Floating transparent bridge module

Abstract

The invention relates to pontoon bridges and floating bridges, in particular to a floating transparent bridge. The proposed floating bridge module includes a floor made of transparent elastic material; at least two pontoons made of transparent inelastic or semi-elastic material; at least two mutually rigidly connected trusses; and tensioning mechanisms connecting the trusses to the pontoons and ensuring tensioning of the floor, which is attached to the pontoons at the level of their waterline, along its entire length and width; wherein the tensioning mechanisms include a movable connecting element, which is designed to provide longitudinal movement of the pontoon relative to the truss. Such a design creates a unique optical and kinetic experience for users - a feeling of moving directly on the water surface.

Description

[0001] Floating transparent bridge module

[0002] Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The invention relates to pontoon bridges and floating bridges, in particular to a floating transparent bridge that provides users with a unique optical and kinetic experience - the feeling of moving directly on the surface of the water.

[0004] Prior Art

[0005]

[0002] Various floating structures, such as pontoon bridges, footbridges and movable bridges, are known to be used as temporary or permanent solutions for crossing water bodies.

[0006]

[0003] A floating bridge [1] is known, which comprises beams supported by pontoons acting as floating supports, and in which controllable horizontal vibration damping means are provided for both the beams and the pontoons, thereby reducing the vibration of the bridge structure under the influence of wind or waves. This structure uses fin elements in the pontoons and U-shaped water tanks in the beams to achieve an optimal vibration damping effect, ensuring stable and controlled operation of the floating bridge.

[0007]

[0004] There is known a transparent bridge [2], which comprises a cube-shaped structure of tempered glass, on the lower surface of which a bubbler, a fogger for generating smoke or an ultrasonic transducer for generating water vapour may be mounted. The lower surface may also be equipped with a mirror and an LED lighting system, which may be controlled by a wired switch or wirelessly using a smartphone.

[0005] There is known a floating pontoon bridge [3], which comprises a movable floating bridge section which is connected to a fixed platform or an adjacent pontoon bridge. This movable section is connected longitudinally to a guide system comprising guide rails and guide rods. The connection between the movable and fixed parts provides longitudinal movement, allowing the configuration and connection of the bridge to be adjusted. The guide system is formed by round tubes with open slots, in which guide rods are inserted, which are connected to the movable pontoon. Disclosure of the Invention

[0008]

[0006] The aim of the invention is to create a floating transparent bridge module that allows a person to get a realistic feeling that the walk is taking place directly on the water surface. To achieve this aim, the proposed floating bridge module includes a floor made of transparent flexible material that provides visual contact with the water and allows to achieve the effect of an "invisible" floor; at least two pontoons made of inelastic or semi-elastic material (preferably also transparent); the pontoons are arranged essentially parallel to each other and serve as the main supports of the floating bridge; at least two mutually rigidly connected trusses; and tensioning mechanisms that connect the trusses to the pontoons and ensure tensioning of the floor along its entire length and width; the tensioning mechanisms are adapted to control the flexibility of the floor and the draft of a person when walking on the bridge. The floor is secured to the pontoons essentially at the waterline level of the pontoons, ensuring that during walking it (or at least the majority of the floor) maintains continuous contact with the water surface. Such a design creates the illusion that a person is moving directly on the water, without using visible support structures. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the floor has folded edges (at least two edges corresponding to the longest dimensions of the floor), which form attachment points for the pontoons and ensure the prevention of water ingress. The tensioning mechanism includes an upper element attached to the truss; a lower element attached to the pontoon and a movable connecting element, which is designed with the possibility of interconnecting the attached upper and lower elements and, if necessary, ensuring controlled longitudinal movement of the pontoon relative to the truss.

[0009]

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pontoon structure is designed such that the pontoons have a fin located substantially at or near the waterline, taking into account the total weight of the structure and the user.

[0010]

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and efficient interconnection of several modules of a transparent floating bridge. To achieve this object, the floating transparent bridge modules are equipped with hinged joints that provide a flexible and secure interconnection of the modules, allowing adaptation to fluctuations in the water surface and ensuring structural stability. The hinged joints are arranged between the modular pontoons in such a way as to maintain the floor level and guarantee the continuity of the bridge, forming structures of the desired length and configuration according to the conditions and requirements of the particular water body. The hinged joints may be equipped with an adjustable element that is designed to allow for a controlled adjustment of the length of the hinged joint and thus adjust the distance between the bridge modules.

