WO2005031089A2 - Folding slatted barrier for a swimming pool - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding barrier which can be used as a fence around a body of water, such as a swimming pool (1). The inventive barrier essentially consists of at least one pair of articulated panels (2, 3) comprising a fencing panel (3) which is pivot fixed to a ground panel (2) which forms a walkway around the pool (1) when the barrier is deployed. Both of the aforementioned panels (2, 3) are slatted and comprise slats (5, 6) which are separated by means of open-work (7, 8). According to the invention, the slats (5, 6) of one panel (2, 3) are disposed opposite the open-work (7, 8) of the other panel (2, 3), such that, in the folded position, the slats (5, 6) of one panel (2, 3) are housed inside the open-work (7, 8) of the other panel (2, 3), thereby forming a deck around the pool (1).

Description

 Retractable skylight barrier for swimming pools.

Technical field of the invention.

The present invention is in the field of safety devices for bodies of water, in particular swimming pools, and more particularly in the field of barriers for closing a basin. It relates to a retractable barrier, which is maneuverable between a deployed position in which the barrier closes the basin, and a folded position in which the barrier is retracted to release access to the basin.

State of the art.

For security reasons, it is necessary to fence off bodies of water, such as a swimming pool or the like, when they are not in use or when they are left unattended. These provisions aim in particular to avoid accidents by drowning, of children in particular, by prohibiting access to the pool. It is therefore common to equip water bodies with fencing barriers.

One problem is the unsightly nature of these barriers, and their size. In addition, when the pool is under surveillance, their presence is rendered useless. This is why it has been proposed such barriers which are retractable. We can for example refer to documents WO2004007873 (RAT), US5630572 (GUAY) and FR2809432 (GENTILE) which describe barriers of this kind.

The solutions usually proposed involve structural work and consequent adjustments to the surroundings of the basin to house the retracted barrier, or even if necessary its means of maneuver. In addition, such barriers remain bulky, all the more when they are equipped with motorized means for their maneuver. It will be noted that FR2809432 more particularly proposes to exploit the presence of the barrier to enhance the surroundings of the basin, by giving it an additional range function when the latter is in the at least partially retracted position. However, if this recovery makes it possible to use the barrier in the retracted position, its size remains significant and its installation on site implies significant adjustments to the surroundings of the basin.

Object of the invention.

The object of the present invention is to provide a retractable barrier for closing a body of water, such as the pool of a swimming pool, which is of a simple and space-saving structure, which preferably is motorized, and whose presence in the retracted position is exploited to enhance the surroundings of the basin.

It is more precisely proposed by the present invention such a barrier whose installation on site is easy and simple, including on an existing site, without considerably modifying the structure of the approaches to the basin, and whose size is fully exploited to enhance the basin when it is used.

The barrier of the present invention is a retractable barrier for closing a body of water, swimming pool basin or the like in particular. This barrier is more particularly operable between a deployed position in which the barrier closes the basin, and a folded position in which the barrier is retracted to release access to the basin. This barrier is of the kind mainly composed of a frame equipped with anchoring means to a frame bordering the basin and a fencing panel articulated in pivoting on the frame to be erected in the deployed position and to be folded down towards the frame in the folded position. . According to the present invention, a barrier of the aforementioned kind is recognizable in that it is mainly composed of at least a couple of panels hinged to one another. A first panel constitutes said fence panel, which is pivotally articulated on a floor panel which constitutes the framework. This floor panel rests flat on the frame to form a circulation path around the pool in the deployed position of the barrier. Both of these panels are openwork, and include slats separated by openings, the slats of one of the panels facing each other on the openings of the other panel. These arrangements are such that in the folded position of the barrier, the slats of one of the panels are housed inside the openings of the other panel to form a beach around the basin.

It appears from the provisions of the invention that the frame is simply formed of the floor panel, which is capable of being placed in superposition on an existing frame bordering the swimming pool, or of being housed inside a clearance formed during the formation of the frame, this clearance being of a depth just sufficient of the order of the thickness of the floor panel, to make it flush.

It is also clear from the provisions of the invention that in the deployed position of the barrier, the slats of the floor panel form a plane passable by the user as a circulation path around the basin, while the fence panel, erected, forms a railing. In the folded position of the barrier, the floor panel and the fence panel together form a substantially continuous plane usable as a deck.

