EP0972888B1 - Railing for swimming pool - Google Patents

Abstract

The barrier rails (1,2) have plates (6,7) for their positioning, orientation and locking at predetermined intervals on the bars (3). The base of each rail has a ribbed section delimiting two parallel grooves which engage complementary grooves in the covering plates. Each post (4,5) is hollow and its base engages a ground support and fixing base (9). Each base has two support stands (9b1,9b2) formed in a sleeve (9b) which is fitted into the hollow posts.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of the elements of barrier type protection.

The invention finds a particularly advantageous application for the protection of swimming pools, to deter children in particular, to have access to the basin. Obviously, this example should not be considered limiting, the barrier may be used in all cases where you wish to prohibit access to a child especially at a young age.

This is how it became particularly important to protect access to a swimming pool, in order to avoid children who do not know swim, to have direct access to the pool in the event of non-surveillance in particular. Indeed, statistics have shown that accidents involving drowning in the swimming pools are very high, resulting, in most cases, a lack of attention and supervision from parents or others, towards children.

To prevent this type of accident, it has been proposed to belt the pool basin by barriers. However, the barriers proposed to this day, given their design is not completely satisfactory. In particular, these barriers must be of a height and design determined so that it cannot be crossed by the child. The spacing of the bars must also correspond to dimensions very precise preset. Likewise, the barriers must be fixed to the ground and offer enough resistance so as not to be knocked over and not be overwritten in the event that they are subjected to a load horizontal.

In addition, the proposed barriers are often unsightly braking so their use.

We can cite for example the teaching of patent US-A-4,014,520 which describes a barrier comprising two bottom rails and superior arranged in two parallel planes and braced by the vertical bars. The beams cooperate at each of their ends with vertical bars. Arrangements are provided at the beams for mounting vertical bars at pre-established intervals. This barrier is not particularly suitable for preventing access to a swimming pool.

Patent FR-A-2,038,542 relates to a process for carrying out guardrail or railing by assembling standard elements prefabricated. The type of railing obtained seems difficult to apply to protect access to a swimming pool.

The same remarks apply to the railing disclosed by the teaching of patent US-A-3,333,823.

It therefore seemed important to be able to belt the pool basin, from modular barrier elements that can be easily assembled together while respecting standards of security.

The problem which the invention proposes to solve is, on the one hand, to realize a security barrier which meets the above characteristics, especially in terms of resistance and security while having a pleasant visual appearance, so as not to alter the aesthetics of the whole pool basin, and, on the other hand, to realize a barrier from of several identical modules and to assemble these modules, in alignment, either in a 90 ° offset manner.

To solve such a problem, it was designed and developed a protective and security barrier, particularly for swimming pools, compliant to the features of claim 1.

To solve the problem posed to ensure the positioning and instant mounting of the bars in relation to the top rails and bottom of the barrier, the heald arrangements consist of a attached plate capable of being fixed to the base of each of them, each plate having through openings shaped in section for the engagement and positioning of the bars.

In view of these provisions, it is therefore sufficient to first determining and making the through openings of each of the plates, to then obtain the desired positioning and spacing between the bars.

To solve the problem of not using organs required to fix the bars relative to the beams, the base of each stringer is constituted by a ribbed profile delimiting two parallel lateral grooves for engaging ribs that the cover plates have, said lateral grooves being separated by a central groove constituting a notch acting as a stop for the bars.

To solve the problem posed of improving the aesthetics of the entire barrier, the bars are formed by a profile of ribbed and semi-circular hollow section, the through openings of the plates being of complementary section. The plate openings are alternately oriented in one direction and in the other along the length of each of them.

To solve the problem posed of ensuring the assembly of the beams by compared to the posts, the ends of the beams are freely engaged in openings of complementary shape that have the side faces corresponding posts, said ends cooperating with the base arrangements.

In the case of an assembly in alignment of several modules and to ensure perfect continuity, the beams are integral with each of their end, of a tubular connecting element projecting to be engaged in the arm arranged in alignment. We observe that for the same one of the connecting members is located on one side of the beam, while the other connecting member is located on the other side, so that, in plan view, the organs are offset.

To solve the problem posed of improving the fixing of the beams above the level of the post, on the one hand, while having for objective to close the upper part of said posts, on the other hand, each post receives, at its upper end, a plug with arrangements for positioning the ends of the rails, in one direction only or in two directions offset by 90 °.

