FR3114112A1 - floating cover for a pool basin - Google Patents

Abstract

A shutter element for the basin of a swimming pool comprises a section of profile (1) with at least two rigid portions, each shaped in a respective flotation module (10,20,30). The element also comprises a flexible portion (40) each time connecting two flotation modules (10,20,30) to each other. The element further includes a first portion (200) and a second portion (300) capable of engagement with the first portion (200) of an adjacent counterpart shutter element. The first portion (200) and the second portion (300) are rigid and shaped such that their mutual engagement allows lateral movement of the element relative to the adjacent element. Abstract Figure: Figure 2

Description

floating cover for a pool basin

The invention relates to a floating cover for the basin of a swimming pool, and more particularly a cover of the type comprising a plurality of homologous blades, arranged parallel to each other and assembled together in an articulated manner.

Covers of this type are also called "flap" in the art.

A shutter conventionally comprises a floating panel intended to cover the basin. Such a panel is also referred to as an "apron" in the art. This deck, generally rectangular, consists of blades, each made in the form of a section of section and arranged transversely to the deck. The section in question comprises at least one portion shaped as a flotation module. Often, this flotation module corresponds to a portion of the hollow section profile, the longitudinal ends of which are sealed in a sealed manner to allow the blade to float on the surface of the water. Typically, the profile is made of rigid plastic material, by extrusion. An example of a shutter of this type is described in EP 1 233 125 A1 in the name of the Applicant. Also known, for example from EP 1 999 321 B1, blades whose buoyancy modulus is shaped in a solid portion of the profile.

When the basin is used, for swimming for example, the apron is rolled up on the drum of a reel. So that this apron best matches the generally circular profile of the drum and facilitates its winding, the blades are narrow, ideally as narrow as possible.

In practice, above a certain slat width, which can be estimated at around 90 centimeters, rolling up the shutter is more like a polygon than a circle, especially in the first turns of the blade. 'winding. As the perimeter of the winding increases with each turn, in the following turns, the apron then rolls up in an increasingly chaotic way.

A shutter of the type mentioned in the introduction can be used as a protection device against drowning. This is referred to as a "security shutter". As such, the apron is intended to cover the pool without the possibility of bathing or involuntary immersion of individuals. For this reason, shutters are sought whose buoyancy of the apron is increased.

For a given pool length, the narrower the slats, the more the deck has slats and, consequently, joints between these slats. Generally, these joints do not contribute to the buoyancy of the deck. From this point of view, it is not desirable that the blades are too narrow.

To ensure correct winding of the apron around the drum, it is also known to act on the articulation of the blades between them.

Conventionally, this articulation is achieved by virtue of a large clearance, of the order of a few millimeters, typically 1 to 3 millimeters, in a connection between rigid parts of blades which are similar to each other. It is typically a male part and a female part mutually shaped so as to be received one inside the other, as in EP 1 233 125 A1 for example. This clearance allows relative pivoting between adjacent slats, thus allowing the curtain to roll up.

FR 2 719 862 A1 discloses a different configuration, in which the blades are interconnected by the forceful engagement of a male part in a female part whose internal dimensions are slightly smaller than the external dimensions of the male part. This engagement has no play. The articulation is made thanks to a male part made of flexible material, that is to say capable of deforming in comparison with the rest of the profile, in particular the flotation module and the part female.

The joints by connecting flexible parts are more efficient from the point of view of buoyancy than those by connecting rigid parts, in particular those produced by cooperation of male/female parts. The flexible joints are generally narrower and devoid of play, so that it is possible to produce decks with a greater proportion, on the surface, of buoyancy modules than in the case of connections by rigid parts.

From FR 2 719 862 A1 for example, it is known to produce the apron of a shutter by assembling very wide slats to each other by means of flexible connections. Each blade comprises several flotation modules hinged together by a flexible part made in one piece with the rest of the blade.

To adjust the apron to the length of the pool, one or more flotation modules can be removed from a slat, by cutting the flexible part which connects these modules to the rest of the slat.

Despite this, there generally remains an opening between the apron and the edge of the pool, the dimension of which is between a few millimeters and the width of a flotation module. For this reason, we try to avoid floatation modules that are too wide.

In practice, full-width blades generally have narrower buoyancy moduli than rigid-linked blades and, therefore, the deck has more joints. This results in a lower buoyancy of this deck, which can be compensated by thicker sections. This increase in thickness is accompanied by larger winding diameters and storage constraints.

A flap of this type is disclosed by EP 1 541 784 B1. The connection between two adjacent slats of the deck is achieved by the mutual interlocking by force of their end flotation modules. This shutter has the same drawbacks as that of FR 2 719 862 A1, in particular with regard to the adjustment of the apron to the length of the pool.

The invention aims to improve the situation.

