EP1973774A2 - Chassis modulaire - Google Patents

Chassis modulaire

Info

Publication number
EP1973774A2
EP1973774A2 EP07709242A EP07709242A EP1973774A2 EP 1973774 A2 EP1973774 A2 EP 1973774A2 EP 07709242 A EP07709242 A EP 07709242A EP 07709242 A EP07709242 A EP 07709242A EP 1973774 A2 EP1973774 A2 EP 1973774A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
frame
water
buoyant
blocks
modular frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07709242A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1973774A4 (fr
Inventor
John Dean Fay
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KIWI OFFSHORE POOLS Ltd
Original Assignee
KIWI OFFSHORE POOLS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by KIWI OFFSHORE POOLS Ltd filed Critical KIWI OFFSHORE POOLS Ltd
Publication of EP1973774A2 publication Critical patent/EP1973774A2/fr
Publication of EP1973774A4 publication Critical patent/EP1973774A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/0012—Floating swimming pools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/34—Pontoons
    • B63B35/38—Rigidly-interconnected pontoons

Definitions

  • Naturally occurring or man-made bodies of water are not always suitable for swimming in for various reasons.
  • a seashore may have rips which drags unsuspecting swimmers out into deeper waters.
  • Sea swimmers may also be at risk from sharks, stringrays and other sea creatures if they stray into deep waters.
  • US 5,638,556 and US 4,087,870 also illustrate a type of floating swimming pool. It also possesses a rigid floor making disassembly time-consuming.
  • US 4,135,256 illustrates a swimming pool designed as a cage to be mounted to a floating ship or barge. It is not a stand alone structure and possesses a bottom surface or floor.
  • the reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement, or any form of suggestion, that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.
  • a modular frame adapted in use to define a recreational area in a body of water, said frame adapted to remain substantially fixed in position within the body of water.
  • the connectable buoyant units are buoyant blocks.
  • buoyant blocks are .connected end to end to form the frame.
  • buoyant blocks are connected end to end by rope, chains, wire, bolts, nails, glue, welding or the like.
  • the frame includes at least two sides of connected buoyant blocks.
  • the sides are parallel and spaced apart.
  • the parallel sides are connected by connecting members stretched between the sides from opposite ends of each side.
  • the frame may be located in the sea, a lake or a river.
  • the body of water is a natural or man-made body of water.
  • the frame is fixed in position within the body of water by at least one anchor which is connected to the frame.
  • the buoyant blocks are constructed from a buoyant material capable of floating on water.
  • the buoyant material includes plastics material, wood, steel, rubber or the like.
  • the buoyant material is polystyrene foam.
  • a modular frame adapted in use to define a safe zone in a body of water, the frame adapted to remain substantially fixed in a predetermined location within the body of water.
  • a buoyant block for a modular frame which includes: - a body having two ends and formed at least in part from a buoyant material; and a connecting means provided at each end of the body and adapted to allow the block to be connected to a like block.
  • buoyant blocks in use are adapted to float on the surface, partially float above the surface or substantially align with the surface of the water.
  • kit of parts for assembling a frame which in use defines a recreational area in a body of water, including at least two buoyant connectable blocks.
  • the kit includes a pair of connecting members.
  • the connecting members include lane ropes, wires or the like.
  • a method of defining a safe zone in a body of water including the steps of connecting together regular connectable buoyant modular units to form a frame, and anchoring the frame at a predetermined safe location within the body of water.
  • buoyant block substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Figures.
  • kit of parts substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Figures.
  • method of defining a safe zone in a body of Water substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Figures.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a plan perspective view of a modular frame of the preferred embodiment
  • Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of the frame of Figure 1 having two recreational areas
  • Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view (a to c) and a transparent plan perspective view (d) of a buoyant block of the frame of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view (a to c) and plan perspective views (d and e) of a corner buoyant block of the frame of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 illustrates a side elevation of the frame of Figure 1 including an optional net
  • Figure 6 illustrates a plan perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 7 illustrates a plan perspective view of the alternative embodiment of
  • Figure 8 illustrates a plan view of the alternative embodiment of Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 illustrates a plan perspective view of the alternative embodiment of
  • Figure 10 illustrates a plan view of the alternative embodiment of Figure 9. Description of the Preferred Embodiment
  • module refers to the sectional or collapsible nature of the frame, such that it can be collapsed into smaller discrete units for easy storage, handling and/or movement.
  • FIG. 1 a plan perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a modular frame assembly 1 is illustrated.
  • the modular frame assembly 1 (hereinafter “the frame") is adapted in use to define a recreational area 2 within a body of water 3.
  • the body of water may include a natural or man-made body of water 3 such as a lake, river or sea.
  • the frame 1 generally floats on the surface of the body of water 3 in a predetermined safe location.
  • the recreational area 2 is substantially defined by the perimeter of the frame 1 on the surface of the water.