Advantageously, to reduce production costs, each stringer is obtained by an extruded plastic profile.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective du module de base constituant la barrière.
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe transversale considérée selon la ligne 2.2 de la figure 1.
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale considérée selon la ligne 3.3 de la figure 1.
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale considérée selon la ligne 4.4 de la figure 1.
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe considérée selon la ligne 5.5 de la figure 1, montrant l'assemblage en alignement de plusieurs modules de base.
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe considéré selon la ligne 6.6 de la figure 1, montrant l'assemblage à 90° de plusieurs modules.
• la figure 7 est une vue en plan d'une lisse présentant à chacune de ses extrémités un organe de liaison et de continuité avec une lisse adjacente.
• la figure 8 est une vue partielle en perspective de l'extrémité d'une lisse équipée d'un organe de liaison et de continuité.
• la figure 9 est une vue en plan et en coupe montrant l'assemblage en juxtaposition de deux lisses au niveau d'un poteau intermédiaire.

The invention is set out below in more detail with the aid of the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of the basic module constituting the barrier.
• Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2.2 of Figure 1.
• Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3.3 of Figure 1.
• Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4.4 of Figure 1.
• Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5.5 of Figure 1, showing the assembly in alignment of several base modules.
• Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6.6 of Figure 1, showing the assembly at 90 ° of several modules.
• Figure 7 is a plan view of a heddle having at each of its ends a connecting member and continuity with an adjacent heddle.
• Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the end of a heddle fitted with a connecting and continuity member.
• Figure 9 is a plan view in section showing the assembly in juxtaposition of two beams at an intermediate post.

Essentially, this barrier comprises two beams (1) and (2) arranged in two parallel planes and braced by bars vertical (3). The healds (1) and (2) cooperate at each of their ends with vertical posts (4) and (5). The bottom rail (2) is arranged very substantially at ground level where the entire barrier is fixed. To note that this rail (2) can be in direct contact with the ground.

The height of the barrier, i.e. the distance between the barrier upper (1) and the ground, is determined to meet standards of safety, in particular not to be stepped on by a child. Likewise, the distance between the two vertical posts (4) and (5) is determined by security standards function to meet the specifications regulations.

Advantageously, all of the constituent elements of the barrier, are made of plastic, in particular extruded plastic. Well obviously, this barrier can be executed in other materials.

Each of the heddles (1) and (2) are produced by an extruded profile delimiting two parallel vertical wings (1a) and (1b), (2a) and (2b), joined to their upper part by a rounded profile (1c) (2c). At their bottom, these wings (1a) and (1b), (2a) and (2b) are joined by a ribbed profile limiting two parallel lateral grooves (1d), (1e) and (2d), (2e), and a groove central (1f) (2f). The central groove (1f - 2f) constitutes a notch longitudinal cross section in an inverted U shape. The central groove (1f, 2f) is connected to the rounded profile (1c and 2c), by a central rib of rigidity (1g - 2g).

The different vertical bars (3) consist of a profile of ribbed and semi-circular hollow section. More specifically, each bar has a flat face (3a) connected by a rounded face (3b). Each of the bars thus defined is engaged in openings through-holes (6a) and (7a) of complementary section, formed at intervals regular in plates (6) and (7) made integral with each of the heddles (1 and 2). The plates (6) and (7) are shaped to be fixed at the level of the ribbed face of each of the beams (1) and (2). Plates (6) and (7) have lateral ribs (6b) (6c) and (7b) (7c) cooperating with the lateral grooves (1d) (1e) and (2d) (2e) of the corresponding beams (1) and (2) to secure the plates (6) and (7) by a clipping effect. After fixing, the openings (6a) and (7a) of the plates (6) and (7) open into the central notch (1f) (2f) of the beams (1) and (2). Thus, after engagement of bars (3) in the openings (6a) and (7a) of the plates (6) and (7), these the latter are supported in the bottom of the central groove which acts notch (1f) (2f), of each of the beams (1) and (2).

Note that the openings (6a) and (7a) are alternately oriented in one direction and in the other along the length of each of the plates (6) and (7), so that after engagement, as indicated, of the bars (1) in the corresponding openings, the latter successively present and alternately a flat face (3a) and a rounded face (3b).

The ends of the rails (1) and (2) are engaged in openings of complementary shape (4a) and (5a) which have the lateral faces of the corresponding posts (4) and (5). The posts (4) and (5) are of section square, and each equipped with an upper plug (8) and a base lower (9). The lower base (9) has a support and fixing to the ground (9a).

Importantly, the plugs (8) and the legs (9) have arrangements for positioning and supporting the heald ends (1) and (2) in one direction or in two directions offset by 90 °. More particularly, the upper plug (8) and the base (9) each have a form of nesting (8a) and (9b) able to be engaged in the hollow internal section of each of the uprights (4) and (5).