A shutter element is proposed for the basin of a swimming pool of the type comprising a section of profile comprising at least two rigid portions, each shaped into a respective flotation module, and at least one flexible portion each time connecting two flotation modules between them. The element further comprises a portion of a first type and a portion of a second type capable of engaging, at least partially, with the portion of the first type of an adjacent counterpart element. The portion of the first type and the portion of the second type are at least partially rigid and shaped such that their mutual engagement allows lateral movement of the flap element relative to the adjacent flap element.

The proposed element makes it possible to form an apron which has both good buoyancy and easy rolling up. In addition, the lateral displacement provided makes it possible to adjust the apron to the length of the basin, between a minimum dimension where the apron is compressed longitudinally and a maximum dimension where this apron is stretched longitudinally.

The proposed element is more efficient than elements whose connections have no play. With decks made with connections without play, one is satisfied to approach the length of the deck to that of the pool by removing one or more flotation modules . However, there usually remains a length of pool not covered by the cover, the size of which depends on the width of the flotation modules.

There is also proposed a shutter apron for the basin of a swimming pool, comprising at least one element of the type proposed above, and a shutter for the basin of a swimming pool, comprising this apron.

Finally, we offer a kit to form a shutter apron for the basin of a swimming pool. This kit comprises a first element of the type comprising a section of profile comprising at least two rigid portions, each shaped as a respective flotation module, and at least one flexible portion connecting two flotation modules together each time. This first element further comprises a portion of a first type and a portion of a second type. The kit further comprises a second element, homologous to the first. The second type portion of the first member is capable of engaging, at least partially, with the first type portion of the second member. The portion of the first type and the portion of the second type are at least partially rigid and shaped such that their mutual engagement allows lateral movement of the first element and the second element relative to each other.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description below, given in relation to the drawings, in which:

- shows a shutter slat according to the invention, seen in cross section;

- shows part of a shutter according to the invention, seen in longitudinal section;

- depicts in detail part of the blade of the ;

- represents in detail another part of the blade of the ;

- depicts in detail part of the blade of the ;

- represents a detail VI of the pane of the ;

- is analogous to , the flap being in a position different from that of the ;

- shows another slat for a shutter according to the invention, seen in cross section;

- shows part of a flap according to a variant of the invention, seen in longitudinal section;

- shows a shutter slat according to a variant of the invention, seen in cross section;

- depicts in detail part of the blade of the ;

- represents in detail another part of the blade of the ;

- shows yet another slat for a shutter according to the invention, seen in cross section;

- shows a flap portion according to the invention, seen in isometric perspective;

- is analogous to the ;

- represents an element of the portion of Figures 14 and 15;

- shows a flap portion, seen in longitudinal section; And

- represents the portion of the in a different position.

The drawings and the description below essentially contain certain elements. They may therefore not only be used to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

We refer to the .

An elementary slat 1 is intended to be assembled with one or more homologous slats to form a floating apron, suitable for the basin of a swimming pool.

The blade 1 comprises a plurality of homologous flotation modules, arranged parallel to each other and each having a rigid structure, essentially hollow, here of the honeycomb type. These flotation modules extend over the entire length of blade 1.

In particular, the blade 1 comprises a first flotation module 10 disposed near a lateral end of the blade 1, here to the left of the , and a second flotation module 20 disposed in the vicinity of the lateral end opposite the first module 10. Here, the blade 1 further comprises two intermediate flotation modules 30, disposed between the first module 10 and the second module 20 according to a lateral direction of the blade 1. A blade of the type of the blade 1 may have no interposed buoyancy module or comprise at least one or more than two.

The blade 1 comprises one or more flexible attachments 40, which connect the flotation modules 10, 20 and 30 longitudinally in pairs. Each time, a clip 40 connects two mutually adjacent flotation modules 10, 20 and 30. The fasteners 40 are each shaped in a strip section, here thin, of the order of a millimeter. The fasteners 40 are preferably as thin as possible in consideration of the material used for their production. The flotation modules 10, 20 and 30 are made of a rigid plastic material and the fasteners 40 a flexible plastic material. The structure and the material of the attachments 40 give them a capacity for deformation in comparison with the flotation modules 10, 20 and 30 in particular.

By flexible material, we mean here a material capable of giving the fasteners 40 a capacity for elastic deformation when using an apron incorporating a blade of the type of blade 1. This is in particular to allow two modules to waterline connected by a clip 40 to pivot relative to each other when rolling up the apron, as if they were connected by a hinge-type joint.

By rigid is meant, on the contrary, a material which does not confer any particular capacity for elastic deformation to the flotation modules when the deck is used.

By plastic material is meant any synthetic material based on polymer capable of being molded or extruded.

Blade 1 has a profile look. Blade 1 is made in one piece, for example by extrusion.

