GB2261164A - Modular dismantable swimming pool - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular dismantable swimming pool has a tubular frame components 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 7 which, embodied together, form the modular swimming pool frame. Modularity of the frame is the modular dismantable swimming pool's main feature, allowing for different sizes and shapes to be achieved by simply adding the repetitive modular component, therefore satisfying the various personal needs and site restrictions. Watertight fabric 8 being of a canvas nature and hooked to the tubular frame allows for the independent erection of these two elements forming the swimming pool's main structure. During the times when the swimming pool is not used for long periods, or transported to different sites, all the components can be dismantled and stored within the boxes and the watertight fabric simply folded or rolled. <IMAGE>

Description

MODULAR DISMANTABLE SWIMMING POOL This invention relates to a Modular Dismantable Swimming Pool.

Swimming pools are well known leisure facilities which comprise a waterproof walled structure and base containing water. They are generally found within enclosed environments or open air, with non-heated or heated water, usually built as a permanent structure, therefore extending or changing their shape is a costly and laborious exercise.

There is a special type of swimming pool, which structure can be easily erected and dismantled when not in use.

Whatever the advantage of this kind of swimming pool might be, it does not have the versatility regarding modularity, diversity of use and storage.

Dismantable swimming pools are, however, relatively expensive. Moreover, once they are purchased their form and dimensions cannot be changed.

According to the present invention there is provided a modular dismantable swimming pool comprising a modular tubular frame component and tubular supporting legs with adjustable load bearing footplates, forming the rigid part of the supporting structure. Hooked and harnessed within the rigid part of the supporting structure a watertight fabric reinforced with upper horizontal, lower horizontal, vertical and bottom cross reinforcement strips forms the essential bracing and stiffening to the rigid tubular frame and simultaneously retaining the water. The modular make-up of the structure and watertight fabric allows different sizes and configurations to be tailored to personal requirements and site restrictions. Simple and robust assembly of the frame components and watertight fabric allows fast dismantling for storage or transportation to another site, where it can be easily erected.The water circulation, filtering, heating, acidity control and chlorination is provided by the compact mini-plant system, with control and instruments housed within a self contained unit and powered by domestic AC electricity supply or generator.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in plan the modular dismantable swimming pool with the watertight fabric hooked and harnessed to the tubular frame, filled with water and the protective cover sheet in rolled position.

Figure 2 shows in front elevation the modular dismantable swimming pool as above, with particular emphasis on compact mini-plant system connections to the frame and watertight fabric.

Figure 3 shows in side elevation the modular dismantable swimming pool with particular emphasis to the adjustable ingress ladder, standing platform and protective cover sheet in rolled position.

Figure 4 shows in rear elevation the modular dismantable swimming pool, with the protective cover sheet in rolled position and the collapsible arms in lowered positions.

Figure 5 shows in side elevation the modular dismantable swimming pool, similar to Figure 3, with the collapsible arm and the retractable wire in lowered position.

Figure 6 shows in isometric the modular dismantable swimming pool with the protective cover sheet in suspended position over the swimming pool surface and watertight fabric filled with water hooked and harnessed to the tubular frame.

Referring to the drawings, the modular dismantable swimming pool comprises a frame made of tubular frame components 1, three-way linear connection 2, three-way angle connectors 3 and tubular supporting legs 4. All these components are fitted to each other by means of simple male and female connections secured by a pressure bolt (not shown).

Before the watertight fabrics is framed to the tubular structure, the protective underlaying mat 19 should be laid within the bounds of the load-bearing footplates 7, as shown on Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Prior to finishing the tubular frame embodiment, the watertight fabric 8 should be harnessed to the tubular supporting leg 4, then treaded tubular insert 5 with the load-bearing footplates 7 and the nut 6, adjusting and levelling the frame position, should be inserted in the tubular supporting leg.

When this operation is finished the watertight fabric 8 can finally be hooked to the tubular frame by hooks 13 and through eyelets 12.

In order to provide the stiffening and bracing to the tubular frame, the watertight fabric 8 has the upper horizontal reinforcement strip running all around the fabric and crossing the vertical reinforcement strip 11 at the positions where the fabric wraparound 14 is harnessing the tubular supporting legs 4, wherein the lower horizontal reinforcement strip 10 is crossing in the lower position the abovementioned vertical reinforcement strips 11, as shown on Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, restraining the whole structure.

The watertight fabric 8 containing the water is connected to the compact mini-plant Unit 20 via inlet pipe connector 17 and inlet pipe 21, being the mini-plants water intakes, whereafter water passing through is being processed and returned to the swimming pool via oulet pipe 22 and outlet connector 16.

