EQUIPMENT FOR EXTENDING AND AUTOMATICALLY RETRACTING THERMAL MATS FOR SWIMMING-POOLS

Abstract

 Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, comprising a bridge formed by, at least, two turrets (2) between which a reel is incorporated (3) with, at least, one cover (4); the reel, the axis of which is of a suitable length for positioning the bridge with the turrets on the opposite sides (5) of the swimming pool (6). The turrets (2) having a means of motorization, such as an electric motor (7) and wheels (9, 9'), making its linear movement possible in one direction as well as in the opposite direction. In addition, having a vertical guide (11) to fix the reel (3) at an elevated height, when the cover is retracted. And an auto-control electronic device which, through sensors (12), controls the alignment between them and the direction of the movement. Optionally, the bridge may be a single inverted U-shaped frame.

Description

Object of the invention

[0001] The invention, as stated in the header of this descriptive report, concerns equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, which contributes to the function for which it is intended, several novel advantages and characteristics, which will be described in detail below, and which are an improvement compared to the known systems currently on the market for the same purpose.

[0002] More in particular, the object of the invention concerns an improved system to place and retract heat covers of the type which are placed over the surface of the water in swimming pools during hours of non-use, so as to avoid cooling of said water and to obtain the corresponding savings in energy consumption, since said system is constituted by electrical equipment, which is essentially made up of a motorized bridge formed by two turrets between which the winding reel is provided and that moves along the opposite edges of the pool, allowing the cover to be automatically extended and retracted, in very little time without needing any intervention by an operator pulling on the ends of the cover.

Field of application of the invention

[0003] The field of application of this invention is within the sector of industry dedicated to the manufacture of swimming pool equipment and accessory devices, focusing chiefly on the scope of mechanisms to install and retract heat covers.

Background of the invention

[0004] The use of heat covers to cover the water in swimming pools is known to save energy consumption by maintaining the water at a suitable temperature. In fact, there are regulations, for some years now, the construction of large swimming pools (12.5 x 25) is not permitted, if the project does not state that it will include a heat cover to cover the water's surface during the hours of "non-use", so that significant energy savings may take place.

[0005] In most cases, the coverage of large pools with that type of cover is usually done with four or five reels having a width of about 6 meters with the cover having an expanse of 12 meters, to cover the width of the swimming pool. To do this, the float lines must be removed. This process involves such a hassle and a cost in time to remove the float lines and to unroll the covers one to one by pulling them from the opposite end of the pool, only to return to perform the same operation in reverse every day, making it so most of the centers end up choosing to not use these covers.

[0006] Another large reel also exists on the market, fixed at one end with the entire cover rolled-up and in which the winding is motorized, so that, once the float lines are removed, the cover is unwound and two people pull it until they reach the other end. In this case, even though it is only necessary to unroll one cover, it also involves a lot of work to remove the float lines and, additionally, the collaboration of two people is necessary, to pull the ends of the cover and to make sure that it is stretched tightly.

[0007] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to develop a new system to extend swimming pool heat covers that allow placement in a much more practical manner so that its placement does not involve a hassle and, therefore, it can be carried out every day and it will offer effective savings in energy consumption.

[0008] We should also mention that at least to the applicant, the existence of any other equipment to extend and retract swimming pool heat covers is unknown, or an invention of similar application that presents any technical, structural, and constitutive characteristics similar to those presented, disclosed and claimed herein.

Explanation of the invention

[0009] Thus, the equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools proposed by the invention is offered as a noteworthy and novel item within its field of application, since unlike systems already known, it is able to extend the heat cover in very little time, without needing to remove float lines or any other element and without needing the help of any operator, the characterization details of which make this possible and make it different, are conveniently outlined in the final Claims that accompany this description thereof.

[0010] Specifically, that which the invention reveals is equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, which essentially, comprises a motorized bridge of two turrets and a winding reel upon which the cover is wound, and which moves along the pool surround on the two opposite sides of the pool, preferably in a lengthwise direction thereof, placing the cover directly on the surface of the water, even with the float lines in place, by unrolling the winding reel. Thus, from the bridge, the cover is put in place without causing drag on the float lines, which, in addition to the advantage of not having to remove said float lines, ensures the durability of the cover since no rubbing occurs.

[0011] This bridge, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, is comprised of two motorized turrets that, each equipped with electric motors and corresponding wheels, incorporated between them, the winding reel upon which is wound, at least one heat cover, and whose axis is joined by its respective ends to each of said turrets.