Each module 10, 20 and 30 has a hollow structure 100 comprising longitudinal cells. These cells extend over the entire length of the modules 10, 20 and 30. Here, for example, these cells comprise two cells of a first type, or first cells 102, each disposed in the vicinity of a respective lateral end of the module flotation, and two cells of a second type, or second cells 104, inserted laterally between the first cells 102.

The first cells 102 and the second 104 are integral with the hollow structure 100 and their respective buoyancy modulus 10, 20 or 30. The first cells 102 and the second 104 have cross-sections of fairly simple and mutually similar shape, for example generally rectangular, as here, or square.

The blade 1 further comprises a pair of hinge wings, arranged laterally on one side of the first module 10 and on one side of the second module 20, respectively. The pair of wings comprises a wing of the male type 200, which attaches to the flotation module arranged in the vicinity of a lateral end of blade 1 and a wing of the female type 300 which is connected to the flotation module arranged in the vicinity of the laterally opposite end. Here, the male wing 200 is attached to the first module 10 and the female wing 300 to the second module 20. The male wing 200 and the female wing 300 each extend over practically the entire length of the blade 1.

The male wing 200 and the female wing 300 are shaped in correspondence of each other so as to be able to engage, at least partially, with the female wing 300 and the male wing 200 respectively of adjacent blades counterparts. The male wing 200 and the female wing 300 have come together with the rest of the blade 1, in particular its flotation modules 10, 20 and 30 and the attachments 40.

Reference is made to Figures 2 and 6.

The male wing 200 comprises a thin wall 202 which extends laterally from an edge of the first cell 102 of the first module 10 laterally opposite the edge to which the attachment 40 is connected. This thin wall 202 is flexible. The structure and the material of the thin wall 202 give it a capacity for elastic deformation when the blade 1 is used. The thin wall 202 is made of a flexible material, preferably a material similar to that of the fasteners 40. The wall thin 202 here has a structure similar to that of the fasteners 40.

The male wing 200 further comprises a pair of similar hooks 204 which each connect to one end of the thin wall 202 laterally opposite the first module 10. The hooks 204 are rigid. The structure and the material of the hooks 204 deprive them of elastic deformation capacity when using the blade 1. The hooks 204 are made of a rigid material, preferably a material similar to that of the flotation modules 10, 20 or 30. The hooks 204 are oriented in mutual opposition so that the male wing 200 has a T shape, the head of which has curved branches. Here, the hooks 204 are shaped analogously to each other. As a variant, hooks of the type of hooks 204 may have slightly different shapes from each other, in order, in particular, to favor a direction of pivoting of a slat of the apron with respect to the adjacent slat. The hooks 204 can be straight, depriving the head of the T of curvature.

Reference is made to Figures 4 and 6.

The female wing 300 is in the form of an additional cell 302, which is connected to the first cell 102 of the second module 200 remote from the attachment 40. The additional cell 302 has a side opening 304. The female wing 300 further comprises a pair of similar lips 306 which border the opening 304 of the additional cell 302. The lips 306 are curved towards each other and directed towards the interior of the additional cell 302. Alternatively , the lips 306 have slightly different shapes from each other, in order, in particular, to favor a direction of pivoting of a blade of the apron with respect to the adjacent blade, this direction corresponding to a winding direction.

Lips 306 are rigid. The structure and the material of the lips 306 deprive them of elastic deformation capacity when using the blade 1. The lips 306 are made of a rigid material, preferably a material similar to that of the hooks 204.

Reference is made to Figures 6 and 7.

The male wing 200 of a blade of the blade 1 type described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 5 can be inserted into the cell 302 of the female wing 300 of a homologous blade. The hooks 204 of the male wing 200 are then housed inside the additional cell 302 of the female wing 300, while the thin wall 202 of the male wing 200 passes through the opening 304 of the wing female 300. The lips 306 delimit between them an opening 304 large enough to allow a translation of the male wing 200 relative to the female wing 300 in a lateral direction. The lips 306 leave this opening 304 narrow enough to prevent withdrawal of the hooks 204 of the male wing 200 from the additional cell 302 of the female wing 300, including when the thin wall 202 of the male wing 200 deforms .

This results in an engagement of the male wing 200 of the slat in the female wing 300 of the homologous slat which allows a relative displacement of these wings, laterally, in the manner of a sliding connection. Once the male wing 200 and the female wing 300 are engaged one in the other, the homologous blades are assembled to one another by means of a connection which behaves like a connection of the hinge type. , with the possibility of lateral movement The relative pivoting of the homologous blades results mainly from the flexibility of the thin wall 202 of the male wing 200.

