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(11) | EP 0 816 594 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Demountable swimming-pool, of contained dimensions |
| (57) A swimming pool which may be dismantled being of contained dimensions is described,
characterized in the fact that it comprises a tub (1) entirely realized by way of
plastic moulding and realized with modular elements (2,3), each defining at least
a portion of the base and lateral walls of the swimming pool. |
[0001] The present invention refers to a swimming pool which can be dismantled being of contained dimensions, with the term swimming pool being intended herein a waterproof container of water, within which children can swim and/or play.
[0002] Swimming pools for children are generally small tubs realized in various ways, in a plastic or rubber material, to be placed in the garden or inside.
[0003] The most common realization consists of a structure of air chambers, connected one to the other, inflated by way of a pump, said structure being realized in a rubber or plastic material.
[0004] Upon termination of the operation of inflation, the air chambers provide the assembly with a structural rigidity being sufficient to define the lateral walls of the swimming pool, while the base of the swimming pool is usually constituted by a rubber or plastic sheet. Such swimming pool can be easily stored away by simply deflating and folding the entire structure.
[0005] Also known, for instance from the Dutch patent application NL9300567A, are swimming pools for children within which the lateral walls are realized in a plastic material obtained by way of injection moulding.
[0006] Said walls are then connected with known means to a rubber or plastic sheet similar to that previously described, having the function of constituting the base of the swimming pool.
[0007] Such realizations do however have the disadvantage of being constructions which are neither stable or robust, with a very limited structural rigidity, which does not allow for example to add elements that use the pool as a support.
[0008] Moreover such structures do not allow for the utilization within the swimming pool of improving elements, such as water filters, water heating heaters, level measuring devices, which make the swimming pool, even if only for children, a modern object being both comfortable and healthy.
[0009] The aim of the present invention is that of realizing a swimming pool which can be dismantled being of contained dimensions, in particular for children, which has a high level of structural strength, is light and portable.
[0010] Another aim of the present invention is that of realizing a swimming pool which can be dismantled for children equipped with accessories similar to those of ordinary swimming pools.
[0011] These and other aims are reached according to the present invention by way of a swimming pool which can be dismantled being of contained dimensions, in particular for children and by a method of realization having the characteristics of the enclosed claims.
[0012] The characteristics and advantages of the invention shall result in being clear from the following detailed description and the annexed drawings, supplied purely and an explanatory and non-limiting example, wherein:
- figure 1 represents a perspective and schematic view of a swimming pool of contained dimensions, in particular for children, according to the invention;
- figure 2 represents a schematic plan view of a swimming pool of contained dimensions, in particular for children, according to the invention;
- figure 3 represents a section III-III of figure 2 of a compartment for accessories of the swimming pool according to the invention;
- figure 4 represents a section IV-IV of figure 3 of the lower part of the compartment for the accessories according to the invention;
- figure 5 represents a sectional view of constructive details of the union between the elements constituting the swimming pool of contained dimensions, in particular for children, according to the invention;
- figure 6 represents a perspective schematic view of a variant of the swimming pool of contained dimensions, in particular for children, according to the invention.
[0013] In figure 1, which represents a perspective schematic view of the swimming pool of contained dimensions, in particular for children, according to the invention, the reference number 1 indicates the swimming pool as a whole, reference number 2 indicates a first element constituting a part of the pool while number 3 indicates a second element constituting another part of the pool. Number 4 indicates a ladder fixed to element 3, which incorporates a slide indicated with number 5. The elements 2 and 3 and the ladder 4 of the swimming pool are realized in a plastic material by way of a moulding system commonly known as "roto-moulding".
[0014] Such system allows for the moulding of large box-like particulars of a plastic material, with equipment for such moulding being of low costs, enabling use of moulds realized in sheet metal, appropriately shaped according to the profile of the object to be realized.
[0015] The moulds realized in this way are made up of two elements, one of which having the internal shape of the box-like object to be realized and the other having the external shape of the same, joint together so as to make up a cavity corresponding to the shape of the box-like object to be realized.
