Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories, process for obtaining and use thereof

Abstract

 The present invention refers to a structure for swimming pools, with prefabricated elements, engaged and reinforced with each other, essentially with mortar composed of inert, additive, binder, fiber and coloring materials imbedded in the mortar, preferably built from the ground level, and to a process for obtaining thereof.
The present structure consists of prefabricated elements and attachment means, comprising pillars (1) with a metal shoe (6) previously attached to the pillar (1) during manufacture, the pillar being topped with a metal cap (7, 8) also attached to the pillar (1) during manufacture, and the metal profile (49 and 50) being attached to the pillar (1) through screw and bushing, having a fit finishing profile to hide the screw heads used to attach the metal profiles (49) to the pillar (1), which are attached to the ground and which form the perimeter of the swimming pool using a guide (9), and wherein the pillars are flanked with beams (3) (34) (22) (21), each being stacked one on top of the other.
All pre-fabricated elements, composed of mortar, provide a deck-like finishing, imitation of wood or rehabilitated natural stone, with the placement of a panel for skimmer (20) attachment, whose set is tighten by a border (4, 47).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for swimming pools, comprising prefabricated elements, engaged and reinforced with each other, which are conceived with mortar composed of inert, binder, fiber, additive and coloring materials, preferably built from the ground level, and to attachment accessories and process for obtaining thereof.

[0002] Currently, the market has several types of building systems available for swimming pools for the construction thereof from the ground level. The systems most widely used relate to wood-based building systems. Other building systems use a metal structure; some others still resort to concrete.

[0003] As far as wood-based building systems are concerned, the main advantage thereof has an aesthetic and finishing nature, as the wood allows a particular softness and beauty. However, the main disadvantage associated with the use of this material is its swift deformation and deterioration. They are also of low resistance to weather conditions.' Moreover, the maintenance of such swimming pools is quite intensive and time-consuming, with constant resort to environment unfriendly cleaning products. Despite all care, the structure will suffer over time with cracks and fissures, which is a characteristic of living materials such as wood.

[0004] As far as the building systems using metal structures are concerned, despite their stability and durability, the appearance thereof hardly blends in the environment, given the material itself.

[0005] Concrete structures, such as those commonly known, allow obtaining a solid construction of a swimming pool. However, due to the manufacturing process of the elements forming the structure and the matter itself - concrete - , the elements present a smooth, standard, and artificial design and texture compelling the subsequent handling of the same with the use of treatments, varnishes, paints, and woodstains, in order to obtain a more natural finishing. It should be added that varnishes, paints or any other surface treatment do become blur over time, with consequent maintenance and replacement costs.

[0006] In this sense, WO 2004/072411 relates to a modular swimming pool, consisting of concrete elements. It comprises a set of components, such as posts, border, and plates, the latter being subject to treatment and longitudinal slot implementation so as to provide the appearance of stacked plates, with a less artificial finishing.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a novel constructive solution which allows obtaining a solid structure for swimming pools which is resistant to water pressure, by means of the use of innovative structure elements. The invention also intends to obtain a natural and pleasant finishing to the touch and to the eye, through the use of mortar, and by means of a manufacturing process of the components thereof, whose overall characteristics are such that it is not necessary to perform slots, finishing, treatments, or painting subsequently to the manufacture of the elements, therefore providing a low-maintenance structure.

[0008] In fact, the elements of the present invention are made of a mortar composed of inert, additive, binder, colorant and fiber materials. The combination of these components in the manufacturing process allows obtaining the desired color of the visible elements of the structure, the color being imbedded in the mortar itself.

[0009] The mortar is then poured into silicone or polyurethane molds, these having the desired design, thus the desired finishing, shape, and texture being defined, with a customized rather than standard character, which may be, for example of a deck-like nature, an imitation of wood or rehabilitated natural stone.

[0010] Subsequently to the drying time of the mortar having been checked, the demolding of the pillar (1), the standard beam (3), the right skimmer beam (21), the left skimmer beam (22), the starting beam (46), beam (48), right border (47), angle border (4) and drilled beam (34) takes place, which will form the components of the structure, whose manufacturing properties will provide, apart from a stable and time-resistant final product, a particular natural and maintenance-free smoothness and texture, which will blend in the surrounding environment of the swimming pool.

[0011] The metal shoe (6) is conceived in metallic material, has a rectangular base and 4 anchorage points at the respective ends of the pre-existing base (29), upon which a U-shaped metal compartment rests, within which two anchors are arranged for the attachment of the metal shoe to the pillars (52), which also allow the attachment of the pillar to the shoe by means of inserting the said shoe anchors (52) in the holes (58) which are coated with chemical bushing and inserted at the bottom area of the pillar base.

