MC200127A1 - Protection system for swimming in open water - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a protection system for swimming. Its application will be particularly suited to protecting bathers from jellyfish in open water.

There are known systems of nets supported by a rigid frame defining an enclosure within which users are intended to bathe. These systems have the disadvantage of being relatively bulky when stored. Furthermore, their installation is lengthy and complex. In addition, their protective effectiveness often appears limited, as jellyfish manage to penetrate the enclosure. The present invention aims to mitigate at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

For this purpose, a protection system for open water swimming is provided, comprising flotation devices and a net forming a cage with an opening intended to allow surface swimming, characterized by the fact that the flotation devices include an inflatable structure extending over the entire perimeter of the opening, ensuring the flotation of the system and whose rigidity, when inflated, allows it to maintain the shape of the perimeter of the opening on its own.

Thus, simply inflating the inflatable structure is enough for the system to assume its operating configuration. The inflatable structure, by providing sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of the opening's perimeter despite swell or wind, eliminates the need for a rigid frame specifically designed to define the enclosure's shape. The system according to the invention is therefore simple and easy to install since it does not require handling or assembling a rigid frame. Furthermore, when the inflatable structure is deflated, it has a small footprint. Indeed, the inflatable structure, the base, and the side walls can be folded. The system can then be easily stored in a bag and in the hold of a boat only a few meters long.

30 Its ease of use and compact size make this system particularly advantageous for pleasure boats with a small crew. Indeed, a single person can easily take out, install, and stow this system.

Furthermore, in existing systems, when there is a swell, bathers can sometimes come into violent contact with the rigid frame, which in a marine environment can have dramatic consequences. Thus, the system according to the invention has the additional advantage of preventing this type of impact, thereby increasing user safety and comfort. In particular, users can lean on the inflatable structure in a particularly comfortable manner.

Optionally, but advantageously, the inflatable structure comprises two juxtaposed inflatable modules. Each of these modules is arranged to be able to provide buoyancy for the system on its own. This reinforces the rigidity of the opening's perimeter. Furthermore, the system's safety is improved because if one module deflates, the other maintains the system's buoyancy. In addition, and optionally, the system may exhibit at least one of the following characteristics:

- the inflatable module(s) extend over the entire perimeter of the opening.

- The two inflatable modules are stacked one on top of the other. This stacking increases the height of the part above water to make

20. Barrier office against the penetration of jellyfish or pollution into the system in case of swell.

- the system includes a flap extending around the entire perimeter of the opening and extending from an inflatable module towards the bottom,

- the bib is waterproof or made of a secondary net having 25 meshes whose size is substantially smaller than that of the meshes of the net constituting the side wall and the bottom.

- the bottom mesh has a dimension of approximately 1.5 cm2.

- the mesh of the side wall has a dimension of approximately 1.5

cm2.

30 - the side wall defines in operation a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially circular, square or rectangular cross-section.

- Each inflatable module has a unique float,

3

- Each module is equipped with at least one damper designed to prevent unintentional deflation of the structure,

- the system includes a loop intended to serve as an attachment point and a rigid arm or mooring line, one end of which is intended to be attached to the

5 loop and whose other end is intended to be fixed to a boat or structure in open water.

- each inflatable module has a dimension of approximately 10 centimeters in a roughly vertical direction.

- Each section of the inflatable module is essentially tubular

10 - the system includes lighting means comprising at least one light source carried by the flotation means, the lighting means being arranged to illuminate the interior of the volume protected by the net and/or to signal the presence and/or position of the system.

- the lighting fixtures are arranged to illuminate the interior of the volume

15 defined by the protective net.

- the lighting system includes a plurality of lamps housed at least partly in an inflatable structure.

- The lighting systems are arranged to indicate the presence of the safety net. They include light sources that comply with the

20 maritime regulations. Light sources are arranged on the emerged part of the means of flotation so as to signal the presence of a protection system in order to prevent vessels from approaching too closely or colliding with the system.

- The inflatable structure is flexible.

25 - the net includes weights to maintain the system's configuration despite currents.

Other features, purposes, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of non-limiting examples and on which:

30 - Figure 1 is a side view of an example of a protection system for open water swimming according to the invention

- Figure 2 is a top view of the system illustrated in Figure 1.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a non-limiting example of the system according to the invention will now be described.