[0016] Such moulding system consists of introducing to the cavity, existing between the two elements of the mould, granules of a plastic material, heating the mould to such a temperature so that the material within the mould becomes a paste, to carry out on the mould a double rotation on two orthogonal related axis, so as that the plastic material contained within is deposited on the internal walls of the mould, cool the mould so as to render the plastic material solid, open the two elements of the mould and extract the box-like object.
[0017] It is clear that the two elements of the mould are realized in such a way that the walls have a certain draft for the extraction thus simplifying the separation of the moulded piece from the mould. Such method of moulding further allows for obtaining apertures in the walls, by simply coating the part of the mould, in correspondence to the aperture which is to be realized, with a material which prohibits the adhesion of the plastic material to the wall of the mould used for the moulding.
[0018] The elements 2 and 3 are constituted by a base and three vertical walls joint one to the other. The base and the lateral walls are made up of two facing walls, one constituting the interior of the swimming pool and the other constituting the exterior of the same, thus creating a cavity between said walls in such a way to realize a closed box-like object.
[0019] In order to make the structure more rigid and for avoiding the deformation of the profiles, ridges are obtained on the internal and external vertical walls.
[0020] In figure 2, which represents a plan view of the swimming pool of contained dimensions, in particular for children, according to the invention, reference number 1 indicates the swimming pool as a whole, numbers 2 and 3 indicate the elements constituting the pool, number 4 indicates the ladder and 5 indicates the slide.
[0021] The inferior extremity of the slide 5 rests on and is fixed to the upper edge of the element 3, forming the swimming pool. The other extremity of the slide is fixed to a platform 8, which constitutes the continuation in the horizontal sense of the ladder 4.
[0022] The slide 5 is made up of two parts respectively indicated with numbers 6 and 7, joint one to the other, which are realized in a plastic material by way of vacuum forming.
[0023] The two parts 6 and 7 are joint to each other so as that in the area of the union the internal profile of the slide results in being constant, therefore no steps are present due to the overlap of the parts 6 and 7.
[0024] With this aim the terminal area of part 7 has, along its entire profile, a lowering of the supporting plane for the terminal zone of the part 6, of a value being equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the profile of part 6 as illustrated in B of figure 5.
[0026] Said compartment 9 is used for arranging the accessories and will be described with reference to figure 3.
[0027] In figure 3, which represents a section III-III of the compartment for the accessories according to the invention, number 9 indicates said compartment, which is obtained on a vertical wall and on the base of element 3.
[0028] The endings of the walls of the compartment 9, connected to the base and vertical walls of the element 3, have a small step 10 apt at containing the thickness of a closing cover 11 of the compartment 9, so as that the surface of the cover 11 results in being flush with the base and the vertical wall of the element 3; in this way the problem of children hurting their feet is avoided.
[0029] The cover 11 has louvers, for simplicity not illustrated in the figures, for the passage of water from the compartment 9 to the actual swimming pool.
[0030] Number 12 indicates a water level measuring device and number 13 indicates the connection of the water supply of the swimming pool, connected to the level measuring device 12.
[0031] Between the connection 13 and the source of the water supply a filter can be arranged, in order to have a greater level of water purity; or an automatic distribution device of disinfectants can be arranged.
[0032] The water level measuring device 12 is of the known floating type, where upon reaching a determined level a float within the device closes the entry to further water.
[0034] Said pump 14 has the function of withdrawing the water from the compartment 9 and to convey it, by way of a tube (not illustrated in the figure) to the upper part of the slide, in the area of the union between the slide 5 and the platform 8 arranged in the upper part of the ladder 4.
[0035] For distributing the water over a greater area of the slide, the terminal section of the tube has a series of holes, over a length being substantially equal to the width of the slide.
[0036] In this way, allowing water to flow down the slide, the sliding of the children is simplified, reducing the friction between the user and the slide.
[0038] Number 16 indicates an armoured type heater, as those commonly used with domestic electrical bathroom heaters, the function of which is that of heating the water contained in the swimming pool.
