[0001] The present invention relates to a pool provided with at least one movable platform,
configured to be selectively moved in several operating positions with respect to
the pool itself.
[0002] The use of a mobile platform or floor to selectively close a swimming pool is known.
The mobility of the platform is guaranteed by motor members and guide members that
allow the movement of the same platform inside the pool to be operated and controlled.
In practice, the platform can be moved between a lowered limit position, wherein it
defines the bottom of the pool itself, and a raised position, wherein it provides
a closure that can be walked on. The mobility of the platform also allows to vary
the depth of the pool, being able to adjust the distance between the platform itself
and the free surface of the water.
[0004] A limitation of the solutions of the prior art concerns the use of the mobile platform
exclusively to block or selectively free access to the tub.
[0005] The tub according to the invention is a tub that can be configured as a swimming
pool that can be installed preferably, but not exclusively, on board a boat such as
a ship, a boat, a yacht or similar.
[0006] In the field of naval application, there is a need to optimize the exploitation of
the space available on board.
[0007] The possibility of closing the pool and providing a walkable surface partly responds
to this need by allowing the space normally occupied by the pool to be used for other
purposes.
[0008] In the context of the exploitation of the space occupied by a pool on board a boat,
the compartment of the same is sometimes improperly used as a storage wherein to stow,
for example, a small boat, a dinghy, a jet ski, tools or objects in general.
[0009] In practice, one or more of the aforementioned means of navigation can be stowed
inside the volume of the pool, which has been emptied.
[0010] This solution, however, does not appear safe, as there is the danger of accidentally
falling into the compartment delimited by the pool with the risk of injury.
[0011] The use of a cover sheet to be spread on the deck at the pool, to occlude the same,
although allows to protect the objects stored inside the pool, does not allow to avoid
the danger described above.
[0012] There is therefore a need to optimally exploit the volume occupied by an on-board
swimming pool, in order to overcome the drawbacks of conventional solutions of the
known type.
[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide in a simple, efficient and economical
way a pool that can be configured as a swimming pool which allows the space occupied
by it to be exploited in an optimal way.
[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a pool configured to assume
different configurations so as to alternatively provide a swimming pool, a walkable
surface or a hold for the storage of objects.
[0015] Specific form object of the invention a pool comprising:
a body equipped with side walls and a bottom wall connected to each other, wherein
the side walls delimit an upper opening of the pool,
a mobile top platform housed within the plan footprint of a compartment delimited
by the body,
a mobile bottom platform housed within the overall dimensions of the body,
wherein the bottom platform is interposed between the mobile top platform and the
bottom wall,
the pool comprising lifting members configured to move the mobile top platform between
at least one completely lowered position, wherein the mobile top platform is leaning
against the mobile bottom platform and both are placed in proximity to the bottom
wall of the body, and at least a fully raised position wherein at least the mobile
top platform is located outside the body and spaced from the bottom movable platform.
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the bottom wall and the mobile bottom
platform can have through openings configured for the passage of the lifting members.
[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, the pool can comprise movement members
operatively connected to the mobile bottom platform and configured to move the mobile
bottom platform between a completely lowered position, wherein the mobile bottom platform
is in proximity to the bottom wall bottom of the body and a raised position wherein
the mobile bottom platform is arranged at the top of the body occluding the upper
opening, depending on the position of the top mobile platform with respect to said
body.
[0018] According to an additional aspect of the invention, the pool can comprise a sealing
system that develops perimeter around the mobile top platform and is configured to
selectively provide a hermetic seal between the mobile top platform and the side walls
of the body.
[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the sealing system can comprise at
least one expandable gasket configured to be selectively inflated or deflated.
[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, the lifting members can comprise
a plurality of telescopic pistons operatively connected to the mobile top platform
and to the body of the pool.
[0021] According to an additional aspect of the invention, the telescopic pistons can comprise
a plurality of tubular elements slidingly connected to each other and housed, in a
retracted configuration, inside a containment body, wherein the containment body is
connected to the bottom and extends outside the body.
