U.S. patent application number 13/138885 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-09 for safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas.
Invention is credited to Arturo Del Saz Salazar.
Application Number | 20120030869 13/138885 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41449693 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120030869 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Del Saz Salazar; Arturo |
February 9, 2012 |
SAFETY LEDGE FOR SWIMMING POOLS, WATER AND RECREATION AREAS
Abstract
This invention is used in swimming pools, water and recreation
areas to minimise the risks of accidents and contusions due to
slips or falls of bathers, sportsmen or users through the use of a
product made up of various configurations of a support or rigid
base (1) of cement, ceramic, porcelain material, or other
construction material, and an elastic cover (2) of plastic
material--polyolefin, silicones, polyurethanes, natural and
artificial rubbers, or other types of polymers, combined between
themselves or not--with elastic mechanical properties on straight,
curved or angular borders of swimming pools, and with waterproof,
antiskid, hygienic, aesthetic and/or signage effects.
Inventors: |
Del Saz Salazar; Arturo;
(Valencia, ES) |
Family ID: |
41449693 |
Appl. No.: |
13/138885 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
May 16, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/ES2010/070232 |
371 Date: |
October 17, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/506 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/141 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/506 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/00 20060101
E04H004/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 16, 2009 |
ES |
U200930032 |
Claims
1. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas to
minimise risks of accidents and contusions consisting in a group
made up of a support or rigid base (1) of cement, ceramic,
porcelain or plastic material or any other construction material,
and an elastic cover (2) of plastic material--polyolefin,
silicones, polyurethanes, natural and artificial rubbers, or other
types of polymers combined between themselves or not--with elastic
mechanical properties. This layer functions both as finish and
cover.
2. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas to
minimise risks of accidents and contusions in accordance with claim
1 consisting in a support or rigid base of the ledge (1) in a
rectangular structure, with some longitudinal fastening grooves in
the feet of the cover (5) in the shape of a dovetail in which to
lodge the cover's supporting feet (6) via projections or rhomboid
feet that are part of the elastic cover (2).
3. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas to
minimise risks of accidents and contusions in accordance with claim
1 consisting in a support or rigid base of the ledge (1) in a
rectangular shape to be installed on the perimeter of straight
swimming pools, with some longitudinal fastening grooves in the
feet of the cover (5) in the shape of a dovetail in which to lodge
the cover's supporting feet (6) via projections or rhomboid feet
that are part of the elastic cover (2).
4. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas to
minimise risks of accidents and contusions in accordance with claim
1 consisting in a support or rigid base of the ledge (1) in trapeze
shape to be installed on the perimeter of curved swimming pools,
with some longitudinal fastening grooves in the feet of the cover
(5) in the shape of a dovetail in which to lodge the cover's
supporting feet (6) via projections or rhomboid feet that are part
of the elastic cover (2).
5. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas to
minimise risks of accidents and contusions in accordance with claim
1 consisting in a support or rigid base of the ledge (1) in
rectangular trapeze shape for corners, with some longitudinal
fastening grooves in the feet of the cover (5) in the shape of a
dovetail in which to lodge the cover's supporting feet (6) via
projections or rhomboid feet that are part of the elastic cover
(2).
6. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas to
minimise risks of accidents and contusions in accordance with claim
1 consisting in an elastic cover (2) that is fastened via a
mechanical socket between the support feet of the cover (6) and the
grooves (5) in the shape of a dovetail, which can be reinforced
with glue or adhesive for square outlines.
7. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas to
minimise risks of accidents and contusions in accordance with claim
1 consisting in an elastic cover (2) that is fastened via a
mechanical socket between the support feet of the cover (6) and the
grooves (5) in the shape of a dovetail, which can be reinforced
with glue or adhesive for corner outlines.
8. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas to
minimise risks of accidents and contusions in accordance with claim
1 consisting in an elastic cover (2) that is fastened via a
mechanical socket between the support feet of the cover (6) and the
grooves (5) in the shape of a dovetail, which can be reinforced
with glue or adhesive for curved outlines.
9. Safety ledge to minimise risks of accidents and contusions in
swimming pools, water and recreation areas in accordance with claim
1 to 8 consisting in the final addition of a culvert or draining
gutter (3) and a grate (4).
10. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas for
an unlimited combination in terms of extension and width of
surfaces in accordance with claim 1 to 9 consisting in the
possibility of the rigid pieces of the ledge (1) and the elastic
component of the cover (2) to be combined with straight covers.
11. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas for
a dry technique and aesthetic effect in accordance with claim 1 to
10 consisting in the possibility of the elastic part of the cover
(2) to contain waterproof chemical substances in its
composition.
12. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas for
a security technical effect in accordance with claim 1 to 11
consisting in the possibility of the elastic part of the cover (2)
to contain antiskid chemical substances in its composition.
13. Safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation areas for
an hygienic technical effect in accordance with claim 1 to 12
consisting in the possibility of the elastic part of the cover (2)
to contain antibacterial, antifungal and antialgae chemical
substances in its composition.
14. Safety ledge to minimise risks of accidents and contusions in
swimming pools, water and recreation areas for an aesthetic and/or
signage effect in accordance with claim 1 to 13 consisting in the
possibility of the elastic part of the cover (2) to contain
colouring chemical substances in its composition.
Description
TECHNICAL SECTION
[0001] The invention protected in this Utility Model, consists in a
safety ledge made up of two parts: a rigid base based on cement
extrusion, or on ceramic, metal or plastic material, and an elastic
cover affixed to said base in order to encircle the perimeter of
swimming pools and water and recreation areas, and to minimise,
thanks to it, the risk of accidents and contusions due to
impacts.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] At present, various protection and safety mechanisms are
already known and are in place against accidents involving hitting
ledges or slipping in areas of stationary or moving water but all
of these include disadvantages both operational and cosmetic as
well as functional, particularly because no simple and adequate
technical means exist for all types of use or operation, whether
they are recreational (swimming pools, play areas in aquatic parks,
etc. . . . ) therapeutic (spas and baths) or industrial
(agricultural irrigation or hydroelectric reservoirs or ponds).
Further, the use of media already developed presents a number of
limitations with respect to the invention being presented which is
more versatile. Thus, while already known as protection or safety
features on swimming pools, inventions published in Spain relating
to collapsible swimming pools, such as Utility Model ES1036807 by
TORRENTE INDUSTRIAL for a Protection adaptable to the hard edges of
collapsible swimming pools (1998), Patent ES2257133 by CERAMICAS
SUGRANES for a group of parts for the construction of the upper
edge and culvert in overflowing swimming pools (2006), or Patent
ES2170012 by SEVYLOR INTERNATIONAL for a swimming pool's edge
profile (2002).
[0003] In other countries inventions have already been published
which, in a similar manner to the Spanish inventions mentioned
above, emphasize aspects of control and drainage of overflowing
water, or the protection of hard parts of collapsible swimming
pools. Thus for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,934 by DAHOWSKI (1991)
for an indicator of swimming pool ledges with fibre optic
illumination, a prefabricated swimming pool Patent IT940058 by
BUSSATA (1994), or English inventions GB190504369 by MAX WOLFF
(1905), GB328775 by AUGUSTE VICTOR KELLER (1930), and GB2171599 by
SPENCER BAYLEY (1985), relating to edge profile configurations for
ponds and swimming pools.
[0004] All these, as well as all other inventions prior to the
invention being presented, are based on very different
applications, uses or functions and as inventions all include
functional and operational limitations, and as such are different
from the design of this invention.
Technical Problem
[0005] One of the principal challenges in the design of swimming
pools, tanks, ponds, irrigation reservoirs or water storage tanks
is not only the mere fact that they contain a liquid element. It is
also to ensure that said designs and inventive concepts satisfy the
requirements of recreation, game, sport or work activities that
take place in their vicinity and that they resolve issues before
accidental slips occur in overflowing swimming pools, in which the
water remains on top of the ledge as it overflows into an external
gutter; as well as in skimmer type swimming pools, in which the
level of water remains below the ledge.
[0006] The variety of uses that can require the control of water
means that in fixed and permanent facilities a multitude of
activities and actors are involved: swimming pool users, sport
swimmers, maintenance and cleaning operators, teaching instructors,
first-aiders, crop and livestock farmers, construction operators,
etc., whether it is stationary or moving water and regardless of
their source, from basins, public supplies or private wells.
[0007] But in all these uses, said functions are not except from a
risk of falls or slips of the users or workers which may have fatal
consequences for them. As a result, this invention has been
designed with the aim to minimising and reducing the risk of
accidental falls, of bruises against the ledges while nearing,
entering or exiting such swimming pools, ponds or reservoirs, and
at the end of the day with the aim of providing a measure of
protection and safety to such environments of water
containment.
[0008] Further, the risk of accidents increases exponentially when
the edges are glazed to achieve an aesthetic effect, or when the
passage of time erodes the ledges used. This is in addition to the
normal wear and tear, the lack of cleanliness or maintenance that
encourages the appearance of mould or seaweeds in some areas, or on
the contrary because of a process of excessive cleaning, in which
chemical products or abrasive cleaning tools may remove the
components adherent to the ledges that were installed
initially.
Technical Solution
[0009] Through the use of two technical media: A base of cement,
ceramic, porcelain or plastic material or any other construction
material of a rigid quality used as support or base. And an
elastomeric cover or sleeve fitted over that support to reduce the
disadvantages stated.
