Device for mooring floating surface facilities and associated method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for mooring a floating object (9) in a body of water in an area with physical constraints corresponding to predetermined conditions of use of the device, the device comprising: - anchoring means (2) for anchoring the device (1) to the bottom of the body of water; - securing means (3, 3') for securing the floating object (9) to the mooring device (1); a linkage assembly (4) comprising a mast (40) and a sliding element (41), the mast (40) being connected to the anchoring means (2) at one of the ends thereof (400) and cooperating at the other end (401) thereof with the sliding element (41) connected to the securing means (3), such that the linkage assembly (4) can have a variable length depending on the physical constraints. According to the invention, the mooring device (1) has a variable length between at least two positions: - a first short position, and - a second extended position. The linkage assembly (4) further comprises means (42) for correcting the buoyancy of the device (1) within a buoyancy range defined by the conditions of use of the mooring device (1).

Description

1. Scope of the invention

[0001] The field of invention is that of the ephemeral installation of maritime structures.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a mooring and anchoring device for a floating object, such as a platform or a surface object, on a body of water, the device being capable of allowing its positioning, stability and securing.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method of implementation, and in particular of calibration and installation of such a mooring and anchoring device according to the invention, as well as various associated uses.

[0004] By floating object, or surface object, we mean both a platform and a ship, or any object intended to be moored, the platform itself being able to serve for the secondary mooring of ships or secondary floating objects. 2. Technological background

[0005] Population density is increasing exponentially, and sea levels in the oceans and onshore waters are constantly rising. In 100 years, the world's population will grow from 7 to 11 billion. Such growth inevitably has consequences that affect both terrestrial habitats and marine-related activities.

[0006] Half the world's population lives in cities. This trend is unlikely to reverse anytime soon, as the United Nations estimated in 2011 that by 2030 we would be approaching 5 billion urban dwellers out of a global population of 8.3 billion. This means that nearly 1.5 billion more people will need to be housed in cities by then.

[0007] Cities are therefore continuing their rapid expansion into new areas. According to some researchers, urban space will have tripled by 2030. The environmental impact will obviously be considerable. As a result, many have begun to consider sustainable and ecological housing solutions.

[0008] Until now, alternative housing solutions were primarily developed within the eco-friendly tourism sector. In recent years, however, innovative housing concepts have emerged, bringing modernity and comfort to these dwellings while respecting the environment. Living on the water, for example, is a viable way to alleviate urban congestion, and these types of housing can also be useful in mitigating the risks of natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and climate change. Surface structures like houseboats, stilt houses, and floating homes are among these existing ecological alternatives. Some projects even incorporate systems designed to achieve complete self-sufficiency.

[0009] As an example, ecological collective mooring systems, nautical or commercial leisure platforms and industrial products such as aquaculture farms have been the subject of studies and / or prototypes in basins or in real-world situations.

[0010] Since the 1976 nature protection laws and the 1986 coastal law, the shoreline and seabed have also become a focus of protection for protected species, especially as there are no longer enough berths in ports to accommodate all the boats and as nautical and maritime activities are experiencing exponential growth. Indeed, maritime activities are expanding due to the development of leisure activities such as fishing, diving, beach resorts, shoreline restoration, and maritime transport.

[0011] At the same time, recreational boaters anchor off ports and shores, and their anchorages can cause considerable damage to the seabed.

[0012] To overcome these drawbacks, particularly those related to space and the degradation of the seabed caused by anchoring off ports and shores, various technical solutions exist for mooring platforms or ships at sea. The principle remains similar: creating a solid anchor on the seabed (for example, by constructing a concrete deadweight known as a mooring buoy or buoy, or by installing piles anchored in the seabed), and then using a chain to connect the anchor to a floating unit (such as a buoy or platform) allowing ships to moor.

[0013] For example, US document 2017 350 083 describes a mooring device comprising a telescopic tube fixed at one end to the ground and connected at the other end to a floating body.

[0014] However, one drawback of such a device is that it cannot be dismantled without causing damage to the seabed, which is unsatisfactory.

[0015] In addition, another disadvantage of such a device is that the surface objects moored to it are subjected to all meteorological stresses as well as the resulting forces, so that the mechanical resistance of the surface objects as well as the mechanical forces exerted on the mooring links between these surface objects and the mooring device are relatively important.

[0016] Indeed, unlike a port where, generally speaking, ships and platforms are anchored on quays whose weight allows them to take up the forces related to external elements (currents, swells, wind, etc.) and thus limit the forces related to natural elements, which in turn limits the forces to be taken up, such constraints on a surface object moored in the open sea or on a lake can generate significant maintenance costs, or even irreversible damage, which is also unsatisfactory.

[0017] Another mooring device is known from document EP 0 147 176 A2.

[0018] Therefore, there is currently a real need to improve the existing situation, given the challenges related to the development of coastal land use and its management, as well as a need to adapt in the coming years to take into account multiple needs such as: the optimization of marine or riverine reception area spaces, by reducing avoidance areas for example, the need and possible combination between bodies of water such as the sea, lakes, rivers, etc. and man, between demographic pressure and the environment, the need to resolve the numerous projects or feedback from projects faced with the difficulties of maintaining surface installations and the capacity to ensure the stability and safety of people and property located on these surface installations as well as their comfort, whatever their physical environment and in particular with regard to the actions of wind, currents, tides and / or swell, and the need for an anchoring system adapted to surface installations, adaptable to the conditions of the physical, ecological environment and capable of being reversible. 3. Description of the invention

[0019] The invention therefore at least partially addresses this need by proposing a device for mooring a floating object in a body of water within a field of physical constraints corresponding to predetermined conditions of use of said device, said device comprising: anchoring means, intended to anchor the device to the bottom of the body of water; lashing means intended to lay the floating object to the anchoring device; a linking assembly comprising a mast and a sliding element, the mast being connected to the anchoring means at one of its ends and cooperating at its other end with the sliding element connected to the lashing means, so that the linking assembly is capable of having a variable length depending on the physical constraints.

[0020] According to the invention, the mooring device has a variable length between at least two positions: a first short position, corresponding to a first length taken by the linking assembly in at least one first condition of use of the device; a second extended position, corresponding to a second length taken by the linking assembly in at least one second condition of use of the mooring device, the second length being greater than the first length.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the invention, the linkage assembly includes means for correcting the buoyancy of the device within a buoyancy range defined by the conditions of use of the mooring device, so that the floating object is kept mobile on the water surface with a continuous dynamic adjustment tending towards a position of least effort depending on the physical constraints exerted on the floating object.

[0022] Finally, according to the invention, said anchoring means keep said mooring device fixed relative to the bottom of said body of water, said mast having an elastic portion in the vicinity of said anchoring means.

[0023] Thus, the invention proposes a new and inventive approach that makes it possible to resolve at least in part the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0024] Indeed, the advantage of implementing buoyancy correction means, or floats, is to reduce or even neutralize the forces exerted on the floating object regardless of the weather conditions to which the floating object is subjected (which can be a platform or a ship for example), by generating a restoring moment, or resistance.