[0011] Brief Description of Drawings

[0012]

[0009] Fig. 1 is an axonometric view of a floating transparent bridge module;

[0013] Fig. 2 - a left-hand view of a floating transparent bridge module, showing the location of the floor level attachment in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0014] Fig. 3 - a cut-out of Fig. 2 with an enlargement, showing the attachment of the tensioning mechanism to the pontoon;

[0015] Fig. 4 - a cut-out of Fig. 2 with an enlargement, showing the folded edge of the transparent flexible floor;

[0016] Fig. 5 - a cross-section of a part of the pontoon, showing an example of securing the edge of the floor to the pontoon using a rubber element;

[0017] Fig. 6 - a cut-out of Fig. 1 with an enlargement, showing the fixation of the transparent flexible floor to the pontoon with a fin;

[0018] Fig. 7 - a general view of two interconnected floating transparent bridge modules;

[0019] Fig. 8 - a connection of two floating transparent bridge modules according to one embodiment of the invention, axonometric view;

[0020] Fig. 9 - a connection of two floating transparent bridge modules according to one embodiment of the invention, preview.

[0021]

[0010] As shown in Figs. 1-2, the proposed floating transparent bridge module (1) includes: a one-piece floor (2) made of a transparent flexible material; at least two pontoons (3, 4) made of a non-flexible or semi-flexible transparent material and arranged substantially parallel to each other, forming a support for the floating bridge module (1); at least four tensioning mechanisms (10) connected to the pontoons (3, 4), which in turn are connected to the floor (2); at least two mutually rigidly connected trusses (30, 31) attached to the tensioning mechanisms (10). The floor (2) is attached to the pontoons (3, 4) essentially at the waterline (40) level of the pontoons (3, 4) (Fig. 2), so to take into account the expected total load of the entire structure of the module (1), ensuring constant contact of the floor (2) with the water surface.

[0022] [Oil] The tensioning mechanisms (10) are designed to controllably move the pontoons (3, 4) in the longitudinal direction closer or further apart from each other, fixing the respective position of the pontoons (3, 4) relative to the trusses (30, 31), thereby ensuring uniform and continuous tension of the floor (2) along its entire length and width. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention (Fig. 3), the tensioning mechanism (10) includes an upper element (11) attached to the truss (30 or 31); a lower element (12) attached to the pontoon (3 or 4) and a movable connecting element (13), which is designed to interconnect the attached upper and lower elements (11, 12) and ensure longitudinal movement of the pontoon (3, 4) relative to the truss (30, 31).

[0012] The movable connecting element (13) may be, for example, a threaded screwlike mechanism with at least one rotatable screw, which, when rotated, causes linear movement of the pontoon (3, 4). The movable connecting element (13) may also be in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, which ensures the longitudinal movement of the pontoon (3, 4) by applying an adjustable hydraulic force; or a gear and rack mechanism, where the rotation of the gear causes the linear movement of the pontoon (3, 4) along the rack.

[0023]

[0013] The floor (2) may be made of polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer or other suitable materials, possibly with embedded reinforcing elements, such as reinforcement, which ensures the mechanical resistance of the floor (2) to dynamic and static loads, while maintaining its flexibility and transparency. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the floor (2) may have folded edges (20), for example as shown in Fig. 4. According to a preferred embodiment, the floor (2) has two folded edges (20) corresponding to its longest dimensions. The edges of the floor (20) maybe secured to the pontoons (3, 4) using rubber elements (21) or an equivalent flexible material (as an interconnecting or fastening component between the edges of the floor (20) and the pontoons (3, 4)) - Fig. 5. Such a construction provides a flexible connection that allows the pontoons (3, 4) to move relative to each other and to the floor (2) without causing damage to the floor (2). The folded edges of the floor (20) may form attachment points for the pontoons (3, 4) and ensure the prevention of water ingress.

[0024]

[0014] The pontoons (3, 4) are made of inelastic or semi-elastic transparent or semitransparent material and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. They may be made of polycarbonate or a similar transparent and durable material, such as acrylic glass or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The pontoons (3, 4) may also be equipped with reinforcing elements, such as reinforcement According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pontoons (3, 4) may be provided with a fin (41) - Figs. 6-7, which is positioned substantially at the waterline (40) of the pontoons (3, 4) and simultaneously serves as a support for securing the floor (2). According to another embodiment of the invention, the pontoons (3, 4) may be formed of two parts - an upper and a lower part, which are interconnected along the perimeter by appropriate fasteners or connecting elements; in this case, the fin (41) may be formed from protrusions or ribs formed at the connection points of the pontoons (3, 4), which simultaneously ensure mutual fixation of the upper and lower parts of the pontoons. The fin (41) may be formed from protrusions or ribs formed at the connection points of the pontoons (3, 4), which simultaneously ensure mutual fixation of the upper and lower parts of the pontoons (3, 4) and perform the function of the fin (41).

