Structural walkway element for raft-cages that is curved and / or has trapezoidal geometric shape

Abstract

The purpose of the invention is to provide a rigid walkway structure for raft-cages for the culture of marine species, the design of the structure allowing the formation of rigid rafts with a round, oval, circular or elliptical shape, among other shapes. The invention relates to at least one rigid walkway that is curved or has a trapezoidal geometric shape, for forming raft-cages with a circular, round, oval, elliptical or semicircular shape, among other geometric shapes, which comprises a base structure (2) formed by a structural frame comprising at least two curved lateral beams (5, 6) spaced parallel to each other and arranged longitudinally, along a longitudinal axis of the base structure (2), represented by arrow X in figure 1, wherein the curved lateral beams (5, 6) are concavely or convexly curved at a predetermined radius of curvature. The structural frame also comprises at least one curved central beam (7), which is concavely or convexly curved at a predetermined radius of curvature, wherein the curved lateral and central beams (5, 6, 7) are joined by their opposite ends (8, 8'), in a spaced manner, to transverse end beams (9, 10). The rigid walkways that are curved or have a trapezoidal geometric shape enable the formation of rigid floating structures with joints between articulated walkways, such as raft-cages for the culture of marine species, which structures have a circular, round, oval, elliptical or semicircular shape, among other geometric shapes, but not the square and rectangular shapes normally used in the technical field with this type of rigid walkway with articulated joints. The rigid walkways of the invention also improve the space of the confined culture volume, enhance the hydrodynamics of the raft-cage and make optimal use of the spaces granted under aquaculture concessions. The configuration of the raft-cages having rigid walkways that are curved or have a trapezoidal geometric shape of the present invention makes it possible to increase the size of the circular rafts normally used in the technical field, which are made of HDPE, since, given the strength of this type of rigid walkway and the articulated connection thereof, it is possible to form large circular, elliptical, oval, semicircular or round structures that ensure ease of operation and have adaptable forms but which are also very stable.

Description

[0001] STRUCTURAL ELEMENT OF CURVED PASSAGEWAY AND / OR GEOMETRIC TRAPEZOID SHAPE FOR RAFT CAGES.

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention falls within the field of aquaculture, in particular it refers to a rigid structural element for the configuration of raft cage walkways used in aquaculture, preferably corresponding to a curved rigid walkway structure and / or a trapezoidal geometric shape, which allows for the configuration of round, oval, and other geometric figures of raft cages.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A wide variety of cage designs has emerged as a result of the attempt to solve a group of objectives or needs, which involves the cultivation of fish at sea, among these objectives are the following: i- To provide a reasonably stable cage shape, to avoid situations that may stress the fish and to provide safe working conditions.

[0006] i- To provide adequate water renewal or circulation to meet the metabolic requirements of the fish and allow the circulation of waste from the cage area. iii- To absorb and / or deflect environmental forces to maintain the structural integrity of the assembly.

[0007] 1

[0008] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) iv- Provide an optimal working environment where equipment and materials can be handled expeditiously and safely. v- Maintain the position to provide a safe working position. vi- Have a low initial cost and keep operating expenses as low as possible.

[0009] A cage system exhibits dynamic behavior; forces acting on the net are transmitted to the structural frame, and similarly, forces acting on the structural frame are transferred to the mooring system. This affects the system's durability and the safety of the fish. Cage components are typically designed to be either flexible or rigid, or generally a combination of both.

[0010] Currently, although a wide range of cages are available, the most commonly used in the aquaculture industry are flexible and rigid articulated cages. Flexible floating cages utilize round plastic (HDPE) pipes, designed to allow the cage to ride the waves, adapting to their shape. As the distance between fish farms and the coast has increased, manufacturers have been compelled to design cages better suited to open-ocean conditions: larger waves, strong currents, wind, and so on.

[0011] Rigid floating cages with hinges, unlike flexible cages, are designed with sufficient structural rigidity to withstand wave action without significant deformation. They are generally constructed of structural steel and typically have a square or rectangular shape due to the structural configuration of their passageways. Buoyancy in these systems is provided by HDPE floats, either inflated or filled with expanded polystyrene, located in the cage passageways. Furthermore, the large

[0012] 2

[0013] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Most designs are intended to facilitate the handling of the fish, as well as the various operations to be carried out.