The additional cell 302 of the female wing 300 and the thin wall 202 of the male wing 200 are wide enough to, once mutually engaged, allow lateral movement of the male wing 200 and the female wing 300 one to the other between:

- a first relative position, visible on the , where the hooks 204 abut against the lips 306;

- a second relative position, shown in , where the hooks 204 abut against a part of the additional cell 302 laterally opposite the opening 304, or the end of the first cell 102 adjacent.

The distance laterally separating the first position from the second corresponds to the amplitude of travel 600 of blade 1. Preferably, this amplitude is between 1 and 10 percent of the width of a flotation module, approximately.

Also preferably, the width of the attachments 40 is greater than or equal to this amplitude of the lateral movement 600.

In this second position, the pivoting of the blades 1 adjacent to each other remains authorized due to the flexibility of the thin wall 202.

When the male wing 200 and the female wing 300 are in their first relative position, the adjacent blades are moved away from each other. When the male wing 200 and the female wing 300 are in their second relative position, the adjacent blades are close to each other. The connection that has just been described makes it possible to adapt the spacing between two adjacent blades. By assembling together blades of the type of blade 1 described in relation to the , a floating deck is obtained in which the pitch of the slats can vary between a minimum value where the adjacent slats are close to each other and a maximum value where the adjacent slats are distant from each other.

Example 1

Consider a pool 8 meters long to be covered with a deck based on slats whose profile corresponds to slat 1 described in relation to the .

The blade in question comprises four flotation modules, each having a similar hollow structure. This structure 100 with a clip 40 or an associated thin wall 202 has a width of 110 (cf. ) of 77 millimeters. The minimum pitch is 308 millimeters and the amplitude of the lateral movement between two adjacent blades is 3 millimeters.

The deck will have twenty-five slats: a cover of twenty-six slats arranged according to the minimum pitch would have a length (26 x 308 = 8,008 millimeters) greater than that of the basin.

These twenty-five blades arranged according to the minimum pitch represent a length of 7,700 millimeters (25 x 308). It remains to cover a pool length of 300 millimeters (8,000 – 7,700). To do this, it is possible to add, at one end of the arrangement, a blade with three flotation modules, for example obtained by removing the first module 10 or the second module 20 from a blade similar to the twenty-five blades with four mods.

Twenty-five four-module blades and one three-module blade, arranged at the minimum pitch, together have a length of 7,931 millimeters (25.75 x 308). Such an arrangement comprises twenty-five joints of the hinge type with the possibility of lateral movement, which corresponds to a longitudinal extension capacity of the apron of 75 millimeters (25×3) with respect to the arrangement according to the minimum pitch.

This results in an apron capable, thanks to its capacity for longitudinal extension, of covering the whole of the basin (7931 + 75 = 8006), unlike conventional aprons, in particular of the type known from EP 1 999 321 B1 and FR 2 719 862 A1.

We refer to the .

An elementary blade of a second type, or second blade 5, comprises a single flotation module 50, with a hollow structure 100 similar to that of the modules 10, 20 and 30 of the blade described in relation to the , or first blade 1.

This second blade 5 comprises a male wing 200 and a female wing 300 similar to those of the first blade 1.

In order to form the apron of a security shutter, the second slat 5 can be assembled with one or more homologous slats, in particular a similar slat or a slat of the type of the first slat 1, by the engagement of its wing male 200 in the female wing 300 of the homologous blade and/or of its female wing 300 with the male wing 200 of this blade.

Example 2

We consider a pool 8 meters in length to be equipped with a cover with an apron made from slats whose profile corresponds to the slat of example 1.

The apron will have twenty-five first blades. It remains to cover a basin length of 300 millimeters.

A blade of the type of the second blade described in relation to the features a minimum pitch of 80 millimeters and lateral travel capability with a homologous 3 millimeter blade.

By assembling three second blades to the first twenty-five blades, a deck of 7,940 millimeters (25 x 308 + 3 x 80) is obtained, considered in a compressed state. It still remains to cover a basin length of 60 millimeters

The resulting deck has twenty-seven joints, which give it a longitudinal extension capacity of 81 millimeters (25 x 3 + 2 x 3). This extension capacity is greater than the length of the pool that remains to be covered.

Example 3

We consider a pool 5 meters in length to be equipped with an apron based on slats whose profile corresponds to the slat of example 1.

The apron can have sixteen slats. Considered in its compressed state, this apron covers a basin length of 4,928 millimetres. And there is still a pool length of 72 millimeters to cover.

The extension capacity of this apron of sixteen slats, ie 45 millimeters, is less than the length of the pool that remains to be covered.

In this case, one or more slats of the first type can each be replaced in the deck by several slats of the second type, so that the number of joints between the slats of the deck gives the latter sufficient longitudinal extension capacity. to fill the remaining length of the basin.