[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the pool can comprise at least one
logic control unit operatively connected to the lifting members and configured to
control the position of the top mobile platform relative to the body and to the bottom
mobile platform.
[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one logic control unit
can be operatively connected to the movement members and is configured to control
the position of the mobile bottom platform relative to the body and the mobile top
platform.
[0024] According to an additional aspect of the invention, the pool can comprise at least
one compartment delimited along at least one of the side walls and configured to house
at least one ladder for accessing inside the pool, wherein the ladder is located outside
the plan dimensions of the mobile top platform and of the mobile bottom platform so
as not to interfere with their movement relative to the body.
[0025] The advantages offered by the pool according to the invention are evident.
[0026] In particular, the pool according to the invention comprises a system of mobile platforms
configured to provide an extremely flexible solution that can be configured, according
to specific needs of use, such as a hold with relative cover, a swimming pool or as
a support surface, not only walkable but able to support a high load.
[0027] Furthermore, the pool according to the invention has overall reduced and optimized
dimensions wherein the moving parts of the platforms of the pool are included or substantially
included in the plan dimensions of the pool itself, promoting its installation, for
example on board a boat.
[0028] The present invention will now be described, for illustrative but not limitative
purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the
Figures of the attached drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 shows an overall perspective view of the pool according to the invention
in an operating position;
Figures 2 and 3 show perspective views of the pool according to the invention in some
possible configurations of use;
Figures 4 to 6 show lateral sectional views of the pool according to the invention
in some possible configurations of use.
[0029] With reference to the accompanying Figures, it should be noted that a pool according
to the present invention is indicated as a whole with the reference number 1.
[0030] In the following description, reference will be made to a pool configured to be installed
on board a boat, although it is intended that according to alternative embodiments,
the pool according to the invention can also be used for installation on land, without
any limit.
[0031] The pool 1 comprises a body 2 which defines a compartment delimiting an upper opening
3, through which to access the inside of the pool 1 itself.
[0032] In particular, the body 2 has side walls 4, mutually connected to each other to delimit
the upper opening 3 and a bottom wall 5 (see, in particular Figures 4 to 6).
[0033] The side walls 4 protrude orthogonally from the bottom wall 5 defining with it a
box-like body open at its top, that is, at the upper opening 3.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the pool 1 is configured for installation flush with
respect to the deck of a boat, that is to say that the top portion of the pool 1 is
flush with the deck and does not extend above it.
[0035] As mentioned, the pool 1 according to an alternative embodiment can be installed
on the ground and, in this case, the top of the pool 1 is flush with the ground or
a covering that delimits the walkable surface around the pool 1 itself.
[0036] The pool 1 includes a mobile top platform 6, housed within the plan footprint of
the body 2 and a mobile bottom platform 7, also housed within the plan area of the
body 2.
[0037] The mobile bottom platform 7 is interposed between the bottom wall 5 and the mobile
top platform 6.
[0038] The mobile top platform 6 and the mobile bottom platform 7 are both mobile, depending
on the mutual positioning and the position assumed by each of them relative to the
body 2, as better described below.
[0039] The pool 1 comprises lifting members 8 configured to move the mobile top platform
6 relative to the body 2 as well as to the mobile bottom platform 7.
[0040] In particular, the lifting members 8 are configured to move the mobile top platform
6 between a completely lowered position, wherein the mobile top platform 6 is positioned
at the bottom wall 5 of the body 2 of the pool 1, leaning against the mobile bottom
platform 7 (see Figure 5), when the mobile bottom platform 7 is placed in a completely
lowered position, wherein it is arranged at the bottom wall 5, a completely raised
position, wherein the mobile top platform 6 is positioned outside the body 2, above
the top portion of the body 2 itself, spaced from the bottom platform 7 (see Figure
6) and at least an intermediate position, wherein the mobile top platform 6 is arranged
at the top portion of the body 2 (see Figure 4), occluding the upper opening 3, possibly
in a spaced position from the bottom platform 7.