[0025] Thus, the connecting assembly allows the mooring device to absorb the physical stresses and forces transmitted to the floating object, such as those related to wind, swell, currents, storm surges and tides, flooding, and / or rising water levels. This ensures that the floating object can be kept moving dynamically and continuously on the water's surface, constantly moving towards a position of least stress according to the physical constraints acting upon it. It should be noted that this absorption of physical stresses and transmitted forces occurs progressively, that is, with increasing resistance, so that there is little to no resistance effect when absorbing the physical stresses and forces transmitted to the floating object, such as those related to the aforementioned climatic effects.

[0026] Furthermore, the device according to the invention also allows for correcting the natural excitation period of the floating object through the implementation of such a linking element. Indeed, if the floating object is excited at its resonant frequency by external effects (waves, wind, etc.), it risks entering into uncontrollable vibrations, which could cause damage to either the floating object or the device.

[0027] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, the means for correcting the buoyancy of the device consist of at least one portion with calibrated density of the mast and / or sliding element having a relative density lower than that of the water surface.

[0028] This approach reduces the number of parts required for the device. Furthermore, it allows for better control of the device's buoyancy.

[0029] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, the sliding element comprises a rod around which the calibrated density portion extends.

[0030] The advantage of such an implementation is that the float is essentially symmetrical around the sliding element and the resultant of its Archimedes' thrust is therefore centered.

[0031] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, the portion with calibrated density having a relative density lower than that of the water surface is constituted according to a configuration belonging to the group comprising: solid materials having a relative density lower than that of the water surface, and closed cavities in the mast and / or sliding element containing a fluid or material having a relative density lower than that of the water surface.

[0032] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, the buoyancy correction means of the device include means for adjusting the degree of buoyancy of the device within the range of use, these adjustment means being adjustable according to the predetermined conditions of use of said device.

[0033] Therefore, this allows the device to be adapted to any conditions of use and thus to implement an optimized mooring system for any type of mooring and body of water.

[0034] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, the means for adjusting the degree of buoyancy of the device are provided on the calibrated density portion of the mast and / or sliding element.

[0035] This allows for the implementation of a user-friendly device and, moreover, simplifies any potential maintenance.

[0036] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, the mooring means allow at least two rotational degrees of freedom between the mooring device and the floating object.

[0037] This helps to limit the movement of such a floating object and therefore reduces the risk of damage. Furthermore, it allows for the implementation of a simpler mooring system.

[0038] According to the invention, the anchoring means keep the mooring device fixed relative to the bottom of the body of water, the mast having an elastic portion in the vicinity of the anchoring means.

[0039] According to an unclaimed feature, the anchoring means allow at least two degrees of rotational freedom of the mooring device relative to the bottom of the water body.

[0040] This helps to limit the movement of such a floating object and therefore reduces the risk of damage. Furthermore, it allows for the implementation of a simpler mooring system.

[0041] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, it further comprises at least one sensor.

[0042] In this way, it is possible to implement a system that also allows for the collection of data or the taking of measurements.

[0043] In this case, the sensor may belong to the group including: An inclinometer; A barometer; A location sensor; Sonar.

[0044] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, when not attached to a floating object, said device is mobile between at least: a positive buoyancy position; a neutral buoyancy position; a negative buoyancy position, the transition from one position to another position is achieved by action at the level of the means of adjusting the degree of buoyancy of the mooring device.

[0045] Therefore, this allows the position of the device to be varied and, for example, to be retracted when not in use.

[0046] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, said first condition of use of the device corresponds to a first combination of values ​​of operating parameters of said device, and said second condition of use of the device corresponds to at least a second combination of values ​​of said operating parameters of said device, said operating parameters of said device belonging to the group including: the terms of use; the maximum sliding length; the longitudinal forces exerted on said connecting assembly.

[0047] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, the buoyancy range is predetermined by the conditions of use of the mooring device.

[0048] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, the sliding element further comprises a ballastable segment, independent of the buoyancy correction means.

[0049] In this way, it is possible to vary the resistance of the connecting element, and more particularly that of the sliding of the sliding element relative to the mast in the different positions between the short position and the extended position.

[0050] The invention also relates to a method for installing a mooring device according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, comprising the following steps: The installation of the mooring device on land; the towing of the mooring device to the body of water; the ballasting of the mooring device so as to submerge it; the anchoring of the mooring device by attaching the anchoring means to receiving means provided on the bottom of the body of water; the deballasting of the mooring device so as to position it opposite the floating object; the attachment of the mooring device to the floating object by attaching the lashing means to fastening means on the floating object.

[0051] According to a feature of at least one embodiment of the invention, the process comprises the subsequent steps of: detachment of the mooring device's attachment to the floating object; ballasting of the submerged mooring device so that it exhibits negative buoyancy.

[0052] The invention further relates to a method of calibrating, on land, a mooring device according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, comprising a step of defining a buoyancy range according to the conditions of use of the mooring device. 4. List of Figures

[0053] The invention, and its various advantages, will be more easily understood in light of the following description of an illustrative and non-limiting embodiment thereof, and the accompanying drawings, among which: there figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the mooring device; the figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mooring device according to the embodiment of the figure 1; there figure 3 is an external view of the mooring device according to a second embodiment of the invention, presenting an alternative to the mooring means of the embodiment of the figure 1 ; there figure 4 is an external view of the mooring device according to the embodiment of the figure 1 ; there figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mooring device according to the embodiment of the figure 3 ; there figure 6 is an external view of the mooring device according to the embodiment of the figure 1 ; there figure 7 is a transparent view of the mooring device according to the embodiment of the figure 3 ; there figure 8 is a transparent view of the mooring device according to the embodiment of the figure 1 ; there figure 9 is a perspective view of anchoring methods for the device according to an unclaimed embodiment; the Figure 10is a perspective view of the mooring means according to a first embodiment; the figure 11 is a perspective view of the mooring means according to a second embodiment; the figure 12 is a detailed perspective view of means for anchoring a device to the bottom of a body of water, according to an unclaimed embodiment; the figure 13 is a schematic view of the mooring device according to the first embodiment, connected to a floating object, and in a shortened position; the figure 14 is a schematic view of the mooring device according to the first embodiment, connected to a floating object, itself carrying a load, and in a shortened position; the figure 15 is a schematic view illustrating the distribution of forces acting on the mooring device according to the first embodiment, connected to a floating object, and in an extended position; the figure 16is a schematic view of the mooring device according to the first embodiment, attached to a floating object, and in an extended position; the figure 17 is a schematic view of the mooring device according to the first embodiment, connected to a floating object, itself carrying a load, and in an extended position; the figure 18 is a schematic view illustrating the distribution of forces acting on the mooring device according to the first embodiment, connected to a floating object, and in an extended position; the figure 19 is a schematic view illustrating the towing stage of the mooring device to the body of water; the Figure 20 is a schematic view illustrating the ballasting stage of the mooring device so that it can be positioned in relation to the anchoring means; the figure 21is a schematic view illustrating the anchoring step of the mooring device by attaching unclaimed anchoring means to receiving means provided at the bottom of the water body. Figure 22 is a schematic view illustrating the deballasting step of the mooring device so that it can be positioned opposite a floating object; the figure 23 is a schematic view illustrating the ballasting stage of the submerged mooring device, connected to the anchoring means, so that it exhibits negative buoyancy; the figure 24 is a schematic view of a mooring device according to a third embodiment. 5. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0054] Several embodiments of the invention are subsequently illustrated, treated as mere illustrative examples, and not as limitations, in support of the figures 1 to 24 . 5.1 General principle of the invention

[0055] The present invention is based on a completely innovative approach which consists of providing, for a body of water, that a floating object such as a platform or a surface object (ship, station), is mounted or moored, or secured on a mooring device, itself anchored to the bottom of the body of water, so that the floating object is kept mobile on the body of water with a continuous dynamic adjustment tending towards a position of least effort according to the physical constraints exerted on the floating object.