[0010] Likewise, the elastic cover features an overlay on one of
its sides, over the section that is being used to contain the
water, while presenting on its lower part a few longitudinal
projections (whose aim is to act as a system of fitting mechanism
onto the rigid base). In its composition this cover can contain
substances that intensify its identification and localisation, as
well as safety features (colouring, waterproof additives, adherent
additives, fungicides, weed-repellents, etc. . . . ).
Advantageous Effects
[0011] Without a doubt, the principal function of this invention is
to offer a medium of prevention and safety against accidents, and
in particular a measure of protection against bruises or impacts in
the event of an accident. However a number of other complementary
benefits also exist in addition to this advantage.
[0012] In fact, this contribution also facilitates a medium of
prevention and safety for risks of work accidents, as well as
compliance with the Spanish technical standard relating to the
standardisation of swimming pools, and in particular with regard to
sports equipment and aquatic attractions (UNE-EN standard
13451-2001, 2004) that have specific safety requirements.
[0013] Finally, the cover can present benefits in terms of
information or advertising since it can easily be replaced for
aesthetic reasons, or in order to be used as advertising or signage
platform.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] For a better understanding of the general characteristics
mentioned above, the present invention is accompanied by various
drawings that illustrate specifications as follows:
[0015] FIG. 1: View of a group composed of a rigid base (1), and an
elastic cover (2).
[0016] FIG. 2: Sectional view of a group composed of a rigid base
(1), and an elastic cover (2) installed on the ledge of the basin
of a swimming pool--of so-called skimmer type--or pond.
[0017] FIG. 3: Sectional view of a group composed of a rigid base
(1), and an elastic cover (2) installed on the ledge of a swimming
pool or pond--of so-called overflowing type, inside the basin of
the swimming pool or pond, with culvert or draining gutter (3) and
grate (4).
[0018] FIG. 4: Orthogonal and perspective views of a rigid base
(1), with its longitudinal fastening grooves in the feet of the
cover (5).
[0019] FIG. 5: Orthogonal and perspective views of an elastic cover
(2) with an ascending overlay (8) and its supporting feet (6).
[0020] FIG. 6: Sectional view of a group composed of a piece of
rigid base (1), with the longitudinal fastening grooves in the feet
of the cover (5) symmetrical with its longitudinal central surface
in order to allow fitting on a piece of elastic cover (2) with an
ascending overlay (8) and its supporting feet (6), and support for
culvert grates in overflowing swimming pools (7).
[0021] FIG. 7: Two projection views of a group joined solidarily by
a piece of rigid base (1), with its longitudinal fastening grooves
in the feet of the cover (5) in the shape of a
dovetail--symmetrical with its longitudinal central surface in
order to permit fitting in one direction, as in the opposite
direction, by a piece of elastic cover (2) with an ascending
overlay (8) and supporting feet (6), and support for culvert grates
in overflowing swimming pools (7).
[0022] FIG. 8: Orthogonal and perspective views of a piece of
elastic cover (2) with an ascending overlay (8) and supporting feet
(6) and support for culvert grates in overflowing swimming pools
(7).
[0023] FIG. 9: Sectional view of a piece of an elastic cover (2)
with an ascending overlay (8) and supporting feet (6), and support
for culvert grates in overflowing swimming pools (7).
[0024] FIG. 10: Combined view of a piece of rigid base (1), with
its longitudinal fastening grooves in the feet of the cover (5) in
the shape of a dovetail, and of a piece of elastic cover (2) with
an ascending overlay (8) and support for culvert grates in
overflowing swimming pools (7) interlaced with other pieces with
identical characteristics forming a separation or transversal
gasket (9), variable in width depending on the length of the
swimming pool or pond, and on the number of covers incorporated
over the rigid bases.
[0025] FIG. 11: Plan view of a piece of rigid base (1) cut in a
rectangular shape in order to create right-angle outlines, and a
piece of rigid base (1) cut in a trapeze shape for curved
outlines.
[0026] FIG. 12: Plan view a set of pieces of rigid bases (1) cut in
trapeze shapes to form a curve.
[0027] FIG. 13: Orthogonal and perspective views of an elastic
cover (2) with its overlay for skimmer type swimming pools with
curved edges.
[0028] FIG. 14: Orthogonal and perspective view of an elastic cover
(2) with its overlay for overflowing swimming pools with curved
edges.
[0029] FIG. 15: Orthogonal and perspective view of an elastic cover
(2) with a rectangular corner with its overlay (10), its supporting
feet (6) for skimmer type swimming pools.
