat, the evacuation of rainwater is generally organized through an orifice connected to an evacuation pipe.

  Whatever their shape, these sheets cooperate generally, directly or via a skirt, with the side walls of the basin so that a certain seal is provided between the outside and the contents thereof, in particular to avoid nuisances related to the nature of this content.

  Various tarpaulin devices intended to cover basins are known from the prior art.

  According to a first approach, such devices consist of a substantially conical cover mounted on a support structure having a central mast bearing on the bottom of the basin.

  An example of such a device is described in particular in the French patent application FR2701348 which discloses a manure pit cover with a central mast resting on the bottom of the pit, this mast supporting a tarpaulin fixed on the edges of the basin.

  In order to ensure the seal between the side walls of the basin and the sheet, the device according to FR2701348 is provided with an inner flap disposed at the junction between the sheet and the upper part of the peripheral wall constituting the side wall of the basin . Tensioning means of the tarpaulin mounted on the outer wall of the basin are also provided.

  A disadvantage aroused by the tarpaulin device of the type described in the patent application FR2701348 lies in the fact that members of the framework are in contact with the effluent contained in the basin. However, this liquid may have physical or chemical characteristics likely to alter the integrity of these structural elements of the framework and therefore more or less long term deterioration thereof.

  To solve this drawback, it has been proposed according to a second approach, to secure the structure supporting the tarpaulin not at the bottom of the basin but outside of it. Thus, this structure is no longer in contact with the liquid present in the basin and can thus have a longer life.

  The patent application FR2702330 discloses a slurry tank cover system including a substantially conical cover connected to the peripheral walls of the basin and whose apex is supported by a structure including feet distributed around the basin. The system also includes a cable connected to the end of the apex of the sheet to stretch more or less it through a winder.

  This type of pond cover system has the disadvantage of not allowing a high stability of the tarpaulin, especially in strong winds, and therefore to involve relatively high risks of deterioration thereof. This system is also relatively complex, and therefore expensive to build and install.

  According to a third approach, it has also been proposed in the state of the art of tank cover devices having a substantially flat cover. This type of sheet is generally equipped with a system for the evacuation of rainwater collected by the sheet, which system generally comprises a central orifice connected to means for evacuation to the outside of the collected water. Such a covering system is described in particular in the French patent application FR2752142. The technique described in this document implements a tensioning of the sheet with a bungee cord and a halyard sliding in eyelets provided on the periphery of the sheet.

  Such flat sheets have the disadvantage of involving a central evacuation of rainwater which complicates their manufacture and installation.

  In addition, they must be regularly tightened to prevent the accumulation of rainwater on their surface.

  In this regard, it should be noted that the tarpaulin systems of the state of the art do not allow an effective tension of the tarpaulin. In addition, the rules of the metallo-textile art specify that a canvas or tarpaulin must be periodically stretched. However, the sheet tensioning means of known prior art systems are generally complex to implement and require the intervention of specialized personnel.

  Furthermore, it will be noted finally that the framework elements of the systems of the prior art often have significant dimensions. The corresponding logistics of transport and assembly of these systems is complicated.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a tarpaulin device intended to equip any type of basin having an increased stability compared to devices of the state of the art.

  In particular, an objective of the present invention is to propose such a device that is particularly suitable for the equipment of circular or essentially circular basins (ovals, ellipses, etc.). Another object of the invention is to propose such a device. may be easier to transport and mount than the systems of the prior art.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a tarpaulin system comprising such a tarpaulin device and tensioning means adapted to this device.

  In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide such a system that allows to distribute substantially uniformly the tension forces exerted by the tensioning means of the tarpaulin.

  An object of the present invention is also to describe such a system which is easy to implement and which does not require the compulsory intervention of specialized personnel, in particular to re-extend the covering device when necessary. , as well as others which will appear later, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a basin covering device characterized in that it comprises means forming an upper flexible tarpaulin and means forming a lower flexible tarpaulin and at least an inner mat member disposed between said sheet means, said sheet means being bonded to each other at least a portion of their periphery.