The installation of the barrier is quick and easy, without requiring a significant modification of the surroundings of the basin, including on an existing frame. It will be noted that the means for anchoring the frame to the frame are likely to be advantageously limited to means of the bolting type or the like from the floor panel to the frame. According to an advantageous embodiment, the floor panel is formed of a box made up of braced profiles carrying the slats, this box forming a support sole of the fence panel on which the latter is articulated. Such an articulation is in particular produced by means of bearings respectively engaged on a profile of the floor panel and on the slats of the fence panel.

The barrier preferably comprises at least one retractable stand whose ends are respectively articulated on one and the other of the panels. If necessary, the box of the floor panel advantageously houses the stand in the folded position of the barrier.

Preferably, the barrier is equipped with locking means at least in the deployed position, if not also in the folded position. These locking means are for example constituted by strikes arranged at the ends of the barrier.

It will be understood that the barrier as a whole is likely to be composed of a plurality of panels abutted and secured to each other successively by assembly members, such as by keying, by pinning or similar mechanism, latch for example.

According to a first alternative embodiment, the barrier can be maneuvered manually for its passage between its folded and deployed positions. However, another alternative embodiment is preferred, according to which the barrier can be maneuvered by motor means for its passage between its folded and deployed positions.

The drive means are more particularly constituted by at least one jack in articulated engagement at its ends respectively on the floor panel and on the fence panel. This cylinder is in particular actuable by a hydraulic group whose implementation is placed under the dependence of control means. It will be noted that this hydraulic unit is capable of being housed inside a box which borders the barrier, this box being a decorative box or a box with a seating function.

The stand is advantageously constituted by the jack, which is in particular placed in the middle zone of the panel. It will be understood that when several panels are abutted and assembled together, at least any one of these panels is capable of being equipped with the jack for the overall operation of the panels.

According to a preferred embodiment, the panels are equipped with actuator ramps, which is for example articulated by its bottom end to the floor panel and by its head end to the fence panel, or vice versa. The jack is preferably oriented horizontally in the retracted position corresponding to the folded position of the barrier, in order to limit its bulk and in particular allow it to be housed inside the box forming the floor panel, without however significantly increasing the thickness. of the box. The barrier is advantageously equipped with a first inclined ramp, which is formed on the floor panel. This first ramp is intended to cause the straightening of the jack, until it comes into abutment at the bottom of a second ramp that the fence panel comprises. It appears from these provisions that a deployment of the jack causes it to straighten and take hold against the fence panel, for lifting the latter towards the deployed position of the barrier.

The control means include in particular switches actuatable by the user for the implementation of the hydraulic unit. These switches are preferably of the remote control type. The control means further comprise limit switches for the fence panel. These end-of-travel sensors may be end-of-travel sensors for the actuator. It is however preferred an embodiment according to which the limit switches comprise transmitting and receiving sensors of a signal, for example a light signal, an ultrasonic signal or the like, to interrupt the implementation of the group. hydraulic in case of signal crossing.

It should be noted that this interruption is likely to occur both at the end of the travel of the fence panel in the deployed position of the barrier and in the event of the signal being crossed unexpectedly. It will be understood in this that said sensors advantageously constitute safety sensors to interrupt the implementation of the actuator in the event of unexpected signal crossing. It will also be noted that an audible alarm is preferably implemented in the event of an unexpected break in the signal to indicate the unexpected crossing of this signal, by a child for example.

The actuator is preferably a double-acting actuator, in particular fitted with non-return valves or the like, to maintain the barrier in any position from an interruption in the actuation of the actuator. In addition, the actuator control means preferably comprise dynamometric means for interrupting the actuation of the actuator in the event of the presence of an obstacle placed in the path of the fence panel during its actuation. These provisions aim to interrupt the operation of the barrier in an emergency, both when the user orders the stop of this operation and when the fence panel encounters an unforeseen obstacle during its movement.

In the case in particular where the operation of the barrier is motorized, the locking means are constituted by motorized strikes, with electromagnetic operation in particular or the like, the implementation of which is carried out concomitantly with the implementation of the jack from user-operated switches. It will be noted that it is advantageously exploited the difference in response time between the electromagnetic operation of the strikes and the implementation of the hydraulic unit to allow, from a simultaneous command, the release of the panel and the operation of the jack.