[0039] Number 17 indicates a metallic bracket for holding the heater in position, so as to avoid its contact with the cover 11 which could cause the deformation of the same due to the heat developed by the heater.
[0040] The heater is electrically connected in series to a thermostat, not illustrated in the figure, for regulating the water temperature.
[0041] For emptying and cleaning the swimming pool a drainage 18 tube is arranged (see figure 4) with a relative closing gate controllable from the external part of the compartment 9.
[0042] With number 19 a cover for access to the various electrical and water connections of the swimming pool is indicated.
[0043] The pump 14 and the heater 16, for safety reasons, are electrically supplied with a low voltage current, by way of a safety transformer arranged at a distance from the swimming pool.
[0044] Moreover, the walls of the compartment 9 which are connected to the base and lateral walls of element 3, constitute a further electrical insulation between the water within the swimming pool and the area of the electrical connections of the pump and heater.
[0045] Number 23 indicates ridges obtained by the moulding process on the external wall of the base of the swimming pool, so as avoid eventual deformations of the internal wall of the base of the swimming pool, due to the weight of the water and children.
[0046] Such ridges are realized only on a part of the length of the pool inasmuch the wall of the base, towards the exterior, is supported by the connection with the lateral walls.
[0047] In figure 5, which represents a sectional view of constructive details of the swimming pool being of contained dimensions, in particular for children, according to the invention, in the part A the connective system of the elements 2 and 3 constituting the swimming pool is illustrated.
[0048] Number 25 indicates a step in the external wall of the element 2, while 26 indicates a step in the external wall of the element 3, symmetrically facing the step 25.
[0049] The steps 25 and 26 are realized along the entire profile of the elements 2 and 3, therein along both the exterior vertical walls and the exterior wall of the base.
[0050] The steps 25 and 26 respectively terminate with a wall 27 and 28, which does not exceed the dimensions of the external wall of its element.
[0051] With number 20 a fixing bolt of the elements 2 and 3 of the swimming pool is indicated, 21 indicates a seal or washer arranged between the fixing walls 27 and 28 of the elements 2 and 3, number 22 indicates a plastic channeled section used for covering the connection, thus avoiding contact with the said connection.
[0052] Part B indicates the previously mentioned connection system of the components sections of the slide 5, wherein 6 indicates the upper section and 7 indicates the lower section.
[0053] The fastening of the particulars 12 and 14 in the compartment 9, and the fastening between the components 6 and 7 of the slide, of the slide 5 to the element 3 and to the platform 8 of the ladder 4 and of the covers 11 and 19, are realized in the known way, i.e. using plastic inserts on the stable part to which fixing screws of the particulars are screwed.
[0054] In figure 6, which represents a perspective view of a variant of the swimming pool being of contained dimensions, in particular for children, according to the invention, numbers 2 and 3 indicate the previously mentioned elements constituting the swimming pool, number 24 indicates an additional intermediate element which, connected to the elements 2 and 3, allows for increasing the dimensions of the swimming pool.
[0055] Said element 24 is made in the same way as the elements 2 and 3, with the exception that the vertical walls are two rather than three.
[0056] The fastening of the element 24 to the elements 2 and 3 takes place in the same way as the connection between said elements 2 and 3, i.e. by way of fixing bolts 20, a washer 21 and with the protection of the connection with a plastic channeled section 22.
[0057] The characteristics of the swimming pool which may be dismantled being of contained dimensions, in particular for children, result in being clear from the given description and annexed drawings.
[0058] From the given description the advantages of the swimming pool which may be dismantled being of contained dimensions, in particular for children, according to the invention, also result in being clear.
[0059] In particular said advantages consist in:
- the facility of realizing the components utilizing the so-called "roto-moulding" system;
- a high level of structural rigidity and at the same time lightness due to the plastic material;
- the rigid structure allows for equipping the swimming pool with a ladder and slide;
- means are provided for maintaining the water level;
- means are provided for heating the water so as to make the swimming more comfortable and enjoyable for the children;
- means are provided for conveying water to the slide so as to enable the children to slide more easily during use of the pool;
- means are provided for rapidly emptying the pool for its cleaning and changing the water;
- by way of the modules it is possible to lengthen and/or change the form of the swimming pool;
- means are provided for the electrical safety;
- the swimming pool can be easily dismantled for its storage.