[0030] FIG. 16: Orthogonal and perspective views of an elastic
cover (2) of a rectangular corner piece with its overlay (10), its
supporting feet (6), and support for culvert grates in overflowing
swimming pools (7) for overflowing swimming pools.
[0031] FIG. 17: View of a piece of rigid base (1), cut in order to
form a rectangular corner piece and to form the beginning and end
section of a curve.
[0032] FIG. 18: Front and perspective views of a set of rigid bases
(1) of a rectangular shape and combined between themselves to form
a continuous deck, creating a protective elastic floor both
extendable and upgradeable
[0033] FIG. 19: Orthogonal and perspective views of a flat elastic
cover (2).
[0034] FIG. 20: Perspective view of a swimming pool's ledge with
its extension into a deck of flat elastic covers (2).
[0035] FIG. 21: Perspective view of a deck extension with pieces of
rigid bases (1) and flat elastic covers (2) for water and
recreation areas.
[0036] FIG. 22: Orthogonal and perspective views of a piece of
rigid base with culvert or draining gutter (12) and its piece of
elastic cover (13).
[0037] FIG. 23: Orthogonal and perspective views of a piece of
rigid base with culvert or draining gutter (12) with longitudinal
fastening grooves in the feet of the elastic cover (5).
[0038] FIG. 24: Orthogonal and perspective views of a piece of
elastic cover (13) with its supporting feet (6) for a piece of
rigid base with culvert or draining gutter.
[0039] FIG. 25: Views of the lower part of a piece of elastic cover
(13) with its supporting feet (6) for a piece of rigid base with
culvert or draining gutter.
[0040] FIG. 26: Views of a piece of rigid base with culvert or
draining gutter in a corner piece (14) and of its piece of elastic
cover (15), and fixed with the elastic cover's feet or projections
(6) coupled to the grooves of the rigid base (5).
[0041] FIG. 27: Views of a piece of rigid base with culvert or
draining gutter in a projecting piece (16) and of its piece of
elastic cover (17) and fixed with the elastic cover's feet or
projections (6) coupled to the grooves of the rigid base (5).
[0042] FIGS. 22, 23, 26 and 27 are drawings of a complementary
realisation on the innovation of Patent ES2257133 by CERAMICAS
SUGRANES on a group of elements for the construction of the upper
edge and culvert in overflowing swimming pools (2006).
BEST MODE
[0043] The safety ledge for swimming pools, water and recreation
areas, the latter in areas in contact with water and dry areas, can
be carried out and laid out in the following manner:
[0044] In accordance with the graphic illustration in FIG. 1, it
relates to a group constituted by a rigid base (1) of cement,
ceramic, porcelain or plastic material or any other construction
material, and an elastic cover (2) of plastic material--polyolefin,
silicones, polyurethanes, natural and artificial rubbers, or other
types of polymers, combined or not--with elastic mechanical
properties, that function as finish and cover.
[0045] Depending on the type of swimming pool or pond, tank or
reservoir, overflowing or not, the invention concept is installed
in the edge of the basin that contains the water--FIG. 2--or inside
it--FIG. 3--and may be completed with a culvert or draining gutter
(3) and a grate (4).
[0046] One of the pieces, the support or rigid base of the ledge
(1), consists in a few longitudinal fastening grooves in the feet
of the cover (5) in the shape of a dovetail in which the cover's
supporting feet are lodged (6) through projections or rhomboid feet
that are part of the elastic cover (2) Alternatively, it can also
have a rectangular structure--FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG.
6, FIG. 7, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 18--for square or trapeze
areas--FIG. 11 for curved areas--FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and
FIG. 17--, or rectangular trapezes for corners--FIG. 15, FIG. 16,
FIG. 26, and FIG. 27--.
[0047] Whereas the second piece, the elastic cover (2) is fixed
with a mechanical socket between the cover's support feet (6) and
the grooves (5) in the shape of a dovetail which can be reinforced
with glue or adhesive for square outlines--FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3,
FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11--or
corners and curves--FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17,
FIG. 26, and FIG. 27--.
[0048] Both pieces, the hardness of the ledge (1) and the
elasticity of the cover (2) can be combined unlimitedly in both
breadth and scale with square covers depending on the perimeter
area of the swimming pools, ponds, tanks or reservoirs--FIG. 18,
FIG. 20, and FIG. 21--to be installed, therefore transversal
gaskets or separations are created that can be expanded or reduced
to adjust to the size of the surroundings--FIG. 10--.
[0049] The piece of the elastic cover can contain in its
composition chemical, antibacterial, antifungal, antialgae,
waterproof or antiskid substances. In addition to its ornamental or
aesthetic potential on account of the colouring agents or pigments
that can be added as a dye during manufacture or other process, it
may also be used as an informative, advertising or signage
medium.
* * * * *