Description of the figures.

The present invention will be better understood, and details will be apparent from the description which will be made of examples of embodiment in relation to the figures of the appended plates, in which:

Fig.1 and Fig.2 are schematic perspective views of a retractable barrier for basin of the present invention, respectively in the folded position and in the deployed position.

Fig.3 and Fig.4 are diagrams illustrating in profile a barrier shown in the previous figures, respectively in the folded position and in the deployed position and according to respective configurations of installation on site in which the barrier is liftable side basin.

The fιg.5 and fig.6 are diagrams illustrating in profile a barrier shown in the preceding figures, respectively in the folded position and in the deployed position and according to respective configurations of implantation on site in which the barrier is liftable on the frame side. Fig.7 is a diagram illustrating in profile and in the deployed position a barrier according to a first embodiment of the invention, with manual operation. Fig.8 is a diagram illustrating in profile and in the deployed position a barrier according to a second embodiment of the invention, with motorized operation. Fig.9 to Fig.12 are diagrams successively illustrating the operation of a barrier according to the alternative embodiment shown in fιg.6, from its folded position to its deployed position.

In fig.1 and fig.2, a barrier intended to close a pool 1, visible in fig.3 and fig.4, is mainly composed of at least two panels 2 and 3 hinged to each other . It will be understood that to close the whole of the periphery of the basin, several panels can be abutted, being successively assembled to each other, by keying in particular, or be oriented dihedral to form an angle, as illustrated in the figures.

A floor panel 2 is intended to rest on a frame 4 bordering the basin 1, to which frame 4 the floor panel is anchored, in particular by bolting. A fence panel 3 is articulated on the floor panel 2 between a folded position of the barrier, shown in fιg.1, and a deployed position of the barrier, shown in fig.2. These panels 2 and 3, with skeleton, are formed of slats 5 and 6 separated by openings 7 and 8, and are arranged relative to each other so that in the folded position of the barrier, the slats 5.6 of a panel 1.2 are housed in the openings 7.8 of the other panel 1.2. It appears in fig.1 that the folded barrier forms a substantially solid surface area formed jointly by the adjacent slats 5,6 of the floor panel and the fence panel. In fig. 2, the fence panel forms a body guard in the deployed position of the barrier, while the floor panel constitutes a circulation path for users.

In fig.3 and fig.6, the floor panel 2 mainly consists of a box 9 which is formed from sections assembled together and which supports the slats 6. In fig.3 and fig.5, this box 9 rests on the surface of the frame 4, while in fig.4 and fig.6, the box 9 is housed inside a clearance in the frame 4, so as to be flush with the ground. Incidentally in fig.3 and fig.4, a plinth 10 is arranged at the rear of the box 9.

In fig.3 and fig.4, the barrier is installed on site so as to raise the fence panel 3 on the basin side, while the circulation path formed by the floor panel 2 is arranged on the frame side. In fig.5 and fig.6, the barrier is installed on site so as to raise the fence panel 3 on the frame side, while the circulation path formed by the floor panel 2 is arranged on the basin side. The arrangements for installing the barrier described in fig.5 and fig.6 make it possible to organize the barrier generally surrounding the basin by providing corners of comfort. These barrier angles are for example arranged in a box forming benches oriented towards the basin, which are at the rear bordered by a fixed transparent wall. It will be noted at this stage of the description that these boxes are in particular intended to constitute in addition a cupboard for storing a hydraulic or pneumatic group intended to actuate actuators for operating the barrier as will be described below.

In fig.4, fig.6 to fig.8, the barrier is equipped with a stand 11 hinged at its ends on both of the panels 2 and 3. In fig.7, the stand is consisting of an arm whose end engaged on the floor panel 2 is slidably mounted along a slide 12 or the like, which is provided in the box 9, to allow retraction in the folded position of the barrier. The fence panel 3 is articulated on a profile 13 of the floor panel, in particular by means of bearings.

