Self-floating cage raft for aquaculture with attachment system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a set of self-floating cage rafts formed by individual cage rafts that is useful in aquaculture comprising multiple tubes made of high-strength plastic, such as HDPE or the like, which allow the tubes to float without the need to incorporate additional floatation means as in traditional cage rafts. The invention comprises corner and passageway attachment elements based on a set of plastic tubes used in a square cage raft for fish farming, forming a continuous passageway along the length and width of the entire extension of a set of cage rafts. The aisles formed are in turn a transit platform for the operators working on the rafts. The raft comprises attachment elements consisting of brackets or connectors that support the tube attachments both at the perimeter corners and the central corners, forming the continuous aisle. Furthermore, the invention comprises connectors for tube segments and has means for forming a railing or handrail on the raft passageways.

Description

[0001] Self-floating cage raft for aquaculture

[0002] WITH JOINT SYSTEM

[0003] This utility model is directed to a set of self-floating cage rafts for aquaculture that is made up of a plurality of individual cage rafts comprising a system of plastic tubes and plastic connectors that allow it to float without the need for additional flotation elements and that can be assembled in short times, in different sizes and that resists the movement of waves that generate high energy in aggressive environments such as the open sea where aquaculture farming centers are installed.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Fish cage rafts are widely used in the aquaculture industry, such as in salmon farming at different latitudes around the world. Fish are confined in cage rafts for fattening, and these structures must withstand various handling and the ravages of the weather. The most commonly used cage rafts are metal because they are less expensive per unit and also allow for much more comfortable operation, as they have walkways for easy movement. Anchoring is also simpler. The downside is that they have higher maintenance costs and a shorter lifespan (around ten years). Plastic rafts, meanwhile, can last up to 20 years. They also have low maintenance costs and are more adaptable to exposed sites. However, they are more expensive and more complex to operate.

[0006] Farming centers are increasingly located farther from the coast or in places sheltered from the energy generated by the movement of ocean waves. Therefore, having the simplest possible cage rafts that are also resistant to climatic phenomena at sea poses a major challenge for the industry dedicated to the manufacture, sale, and installation of cage rafts. The useful life is not the only problem to be solved; the replacement of parts and components, even the replacement of an entire cage raft unit when it reaches the end of its useful life and it becomes risky to keep fish in facilities that are considered unsafe, is also a challenge.

[0007] Another relevant issue relates to the size of the cage rafts. In this regard, it has become clear that cage raft designs have varied, increasing their size to create more space for fish to catch. However, increasing their size and making them compatible with their resistance to harsh conditions at sea is no easy task.

[0008] Prior art has described cage rafts formed from plastic or with similar elements to provide buoyancy. For example, document CN209983340U describes a storm-wave-resistant plastic cage raft reinforced with a three-dimensional structure comprising more than two groups of buoyancy units, with each two adjacent buoyancy units being permanently connected via a support, fixing, and connection device. Each buoyancy unit comprises two parallel support tubes arranged at intervals, and one or more plastic buoyant bodies are arranged between the two support tubes. The plastic buoyant body is located beneath the two support tube pieces. A plastic plate is arranged on the upper surface between the two support bar pieces.The two support tubes are fixedly connected by a fusion connection device embedded in the plate tube, and the fusion connection device embedded in the plate tube is firmly connected to the bottom of the plastic. The frame has a simple structure, adopts the overall seamless thermoplastic welding process, the frame structure is firm, and the resistance to wind waves is higher. A hot-melt connection is adopted at the intersection of the plastic plate-type support tubes, and the defect of loosening when screw caps are used for fixing is overcome.

[0009] Document CN201986526 discloses a wind wave-resistant plastic cage raft. This plastic cage raft is characterized by comprising more than two groups of buoyancy units; each group of buoyancy units comprises a pair of supporting tube pieces parallel to each other, more than one plastic floating body that is fixedly mounted and connected below the two supporting tube pieces, and movable walkway plates that are fixedly mounted and connected above the two supporting tube pieces and / or plastic floating bodies, adjacent buoyancy units being fixedly connected by a support fixing connection device. This disclosed plastic cage raft not only has a stable structure, but also has a good wave resistance effect.