[0056] The field of physical constraints is understood here as the set of physical constraints exerted by the environment (wind, rain, ...) in which the floating object is placed (weather conditions, forces due to the body of water such as the current and the chemical composition of the body of water) as well as by the set of forces exerted by other elements (forces exerted by a secondary floating object coming to moor to the floating object, forces exerted by the mooring device on the floating object and vice versa, ...).

[0057] By seeking the least effort, we limit the stress on the mooring device, but above all we improve the comfort for the floating structure (damping of movements, stability, ...).

[0058] This is done mainly through a linkage system; the buoyancy of the device is adapted within a buoyancy range defined by the conditions of use of the mooring device.

[0059] By lashing, we mean here the connection between two elements which are each mobile.

[0060] It should be noted that buoyancy is a force exerted on bodies immersed in a fluid (liquid or gas), which are therefore subject to Archimedes' principle. It opposes the force of gravity, since it is directed upwards.

[0061] Depending on the ratio between its density (and therefore its weight) and the buoyant force (Archimedes' principle), an object can have neutral, positive, or negative buoyancy. In these three cases, the object will respectively float, rise to the surface, or sink. The mooring device according to the invention is intended to be installed in a body of water such as an open or enclosed sea, a cove, a port, a lake, a reservoir, etc. Such a device is suitable for any type of body of water, including those subject to significant variations in water level and tidal range. It is designed to be connected to a floating object used in that body of water.

[0062] A floating object can encompass platforms, vessels, or any object intended for mooring. The platform itself can serve as a secondary mooring for vessels or other floating objects. For example, such a floating object could be a yacht docking platform, a station (meteorological or otherwise), a set of buoys, and so on. Generally, a floating object can refer to any surface or floating device or installation, such as a dwelling, a floating villa, a platform or station for leisure activities, or for hosting seaside, nautical, commercial, industrial, technical, transport, safety, navigational, or relay activities. Therefore, the general principle of a mooring system is to act as a foundation for this floating object.

[0063] The mooring device according to the invention offers several advantages. In particular, it limits the impact on the natural environment by preventing seabed scraping and controlling the docking process, while also protecting our coastline by avoiding destructive effects on protected species that maintain and develop the marine ecosystem. It also ensures the stability of the floating surface installation at a fixed point, regardless of the natural physical conditions affecting the water body, such as the effects of swell, wind, current, and / or tidal range. Furthermore, it allows for the control and securing of the floating installation at a specific point on a body of water and ensures the safety of people and property in the event of flooding and / or tidal range, regardless of its installation depth.It also allows for control, while significantly reducing it—for example, by at least four times—of the avoidance area of ​​a floating surface installation. Finally, it enables the management of an environmental monitoring system through the installation of monitoring devices.

[0064] The present invention also aims to provide a mooring method that is particularly simple, easy to implement, and reversible, and whose implementation has no negative impact on the environment or, at a minimum, a limited impact compared to prior art techniques. In particular, the present invention makes it possible to preserve the seabed of the bodies of water in which it is implemented and is specific to floating or surface installations.

[0065] The present invention aims finally to ensure that the floating object can remain above water (except for a possible part of the floating object designed to move underwater such as a ship's keel) and that its movements are limited regardless of external conditions (swells, wind, currents, ...).

[0066] The device can also provide buoyancy to the floating object.

[0067] It should be noted that an object floating in a body of water evolves within a field of physical constraints of several kinds.

[0068] The literature allows us to define the various forces acting on a floating structure due to climatic actions. In particular, the guide to recommendations for limit state design of structures in aquatic environments according to the Eurocodes ROSA 2000 define the forces that can act on a floating object as follows: i) the wind: R = 1 2 ρ air × C V × V 2 × A T cos 2 α + A L sin 2 α tan φ = tan α × A L A T F T = R sin φ F L = R cos φ M = F T × K ext × L = F T × e with the following data: R: the resultant force due to the wind exerted on the floating object, inclined at an angle φ to the longitudinal axis, FT: the transverse component of the wind force exerted on the floating object, FL: the longitudinal component of the wind force exerted on the floating object, M: the moment of R reduced to the vertical axis passing through the center of gravity, V: the wind speed at the center of buoyancy of the floating object, this speed corresponding to an average speed over approximately 1 minute for L > 25 m, and over approximately 15 seconds for L < 25 m, α: the angle between the wind direction and the longitudinal axis of the floating object, AT: the projected surface area of ​​the floating object exposed to the headwind ("small area"), AL: the projected surface area of ​​the floating object exposed to the crosswind ("large area"), L: the length of the floating object, Cv: the shape coefficient of the floating object, between 1.0 and 1.3 ,ρ air: the density of air (1.225 kg / m³), K ext: eccentricity coefficient ii) Swell: , F T = ρ w × g × C f × C d × H 2 × D × sin α F L = ρ w × g × C f × C d × H 2 × D × cos α with the following data: FT: the transverse component to the floating object, FL: the longitudinal component to the floating object, H: the height of the incident wave, α: the angle between the wave propagation direction and the axis of the floating object, D: the projected length of the floating object perpendicular to the wave propagation direction, Cf: a dimensionless flotation coefficient, Cd: a dimensionless coefficient of relative depth of the water surface, ρw: the density of water. iii) The Current: a) pressure forces: F pT = 1 2 ρ w × C T + A L × U 2 × sin α F pL = 1 2 ρ w × C L + A T × U 2 with the following data: F pT: the component of the force transverse to the floating object, F pL: the component of the force longitudinal to the floating object, L: the overall length of the floating object, U: the current velocity at a depth equal to half the draft of the floating object (averaged over 1 minute), α: the angle between the direction of the current and the axis of the floating object, AL: the area of ​​the longitudinal maximum cross-section of the floating object (transverse projection, i.e., onto a longitudinal plane): "the largest submerged section", AT: the area of ​​the transverse maximum cross-section of the floating object (longitudinal projection, i.e., onto a transverse plane): "the smallest submerged section", CT: the dimensionless coefficient of transverse shape (ranging from 1 for a great depth of water to 7 for a shallow depth of water), CL: the dimensionless coefficient of longitudinal shape (ranging from 0.2 and 0,6 according to the geometric shapes of the floating object), ρ w: the density of water, b) current forces: , F fT = 1 2 ρ w × C r + A ′ T × U 2 × sin 2 α F fL = 1 2 ρ w × C r × A ′ L × U 2 × cos 2 α with the following data: F fT: the component of the force transverse to the floating object, F fL: the component of the force longitudinal to the floating object, U: the speed of the current at a depth equal to half the draft of the floating object (average over 1 minute), α: the angle between the direction of the current and the axis of the floating object, A' L: the total submerged area reduced by twice the transverse master section (2. A T ), A' T: the total submerged area reduced by twice the longitudinal master section (2 AL ), Cr: the dimensionless coefficient of friction, ρ w: the density of water.

