The present invention relates to a pool.

In the description and in the following claims explicit reference will be made to pools, in particular swimming pools, particularly configured to be installed on boats, but the person skilled in the art will have no difficulty in understanding that the present invention can be easily implemented in other technical fields, in particular in all fields where it is required to install one pool, for example for containing a liquid or granular material, and wherein the available space is reduced. By way of example, among the many fields where the present invention can be easily applied, there is the field of industrial manufacturing and agriculture. In any case, the present invention can also be advantageously used in a domestic environment, in all cases where it is desired to provide one pool, for example an outdoor pool, but space requirements need to be met.

Documents AU2012100105A4, CN106351477A, FR2608124A1, US4883012A and

US2009119829A1 describe pools according to the prior art.

With specific reference to pools, it is known to install pools for recreational use on deck of pleasure boats or yachts, since it is not always possible to bath in the sea during navigation, for example because the seawater is too cold or there is a rough sea and swimmers security would be put at risk. Not only that, at determined tropical/equatorial latitudes the sea could be dangerous also because of the presence of sharks.

The pools that are currently installed on this type of boats are of two kinds. A first kind comprises a pool statically installed on the deck, optionally provided with a cover like a tarpaulin or shutters, which is used to cover the pool when it is not in use. A second kind, more recent, comprises one pool which bottom can be moved, so that it can move from a first position, wherein it is at the same level of the deck walking surface, is in all respects a continuation of the walking surface and it is possible to walk thereon, to a second position, wherein the bottom is lowered with respect to the deck walking surface level and therefore it delimits one pool, to be filled for example with seawater or water stored in one or more tanks on board the boat. With the second kind of pools, once its use is finished, the pool can be emptied and the bottom can be raised until it reaches the level of the deck walking surface, thereby restoring the surface of the deck on which it is possible to walk, like it was before its use.

Both the kinds of pool above suffer for some drawbacks. The first kind of pool has the disadvantage that it takes up space also when it is not in use and this, especially in a boat, where it is known that space availability is a very important issue, is not a small limitation.

The second kind of pool, even if it solves in part the drawback of the space on the deck, because of the mobility of its bottom, is however disadvantageous since it necessarily requires to reserve space under the deck to lower the pool bottom without hindrance, when the pool is in use. Not only that, this kind of pool is more expensive that a conventional pool, whereby it is scarcely used.

The need is therefore felt to improve the state of the art in the field of pools, in particular swimming pools, and therefore to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks.

The main object of the present invention is, therefore, that of providing a pool which has reduced overall dimensions, with respect to traditional pools, when not in use.

Another object of the present invention is that of providing a pool which is easy to manufacture and install, also in retrofit on pre-existing boats not provided with a pool.

It is a specific object of the present invention one pool, comprising:

- at least one base element, delimiting at least one housing seat and configured to be installed in one supporting plane from which one external fixed structure extends, optionally one railing;

- at least one side wall, configured to be housed into said at least one housing seat of said at least one base element, and for changing its configuration between one first operating configuration, wherein it remains within the overall dimensions of said at least one base element and delimits therewith one uniform walking surface, at the same level of said supporting plane, and one second operating configuration, wherein it extends with respect to said at least one base element,

said at least one side wall comprising at least one base section and at least one top section which is mechanically coupled to said at least one base section, said at least one top section being configured to be moved telescopically, with respect to said at least one base section so that:

- when said at least one side wall is in said first operating configuration, said at least one top section is included within the overall dimensions of said at least one base section and upperly delimits therewith and with said at least one base element said uniform walking surface, at the same level of said supporting plane; and

- when said at least one side wall is in said second operating configuration, said at least one top section protrudes from said at least one base section and is configured to delimit with said at least one base section, with said base element and with said external fixed structure, at least one containment volume.

According to another aspect of the present invention, said at least one side wall can comprise at least n intermediate sections, with n>l, between said at least one base section and said at least one top section, mechanically coupled to each other and to said at least one base section and to said at least one top section, said at least one top section and each intermediate section being configured to be telescopically moved, with respect to one intermediate section or with respect to said at least one base section mechanically coupled therewith, so that:

- when said at least one side wall is in said first operating configuration, said at least one top section and said at least n intermediate sections are included one within the overall dimensions of the other and all are included within the overall dimensions of said at least one base section and upperly delimit therewith and with said at least one base element said uniform walking surface, for said supporting plane; and

- when said at least one side wall is in said second operating configuration, said at least one top section and said at least n intermediate sections protrude one from the other and from said at least one base section and are configured to delimit with said at least one base section, with said at least one base element and with said external fixed structure, constrained to said supporting plane, said at least one containment volume.

According to another embodiment of the invention, said at least one base element delimits at least one housing seat and is configured to be installed into one supporting plane; and said at least one side wall, is configured to be housed into said at least one housing seat of said at least one base element and for changing its configuration between one first operating configuration, wherein it remains within the overall dimensions of said at least one base element and delimits therewith one uniform walking surface, at the same level of said supporting plane, and one second operating configuration, wherein it extends with respect to said at least one base element,

said at least one side wall comprising at least one base section and at least one top section which is mechanically coupled to said at least one base section, said at least one top section being configured to be moved telescopically, with respect to said at least one base section so that:

- when said at least one side wall is in said first operating configuration, said at least one top section is included within the overall dimensions of said at least one base section and upperly delimits therewith and with said at least one base element said uniform walking surface, at the same level of said supporting plane; and

- when said at least one side wall is in said second operating configuration, said at least one top section protrudes from said at least one base section and is configured to delimit therewith and with said at least one base element at least one containment volume.