In fig.8, the stand 11 consists of a jack for the motorized operation of the barrier. In Fig. 9, the jack 11 is housed inside the box 9, being oriented horizontally. The floor panel 2 is equipped with a first ramp 14, inclined relative to the ground, on which the head 15 of the jack 11 rests. On the fιg.10, a rod exit maneuver causes the head 15 to slide from the cylinder along the inclined ramp 14, and the straightening of the cylinder body 11. In fig.11, the head 15 of the cylinder 11 is in abutment at the bottom of a second ramp 16 that includes the fence panel 3, so that at the end of stroke of the jack 11, the fence panel 2 is in the upright position, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

Claims

claims 1.- Retractable barrier for closing a body of water, in particular a swimming pool (1), this barrier being maneuverable between a deployed position in which the barrier closes the basin (1), and a folded position in which the barrier is retracted to free access to the basin (1), this barrier being mainly composed of a frame equipped with anchoring means to a frame (4) bordering the basin (1) and a fence panel (3) articulated in pivoting on the frame to be erected in the deployed position and to be folded down towards the frame (4) in the folded position, characterized in that it is mainly composed of at least a couple of panels (2,3) articulated one to the other, including said fence panel (3) pivotally articulated on a floor panel (2) which constitutes the framework and which lies flat on the frame (4) to form a circulation path around the basin ( 1) in the deployed position of the barrier, both of these panels (2,3) being openwork comprising slats (5,6) separated by openings (7,8), the slats (5,6) of one of the panels (2,3) being look at the openings (7,8) of the other panel (2,3) so that in the folded position of the barrier, the slats (5,6) of one of the panels (2,3) are housed inside the openings (7,8) of the other panel (2,3) to form a range around the basin (1). 2.- retractable barrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the floor panel (2) is formed by a box (9) consisting of braced profiles carrying the slats (6), this box (9) forming a sole of support of the fence panel (3) on which the latter is articulated. 3.- retractable barrier according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one crutch (11) retractable whose ends are respectively articulated on one and the other of the panels (2,3), the box ( 9) of the floor panel (2) housing the stand (11) in the folded position of the barrier. 4.- retractable barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with locking means at least in the deployed position, if not also in the folded position. 5.- retractable barrier according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking means are constituted by strikes disposed at the ends of the barrier. 6.- retractable barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is composed of a plurality of panels (2,3) abutted and secured to each other successively by assembly members. 7.- retractable barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the barrier is manually operable for its passage between its folded and deployed positions. 8.- retractable barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the barrier is operable by motor means for its passage between its folded and deployed positions. 9. A retractable barrier according to claim 8, characterized in that the motor means consist of at least one jack (11) in articulated engagement at its ends respectively on the floor panel (2) and on the fence panel (3 ), this jack (11) being actuable by a hydraulic group whose implementation is placed under the dependence of control means. 10.- retractable barrier according to claims 3 and 9, characterized in that the stand is constituted by the jack (11). 1 - Retractable barrier according to any one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the panels (2,3) are equipped with ramps (14,16) for guiding the jack (11). 12.- retractable barrier according to claim 11, characterized in that the jack (11) being oriented horizontally in the retracted position corresponding to the folded position of the barrier, a first inclined ramp (14) is provided on the floor panel (2 ) to cause the straightening of the jack (11) until it comes into abutment at the bottom of a second ramp (16) which comprises the closing panel (3), so that a deployment of the jack (11) causes its straightening and its support against the fence panel (3) for its lifting to the deployed position of the barrier. 13.- retractable barrier according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the control means comprise switches actuable by the user for the implementation of the hydraulic unit, and limit switches of the panel Closing. 14. A retractable barrier according to claim 13, characterized in that the limit switches include sensors for transmitting and receiving a signal to interrupt the operation of the hydraulic unit in the event of signal crossing. 15.- retractable barrier according to claim 14, characterized in that said sensors constitute safety sensors to interrupt the implementation of the jack (11) in the event of unexpected signal crossing. 16.- retractable barrier according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the cylinder (11) is a double-acting cylinder to maintain the barrier in any position from an interruption in the operation of the cylinder ( 11). 17.- retractable barrier according to claims 4 and 13, characterized in that the locking means consist of motorized strikes, the implementation of which is carried out concomitantly with the implementation of the jack (11) from the actuable switches by the user. 18.- retractable barrier according to any one of claims 9 to 17, characterized in that the actuating means of the jack (11) comprise dynamometric means for interrupting the operation of the jack (11) in the event of the presence of an obstacle placed on the path of the fence panel (3) during its operation. 19.- retractable barrier according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the means for anchoring the frame to the frame (4) are of the type by bolting the floor panel (2) to the frame (4 ).