[0069] In addition to these so-called "natural" forces acting on the surface object and the mooring device, there may be additional artificial forces related to the mooring of ships or other vessels, which generate other types of disturbances. Based on the forces that can be applied to the surface object, a mechanical system can be defined to counteract these forces and thus stabilize the floating object.

[0070] Furthermore, this system of forces can also be supplemented by lesser forces, still linked to external actions. In particular, the action of swell is characterized by a sinusoidal movement of varying frequency and intensity.

[0071] The device according to the invention is intended to respond to these oscillations and dampen the residual movement on the floating structure.

[0072] Indeed, the device has a variable length, so it adapts to the variation in sea level which can be linked either to a global increase / decrease (tide, ...) or to the action of the swell.

[0073] Furthermore, it should be noted that the device according to the invention also aims to correct the natural excitation period of the floating object. Indeed, if the floating object is excited at its resonant frequency by external effects (waves, wind, etc.), it risks entering into uncontrollable vibrations, which could cause damage to either the floating object or the device.

[0074] It should be noted that this is a fairly common occurrence on ships, where the roll period is often quite close to the wave period. The invention thus solves this problem for a moored vessel.

[0075] This is made possible by the linking element.

[0076] According to an implementation, illustrated in figures 1 to 8 And 12 à 23 , this mooring device may consist of a sliding element associated with a body which may be cylindrical or of any other shape, equipped with a volume with variable buoyancy,), which may be a pod (or mast) or a piston device.

[0077] The operating principle is based on the fact that a positive buoyancy mass, for example a mass of air, is displaced by the action of external elements on the floating object, which therefore generates a resisting torque which balances the forces acting on the system (including the floating object, the mooring device and receiving means provided at the bottom of the body of water) so that the floating object is kept mobile on the body of water with a continuous dynamic adjustment tending towards a position of least effort according to the physical constraints acting on the moored floating object.

[0078] According to another implementation, illustrated in the figure 24 The device can also consist of an articulated mast featuring, for example, a stop hinge. In this case, the mast is no longer piston-driven but articulated with a stop hinge. When the action on the floating object displaces it, the hinge opens and the air volume moves away from the fixed point, generating a restoring torque, which also helps to balance the forces acting on the system (including the floating object, the mooring device, and receiving means provided at the bottom of the body of water).

[0079] Thus, the presence of the mooring device, and in particular of the linking assembly (which in the first embodiment is a piston device), allows the device to ensure the transfer of physical stresses and forces transmitted to the platform or surface object such as forces related to the effects of wind, swell, currents, storm surge and tide, flood and / or rise in water level. 5.2 Structure and operation of the linkage assembly

[0080] According to a first embodiment of the mooring device 1, which is illustrated in support with the figures 1 to 8 And 12 à 23 , this includes a linking assembly 4 comprising a mast 40 and a sliding element 41.

[0081] As can be seen in these figures, the mast 40 is connected to anchoring means (described later) at one of its ends 400 and cooperates at its other end 401 with the sliding element 41 fixed to lashing means (described later), so that the connecting assembly 4 is capable of having a variable length depending on the physical constraints.

[0082] As seen, mainly in figures 5 and 6 This mast 40 is hollow and compartmentalized. It contains a fluid which, in this case, is air.

[0083] The mast 40 here has a substantially cylindrical shape and is complementary to the shape of the sliding element, so that the latter can slide in the mast 40. In other words, the inner surface of the mast 40 is complementary to the shape of the outer surface of the sliding element 41, on the sliding portion.

[0084] In other embodiments, it could be envisaged that the mast has another shape, for example a rectangular or triangular shape.

[0085] Because its role is to transmit the forces exerted on the floating object, the mast must be relatively strong. Therefore, it can be made of steel, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or elastomer. It can also be made of another material capable of withstanding physical stresses.

[0086] According to the invention, the mooring device 1 has a variable length between at least two positions: a first short position (illustrated in particular by figures 13 to 15 ), corresponding to a first length L0 taken by the linking assembly 4 in a first condition of use of the device; a second extended position (illustrated in particular in figures 16 to 18), corresponding to a second length L1 taken by the linking assembly 4 in at least one second condition of use of the mooring device 1

[0087] As can be seen in these figures, the second length L1 is greater than the first length L0. In this embodiment, the second length L1 corresponds to a maximum extension length.

[0088] According to the invention, the first condition of use of the device corresponds to a first combination of values ​​of the operating parameters of said device, and the second condition of use of the device corresponds to at least a second combination of values ​​of the operating parameters of said device, said operating parameters of the device belonging to the group including: the usage conditions (for example the load attached); the maximum sliding length; the longitudinal forces exerted on said connection assembly.

[0089] As illustrated, in this mode of use the first condition of use corresponds to a situation in which the mooring device is under load (connected to a floating object) and the physical constraints acting on the floating object 9 are relatively low so that the longitudinal forces acting on the connection assembly are low enough to keep it vertical relative to the device, this mooring device 1 also evolving along a vertical axis V. The length L0 can be considered as a minimum extension length.

[0090] The second condition of use corresponds to a situation in which the mooring device is under load and the physical constraints exerted on the floating object 9 are relatively strong so that the longitudinal forces exerted on the connection assembly move this mooring device 1 away from the vertical axis V.

[0091] Here, the mooring device is offset from the vertical axis V by an angle approximately equal to 30 degrees.

[0092] In this embodiment, the mast 40 and the sliding element 41 form a piston, closed by a ring plate 410 and whose sliding is facilitated by a ring 411.

[0093] When in action, this piston allows water contained in compartments of the mast 40 to be expelled and fluid (here air) to be drawn into the opposite volume of the mast (corresponding to the compartments not containing water). The expulsion of water and the drawing in of air are not carried out at the same speed, which allows the forces linked to the dynamic load induced on the surface object, for example by swell, tides, storm surges, currents, floods and / or wind, to be absorbed by the system through the passage of fluid in this piston and thus the damping or reduction of the oscillations of the surface object.

[0094] Indeed, the device being piston-like, through this linkage assembly 4, it can adapt to the variation in sea level either linked to a global increase / decrease (tide, ...) or to the action of the swell.

[0095] For example, because the action of the swell is characterized by short period movements and therefore variations in water level of variable duration, the piston can compensate for these transient effects and reduce the movements of the floating object by the variability of the length of the linkage assembly and the sliding of the piston.

[0096] In the case of swell, two phenomena may be at play: Excitation by relatively short periods (also called chop). In this case, the sliding element 41 in the mast 40 will generate a variation in the volume of fluid contained within the mast 40 in which it moves, thus generating a restoring torque. The resulting movement of the piston will be damped relative to the excitation movement by damping of small amplitude movements. Excitation by relatively long periods (swells). In this case, the damping will occur through a displacement in planar motion, which will vary the resisting torque and thus limit the vertical displacement of the floating object.

[0097] It should be noted that the mast 40 can, in this embodiment, be ballasted. Ballasting is defined as filling a body with a fluid similar to that in which the body is immersed (here, water similar to that of the body of water). Its opposite, deballasting, consists of draining the fluid and replacing it with a fluid lighter than that in which the body is immersed, for example, air.