[0012] The present design allows stabilizing the pillars into the shoes, thus quickly boosting its immobilization by means of a simple fitting.

[0013] The pillars (1) have on their lower end a base for the engagement with the metal shoe (13), and have on their upper end a fitting for a metal cap (16), both ends being slightly lowered with regard to the remainder form of the pillar, so as to allow the engagement between the metal shoe (6) and the metal cap (8, 7) respectively, while maintaining a pleasing aesthetics.

[0014] The right metal profile (49), or the angle profile (50), are attached to the pillar (1) by means of screw and bushing, as required. The right metal profile (49) is designed with the shape of an H and has a beam fitting recess (56), on each side. The angle metal profile (50) is designed with the shape of an H and has a beam fitting recess (56) on each side, the metal profiles being arranged in V position to one another. Subsequently to the attachment of the metal profiles (49, 50) a finishing profile (51) is engaged so as to conceal the heads of the screws used for the attachment of the metal profiles (49, 50) to the pillar (1).

[0015] The metal profiles (49, 50) also have, on the side area and across the entire height thereof, a recess (56) for the fitting between the beam and the pillar being designed to fit and guide the rows of beamers. The inner face of the right pillar (35) maintains the structure in upright position. However, when seen in profile, the pillars have a curved base, that is, they are wider at the fitting base of the metal shoe (13) than in the fitting area for the metal cap (16), thus enhancing the support and stability of the structure itself on the ground and providing greater impact withstand, as well as sophistication to the swimming pool line.

[0016] The pillars have a higher resistance, are easier to handle and transport with lower impact hazard, when compared to existing pillar models, which represents a gain in terms of safety for swimming pool users, thus reducing cutting hazard, providing the whole structure with an unique ergonomic nature, due to the fact that edges are provided with broken angles and the transition between the faces of the pillars is smoothed by a 3^rd face, thus forming a 45-degree angle with the remainder faces.

[0017] All beams, except for the end beam on the top of the structure (48 - end beam) have a tongue fitting (17) on the top area. All beams (3, 34, 46, 47, 21 and 22) have a groove fitting (18) and also an outer face (38) with a ribbed texture, providing a deck-like finishing.

[0018] The drilled beam (34) has the same characteristics as the remainder beams (3), being however added with a drilled opening for several accessories (37).

[0019] The right (21) or left (22) skimmer beam has a design adapted to allow the placement of the skimmer attachment panel (20), which is provided with an attachment recess for the skimmer (44), using the same fitting type of the beams (3).

[0020] The skimmer attachment panel (20), conceived in metallic material, features, apart from the skimmer inlet opening, a tongue (45) and groove (33) fitting system, similar to and compatible with that of the beams (3).

[0021] As far as the caps are concerned, the right caps (8) have a rectangular base with four anchorage points (25) at the ends thereof, and the angle caps (7) have a V-shape, also with four anchorage points (25), both caps having a U-shaped metal compartment in metallic material, and an anchor for the attachment to the pillar (55) in the inner middle area thereof. The attachment and immobilization of the caps in the pillars is accomplished by means of introducing an anchor (55) present on the bottom middle area of the metal cap (7, 8) in the hole coated with chemical bushing and arranged on the top of the pillar (57) .

[0022] The anchorage profile (10) and the angle profile (54) for the flexible and waterproof inner liner is made of a metallic material, has a recess for the attachment of the liner (40), whose profile properties allow stability reinforcement of the structure.

[0023] As far as the support and connection profile (11) is concerned, which is conceived in metallic material, it has anchorage points for the attachment between the profile and the caps (41). The connection of the profile (11) to the caps (7, 8) is carried out by means of screw and nut, which are inserted into the anchorage points (41, 25). The support and connection profile (11) is also provided with an anchorage point (53) in order to allow the placement of a cover.

[0024] As far as the border is concerned, the different segments of the same, placed on the top area of the perimeter of the swimming pool, have a design adapted to the angle of the perimeter of the swimming pool which may be straight (47), or in angle (4). The border has a deck-like ribbed finishing (43).

[0025] In factory, the metal shoes (6) are previously attached to the pillars (1) by inserting two anchors of the shoe into the pillar (52) in holes (58) of the said pillar, which are coated with chemical bushing and inserted at the bottom area of the pillar base.

[0026] The metal caps (7, 8) are also attached to the pillar (1) at the factory, by inserting an anchor (55) present on the bottom middle area of the metal cap (7, 8) in the hole which is coated with chemical bushing and which is arranged on the top area of the pillar (57).