[0010] Document KR20030071158 discloses a frame structure for fish farming that has wave-proof properties and durability in cage rafts, withstanding strong waves and not breaking at the connecting parts even after prolonged use. The frame structure floats using a float and comprises a series of partitions consisting of rectangular pipe components with hollow cross sections, socket components, and a fulcrum. The partitions for arranging the net are formed by crisscrossing the rectangular pipe components with the sockets in a lattice-like fashion. The frame can be made of lightweight resin material, and the number of partitions varies according to the number of pipe components to be arranged.

[0011] Document CN111406689 describes a square cage raft for fish farming. The passageway is made up of two long passageway tubes located on the sides of the cage, and the connecting system is located at the corners. This system consists of a long longitudinal tube with two short tubes located transversely to allow the passageway tubes to pass through. This document does not describe a flange for connecting the connecting system to the plastic passageway tubes.

[0012] Document W02020061693 discloses a perimeter frame or modular flotation collar for use in aquaculture, which decreases the impact amplitude of wave action and dampens movement through the connections between adjacent segments of the same. It has a metal walkway with pivoting means that is strong enough to support the weight of a person without flexing when the person walks on it. This modular flotation collar comprises a frame that has a recessed compartment and a removable platform that covers the recessed compartment. The frame is mounted on a flotation unit. There are a plurality of rigid anchor points and a plurality of installation anchor points arranged along the frame. A universal connection at each end of the frame allows the segment to be connected to an adjacent segment either linearly along a common axis or orthogonally at a right angle.The flotation unit extends between adjacent segments in the flotation collar. This flotation unit is characterized in that the modular flotation collar comprises a connection between said segments about a pivot axis, where each end of each of said respective segments is provided with one of said respective universal connectors and where each side of each of said segments is provided with one of said respective universal connectors to allow the segment to be connected to an adjacent segment either linearly along a common axis or orthogonally at a right angle.

[0013] Unlike prior art documents, the present application refers to a set of cage rafts formed by individual cage rafts, said set comprising a plurality of tubes joined by a system of brackets or connections made of high-resistance plastic, such as HDPE, which allows said set of cages to be formed for fish farming, said individual cage rafts being square or rectangular in shape, thereby forming a single large raft with great resistance to the high energy generated by the movement of the waves.

[0014] The cage raft assembly consists solely of plastic tubes joined together to form a continuous line, without joints, that continuously traverse multiple individual cage rafts. The continuity of the pipe not only forms the flotation element, dispensing with the floats used in the prior art, but also forms the work aisles where workers in the cultivation center pass. The brackets have different configurations that allow the plastic tubes to be joined at the perimeter corners of the raft assembly, as well as in its central aisles.It has complete lines of pipes joined by said brackets, some of which also have means to fix pipes that form handrails or railings of the cage raft around the entire perimeter and interior sections of the cage, also achieving great structural strength, since it is a tubular structure that provides greater support and buoyancy to the cage raft as a whole.

[0015] The cage raft assembly of this utility model is made entirely of plastic, except for the end anchoring pieces. This is essential for applications in highly corrosive waters, such as tropical seas. Furthermore, this cage raft offers the following advantages over prior art:

[0016] • Make better use of the maritime concession area.

[0017] • Anchoring costs are cheaper since this utility model refers to a set of cage rafts formed by a plurality of individual cage rafts.

[0018] • The utility model is intended for use in high-energy cultivation centers.

[0019] • It has a long useful life because it is completely made of plastic.

[0020] • It has low maintenance since there are no wear parts such as connecting pins, floats, and metallic elements that corrode.

[0021] BR EV DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] Figure 1: corresponds to a perspective view of a bracket or perimeter connection with the element that allows the adjustment of the perimeter railing.

[0023] Figure 2: A perspective view of a central bracket or connector with the elements that allow adjustment of the central rails. Figure 3: A perspective view of a cross bracket or connector with the elements that allow adjustment of the cross rails.

[0024] Figure 4: corresponds to a perspective view of a short connecting element to form simple T-joints on the perimeter of a cage raft.

[0025] Figure 5: corresponds to a perspective view of a medium connecting element to form the corner T joints of a cage raft.

[0026] Figure 6: corresponds to a perspective view of a long connecting element to form the T-cross joints inside a cage raft.

[0027] Figure 7: corresponds to a perspective view of an extra-long connecting element to form the double T joints that allow the central corridor to be extended to a next cage raft unit.

[0028] Figure 8: corresponds to a perspective view in rendering that illustrates the conformation of the cage raft with the joining elements incorporated.

