Movable floor suitable for installation above a structure

Abstract

A device for forming a walkable floor, for instance above a swimming pool, has elements that may be assembled to be movable between a first position, in which the floor is situated above the swimming pool, and a second position in which the floor is situated adjacently of the swimming pool. The elements are mutually separated by separating surfaces extending substantially transversely of the direction movement, and wherein the elements can be mutually coupled by couplings adapted to transmit pulling and pushing forces in the direction of movement, wherein the couplings are adapted to prevent a relative movement in the direction transversely of the direction of movement.

1 . Device for forming a removable, walkable floor above a structure to be temporarily covered, wherein the floor is movable between a first position, in which the floor is situated above the structure for covering, and a second position in which the floor is situated adjacently of the structure for covering, wherein the floor is assembled from  elements which are mutually separated by separating surfaces extending substantially transversely of the direction movement, and—wherein the elements can be mutually coupled by couplings adapted to transmit pulling and pushing forces in the direction of movement, characterized in that the couplings are adapted to prevent a relative movement of the elements in the direction transversely of the direction of movement. 
   
   
       2 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the couplings each comprise a magnetic circuit, a first part of which is situated in a first element and a second part of which is situated in an adjacent element, wherein the magnetic circuit comprises at least one magnet. 
   
   
       3 . Device as claimed in  claim 2 , characterized in that the magnet is a permanent magnet. 
   
   
       4 . Device as claimed in  claim 2 , characterized in that an electromagnet is incorporated in the magnetic circuit. 
   
   
       5 . Device as claimed in  claim 2 , characterized in that the magnets are mounted on the elements for tilting at least through a small angle about a horizontal axis on one side of an element. 
   
   
       6 . Device as claimed in  claim 5 , characterized in that the tiltable magnets are encased in a housing of flexible material. 
   
   
       7 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the couplings are form-locking in the horizontal directions transversely of the direction of movement. 
   
   
       8 . Device as claimed in  claim 7 , characterized in that the couplings are adapted to engage through relative movement in vertical direction of one of the elements relative to the other element. 
   
   
       9 . Device as claimed in  claim 8 , characterized in that the couplings are adapted to block the relative vertical movement between the elements once they have been moved toward each other in horizontal direction. 
   
   
       10 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the elements are each provided with at least four wheels, and that the wheels are adapted to travel over the edge of the swimming pool. 
   
   
       11 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the elements are adapted for magnetic levitation. 
   
   
       12 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the elements are adapted for hydrostatic or pneumatic levitation. 
   
   
       13 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the elements are wider than the swimming pool and that the cover extends over at least a part of the terrace in the closed position. 
   
   
       14 . Device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the elements comprise a concrete construction that is hollow, with side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall extending transversely of the direction of movement. 
   
   
       15 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the device comprises: a magazine which is placed adjacently of the swimming pool and which is adapted to contain the elements stacked one on top of another in their second position; vertical transport means for moving the elements in vertical direction inside the magazine; and horizontal transport means for moving the elements in horizontal direction between their first position and their position in or above the magazine. 
   
   
       16 . Device as claimed in  claim 15 , characterized in that the horizontal transport means comprise at least one drive element which is movable in the direction of movement and which is adapted to push the elements from their position above the magazine over a distance at least as great as the width of the elements. 
   
   
       17 . Device as claimed in  claim 16 , characterized in that the drive element is adapted to engage on the part of the magnetic circuit of the coupling of an element. 
   
   
       18 . Device as claimed in  claim 15 , characterized in that the vertical transport means comprise a movable carrier which is guided in vertical direction along a frame and which is adapted to carry the elements present in the magazine. 
   
   
       19 . Device as claimed in  claim 18 , characterized in that the frame is provided with two guide tracks which extend at least partly vertically and along each of which a number of links can be moved, that the carrier rests on the upper links and that two drive devices are arranged for driving the links with a stroke corresponding to the effective height of the links, and that the guide tracks extend substantially horizontally under their vertical part 
   
   
       20 . Device as claimed in  claim 19 , characterized in that each of the drive devices comprises an engaging member which is adapted to move between a position in which a link is engaged and a position in which no links are engaged, and to perform a movement in vertical direction;
 characterized in that the drive devices each comprise an auxiliary frame provided with engaging elements adapted to engage the links, which auxiliary frame is connected rotatably to the frame by at least one first linear drive member extending substantially vertically and which is connected to the frame by at least one second linear drive member extending substantially horizontally; and   further comprising a locking device which is movable between a blocking position and a releasing position, wherein the device is adapted to block the movement of the links relative to the frame in its blocking position.