[0041] The mobile top platform 6 when arranged in the intermediate position described above
blocks access to the pool 1 and provides a support surface configured to support a
predetermined weight resting on it.
[0042] The pool 1 comprises movement members 9 operatively connected to the mobile bottom
platform 7 and configured to move it relative to the body 2 as well as to the mobile
top platform 6.
[0043] The movement members 9 are configured to move the mobile bottom platform 7 between
the completely lowered position and a completely raised position.
[0044] The mobile top platform 6 and the mobile bottom platform 7 are movable with each
other, so as to be able to be approached each other, possibly until they are placed
in mutual abutment, or moved away from each other according to specific requirements
of use.
[0045] Depending on the position assumed by the mobile top platform 6 and by the mobile
bottom platform 7, the pool 1 can be selectively configured as a swimming pool, a
support surface or as a housing hold.
[0046] The pool 1, in fact, is configured to be able to assume different operating modes,
depending on the presence or absence of water or objects inside it.
[0047] In this regard, it should be noted that with the mobile bottom platform 7 arranged
in the lowered position and the mobile top platform 6 arranged in an intermediate
position between the lowered position and a position corresponding to the top portion
of the body 2, the pool 1 it is configured to be filled with water and serve as a
swimming pool.
[0048] With the mobile top platform 6 in a position aligned, flush or substantially flush
with the top portion of the body 2, the pool 1 is closed, sealing if desired, and
the compartment below the mobile top platform 6, i.e. the volume of the pool 1 delimited
between the mobile bottom platform 7, the side walls 4 and the mobile top platform
6, is configured to be used as a technical compartment wherein to house objects.
[0049] Again, with the mobile top platform 6 in the raised position, spaced from the top
portion of the body 2, the pool 1 has the upper opening 3 free, thus allowing access
to the compartment delimited between the body 2 and the mobile bottom platform 7.
[0050] The pool 1 can assume further configurations, for example to allow its inspection
and/or maintenance and, therefore, the access of assigned personnel inside the body
2. For example, the mobile bottom platform 7 is optionally configured to be moved
beyond the top portion of the body 2.
[0051] The mobile top platform 6 is configured to support a distributed or concentrated
load that insists on it, for example due to foot traffic or the positioning of furniture.
[0052] By way of non-limiting example, the mobile top platform 6 can comprise longitudinal
members and crosspieces connected to each other and lying along the same plane, to
define a reticular structure configured to support an upper cover which defines the
walkable surface for the mobile top platform 6.
[0053] Furthermore, the mobile top platform 6 can be configured as a landing pad for a helicopter,
thus acting as a heliport.
[0054] The pool 1 comprises a sealing system, which develops around the perimeter in correspondence
with the top portion of the body 2 and is configured to selectively obtain a hermetic
seal between the mobile top platform 6 itself and the side walls 4 of the body 2 or
between the mobile bottom platform 7 and side walls 4.
[0055] The sealing system comprises an expandable gasket 10, shaped like a frame and configured
to selectively abut against the perimeter side walls of the mobile top platform 6
or the perimeter side walls of the mobile bottom platform 7.
[0056] The expandable gasket 10 is configured to be selectively inflated or deflated respectively
to abut or distance itself from the side walls of the mobile top platform 6 or of
the mobile bottom platform 7 and ensure or not the hermetic seal with them.
[0057] More in detail, the expandable gasket 10 is deformable between a rest configuration,
wherein it is deflated and away from the perimeter side walls of the mobile top platform
6 or from the perimeter side walls of the mobile bottom platform 7 and a working configuration
in the which is expanded so as to extend inside the body 2 and abut against the perimeter
side walls of the mobile top platform 6 or the perimeter side walls of the mobile
bottom platform 7 to define a hermetic seal.
[0058] It should be noted that the expandable gasket 10 is placed in a rest configuration
during the relative movement of the mobile top platform 6 and/or of the mobile bottom
platform 7 so as not to be an obstacle to them.
[0059] As said, the pool 1 comprises lifting members 8 operatively connected to the mobile
top platform 6.