According to another aspect of the invention, said at least one side wall can comprise at least n intermediate sections, with n>l, between said at least one base section and said at least one top section, mechanically coupled to each other and to said at least one base section and to said at least one top section, said at least one top section and each intermediate section being configured to be telescopically moved, with respect to one intermediate section or with respect to said at least one base section mechanically coupled therewith, so that:

- when said at least one side wall is in said first operating configuration, said at least one top section and said at least n intermediate sections are included one within the overall dimensions of the other and all are included within the overall dimensions of said at least one base section and delimit therewith and with said at least one base element said uniform walking surface, for said supporting plane; and

- when said at least one side wall is in said second operating configuration, said at least one top section and said at least n intermediate sections protrude one from the other and from said at least one base section and are configured to delimit therewith and with said at least one base element, said at least one containment volume.

According to another aspect of the invention, said at least one base element can comprise at least one bottom and at least one plurality of side panels rising from said at least one bottom and said at least one bottom can comprise at least one raised central portion, said raised central portion being configured to delimit at least one walking surface of said pool, so that said housing seat can be delimited by said at least one plurality of side panels and said at least one raised central portion and can extend peripherally along at least one side panel of said plurality of side panels.

According to another embodiment of the invention, said at least one base element, delimiting at least one housing seat, is configured to be installed into one supporting plane from which an external fixed structure, optionally one railing, extends; and said at least one side wall, is configured to be housed into said at least one housing seat of said at least one base element and for changing its configuration between one first operating configuration, wherein it remains within the overall dimensions of said at least one base element and delimits therewith one uniform walking surface, at the same level of said supporting plane, and one second operating configuration, wherein it extends with respect to said at least one base element,

said at least one side wall comprising at least one base section and at least one top section which is mechanically coupled to said at least one base section, said at least one top section being configured to be moved telescopically, with respect to said at least one base section so that:

- when said at least one side wall is in said first operating configuration, said at least one top section is included within the overall dimensions of said at least one base section and upperly delimits therewith said uniform walking surface, at the same level of said supporting plane; and

- when said at least one side wall is in said second operating configuration, said at least one top section protrudes from said at least one base section and is configured to delimit therewith, with said at least one supporting plane and with said external fixed structure extending from the supporting plane, at least one containment volume.

According to a further aspect of the invention, said at least one side wall can comprise at least n intermediate sections, with n>l, between said at least one base section and said at least one top section, mechanically coupled to each other and to said at least one base section and to said at least one top section, said at least one top section and each intermediate section being configured to be telescopically moved, with respect to one intermediate section or with respect to said at least one base section mechanically coupled therewith, so that: - when said at least one side wall is in said first operating configuration, said at least one top section and said at least n intermediate sections are included one within the overall dimensions of the other and all are included within the overall dimensions of said at least one base section and delimit therewith said uniform walking surface, at the same level of said supporting plane; and

- when said at least one side wall is in said second operating configuration, said at least one top section and said at least n intermediate sections protrude one from the other and from said at least one base section and are configured to delimit therewith and with said supporting plane, and with said external fixed structure, constrained to said supporting plane, said at least one containment volume.

According to another aspect of the invention, said at least one base element can comprise at least one bottom and at least one plurality of side panels rising from said at least one bottom and said at least one bottom can be flat and said housing seat can be defined between said at least one flat bottom and said at least one plurality of side panels.

According to another aspect of the invention, said at least one base section can have a substantially longitudinal development, optionally rectilinear or curved or broken line shaped, optionally open or closed, and can comprise at least one bottom part and at least two opposite sides that rise from the at least one bottom part, said at least bottom part and said at least two opposite sides delimiting at least one containment seat for said at least one top section, or for said at least one intermediate section and said at least one top section, said at least two opposite sides comprising respective free ends which delimit a light for the telescopic sliding into said at least one base section of said at least one top section or said at least one intermediate section.

According to a further aspect of the invention, each one of said n intermediate sections can have a substantially longitudinal development, optionally rectilinear or curved or broken line shaped, optionally open or closed, optionally corresponding the that of said at least one base section, and can comprise at least one bottom part and at least two opposite sides that rise from the at least one bottom part, said at least bottom part and said at least two opposite sides delimiting at least one containment seat for said at least one top section, or for said at least another intermediate section and said at least one top section, said at least two opposite sides comprising respective free ends which delimit a light for the telescopic sliding into said at least one intermediate section of said at least one top section or said at least another intermediate section.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, said at least one base section can comprise at least one stop part for said at least one top section or said at least one intermediate section, respectively, said at least one stop part being configured to abut against one respective abutment part of said at least one top section or said at least intermediate section, when said side wall moves from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration.

According to another aspect of the invention, each one of said n intermediate sections can comprise at least one stop part for, respectively, said at least another intermediate section or said at least one top section, said at least one stop part being configured to abut against one respective abutment part of said at least another intermediate section or said at least top section, when said wall moves from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration.

According to a further aspect of the invention, said at least one stop part of said at least one base section or each one of said at least n intermediate sections can comprise at least one first substantially longitudinal pair of fins, each projecting from a free end of a respective opposite side, said fins of said first pair of fins being directed toward each other and comprising respective free ends portions curved toward said at least bottom part of said at least one base section or of the respective intermediate section of said at least n intermediate sections.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, said at least one top section can have a substantially longitudinal extension, optionally rectilinear or curved or broken line shaped, optionally open or closed, optionally corresponding to that of said at least one base section or said at least one intermediate section to which it is mechanically connected, and can comprise at least one bottom part, at least two opposite sides that rise from said at least one bottom part, in said at least two opposite sides being optionally obtained one or more through openings for recirculation of at least one liquid contained into said at least one containment volume are optionally provided, and at least one top part, comprised between said at least two opposite sides and opposite with respect to said at least one bottom part.

