WO2006117496A1

WO2006117496A1 - Modular load-bearing beam and shelter particularly for a swimming pool incorporating said beam

Info

Publication number: WO2006117496A1
Application number: PCT/FR2006/050402
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacques Sarrat
Original assignee: Jacques Sarrat
Priority date: 2005-04-29
Filing date: 2006-04-28
Publication date: 2006-11-09
Also published as: US20090019799A1; EP1877637A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a beam for a shelter for covering an area (12) including a swimming pool, a terrace or similar, said shelter comprising a load-bearing structure incorporating said beam supporting covering elements, characterized in that said beam (14) comprises abutting sections (26) as well as at least one connector element (28) a first end of which is connected to a first section arranged at one end of the beam and the second end of which is connected to a second section arranged at the other end of the beam.

Description

MODULAR CARRIER AND SHELTER, IN PARTICULAR OF SWIMMING POOL,

INCORPORATING SAID BEAM

The present invention relates to a modular support beam capable of supporting roofing elements and to a shelter, including a pool enclosure, incorporating said beam.

The present invention relates more specifically to high type shelters allowing users to move under the shelter.

Some of these shelters are likely to discover at least part of the body of water and include elements with a section in the form of a loop, arranged perpendicular to the length of the body of water, whose side edges are likely to rest on the ground on both sides of the water. These elements can be nested so as to cover the pool when they are deployed and to discover at least part of the pool when they are nested under each other.

Given their range, these elements are difficult to maneuver, especially if they are not guided on the ground. In another embodiment, the shelters may comprise a frame supporting transparent walls in the manner of a veranda. An example of this type of shelter is described in US patent application No. 4,175,361. Although it allows a flexible opening, especially on one side of the body of water and facilitates the movement of mobile cover elements, it does not give full satisfaction for the following reasons. Given the spans, this type of shelter comprises at least a relatively long beam that requires the use of construction equipment such as a crane to handle it and a exceptional convoy to transport it which generates significant costs, often prohibitive for this type of shelter. In addition, the grounds on which the swimming pools are located generally do not allow the use of such construction machines. Moreover, the manufacturing costs are relatively high for large spans as this requires expensive industrial tools. Also, the present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a structure for a pool cover incorporating at least one beam made of assembled elements, facilitating the transport and mounting of said beam and the kind of Pool shelter.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a beam for a shelter capable of covering an area incorporating a pool, a terrace or the like, said shelter comprising a supporting structure incorporating said beam, on which roofing elements characterized by the beam comprises end-to-end sections and at least one connecting element whose first end is connected to a first section disposed at one end of the beam and the second end of which is connected to a second section disposed at the other end of the beam. The invention also relates to a shelter comprising at least one beam according to the invention.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shelter with a beam according to the invention, a portion of said shelter being in the retracted position,

FIG. ZA is a longitudinal section illustrating a beam according to a first variant of the invention, FIG. 2B is a longitudinal section illustrating a beam according to another variant of the invention

FIG. 3 is a cross-section illustrating a beam according to an embodiment, FIG. 4 is a transverse section illustrating a beam according to another embodiment,

FIG. 5A is a cross-section of a variant of a profile used to constitute a beam according to the invention,

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the profile of FIG. 5A, FIG. 6A is a cross section of another variant of a profile used to constitute a beam according to the invention,

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the section of FIG. 6A,

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of another variant of a profile used to constitute a beam according to the invention; FIG. 8 is a perspective illustrating an example of a section constituting a beam according to the invention from two profiles

FIG. 9 is a section of an example of a shelter using a beam according to the invention, and

- Figure 10 is a section of an example shelter using two beams according to the invention.

In Figure 1, there is shown in 10 a shelter capable of covering an area 12 incorporating a swimming pool, terrace or other, said shelter being high type and allowing users to move inside.

Although in Figure 1, the shelter is shown covering a pool, other applications are possible such as the cover of sports fields or terraces.

This shelter comprises a support structure on which are reported cover elements movable or not with respect to said structure. According to the example shown in Figure 1, the shelter comprises a beam 14 supported at each end by uprights 16, two vertical end walls 18 perpendicular to the beam 14 provided at each end of said beam 14 and side walls 20 in the form of a bow including a first edge 22 is connected to the beam 14 and a second edge 24 rests on the ground.

The connection between the beam and the uprights is carried out by any appropriate means, in particular by bolting, the beam being capable of being disposed above the uprights or interposed between the two uprights as shown in Figures ZA and 2B. This link is not more detailed because it is within the reach of those skilled in the art.