[0014] Circular HDPE cage rafts are widely used in aquaculture, particularly in Norway, for setting up fish farms. They offer a good alternative in unfavorable environmental conditions and are also very productive, as they increase the distance between cages, thus improving water exchange within them. However, when these flexible HDPE cages are built to large dimensions, they become too flexible to maintain their shape due to the type of material used in their construction, which is a disadvantage.To overcome this disadvantage, the configuration of the flexible HDPE cage should use large-diameter tubes with greater material thickness to maintain acceptable rigidity. This has the disadvantage of requiring a large amount of material, making it a very expensive structure to manufacture and implement, which limits the maximum diameter that can be manufactured in this type of circular cage.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for a structural configuration of the corridors of a cage raft that are made of a rigid material, such as metal, or a combination of rigid and flexible materials, for the configuration of corridors that have a geometry and structural shape that allows to make, form and / or configure circular, round, oval, semicircular, elliptical cage rafts, among other geometric shapes.

[0016] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to aid a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of its practical embodiment, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of the description, in which the invention has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

[0018] 3

[0019] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Figure 1.- corresponds to a top plan view of the curved rigid corridor according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 corresponds to a top perspective view of the curved rigid corridor according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 corresponds to a top plan view of the rigid corridor of trapezoidal geometric shape according to a first modality of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 corresponds to a top perspective view of the rigid corridor of trapezoidal geometric shape according to a first modality of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 corresponds to a top plan view of the rigid corridor of trapezoidal geometric shape according to a second modality of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 corresponds to a top perspective view of the rigid corridor of trapezoidal geometric shape according to a second modality of the present invention.

[0025] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The present invention relates to at least one rigid curved (1) or geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring circular, round, oval, elliptical, semicircular, among other geometric shapes, cage rafts, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, comprising a base structure (2) that is

[0027] 4

[0028] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) is configured by a structural frame comprising at least two curved side beams (5, 6) spaced parallel to each other and arranged longitudinally, according to a longitudinal axis of the base structure (2) shown by arrow X in Figure 1, wherein said curved side beams (5, 6) have a concave or convex curved configuration at a predetermined radius of curvature, and at least one curved central beam (7) have a concave or convex curved configuration at a predetermined radius, wherein the curved side and central beams (5, 6, 7) are joined at their opposite ends (8, 8') at spaced intervals to transverse end beams (9, 10), wherein said end beams,and which configure at least one articulation and joining head element (11) comprising at least one articulated and / or pivoting joining element (12) that allows pivoting or articulating connection with an adjacent curved (1) and / or rectangular and / or square and / or trapezoidal rigid corridor element. The base structure (2) further comprises at least one reinforcing element (13) that is arranged between the curved side and / or central beams (5, 6, 7), following the curvature of said curved side and central beams, joining said beams to each other, between the free spaces generated between the curved side and central beams and the transverse end beams (9, 10), as can be seen in figures 1 and 2.

[0029] This curved rigid corridor configuration (1), as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, can in a first mode form a base structure (2) that has a geometric shape of an acute trapezoid, considering that the curved lateral beam (5) corresponds to the base of the geometric shape of a trapezoid, that is, it has adjacent acute angles ayp, and in a second mode an isosceles trapezoid geometric shape, where said acute angles ayp of the base (5) have the same measure.

[0030] In a first embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the rigid walkway (1') has an acute trapezoidal geometric shape, comprising a base structure (2') configured by a frame

[0031] 5

[0032] Structural REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) comprising at least two straight side beams (5', 6') spaced parallel to each other, and arranged longitudinally, according to a longitudinal axis of the base structure (2') shown in the arrow X represented in figure 3, where the straight side beam (5') defines the base of the structure, and at least one straight central beam (7'), the straight side beams (5', 6') are joined at their opposite ends (8', 8") at spaced intervals to transverse end beams (9', 10'), where said end beams, and which configure at least one articulation and joining head element (11') comprising at least one articulated and / or pivoting joining element (12') that allow pivoting or articulating joining with an adjacent curved (1') and / or rectangular and / or square and / or trapezoidal geometrically shaped rigid corridor element.The base structure (2') also comprises at least one reinforcing element (13') that is arranged between the straight side and / or central beams (5', 6', 7'), joining said beams together, between the free spaces generated between the straight side and central beams, and the transverse end beams (9', 10'), as can be seen in figures 3 and 4.