The open water swimming protection system 1 comprises a net defining a cage with an opening 4 at the top. This opening 4 is intended to be located near the water's surface and to allow bathers to move freely within the swimming area defined by the cage. The net has a base 3 and at least one side wall 2. The base 3 and the side wall 2 are made, at least in part, of mesh to prevent harmful fish or jellyfish from entering the net while also preventing the system 1 from offering excessive resistance to the current.

In operation, the base 3 is designed to extend along a substantially horizontal plane and the side wall 2 is designed to extend along a substantially vertical plane. The side wall 2 extends vertically from the base 3 to a free end defining the opening 4. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the net has a substantially cylindrical shape. The system 1 may also have several side walls 2 defining a square or rectangular shape, etc.

The net can be formed from a single piece or from several pieces assembled together. In particular, it can be provided that the side wall 2 is formed from a single piece and that the bottom 3 is also formed from a single piece intended to be assembled onto the side wall 2.

Thus, the side wall 2 and the bottom 3 define a volume suitable for preventing the penetration of jellyfish or harmful fish into the bathing area.

25 System 1 also includes means arranged to ensure its buoyancy. These buoyancy means are arranged so as to be located near the free surface of the water during operation. They include an inflatable structure 5. The inflatable structure 5 and the net are connected so as to prevent any opening at their interface through which a jellyfish or pollution 30 could enter.

These flotation devices have sufficient rigidity to give the opening 4 its operating configuration and to preserve this configuration even when the system 1 is subjected to

5

disturbances. Thus, system 1 is designed to maintain the shape of the opening 4's perimeter even when wind and/or swell tend to deform it. Consequently, the shape and dimensions of opening 4 are maintained throughout use. The swimming area is thus preserved. There is no risk of the net closing on users.

The rigidity of the system is conferred by the pressurization of the inflatable structure 5. This rigidity is therefore not ensured by a frame or additional dedicated elements.

When the inflatable structure 5 is deflated, its rigidity is lost. It is then particularly easy to deform. Thus, when the inflatable structure 5 is deflated, the system 1 can be easily rolled or folded for handling or storage. Therefore, the system can be expected to fit in a bag when deflated. The invention thus facilitates the handling and storage of this type of system. Furthermore, the installation of such a system 1 is particularly easy since it is sufficient to inflate the inflatable structure 5 for the opening 4 to automatically take its shape and have sufficient rigidity to maintain it. The invention thus eliminates the lengthy and complex operations of assembling the various elements of a frame and then attaching the frame to a net. These operations are all the more delicate as they must be carried out at sea and aboard a vessel with limited usable space.

In the example shown, the perimeter has a circular shape. This shape helps to reinforce the rigidity of the system.

Furthermore, users can only come into contact with the inflatable structure and the net. Therefore, they are not at risk of injury from impacts with the safety system. Moreover, they can lean on the inflatable structure in a particularly comfortable manner.

Optionally, but nevertheless advantageously, the inflatable structure 5 includes at least two inflatable modules 6, 7.

30 Each of the inflatable modules 6, 7 is arranged to ensure the buoyancy of the entire system on its own. Thus, if one of the inflatable modules 6, 7 is faulty or not inflated, the other still ensures the operation of the system.

6

Each of the inflatable modules 6, 7 is placed around the entire perimeter of the opening 4 and thus helps to stiffen the system 1.

Advantageously, the two inflatable modules 6 and 7 are linked. Preferably, they are superimposed on one another so as to eliminate any gaps at their interface 5. This increases the height of the exposed portion. System 1 thus has an upper inflatable module 6 and a lower inflatable module 7. Typically, the portion of the system protruding above the water's surface will be on the order of 5 to 20 centimeters. Consequently, the invention helps prevent waves from crossing the system and entering the protected bathing area. This particular arrangement acts as a barrier designed to prevent waves from crossing. This very effectively limits the introduction of pollution or jellyfish into System 1. Indeed, the density of jellyfish or pollution is often greater in the immediate vicinity of the water's surface.

The protection system 1 according to the invention thus offers improved efficiency compared to existing systems.

Preferably, each of the inflatable modules 6, 7 includes a valve 8 arranged to prevent any unintentional deflation. Advantageously, each inflatable module is provided with a single float in the form of an inflatable element. This arrangement ensures particularly high continuity for the entire protection system, which consequently gives it high rigidity.