[0027] Always at the factory, the metal profiles (49 and 50) are attached to the pillars (1) through screw and bushing and a finishing profile (51) is arranged by fitting procedures in order to conceal the heads of the screws used for attaching the metal profiles (49, 50) to the pillar (1). So being, the pillars (1) are obtained in factory with the respective components thereof, thus saving on-site assembly time and ensuring a smaller margin of error in on-site attachment procedures of the components to the pillar and, by virtue of the structure of the swimming pool itself, the assembly and time efficiency are increased.

[0028] At the desired assembly site with the pre-existing stabilized base, the assembly of the swimming pool is thus started with the placement of the pillars, which are ready and completely manufactured according to the process described in the preceding paragraph, on the desired points along the entire perimeter according to the desired shape of the swimming pool. The attachment of the pillar to the pre-existing base is carried out by introducing screws and bushing into the anchorage points (29) in the metal shoe (6) .

[0029] An elongated guide (9) conceived in metallic material, is screwed into the pre-existing stabilized base between each metal profile (49, 50), in the fitting recess (56), which is located at the base of the pillar. The said guide (9) has a tongue fitting (31) along the entire length thereof, which will in turn allow, at a later assembly stage, placing the groove fitting (18) of the starting beam (46), thereby promoting the structure's stability and strength against water pressure.

[0030] Following, the attachment of the support and connection profile (11) to the right (8) or angle (7) metal caps is carried out by inserting screws and nuts into the anchorage points (41 and 25). By means of this operation, a blocking strap is created around the entire perimeter of the swimming pool, thereby enhancing the stability of the structure.

[0031] Subsequently, the placement of the first row of starting beams (46) is carried out, whose both ends will fit into the beam fitting recesses (56) on the metal profile (49 and 50), bearing in mind that in the first row, the groove fitting (18) of the beam will engage the tongue fitting of the guide (31), which has been previously attached. The fitting recesses may take various forms, which include the flat and curved shape, for example.

[0032] The placement of the second and subsequent rows of beams, up to the desired height of the swimming pool, complies with the same fitting operation, bearing in mind that the groove fitting of the beam (18) must engage the tongue fitting of the beam (17), which has been previously arranged. The end beam (48) is arranged on the last row.

[0033] Afterwards, the placement of the anchorage profile (10) is carried out which will allow arranging the flexible and waterproof inner liner of the swimming pool, along the upper perimeter thereof, which fits onto the end beam (48).

[0034] Proper placement of swimming pool filtering material, such as the so-called skimmer, is provided by right (21) or left (22) skimmer beams, whose placement complies with the aforementioned assembling logic of beams (3, 34, 46 and 48). Between the skimmer beams (21) and (22), the skimmer attachment panel (20) is placed and attached, by means of the groove fitting (33) in the skimmer attachment panel (20), which will engage the tongue fitting in the beam (17). The tongue fitting (45) of the skimmer attachment panel (20) allows the engagement under the anchorage profile (10).

[0035] The structure is concluded by attaching the right border (47) and angle border (4) by means of glue, and which will rest on the support and connection profile (11) and on the anchorage profile of the flexible and waterproof inner liner (10).

[0036] The placement of the remainder swimming pool equipment (reflowers, suction devices, projector) is simplified by the use of the accessory opening (37) of a drilled beam (34), arranged at the desired height, following the above mentioned assembling logic.

[0037] The assembly proceeds with the placement of a metal foil (59) which is unwound and thus coats the inner walls of the structure, being attached by rivets onto the finishing profile (51), thus ensuring the water resistance distribution throughout the structure.

[0038] Subsequently to the placement of the equipment, the structure is ready for the flexible waterproof liner, which is held within the recess for liner attachment (40), present in the anchorage profile for inner flexible and waterproof liner (10).

Description of drawings

[0039] 

Figure 1 shows an overview perspective of the structure.

Figure 2 shows an overview perspective of the several components of the structure.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the pillar with a straight metal profile.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the pillar with the angle metal profile.

Figure 5 presents a perspective view of the several components of the pillar with the straight metal profile.

Figure 6 shows a cut detail of the bottom area of the pillar.

Figure 7 shows a cut detailed of the upper area of the pillar.

Figure 8 shows a detail of the drilled beam.

Figure 9 shows a plan view detail of the fitting between the beam and pillar.