By replacing two of the sixteen slats of the first type with eight slats of the second type, a deck 4952 millimeters in length in the compressed state is obtained, endowed with a longitudinal extension capacity of 63 millimeters (21 x 3). This capacity is greater than the length remaining to be covered, which is 48 millimeters (5,000 – 4,952). The resulting deck comprises sixty-four flotation modules, as many as sixteen blades of the first type as initially envisaged for this deck.

Reference is made to Figures 10 to 12.

A variant of elementary blade 7 differs from the elementary blade described in relation to the , or first blade 1, by the conformation of its male wing 400 and its female wing 500.

The male wing 400 and the female wing 500 of blade 7 are similar, respectively, to the male wing and the female wing of the first blade.

The male wing 400 comprises a thin wall 402 similar to that of the first blade except that the thin wall 402 is rigid. In particular, the thin wall 402 is made of rigid plastic material, typically the same material as the first flotation module 10.

The male wing 400 further comprises a pair of hooks 404 arranged at a lateral end of the thin wall 402. The hooks 404 are rounded and oriented in mutual opposition, so that the male wing 400 has substantially the shape of a a T whose head is rounded. The hooks 404 are offset laterally relative to each other. The hooks 404 have slightly different shapes from each other, in order to facilitate their engagement with the female wing 500 and a pivoting of the blades relative to each other in a direction which corresponds to rolling up. Here, the male wing 400 further comprises a connection section 406 which connects the thin wall 402 to the first flotation module 10. The section 406 extends from one side of the thin wall 402, with a generally angled profile right. The section 406 delimits, together with the thin wall 402, an additional cell 408. This cell 408 is leaned against the first flotation module 10, in the vicinity of a first cell 102, outside this module. Section 406 is rigid.

The female wing 500 is in the form of a cell 502 open laterally, with two lips 506 curved towards each other and directed towards the inside of this cell 502. These lips 506 leave a small space between them , so that the male wing 400 of a homologous blade can be inserted therein and remain held there by means of its hooks 404.

Lips 506 leave an opening 304 large enough to allow pivoting of male wing 400 relative to female wing 500, in addition to their lateral movement. The lips 506 leave an opening 504 narrow enough to prevent withdrawal of the hooks 404 of the male wing 400 from the additional cell 502 of the female wing 500, including when the male wing 400 pivots relative to the wing female 500.

We refer to the .

A variant of elementary blade, or third blade 9, is analogous to the second blade 5 described in relation to the , except that this third blade 9 comprises a male wing 400 and a female wing 500 of the type described in relation to FIGS. 10 to 12 and a single module 90, comprising two cells of a first type 902 and a cell of a second type 904 inserted between the first cells 902.

Reference is made to Figures 17 and 18.

The engagement of the male wing 400 of a blade, for example a third blade 9, in the female wing 500 of a homologous blade, for example another third blade 9, allows an angular movement of these wings the one relative to the other, in addition to the lateral movement. Once the male wing 400 and the female wing 500 are engaged one in the other, the homologous blades are assembled to one another by means of a hinge-type joint, with the possibility of lateral movement .

The angular displacement of the male wing 400 relative to the female wing 500 remains authorized when the hooks 404 are in abutment against the lips 506, due to a sufficiently wide opening 504 11.

The section 406 and the resulting chamber 408 impart an asymmetry to the male wing 400, which results in a capacity for angular movement of lesser extent in one direction ( ) than in the opposite direction ( ), the latter corresponding to the winding. In the opposite direction to winding, the section 406 abuts against a lip 506. This improves the bearing capacity of the deck, which makes it possible to refine the structure of the flotation modules of its blades.

We have just described examples of elementary slats as elements of a cover for the basin of a swimming pool. These elements consist of a profile section comprising at least two rigid portions, each shaped into a respective buoyancy module. These flotation modules are connected to each other by a flexible portion. Each blade further comprises a male type portion and a female type portion, both in the form of a wing. These wings are shaped such that the female wing is able to engage, at least partially, with the male wing of a homologous adjacent blade.

Two mutually homologous blades have similar male and female portions, that is to say at least compatible with each other, and flotation modules, and where appropriate attachments, similar at least as regards their shape. Two homologous blades may have a different number of buoyancy modules from each other. Preferably, two homologous blades have similar buoyancy modules to each other. It is however possible to envisage that these modules differ substantially from one blade to another, not by their general appearance but by their dimensions, in particular their width. The same applies to the attachments which connect two flotation modules together.

The male wing and the female wing are at least partially rigid and shaped so that their mutual engagement allows lateral movement of the blade in question and of adjacent blade relative to each other.

A blade of the type of blade 1 described in relation to the can also be seen as an apron on its own due to the fact that it comprises several flotation modules.

It was described above how to assemble several blades homologous to each other in order to make the apron of a floating cover. In addition to the mutual engagement of the male and female portions of the adjacent slats, it is also appropriate to seal the longitudinal ends of the flotation modules and to prevent the slats from moving relative to each other in their longitudinal direction.