[0029] Figure 9: corresponds to a perspective view that illustrates the formation of a T cross in the cage raft.

[0030] Figure 10: corresponds to a perspective view that illustrates the formation of a double T in the cage raft.

[0031] Figure 11: corresponds to a perspective view that illustrates the formation of a T corner in the cage raft.

[0032] Figure 12: corresponds to a perspective view that illustrates the formation of a simple T in the cage raft.

[0033] Figure 13: corresponds to a perspective view in rendering that illustrates the anchoring element anchored to the corner bracket of the cage raft. Figure 14: corresponds to a perspective view in rendering that illustrates the anchoring element anchored to the bracket of a simple T of the cage raft.

[0034] Figure 15: corresponds to a perspective view in rendering that illustrates the central bracket of the cage raft.

[0035] Figure 16: corresponds to a perspective view in rendering that illustrates the side bracket of the cage raft.

[0036] Figure 17: corresponds to a perspective view in rendering that illustrates the lateral bracket of the cage raft is made up of continuous tubes, so there are no joining systems between corridors (hinges, pins, etc.) making the raft safer.

[0037] MODEL DESCRIPTION

[0038] This utility model relates to a set of self-floating cage rafts for aquaculture, consisting of a system of high-strength plastic pipes, such as HDPE or similar, which are interconnected in such a way as to form a rectangular or square structure that floats in the water where it is placed. Individual cages containing the marine species being bred or fattened are positioned in the center of said structure. The cage raft comprises joined pipes that form a continuous pipe that runs through or joins all the individual cage rafts in a farming center. Furthermore, the continuous pipes form the work aisles for people passing through the cage rafts. The set of self-floating cage rafts comprises corner connections, simple T-joint connections, cross T-joint connections, aisle and railing connections, and double T-joint connections.The pipes that make up the perimeter corridors, the central corridor, and the central aisles are joined by heat fusion to achieve the desired length for each corridor. The joint can incorporate corridor and railing connections.

[0039] Corner connections consist of brackets or short connecting elements consisting of tubes with holes for the tubes that form the perimeter passages of the cage raft assembly. The ends of the tubes with holes are fitted with flanges to which the tubes projecting from the corner formed by the corner brackets and defining one perimeter side of the cage raft assembly are connected. The flanges also serve to receive and secure anchoring systems bolted to them; these anchoring systems are the only metallic parts of the cage raft assembly.

[0040] The simple T-junction connections are made up of medium-sized joining elements consisting of tubes with holes for the passage of the tubes that make up the transverse corridors of the cage raft and at their ends they are open so that the perimeter tubes of the set of cage rafts pass through them, the latter being perpendicular to the tubes of the central corridors, generating the 90° or T-junction.

[0041] The T cross union connections are made up of long union elements consisting of tubes with two pairs of holes separated by a section of pipe between them through which central corridor tubes pass in one direction of the set of cage rafts and their ends are open to allow the passage of the transverse corridor tubes perpendicular to the tubes that make up the central corridor and that pass through the holes of the two pairs of holes of the union elements that make up the T cross. In this way, the central corridor crossings of the cage raft are formed.

[0042] The corridor or railing connections are made up of tubes with holes that allow the passage of the tubes that make up the perimeter, central, and transverse corridors. The corridor connections also comprise a tubular bracket that projects 90° upwards to the direction of the corridors. At the corner of the bracket, a tubular terminal is arranged through which the tubes that make up the cage raft's railings or handrails pass. These are installed on the perimeter, in the central corridor, and in the transverse corridors of the cage raft.

[0043] Double T-junction connections are made up of extra-long connecting elements consisting of tubes with two pairs of holes separated by a larger section than the cross T-junction. Its function is to join the terminal end of the central corridor of the cage raft with the perimeter corridors which pass through the ends of the tubes with holes formed by the extra-long connecting elements. DESCRIPTION OF THE MODEL

[0044] The present utility model relates to a set of self-floating cage rafts (1 ) formed by a plurality of individual cage rafts (1 a) for aquaculture comprising a system of tubes (2) made of high resistance plastic, such as HDPE or similar, which are interconnected in such a way as to form a continuous rectangular or square structure that forms a central corridor (3), transverse corridors (4) and perimeter corridors (5). The intersection between the corridors of the set of cage rafts is comprised of corner connections (6), simple T-junction connections (7), cross T-junction connections (8) and double T-junction connections (12), as shown in Figure 8.