[0060] It is clear that numerous variants and applications are possible by the man of the art, to the swimming pool which can be dismantled and being of contained dimensions, without for this departing from the novelty principles inherent in the inventive idea, as it is also clear that in its practical realization the form of the details illustrated may be substituted with technically similar equivalents.
[0061] For instance the additional element for lengthening the pool can be realized in various shapes, for example an "S".
[0062] Or if wishing to use the swimming pool on a beach and give the possibility of using the pool to a greater number of children, a coin-box can be arranged in the accessories compartment which activates the pump for conveying water to the slide only upon inserting a coin or token in said coin-box.
[0063] For controlling the functioning of the accessories a control box with a safety transformer, switches and spy-lights can be provided, arranged at a certain distance from the pool to which children cannot have access.
1. Swimming pool which can be dismantled being of contained dimensions, in particular
for children, characterized in that it has a tub (1) completely realized by way of
plastic moulding and constituted by modular elements (2,3) defining at least a portion
of the base and a portion of the lateral walls of the swimming pool.
2. Swimming pool according to claim 1, characterized in that said elements (2,3) are
made up of a base and three vertical lateral walls, wherein said base and lateral
walls are constituted by two facing walls, a first realizing the interior of the swimming
pool and a second realizing the exterior of the same, a cavity being defined between
said walls thus making up a closed box-like section.
3. Swimming pool according to claim 2, characterized in that between said elements (2,3)
at least an additional element (24) is arranged for increasing the dimensions of the
swimming pool, where in particular said additional element (24) can be realized in
various geometric forms.
4. Swimming pool according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of said modular
elements (2,3) acts as a support for additional elements (4,5), in particular said
additional elements comprising a ladder (4) and/or a slide (5), said slide (5) being
made up of two vacuum formed sections (6,7) of a plastic material.
5. Swimming pool according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of said modular
elements (3) has a compartment (9) for housing accessory service elements (12,14,16),
said housing compartment (9) being in particular closed by a cover (11) having louvers
which allow the passage of water from said compartment (9) to the interior of the
swimming pool.
6. Swimming pool according to claim 5, characterized in that said accessory elements
comprise a level measuring device (12) of the water within the swimming pool, an immersion
pump (14) for conveying the water of the swimming pool to the slide (5), a heater
(16) for heating the water, said heater (16) being connected in series to a thermostat
for regulating the water temperature.
7. Swimming pool according to claim 2, characterized in that said modular elements (2,3)
have ridges on the internal and external vertical walls for reducing and/or eliminating
deformations.
8. Swimming pool according to claim 2, characterized in that said elements (2,3) have
ridges (23) along the external wall of the base for reducing and/or eliminating deformations
of the interior base of the swimming pool due to the weight of the water and/or children.
9. Swimming pool according to claim 6, characterized in that between the water level
measuring device (12) and the source of the water supply a filter and/or a distribution
device of disinfectants is arranged.
10. Swimming pool according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that
a central control box of the electrical supply and the accessory elements is provided.
11. Method for the realization of a swimming pool that can be dismantled and being of
contained dimensions, in particular for children, of a plastic material, characterized
in that said method provides for the moulding by way of the "roto-moulding" system
of at least two elements (2,3), each of said elements defining a portion of the base
wall and a portion of the lateral walls of the swimming pool.
12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that said elements (2,3) are realized
so as to have a base and three vertical lateral walls, wherein said base and said
lateral walls are made up of two facing walls, a first realizing the interior of said
swimming pool and a second realizing the exterior of the same, creating a cavity between
said walls thus realizing a closed box-like section.
13. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that said elements (2,3) are coupled
together along the profile of the base and lateral walls.
14. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that additional elements (4,5) are
coupled to at least one of said elements (3).
15. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one of said elements
(3) is realized so as to provide a housing for the accessory elements (12,14,16).