[0025]

[0015] The trusses (30, 31) maybe made of metal or composite material, which provides an equivalent strength-to-weight ratio, as well as structural stability and durability. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the trusses (30, 31) are positioned between the pontoons (3, 4) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the pontoons (3, 4) (Fig. 1). The trusses (30, 31), for example, may be lattice (consisting of several interconnected rods), box-shaped (forming a closed crosssection), triangular, plate-shaped (consisting of one or more flat plates), or hybrid type.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 7, the invention provides the possibility of interconnecting several floating transparent bridge modules (1), creating floating bridges ofthe desired length and configuration according to the needs of use and the specifics of the water body. The bridge modules (1) can be interconnected by two hinge joints (50) - Figs. 8 - 9, where the first pontoon (3) of one module (1) is connected to the first pontoon (3) of the second module (1), and the second pontoon (4) of the first module (1) is connected to the second pontoon (4) of the second module (1), ensuring a flexible connection that adapts to fluctuations in the water surface and maintains the integrity of the floor (2). According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hinge joint (50) may include an adjustable element (55) (e.g., a threaded element) configured to allow for controlled adjustment of the length of the hinge joint (50) and thus adjust the distance between the bridge modules (1).

[0026]

[0017] Such a floating transparent bridge module (1) offers an innovative and aesthetically appealing solution for the entertainment and tourism industry, providing a unique opportunity to enjoy a walk on the water surface. The proposed structure is suitable for use in calm waters, such as artificial water bodies, canals, small lakes or coastal areas without waves. The invention is not intended for use in areas with large waves, rapid water flow or intense ship traffic.

[0027] References

[0028] 1. JPH1181232A.

[0029] 2. KR20140138534A

[0030] 3. CN206616445U.

Claims

Claims1. A floating transparent bridge module (1), comprising: a one-piece floor (2); at least two pontoons (3, 4) made of inelastic or semi-elastic material and arranged substantially parallel to each other, forming a support for the floating bridge module (1); at least four tensioning mechanisms (10) connected to the pontoons (3, 4), which in turn are connected to the floor (2); at least two trusses (30, 31) attached to the tensioning mechanisms (10); characterised in that the trusses (30, 31) are rigidly connected to each other, and the floor (2) is made of elastic transparent material and is secured to the pontoons (3, 4) substantially at the waterline (40) of the pontoons (3, 4), so to take into account the expected total load of the entire structure of the module (1), ensuring constant contact of the floor (2) with the water surface; wherein the tensioning mechanisms (10) are designed with the possibility of moving the pontoons (3, 4) in the longitudinal direction closer or further from each other, thus ensuring uniform and continuous tension of the floor (2) along its entire length and width.

2. The floating transparent bridge module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the floor (2) has at least two folded edges (20) corresponding to its longest dimensions; the folded edges (20) form attachment points for the pontoons (3, 4) and ensure the prevention of water ingress, wherein the edges of the floor (20) are secured to the pontoons (3, 4) using rubber elements (21) or equivalent flexible materials, ensuring a flexible connection and relative movement of the pontoons (3, 4) with respect to the floor (2).

3. The floating transparent bridge module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pontoons (3, 4) are provided with a fin (41), which is positioned substantially at the waterline (40) level of the pontoons (3, 4) and simultaneously serves as a support for securing the floor (2).

4. The floating transparent bridge module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tensioning mechanism (10) comprises an upper element (11) attachable to the truss (30, 31); a lower element (12) attachable to the pontoon (3, 4) and a movable connecting element (13) which is designed to interconnect the attachable upper and lower elements (11, 12) and to provide longitudinal movement of the pontoon (3, 4) relative to the truss (30, 31).

5. The floating transparent bridge module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trusses (30, 31) are positioned between the pontoons (3, 4) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the pontoons (3, 4).

6. The floating transparent bridge module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor (2) is made of a transparent elastic material with reinforcement, which ensures the mechanical resistance of the floor (2) to dynamic and static loads, while maintaining its elasticity and transparency.

7. The floating transparent bridge module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pontoons (3, 4) are made of a transparent or semitransparent material, optionally with reinforcement8. A floating transparent bridge, characterized in that it comprises at least two interconnected floating transparent bridge modules (1) according to any one of claims I to 7.

9. The floating transparent bridge according to claim 8, characterized in that the floating transparent bridge modules (1) are interconnected by two hinge joints (50), where the first pontoon (3) of one module (1) is connected to the first pontoon (3) of the second module (1), and the second pontoon (4) of the first module (1) is connected to the second pontoon (4) of the second module (1), providing a flexible connection that adapts to fluctuations in the water surface and maintains the integrity of the floor (2).

10. A floating transparent bridge according to claim 9, characterized in that the hinge joint (50) comprises an adjustable element (55) which is designed to allow a controlled adjustment of the length of the hinge joint (50) and thus to adjust the distance between the bridge modules (1).

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