[0012] It is noteworthy that, additionally, in one variant of the optional embodiment, said turrets consist of an elevated structure which makes it possible to lift the winding reel to a comfortable height for normal use of the pool when the cover is retracted, around 2.5 meters, although, preferably, the reel is positioned fixedly to said height whereby the disclosed equipment leaves 100% of the inner space of the enclosure free, except the space occupied by each turret at the ends of the pool, which is at a minimum, approximately 85 cm.

[0013] It should be noted, moreover, that both the structural frame, the connecting elements and the reel and the drive elements incorporating each turret, are made of stainless steel, so that it can ensure that no oxidation will occur.

[0014] As for the engine system, this will always be of low voltage (24v) and will incorporate its own power supply.

[0015] Finally, it should be mentioned that the equipment includes a self-alignment directional device for the turrets, which make it possible to actuate and control the equipment from a control panel located in an adjacent control room, without needing to enter the pool deck, although the panel is also duplicated on each of the turrets themselves making it possible to actuate and control them on-site.

[0016] Logically, in each case, the length of the reel will depend upon the size of the pool, and which will be particularly suitable for large pools, i.e., those measuring 12.5 x 25 meters as well as Olympic sized swimming pools, measuring 25 x 50 meters.

[0017] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the bridge comprises a single inverted U-shaped structure, the vertical ends of which function as turrets and comprise a means for sliding and between these a means to couple the axis of the winding reel upon which the cover is wound.

[0018] As indicated above, the reel incorporates, at least one heat cover wound upon it, since, the configuration thereof makes it possible as an option to place more than one cover, for example, to cover only one portion of the swimming pool.

[0019] The described equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, thus, an innovative structure of structural and constitutive characteristics unknown until now for the purpose for which it is intended, reasons which are linked to its practical usefulness, providing sufficient grounds for obtaining the exclusive privilege that is sought.

Description of the drawings

[0020] To complement the description being made and for the purpose of aiding greater understanding of the invention's characteristics, the present descriptive report is accompanied by a set of drawings, which make up an integral part thereof, in which, with an illustrative and non-limiting character, the following is shown:

Figure number 1.- Shows a raised front view of an example of the equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, which is the object of the invention, shown after it is placed over the pool, showing the main parts and elements which comprises it, as well as its configuration and layout.

Figure number 2.- Shows a raised front view of one of the sliding turrets comprised in the equipment disclosed, shown in a schematic manner on its internal surface and with some of the internal items shown with dashed lines.

Figure number 3.- Shows a raised lateral view of the example of the sliding turret of the equipment according to the invention, shown in the preceding figure and here shown as an external view including the control panel thereof.

Figure number 4.- Shows a raised front view of the example of the equipment, according to the invention, shown in Figure 1, in this case equipped with several heat covers permitting only partial coverage of the swimming pool.

Figure number 5.- Shows a raised front view of another example of the embodiment of the automatically equipment for extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, which is the object of the invention, in this case in an alternative variant of the embodiment thereof with the bridge formed by a single inverted U-shaped structure.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0021] In view of the aforementioned Figures and according to the numbering adopted, we are able to see therein an example of a preferred embodiment, but which is not limitative, of the equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools herein disclosed, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

[0022] Thus, as seen in said Figures, the equipment (1) in question is constructed from a motorized bridge comprising two turrets (2) and a winding reel (3) upon which at least one cover (4) is wound, and said reel (3) having an axis (3a) the length of which will be whatever is necessary so that the ends are joined to each of the turrets (2) which are placed on the pool surround or on the opposite edges (5) of the sides of the pool (6), usually on the longitudinal sides so that said axis (3a) would be approximately the width of the pool. This bridge has means of motorization to ensure the linear movement thereof on the edge (5) of the pool, allowing both its movement in one direction as well as in the opposite direction, so that thereby the cover wound on the reel can be positioned as it unwinds and is placed over the pool as the bridge passes, or retracted if it is already in position and the bridge will move in the opposite direction.

[0023] To do this, each of said turrets (2), which are independent of each other, will preferably have a means of motorization, specifically a low voltage electric motor (7) that, by the by means of corresponding transmission elements (8), actuates at least one drive wheel (9') of the various wheels (9) upon which each turret moves, to ensure linear movement thereof on the edge (5) of the pool, having also provided an internal power supply, preferably a battery (10), for said electric motor (7).