It is the same for the covering elements, the amounts and the connection between the covering elements 18, 20 and the structure 14, 16. Advantageously, the beam is arranged along the length of the pool, the adjacent end walls 20.1. at the end walls 18 are fixed while the other side walls 20.2 said intermediate are movable and slide along rails or rails formed at the beam and preferably at ground level. In Figure 1, the intermediate side walls 20.2 disposed on one side of the beam 14 are in the retracted position and discover the pool while on the other side the intermediate side walls 20.2 are in the deployed position and cover the pool.

The dimensions of the different side walls are defined so as to allow nesting-type interlocking of the intermediate side walls 20.2 under the lateral end walls 20.1.

This shelter configuration makes it possible to reduce the range of the mobile covering elements, which contributes to facilitating their maneuvers. The range reduction also reduces the sections of aluminum, or other material, which generates savings in raw materials, in manufacturing, particularly in terms of bending, transport and laying.

In addition, this configuration allows to discover only one side of the pool, the other side being used as windbreaker. Finally, when the beam is loaded excessively, the side walls prevent collapse by supporting the beam in the manner of a vault, the beam forming a keystone.

According to the invention, as illustrated in FIG. ZA _1, the beam 14 comprises sections 26 end-to-end and at least one cable 28 arranged along the length of the beam, with ends connected to the respective ends of the beam, said cable being non-rectilinear and describing a curve in order to exert a force on the beam directed upwards and capable of compensating the loads applied to the beam when said cable is tensioned. By curve is also meant a succession of at least two broken lines.

Thus, when the cable is tensioned, it tends to stiffen which allows to compress the sections against each other and generate a counterweight to compensate for the loads applied to the beam so that the arrow of the beam does not exceed l / 5OO ^th of reach when the beam is loaded.

Preferably, the cable describes a substantially parabolic curve, with a focus disposed above the beam, from the top of the beam at both ends and positioned at the bottom in the middle of the beam. This variant provides a better distribution of the forces exerted by the cable on the beam so that they have a substantially identical distribution to the load applied by the cover elements which is distributed along the beam. According to the variants, the cable 28 can be prestressed and put in tension when the beam is not loaded. For this purpose, the cable 28 is stretched at at least one of its ends by any appropriate means such as for example tensioners.

According to a preferred assembly mode, the cable 28 is not stretched when the beam is not loaded. In this case, the cable is weakly stretched to arrange the sections end to end but not to exert prestressing. Said cable is automatically tensioned when the beam is loaded, in particular by its own weight and / or when the cover elements are connected to the beam and tend to exert efforts whose resultant is oriented downwards. The dimensions of the dish described by the cable 28 are adjusted in particular according to the weight of the beam and / or the loads exerted by the covering elements on the beam, the arrow f of the dish being substantially proportional to the distributed load applied to the beam, in particular that resulting from the weight of the beam and / or the covering elements. For example, for a range of the order of 16.40 m, it is necessary to provide an arrow for the parabola of the order of 250 mm.

The cable 28 is preferably made of stainless steel. It can be stranded or not and have one or more strands and different sections depending on the tensile force that can be applied to said cable. Moreover by cable, one could hear several parallel cables. It is substantially inextensible to maintain the tension to which it is subjected when loaded either by prestressing or naturally by its own weight.

According to another variant of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2B, the beam 14 comprises end-to-end sections 26 and at least one connecting element 28 arranged along the length of the beam, with ends connected to respective ends. of the beam. According to one embodiment, the connecting element is in the form of a rigid or flexible rod, substantially inextensible, preferably metallic, made in one piece or several elements placed end to end and connected by sleeves.

Advantageously, the connecting element 28 is arranged in the lower part of the beam, in particular below the neutral fiber so as to take up the traction forces.

Generally, the beam 14 comprises sections 26 placed end to end and at least one connecting element 28 (cable, rod or other), a first end is connected to a first section disposed at a first end of the beam and whose second end is connected to a second section disposed at the other end of the beam.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the beam comprises means for positioning the sections relative to each other so as to arrange them aligned. According to one embodiment, at least one sleeve 30 is arranged astride two adjacent sections. According to one embodiment, a sleeve 30 is in the form of a hollow metal tube, for example steel, with a square or rectangular section, which can be housed in housings of similar shapes formed at the ends of the sections . According to one characteristic of the invention, the beam comprises a core with a cavity 32 in which the cable 28 can be accommodated, the cable 28 being disposed in the vertical longitudinal median plane of the beam and being protected in the cavity.