[0098] To achieve this, the mast 40 has two openings (not shown) fitted with a valve (for example, one located at the bottom and the other at the top). If the volume is filled with a fluid lighter than the fluid in which the device is immersed (air, for example), when both valves are opened, one will release the lighter fluid (air) while the other will allow the introduction of the surrounding fluid (the water from the body of water). Once the body is filled with the desired fluid, the valves are closed. Deballasting is carried out similarly, with both valves being opened and a lighter fluid being forcibly injected into the body. This will cause the heavier fluid to be expelled and replaced by the lighter fluid. Once the operation is complete, the valves are closed again.

[0099] Such ballasting or unballasting can allow variation of the restoring torque that the piston can generate, which can be useful depending on the potential physical constraints corresponding to the predetermined operating conditions of the device.

[0100] In addition, the ballasting or deballasting of the piston allows the mass of the floating object / piston assembly to be varied and therefore its resonant frequency to be changed, which can help to combat the resonance effects of the swell.

[0101] So that the system including the floating object, the device, and the anchoring can achieve a balance of forces, the linking assembly 4 further includes means 42 for correcting the buoyancy of the device 1 within a buoyancy range defined by the conditions of use of the mooring device 1.

[0102] The objective of these buoyancy correction means, or float, is to reduce or even neutralize the forces exerted on the floating object regardless of the weather conditions to which the floating object is subjected (which may be a platform or a ship for example), by generating a restoring moment.

[0103] Thus, the link assembly 4 (which in this first embodiment is a piston device coupled to a float) allows the mooring device to ensure the absorption of physical stresses and forces transmitted to the floating object such as the forces related to the effects of wind, swell, currents, storm surge and tide, flood and / or rise in water level, and therefore that the floating object can be kept mobile on the water surface, dynamically and continuously, constantly towards a position of least stress according to the physical stresses exerted on it.

[0104] According to the embodiments, the means for correcting the buoyancy of the mooring device consist of at least one portion 44 with calibrated density of the mast and / or the sliding element having a relative density lower than that of the water surface.

[0105] Here, the means 42 for correcting the buoyancy of the mooring device consist of a portion of the mast which has a relative density lower than that of the water surface, so that the float has positive buoyancy.

[0106] Because the sliding element 41 includes a rod that slides inside the mast 40, it follows that the portion with a relative density lower than that of the water surface extends around this rod.

[0107] This section is here made in one piece. However, one could imagine embodiments in which this section would be divided into several parts, for example balanced along the mast.

[0108] The advantage of such an implementation is that the float is essentially symmetrical around the sliding element and the resultant of its Archimedes' thrust is therefore centered.

[0109] According to different embodiments, the portion with a relative density lower than that of the water body is constituted according to a configuration belonging to the group comprising: solid materials having a relative density lower than that of the water surface, and closed cavities in the mast 40 and / or sliding element 41 (here in the mast) containing a fluid or a material having a relative density lower than that of the water surface.

[0110] This fluid could, for example, be air. It could also be hydrogen. However, in order for the buoyancy of these buoyancy correction devices to be positive, this fluid or material must have a relative density lower than that of the water surface.

[0111] In this case, the float can be made of steel, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or elastomer. It can also be made of another material, provided that its mechanical properties allow it to fulfill its purpose of hermetically sealing a volume of fluid.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, and so as to be able to vary the buoyancy of the device within a buoyancy range defined by the conditions of use of the device, the buoyancy correction means 42 of the device 1 include means 420 for adjusting the degree of buoyancy of said device 1 within the range of use, these adjustment means 420 (illustrated in Figure 22 ) being adjustable according to the predetermined conditions of use of device 1.

[0113] It should be noted that the predetermined conditions of use of the device may depend on the type of body of water (lake, port, open sea), the type of floating object (ship, platform, station, etc.), as well as other criteria such as the region of the world (which generates different climatic conditions), the materials used for the device, the anchoring seabed, etc.

[0114] Here, the means 420 for adjusting the degree of buoyancy of device 1 are provided on the portion 43 of the mast 40.

[0115] As with the piston, the buoyancy correction means can also be ballasted or deballasted. This ballasting can be done via the adjustment means 420.

[0116] Such ballasting or deballasting can allow the buoyancy of the mooring device to be varied, which can be useful depending on the potential physical constraints corresponding to the predetermined conditions of use of the device. 5.3 Ground anchoring methods

[0117] As described above, the device includes 2 means of ground anchoring, which are intended to anchor this device to the bottom of the body of water.

[0118] These anchoring means are adapted and calibrated according to the floating object and may include, in an unclaimed embodiment, a structure articulated on an ecological anchoring system adapted to the intrinsic nature of the bottom of the body of water and to the nature of the biotope present.

[0119] As illustrated, for example, in Figures 1 And 13 , these anchoring means are intended to cooperate with receiving means provided at the bottom of the body of water, and more particularly to be fixed to these receiving means provided at the bottom of the body of water.

[0120] Examples of reception methods provided at the bottom of the body of water include dead bodies, piles, screws, seals or screw anchors and / or ecological anchors.

[0121] The use of these anchoring means, fixed to the receiving means 8 provided at the bottom of the water body, helps to preserve the seabed, as the mooring device does not contact or scrape the seabed. Thus, the mooring device according to the invention helps to preserve the seabed and significantly reduces the impact of anchoring, mooring, and / or ballasting on marine fauna and flora.

[0122] In an unclaimed embodiment, illustrated in particular by figures 9 And 12 , the anchoring means 2 may include a hooking element 21 directly connected to the receiving means 8 provided at the bottom of the body of water, a plurality of shackles 22, and a solid plate 23 which is placed in contact with the end 400 of the mast 40.

[0123] More specifically, the attachment element is reversibly fixed to the receiving means provided at the bottom of the body of water and has an opening into which a portion of one of the shackles 22 is inserted.

[0124] Here, these shackles 22, along with the attachment element 21 and the solid plate 23, allow for the implementation of anchoring means 2 that permit at least two degrees of rotational freedom of the mooring device 1 relative to the waterbed. More specifically, in this embodiment, two shackles are used, the movement of one relative to the other being possible on two axes of rotation, which are the x and y axes, as shown for example in the figure 12 . As a result, the z-axis, corresponding to a vertical axis of the device, when it is in initial equilibrium, is here blocked in rotation for the device.

[0125] However, according to the invention, the anchoring means keep the mooring device fixed relative to the bottom of the body of water, by implementing anchoring means that block all rotations and translations.

[0126] According to the invention, so that the mooring device can perform its role, the mast then presents an elastic portion in the vicinity of the anchoring means so that the floating object can be kept mobile on the water surface with a continuous dynamic adjustment tending towards a position of least effort according to said physical constraints exerted on it.

[0127] In an unclaimed embodiment, anchoring means could also be implemented which allow three degrees of rotational freedom of the mooring device relative to the waterbed, for example by means of a ball joint.

[0128] In addition, one could foresee an embodiment in which the anchoring means also allow one or more degrees of freedom in translation.