[0045] To join the intersection of the tubes that make up the corridors (3, 4, 5) and their railings, brackets (9, 10, 11, 13, 19, 22, 39) are used as illustrated in figures 1 to 7.

[0046] Specifically, Figures 1 to 7 show the brackets for the corridors and perimeter railings (9), the brackets for the corridor and central railing (10), and the brackets for the corridor and transversal railing (11). All the corridors form a self-floating unit and a corridor for the transit of people, without the need to use structures composed of frames with platforms that have articulated joints through which people who work in a cultivation center transit. The corner connections (6) are formed by short joining elements (13) that consist of tubes with holes (14) for the passage of the tubes that make up the perimeter corridors (5) of the set of cage rafts. The ends of the tubes with holes (14) are provided with flanges (15) in which the tubes that project from the corner formed by the corner connections (6) and that define a perimeter side of the set of cage rafts are joined.The flanges (15) have incorporated holes (17) where an anchoring system (18) is bolted to fix the set of cage rafts to the seabed.

[0047] The simple T-joint connections (7) are formed by medium joining elements (19) that consist of tubes with holes (20) for the passage of the tubes that make up the transverse corridors (4) of the set of cage rafts and at their ends (21) they are open so that the tubes of the perimeter corridors (5) of the set of cage rafts pass through them, which are perpendicular to the tubes of the transverse corridors (4). The simple T-joint bracket also comprises flanges (15) to secure the anchoring system (18).

[0048] The T cross union connections (8) are made up of long union elements (22) that consist of tubes with two pairs of holes (23) separated by a section of pipe (24) located between them, through which the tubes that make up the central corridor (3) pass in one direction of the set of cage rafts and their ends are open to allow the passage of the tubes of the transverse corridors (4) perpendicular to the tubes that make up the central corridor (3) and that pass through the openings of the two pairs of holes (23) of the union elements that make up the T cross union connection (8).

[0049] The brackets or connections of corridors and perimeter railings (9) consist of a tube that has three holes (25) incorporated through which the tubes that make up the perimeter corridors (5) pass and project. On the upper corner of each perimeter bracket (9) there is a tubular bracket (26) that projects at 90° upwards in the direction of the tubes that make up the perimeter corridors (5). The vertex of the tubular bracket (26) comprises a tubular terminal (27) through which tubes that make up the railings (28) or handrails of the perimeter corridors (5) pass.

[0050] The corridor and central railing brackets (10) consist of a tube that has two pairs of holes (29) incorporated, separated by a section of tube (30) of equal length as the section (24) that separates the two pairs of holes (23) of the T-cross union connections (8), so that each corridor and central railing bracket (10) by means of its holes (29) keep the tubes that make up the central corridor (3) parallel. At the ends of each corridor and central railing bracket (10) there are two brackets (31) that project 90° upwards in the direction of the tubes that make up the central corridor (3). The vertex of each bracket (31) comprises a tubular terminal (32) through which tubes pass that make up the railings (33) or handrails of the central corridor (3), thus leaving the latter with railings on both sides.

[0051] The corridor and crossrail brackets (11 ) consist of a tube that has incorporated equidistant holes (34) that coincide with the holes (20) of each tube of the medium joining element (19), which forms each simple T union connection (7), so as to keep the tubes that make up the transverse corridors (4) parallel. At each of the ends of each corridor and crossrail bracket (11 ) there are two brackets (35) that project 90° upwards in the direction of the tubes that make up the transverse corridors (4). The vertex of each bracket (35) comprises a tubular terminal (36) through which tubes pass that make up the railings (37) or handrails of each transverse corridor (4), which also has handrails on both sides.

[0052] The double T joint connections (12) are made up of extra long joining elements (39) consisting of tubes with two pairs of holes (40) separated by a tube section (41) that coincides with the section separation (24) that separates the two pairs of holes (23) of the cross T joint connections (8) and also coincides with the two pairs of holes (29) separated by a tube section (30) of each corridor bracket and central railing (10). Each double T joint connection (12) leaves the central corridor (3) of the set of cage rafts joined with the perimeter corridors (5).