  The structure proposed by the present invention therefore does not include any element intended to be in contact with the liquid contained in the basin. It thus avoids the problems mentioned above.

  This structure including means forming upper and lower sheets bound on their periphery and separated by an inner mat has great stability. Said mat element is intended to separate the means forming the upper sheet means lower tarpaulin and thus contribute to putting these elements in tension.

  Note that the connection between the upper sheet means and the lower sheet means may be made during the manufacture of the device or during the establishment of the covering device on the basin.

  According to a preferred variant, said upper sheet means have a substantially convex shape. Such a shape facilitates the evacuation of rainwater towards the outside of the basin.

  Also according to a preferred variant, said lower cover means have an essentially concave shape. Such a shape has a complementarity with the substantially convex shape of the upper tarpaulin element and contributes to the stability of the device.

  Although said upper sheet means may consist of a solid element, they comprise, according to a preferred variant, a substantially central opening and means for securing the mast element around said essentially central opening.

  In this case, said essentially central opening is advantageously provided on its periphery with at least one reinforcing element and said securing means preferably include at least one set of cables connected to said at least one reinforcement element on the one hand and secondly to a ring mounted on the mast. Such characteristics make it possible to stabilize the cooperation of the mat with the means forming an upper cover and also to contribute to the tension of the device.

  According to an advantageous variant, said cords form a beta angle of less than 180 and greater than 90 with the means 1 forming the upper tarpaulin.

  Preferably, this beta angle is between about 120 and about 150.

  It will be noted that the cablettes may be replaced by equivalent means (hooks, solid fabric, etc.) without departing from the scope of the invention.

  In a preferential manner, the device according to the invention has means for adjusting the position of the ring on the mat element. Such adjustment means allow to play on the tension of the upper sheet means. These adjustment means may for example include a series of holes provided in said mat and at least one pin.

  According to the invention, said lower cover means have a foot receiving member of the mat member. Such an element can accommodate the mast foot and stabilize the position adopted by it.

  Although said lower cover means may be constituted by a solid element, they preferably comprise a substantially central opening and means for securing said receiving element and or said mat element around said essentially central opening. Advantageously, this essentially central opening is provided on its periphery with at least one reinforcing element. Said fastening means preferably include at least one set of cables which, according to a variant, can be organized in meshes.

  Advantageously, it will also be noted that said tarpaulin means have manholes facing each other, preferably with a closure device for the manhole on the means forming an upper tarpaulin.

  According to a particularly interesting aspect of the invention, said upper cover means and / or said lower cover means has (s) notches on their periphery (s) delimiting portions of periphery. Preferably, at least some of the perimeter portions of tarpaulins have a ring. Such preferred characteristics are intended to cooperate with means for tensioning the periphery of the tarpaulin device, preferred means which will be described below.

  As already indicated, the invention can be adapted to many basin shapes. However, the covering means of the device according to the invention are essentially circular, and therefore designed to cooperate with essentially circular basins.

  The present invention also covers any covering system characterized in that it includes a device as described above and means for tensioning the periphery of said means forming tarpaulins.

  Preferably, these tensioning means include a plurality of means forming drums or parts of rotating drums each having a drum or drum part provided with means of cooperation with at least a part of the periphery of said cover and means for placing the drum. in rotation with said drum or said drum part.

  Advantageously, these means forming drums or parts of drums are distributed substantially uniformly all around the means 20 forming tarpaulins.

  Preferably, each drum or drum portion is provided (e) securing means tarpaulin means such that at least one longitudinal groove adapted to receive said at least a portion of the periphery of said means forming tarpaulins.

  The invention also covers any installation consisting of a basin, preferably substantially circular in shape and a device or a tarpaulin system as described above.