According to another aspect of the invention, said at least one top section can comprise at least one abutment part, configured to mechanically engage with said at least one stop part of said at least one base section, or configured to mechanically engage with said at least one stop part of said at least one intermediate section mechanically connected therewith, when said side wall moves from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration.

According to a further aspect of the invention, each one of said at least n intermediate sections can comprise at least one abutment part, configured to mechanically engage with said at least one stop part of said at least one base section, or configured to mechanically engage with a respective stop part of said at least another intermediate section mechanically connected therewith, when said side wall moves from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, said at least one abutment part of each one of said at least n intermediate sections and said at least one top section can comprise at least one second pair of substantially longitudinal lateral fins projecting outwardly with respect to each one of said at least n intermediate sections or said at least one top section, optionally at said at least one bottom part thereof.

According to another aspect of the invention, into said at least one bottom part of said at least one base section, each one of said at least n intermediate sections and said at least one top section, a plurality of through openings (46) can be formed, which through openings are aligned in groups along one development direction of said side wall, when said side wall moves from the first to the second operating configuration, said through openings optionally having different dimensions, more optionally having maximum dimensions at said at least one bottom part of said at least one base section and gradually smaller dimensions up to said at least one bottom part of said at least one top section, wherein they have minimum dimensions.

According to a further aspect of the invention, said pool can comprise at least one actuator group, configured to move said at least one side wall between said first operating configuration and said second operating configuration, wherein said at least one actuator group can be configured to be housed into said at least one side wall and comprises at least one or more selected between: at least one multi-stage piston, at least one pantograph lifting system, at least one air chamber.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, when said at least one actuator group comprises at least one multi-stage piston or a pantograph lifting system, said actuator group can be configured to be housed into said at least one side wall in alignment with a respective group of through openings of said plurality of through openings, aligned along said development direction of said side wall, and can comprise a first end, configured to be secured to said at least one bottom part of said at least one base section, and a second end, opposite to the first end, which is configured to be secured to said at least one top part of said at least one top section, said at least one actuator group being configured to change from one rest configuration, wherein it is wholly contained within the overall dimensions of said at least one base section and said at least one side wall is in the first operating configuration, and a working configuration, wherein it is completely extended and said at least one side wall is in the second operating configuration.

According to another aspect of the invention, said pool can comprise at least one plurality of fluid tight elements, each configured to be supported by a respective abutment part and to be arranged between the respective abutment part and a corresponding stop part when said side wall is into said second operating configuration, whereby fluid sealing between the sections of said at least one side wall is obtained.

According to a further aspect of the invention, into said opposite side panels of one or more between said at least one base section, said at least one top section and said at least n intermediate sections, away from said at least one containment volume, one or more through openings can be formed for recirculation of at least one liquid contained into said at least one containment volume.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, said at least one raised central portion of said base element can comprise at least one part which is adjustable with respect to said at least one side panel of said at least one plurality of side panels, which at least one part is configured to move between one first working position, wherein it delimits said uniform walking surface, at the same level of said supporting plane, and a second working position, wherein it is in proximity of said at least one bottom.

According to another aspect of the invention, said pool can comprise at least one fluid tight element, between said at least one side wall and said at least one external fixed structure, said at least one fluid tight element being configured to be fixed, on one side, to said at least one external fixed structure and, on the other side, to selectively enter into contact with said at least one side wall, when said at least one side wall is in said second operating configuration.

According to a further aspect of the invention, said pool can comprise at least one connector element between said at least one side wall and said at least one external fixed structure, said at least one connector element being configured to support at least one fluid tight element and being configured to be fixed, on one side, to said at least one external fixed structure and, on the other side, to selectively enter into contact, by means of said fluid tight element, with said at least one side wall when said at least one side wall is in said second operating configuration.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, said at least one fluid tight element can comprise at least one inflatable gasket and one membrane, said at least one membrane being configured to cooperate with said at least one inflatable gasket so that, when said at least one inflatable gasket is inflated, it pushes said membrane against said at least one side wall, thereby obtaining a fluid tight coupling between said at least one side wall and said at least one connector element.

The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limiting purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one pool according to a fist embodiment of the invention, in a first operating configuration;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a base element of the pool of Figure 1;

Figures 3 to 5 are, one plan view with transparent parts and two side views also with transparent parts, respectively, of the base element of Figure 2;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the side wall of the pool of Figure 1, in the first operating configuration;

Figures 7 to 9 illustrate one plan view with transparent parts, one side view also with transparent parts and one cross-sectional view taken along section line IX-IX of Figure 8, respectively, of the side view of Figure 6;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the side wall of the pool of Figure 1, in the second operating configuration; Figures 11 and 12 show, one plan view with transparent parts and one side view also with transparent parts, respectively, of the side wall of Figure 10;

Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of one part of the side wall of the pool of Figure 6, in the first operating configuration;

Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the part of the side wall of the pool of Figure 10, in the second operating configuration;

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the part of the side wall of Figure 13 in the first operating configuration and one actuator element (also in a first operating configuration), configured to move said part of side wall from the first to the second operating configuration;

Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of the part of the side wall of Figure 14 in the second operating configuration and one actuator element (also in a second operating configuration), configured to move said part of side wall from the first to the second operating configuration;

Figure 17 is a perspective view with cross-sectional parts of the pool of Figure 1, installed in a flooring;

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the pool according to the invention, in a second operating configuration;

Figure 19 illustrates a perspective view of a variation of the pool of the present invention, according to a second embodiment and always in a second operating configuration;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the pool according to the invention, with excised parts, in a first operating configuration;

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the pool of Figure 20, in the second operating configuration; and

Figures 22 to 24 illustrate an example of a connector element that can be used in the pool according to the second and third embodiment. In the enclosed Figures the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements.