Surface debris and impurities in the water are collected by floating skimmer 18 connected itself by flexible pipe (not shown) to the compact mini-plant Unit 20, enabling the purification process to function. The floating skimmer 18 is continuously attached with one edge to the watertight fabric 8 allowing flotation of the free edge on the water surface. Collected impurities are stored within waste container (not shown) situated beneath the standing platform non slippery surface 40.

The waste container itself may be extracted for periodical cleaning and maintenance. Electrical power to the compact mini-plant unit is provided via waterproof socket connection 23. Controls and instrument panel 24 are situated on upper part of compact mini-plant unit 20 as shown on Figure 2, enabling the monitoring and management of all functions.

Two number of plate connection 42 and proprietary fixing bolts are connecting the mini-plant unit 20 to the platform tubular frame component 38, consequently embodied with two-way angle connectors 39 to non-slippery surface 40, forming the standing platform, whereafter this is connected to the swimming pool tubular frame via connecting clips 41, as shown on Figures 2, 5 and 6.

Ingress and egress is provided by two adjustable tubular pin- jointed ladders numbered 34 and 35 respectively as shown on Figures 1, 3, 5 and 6, pinned to the ladders connecting plate 43 with proprietary pin-joint through ingress ladder connection plate 36 for the ingress ladder and through egress ladder connection plate 37, for the egress ladder.

The arrows 46 and 47 on Figures 3 and 5 demonstrate the possibility of the movement of ladders in order to cope with uneven site levels.

These tubular ladders are also dismantable for easy transportation, as the swimming pool itself.

During times when the modular dismantable swimming pool is not in use, but still erected, a protective cover sheet 25, as shown on Figure 6, can be rolled over a retractable wire 28, Figure 1, 2, 4 and 5, held by a left 27 and right 26 collapsible arms, erected in direction of arrows 44 and 45, Figures 2 and 4, and suspended across the water surface, preventing debris from depositing.

The protective cover sheet 25 is strapped to the tubular frame by straps 30 and 29, the last being as well the fastening belt to the rolled cover sheet when not suspended, as shown on Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5. Fixing of fastening belt 29 is secured by fixing clips 32 as shown on Figures 3 and 5. Rigid plastic plate support 31, Figures 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, built within the cover sheet fabric 25 is preventing the protective cover sheet of sagging in rolled and suspended position. Arrow 48 shows the direction of unrolling of the cover sheet 25 in the protective or suspended position.

When this is achieved the protective cover sheet must be secured by hooking elasticated straps with hooks 33 around the tubular frame, as shown on Figure 6.

Arrow 49 on Figure 6 is showing the direction of rolling-off the protective cover sheet in rolled position, after all elasticated straps with hooks 33 have been released.

Before dismantling of all swimming pool components and unhooking the watertight fabric for storage, the water must be discharged via the discharging valve 15, shown on Figure 2.

The modular dismantable swimming pool parts can now be stored within the boxes, for transportation to another site or seasonal storage.

Claims (9)

1. A modular dismantable swimming pool comprising a tubular frame structure, a watertight fabric in the form of a water containing vessel, means for the modular tubular components assembly or extensions, enabling rigid and secure embodiment of the tubular components, whereon the watertight fabric is framed by means of hooks and harnessed around tubular supporting legs, providing an integral structural bracing and allowing the modularity and dismantability.

2. A modular dismantable swimming pool as claimed in Claim

1. wherein the watertight fabric is of a canvas nature, with horizontal and vertical wraparound reinforcement strips.

3. A modular dismantable swimming pool as claimed in Claim

1. or Claim 2. wherein the ingress and egress is provided by tubular ladders pin-jointed to the standing platform by means of connecting plates and pins, allowing the ladders to be self adjustable on uneven terrains.

4. A modular dismantable swimming pool as claimed in Claim

2. or Claim 3. wherein the supporting tubular legs have sliding treaded tubular insert and adjustable nut, for the frame levelling, harnessed by the watertight fabric wraparound.

5. A modular dismantable swimming pool as claimed in Claim

4. wherein the load-bearing footplates are pin-jointed to the treaded tubular inserts in order to be self adjustable to uneven terrains.

6. A modular dismantable swimming pool as claimed in Claim

5. wherein the water processing is provided by a compact mini-plant unit attached to the swimming pool standing platform and connected to the watertight fabric by at least two flexible pipes.

7. A modular dismantable swimming pool as claimed in Claim

6. wherein the debris on the water surface is collected by a floating skimmer continuously attached to the watertight fabric by one edge and free on the other.

8. A modular dismantable swimming pool as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the whole water surface can be covered with a provided protective cover sheet and suspended over the erected collapsible arms and retractable wire.

9. A modular dismantable swimming pool as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.