  The invention, as well as the various advantages that it presents, will be more easily understood thanks to the following description of an embodiment thereof given with reference to the drawings in which: FIG. diametrical section of a circular installation including a basin and a tarpaulin system according to the invention; FIG. 2 represents a view from above of the means forming an upper tarp of the tarpaulin system equipping the installation represented in FIG. 1; 3 shows a top view of the lower cover means of the tarpaulin system equipping the installation shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 to 6 show partial detailed views of elements of the device shown in Figures 1 to 3; FIG. 7 represents a sectional view of the periphery of the means forming a tarpaulin of this device; FIG. 8 represents a detailed view of the tensioning means of the means forming tarpaulins; Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a detail of Figure 1 showing a portion of the tensioning means tarpaulin means.

  Referring to Figure 1, a basin 30 having a bottom 30a and a circumference 30b is equipped with a tarpaulin device according to the present invention.The basin 30 has a circular shape.

  The tarpaulin device according to the present invention comprises means 1 flexible top sheet format, and means 2 forming lower flexible tarpaulin.

  Between these sheet forming means 1 and 2 is a metal mast member 3, supported in its foot by the means 2 forming the lower sheet and fixed in its head to the means 1 forming the upper sheet. The mast element 3 exerts a tension between the means 1 and 2 forming tarpaulins.

  The tension of the device according to the present invention is also ensured by means of tension 20 around the means forming tarpaulins, means distributed all around the basin 30 and which are described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 .

  As can be seen in FIG. 1, the means 1 forming the upper flexible sheet have a substantially convex shape (cone shape), and the means 2 forming the lower flexible sheet have an essentially concave shape (inverted cone shape). The structure of the proposed tarpaulin device therefore includes a mast element that does not rest on the bottom of the pond or on any other part of it. In this way, this mast element is not in contact with the liquid contained in the basin, the liquid whose level is shown in Figure 1 by the line 31. Thus, this mast element 3 is not likely to deteriorate. because of the contact with this liquid.

  In addition, the proposed structure is light. The device according to the invention is therefore based on the perimeter 30b of the basin and is secured to this periphery by the means 20 for tensioning the periphery of the means forming tarpaulin. This method of securing the covering device on the basin makes it possible to send low forces around the periphery thereof. The system according to the invention can, therefore, be installed on ponds of poor quality while avoiding the risk of major deterioration, risks that could lead to serious pollution in the case where the liquid in the basin is a polluting liquid (effluent for example).

  With reference to FIG. 2, the means 1 forming the top cover have a solid portion 1a and at its center a central opening 4. This solid part is made of flexible material which, in the case of the present embodiment, is Waterproof PVC.

  These means 1 also have a manhole 14 covered by a removable hatch 16 forming a closure device thereof.

  It will also be noted that these means 1 have notches 17 regularly distributed over their entire periphery, these notches 17 delimiting peripheral portions 1b intended, as will be described hereinafter in more detail, to cooperate with the tensioning means 20. around means 1 and 2 forming tarpaulins.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the means 2 forming the lower cover have a circular shape. These means 2 have a solid portion 2a made of waterproof PVC, and an opening 11 whose diameter is, in the case of this embodiment, greater than the diameter of the central opening 4 of the means 1 forming the upper cover.

  These means 2 forming a lower cover are also provided with a manhole 15 intended to face the manhole 16 means 1 forming the upper cover. The manholes 15 and 16 of the means 1 and 2 forming tarpaulins, detailed in Figure 6, are intended to allow the passage of a technician in the basin 30 for control or maintenance in particular.

  Still with reference to FIG. 3, the means 2 forming the lower tarpaulin have an element 10 intended to receive the foot of the mast 3, as can also be seen in FIG. 1. This element 10 serves in particular to maintain in a position essentially vertical mast element 3.

  The central opening 11 is provided on its periphery with reinforcing elements 12 which may consist of rods or parts of rods made of a material having a high strength. A network of cables 13, organized in mesh, connects the periphery of the opening 11 to the receiving element 10.