[0129] According to one aspect of an embodiment, it is desirable that the mooring device have a weak link, that is, a point which, if necessary, can fail. For example, in the event of excessive force exerted on a floating object or on the device, it may be desirable to have a fuse so as not to damage the floating object.

[0130] In an unclaimed embodiment, illustrated in particular by figure 12 The weak link consists of the means of anchoring to the ground, and more particularly of the shackles 22.

[0131] To compensate for this weak link, the anchoring means can then include a resistance chain 24 which doubles the holding power of the device and which is fixed to the hooking element 21 and the solid plate 22. Such a resistance chain 24 thus prevents the drift of the floating object as well as the mooring device 1.

[0132] In the event of shackle breakage, this 24-hour chain becomes energized, which can create an alert for a user.

[0133] Such an alert can, for example, be created if sizing conditions have been exceeded or if a voltage exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected in this chain. 5.4 Means of securing the mooring device to the surface object

[0134] The device also includes lashing means intended to secure the floating object 9 to the mooring device 1.

[0135] As described above, lashing refers to the connection between two elements that are each mobile.

[0136] The use of these tethering devices helps limit the oscillation, overturning, and submersion of floating objects by ensuring their stability. They also improve the stability of these floating objects regardless of surrounding weather and oceanographic conditions. This also reduces the risk of them being evaded.

[0137] The choice of the type of mooring means can, for example, be made according to the floating object to be moored (weight, buoyancy, load forces and moments).

[0138] These anchoring means can thus, depending on the embodiment, be made in the form of a spherical assembly and / or a longitudinal assembly which are fixed to an upper end of the sliding element 41 associated with the mast 40. The spherical assembly and the longitudinal assembly constitute rotation devices which ensure the free movement of the floating object 9 so that this floating object 9 is kept mobile on the water surface with a continuous dynamic adjustment tending towards a position of least effort according to the physical constraints exerted on it.

[0139] We now present, in relation to the Figures 10 and 11 , two ways of implementing these means of securing.

[0140] As illustrated in Figure 10An embodiment of the mooring means 3, formed as a spherical assembly, includes an outer cage 30 for securing the floating object to the rest of the mooring means 3 in order to ensure the principles of rotation, oscillation, and horizontal positioning of said floating installation on the surface of a body of water. The mooring means 3 also include a ball joint 33 assembled to a seal 32 and a half-shell 31, the whole assembly being secured on one side to a solid plate 34 and on the other side to the outer cage 30.

[0141] This external cage 30 can preferably be a metal cage.

[0142] As for the half-shell 31, it is preferably made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) type rubbers.

[0143] Such three lashing devices can also be coated with Teflon or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and equipped with in-line grease fittings. This allows the lashing system to be equipped with lashing devices capable of withstanding a variety of operating conditions.

[0144] According to this embodiment, the mooring means 3 allow at least two degrees of rotational freedom between the mooring device 1 and the floating object 9. More specifically, here, movement is allowed about two axes of rotation, which are the x and y axes, as shown for example in the figure 1 . As a result, the z-axis, corresponding to a vertical axis of the device, when it is in initial equilibrium, is here blocked in rotation for the device.

[0145] It should be noted, however, that for reasons of mechanical strength, some play is preferentially left in all directions so that relatively small movements are possible within the constrained degrees of freedom. This prevents the various components of these three anchoring means from being constantly subjected to excessive stress.

[0146] In other embodiments, one could also implement mooring means which allow three degrees of rotational freedom of the floating object relative to the mooring device.

[0147] In addition, one could foresee an embodiment in which the mooring means also allow one or more degrees of freedom in translation.

[0148] In the variant shown in the figure 11, the mooring means 3' are made in the form of a longitudinal assembly comprising a system of nuts 37 and shackles 36 distributed on either side of a swivel 38, the whole being secured on one side to a solid plate 39 brought into contact with the sliding element 41, and on the other side to a connecting piece 35 with the floating object. 5.5 Operation of the mooring device

[0149] The operation of the mooring device according to the invention is based on the principle that at a given moment (corresponding to forces exerted on the floating object), a volume of air must move away from the vertical axis V, and generate a restoring moment.

[0150] In equilibrium and in the absence of force, the mast 40 is vertical and aligned on the receiving means 8 on the substrate as well as on the attachment means 3 for anchoring.

[0151] When the floating object 9 tends to move away, the mast 40 tilts and the volume of fluid contained in the float 42 is no longer aligned with the receiving means 8. This volume, which naturally undergoes Archimedes' thrust, tends to realign itself with the anchor, which generates a resisting couple.

[0152] The further the floating object 9 moves away, the more the sliding element 41 is extracted from the mast 40 which tilts itself relative to the vertical, thereby increasing the resisting torque generated by the mooring device 1.

[0153] Thus, an equilibrium is established between the driving torque F (floating object moving away) and the resisting torque Apod (volume of fluid contained in the float 42 subjected to Archimedes' pressure).

[0154] Considering the forces acting on the system (including the floating object, the mooring device, and the receiving means) in a body of water within a field of physical constraints corresponding to predetermined operating conditions of the device, the forces are as follows: The force F: applied to the floating object on the surface (force related to external phenomena such as swell, wind, currents, etc.) The weight of the floating object 9: Wf The weight of the mooring device 1: Wpod The weight of the receiving means 8: Wanc The buoyant force on the floating object 9: Af The buoyant force on the piston formed by the sliding element and the mast: Apist The buoyant force on the buoyancy correction means: Apod The buoyant force on the receiving means 8: Aanc The resisting force of the receiving means 8: ANC

[0155] As previously mentioned, the piston formed by the mast and the sliding element can have positive, negative, or neutral buoyancy. This can, for example, be set prior to the installation of the device or adjusted if necessary by adding / removing water from the water level into the mast 40, according to predetermined operating conditions.

[0156] If we want the system to maintain a balance, it is preferable that the predetermined conditions of use take into account the fact that: Wf → + Af → + Apιst = 0 → .

[0157] Furthermore, it is possible to consider that Aanc is negligible compared to other forces.

[0158] Therefore, and given that in an initial state (illustrated in figure 15 ), the forces applied to the object floating on the surface are zero (F = 0 kN), the sum of the forces exerted on the system at initial equilibrium can be written: Wf → + Wpod → + Wanc → + ANC → + Af → + Apιst → + Apod → + Aanc → = 0

[0159] It being understood that, as described previously, Wf + Af Since + Apist = 0 and Aanc is negligible, this can therefore be reduced to: Wpod → + Wanc → + ANC → + Apod → = 0

[0160] As illustrated on this figure 15 , and logically, all forces are therefore vertical, with driving forces (such as weight) being downwards while resisting forces (such as Archimedes' principle) are directed upwards.

[0161] Therefore, the values ​​of the different forces can be written as follows: Wpod + Wanc + ANC = Apod

[0162] Since the Archimedes' thrust on the buoyancy correction means Apod is equal to the sum of the weight of the device, the receiving means 8, and the resisting force of these receiving means 8, the buoyancy correction means 42 of the mooring device 1 are configured here so that the mooring device has a buoyancy within a buoyancy range defined by the said conditions of use including the weight of the device, the weight of the receiving means and the resisting force of the receiving means 8.