Claims

1. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories comprising:

- metal guides (9);

- beams (3), drilled beams (34), left beam (22) and right beam (21), starting beam (46) and end beam (48) each being stacked one on top of the other;

- skimmer attachment panel (20) with an inlet opening for the skimmer, a tongue (45) and groove (33) fitting system similar to and compatible with that of the beams (3) and which is topped by straight caps (8) and angles (7) tighten by a border (4, 47);

- a pillar (1) with metal shoe (6) previously attached to the pillar (1), wherein the pillar (1) is topped by a metal cap (7, 8) which is attached thereto; and

- a metal profile (49) or an angle profile (50) which is attached to the pillar (1), having a fit finishing profile (51).

2. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claim, wherein the elements are prefabricated in mortar composed of inert, additive, binder, coloring and fiber materials and wherein the attachment accessories consist of metal material.

3. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claims, wherein the metal cap (7, 8) is attached to the pillar (1) by means of introducing an anchor (55) into the drill present on the top of the pillar (57) and wherein each is provided with four anchorage points (25).

4. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claims, wherein the anchors (52 e 55) are coated by chemical bushing.

5. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claims, wherein the metal shoe (6) consists of a rectangular metal base with 4 anchorage points on the ends of a pre-existing base (29), on top of which a metal compartment rests, within which two anchors (52) are provided.

6. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claims, wherein the pillar (1) has a fitting base on the metal shoe (13) on the one end, and a fitting for the metal cap (16) on the other end.

7. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claims, wherein the metal profile (49) has a beam fitting recess (56) on each side and the metal profile (50) has a beam fitting recess (56) on each side and which are arranged in a V position to one another.

8. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claims, wherein the pillar has corners at broken angles, forming a 45-degree angle with the remainder faces.

9. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claims, wherein the profile of the pillar has a straight inner face and a curved outer face.

10. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claims, wherein all beams (3, 21, 22, 34, 46) have a tongue and groove fitting (17), an outer face (38) with ribbed texture, and still on the case of the drilled beam (34), it has an inlet opening for the accessories (37).

11. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claims, comprising an anchorage profile (10) consisting of metal material and having a liner attachment recess, as well the arrangement of a metal foil (59) which is attached onto the finishing profile (51) by means of rivets.

12. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claims, comprising a supporting and connecting (11) profile (41) which in turn is provided with anchorage points for the profile and caps (7, 8) and one anchorage point (53) .

13. Prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to the previous claims, wherein the border (4, 47) has a ribbed finishing (43) and a design which is adapted to the angle of the perimeter, which can be straight (47) or in angle (4).

14. Process for obtaining the prefabricated element structure and attachment accessories according to claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps:

- the mortar for obtaining the prefabricated elements of the structure is poured into silicone or polyurethane molds with the desired configuration;

- subsequently to the drying time having been checked, the demolding of the pillar (1), the beam (3), the right skimmer beam (21), the left skimmer beam (22), the starting beam (46), beam (48), right border (47), angle border (4) and drilled beam (34) takes place;

- the elements are taken to the desired installation site;

- the pillars are arranged on the desired points being attached to the pre-existing base by means of introducing screws and bushings into the anchorage points (29) of the metal shoe (6);

- a guide (9) is screwed into the pre-existing stabilized base between each metal profile (49, 50), on the fitting recess (56), arranged at the base of the pillar;

- the support and connection profile (11) is attached to the right metal (8) or angle (7) caps by means of inserting screws and nuts into the anchoring points (41 and 25);

- the first row of starting beams (46) is arranged wherein the ends will fit into the beam fitting recesses (56) in the metal profile (49 and 50), wherein the groove fitting of the beam (18) in the first row must engage the tongue fitting of the guide (31), which has been previously attached;

- the second and subsequent rows of beams are arranged up to the desired height;

- the end beam (48) is arranged;

- the anchor profile (10) is arranged being fit into the end beam (48);

- swimming pool filtering material is arranged, which is provided by the right (21) or left (22) skimmer beams whose placement complies with the above-mentioned assembling logic of the beams (3, 34, 46 and 48);

- the skimmer attachment panel (20) is arranged between the beams (21, 22) by means of the groove fitting (33), which also allows the fitting under the anchorage profile (10) and which will engage the tongue fitting of the beam (17);

- the right border (47) and angle border (4) are arranged, which will rest on the support and connection profile (11) and on the anchorage profile for flexible and waterproof (10) inner liner;

- the remaining swimming pool equipment is arranged (reflowers, suction devices, projector);

- a metal foil (59) is arranged and attached onto the finishing profile (51).

15. Use of the system according to claims 1 to 13 and process according to claim 14, wherein it is used in swimming pools.

Drawing