  • the recreational area 2 may be used as a swimming area, a play area or the like.
  • the location of the frame 1 , and therefore position of the recreational area 2 may be predetermined before locating the frame 1 within the body of water 3.
  • the location of the recreational area 2 may be selected on the basis of safety considerations.
  • a "safe zone" for the frame 1 may be decided by local authorities, for example, before locating the frame 1 within the body of water 3.
  • Preferably a "safe zone” has reduced likelihood of shark attacks, rips and the like dangers.
  • the recreational area 2 is quadrilateral in shape. It will be appreciated however that the frame 1 may be provided in any particular shape or size depending on the particular requirements of a user. There are certain advantages in a rectangular or square frame 1 , for example, it is easier to divide the recreational area 2 into lanes for swimming by lane markers or ropes to allow for swimming and/or timed swimming.
  • the frame 1 includes a plurality of buoyant units or blocks 4 which, when connected, define the recreational area 2.
  • the buoyant blocks 4 include corner or square blocks 4a and side or rectangular blocks 4b as shown in Figure 1 to allow construction of a quadrilateral frame 1.
  • Each block 4 is connectable to at least one other block 4 and more preferably each block 4 is connectable to two blocks 4. It will be appreciated that the blocks 4 may be provided in various shapes and sizes to modify the overall shape or appearance of the frame 1 and thus the shape of the recreational area 2.
  • the blocks 4 could be S-shaped.
  • the frame 1 is defined by rectangular blocks 4b along the side portions 5 of the frame 1 and square blocks 4a at the corners 6 of the frame 1.
  • the blocks 4 are connected end to end to form the square/rectangular frame 1.
  • an alternative embodiment of the invention provides a frame 1 where a parallel pair of blocks is spaced apart from each other. A pair of connecting members is stretched between the pair of blocks 4 to define the recreational area 2. This will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 10.
  • Each block 4 has a body formed from a buoyant material 12 capable of generally floating on the surface, at least partially above the surface or substantially aligned with the surface of the body of water 3 to define the parameter of the frame 1 in use.
  • the buoyant material 12 is a plastics material, such as polystyrene foam or other plastics materials.
  • the plastics material could be covered with a layer of concrete to strengthen the rigidity of each block, although this may hinder easy dismantling of the frame 1 and transportation of the blocks 4.
  • Other materials such as wood, steel or rubber may be used to provide the buoyant material 12 and/or block 4 generally.
  • Each block 4 is reinforced by reinforcing members 7 which are located along the edges of the block 4, as is better seen in Figure 3. This will be described in detail below.
  • the frame 1 is adapted to remain fixed in a predetermined location or position within the body of water 3.
  • the frame 1 is anchored by anchors (not shown in Figure 1), connected by rope, wire or the like 9, to the sea, river or lake bed.
  • the anchors could be permanently or temporarily located on the sea, river or lake bed.
  • the anchors are connected to the frame via the corner blocks 4a. This maintains the frame 1 in the predetermined "safe zone" location in the body of water 3.
  • the anchors could be connected to the frame 1 via the side blocks 4b or by a combination of side and corner blocks 4a, 4b.
  • this plan view shows a frame 1 which defines two recreational area 2.
  • One recreational area 2 is divided by lane markers 11 to form a swimming area 20.
  • the other recreational area 2 provides a "play area" 10 formed partially from a section of the frame 1 defining the main swimming area 20.
  • the play area 10 is square and formed by a plurality of blocks 4a, 4b.
  • the advantage of the present invention is that the block 4 may be connected to construct any particular shape of recreational area 2 within a larger body of water 3,
  • FIG 3a shows the cover surface 8 which sits above or substantially aligned with the water surface in use.
  • the cover surface 8 is located within the reinforcing members 7 which form a cage around the buoyant material 12 (see Figure 3b).
  • the cover surface 8 is made from polyester marine carpet available from any boat chandler. The cover surface could extend around the sides of the block in some embodiments of the invention.
  • the reinforcing members 7 are designed to protect the buoyant material 12 from damage.
  • the buoyant material 12 may include foam, steel, wood etc.
  • the reinforcing members 7 are made from a metal alloy or aluminium.
  • the buoyant material 12 is preferably selected from a plastics material such as a foam.
  • the buoyant material 12 includes semi-circular indentations 21 at opposite ends of the body which are adapted allow connection of the blocks 4b to another block 4a, 4b.
  • Figure 3d illustrates a transparent plan perspective view from one end of a fully constructed block 4b.
  • the buoyant material 12 can be seen encased or caged by the reinforcing members 7.
  • the semi-circular indentations 21 are provided at each end of the block 4b which assists in connecting two blocks 4 together.
  • the indentations 21 allow a human arm to project down into the block to allow the blocks 4 to be connected.
  • FIG 4 illustrates an exploded view of a corner block 4a.
  • the comer block 4a also includes a cover surface 8 which is adapted to protect the upper surface of the buoyant material 12 (see Figure 4a).
  • the cover surface 8 is also composed from polyester marine carpet.
  • the buoyant material 12 is also encased or caged by the reinforcing members 7 which are adapted to extend along each edge of the buoyant material 12 to prevent or reduce damage to the buoyant material 12 (see Figure 4b).
  • the buoyant material 12 includes the semi-circular indentations 21 in each side of the buoyant material 12 to allow the blocks 4a to be connected from all four sides.
  • the blocks 4 may include optional features to assist the user.