[0060] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures, the lifting
members 8 comprise a plurality of telescopic pistons 11 operatively connected to the
mobile top platform 6 and configured to determine the selective movement thereof between
a fully lowered position (see Figure 5), fully raised (see Figure 6) and intermediate
positions (see for example Figure 4).
[0061] The telescopic pistons 11 are hydraulically or electro-mechanically operated and
are operatively connected to at least one drive unit, not shown in the attached Figures,
which will not be described in detail, since this teaching is within the reach of
the person skilled in the art.
[0062] The telescopic pistons 11 are constrained to the body 2 of the pool 1 and protrude
outside the same starting from the bottom wall 5.
[0063] More in detail, each of the telescopic pistons 11 comprises a plurality of tubular
elements slidingly connected to each other and housed, in a retracted position, inside
a containment body 12 which extends outside the pool 1, starting from the bottom wall
5.
[0064] The length according to which the containment body 12 of each of the telescopic pistons
11 extends outside the bottom wall 5 is a function of the predetermined stroke for
the movement of the mobile top platform 6 between the completely lowered position
and the completely raised position.
[0065] The telescopic pistons 11 are constrained at a respective top end to the mobile top
platform 6.
[0066] As known, the telescopic pistons 11 have a plurality of movable tubular elements
slidably engaged with each other and mutually removable for a predetermined length.
[0067] In the attached Figures the telescopic pistons 11 are illustrated in a simplified
way, as tubular elements with a constant diameter, although it is understood that
they have a plurality of tubular elements fitted one on top of the other and, consequently,
of gradually decreasing dimensions starting from the outermost tubular element towards
the innermost tubular element, in a manner within the reach of the person skilled
in the art.
[0068] According to an alternative embodiment, the lifting members 8 comprise linear actuators
different from the telescopic pistons 11 such as, by way of example, catenary actuators.
[0069] The bottom wall 5 and the mobile bottom platform 7 have respective through openings
mutually aligned and configured for the passage of the lifting members 8.
[0070] In particular, the through openings made along the bottom wall 5 and the mobile bottom
platform 7 act as guiding elements for moving the lifting members 8 and, consequently,
the mobile top platform 6.
[0071] The pool 1 comprises at least one logic control unit 13 operatively connected to
the lifting members 8 and configured to control their actuation so as to determine
the position of the mobile top platform 6. In this regard, the pool 1 comprises at
least one sensor, not illustrated in detail in the attached Figures, configured to
detect the position of the mobile top platform 6 relative to the body 2.
[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the pool 1 comprises encoders not shown in detail,
operatively connected to the lifting members 8 and configured to detect the position
assumed by the individual telescopic pistons 11.
[0073] The movement of the mobile bottom platform 7, on the other hand, is determined by
the movement members 9.
[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the movement members 9 are configured as a cable
or chain drive, not shown in detail in the attached Figures but outlined as a rectangular
element leaned against the outside of the bottom wall 5 (see Figures 4- 6).
[0075] It should be noted that the positioning of the movement members 9 in a position leaning
against the outside of the bottom wall 5 is shown purely by way of example and does
not imply that the movement members 9 are provided exclusively in this position. By
way of example, the movement members 9 could comprise a cable system operatively connected
to an electro-mechanical actuator, wherein the electro-mechanical actuator is placed
inside the thickness of the mobile bottom platform 7 and is configured to actuate
the cable system so as to selectively control the lifting or lowering of the mobile
bottom platform 7 or its maintenance in position.
[0076] A cable drive of the type indicated above comprises, as mentioned, at least one drive
unit configured to recall or release in a controlled manner at least one cable which,
in turn, is operationally connected to the mobile bottom platform 7 by means of a
series of pulleys and return ropes. Following the winding or unwinding of at least
one rope connected to the drive unit, the controlled lifting, lowering or maintenance
in position of the mobile bottom platform 7 is determined relative to the body 2.
[0077] The pool 1 comprises at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the
mobile bottom platform 7 relative to the body 2 and, consequently, relative to the
mobile top platform 6.
