(19)
(11) EP 4 074 924 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
19.10.2022 Bulletin 2022/42

(21) Application number: 21188250.1

(22) Date of filing: 28.07.2021
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
E04H 4/00(2006.01)
E04H 4/06(2006.01)
(52) Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
E04H 4/0081; E04H 4/0043; E04H 4/06
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA ME
Designated Validation States:
KH MA MD TN

(30) Priority: 13.04.2021 IT 202100009227

(71) Applicants:
  • Inthebubble S.r.l.
    28100 Novara (NO) (IT)
  • Poeta, Giuseppe
    95037 San Giovanni la Punta (CT) (IT)

(72) Inventor:
  • Poeta, Giuseppe
    95037 San Giovanni la Punta CT (IT)

(74) Representative: Perani & Partners S.p.A. 
Piazza Armando Diaz, 7
20123 Milano
20123 Milano (IT)

   


(54) PREFABRICATED STRUCTURE FOR SWIMMING POOLS


(57) A prefabricated structure (1) for swimming pools is described which comprises a plurality of supporting elements (3) and a plurality of reinforcing elements (4), wherein the supporting elements (3) and the reinforcing elements (4) are connectable to each other and configured to cover one or more side surfaces and a bottom surface of a pool excavation (2), wherein the reinforcing elements (4) are interposed between the supporting elements (3) and configured to be arranged at connections between the surfaces; the prefabricated structure (1) for swimming pools further includes a filling element (5) made of an insulating material connected to each supporting element (3).




Description

Technical field



[0001] The present invention relates to a prefabricated structure for swimming pools. The prefabricated structure according to the present invention can be used for the construction of public or private swimming pools. In particular, the prefabricated structure according to the present invention is intended for the construction of swimming pools that are totally in-ground, partially in-ground or entirely above ground.

Description of the prior art



[0002] Prefabricated structures for swimming pools are known in the state of the art. These structures comprise a load-bearing skeleton composed of panels, usually made of steel. These panels are placed within an existing excavation, covered with reinforced concrete, to form the body of the swimming pool, allowing for a faster installation than traditional swimming pools made of reinforced concrete. The same processes are carried out for in-ground swimming pools, either partially or completely, as well as for swimming pools that are entirely above ground.

Problem of the prior art



[0003] Disadvantageously, the known structures with steel panels exhibit poor performance in terms of energy saving, in particular they are poorly thermally insulated. In addition, the swimming pools built with the known prefabricated structures do not require the use of panels at the bottom of the excavation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



[0004] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a prefabricated structure for swimming pools which overcomes the above described drawbacks of the prior art.

[0005] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to make available a prefabricated structure for swimming pools which allows obtaining a swimming pool with good energy saving characteristics, while providing an appropriate mechanical support to sustain the large quantities of water expected.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to provide a prefabricated structure for swimming pools which allows rapid installation and is economical and durable.

[0007] The defined technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a prefabricated structure for swimming pools including the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

Advantages of the invention



[0008] In particular, the prefabricated structure for swimming pools according to the present invention comprises a plurality of supporting elements and a plurality of reinforcing elements connectable to each other and configured to cover one or more side surfaces and a bottom surface of a pool excavation. The reinforcing elements are interposed between the supporting elements and are configured to be arranged at connections between the surfaces.

[0009] The prefabricated structure according to the present invention solves the technical problem in that it comprises a filling element, made of an insulating material, connected to each supporting element.

[0010] Advantageously, a prefabricated structure for swimming pools according to the present invention makes it possible to obtain a swimming pool with better energy performances.

[0011] Advantageously, the prefabricated structure for swimming pools according to the present invention allows providing a better structural support.

[0012] Advantageously, the prefabricated structure for swimming pools according to the present invention is lightweight and economical.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS



[0013] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the set of drawings, wherein:
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of components of a prefabricated structure according to the present invention;
  • Figure 1a shows some of the components in Figure 1;
  • Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a detail of some of the components in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a swimming pool installed using the prefabricated structure in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION



[0014] Even when not explicitly highlighted, the individual features described with reference to the specific embodiments must be considered as accessories and/or exchangeable with other features, described with reference to other embodiments.