  Referring to Figure 4, which shows a detailed view of the installation shown in Figure 1, the central opening 4 of the means 1 forming the upper sheet is equipped on its periphery with a reinforcement 5. The device according to the invention includes a ring 7 slidably mounted on the mast and retained thereon by a pin 8 cooperating with a hole provided in this mast element 3. This ring 7 is connected by three cables 6 at the periphery 5 of the central opening 4. The means shown in FIG. 4 contribute to the stability of the device according to the present invention, in particular by participating in the tension of the means 1 and 2 forming tarpaulins.

  Note that, as shown in Figure 4, the opening 4 may be covered with a cap 32 of solid material to prevent the flow of liquid in the basin through this opening (this cap 32 is not shown on Figure 1 and Figure 2). In the present embodiment, it will be noted that the securing means (cords) 6 form a beta angle with the solid portion 1a of the means 1 forming tarpaulin. This beta angle is less than 180 and greater than 90 and depends on the position of the ring 7 on the mast element 3. Indeed, this mast element 3 can be provided with several holes provided on its axis 3a, so that to allow the adjustment of the height of the ring 7 and thus the adjustment of the tension exerted by the cords 6 on the solid part of the upper sheet means. Preferably, this beta angle is between about 120 and about 150.

  With reference to FIG. 7, the peripheries of the solid portions 1a of the means 1 forming the top sheet and 2a of the means 2 forming the bottom sheet are connected on their periphery. More specifically, the peripheral portions 1b of the means 1 are connected to the peripheral portions 2b of the means 2. These peripheral portions are each equipped with a ring 18.

  With reference to FIG. 8, these peripherally bound portions cooperate with tensioning means 20 around the cover.

  These means 20 include drum means 21 mounted on posts 20a and evenly distributed all around the basin 30.

  Each post 20a supports the ends of two drums 21 and supports means for rotating 22 of one of them, as can be seen in FIG. 9.

  The posts 20a are mounted on the periphery 30b of the basin 30 at an angle alpha.

  Advantageously, the upper edge of the perimeter 30b of the basin 30 is equipped with a protective element 33 on which the means 2 forming the lower cover rest. That makes it possible to avoid the frictional wear of these means 2 on the edge of the basin 30.

  Each drum 21 includes a longitudinal groove 23 adapted to receive a portion of perimeter means forming tarpaulins equipped with a rod 18 cooperating with said groove.

  Means for rotating the drums 21 are provided. These rotation means may allow the rotation of the drums 21 in the arrow A, so as to tension the means 1 and 2 forming tarpaulin. These rotating means 22 can also be used to inculcate the drums 21 a rotation in the opposite direction of the direction indicated by the arrow A and thus, where appropriate, to relax the means 1 and 2 forming tarpaulins.

  More precisely, with reference to FIG. 9, the tensioning means of the perimeter of the sheet are arranged in such a way that the drums 21 are provided essentially parallel (tangential) around the circumferential basin 30.

  The rotating means 22 provided on the posts 20a include a ratchet device 22a and ratchet 22b.

  Each ratchet 22b is rotatably mounted and has a slot 22c of a section (in this case square) allowing it to cooperate with the end of an axis 21a of a drum 21 to drive it. Each ratchet also has a protruding portion 22d that can cooperate with a tool 34. The pawl 22a pivotally mounted at one of its ends on the post 20a has at the other end thereof a tooth for cooperating with the ratchet 22b to hold the drum 21 in position.

  With the tool 34, it is possible to act on the portion 22d of the ratchet 22b to rotate the drum according to the arrow A. The position adopted by the drum is then maintained by the pawl 22a. It is thus possible to wind on the drums a greater or lesser width of the periphery of the means 1 and 2 forming tarpaulins and thus to stretch these means. By raising the pawl 22a to disengage it from the ratchet 22b, it is possible to turn the drums in the opposite direction to that indicated by the arrow A and thus to relax the means 1 and 2 forming tarpaulin.

