EP1200685B1 - Covering device for swimming pool and pond - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a covering device for a swimming pool or pond. Said device can be used to cover the water surface fully or partially. According to the invention, the covering device consists of a folding grille whereby at least one part of the elements shaped as longitudinal body is connected to the rest in such a way that their angular position and/or spacing can be modified by converging movements.

Description

The invention relates to a covering device for a swimming pool or a pond with which the water surface is entirely or can be spanned partially, according to the preamble of Claim 1.

Larger or embedded in the floor, on the floor parked swimming pools, garden ponds or other outdoors existing waters represent a not inconsiderable source of danger for toddlers who are often not or insufficient can swim and consequently when falling in death from drowning threatens. Fencing of such water points are often not for reasons of garden design desired and often also provide a relatively easy one to overcome Obstacle.

In the case of swimming pools with a large water filling volume, that water contamination from leaves, pine needles, dust and counteract other undesirable solids, what is achieved by covering films according to the prior art becomes. Such films are drawn up on a roll, for example, which are fixed or movable on a pool edge is and by hand, with mechanical aids, electrical or operated pneumatically. Venetian blind-like ones are also known Covers. Corresponding stiffeners of a cover face, such as rods or slats, enable guidance of these covers, which can be moved on both sides in linear guides are. Such guides as sliding or rolling guides can be trained, but must be on the pool walls or installed at the pool edge where they are common are perceived as disturbing.

However, the load-bearing capacity of films that can be used is relative low, so that it can support a child's weight or even one large pet mostly cannot withstand. So much for the slides are at a distance from the edge of the pool or only lie loosely there, also cannot avoid a child out of curiosity the film lifts or crawls under the film to the water to get. A sag of such foils due to weight or too small a distance to the water surface leads that children get under the foil even if they can swim, threaten to drown.

GB 983 720 A describes a canopy-like covering device, which in particular in connection with the loading or unloading goods and transferring them between department stores, Loading docks, piers, ships, trains or similar can be used is. The cover device consists of several U-shaped Profiles whose free leg ends are equipped with rollers are and the scissor-lattice-like scissors arranged one above the other Elements are interconnected

US 4,641,676 A describes a collapsible roof construction, which a support frame with a plurality of vertical supports. Each vertical support is on the top of a console firmly and also a sliding additional console arranged, these consoles by individual Scissor links connect the vertical supports to each other in such a way that if the distance between the vertical supports changes Carrier frame can be stretched, over which then a tarpaulin can be placed or stretched.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a covering device of the aforementioned kind that are easy to set up is easy to handle and infinitely adjustable.

This object is achieved by the covering device according to claim 1 solved. The covering device is designed as a scissor grid, in which at least part of the longitudinal body-like elements is connected to one another in such a way that their angular position and / or their distance can be changed by shear movements. In the simplest Such a covering device can be in the form of a case Scissor lattice be formed, which consists of individual, intersecting Longitudinal elements, such as bars or flat profiles, which are articulated at points of intersection.

If the scissor grid is pushed together or pulled apart, the respective change through the relevant sections of the elements used and the crossing points formed Diamonds. The open diamond surface can vary depending on the distance Crossing points and by choosing the maximum or minimum Shear angle should be chosen so that falling on the cover People cannot fall through. The individual elements of the shear lattice in terms of their stability selected so that they have the desired load-bearing capacity.

Such a covering device has the advantage that it is light be wholly or partially spanned over a surface of water can. In the simplest case, the scissor grid is at the pool edge stored. The relevant scissor grid is also infinitely adjustable, i.e., the scissor lattice can only be used as far Covering a swimming pool pulled apart as it is used to Overvoltage of the area in question is necessary. this has the advantage that the same covering device for different Pool sizes can be used. Another The advantage arises from the fact that when needed, when used existing scissor lattice, that turns out to be too short with a pelvic enlargement Add appropriate additional elements to the desired length or width can be added. If necessary, the scissor grid pushed together into a compact unit and stored elsewhere. Within the scope of the present invention however, such constructions are also possible in which the scissor lattice is releasably attached in the area of a pool edge, from where it is done by hand, by means of mechanical, electrical or hydraulic aids to cover the water surface can be pulled apart. If necessary, such Shear grids also at the pool edge corners through existing ones Hooks, clamps, extendable wicks or the like locked become. If necessary, the scissor grid can also be opened a sack-cart-like device that has two or more wheels has to be mounted so that the covering device can be moved is.

According to the invention, two are arranged parallel to each other Edge profiles connected by several rows of elements. The individual elements of a row are on their ends articulated with each other and at the end of the row with the Connected edge profiles. When changing the distance of the edge profiles the elements are pivoted against each other in one plane, being a compact in the respective repositories Unit arranged above or next to each other are vertical or in the expanded state form a connecting strut to the edge profiles mentioned, the other, parallel struts are adjacent. The grid is then parallel from the edge profiles and the mutually arranged connecting struts formed. You pull the edge profiles are not as far apart as possible, form the individual rows, which are the edge profiles connect with each other, arranged parallel to each other Zigzag lines of communication. The distance between these lines is corresponding large to choose, so that a safe interception of one falling child is possible. But even if the distance between these connecting struts should not be sufficient, A child can prevent diarrhea from these Hold the connecting struts.