With particular reference to Figures 1 to 12, it will be noted that one pool according to a first embodiment of the present invention is indicated by reference number 1 and comprises at least one base element 2, delimiting one housing seat 20, the base element being configured to be installed into a supporting plane 3.

The supporting plane 3, depending on where the pool is installed, can be, as mentioned above, a flooring of a house, a boat deck or the ground. Specifically, for convenience, reference will be made to a boat deck.

The pool 1 according to the invention also comprises at least one side wall 4, which side wall is configured to be housed in the housing seat 20 of the base element 2, and to change its configuration between: - a first operating configuration, wherein it remains within the overall dimensions of the base element 2 (Figure 1) and delimits therewith a uniform walking surface at the same level of the supporting plane 3, so that one can easily walk thereon, and

- a second operating configuration, wherein it extends with respect to the base element 2 and delimits therewith (Figure 17) at least one containment volume V.

The base element 2, which can be made for example of steel (carbon or stainless steel) or aluminium, depending on the installation site and dimensioning requirements, comprises at least one bottom 21 and at least one plurality of side panels 22, rising from the bottom 21.

As can be seen in the drawings (Figures 2 to 5), the bottom 21 of the base element 2 comprises at least one raised central portion 221, configured to delimit one walking surface of the pool 1, so that the housing seat 20 of the side wall 4 is formed between the plurality of side panels 22 and the raised central portion 211 and develops peripherally along the plurality of side panels 22 (see, for example, Figure 2).

According to one preferred variant of the invention, side panels 22 have their respective free ends that are externally flanged. The free ends of panels 22 can also be externally not flanged. Flowever, when present, besides having an aesthetic function, the external flanges also have the technical function of connection with supporting plane 3. The side wall 4 of the pool 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention, see in particular figures 1 to 12 and 17, is made of a resistant material, such as steel or aluminium of the type indicated with reference to the base element 2, and is configured, as said above, to be housed, optionally fitted, in the housing seat 20 of the base element 2. The side wall comprises at least one base section 40 and at least one top section 41, mechanically coupled to the base section, and is configured so that the top section 41 can be telescopically moved, with respect to the base section 40, in such a way that:

- when the side wall 4 is in the first operating configuration, the top section 41 is included within the overall dimensions of the base section 40 and upperly delimits therewith the uniform walking surface, at the same level of the supporting plane 3; and

- when the side wall 4 is in the second operating configuration, the top section 41 protrudes from the base section 40, and therefore it defines a lateral containment wall of the pool, and is configured to delimit a containment volume V with base element 2 (Figure 17). Advantageously, the side wall 4 of pool 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention can include at least n intermediate sections 42, with n>l (in Figures 1 to 17, n=3), comprised between the base section 40 and the top section 41, mechanically coupled to each other and to the base section and top section, and configured so that the top section 41 and the intermediate sections 42 can be telescopically moved, each one with respect to one intermediate section or with respect to the base section 40 mechanically coupled therewith, so that: - when the side wall 4 is in the first operating configuration, the top section 41 and the n intermediate sections 42 are included one within the overall dimensions of the other and all within the overall dimensions of the base section 40 and upperly delimit therewith the uniform walking surface, at the same level of the supporting plane 3; and

- when the side wall 4 is in the second operating configuration, the top section 41 and the n intermediate sections 42 protrude one from the other and from the base section 40, thereby realizing a lateral containment wall of the pool.

Instead, according to a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, the pool of the present invention is indicated with reference number 100 and comprises at least one base element 2 (not shown in the drawings), delimiting one housing seat 20 and configured to be installed in a supporting plane 3 (as said above the flooring of a house, a boat deck or the ground), from which an external fixed structure 5 extends, for example a small wall or one railing, or another structure of suitable type permanently constrained to the supporting plane 3.

The pool 100 according to this embodiment also comprises at least one side wall 4, which side wall is configured to be housed in the housing seat 20 of the base element 2, and to change its configuration between:

- a first operating configuration, wherein it remains within the overall dimensions of the base element 2 (not shows in the drawings) and delimits therewith a uniform walking surface at the same level of the supporting plane 3, so that one can easily walk thereon, and

- a second operating configuration, wherein it extends with respect to the base element 2 and delimits with the supporting plane 3 and with the external fixed structure 5 constrained thereto (Figure 18 and 19) at least one containment volume V.

The base element 2 (not shown in the drawings with reference to this second embodiment) comprises at least one flat bottom 21 and at least one plurality of side panels 22 rising from the flat bottom 2, so that the housing seat 20 is delimited between the flat bottom 21 and the plurality of side panels 22, occupying substantially the entire space volume comprised between the bottom 21 and the top of the side panels 22.

In this case also, according to one preferred variant of the invention, the side panels 22 can have the respective free ends externally flanged, which externally flanged free ends besides having an aesthetic function, also have a technical function of connection with supporting plane 3.

In the case of pool 100, according to the second embodiment, the side wall 4 comprises at least one base section 40 (not shown in the drawings) and at least one top section 41, mechanically coupled to the base section, and is configured so that the top section 41 can be telescopically moved, with respect to the base section 40, in such a way that:

- when the side wall 4 is in the first operating configuration, the top section 41 is included within the overall dimensions of the base section 40 and upperly delimits therewith the uniform walking surface, at the same level of the supporting plane 3; and

- when the side wall 4 is in the second operating configuration, the top section 41 protrudes from the base section 40, and therefore it defines a lateral containment wall of the pool, and is therefore configured to delimit therewith, with the supporting plane 3 and with the external fixed structure 5 extending from the supporting plane 3, the containment volume V.