This can be done in particular by means, respectively, of a sealing cap and of a cap attached to this cap and having a part intended to come opposite an articulation wing of the associated blade, while the plug is arranged away from this wing, as described for example in FR 2 820 771 A1.

The function of the cap can be, instead, ensured by a part at least partially in the shape of a fin, which is fixed to the cap.

Reference is made to Figures 14 to 16.

A blade with several flotation modules, of the type of the blade described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, or wide blade 11, is assembled with a blade with a single module, of the type of the blade described in relation to the , narrow blade 13. The flotation modules 10, 20 and 30 of the wide blade 11 have hollow structures 100 similar to the flotation module 50 of the narrow blade 13.

Each hollow structure 100 of the flotation modules of the wide blade 11 and of the narrow blade 13 is sealed by means of a plug 15 attached to each of the longitudinal ends of this structure. Plugs 15 similar to each other are used here for the modules of the wide blade 11, whether they are of the type of the first module 10, of the second module 20 or of the spacer modules 30, and the single module 50 of the blade narrow 13.

On each cap 15 is attached a respective fin 17, for example by clipping, intended, among other things, to help guide the apron on the edges of the basin.

Each fin 17 has a lateral portion arranged so as to be able to come opposite the female wing 300 of the wide blade 11 or the associated narrow blade 13, while the cap 15 remains away from this female wing 300, when it is attached to the plug 15 of the first module 10 or of the single module 50. Each fin 17 is thus capable of blocking the male wing 200 in its engagement with the female wing 300. The fins 17 have a shape tapered, at least on the side portion intended to come opposite a female wing 300. A fin, and more generally any part attached to the plugs 15 having a tapered side portion, offer better winding capacities to the apron in s refraining from interfering with an adjacent fin during this winding. This also makes it possible not to thwart the effect of the flexible ties when rolling up.

When a fin 17 is attached to the cap 15 of the second module 20 or of an intermediate module 30, this fin 17 comes opposite a respective fastener 40, uncovered by the associated cap 15. The fin 17 prevents the blades from moving relative to each other in their longitudinal direction.

Insofar as the width of a second end module 20 and of an associated female wing 300 is less than, or equal to, the width of a first end module 10, or of a spacer module 30, and of an associated attachment 40, fins 17 of the same type are used for all the modules 10, 20 and 30 of the large blade 11.

As the width of the single module 50 associated with the male wing 200 and the female wing 300 of the narrow blade 13 corresponds to the width of the homologous elements of the large blade 11, a fin 17 of the same type is also used for the narrow blade.

As a result, identical plugs and fins can be used for the entire deck.

Each time the female wing is attached to one of the end buoyancy modules of a slat, as is the case for example of slat 1 described in relation to the , plugs of the same type can be used for all the modules, whether they are of the type of the first module 10, of the second module 20 or of the intermediate modules 30.

It is possible to use fins of two similar types, different from each other by their width: a fin of a first length, or fin A, for the modules of the type of the first module 10 and the intermediate modules 30, a fin of a second length, greater, or fin B, for modules of the type of the second module 20. As we have seen; it is also possible to use only type B fins insofar as the width of the second modules 20 associated with their respective female wing 300 corresponds to the width of a first module 10, or of an intermediate module 30, and of a tie 40 associated.

This correspondence is achieved when the width of an attachment 40 is greater than or equal to the value of the travel. Each fin 17 of a slat must also protrude from the second module 20 so as to be opposite the male wing 200 of the adjacent slat over the entire movement of these slats between them and protrudes from the second module 20 by the value of this debate, at least.

Alternatively, the end buoyancy module which has a female wing, for example the second end module 20 in the blade 1 of the , can be shaped so that its width, including the female wing, corresponds to that of the other flotation modules of the blade, typically by reducing the width of its hollow structure 100 compared to that of the other blades. It will then be possible to use only type A fins, provided that different plugs are provided for the hollow structure of the second end module on the one hand and, on the other hand, the hollow structure of the other modules.

Shutters are generally used to cover pools with an area between 4 and 250 square meters. A classic pool has a length of about 8 meters by a width of about 4 meters, i.e. an area of 32 square meters.

There is a current trend to build swimming pools with smaller and smaller pools, due in particular to the reduction in the surface area of land. In particular, pools with a surface area of less than 10 square meters are increasingly common, as it is not necessary to obtain a building permit for this type of pool. These are typically pools of 4 meters by 2.

In a shutter, the length of each slat corresponds to the width of the basin for which this slat is intended. This results in blades with a length of between 2 and 12 meters, conventionally 4 meters.

The flotation module generally has a width of between 40 and 95 millimeters, typically 80 millimeters.

