Floating system and method for constructing a floating system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floating system (100) comprising a plurality of floating units (110) comprising a plurality of floating elements (120), first connecting elements (130), second connecting elements (140), first tie rods (150), second tie rods (160), third tie rods (170), a main frame (180), intermediate supports (190), and support elements (200), the floating system (100) further comprising, optionally, additional connecting elements (300), wherein each floating unit (110) comprises one or more main elements (111) stacked on top of one another, each main element (111) comprising an internal space (111-1) and at least two diametrically opposed openings (111-2). The present invention further relates to a method for constructing a floating system (100).

Description

[0001] FLOATING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING A FLOATING SYSTEM

[0002] Field of application

[0003]

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of floating devices or structures, in particular floating devices or structures formed from and / or comprising elements of recycled materials and reused materials.

[0004] Introduction

[0005]

[0002] The present invention relates to a floating system comprising a set of unusable automotive tires and discarded empty and sealed plastic packaging (with internal air retention), where the tires, which then have a structural and aggregating function for the plastic packaging, are joined and mechanically and / or chemically fixed to each other in a modular way, and each retains the plastic packaging embedded in its internal spaces of its own shape, creating a new compact element comprising tires and packaging, whose combined densities are less than the volume of water they displace when immersed, subsequently providing the necessary buoyancy to the floating system.

[0006]

[0003] In this way, a floating system is provided that is capable of providing a solution applicable to stationary and movable floating bodies and structures, allowing for stable and durable flotation, with low installation and maintenance costs, scalable to support even large and heavy floating installations on water, using in its composition highly available and low-cost materials, with low environmental impact in its preparation or processing and extreme resistance to temporal degradation.

[0004] Furthermore, the floating system proposed here provides a useful reuse option for disposables without the need for processing for recycling, requiring no energy expenditure or other costs for sophisticated equipment, being limited exclusively to the use of simple labor, thus also incorporating a strong social aspect and benefiting workers who make a living from the urban collection of these materials, and throughout the manufacturing process, there is no type of polluting emission into the environment nor consumption of any type of energy.

[0007]

[0005] The present invention also relates to a method of constructing a floating system.

[0008] State of the art

[0009]

[0006] Currently, several solutions are known in the state of the art that aim to provide flotation to the structures of work equipment, lasers, power generation, research, events, logistics, agricultural systems, etc....always having greater or lesser buoyancy, natural water absorption of the materials that compose them, their restricted characteristics of chemical and mechanical resistance, useful life, modularity, direct and indirect environmental impacts and, most importantly, final construction, transport, installation and maintenance costs, nowadays steel tanks, fiberglass structures, new and discarded plastic and metal drums from their original function, hollow cement blocks, EPS blocks (expanded polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam®), blocks of other expanded polymeric foams, watertight metal or polymeric pipes and / or tanks, tree trunks, the plastic packaging itself gathered separately in bags or nets, etc., are used for this purpose.All of these existing options have varying degrees of limitations and are invariably costly when used in large-scale, heavy projects. They are also sometimes economically unfeasible and lack scalability for industrial / commercial, urban, and / or agricultural purposes.

[0010]

[0007] An example is the Brazilian patent document number BR112020017155, entitled FLOATING TYPE SOLAR POWER GENERATION EQUIPMENT STAGE DEVICE, which discloses and describes, according to its abstract, a floating type solar power generation equipment stage device, comprising a carrier and a plurality of floating collars. The carrier is made of a hard material and has an outer frame portion in a horizontal direction and a connecting bar arranged in the center of the outer frame portion. Furthermore, according to the abstract of BR112020017155, the outer frame portion is vertically arranged with a plurality of connecting columns in the form of a straight strip downwards and an adjustment portion to adjust the stage's flotation is arranged on the carrier.Each of the plurality of floating collars is a hollow floating ring, and its center has a sleeve hole into which the connecting column can be inserted so that the floating collars can be arranged vertically up and down on the connecting column and the stage can be floated in the water with vertical flotation, with a water flow spacing between the vertically arranged floating collars.