Advantageously, the side wall 4 of pool 100 according to the second embodiment of the invention can include at least n intermediate sections 42, with n>l, comprised between the base section 40 and the top section 41, mechanically coupled to each other and to the base section 40 and top section 41, and configured so that the top section 41 and the intermediate sections 42 can be telescopically moved, each one with respect to another intermediate section or with respect to the base section 40 mechanically coupled therewith, so that:

- when the side wall 4 is in the first operating configuration, the top section 41 and the n intermediate sections 42 are included one within the overall dimensions of the other and all within the overall dimensions of the base section 40 and upperly delimit therewith the uniform walking surface, at the same level of the supporting plane 3; and

- when the side wall 4 is in the second operating configuration, the top section 41 and the n intermediate sections 42 protrudes one from the other and from the base section 40, therefore defining a lateral containment wall of the pool, and are configured to delimit therewith, with the supporting plane 3 and with the external fixed structure 5 extending from the supporting plane 3, the containment volume V.

According to a third embodiment, the pool according to the present invention is indicated with reference number 1000 (see Figures 20 and 21) and comprises at least one base element 2, delimiting one housing seat 20 (not shown in the drawings), the base element being configured to be installed in a supporting plane 3 (as said above the flooring of a house, a boat deck or the ground), from which an external fixed structure 5 extends, for example a small wall or a railing or another structure of suitable type permanently constrained to the supporting plane 3.

The pool 1000 according to the third embodiment of the invention also comprises at least one side wall 4, which side wall is configured to be housed in the housing seat 20 of the base element 2, and to change its configuration between:

- a first operating configuration, wherein it remains within the overall dimensions of the base element 2 (Figure 20) and delimits therewith a uniform walking surface at the same level of the supporting plane 3, so that one can easily walk thereon, and

- a second operating configuration, wherein it extends with respect to the base element 2 and delimits with the base element 2 and with the external fixed structure 5 constrained thereto (Figure 21) at least one containment volume V.

The base element 2 (only partially represent in the Figures) comprises, as in the first embodiment, at least one bottom 21 and at least one plurality of side panels 22 rising from the bottom 21 and, as in the first embodiment of the pool according to the invention, it also comprises a raised central portion 221, configured to delimit a walking surface of said pool 1, so that the housing seat 20 is delimited by the plurality of side panels 22, the raised central portion 221 and extends peripherally along at least one side panel 22 of the plurality of side panels 22. As will be noted, in Figures 20 and 21, one pool 1000 is represented, wherein the housing seat 20 is substantially "U" shaped and, therefore, it extends along three consecutive side panels of the base element 2.

Also in this case, according to one preferred variant of the invention, the side panels 22 of the base element 2 can have the respective free end externally flanged. The free ends of side panels 22 can also be externally not flanged. Flowever, when present, besides having an aesthetic function, the external flanges also have the technical function of connection with supporting plane 3.

In the pool 1000, according to the third embodiment, the side wall 4 comprises at least one base section 40 and at least one top section 41, mechanically coupled to the base section, and is configured so that the top section 41 can be telescopically moved, with respect to the base section 40, in such a way that:

- when the side wall 4 is in the first operating configuration, the top section 41 is included within the overall dimensions of the base section 40 and upperly delimits therewith and with the base element 2 the uniform walking surface, at the same level of the supporting plane 3; and

- when the side wall 4 is in the second operating configuration, the top section 41 protrudes from the base section 40, and therefore it defines a lateral containment wall of the pool, and accordingly is configured to delimit a containment volume V with base element 2 and with the external fixed structure 5 extending from the supporting plane 3.

Advantageously, the side wall 4 of pool 1000 according to the third embodiment of the invention can include at least n intermediate sections 42, with n>l (in Figures 20 and 21, n=l), comprised between the base section 40 and the top section 41, mechanically coupled to each other and to the base section 40 and top section 41, and configured so that the top section 41 and the intermediate sections 42 can be telescopically moved, each one with respect to one intermediate section or with respect to the base section 40 mechanically coupled therewith, so that:

- when the side wall 4 is in the first operating configuration, the top section 41 and the n intermediate sections 42 are included one within the overall dimensions of the other and all within the overall dimensions of the base section 40 and upperly delimit therewith and with the base element 2 the uniform walking surface, at the same level of the supporting plane 3; and

- when the side wall 4 is in the second operating configuration, the top section 41 and the n intermediate sections 42 protrudes one from the other and from the base section 40, therefore defining a lateral containment wall of the pool, and therefore are configured to delimit with the base element 2 and with the external fixed structure 5 extending from the supporting plane 3, the containment volume V.

In the following, with reference to all enclosed Figures and, in particular, Figures 13 to 16, the structure of side wall 4 will be described in detail, which structure is common to all the three embodiments above. The base section 40 of side wall 4, as is evident from the enclosed figures, has a substantially longitudinal development, optionally rectilinear or curved or broken line shaped, optionally open or closed,

In particular, in the enclosed figures 1 and 6 to 12, the base section 40 of pool 1 has a linear type development, along a closed broken line forming a rectangle. In Figures 18 and 19 the base section 40 of pool 100 has a curved longitudinal development, and in figures 20 and 21, the base section 40 of pool 1000 has a longitudinal development of linear type, along an open line forming a U.

Flowever, the base section 40 comprises at least one a bottom part 401 and at least two opposite sides 402 and 403 that rise from the bottom part 401. The bottom part 401 and the two opposite sides 402 and 403 delimit one containment seat 404. The containment seat 404, depending on the configuration of the side wall 4, is configured to contain the top section 41, or at least an intermediate section 42 and the top section 41. Flowever, the sides 402 and 403 of the base section 40 comprise respective free ends at which they delimit a light for the telescopic sliding into the base section 40 of the top section 41 or the intermediate section 42, which, in turn, is configured to comprise possible other intermediate sections 42', 42" connected thereto (in Figure 14 a total of three intermediate sections is illustrated) and the top section 41.