  • the blocks 4 could include O-hooks on the sides of the blocks 4 to allow connection with a lane marker or rope, for example.
  • the under surface of each block opposite face to the cover surface 8 face
  • the blocks 4 provide a connecting means at each end of the body of the block 4.
  • the connecting means are adapted to connect one block 4 to another.
  • corner/square blocks 4a may include a connecting means on every side of the block to assist their optional function as a junction point between perpendicular sides of the frame
  • a connecting means may include a threaded bolt which extend from the block 4 to mate with a connecting means of another block and/or otherwise allow the blocks to be connected.
  • each block 4 preferably includes (1) a connecting means adapted to receive the projecting connector of another block; and (2) a connecting means which projects outwardly from the block 4 to connect with another block.
  • the semi-circular indentations 21 in the buoyant material 12 allow users to attach or disconnect the blocks 4 more easily.
  • the connecting means may include apertures or bores which extend longitudinally through each block 4 to allow the blocks 4 to be threaded onto a rope, chain or the like.
  • chains could extend from each end of the block 4.
  • the chains could be drawn together and locked to secure one block to another.
  • blocks 4 or sections of blocks could be glued, welded or otherwise affixed together to form a semi-permanent frame 1.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation of the frame 1 of Figure 1.
  • the frame 1 includes a plurality of connected modular blocks 4.
  • Each block 4 is buoyant and floats on the surface of the water 3.
  • Drifting from beneath the frame 1 is a net 16, which is adapted to prevent sea creatures (eg sharks or stingrays), seaweed and other undesirable objects floating into the recreational area 2 (not visible).
  • the net 16 may extend downwardly from the under surface 28 of the blocks of the frame.
  • the net is shown as a net panel downwardly projecting from one side of the frame 1.
  • the nets 16 should extend downwardly from each side of the frame 1.
  • the nets 16 are formed from a polypropylene woven material, although other suitable materials may be used which will be known to a person skilled in the art.
  • Two weights 17 are connected to the net 16 to ensure that the net 16 projects downwardly in the water from the frame 1 and does not drift upwards into the recreational area (invisible in Figure 5).
  • the undersurface of the blocks 4 may be adapted to all engagement with the nets by known methods (e.g. O-Hooks).
  • the nets 16 may include a netting base (not visible in Figure 5) to prevent sea creatures entering the recreational area 2 from directly beneath the frame 1.
  • the net base interconnects the side net panels 16 which extend downwardly, thereby forming a caged net beneath the frame 1.
  • the side net panels 16 may all be tied together towards the bottom to form an underwater net cone.
  • nets 16 are not essential to the overall working of the invention, but is an optional feature of the present invention which may improve the overall safety of the device by reducing the likelihood of sea creatures straying into the recreational area 2.
  • the frame may be formed from at least two spaced apart blocks 4, or a pair of spaced apart sets of connected blocks 4.
  • the spaced apart blocks 4, or sets of spaced apart blocks 4, are connected by a pair of connecting members to form the frame 1.
  • Figures 6 to 10 illustrates this alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the two blocks 4 are anchored at some distance from each other in the body of water 3.
  • the recreational area 2 is defined by the two spaced apart blocks 4 and by a pair of lane ropes, wires or any other connecting members 19 stretched between the two blocks 4 to form the recreational area 2.
  • Each block 4, which is spaced apart, is anchored from each of its four edges to the sea floor to maintain the frame 1 in the predetermined location, although tethering the block 4 by all four edges is not essential.
  • the length of the block 4 represents a standard width of a swimming lane in a swimming pool.
  • Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the frame 1 constructed using the alternative embodiment.
  • Five blocks 4b are connected together (end to end) to form a set of blocks.
  • the set of blocks are anchored within the body of water 3.
  • Another set of five blocks 4b are connected together to form a set and are anchored some distance from the first set of blocks 4b.
  • the connecting members 19 such as ropes, wires, lane ropes or the like are stretched between the two sets of connected blocks 4 to define the frame 1 and form a recreational area 2 divided into lanes.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a frame 1 having a ten lane recreational area 2.
  • the invention also provides a kit of parts for assembling a frame which in use defines a swimming area 2.
  • the kit at least includes two buoyant blocks 4 to construct the embodiment of Figure 6, but more preferably includes a. plurality of blocks 4.
  • the present invention also provides a method of defining a "safe zone" within a body of water.
  • a safe zone is a recreational area 2 in a greater body of water 3 which may be safer for water users by providing a parameter within the body of water.
  • the method includes connecting together substantially regular connectable buoyant modular units (or blocks 4) to form a frame 2 and anchoring the frame within the body of water. Sea creatures (sharks, sting rays and the like) may be excluded by the use of nets beneath the frame 1.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Revetment (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un châssis modulaire conçu pour définir un espace de loisirs dans un plan d’eau, ledit châssis étant conçu pour rester dans la même position à l’intérieur du plan d’eau.
EP07709242A 2006-01-13 2007-01-12 Chassis modulaire Withdrawn EP1973774A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ544702A NZ544702A (en) 2006-01-13 2006-01-13 A floating modular frame for an outdoor swimming pool
PCT/NZ2007/000006 WO2007081227A1 (fr) 2006-01-13 2007-01-12 Chassis modulaire