In a shutter whose modules have a single flotation module, a compressed pitch of between 40 and 95 millimeters, typically 80 millimeters, is envisaged.

For a blade comprising several flotation modules, this pitch value is conventionally between 100 and 200 millimeters. According to the invention, a blade with four flotation modules is envisaged, the compressed pitch of which is close to 335 millimeters. However, this does not constitute a limit to the invention. It is possible to envisage blades whose compressed pitch reaches 500 millimeters or more.

Because one of the flotation modules of a blade is associated with a female-type connection, the width of the blade can be greater than the sum of the widths of its flotation modules.

The height of a blade is between 10 and 20 millimeters, typically close to 15 millimeters or 11 millimeters.

The clearance between two adjacent blades should be dimensioned. The clearance required is linked to the width of these slats and the length of the basin.

The longer the pool, the more the apron intended for it has blades and connections allowing lateral movement. The result is an apron with a capacity for longitudinal extension, which corresponds to the sum of the amplitudes of the authorized deflections, which is all the greater.

The wider the slat, the less the deck has connections between slats, for a pool of given length. This results in a longitudinal extension capacity of this deck that is all the less significant.

If we note L the length of the pool for which the cover is intended, P the minimum pitch of the slats and D the amplitude of the movement authorized between two adjacent slats, according to the length of the pool, then the following inequality must be satisfied:

D ≥ P / [L / P],

where [x] represents the integer part of the number x.

The size [L / P] corresponds to the maximum number of slats that can be fitted to the apron due to the length L of the pool.

For a blade with a compressed pitch of 75 millimeters, a minimum clearance of 0.46 millimeters must be provided for a pool 12 meters long. In the case of a shorter pool, 4 meters long, the minimum amplitude of this movement increases to 1.41 millimeters. In the absence of a real deflection amplitude greater than the minimum amplitude, there will remain a length of pool not covered by the apron.

With a slat with a compressed pitch P of 335 millimeters, i.e. a much wider slat than that of the previous example, the minimum range of movement is 9.5 millimeters for a pool 12 meters long, provided that it is prohibited to cut the blade between two flotation modules and that one does not have an adjustment blade, a lower pitch.

In the case of a pool 4 meters long, this minimum amplitude of movement D reaches 30 millimeters. In such a case, it is advantageous to provide an adjustment blade with a lower compressed pitch P'. This makes it possible to reduce the travel required between two blades.

This pitch P' corresponds to the maximum length of the basin that remains to be filled, considering the deck at its maximum longitudinal extension.

The amplitude of the displacement D then verifies the following inequality:

D ≥ P’ / [L / P]

In the previous case, where the blades have a minimum pitch P of 335 millimeters, an adjustment blade with a minimum pitch P' of 87 millimeters makes it possible to considerably reduce the minimum amplitude of the clearance D, to 2.4 millimeters for the 12 meter pool and 7.9 for the 4 meter pool.

In the case where the real amplitude of the clearance remains lower than the minimum amplitude, it remains possible to increase the longitudinal extension capacity of the deck, by replacing one or more slats of pitch P by slats of a lower pitch. P'.

For the time being, the Applicant is considering blades offering a lateral movement of 3 millimeters in amplitude, without this restricting the invention in any way. This amplitude appears to be particularly suitable for pools less than 8 meters long.

It should be noted that in practice, the length of pool remaining to be filled may be less than the pitch P', for example 20 millimeters, because an uncovered pool length, of 20 millimeters in this example, can be tolerated functionally.

The amplitude of the displacement D then satisfies the following formula:

D ≥ (P' - 20) / [L / P],

i.e. a minimum amplitude of movement D of 2.9 millimeters for an 8-meter pool, which confirms the relevance of the value retained for the amplitude of movement D, of 3 millimeters.

Eventually :

- for a pool with a length of 8 meters or more, there will be a tendency to replace a single slat with a minimum pitch P by one or more slats with a lower minimum pitch P', in order to reduce the length of the uncovered pool;

- for a pool with a length of less than 8 meters, several slats with pitch P can be replaced by several slats with respective pitch P', in order to increase the longitudinal extension capacity of the deck by multiplying the connections between the slats .

The following formula is used to check that an apron is suitable for a pool of length L:

[L/P].P ≤ L ≤ [L/P].(P+D)

The invention has just been described using embodiments by way of example only. The invention encompasses all the variants that a person skilled in the art may consider. Especially :

- The flotation modules can be made solid, at least in part, for at least some of the modules of a blade.

- The buoyancy modules of a blade can differ from each other, externally or internally.

- Externally similar modules or blades may differ from each other in the internal shape of their hollow structure.

- The male wing and the female wing interacting together to form a hinge-type joint with the capacity for lateral movement can be replaced by any wings of a first and a second type, respectively, capable of an analogous interaction. In particular, the wing of the first type and the wing of the second type can be analogous to each other.