According to the invention, however, a scissor lattice is selected, which in two directions perpendicular to each other can be sheared. To this end, one can first refer to the series of Use elements as connecting means for the edge profiles. In addition, these edge profiles must then still be scissors-shaped be trained so that they shorten their Longitudinal extension can be pushed together. In a preferred embodiment of the invention realized that the edge profiles from one through two rows of Sheared bodies formed at the ends connected to one another exist, in which preferably two elements each different rows at points of intersection articulated with each other are connected. In other words, the edge profiles exist from a variety of individual scissors attached to their End sides are articulated with a next pair of scissors. Each pair of scissors consists of two intersecting elements that are in the Cross point are hinged together. The advantage Such a device is that not only that Grid-forming rows of fasteners pushed together can be, but also the edge profiles themselves, so that the cover device in two mutually perpendicular Push directions together or pull apart.

Further developments of the invention are in the subclaims described.

The elements arranged at the ends are preferably several the rows connecting the edge profiles in each case at the crossing point two elements of an edge profile articulated. The crossing point in question thus takes the two crossing elements of an edge profile as well as the end of a Element as part of the grid spanning the water surface each on. The individual elements or edge profiles can also be designed in such a way that with 'a full area Pull apart Detachable locking elements snap into place make it difficult for children to push them together. To do that To cover the swimming pool again, a snap lock must be unlocked become what is usually only possible for adults is. Alternatively, there are also toggle-type connections conceivable where a spring preload under the two elements stand, ensures that only by overcoming this Spring preload a neighboring pushing together Elements is possible.

The elements mentioned and / or the connecting means connecting them (Rivets or the like) preferably consist of Plastic or metal, especially a stainless one Metal. Plastics offer the advantage of high weather resistance. Depending on the plastic chosen, this can also be done Total weight of the cover device can be kept low. A possible lifting of the open scissor lattice children is then by appropriate locking of the Counteract grid at corner points or along the long sides.

The individual elements, the shear movements in one direction enable, are preferably the same length. In a particular embodiment of the invention is the length of the elements of the edge profiles greater than the length of the elements, which connect these edge profiles together. The length in question of the individual elements can depend on the width / length ratio the water surface to be spanned (the swimming pool) be matched so that transverse elements corresponding to the shorter Width of the pool are shorter than Longitudinal elements (of the edge profiles). As part of the present Invention, it is also possible for an end element of an edge profile to be provided with a handle-like extension which is a manual pushing or pulling the cover device is facilitated.

The elements used can be as rods, tubes or flat profiles be trained.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the Grid described above, a film, preferably a thin Plastic film stored or attached to it. This Film then only serves the purpose of falling leaves or dust or to catch something like that. The film can be detached with the Lattice connectable, for example by in the mentioned intersection points provided push-button connections or fixed with individual grid points connected, but the film accordingly the area minimization achieved when the grid is pushed together must be foldable accordingly. Possibly. the foils can have eyelets that act as fasteners serve the individual elements of the cover device.

In the context of the present invention, it is also possible that to automate the covering device according to the invention, wherein at least one side of the grid by means of a pull or Sliding device opposite the opposite side distance is variable. This can be done in principle Traction means, such as a hand or motor operated winch or piston-cylinder units were also used as sliding devices become. Such pulling or pushing devices are preferred pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically operated. Such pressure-cylinder-piston devices can also be used, where, for example, for opening, i.e. Clamping, the cover device closed the compressed air system and in the opposite case are open. Alternatively, spring-loaded are Pistons can be used, the pressure relief of the Cylinder return the piston to the starting position. If necessary, pistons can be loaded on both sides are used in which the pistons are switched by compressed air from one end to the other end layer are pushed, the relevant edge profiles accordingly pushed together or pulled apart. As part of such devices, it is also possible to use the edge profiles to be equipped on the underside with rollers or sliding profiles, which run lengthways either in rails at the pool or pond edge be or so by using respective pairs of roles or Sliding profile pairs are formed that on the relevant A guide is given at the edge of the pool or pond.

Fig. 1

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Abdeckvorrichtung mit auseinandergezogenen Randprofilen,

Fig. 2 und 3

jeweils Ansichten dieser Vorrichtung in zusammengeschobener Lage.

An embodiment of the present invention is shown in the drawings. Show it

Fig. 1

1 shows a schematic perspective view of a covering device with pulled-apart edge profiles,

2 and 3

each views of this device in a collapsed position.

The covering device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 consists of two edge profiles 10 and 11 and four individual rows 12 to 15, which serve as a cross-connection of the edge profiles 10 and 11. Each of these cross connections 12 to 15 consists of several individual elements 16, two of these elements at each end from point 17 with the adjacent element 16 or at the Crossing point 18, which will be discussed later, with the edge profiles is connected. This articulated connection enables shear movements of the elements 16, which in extreme cases pulled apart to a linear route profile of each row 12 to 15 can become or a compact, in Fig. 3rd the position shown in principle can be pushed together, in which the elements 16 of each row are packed tightly or lie next to each other.