[0033] This rigid corridor configuration (1') which has an acute trapezoidal geometric shape, as illustrated in figures 3 and 4, in a first mode can form a base structure (2') which has an acute trapezoidal geometric shape, considering that the straight lateral beam (5') corresponds to the base of the trapezoidal geometric shape, that is, it has adjacent acute angles a' and p', and in a second mode an isosceles trapezoidal geometric shape, where said acute angles a' and p' of the base (5') have the same measure.

[0034] In a second embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the rigid walkway (14) has a geometric shape of a right trapezoid, comprising a base structure (15) configured by a structural frame comprising at least two straight lateral beams (16, 17) spaced parallel to each other, and arranged longitudinally, according to a longitudinal axis of the base structure (15) shown by the arrow X.

[0035] 6

[0036] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) in figure 5, where the straight side beam (16) defines the base of the structure, and at least one straight center beam (18), the straight side beams (16, 17) are joined at their opposite ends (19, 19') at spaced intervals to transverse end beams (20, 21), where said end beams, and which configure at least one articulation and joining head element (22) comprising at least one articulated and / or pivoting joining element (23) that allow pivoting or articulating joining with a rigid corridor element (14) in the geometric shape of a trapezoid, and / or curved and / or rectangular and / or square and / or adjacent trapezoidal geometric shape.The base structure (15) also comprises at least one reinforcing element (24) that is arranged between the straight side and / or central beams (16, 17, 18), joining said beams together, between the free spaces generated between the straight side and central beams, and the transverse end beams (20, 21), as can be seen in figures 5 and 6.

[0037] This rigid corridor configuration (14) has a geometric shape of a right trapezoid, as illustrated in figures 5 and 6, that is, it has two adjacent right angles, considering that the straight lateral beam (16) corresponds to the base of the geometric shape of a trapezoid.

[0038] The angles of the heads of the curved or trapezoidal geometric base structures, as defined above, determine the diameter of the construction of the circular, oval or elliptical cages.

[0039] Preferably the beams that make up the base structures (2, 2', 25) of the rigid walkways of the present invention have a “C” shape; however, beams in the shape of a “T”, in the shape of an angle, and / or in the shape of a double “T”, i.e. open beams, can be included; however, closed beams can also be used in the structural configuration of said base structures (2, 2', 15).

[0040] 7

[0041] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) The fact that rigid curved or trapezoidal geometrically shaped walkways allow the configuration of rigid floating structures with articulated walkway connections, such as cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, in circular, round, oval, elliptical, semicircular shapes, among other geometric figures other than the square and rectangular ones that are normally configured in the technique with this type of rigid walkways with articulated connections, allows for an improvement in the confined volume of cultivation space, also improving the hydrodynamics of the cage raft, and achieving a more optimal occupation of the spaces of the aquaculture concessions.The configuration of cage rafts with rigid curved or trapezoidal geometric walkways of the present invention allows for an increase in the size of the circular rafts normally used in the technique, which are made of HDPE, since given the robustness of this type of rigid walkways and their articulated connection to each other, it is possible to form large circular, elliptical, oval, semicircular, round structures that ensure ease of operation and with flexible, yet very stable, shapes.

[0042] Although the described shape of the curved or trapezoidal geometric rigid corridor element constitutes a preferred inclusion of this invention, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise shape of the corridor element, and that changes can be made to it without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

[0043] 8

[0044] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Rigid curved walkway (1) or geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, round, circular, oval, elliptical, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a base structure (2) that is configured by a structural frame comprising at least two curved side beams (5, 6) spaced parallel to each other and arranged longitudinally, according to a longitudinal axis of the base structure (2), where said curved side beams (5, 6) have a concave or convex curved configuration in a predetermined radius of curvature, and at least one curved central beam (7) that has a concave or convex curved configuration in a predetermined radius equivalent to the radius of curvature of the curved side beams (5, 6), where the curved side and central beams (5, 6, 7) are joined at their opposite ends (8, 8') in a spaced manner to transverse end beams (9, 10). 2.- Rigid curved walkway (1) or geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said end beams configure at least one articulation and joining head element (11) comprising at least one articulated and / or pivoting joining element (12) that allows pivoting or articulated joining with an adjacent rigid curved walkway element (1) and / or rectangular and / or square and / or geometrically trapezoidal walkway.