25 It can also be provided that each inflatable module 6, 7 comprises at least two inflatable floats placed end to end. The juxtaposition of the floats of the same inflatable module extends around the entire perimeter of the opening. The space between each float must be as small as possible to prevent general deformation of the inflatable structure 5 by relative pivoting of 30 two successive floats. Each of the floats is independent. According to this arrangement, care must be taken to ensure that the discontinuities between two floats are offset from one inflatable module to the next. Thus, a discontinuity between two floats of a first inflatable module coincides with a float of a second

An inflatable module is placed next to the first. This staggered arrangement of the floats increases the overall rigidity of the system. Each inflatable module can be equipped around its perimeter with means for connecting to the net and/or to another inflatable module.

5. It can also be provided that each inflatable module includes a flexible sleeve into which one or more floats are inserted. In this latter configuration, the means of attachment to the net and/or to another inflatable module are then arranged on the sleeve itself. The sleeve can be made of canvas, fabric, or netting, for example. It can also serve as a protective cover for the float(s) housed within it.

The sleeve configuration is preferred when a single module has several floats. Indeed, the sleeve tends to stiffen the entire system.

15 It can be envisaged that the sleeves are formed in the same piece.

It is also possible to design the side walls and sleeves as a single piece. According to this configuration, a portion of the same net is folded back on itself and then attached to the rest of the net along one or more lines to form one or more sleeves. This attachment can be achieved, for example, by continuous stitching, spot stitching, gluing, clipping, or welding.

Also preferred but nevertheless optional, the system includes a flap 10 distributed around the entire perimeter of the opening 4. It extends from the inflatable structure 5, and in the case where the latter 25 has several modules, from the module closest to the bottom.

This flap 10 is impermeable or made of a secondary mesh with a significantly smaller mesh size than the main mesh forming the cage. It thus prevents even very small particles from penetrating the net. It therefore constitutes an effective barrier against surface pollution.

In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure comprises two inflatable modules, each containing a single float and forming a single unit. The flap 10 is attached to the lower inflatable module 7.

8

It is made of a material that is particularly resistant to tension, tearing, solar radiation, and water corrosion. Specifically, the bib 10 could be made from a coated fabric-type material. It includes several attachment points for securing the net 5. These attachment points include, for example, eyelets for attaching the net to the bib using cords or carabiners.

Advantageously, the bib extends for approximately 5 to 15 centimeters, more specifically for approximately 10 centimeters. Furthermore, the depth between the lower end of the bib and the free surface of the water is between 10 and 30 centimeters, and more specifically on the order of 20 centimeters.

Advantageously, the structure consists of a simple envelope arranged to define at least one float and the lip.

Advantageously, the system is demountable. This allows for easy maintenance operations.

15. Preferably, the net includes ballast means arranged to maintain the lateral wall 2 in a vertical position even under the effect of strong currents. These ballast means include, for example, weights fixed to the bottom and/or the lateral walls 2.

The protection system 1 includes mooring means. These 20 mooring means include at least one loop 9 intended to serve as an attachment point and positioned on the inflatable structure 5. Each loop 9 may be made of fabric, metal, plastic, or rubber. Furthermore, system 1 includes a rigid arm or mooring line, one end of which is intended to be connected to the loop 9 and the other end of which is intended to be 25 attached to a vessel or structure in open water.

Advantageously, system 1 is designed to be attached to the stern of a vessel. Thus, when the vessel is at anchor, under the influence of wind or currents, system 1 tends to move in line with the anchor and the vessel, and behind the boat. System 1 is therefore kept at a safe distance from the vessel.

Optional lighting equipment is provided. This lighting equipment is carried by inflatable structure 5.

These lighting systems are designed to illuminate the interior of the system. This way, the water in which users bathe is lit, which tends to attract fish, enhances the enjoyment of swimming, and improves user safety. For this purpose, spotlights are provided in the submerged section of the inflatable structure. These spotlights can be distributed around the entire perimeter of the opening. These light sources can also be placed in the bottom of the cage.

Furthermore, alternative or additional lighting devices (10) can be provided to signal the presence and position of the protection system to other vessels, particularly in reduced visibility. For this purpose, at least one light source is required on the protruding part of system 1. This light source may, for example, comply with maritime regulations. System 1 may, for instance, include a red light (15) and a green light to indicate its port and starboard sides. These lighting devices thus improve user safety.