In order to avoid the occurrence of torsion phenomena, the sleeves 30 are also arranged at the vertical longitudinal median plane of the beam, preferably above and below the cable 28.

Axes 34 are provided along the beam, arranged above the cable and judiciously to guide said cable along a desired curve, in a preferred embodiment, a substantially parabolic curve when stretched and pressed against said pins 34.

According to another characteristic of the invention, to improve the handling of the elements and simplify their production, each section 26 is made from at least two parallel sections, extending over the entire length of the section. These profiles are metallic and obtained by extrusion through a matrix. According to a first embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, each section comprises two profiles 36, 36 'contiguous and arranged one on the other and connected by any appropriate means. Preferably, the connection between the profiles is obtained thanks to the shapes of said cooperating profiles.

Each profile comprises a U-shape in which the cable 28 can be accommodated, the branches of the U 38 being longer or shorter depending on the height necessary to accommodate the arrow of the dish of the cable and / or to allow the superposition of the different slides necessary for guiding the side walls.

To ensure the connection between the two sections, the end of one of the branches of the U 38 comprises a hook shape 40 while the other end comprises a housing 42 whose shapes are adapted to those of the hook 40. Thus, the two assembled sections are arranged head to tail, the hook 40 of a first profile cooperating with the housing 42 of the second profile, the hook 40 of said second section cooperating with the housing 42 of the first section as shown in Figure 3.

Ribs 44 are provided inside the U at the branches 38 so as to define with the branches of the U 38 and the base of the U 46 a housing for a sleeve 30.

When lateral walls are slidable along the beam 14, the latter comprises at the outer faces of the branches of the U 38 housing 48 C. Preferably, the housing C and the U-shaped are made in one piece by coextrusion. In this case, horizontal walls are attached perpendicular to the branches of the U towards the outside, two first walls 50 in the extension of the base of the U 46, two second walls 52 at the ends of the branches of the U 38 and possibly the thirds. walls 54 between the walls 50 and 52 regularly spaced, said walls having at the free ends of the flanges 56 so as to describe a shape C.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a first type of profile with a single slideway on either side of the U shape. FIGS. 6A and 6B show a second type of profile with two rails. on both sides of the U shape.

In Figure 7, there is shown a third type of profile with three rails on either side of the U-shape. By assembling two sections with three rails, a beam is obtained with a height of about 400 mm. from two profiles of the order of 200 mm. This type of profile is part of a diameter circle of the order of 265 mm corresponding to the size of a matrix of a press of 3500 tons which allows industrialization with costs compatible with the market. Depending on the desired beam height, a section is obtained by assembling two identical or different sections, the various combinations of profiles described above being conceivable. For example, there is shown in Figure 8 a section obtained by assembling two profiles with two slides. The assembly of two sections makes it possible to obtain a beam of considerable height while limiting the size of the industrial tooling that makes it possible to obtain said profiles.

In Figure 4, there is shown another embodiment of a section. The latter comprises two hollow profiles 58 of rectangular or square section with possibly stiffeners 60 defining a housing for a sleeve 30 and at least one spacer 62 connecting said sections 58. Preferably, the section comprises two spacers 62 spaced one by one. on the other so as to delimit a cavity 32 in which the cable 28 can be accommodated.

According to this embodiment, the beams are all made from the same sections 58, only the height of the spacers 62 being adjusted according to the desired height of the beam. Preferably, the profiles are metallic, in particular based on an aluminum alloy, and are obtained by extrusion.

The spacers are in the form of plate or metal panel or not whose thickness is adjusted to withstand the compressive forces. The connection between a spacer 62 and a profile 58 is made by any appropriate means, in particular by means of a U-shaped groove contiguous or formed at one of the faces of the profile and connection means such as bolts for example or by gluing. The axes 34 are located at the spacers so as to obtain the desired curve of the cable.

When side walls are slidable along the beam 14, slides 64 are attached to the spacers by any appropriate means, in particular through the shapes of the slides which cooperate with the shapes of the spacers or elements connected to the spacers. According to another characteristic of the invention, the beam comprises at the level of the upper and / or lower face a housing 66 capable of being used as a cable path in order to obtain, for example, a zenith lighting, or for allow any other hook. Depending on the case, the housing can be closed thanks to a 68 clipped hood.