Similarly, independently from the embodiment of the pool (1, 1000, 100) according to the invention, each intermediate section 42 has a substantially longitudinal development, optionally rectilinear or curved or broken line shaped, optionally open or closed, optionally corresponding to the development of corresponding base section 40, and comprises at least one bottom part 421 and at least two opposite sides 422 and 423 that rise from the bottom part 421. The bottom part 421 and the two opposite sides 422 and 423 delimit one containment seat 424. The containment seat 424, depending on the configuration of the side wall 4, is configured to contain the top section 41 or at least another intermediate section 42. Flowever, the sides 422 and 423 of the intermediate section 42 comprise respective free ends at which they delimit a light for the telescopic sliding into said the intermediate section 42 of the top section 41 or the other intermediate section 42', which, in turn, is configured to comprise possible other intermediate sections 42" connected thereto (in Figure 14 a total of three intermediate sections is illustrated) and the top section 41.

As will be noted, each intermediate section 42', 42" can have a substantially longitudinal development, optionally rectilinear or curved or broken line shaped, optionally open or closed, optionally not corresponding to the development of the base section 40 and/or intermediate section 42 wherein it can be completely included. The substantially longitudinal development of each intermediate section 42', 42" must be, in any case, such as to allow the telescopic sliding of the side wall 4 between the first and the second operating configuration and depends on the configuration of the light delimited by the base section 40 or by the intermediate section wherein it is configured to telescopically slide (in the figure it is the section below, i.e. closer to the base section 40).

The base section 40 of the side wall 4 of pool (1, 1000, 100) according to all embodiments of the invention comprise at least one stop part 405 (Figure 13) which, depending on the configuration of side wall 4, is configured to stop the sliding of the top section 41 or an intermediate section 42. Such stop part, as will be seen, is configured to be mechanically engaged with a respective abutment part of top section 41 or intermediate section 42, when the said side wall 4 moves from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration.

Analogously, each one of the n intermediate sections 42 also comprises at least one stop part 425 which, depending on the configuration of side wall 4, is configured to stop the sliding of the top section 41 or another intermediate section. Such stop part 425, as will be seen, is configured to be mechanically engaged with a respective abutment part of top section 41 or the other intermediate section 42, when the said side wall 4 moves from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration.

Both in the case of base section and in the case of the n intermediate sections 42 the stop part (405, 425) comprises at least one first pair of substantially longitudinal fins (indicated in the figures with reference numbers 4051, 4052, 4251, 4252), each projecting from the free end of a respective opposite side (412, 413, 421, 423). Such fins are directed one toward the other, toward the respective containment seat 404, 424 and comprise respective free ends portions curved toward the respective bottom part 401, 421 of the base section 40 or intermediate section 42.

With reference, instead, to the top section 41, as will be noted, it has a substantially longitudinal development, optionally rectilinear or curved or broken line shaped, optionally open or closed, optionally corresponding to the development of the base section 40 or the intermediate section connected thereto, and comprises at least one bottom part 411, at least two opposite sides 412 and 413 that rise from the bottom part 411 and at least one top part 414, comprised between the two opposite sides 412 and 413 and opposed to the bottom part 411. With such a configuration, the top section is substantially tubular.

The top section 41 comprises at least one abutment part 416, configured to mechanically engage with a respective stop part 405 and 425, of the base section 40 and intermediate section 42 respectively mechanically connected therewith, when said side wall 4 moves from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration.

Analogously, each intermediate section 42 also comprises at least one abutment part 426, configured to mechanically engage with a respective stop part 405 or 425, of the base section 40 or another intermediate section 42 respectively mechanically connected therewith, when said side wall 4 moves from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration.

In both cases, each abutment part 416 or 426 comprises a second pair of substantially longitudinal lateral fins (4161 4162 o 4261 4262), externally projecting from the top section 41 or an intermediate section 42, optionally at their bottom part 411 or 421. Such fins comprise the respective free ends portions curved, toward the top part 414 of the top section 41 or the free end of respective sides 422, 423 of the intermediate section 42., respectively. It is understood that the abutment parts 416 or 426 and the stop parts 405 and 425 can also have another configuration, for example a flat one, with no curved respective free end portions, as long as a mechanical engagement is obtained therebetween, when the side wall 4 moves from the first to the second operating configuration.

In fact, with such a configuration of the base section 40, the top section 41 and the n intermediate sections 42, it is clear that when the side wall 4 moves from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration, the telescopic sliding of each intermediate section 42 is limited by the mechanical engagement that is obtained between the abutment part 426 thereof and the corresponding stop part 405 of the base section 40, if the intermediate section 42 is directly connected to the base section 40, or with the corresponding stop part 425 of another intermediate section 42, if the intermediate section is directly connected to another intermediate section.

Analogously, the telescopic sliding of the top section 41 is limited by the mechanical engagement that is obtained between the abutment part 416 thereof and the corresponding stop part 405 of the base section 40, if the top section 41 is directly connected to the base section 40, or with the corresponding stop part 425 of intermediate section 42, if the top section is directly connected to an intermediate section.

Since the side wall 4 of pool (1, 1000, 100) according to the invention is configured to laterally delimit one pool configured, for example, and mostly for liquid containment, the pool (1, 1000, 100) according to the invention also comprises a plurality of fluid tight elements 45, advantageously supported both by the second pair of lateral fins 4161 4162 of the top section 41 and by the second pair of lateral fins 4261 4262 of the intermediate sections 42, so that when the side wall 4 moves from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration, they are comprised between respective stop part and abutment parts, thereby assuring the fluid sealing of side wall 4.