  By acting successively on the various rotating means 22 of the drums 21 distributed around the entire periphery of the basin, it is thus possible to adjust the tension of the means 1 and 2 forming tarpaulins over the entire periphery thereof.

Claims (29)

  1. Basin covering device characterized in that it comprises means (1) forming upper flexible sheet and means (2) forming lower flexible sheet and at least one mast element (3) disposed between said means forming tarpaulins ( 1,2), said tarpaulin means being bonded to each other at least a portion of their periphery.   2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that said means (1) forming the upper sheet have a substantially convex shape.   3. Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that said means (2) forming the lower cover have an essentially concave shape.   4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that said means (1) forming a top cover comprise an opening (4) substantially central and means for securing the mast member (3) around said essentially central opening.   5. Device according to claim 4 characterized in that said opening (4) essentially central is provided on its periphery with at least one reinforcing element (5).   6. Device according to claims 4 and 5 characterized in that said securing means include at least one set of cables (6) connected to said at least one reinforcing element (5).   7. Tarpaulin device according to one of claims 4 to 6 characterized in that said securing means include at least one ring (7) mounted on said mast member (3).   8. Tarpaulin device according to claims 6 and 7 characterized in that said ring (7) is connected to said reinforcing member (5) by said cords (6).   9. Device according to one of claims 6 to 8 characterized in that said cords form a beta angle less than 180 and greater than 90 with the means 1 forming the upper cover.   10. Device according to claim 9 characterized in that said beta angle is between about 120 and about 150.   11. Tarpaulin device according to one of claims 8 to 10 characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the position of the ring (7) on said mast member (3).   12. Device according to claim 11 characterized in that said adjusting means include a series of holes provided in said mast member (3) and at least one pin (8). 13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that said means (2) of the lower cover has a receiving member (10) of the foot of the mast member (3).   14. Device according to one of claims 12 or 13 characterized in that said means (2) of the lower cover comprise a substantially central opening (11) and means for securing said receiving member (10) and or said mast member (3) around said essentially central opening (11).   15. Device according to claim 14 characterized in that said opening (11) essentially central is provided on its periphery with at least one reinforcing element (12).   16. Device according to claim 14 or 15 characterized in that said securing means include at least one set of cables (13).   17. Device according to claim 16 characterized in that said cords (13) are organized in meshes.   18. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 characterized in that said means (1,2) forming tarpaulins have manholes (14,15) facing each other.   19. Device according to claim 18 characterized in that said upper sheet means have a closure device (16) of the manhole (14).   20. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 19 characterized in that said means (1) forming the upper sheet and / or said means (2) forming the lower sheet has (s) notches (17,17a) on their periphery (s) delimiting portions of the periphery.   21. Device according to claim 20 characterized in that at least some of the perimeter portion of the tarpaulin has a ring (18).   22. Device according to one of claims 1 to 20 characterized in that said means forming tarpaulins (1,2) are substantially circular.   23. Tarpaulin system characterized in that it includes a device according to any one of claims 1 to 22 and means (20) of tension around the perimeter of said tarpaulin, 24. System according to claim 23 characterized in that said tensioning means include a plurality of rotating drum or drum part means each having a drum (21) or a drum part provided with means for cooperation with at least a portion of the periphery of said cover and means for rotating (22) said drum or said drum portion.   25. System according to claim 24 characterized in that said means forming drums or parts of drums are distributed substantially uniformly all around the means (1,2) forming tarpaulin.   26. System according to any one of claims 24 or 25 characterized in that each drum (21) or drum portion is provided (e) at least one longitudinal groove (23) adapted to receive said at least a portion of around said tarpaulin.   27. Installation consisting of a basin (30) and a tarpaulin device according to any one of claims 1 to 22 adapted thereto.   28. Installation consisting of a basin (30) and a tarpaulin system according to any one of claims 23 to 26.   29. Installation according to claim 27 or 28 characterized in that said basin (30) is essentially circular.