- At least one of the female wing and the male wing can be attached to an end module, in particular to a portion of the latter shaped like a male or female wing, respectively. This allows the use of similar profiles for the modules located at the lateral ends of the slats.

- At least one of the portion of the first type 200 and the portion of the second type 300 has a symmetrical appearance with respect to a median plane of the profile.

- The flotation modules 10, 20, 30 each have a symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane of the profile and the flexible portions 40 are arranged at least partly in this median plane.

- The first element and the second element of an apron have flotation modules 10, 20, 30, 50 whose respective rigid portions 100 are of different width from one element to another.

- The first element and the second element of an apron have flotation modules 10, 20, 30, 50 whose respective rigid portions 100 are of substantially equal width from one element to another.

Preferably, a blade comprises a maximum of ten flotation modules, preferably three or four.

Claims (18)

Shutter element for the basin of a swimming pool of the type comprising a profile section (1,7) comprising at least two rigid portions, each shaped as a respective flotation module (10,20,30), and at least one flexible (40) each time connecting two flotation modules (10,20,30) to each other, the element further comprising a portion of a first type (200) and a portion of a second type (300) capable to engage, at least partially, with the portion of the first type (200) of an adjacent counterpart shutter element, characterized in that the portion of the first type (200) and the portion of the second type (300) are at less partially rigid and shaped such that their mutual engagement allows lateral movement (600) of the flap element relative to the adjacent flap element. Element according to claim 1, in which at least one of the portion of the first type (200) and of the portion of the second type (300) is connected to an adjacent flotation module (10,20) by a flexible portion ( 202) while the other of the portion of the first type (200) and the portion of the second type (300) is rigidly linked to an adjacent flotation module (10,20). Element according to claim 2, in which the flexible portion (202) which connects at least one of the portion of the first type (200) and of the portion of the second type (300) to the flotation module (10,20) adjacent is analogous to the flexible portion (40) which each time connects two flotation modules (10,20,30) to each other. Element according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the portion of the first type (200) and of the portion of the second type (300) has a symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane of the profile. Element according to one of the preceding claims, in which the flotation modules (10,20,30) each have a symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane of the profile and the flexible portions (40) are arranged at least partly in this median plane. Element according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a maximum of ten flotation modules (10,20,30), preferably three or four. Element according to one of the preceding claims, in which an amplitude of the lateral displacement (600) is between 1 and 10 percent of the width of a buoyancy module, approximately. Element according to one of the preceding claims, in which the width of an end flotation module (20) and of the associated portion of the second type (300) is less than, or equal to, the width of a end (10) close to the portion of the first type (200), or an intermediate flotation module (30), and a flexible portion (40) associated. Element according to one of the preceding claims, in which a width of the flexible portion (40) is greater than or equal to an amplitude of the lateral movement (600). Shutter apron for the basin of a swimming pool, comprising at least a first element according to one of the preceding claims. Apron according to claim 10, further comprising a second element, homologous to the first, in which the first element and the second element have a number of buoyancy modules (10,20,30,50) different from each other . Apron according to Claim 11, in which the second element has a single buoyancy module (50). Apron according to one of Claims 10 to 12, in which the first element and the second element have buoyancy modules (10,20,30,50) whose respective rigid portions (100) are of different width by one element. to the other. Apron according to one of Claims 10 to 13, comprising in which the first element and the second element have buoyancy modules (10,20,30,50) whose respective rigid portions (100) are of substantially equal width of one element to another. Shutter for a pool basin, comprising an apron according to one of Claims 10 to 14. Shutter according to claim 15 further comprising a plurality of parts at least partially in the form of fins (17), attached opposite the flotation modules (10, 20, 30) of the corresponding elements (11; 13), each part ( 17) being capable of prohibiting a longitudinal translation of an element (11) relative to a homologous adjacent element (13), in which the fins (17) have a length substantially equal to each other. Shutter according to one of claims 15 and 16 further comprising a plurality of plugs (15), each plug (15) being capable of sealing a respective flotation module (10,20,30,50), in which the plugs ( 15) are similar to each other. Kit to form a shutter apron for a swimming pool basin, comprising:
- a first element of the type comprising a profile section (1,7) comprising at least two rigid portions, each shaped as a respective flotation module (10,20,30), and at least one flexible portion (40) connecting to each time two flotation modules (10,20,30) between them, the element further comprising a portion of a first type (200) and a portion of a second type (300), and
- a second element (5,9), homologous to the first, in which the portion of the second type (300) of the first element is able to engage, at least partially, with the portion of the first type (200) of the second element , the portion of the first type (200) and the portion of the second type (300) being at least partially rigid and shaped such that their mutual engagement allows lateral movement (600) of the first element and of the second element one by relation to the other.