[0078] Preferably, the mobile bottom platform 7 is configured to be moved between a completely
lowered position, wherein it abuts against the bottom wall 5 of the body 2 of the
pool 1 (see Figures 4 and 5) and a raised position, closing the upper opening 3 of
the body 2 of the pool 1, wherein it is flush with the top portion of the body 2 (see
Figure 6).
[0079] As mentioned, according to an embodiment, the mobile bottom platform 7 can be moved
in a raised position, wherein it is positioned beyond the top portion of the body
2, in order to be able to access the bottom wall 5 of the body 2 or the bottom of
the bottom mobile platform 7, for inspection or maintenance.
[0080] The movement of the mobile top platform 6 and of the mobile bottom platform 7 can
be synchronized with each other and controlled by means of the at least one logic
control unit 13 to avoid accidental collisions or crushing of any objects in a position
interposed between the mobile bottom platform 7 and the top mobile platform 6, i.e.
supported by the bottom mobile platform 7.
[0081] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown in the attached Figures, the lifting
members 8 comprise poles, as a replacement of the single telescopic pistons 11, each
bearing a toothing engaged by a respective mechanical drive such as a motorized pinion
or worm screw.
[0082] The direction of rotation of the individual pinions selectively determines the lifting
or lowering of the respective poles and, therefore, the lifting or lowering of the
mobile top platform 6.
[0083] Each of the poles extends outside the body 2 through respective openings made passing
through the bottom wall 5 and the mobile bottom platform 7 according to similar methods
to those described in relation to the previous embodiment.
[0084] Each of the mechanical drives is configured to engage a respective one between the
poles and is provided externally to the body 2 constrained to the bottom wall 5.
[0085] The pool 1 has locking members configured to selectively lock the mobile top platform
6 in position.
[0086] According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking members are housed in the
thickness of the mobile top platform 6 and comprise movable elements and relative
actuation members for selectively controlling their exit from the edge of the mobile
top platform 6 so as to engage respective seats made along the side walls 4, at the
top of the body 2 of the pool 1.
[0087] Each of the movable elements can be configured as the rod of a piston or a pin, electro-actuated
or hydraulically operated, operatively connected to the at least one logic control
unit 13, so that the movable element is selectively operable between a extracted position,
wherein it engages a corresponding seat, preventing the movement of the mobile top
platform 6 relative to the body 2, and a retracted position, wherein it allows the
movement of the mobile top platform 6 relative to the body 2 of the pool 1.
[0088] When the movable elements are engaged in the respective seats made along the side
walls 4, the mobile top platform 6 is constrained to the body 2.
[0089] The mobile top platform 6 thus locked acts as a support surface for any loads that
insist on it.
[0090] The pool 1 comprises further locking members, not shown in the attached Figures,
operatively connected to the mobile bottom platform 7 in a similar way to the connection
between the locking members and the mobile top platform 6.
[0091] The further locking members are configured to selectively constrain the mobile bottom
platform 7 to the top portion of the body 2 of the pool 1 according to similar methods
to those described in relation to the locking members of the mobile top platform 6.
[0092] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the locking members comprise movable
pins configured to be selectively moved so as to protrude from the side walls 4 and
engage respective openings made along the perimeter side walls of the mobile top platform
6 to constrain it in position.
[0093] Similarly, according to this embodiment, the mobile bottom platform 7 can comprise
openings along the perimeter side walls, configured to be selectively engaged with
the pins of the locking members, to selectively constrain the mobile bottom platform
7 in position, relative to the body 2.
[0094] In practice, this embodiment of the locking members substantially represents an inversion
with respect to the previously described embodiment, wherein the mobile top platform
6 and the mobile bottom platform 7 each have locking pins configured to selectively
extend therefrom and engaging respective openings delimited along the perimeter walls
4 of the body 2 of the pool 1.
[0095] The pool 1 comprises sensors, not shown in detail, operatively connected to the movable
elements or to the movable pins and to the at least one logic control unit 13 and
configured to detect the stopping position of the movable elements or of the movable
pins engaged in the respective locations.