[0024] In addition, both turrets (2) preferably have a height so that the reel (3) may be located in an elevated position, of between 2.5 and 3 meters so that when the cover is retracted and is not used, it doesn't create an obstacle for normal use of the pool.

[0025] However, in an optional embodiment, which is the one shown in Figures 2 and 3, the turrets have an upper extension (2a) in which a vertical guide is incorporated (11) to elevate and make attachment of the reel (3) possible at an elevated height, from between 2.5 to 3 meters, when the cover is retracted and not in use, so as to avoid causing an obstacle for normal use of the pool.

[0026] Additionally, the equipment (1) includes the existence of an electronic auto-control device, that, using corresponding sensors (12) installed at strategic points from the turrets (2), controls the correct alignment between them as well as the direction of movement thereof without any deviation, having provided a button control panel (13) on each of the turrets (2) and, optionally, means that provide the possibility of remote actuation and management thereof from a control room (not shown), which will be conveniently connected to each turret and the described auto-control electronic device for alignment and direction.

[0027] The chassis of the turrets (2), the reel (3), and the other internal elements are preferably made of stainless steel.

[0028] Looking at Figure 4, we see how, optionally, the reel (3) can incorporate more than one cover (4) to partially or completely cover the pool, as appropriate.

[0029] Lastly, in Figure 5, we see an alternative variant of an embodiment of the equipment (1) in which the bridge, instead of having two independent turrets joined by the axis of the reel (3), it is comprised of a single inverted U-shaped structure, the vertical ends of which determine the turrets (2) between which a winding reel (3) is coupled where the cover (4) or covers are wound, and whose upper center part (2b) covers, at least at the top, said reel (3) with the cover (4) or covers and it integrally joins both turrets facilitating sliding of the assembly thereof.

[0030] Having sufficiently explained the nature of this invention, as well as the manner of implementing it in practice, we do not consider it necessary to explain further for any expert in the art to understand its scope and the advantages derived therefrom, being noted that, within its fundamentals, it may be taken to practice in other embodiments that differ in details to that indicated as an example, and which also will be granted the protection sought, provided that it does not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle.

Claims

1. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, characterized in that it includes a motorized bridge comprising two turrets (2) and a winding reel (3) where at least one cover (4) is wound, having said reel (3) an axis (3a) the length of which is that which is required so that its ends can be attached to each of said turrets (2) these being positioned along the opposite lateral edges (5) of the swimming pool (6); and in that said bridge has a means of motorization to ensure linear movement thereof on the edge (5) of the pool, making its movement possible in one direction as well as in the opposite direction, so that in this way the cover may be positioned over the pool or may be retracted.

2. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, according to Claim 1, characterized in that the turrets (2) are separate from each other and each one of them have a low voltage electric motor (7) that, by means of corresponding transmission elements (8), actuate at least one drive wheel (9') of several wheels (9) over which they will move.

3. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, according to Claim 2, characterized in that each turret (2) has been provided with a power source.

4. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, according to Claim 3, characterized in that the power source is a battery (10).

5. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, according to any one of Claims 1-4, characterized in that both turrets (2) have a height so that the reel (3) may be located in an elevated position of between 2.5 and 3 meters, when the cover is retracted.

6. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, according to any one of Claims 1-4, characterized in that both turrets (2) have an upper extension (2a) in which a vertical guide (11) is incorporated to fix the reel (3) at an elevated height when the cover is retracted.

7. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, according to any one of Claims 1-6, characterized in that it incorporates an auto-control electronic device which, by means of sensors (12) installed on the turrets (2), controls the alignment between them as well as the direction of the movement.

8. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, according to any one of Claims 1-7, characterized in that it has a button control panel (13) on each turret (2).

9. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, according to any one of Claims 1-8, characterized in that it has a means of actuation and management of the turrets (2) from a control room.

10. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bridge comprises a single inverted U-shaped structure the vertical ends of which function as turrets (2) between which the winding reel (3) is coupled upon which the cover (4) is wound, and whose upper center part (2b) covers, at least at the top, said reel (3) and it integrally joins both turrets.

11. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, according to any one of Claims 1-10, characterized in that the reel (3) incorporates more than one cover (4) to partially or totally cover the swimming pool, as appropriate.

12. Equipment for automatically extending and retracting heat covers for swimming pools, according to any one of Claims 1-11, characterized in that the chassis of the turrets (2), the reel (3), and the other internal elements are preferably made of stainless steel.

Drawing