3. A rigid curved walkway (1) or a geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, according to claims 1 and / or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the base structure (2) further comprises at least one reinforcing element (13) arranged between the curved lateral and / or central beams (5, 6, 7), following the radius of curvature of said curved lateral and central beams, joining said beams together, between the free spaces that are generated between the curved side and central beams and the transverse end beams (9, 10). 4.- Rigid curved walkway (1) or geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, according to the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the base structure (2) has a geometric shape of an acute trapezoid, considering that the curved side beam (5) corresponds to the base of the geometric shape of a trapezoid, i.e., it has adjacent acute angles a and p. 5.- Rigid curved walkway (1) or geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, according to claims 1 and / or 2 and / or 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the base structure (2) has a geometric shape of an isosceles trapezoid, in which said acute angles ayp of the base (5) have the same measure.

6. A rigid curved walkway (1) or a geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, according to the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that it has an acute trapezoidal geometric shape, comprising a base structure (2') configured by a structural frame comprising at least two parallel, longitudinally spaced straight side beams (5', 6') arranged along a longitudinal axis of the base structure (2'), where the straight side beam (5') defines the base of the structure, and at least one straight central beam (7'), the straight side beams (5', 6') being joined at their opposite ends (8', 8") at intervals to transverse end beams (9', 10'), where said end beams,and that configure at least one articulation and joining head element (1 1') comprising at least one articulated and / or pivoting joining element (12') that allows pivoting or articulating joining with an adjacent curved (1') and / or rectangular and / or square and / or trapezoidal geometrically shaped rigid corridor element. 7.- Rigid curved walkway (1) or geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the base structure (2') further comprises at least one reinforcing element (13') that is arranged between the straight lateral and / or central beams (5', 6', 7'), joining said beams together, between the free spaces generated between the straight lateral and central beams, and the transverse end beams (9', 10'). 8.- Rigid curved walkway (1) or geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, according to claims 6 and / or 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the base structure (2') has an acute trapezoidal geometric shape, considering that the straight lateral beam (5') corresponds to the base of the trapezoidal geometric shape, i.e., it has adjacent acute angles a' and p'. 9.- Rigid curved walkway (1) or geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, according to claims 6 and / or 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the base structure (2') has a geometric shape of an isosceles trapezoid, in which said acute angles a' and p' of the base (5') have the same measure.

10. A rigid curved walkway (1) or a geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, according to the present claims, CHARACTERIZED in that it has a geometric shape of a right trapezoid, comprising a base structure (15) configured by a structural frame comprising at least two straight lateral beams (16, 17) spaced parallel to each other and arranged longitudinally, according to a longitudinal axis of the base structure (15), where the straight lateral beam (16) defines the base of the structure, and at least one straight central beam (18), the straight lateral beams (16, 17) being joined at their opposite ends (19, 19') at intervals to transverse end beams (20, 21), where said end beams, and which configure at least one articulation and joining head element (22) comprising at least one articulated and / or pivoting joining element (23) that allow pivoting or articulated joining with a rigid corridor element (14) in the geometric shape of a trapezoid, and / or curved and / or rectangular and / or square and / or adjacent trapezoidal geometric shape. 11.- Rigid curved walkway (1) or geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the base structure (15) further comprises at least one reinforcing element (24) that is arranged between the straight lateral and / or central beams (16, 17, 18), joining said beams to each other, between the free spaces generated between the straight lateral and central beams, and the transverse end beams (20, 21). 12.- Rigid curved walkway (1) or geometrically trapezoidal walkway for configuring cage rafts for the cultivation of marine species, according to claims 10 and / or 11, CHARACTERIZED in that it has a geometric shape of a right trapezoid, that is, it has two adjacent right angles, considering that the straight lateral beam (16) corresponds to the base of the geometric shape of a trapezoid.

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