[0015] With reference to the appended figures, the present invention relates to a prefabricated structure 1 for swimming pools.

[0016] The prefabricated structure 1 in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of supporting elements 3 for making a body of a swimming pool 2. In other words, the supporting elements 3 are configured to create the body of swimming pool 2 made with the prefabricated structure 1. The prefabricated structure 1 further includes a plurality of reinforcing elements 4, configured to reinforce such a body in determined zones.

[0017] The supporting elements 3 and the reinforcing elements 4 can be connected to each other to create a load-bearing skeleton for the swimming pool 2.

[0018] In particular, the supporting elements 3 are connectable to other supporting elements 3 or to reinforcing elements 4. In turn, the reinforcing elements 4 are connectable to other reinforcing elements 4 or to supporting elements 3. The supporting elements 3 and the reinforcing elements 4 are configured to cover one or more side surfaces and a bottom surface of a pool excavation 2. In particular, the reinforcing elements 4 are interposed between the supporting elements 3 and are configured to be arranged at connections between the surfaces.

[0019] It should be noted that, in accordance with the present invention, the prefabricated structure 1 further includes a filling element 5 made of an insulating material and connected to each supporting element 3.

[0020] In more detail, each supporting element 3 comprises a tray 6. Such a tray 6 comprises a base 61 configured to face one of the surfaces of the excavation. Preferably, the base 61 is rectangular or square, so that the side and bottom surfaces of a pool excavation are evenly covered. The tray 6 further comprises a border 62 extending away from the base 61 along the perimeter of the base 61.

[0021] In particular, the base 61 is configured to face one of the surfaces of the excavation on the opposite side with respect to the border 62. The border 62 is instead configured to face the inside of the swimming pool 2.

[0022] The trays 6 are preferably made of galvanized steel.

[0023] More details regarding the trays 6 will be provided in a later part of this description.

[0024] Each reinforcing element 4 comprises a profile 7 extending between two ends 71, 72 for a predetermined length J. The profiles 7 are configured to be arranged at least at the connection points between the surfaces of the excavation. The profiles 7 can also be interposed between the trays 6 to provide greater rigidity to the structure of the swimming pool 2. Accordingly, each profile 7 has a plurality of sides 73. In particular, at least one side 73 is configured to couple with the surfaces of the excavation and at least one side 73 is configured to couple with another profile 7 or with a tray 6. For example, the profile 7 has a square or rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the profile 7 has a square cross-section.

[0025] The profiles 7 are preferably made of galvanized steel.

[0026] More details regarding the profiles 7 will be provided in a later part of this description.

[0027] Each filling element 5 comprises a panel 51. Each panel 51 has a first surface 52 and a second surface 53.

[0028] Each panel 51 is inserted into a respective tray 6. In other words, preferably, a panel 51 is provided for each tray 6. The panel 51 fills the tray 6 continuously. In particular, each panel 51 is arranged so that the first surface 52 faces and is parallel to the base 61 of the respective tray 6. The second surface 53, on the other hand, is configured to face the inside of the swimming pool 2.

[0029] More details regarding the panels 51 will be provided in a later part of this description.

[0030] In relation to the trays 6, preferably, the base 61 and the border 62 have a thickness between 1 and 5 mm, more preferably of 3 mm.

[0031] Preferably, the base 61 of each tray 6 has dimensions between 50 cm and 2 metres.

[0032] Preferably, the border 62 of each tray 6 has a height H between 5 and 20 cm, more preferably of 10 cm.

[0033] With particular reference to Figure 1a, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the prefabricated structure 1 has first trays 610 provided to cover the side surfaces of the excavation and second trays 620 provided to cover the bottom surface of the excavation. Accordingly, these first 610 and second 620 trays have different shapes and/or sizes. In particular, preferably the first trays 610 have a rectangular base 61 having a first dimension D1 between 80 cm and 120 cm. Even more preferably, the first dimension D1 is 100 cm. Preferably, the first trays 610 have a rectangular base 61 having a second dimension D2 between 100 cm and 150 cm. Even more preferably, the second dimension D2 is 120 cm.

[0034] Preferably, the second trays 620 have a square base 61 having a dimension D3 between 80 cm and 120 cm. Even more preferably, the base 61 has a dimension D3 of 100 cm.