Not only that, it can comprise additional fluid tight elements between the base element 2, in particular provided in its housing seat 20, and the side wall 4, so that for example in the case where the pool (1, 1000, 100) is configured to be used as a swimming pool, the leakage of water from the bottom of the pool will be avoided.

Moreover, in the case wherein the side wall 4 is configured to delimit one containment volume V together with the supporting plane 3, wherein it can be installed, and from which an external fixed structure 5 constrained thereto extends (pool 100 as is seen in Figures 18 to 21), or together with base element 2 and the external fixed structure 5 constrained to the supporting plane (pool 1000, as can be seen in Figures 20 and 21) the pool can comprise further fluid tight element 6, i.e. gaskets, optionally of the inflatable type, for example like those used in aircrafts to keep the internal environment pressurised with respect to the outside, when the aircraft is flying, in order to assure the lateral sealing of the pool according to the invention. Such fluid tight elements 6 can be mounted on the external fixed structure 5, at the portions thereof that are configured to selectively engage with side wall 4. In this instance, the fluid tight elements 6 are configured to be, on one side, fixed to the external fixed structure 5 and, on the other side, to selectively enter into contact (where pressurised or inflated) with side wall 4, when the side wall 4 is in the second operating configuration. Alternatively, the fluid tight elements 6 can be located, in a suitable way, in the side wall 4.

According to a further preferred variant of the invention, illustrated in Figures 22 to 24 with reference to the third embodiment, which however can be provided for also in the second embodiment, the pool according to the invention can comprise at least one connector element 7, between the side wall 4 and the external fixed structure 5, for example in the case wherein the side wall 4, in the second operating configuration, is at a distance from the external fixed structure 5, so that the sealing between them cannot be guaranteed.

Such a connector element 7, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is configured to support at least one fluid tight element 6 and to be on one side, fixed in a fluid-tight manner to the external fixed structure 5 and, on the other side, to selectively enter into contact with side wall 4, by means of the fluid tight element 6, when the side wall 4 is in the second operating configuration.

The fluid tight element 6 comprises at least one inflatable gasket 61 and at least one membrane 62, configured to cooperate with inflatable gasket 61, so that when the inflatable gasket 61 is inflated, it pushed the membrane 62 toward the side wall 4, thereby obtaining a fluid tight coupling between the side wall 4 and the connector element 7.

According to a variant illustrated in Figures 22 to 24, the fluid tight element 6 is housed inside the connector element 7, which therefore has a hollow box-shaped body configuration, with one side opening 71, at which the inflatable gasket 61 and the membrane 62 of connector element 7 are mounted.

Flowever, the connector element 7 could also have a different configuration, for example it could be a solid body and could support externally, at one lateral face thereof, the fluid tight element 6 with its inflatable gasket 61 and its membrane 62. Advantageously, in the bottom part of the base section 40, of each intermediate section 42 and top section 41, for any embodiment of the pool, a plurality of through opening 46 is obtained, which serve to reduce the weight of the side wall 4 structure, while keeping the rigidity thereof, and also serve as access opening for possible tubes or connecting cables for possible devices that can be installed inside the side wall 4.

Such through opening 46 are formed in such a way that they are aligned in groups along one development direction x-x of said side wall 4 (in the case illustrated in Figures 1 to 17 the development direction x-x is substantially orthogonal to the bottom part 401 of the base section 40), when the side wall 4 moves from the first to the second operating configuration. According to some variations, however, the development direction x-x could be also not orthogonal, i.e. It could be inclined with respect to the bottom part 401 of base section 40.

Such through openings 46 can delimit respective lights having the same dimension between the base section 40, the intermediate sections 42 and the top section 1 of side wall 4 or they can have dimensions that differ from one section and the other, optionally they can have maximum dimensions at the bottom part 401 of the base section 40 and gradually smaller dimensions in each intermediate section 42, up to the bottom part 411 of the top section 41, wherein they have minimum dimensions.

As anticipated above, the pool (1, 1000, 100) according to the present invention, comprises at least one actuator group 47 (Figure 15 and 16), optionally at least two, more optionally a plurality of actuator groups 47, advantageously mounted inside the side wall 4 and configured to move the side wall 4 between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration. Such an actuator group 47 advantageously comprises one or more selected between: one multi-stage piston, one pantograph lifting system, one air chamber.

When the actuator group 47 comprises one multi-stage piston or a pantograph lifting system, it is configured to be housed in the side wall 4, aligned with a respective group of through openings 46 of the plurality of through openings, aligned along the development direction x-x and comprises a first end 471, configured to be fixed to the bottom part 401 of the base section 40 and a second end 472, opposed to the first end 471, configured to be fixed to the top part 414 of the top section 41. The multi stage piston or pantograph lifting system actuator group 47 is configured to change from one rest configuration, wherein it is wholly contained within the overall dimensions of the base section 40 (Figure 15) and the side wall 4 is in the first operating configuration, and a working configuration, wherein it is completely extended, through the through openings 46 aligned along the development direction (Figure 16), and the side wall 4 is in the second operating configuration.

In order to guarantee the correct lifting of the side wall 4 of the pool (1, 1000, 100) when changing from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration and vice versa, the pool (1, 1000, 100) of the present invention also comprises a control system, for example comprising one encoder or other suitable position detection system (not shown in the drawings), operatively coupled to each actuator group 47 and able to control the movement thereof.