A power cable can be installed to connect the lighting equipment to a power source located on board the boat or offshore structure to which the system is moored. Alternatively, the cable can be housed in a flexible sheath within the inflatable structure. This sheath could, for example, be formed by the sleeve inside which a float is housed. In this way, the cable is concealed within the inflatable structure, improving the aesthetics, handling, and safety of the system. Flexible sheaths are also provided to power the light sources located in the bottom of the cage. These sheaths run down the side wall.

Advantageously, the light sources, along with a portion of their associated wiring, are housed in boxes or compartments within the inflatable structure. Thus, the lighting equipment is arranged so as not to protrude, or to protrude only slightly, beyond the inflatable structure. This facilitates handling of the system, increases user comfort, and reduces the risk of injury.

It should be noted that the lighting systems, both for illuminating the bathing area and for indicating the presence and position of the protection system, can be used independently of the specific protection system 1 described in this application. Each of these lighting systems 5 may therefore be protected by a specific patent.

Specific details of the non-limiting example illustrated in figures 1 and 2 will now be indicated.

- the bib and the inflatable structure are formed from the same 10 pieces.

- the bib and the inflatable structure are made of PVC coated fabric type material 400 daN.

- Opening 4 has a roughly circular perimeter with a diameter of approximately 10 meters. The depth of the side wall is 2.5

15 meters.

- The inflatable structure consists of two inflatable modules stacked one on top of the other. Each inflatable module includes a float with a cross-section diameter of 10 centimeters.

The mesh size of the base is between 1 cm2 and 2 cm2. It is more specifically around 1.5 cm2.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to any embodiment consistent with its spirit.

REFERENCES

1. System

2. Side wall 5 3. Bottom

4. Opening

5. Inflatable structure

6. Upper inflatable module

7. Lower inflatable module 10 8. Valve

9. Loop

10. Bavette

Claims (7)

CLAIMS 12 1. A system (1) for protection during open water swimming comprising flotation means (5) and a net forming a cage with an opening (4) 5 intended to allow surface swimming, characterized by the fact that the means of flotation (5) include an inflatable structure (5) extending over the entire perimeter of the opening (4), and whose rigidity, when inflated, allows the shape of the perimeter of the opening (4) to be maintained. 2. System (1) according to the preceding claim in which the inflatable structure 10 (5) comprises two independent and juxtaposed inflatable modules (6, 7). 3. System (1) according to the preceding claim in which the two inflatable modules (6, 7) are superimposed one on top of the other. 4. System according to any one of the preceding claims 15 comprising a flap (10) extending around the entire perimeter of the opening (4) and extending from the inflatable structure (5) towards the bottom (3). 5. System (1) according to the preceding claim in which the flap (10) is impermeable or is made of a secondary net having mesh 20 whose dimension is substantially smaller than that of the mesh of the net forming the cage and in which the flap serves as a connecting portion between the net and the inflatable structure (5). 6. System (1) according to claim 2 in which each inflatable module (6, 7) comprises a single float. 25 7. System (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 6 in which each inflatable module (6, 7) is provided with at least one valve (8) intended to prevent unintentional deflation of the inflatable structure (5). 8. System (1) according to any one of claims 2, 6 or 7 wherein each inflatable module (6, 7) has a dimension of approximately 10 30 centimeters in a roughly vertical direction. 9. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one loop (9) intended to serve as an attachment point and a rigid arm or mooring line, one end of which is intended to be attached to the 13 loop (9) and the other end of which is intended to be fixed to a boat or structure in open water. 10. System according to any one of the preceding claims comprising lighting means having at least one light source 5 carried by the inflatable structure (5), the lighting means being arranged to illuminate the interior of the volume protected by the net and/or to signal the presence and/or position of the system (1). J/ ABRIDGED DESCRIPTION 14 "Protection system for open water swimming" 5 KONIECZNY Claudine KON1ECZNY Jean-François The present invention relates to a protection system (1) for open water swimming comprising flotation means (5) and a net forming a cage with an opening (4) intended to allow surface swimming, characterized in that the flotation means (5) comprise an inflatable structure (5) extending over the entire perimeter of the opening (4), and whose rigidity, when inflated, allows the shape of the perimeter of the opening (4) to be maintained. It will find a particular application in protecting bathers from jellyfish in open water. Figure 1 Original comprising 14 pages without references, blank words, or added words. Duplicate conforming to the original.