[0096] The presence of several sensor members to detect the position of the mobile top platform
6 and/or of the mobile bottom platform 7 and the possible connection in position with
the body 2 of the pool 1 allows to increase the control and safety of the pool 1 and
detecting any anomalies that can be signaled by the at least one logic control unit
13, for example by means of a display or a control panel or by means of devices operatively
connected to the at least one logic control unit 13 remotely.
[0097] The pool 1 comprises at least a compartment 14 delimited along at least one of the
side walls 4 and configured to house at least a ladder 15 to allow access or exit
relative to the pool 1 (see Figure 2).
[0098] In particular, the at least one compartment 14 defines at least one niche wherein
the at least one ladder 15 is housed which, in practice, remains outside the plan
dimensions of the mobile top platform 6 and of the mobile bottom platform 7, so as
not to interfere with their movement.
[0099] The at least one compartment 14 extends in an interposed position between the bottom
wall 5 and the top portion of the body 2. In particular, the at least one compartment
14 is delimited below the sealing system in order not to interfere with the latter.
[0100] In practice, the at least one compartment 14 does not intersect the top portion of
the body 2 of the pool and does not create any discontinuity at the expandable gasket
10.
[0101] It is evident that the pool 1 according to the invention is able to achieve the intended
purposes with particular reference to the possibility of optimally exploiting the
space occupied by a pool 1 for multiple purposes.
[0102] The pool 1, in fact, comprises at least a mobile top platform 6 and a mobile bottom
platform 7 which are movable reciprocally and relative to the body 2 of the pool 1
itself to delimit the bottom of the pool, to occlude the upper opening 3 of the same.
and to define a storage area wherein to place tools or nautical items such as an inflatable
boat, a jet ski or similar.
[0103] In particular, by positioning the mobile top platform 6 in a completely raised position
and the mobile bottom platform 7 flush with the top of the body 2 of the pool 1, a
loading area is arranged along which to arrange the items to be stored inside the
body 2 , placing them on the mobile bottom platform 7.
[0104] Then, by lowering the mobile bottom platform 7 along the body 2, the articles to
be stored inside the pool 1 are brought. With the mobile bottom platform 7 in the
completely lowered position, in correspondence with the bottom wall 5 of the body
2, lowers the mobile top platform 6 until it reaches the top of the body 2, occluding
the upper opening 3.
[0105] Then, the mobile top platform 6 is constrained to the body 2 by means of the locking
members.
[0106] The mobile top platform 6 acts as a closing element for the pool 1 to protect the
items stored inside the pool 1 itself and, at the same time, as a support surface
at the installation area of the pool 1, for example along the deck of the boat.
[0107] If it is necessary to access the inside of the pool 1, it is possible to proceed
in the reverse way with respect to what has been described above, lifting the mobile
top platform 6 until it is completely extracted from the body 2 and, subsequently,
moving the mobile bottom platform 7.
[0108] The control of the movement of the mobile top platform 6 and of the mobile bottom
platform 7 can take place via a control panel, not shown in the attached Figures,
connected in data exchange mode with at least one logic control unit 13.
[0109] The connection in data exchange regime between the control panel and the at least
one logic control unit 13 can occur through wiring or wirelessly according to methods
within the reach of the person skilled in the art that do not form the specific object
of the present invention.
[0110] The mobile top platform 6 can carry at least one layer of external coating configured
to camouflage the mobile top platform 6 itself along the installation deck or, alternatively,
to distinguish it from the material with which the boat deck is made.
[0111] It is understood that the pool 1 can be made in different shapes and sizes than those
illustrated in the attached Figures, without any limitation, even within the scope
of a technical solution falling within the same inventive concept of the invention.
[0112] In the foregoing, the preferred embodiments have been described and variants of the
invention have been suggested, but it is to be understood that those skilled in the
art will be able to make modifications and changes without thereby departing from
the relative scope of protection, as defined by the claims attached.