Finally, a shelter may comprise a beam 14 as illustrated in FIGS.

9 or two beams 14 with on both sides side walls substantially identical to those of the previous variant and movable or fixed cover elements interposed between said beams, as shown in FIG.

10.

The fact of providing a beam made of several assembled sections makes it easier to transport and set up said beam. Furthermore, the sections have dimensions adapted to introduce them into cabins for surface treatments, a thermo lacquering for example.

The presence of the cable also makes it possible to limit the deformations in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the beam.

In addition, the fact that the sections are preferably made using two assembled sections also makes it possible to reduce the size of the elements to be manufactured and manipulated, and allows the use of industrial equipment which makes it possible to obtain operating costs. compatible with the market.

Moreover, when the beam supports sliding side walls, no assembly or screwing is necessary on the site thanks to the presence of the slides, the panels being threaded at the end of the beam in their respective slides. Thus, the assembly time is significantly reduced and only two fitters are sufficient without lifting equipment.

Of course, the invention is obviously not limited to the embodiment shown and described above, but on the contrary covers all variants, particularly with regard to the shapes and dimensions of the shelter, the number of dimensions of the beams as well as the nature, dimensions, shapes of the roofing elements and the structure to which they are attached.

Claims

1. Beam for a shelter capable of covering an area (12) incorporating a pool, a terrace or the like, said shelter comprising a bearing structure incorporating said beam, on which roofing elements are attached, characterized in that the beam (14) comprises end-to-end sections (26) and at least one connecting element (28) whose first end is connected to a first section disposed at a first end of the beam and whose second end is connected to a second end section disposed at the other end of the beam.

2. Beam according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one cable (28), a first end is connected to a first section disposed at a first end of the beam and the second end is connected to a second section disposed at the other end of the beam, said cable (28) being non-rectilinear and describing a curve in order to exert a force on the beam directed upwards and capable of compensating the loads applied to the beam when said cable is put in tension.

3. Beam according to claim 2, characterized in that the cable (28) describes a substantially parabolic curve, with a focus disposed above the beam, from the top of the beam at both ends and positioned at the bottom at middle of the beam.

4. Beam according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the cable (28) is not tensioned when the beam is not loaded, said cable being tensioned automatically when the beam is loaded.

5. Beam according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the cable (28) is prestressed.

6. Beam according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises pins (34) disposed above the cable and judiciously to guide said cable along a desired curve.

7. Beam according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one rod (28), a first end is connected to a first section disposed at a first end of the beam and the second end is connected to a second section disposed at the other end of the beam.

8. Beam according to claim 7, characterized in that the rod is disposed in the lower part of the beam, in particular below the neutral fiber so as to take the tensile forces.

9. Beam according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for positioning the sections relative to each other so as to arrange them aligned.

10. Beam according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one sleeve (30) is arranged astride in two adjacent sections.

11. Beam according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a core with a cavity (32) in which is likely to be housed the connecting element (28) disposed in the vertical longitudinal median plane of the beam.

12. Beam according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each section (26) is made from at least two parallel sections, extending over the entire length of the section.

13. Beam according to claim 12, characterized in that the two profiles (36, 36 ') are contiguous and arranged one on the other, the connection between the profiles being obtained through the shapes of said cooperating profiles.

14. Beam according to claim 13, characterized in that each section comprises a U-shape in which is likely to be housed the connecting element (28), the end of one of the branches of the U (38) comprising a form in hook (40) the other end comprising a housing (42) whose shapes are adapted to those of the hook (40) to assemble two head profiles spade.

15. Beam according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises at the outer faces of the U-shaped limbs (38) housing (48) C may be used as a slide or rail.

16. Beam according to claim 15, characterized in that the housings (48) and the U-shape are made in one piece.

17. Beam according to claim 12, characterized in that each section (26) comprises two profiles (58) and at least one spacer (62) connecting said profiles (58).

18. Beam according to claim 17, characterized in that each section comprises two spacers (62) spaced apart from each other so as to define a cavity (32) in which is likely to be housed the connecting element (28), the width of the spacers (62) being adjusted according to the desired height of the beam.

19. Beam according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that slides (64) are attached to said at least one spacer.

20. Beam according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at the upper and / or lower face a housing (66).

21. Shelter capable of covering an area (12) incorporating a swimming pool, a terrace or the like, said shelter comprising a bearing structure on which roofing elements are attached, said supporting structure comprising at least one beam according to any one of the claims. preceding.