Claims

MODIFIED CLAIMS received by the International Office on 08 January 2025 (08.01.2025) 1.- A set of self-floating cage rafts (1) made up of a plurality of individual cage rafts (1a) for aquaculture comprising a system of high-resistance plastic tubes (2), which are interconnected in such a way as to form a continuous rectangular or square structure, which resists the movement of waves that generate high energy in aggressive environments such as in the open sea where aquaculture farming centers are installed, said structure being made up of: - a central corridor (3); - cross aisles (4;) and - perimeter corridors (5); where the intersection between the corridors (3, 4, 5) generates: - corner connections (6) in the cage raft assembly, - simple T-joint connections (7) in the cage raft assembly, - T-cross union connections (8) in the raft assembly; and - double T union connections (12) CHARACTERIZED because the set of assembled rafts is formed based on continuous corridors without joints along the entire set of rafts without the existence of pipes with right angles in the corners of the rafts; said corner connections (6) are formed by short joining elements (13) consisting of tubes with holes (14) for the tubes that make up the perimeter corridors (5), where the ends of said tubes with holes (14) are provided with flanges (15) in which the tubes projecting from the corner formed by the corner connections (6) and which define a perimeter side of the set of cage rafts are joined; said simple T-joint connections (7) are formed by medium joining elements (19) consisting of tubes with holes (20) for the passage of the tubes that make up the transverse corridors (4) and at their ends (21) are open so that the tubes of the perimeter corridors (5) of the set of cage rafts pass through them, which are perpendicular to the tubes of the transverse corridors (4);said T cross union connections (8) are formed by long union elements (22) that consist of tubes with two pairs of holes (23) separated by a section of pipe (24) located between them, through which the tubes that make up the central corridor (3) pass in one direction of the set of cage rafts and their ends are open to allow the passage of the tubes of the transverse corridors (4) perpendicular to the tubes that make up the central corridor (3) and that pass through the openings of the two pairs of holes (23) of the union elements that make up the T cross union connection (8);and said double T union connections (12) are formed by extra long union elements (39) that consist of tubes with two pairs of holes (40) separated by a tube section (41) that coincides with the separation of the tube section (24) that separates the two pairs of holes (23) of the cross T union connections (8) and also coincides with the two pairs; of holes (29) separated by a section of tube (30) from each corridor bracket and central railing (10). 2.- A set of self-floating cage rafts, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said flanges (15) have holes (17) incorporated into them where an anchoring system (18) is bolted for fixing the set of cage rafts to the seabed. 3.- A set of self-floating cage rafts, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said simple T-joint bracket (7) also comprises flanges (15) to secure the anchoring system (18). 4.- A set of self-floating cage rafts, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that each double T-joint connection (12) joins the central corridor (3) of the set of cage rafts with the perimeter corridors (5). 5.- A set of self-floating cage rafts, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises brackets or connections of corridors and perimeter railings (9) that consist of a tube that has three holes (25) incorporated through which the tubes that make up the perimeter corridors (5) pass and project, where on the upper corner of each perimeter bracket (9) there is a tubular bracket (26) that projects at 90° upwards in the direction of the tubes that make up the perimeter corridors (5), the vertex of the tubular bracket (26) having a terminal MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) tubular (27) through which tubes pass that form the railings (28) or handrails of the perimeter corridors (5). 6.- A set of self-floating cage rafts, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the corridor and central railing brackets (10) consist of a tube that has two pairs of holes (29) incorporated, separated by a section of tube (30) of equal length as the section (24) that separates the two pairs of holes (23) of the T cross union connections (8), so that each corridor and central railing bracket (10) by means of its holes (29) remain parallel to the tubes that make up the central corridor (3), where the ends of each corridor and central railing bracket (10) are arranged with brackets (31) that project at 90° upwards from the direction of the tubes that make up the central corridor (3), the vertex of each bracket (31) having a tubular terminal (32) through which tubes that make up the railings (33) or handrails of the central corridor pass. (3), leaving the latter with railings on both sides. 7.- A set of self-floating cage rafts, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises corridor and transverse railing brackets (11) consisting of a tube that has incorporated equidistant holes (34) that coincide with the holes (20) of each tube of the medium joining element (19), which forms each simple T-joint connection (7), so as to keep the tubes that make up the transverse corridors (4) parallel, where at each of the ends of each corridor and railing bracket transversal (11) has been arranged with respective brackets (35) that project at 90° upwards in the direction of the tubes that make up the transversal corridors (4), the vertex of each bracket (35) having a tubular terminal (36) through which tubes pass that make up the railings (37) or handrails of each transversal corridor (4), which has handrails on both sides.

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