The edge profiles 10 and 11 in turn consist of one Scissor grid, which is composed of individual elements 19 and 20 is that intersect at a point 18, which in turn is designed as a hinge point. The element 19 like that Element 20 are at the end at point 21 each with a next one Pair of scissors 19, 20 connected, which in turn a crossing point 18 has. In the present embodiment are four one behind the other and each end connected scissors of the type described. If you choose the length of each of the elements 19 and 20 to be about 1.5 m, this results in a total length 1 of a maximum of 6 m. In corresponding This results in a maximum span b of maximum 3 m if each of the elements is 16 75 cm long. The Ratio of the length of the elements 16 to the length of the elements 19, 20 can in particular the width / length ratio of a swimming pool to be covered.

In the simplest case, the edge profiles 10 and 11 on the Placed along the sides of a pool edge, so that the connecting rows 12 to 15 span the pelvis. On the in Fig. 1st The device shown can be a plastic film as a tarpaulin filed and possibly on the edge profiles and / or on several Elements 16 are attached, for example by a Snap fastening or loops or the like. The cross ties 12 to 15 create a sufficiently stable grid, its individual "bars" (see 12 to 15) for a cover sheet create a stabilized beam sufficient to intercept a child's weight. Should be on a cover sheet shorter elements 16, 19 and 20 can also be dispensed with be used, which then leads to a corresponding reduction the spacing of the individual cross-connection rows 12 to 15 lead to each other.

In principle, the rows 12 to 15 described can also through a complete scissor lattice, as is the case with gates is known to be replaced. In order from that shown in Fig: 1 To get the shape shown in Fig. 2, the Edge profiles 10 and 11 compressed accordingly, what by shear of the individual elements 19 and 20 at the crossing points 18 is accomplished. This reduces the same Dimensions of the respective distance between the individual rows 12 to 15 to each other. A roughly according to the expanded position Fig. 1 spanned swimming pool can thus from the cover are exempted, the whole shown in Fig. 2 Cover device then placed on a short edge of the pool remains.

3, a further compacting of the Cover device possible in which the edge profiles. 10 and 11 to be moved towards each other. The covering device can then if necessary, be transported in the compact form.

Of course, the present invention also includes such Embodiments and modifications in which the individual Elements 16, 19 and 20 are not rod-shaped linear, but sickle-shaped curved, wavy, flat or in any other shape are trained, but in which the basic principle remains that a change in distance opposite Edge areas or both opposite side pairs is possible. To ensure a one-dimensional shift, can, for example, the edge profiles 10 and 11 itself consist of non-changeable longitudinal profiles that over the described rows 12 to 15 of hinged together Elements 16 are interconnected. In one Case the cover device could be compacted into a body, whose length by the edge profiles 10 and 11 in the folded State as determined in the open state.

In principle, modifications are also possible in which not, as shown in Fig. 1, a rectangular area, but a circular area or an oval with a correspondingly adjusted contour the covering device is covered. Accordingly, they are Change edge profiles 10 and 11 to the appropriate contour.

Claims (9)

1. A covering device for a swimming pool or pond, by means of which the surface of the water can be covered completely or partially, having two border profiles (10, 11) disposed parallel to each other and comprising, in each case, a shearing contrivance formed by two rows of elements (19, 20) interconnected at their ends, two elements (19, 20) in each of the rows being articulatedly interconnected at points of intersection (18), and the border profiles (10, 11) being interconnected by a number of rows (12 - 15) of elements (16), alteration of the distance between the border profiles (10, 11) causing said elements (16) to be swivelled relatively to each other in one plane so that a slidable lattice grate is formed which can be sheared in two directions at right-angles to each other, characterized in that the rows (12 - 15) of elements (16) and the border profiles can be independently pushed.
2. A device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the end elements of a plurality of rows (12 - 15) of elements connecting the border profiles (10, 11) to each other are articulated to a point of intersection (18) between two elements (19, 20) of said border profiles (10, 11).
3. A device as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the elements and/or the joining means connecting them are of plastics material or metal, preferably of stainless metal.
4. A device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the elements (16, 19, 20) responsible for shearing movements in one direction are of equal length, because preferably the length of the elements (19, 20) in the border profiles (10, 11) is greater than the length of the elements (16) which connect these border profiles (10, 11) to each other.
5. A device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elements (16, 19, 20) are rods, tubes, or flat profiles.
6. A device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the covering is composed of a grate (10 - 15) and a film placed thereon or connected to the elements (16, 19, 20), preferably a film of plastics material.
7. A device as defined in any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the underside of the border profiles (10, 11) is equipped with rollers, which are preferably longitudinally guided along rails disposed at the edge of the pool or pond.
8. A device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one side of the grate can be displaced by means of a push-pull device so as to alter its distance from the opposite side.
9. A device as defined in claim 8, characterized in that the push-pull device can be actuated hydraulically or electrically.

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