[0035] Preferably, a dimension D1, D2 of the base 61 of the first trays 610 is equal to the dimension D3 of the base 61 of the second trays 6. More preferably, the first dimension D1 of the first trays 610 is equal to the dimension D3 of the second trays 620.

[0036] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with particular reference to Figure 2, the prefabricated structure 1 includes support brackets 11 for anchoring the trays 6 to the excavation. These support brackets 11 are directly connected or connectable to each first tray 610 and are configured to be inserted into the ground or into the concrete.

[0037] In accordance with the present invention, the trays 6 and the profiles 7 are configured to be adjacent to each other and in contact with each other via the borders 62 and sides 73.

[0038] In other words, a tray 6 can be coupled to an adjacent tray 6 or to a profile 7 at the border 62. A profile 7 can be coupled to an adjacent profile 7 or to a tray 6 at the side 73.

[0039] The profile 7 is configured to be compatible with the dimensions of the trays 6. Even in the case of the profiles 7, there may be provided more than one type of profile 7 depending on where the profile 7 is to be positioned.

[0040] Again, with particular reference to Figure 1a, preferably, the profile 7 has a height K equal to the height H of the border 62. Consequently, preferably the height K of the profile 7 has a dimension between 5 and 20 cm, more preferably of 10 cm. Preferably, the profile 7 has a length J equal to a dimension of the tray 6. More preferably the length J is equal to the smaller dimension D1 of the first trays 610 and to the dimension D3 of the second trays 620. Accordingly, preferably, the length J is equal to 100 cm.

[0041] It should be noted that each tray 6 and each profile 7 has a plurality of holes 8 at the border 62 and at at least one side 73.

[0042] The prefabricated structure 1 further includes connecting elements (not shown in the accompanying figures) configured to be placed in the holes 8 to put the trays 6 and profiles 7 in contact. Such connecting elements are for example bolts.

[0043] Preferably, the trays 6 are sealable at the respective profiles 7 and at the holes 8 with a sealing material. This sealing material is preferably polyurethane.

[0044] The dimensions of the panel 51 are such that it can be inserted inside the tray 6, that is, it has dimensions at least equal to or smaller than those of the tray 6.

[0045] With reference to Figure 1a, preferably, in accordance with the embodiment which provides first trays 610 and second trays 620, the prefabricated structure 1 provides first panels 510 configured to be inserted into the first trays 610, and second panels 520 configured to be inserted into the second trays 620.

[0046] Accordingly, the first panels 510 have a square area with a dimension D4 between 100 and 120 cm. More preferably, the first panels 510 have a dimension D4 between 110 and 115 cm, even more preferably of 111.5 cm. The second panels 520 have a square area having a dimension D5 between 98 and 100 cm. More preferably, the first panels 51 have a dimension D5 between 99 and 100 cm, even more preferably of 99.5 cm.

[0047] Preferably the thickness W of the panels 51 is less than or equal to the height H of the border 62. Preferably, the thickness W of the panels 51 is between 90 and 100 cm, more preferably of 93 cm.

[0048] Each panel 51 is preferably made of waterproofing agent-treated EPS.

[0049] The prefabricated structure 1 includes a coating facing the plurality of panels 51. Advantageously, the panels 51, the supporting elements 3 and the reinforcing elements 4 are kept dry and are durable over time. This coating preferably comprises a PVC liner.

[0050] In accordance with a particular embodiment, envisaged in the case of installation of an "overflow" type swimming pool 2, that is a swimming pool 2 in which the water flowing out of the edge is collected along the perimeter at the edge, the prefabricated structure 1 includes a plurality of overflow elements 9. These overflow elements 9 are configured to be arranged at an edge of the excavation along the perimeter of the excavation. In particular, each overflow element 9 is connected to a tray 6.

[0051] Each overflow element 9 has a groove 91. In particular, the overflow elements 9 are configured to be adjacent to each other so as to generate a fluid communication between the respective grooves 91 forming a channel. This channel will collect the water flowing out of the edge of the swimming pool 2 once it has been installed, by means of the prefabricated structure 1 according to the present invention, and put into use.