In the case where the actuator group 47 comprises at least one air chamber, in a particularly advantageous configuration it is provided that the pool comprises a plurality of air chambers, at least one installed in the base section 40 and at least one installed in the intermediate section 42, if provided. Each air chamber is connected to one compressor or other suitable device (not shown in the drawings) so that when the compressor injects air in the air chambers, these lift the upper respective intermediate section 42 or top section 41 of the side wall 4. The compressor can be external and connected through suitable through openings (formed for example in the side wall 3 or in the base element 2) to each air chamber or to a group of air chambers, by means of suitable tubes.

The various sections of side wall 4, as represented in the figures, have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration but is clear that depending on the needs they could have also different cross-sectional configurations, for example trapezoidal, as long as their telescopic sliding as described above can be obtained.

In view of the above it is quite evident that the pool (1, 1000, 100) according to the three embodiments of the present invention, overcome the drawbacks described in the introduction. In fact, with such a configuration of the base element 2 and the side wall 4 it is possible to obtain a containment volume, advantageously for a liquid, such as seawater or other material, for example a granular one - if the pool is used for industrial applications, by simply installing the base element 2 in the supporting plane 3, which can advantageously be the deck of a boat or the flooring or even the ground, also a not very deep one, and placing the side wall 4 in the corresponding housing seat 20 of the base element 2, selectively coupling the side wall 4, if applicable, also to another structure 5, fixedly constrained to the supporting plane.

As can be seen in the enclosed figures, the side wall 4 and therefore its base 40, intermediate 42 if provided, and top 41 section can have a closed longitudinal development (Figure 1 to 17) or an open longitudinal development (Figures 18 to 21). In this latter case, the side wall 4 acts as a wall for the pool (1000, 100) and contributes to delimit a containment volume V together with the external fixed structure 5, already permanently constrained to the supporting plane 3.

In any case, when it is not in use, the pool according to the three embodiments of the invention will substantially disappear from sight, in the sense that it will be in the first operating configuration, with the side wall 4 within the overall dimensions of the base element 2. Not only that, it will be possible to walk thereon, being it at the same level of the supporting plane 2 wherein the base element 2 is installed, and this will allow to be able to use the space in correspondence of the pool, when it is not in use, for other functions, for example for placing a deckchair or a table with chairs, thereby maximally taking advantage of the available space. Not only that, having the base element 2 limited overall dimensions with respect to the side wall 4, for example not more than 50 cm, preferably non more that 40 cm, measured in a direction orthogonal to its bottom 21, it is possible to install the pool (1, 1000, 100) also in the absence of wide availability of space, for example on a boat deck originally devoid of a pool and therefore wherein, below the corresponding area on the deck, space available for the pool volume, when in use, is not already provided.

In the foregoing the preferred embodiments were described and some modifications of the present invention have been suggested, but it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make modifications and changes without departing from the relative scope of protection, as defined by the appended claims.

For example, the raised central portion 221 of the bottom 21 can comprise an internal honeycomb structure, to lighten the whole weight of the pool (1, 1000, 100) and can also delimit a containment volume - accessible through a suitable door - to allow placing objects of all kinds, for example table and chairs.

Alternatively, the raised central portion 221 of the base element 2 can be moved with respect to the side panels 22. For example, it can comprise at least one adjustable part (222 in Figures 20 and 21), configured to change between a first working position, wherein it delimits the uniform walking surface, at the same level of the supporting plane 3, and a second working position, wherein it is in proximity of the bottom 21 of the base element 2. The movement of the adjustable part 222 of the central portion 221 of base element 2 can be obtained in any suitable way, for example through one or more actuator groups, each comprising a multi-stage piston, or through a pantograph lifting system of known type or even through drive units comprising a controlled system for winding-unwinding ropes, which ropes engage corresponding reversing rollers configured to move along guides.

Depending on the applications the side wall 4 of pool (1, 1000, 100) as well as the base element 2 can be covered, for example at their parts that in use can be seen, with a suitable material like teak wood or fibreglass, thereby guaranteeing also an aesthetic visual continuity between the supporting plane 3 and the pool.

The pool (1, 1000, 100) according to the invention is clearly provided with all charge-discharge required systems, connected for example through corresponding through openings obtained on the bottom 21 of the support element 2, as well as all security system required by law, such as grids for shielding such charge-discharge openings.

A stair can accompany the pool for access and exit therefrom, optionally obtained through a structure of the same type of that described above for side wall 4 (as can be seen in figures 18 and 19) or independent and removable, depending on the needs.

In the top section 41, finally, for example at one side thereof that, when the side wall is in the second operating configuration, is facing the containment volume V (see, for example, Figure 17), slots or through openings can be formed, which allow to put into communication the containment volume V of pool (1, 1000, 100), delimited by side wall 4, with the inside of the same side wall, for implementing, in a suitable way, the recirculation of any liquid included in the pool. Alternatively, the pool (1, 1000, 100) according to the invention is also configured to implement the infinity edge recirculation. In this case, the sides of the base section 40, the top section 41 and possibly also one or more intermediate sections 42 comprised between the base section 40 and the top section 41 of the side wall 4, which are facing toward the containment volume V, are not provided with through openings, while in at least one or more opposite sides of the base section 40, top section 41 and possibly also of one or more in this instance 42 comprised between the base section 40 and the top section 41 of the side wall 4, which are facing outside the pool, i.e. away from the containment volume V, one or more through openings are formed, so that the liquid (water) possibly present in the pool can flow out form the containment volume V overcoming the top part 414 of the top section 41 and flow down along such opposite sides until it passes through such through openings as is then recirculated, in a suitable way, in the containment volume V. The infinity edge, as can be easily understood, besides having an aesthetic purpose, also has a cooling function for the structure of the side wall 4 of the pool (1, 1000, 100) according to the invention which, has indicated, cab also be made of a metallic material such as steel or aluminium that, in the sun, can reach even high temperatures.