[0163] When a floating object is subjected to an external force (such as swell, wind, current, moorings, etc.), then we can consider that: F > 0 kN

[0164] In this scenario, illustrated in figure 18 The floating object will move, carrying with it the piston and mast 40. It will move until it reaches a balance of forces such that: F → + Wf → + Wpod → + Wanc → + ANC → + Af → + Apιst → + Apod → + Aanc → = 0 → And : ∑ Moments 0 = 0 → For the same reasons as before, the equation of forces can be reduced to: F → + Wpod → + Wanc → + ANC → + Apod → = 0 →

[0165] The inclination of device 1 therefore implies that the forces are no longer collinear.

[0166] In this system, and due to the absence of movement at the anchoring means, we can consider that the sum of the moments at the level of these anchoring means is equal to zero.

[0167] The main forces acting to balance the moments on this system are therefore the following: Motor action: F Therefore, the moment acts with the lever arm equal to the water height. Resisting action: Apod therefore the moment acts with a lever arm which is a function of the sine of the angle of inclination of the mooring device.

[0168] It should be noted that the further the floating object moves away, the greater the angle of inclination of the mooring device, and the greater the lever arm of Apod and so the moment of Apod increase.

[0169] Therefore, the buoyancy correction means 42 of the mooring device 1 are configured so that the mooring device has a buoyancy within a buoyancy range defined by the said conditions of use which, in addition to including the weight of the device, the weight of the receiving means and the resisting force of the receiving means 8, also include the load to be taken up (corresponding to the payload intended to be moored to this device), the water height and the maximum desired inclination.

[0170] Regarding the load to be supported, corresponding to the payload intended to be moored to this device, it will be relatively variable for this mooring system. Indeed, the load to be supported for a mooring system like the one illustrated in figure 13, to which a simple floating object 9 is moored, is obviously not the same as a load to be taken up by a mooring device like the one illustrated in figure 14 , to which a floating object 9 accommodating a vessel N is moored. However, the mooring device 1 illustrated in figure 13 is identical here to the mooring device illustrated in figure 14 because it is designed to be moored to the floating object 9 itself being designed to accommodate ships.

[0171] Regarding the operation of the mooring device, and once the stress decreases, that is to say once F tends towards 0 kN and the moment related to the air volume of the piston is no longer compensated by the moment related to F, , the anchoring device 1 will move closer to the vertical axis V, the forces acting on the system gradually becoming collinear again.

[0172] An example of the sizing of such a mooring device and receiving means for an installation at a depth of 18 m is presented below, this device being intended to be moored to a floating platform capable of receiving 6 ships of 35m.

[0173] The sizing requirements for the mooring device are as follows: 6 ships of 35 m moored; Regulatory wind according to Eurocode standard 0 to 22m / s; Significant swell height of 1 m out of phase of 5° with respect to the wind; Current speed of 0.2 m / s out of phase of 20° with respect to the wind; Maximum mast inclination of 30°.

[0174] The calculation of the forces F results in a total force of approximately 18 t to be resisted. The mooring system will have an overall height of approximately 12 m and the volume of the float will be approximately 68 m³ according to the distribution shown in the attached plan.

[0175] At 30°, the sliding element will be extended by approximately 4.70 m.

[0176] The mast will have to withstand a bending moment of approximately 50t.m.

[0177] The anchoring means provided at the bottom must withstand a vertical force of 50t and a horizontal force of approximately 18t. 5.6 Monitoring

[0178] In an embodiment not shown, the anchoring means to the bottom of the water body and the mast are equipped with environmental monitoring and control equipment. In an alternative embodiment, the environmental monitoring and control equipment is attached to the connecting element.

[0179] This environmental monitoring and control equipment includes at least one sensor.

[0180] Depending on the embodiment, these sensors will belong to the group comprising: An inclinometer; A barometer; A location sensor; A sonar; A water quality measurement sensor (turbidity, temperature, salinity, ...); A sensor for measuring various secondary physical parameters (waves, water levels, ...).

[0181] These environmental monitoring and control systems can also be equipped with a system for detecting ships navigating in an area near the mooring device.

[0182] It can also be equipped with an alert system to warn of a problem with the integrity of the device.

[0183] It can also be equipped with an instrumentation and data collection system.

[0184] Environmental monitoring and control equipment installed on the mooring device can be of interest to science, to the Navy, and to the customer in the context of maintenance. 5.7 Preparation and on-site installation of the device

[0185] We now present, in relation to the figures 19 to 22 , a method for installing the mooring device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0186] The installation method for this mooring device according to the invention comprises the following steps: the onshore assembly of the mooring device 1; the towing of the mooring device to the body of water, illustrated in figure 19 ; the ballasting of the mooring device 1 so as to submerge it, illustrated in Figure 20 ; anchoring the mooring device by means of fixing the anchoring means 2 to receiving means 8 provided at the bottom of the body of water, illustrated in figure 21 . the deballasting of the mooring device 1 so as to position it opposite the floating object 9, illustrated in Figure 22 ; the attachment of the mooring device 1 to the floating object by means of an attachment of the mooring means 3 to attachment means on the floating object.

[0187] The towing stage of the mooring device to the body of water, illustrated in figure 19 , can be carried out by small nautical means due to its buoyancy, the float being preferably deballasted to facilitate transport, This towing is done here until the device is placed vertically above the receiving means 8.

[0188] As illustrated in Figure 20 The ballasting step of the mooring device 1, so as to submerge it, is carried out vertically above the receiving means 8. This ballasting can, for example, be done using the buoyancy adjustment means provided on the float. This ballasting step allows the float to achieve neutral or even negative buoyancy.

[0189] The anchoring step of the mooring device by means of fixing the anchoring means 2 to receiving means 8 provided at the bottom of the body of water, illustrated by way of unclaimed example in figure 21 This can be done through people who connect these anchoring means to the receiving means.

[0190] Next, in order to position the mooring device opposite a floating object and allow the floating object to be secured to the mooring device, the mooring device is deballasted. This step is illustrated in Figure 22 Following deballasting, in this embodiment, the mooring device is arranged along the substantially vertical V-axis. As with ballasting, deballasting can, for example, be carried out by means of adjusting the buoyancy of the device, which are provided on the float.

[0191] Subsequently, the mooring device 1 is secured to the floating object by attaching the mooring means 3 to fastening means on the floating object. This can also be achieved by personnel connecting these anchoring means to the receiving means. In this way, the platform or surface object can be easily and quickly secured and / or detached.

[0192] It should be noted that this mooring device according to the invention also constitutes a reversible and removable piece of equipment, not permanently fixed to the bottom of the water.

[0193] For example, with regard to the mooring of summer or ephemeral surface installations, put in place during the summer season, that is to say during periods of high attendance during which nautical and seaside activities are very important on the bodies of water, it may be possible to install this mooring device, and then to remove or stow it away in winter.

[0194] The advantage of this device solution is that it allows for easy storage when external conditions are not favorable for its use or when its use is not desired (especially in winter).

[0195] Thus, the mooring system can, for example, be detached from its ground anchor and towed ashore for storage and maintenance. The ground anchor itself is left in place to allow for quick re-mooring the following season.

[0196] In another embodiment, only the floating object is unmoored, and the mooring device is ballasted to have negative buoyancy and rest on the seabed throughout the period of inactivity. Such an embodiment is illustrated in particular by figure 23 .