[0052] Preferably, the overflow elements 9 are also made of waterproofing agent-treated EPS. Also in this case, each overflow element will be covered with a coating. This coating preferably comprises a PVC liner.

[0053] Optionally, each overflow element 9 is connected to a baseplate 92 which is similar to the panel 51 described above.

[0054] In particular, each overflow element 9 is shaped to couple with one end of the baseplate 92, as shown in the Figures. Each baseplate 92 has a first face configured to face a respective base 61 of a tray 6 placed at the edge. Each baseplate 92 has a first face configured to face the excavation.

[0055] Preferably, each baseplate 92 is also made of EPS.

[0056] Optionally, the prefabricated structure 1 also includes a plurality of sensors (not shown in the accompanying figures). Such sensors are preferably three-axis position sensors, more preferably MEMS sensors. The sensors are positioned at one or more of the panels 51 and/or of the trays 6 and/or of the profiles 7 and/or of the support brackets 11.

[0057] Each sensor is put in signal communication with a control unit via wiring or via a wireless connection, e.g. via Bluetooth.

[0058] More in detail, each sensor is configured to detect a mechanical deformation and to generate and send to the control unit a deformation signal, containing data on the deformation in a precise zone. The control unit is configured to receive the deformation signal and to assess the deformation signal. In particular, the control unit is configured to determine whether such a deformation signal is significant of a state of possible structural failure, for example if the deformation signal exceeds a threshold value or if the set of deformation data in a precise zone, collected over time, shows an abnormal trend.

[0059] The control unit is also configured to generate an alarm signal and to transmit the alarm signal if the deformation signal is representative of a state of possible structural failure.

[0060] Such an alarm signal can be transmitted for example by sms or e-mail, by means of a sound or light signal, or more.

[0061] The control unit may be a device dedicated solely for this purpose or may be integrated into a mobile or stationary device such as a smartphone/smartwatch or computer, and/or may be accessible via a software platform with a user interface.


Claims

1. Prefabricated structure (1) for swimming pools comprising:

- a plurality of supporting elements (3);

- a plurality of reinforcing elements (4), said supporting elements (3) and said reinforcing elements (4) being connectable to each other and configured to cover one or more side surfaces and a bottom surface of a pool excavation (2), said reinforcing elements (4) being interposed between the supporting elements (3) and configured to be arranged at connections between said surfaces;

- a filling element (5) made of an insulating material and connected to each supporting element (3).


 
2. Prefabricated structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein each supporting element (3) comprises a tray (6) comprising:

- a base (61) configured to face one of said surfaces,

- a border (62) extending away from said base (61) along the perimeter of said base (61).


 
3. Prefabricated structure (1) according to claim 2, wherein each reinforcing element (4) comprises a profile (7) extending between two ends (71, 72) for a predetermined length (J), said profile (7) having a plurality of sides (73), at least one side (73) being configured to couple with the surfaces of the excavation and at least one side (73) being configured to couple with another profile (7) or with a tray (6).
 
4. Prefabricated structure (1) according to claim 3, wherein said trays (6) and said profiles (7) are configured to be adjacent to each other and in contact with each other via said borders (62) and sides (73).
 
5. Prefabricated structure (1) according to claim 4, wherein each tray (6) and each profile (7) have a plurality of holes (8) at said border (62) and at least one side (73), said prefabricated structure (1) further comprising connecting elements configured to be placed in said holes (8) to put said trays (6) and profiles (7) in contact.
 
6. Prefabricated structure (1) according to claim 5, wherein said trays (6) are sealable at the respective adjacent profiles (7) and at said holes (8) with a sealing material.
 
7. Prefabricated structure (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein said trays (6) and said profiles (7) are made of galvanized steel.
 
8. Prefabricated structure (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein each filling element (5) comprises a panel (51) inserted into a respective tray (6) and continuously filling said tray (6).
 
9. Prefabricated structure (1) according to claim 8, wherein said panel (51) is made of waterproofing agent-treated EPS.
 
10. Prefabricated structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of overflow elements (9) configured to be arranged at an edge of said excavation along the perimeter of said excavation, each overflow element (9) having a groove (91), the overflow elements (9) being configured to be adjacent to each other so as to generate a fluid communication between the respective grooves (91) forming a channel.
 




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