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1973774A2 true EP1973774A2 (fr) 2008-10-01
EP1973774A4 EP1973774A4 (fr) 2012-06-27

Family

ID=38256555

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07709242A Withdrawn EP1973774A4 (fr) 2006-01-13 2007-01-12 Chassis modulaire

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20090217450A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1973774A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU2007205295A1 (fr)
NZ (1) NZ544702A (fr)
WO (1) WO2007081227A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102720377A (zh) * 2012-06-29 2012-10-10 四川大学 漂浮式游泳池
JP2015203303A (ja) * 2014-04-15 2015-11-16 ビアーヴァ マルコ 水害地域用の液圧式昇降手段付き仮設通路

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3099018A (en) * 1962-09-04 1963-07-30 William A O'connell Floating swimming pool
US4041716A (en) * 1975-08-29 1977-08-16 Thompson Thomas L Support structure for a floatable marine dock
FR2500519A1 (fr) * 1981-02-24 1982-08-27 Talbot Michel Piscine de type flottant et procede de realisation
US4461132A (en) * 1981-02-26 1984-07-24 Steel-N-Foam Docks, Inc. Sub-structure for boat docks
US4729335A (en) * 1987-01-20 1988-03-08 Gerda Vidovic Flotation assembly
US5950558A (en) * 1997-11-18 1999-09-14 Strong; Gardner Foam and concrete float apparatus and method of fabrication

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1583127A (en) * 1924-01-23 1926-05-04 William H Curtis Portable adjustable bathing structure
US4087870A (en) * 1976-07-30 1978-05-09 Palmer Jr John M Floating pool assembly
US4135256A (en) * 1977-03-15 1979-01-23 Limegrover John K Floating swimming pool
US4145770A (en) * 1977-09-08 1979-03-27 Louis Zaris Floating swimming pool
US5081946A (en) * 1990-09-11 1992-01-21 Nannig Urban R Floating dock
US5663556A (en) * 1995-03-02 1997-09-02 Northwestern University Optoelectronic ferroelectric sensor and signal generating device
JP4632006B2 (ja) * 2000-08-21 2011-02-16 佐藤 弘子 海洋深層水利用海上プール
SE525315C2 (sv) * 2003-06-13 2005-02-01 Blowtech Ab Flytbrygga samt bärelement för en flytbrygga

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3099018A (en) * 1962-09-04 1963-07-30 William A O'connell Floating swimming pool
US4041716A (en) * 1975-08-29 1977-08-16 Thompson Thomas L Support structure for a floatable marine dock
FR2500519A1 (fr) * 1981-02-24 1982-08-27 Talbot Michel Piscine de type flottant et procede de realisation
US4461132A (en) * 1981-02-26 1984-07-24 Steel-N-Foam Docks, Inc. Sub-structure for boat docks
US4729335A (en) * 1987-01-20 1988-03-08 Gerda Vidovic Flotation assembly
US5950558A (en) * 1997-11-18 1999-09-14 Strong; Gardner Foam and concrete float apparatus and method of fabrication

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2007081227A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NZ544702A (en) 2008-08-29
AU2007205295A1 (en) 2007-07-19
EP1973774A4 (fr) 2012-06-27
US20090217450A1 (en) 2009-09-03
WO2007081227A9 (fr) 2007-09-13
WO2007081227A1 (fr) 2007-07-19

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