[0197] Therefore, in this scenario, the installation process for this mooring device includes the following steps: detachment of the attachment of the mooring device to the floating object 9; ballasting of the submerged mooring device 1 so that it has negative buoyancy.

[0198] So When not attached to a floating object, this mooring device is mobile between at least: a positive buoyancy position; a neutral buoyancy position; a negative buoyancy position.

[0199] To put it back into operation, simply deballasting the float restores the original function of the mooring device.

[0200] According to a preferred embodiment, the transition from one position to another position is carried out by action at the level of the means for adjusting the degree of buoyancy of the mooring device.

[0201] It should be noted that it is also possible, if necessary, to carry out a step of modifying the piston ballast.

[0202] According to one embodiment of the invention, a calibration process is also carried out beforehand on land for the mooring device, this process including a step of defining a buoyancy range according to the conditions of use of the mooring device. 5.8 Variant

[0203] According to another unclaimed implementation illustrated in the figure 24The device can also consist of an articulated mast formed in two parts 40', 41', featuring, for example, a stop hinge. In this case, the mast is no longer piston-like but articulated with a joint 44', which is here a stop hinge. The float 42' is located at the upper part of the mast, namely part 41'. When the action on the floating object displaces this float 42', the joint 44' opens and the air volume moves away from the fixed point, generating a restoring moment, which also helps to balance the forces acting on the system (including the floating object, the mooring device, and receiving means provided at the bottom of the body of water).

[0204] In this embodiment, the anchoring means 2, intended to anchor the mooring device 1 to the bottom of the body of water, and the lashing means 3 intended to lay the floating object 9 to the mooring device 1 are unchanged.

[0205] Thus, the device and method according to the invention allow the mooring of any type of floating object, according to all destinations and architectures, with advantages compared to the prior art: The reduction of the avoidance area, the fixing and stabilization of the floating object at a fixed point, allowing it to remain parallel to the water surface under the dynamic effects of swell, wind, and currents, and ensuring its stability according to the effects of tides, storm surges, and / or flooding, while controlling its rotation relative to other surface installations, without the risk of the surface installations colliding with each other and / or being swept onto the shore or overturned; the increase in capacity and berthing management thanks to the reversibility and mobility of the mooring device according to the invention, which can therefore be easily moved from one area to another within a body of water without requiring the use of a tugboat. It is therefore possible to increase, decrease, and / or simply manage and control the berthing capacity through successive installations and removals as needed.the preservation of the seabed insofar as the mooring system does not contact or scrape against it, and therefore a significant reduction in the impact on fauna and flora from the implementation of anchoring and / or mooring; the limitation of the visual impact and therefore of the external environment due to the fact that the anchoring means are completely submerged; and, according to one embodiment, the installation, at a fixed point, of a monitoring device complying with the policies and regulations of the European Union, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), of NOAA (IOOS), and of the United Nations (UNEP and UNCLOS), which focus on monitoring the fight against marine pollution, the protection of biodiversity, maritime safety and routing, the sustainable exploitation of the coastal environment and marine resources, the search for marine renewable energy sites, climate monitoring, and meteorology.

Claims

1. Device (1) for mooring a floating object (9) in a body of water in an area with physical constraints corresponding to predetermined conditions of use of said device, said device comprising: - anchoring means (2) for anchoring said device (1) to the bottom of said body of water; - securing means (3, 3') for securing said floating object (9) to said mooring device (1); - a linkage assembly (4) comprising a mast (40) and a sliding element (41), said mast (40) being connected to said anchoring means (2) at one of its ends (400) and cooperating at its other end (401) with said sliding element (41) connected to said anchoring means (3), such that the linkage assembly (4) can have a variable length depending on said physical constraints; said mooring device (1) having a variable length between at least two positions: - a short first position, corresponding to a first length (L0) adopted by the linkage assembly (4) in at least one first condition of use of the device; - an extended second position, corresponding to a second length (L1) adopted by the linkage assembly (4) in at least one second condition of use of said mooring device (1), said second length (L1) being greater than said first length (L0), said linkage assembly (4) further comprising means (42) for correcting the buoyancy of said device (1) within a buoyancy range defined by said conditions of use of said mooring device (1) so that said floating object (9) is kept movable on said body of water with a continuous dynamic adjustment tending towards a position of least force depending on said physical constraints exerted on said floating object (9), characterised in that said anchoring means (2) keep said mooring device (1) stationary relative to the bottom of said body of water, said mast (40) having an elastic portion in the vicinity of said anchoring means (2).

2. Mooring device according to claim 1, characterised in that said means (42) for correcting the buoyancy of said device (1) are formed of at least one calibrated-density portion (44) of said mast (40) and / or sliding element (41) having a relative density less than that of said body of water.

3. Mooring device according to claim 2, characterised in that said sliding element (41) comprises a rod around which said calibrated-density portion (44) extends.

4. Mooring device according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that said calibrated-density portion (44) having a relative density less than that of said body of water is formed according to a configuration belonging to the group comprising: - solid materials having a relative density less than that of said body of water, and - the closed cavities formed in said mast (40) and / or sliding element (41) containing a fluid or a material having a relative density lower than that of said body of water.

5. Mooring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said means (42) for correcting the buoyancy of said device (1) comprise means (420) for adjusting the degree of buoyancy of said device (1) within the range of use, these adjustment means (420) being adjustable according to the predetermined conditions of use of said device (1).

6. Mooring device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said means (420) for adjusting the degree of buoyancy of said device (1) are provided on said calibrated-density portion (44) of said mast (40) and / or sliding element (41).

7. Mooring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said securing means (3, 3') allow at least two degrees of freedom in rotation between said mooring device (1) and said floating object (9).

8. Mooring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it further comprises at least one sensor.

9. Mooring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, when it is not connected to a floating object, said device is movable between at least: - a positive buoyancy position; - a neutral buoyancy position; - a negative buoyancy position, switching from one position to another position being carried out by action at said means (420) for adjusting the degree of buoyancy of said mooring device (1).

10. Mooring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first condition of use of the device corresponds to a first combination of values of parameters of use of said device, and said second condition of use of the device corresponds to at least a second combination of values of said parameters of use of said device, said parameters of use of said device belonging to the group including: - the modes of use; - the maximum sliding length; - the longitudinal forces exerted on said linkage assembly.

11. Mooring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said buoyancy range is predetermined by said conditions of use of said mooring device (1).

12. Method for installing a mooring device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: - mounting the mooring device (1) onshore; - towing the mooring device to the body of water; - ballasting said mooring device so as to submerge it; - anchoring said mooring device by attachment of the anchoring means (2) to receiving means (8) provided at the bottom of said body of water, - deballasting said mooring device (1) so as to position it opposite said floating object (9); - attaching said mooring device (1) to said floating object via an attachment of the mooring means (3) to attachment means on said floating object.

13. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises the subsequent steps of - detaching the attachment of said mooring device to said floating object (9); - ballasting the submerged mooring device (1) so that it has a negative buoyancy.

14. Method for calibrating, onshore, a mooring device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that it comprises a step of defining a buoyancy range according to the conditions of use of said mooring device (1).

Images