Each of the nesting forms (8a) and (9b) has two support openings or cradles (8a1) - (8a2) and (9b1) - (9b2) offset angularly 90 °. More specifically, the cradles (8a1) and (9b1) are through at each of their ends for mounting in alignment of two beams (figure 5).

The other cradles (8a2) (9b2) have only one end emerging, in communication with the first cradle (8a1) (9b1). It is thus possible to arrange the upper and lower beams (1) and (2) of two basic modules, in two different directions offset by 90 ° (figure 6).

For the alignment assembly of several basic modules such as defined, the top (1) and bottom (2) rails are integral, each of their ends, of a projecting connecting tubular member (10 and 11) capable of ensuring perfect continuity by increasing the rigidity at level of the intermediate connection post or posts where the junction takes place said beams. These tubular connecting members are constituted by quarter rounds fixed in an overhanging manner at each end of the smooth upper and lower. Advantageously each of the quarter circles (10) and (11) is fixed and positioned in the bottom of the rounded profile (1c) of the smooth (1 and 2), pressing against the central stiffening rib (1g - 2g). For the same smooth, the connecting members (10 and 11), seen in plan, are offset. The member (10) which projects from one of the ends of the heald considered, is fixed on one side of the central rib of rigidity, while the other member of link (11), which projects from the other end of the beam considered, is fixed on the other side of the central stiffness rib. It follows that after assembly in juxtaposition, the connecting members (10 and 11) of the two adjacent rails are located next to each other. Strictly speaking, one of the organs (10) for example, protrudes a length very slightly superior to the other connecting member (11) to facilitate the nesting of smooth into each other.

• la sécurité obtenue,
• l'esthétique et la rigidité mécanique de l'ensemble de la barrière,
• le montage des différents éléments constitutifs sans aucun organes rapportés de liaison,
• l'écartement automatique des barreaux.

The advantages emerge clearly from the description, in particular it is emphasized and recalled:

• the security obtained,
• the aesthetics and mechanical rigidity of the entire barrier,
• the assembly of the various constituent elements without any added connecting members,
• automatic spacing of the bars.

The different posts, bars and beams are advantageously obtained by an extruded plastic profile.

Claims (8)

1. Protection and safety barrier, especially for a swimming pool, comprising two rails, an upper rail (1) and a lower rail (2), disposed in two parallel planes and braced by vertical bars (3), the said rails (1) and (2) cooperating at each of their ends with vertical posts (4) and (5):

   the rails (1) and (2) have fixtures for the positioning, angular orientation and locking in position, at pre-established intervals, of the bars (3);

   each post (4) and (5) is hollow and cooperates at its base with a supporting mount for fixing to the ground (9) ;

   each mount (9) has fixtures for positioning and supporting the ends of the rails in a single direction or in two directions offset by 90°;

   characterized in that:

   the fixtures of each mount (9) are constituted by two supporting cradles (9b1) - (9b2), angularly offset by 90° and formed in the thickness of a sleeve (9b) sectionally configured for fitting into the hollow section of the posts (4) and (5);

   one of the cradles (9b1) is open at each of its ends for the aligned mounting of two rails, the other cradle (9b2) having a single open end, in communication with the first cradle (9b1).
2. Barrier according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fixtures of the rails (1) and (2) are constituted by a separate plate (6) and (7) suitable for fixing to the base of each of the said rails, each plate (6) and (7) having through-openings sectionally configured for the engagement and positioning of the bars (3).
3. Barrier according to Claim 2, characterized in that the base of each rail (1) and (2) is constituted by a ribbed profile delimiting two parallel lateral grooves for the engagement of complementary ribs presented by the cover plates (6) and (7), the said lateral grooves being separated by a central groove constituting a notch acting as a stop for the bars.
4. Barrier according to Claim 3, characterized in that the bars (3) are constituted by a structural bar of semi-circular and ribbed hollow section, the through-openings in the plates (6) and (7) being of complementary section.
5. Barrier according to Claim 2, characterized in that the openings in the plates (6) and (7) are alternately orientated in one direction and in the other direction over the length of each of the said plates.
6. Barrier according to Claim 1, characterized in that the ends of the rails (1) and (2) are freely engaged in openings of complementary shape presented by the side faces of the corresponding posts (4) and (5), the said ends cooperating with the fixtures of the mounts.
7. Barrier according to Claim 1, characterized in that the rails (1) and (2) have at each of their ends a tubular connecting member (10 - 11) protruding from the said ends for engagement in the rail disposed in alignment, ensuring perfect continuity and rigidity of the rails at the level of the intermediate posts.
8. Barrier according to Claim 1, characterized in that each post (4) and (5) receives, at its upper end, a cap (8) having fixtures for the positioning of the ends of the rails, in a single direction or in two directions offset by 90°.

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