[0011]

[0008] The solution described in BR112020017155 is limited in its application in relation to the static load supported by the proposed structure. Furthermore, the hollow rings described are inner tubes of tires, usually made of flexible rubber, which are sensitive to special adhesives and, especially, extremely sensitive to more robust fastening elements such as screws and nuts that, if used, will require complex sealing as they pass through the tube walls. Finally, the solution in BR112020017155 requires structural sleeves and columns.

[0012]

[0009] Another example is the solution disclosed by Chinese patent document number CN201923886, entitled ECOLOGICAL FLOATING ISLAND, which discloses and describes, according to its abstract, an ecological floating island comprising a floating island structure and a floating plant bed fixed to the floating island structure. The floating island structure includes pipes and elbows; the pipes and elbows are mutually assembled to form the floating island structure, and sealed empty plastic bottles are filled into the pipes. Because the floating island structure is made of pipes filled with empty plastic bottles, when the pipes are damaged by strong impact and filled with water due to loss of watertightness, the floating island structure still has extremely high buoyancy and cannot sink.

[0013]

[0010] The solution described in CN201923886 requires the use of pipes and elbows, i.e., plastic materials with reduced resistance to weathering and solar radiation. In addition, fixing the pipes together and tying the bottles is complex, and the proposed structure has limitations regarding the load that can be applied to the netting that makes up its floor.

[0014]

[0011] As can be inferred from the aforementioned documents, there is a demand for a floating system that functions as a buoyancy agent, combining as many advantageous characteristics as possible for supporting solid structures to be maintained on the surface of water, such as low density for greater load-bearing capacity, maximum permeability against rain and zero permeability of the submerged parts in water, long service life, ease of transport to installation sites, stable behavior (not very reactive to the surface dynamics of the environment), low environmental impact in its production, chemical inertness and, above all, low cost, which would solve the problems of the state of the art which, as noted, is characterized by not bringing together all the main characteristics adjusted in a single device that offers the best cost-benefit ratio.that also allows for easy adaptation to any type of fixed or mobile structure for leisure, services, research, etc., and that, in addition, has high resistance to weathering and adverse conditions associated with circumstances such as those described above, and also contributes to mitigating an inevitable environmental liability of modern life with regard to tires and plastic packaging discarded as unusable after use.

[0015] Objectives of the invention

[0016]

[0012] One of the objectives of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a floating system, in accordance with the characteristics of claim 1 of the attached claims.

[0017]

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for constructing a floating system, according to the characteristics of claim 13 of the attached claims.

[0018]

[0014] Other features and details of the features are represented by the dependent claims.

[0019] Brief description of the figures

[0020]

[0015] For a better understanding and visualization of the object of the present invention, it will now be described with reference to the attached figures, representing the technical effect obtained through an exemplary embodiment that is not limiting the scope of the present invention, in which, schematically:

[0021] Figure 1a: Shows a side view of a floating unit comprising a main element, according to the invention;

[0022] Figure lb: Shows a top view of Figure la;

[0023] Figure 2a: Presents a side view of Figure 1a, representing the internal space of the floating unit filled with floating elements, according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 2b: Shows a top view of Figure 2a;

[0025] Figure 3a: Shows a side view of a floating unit comprising a plurality of main elements connected to each other by means of connecting elements fixed to the main elements by means of fastening elements (113), according to the invention;

[0026] Figure 3b: Shows a top view of Figure 3a;

[0027] Figure 4a: Shows a side view of a floating unit comprising a plurality of main elements connected to each other by means of adhesive fastening elements, according to the invention;

[0028] Figure 4b: Shows a side view of a floating unit comprising a plurality of main elements directly connected to each other by means of screws and nuts, according to the invention;

[0029] Figure 5: Presents a top view of the plurality of floating units associated with each other, in a first direction, by means of initial connecting elements;

[0030] Figure 6: Shows a top view of the floating units from Figure 5 aligned in a first direction and crossed by a first tie rod;

[0031] Figure 7: Presents a top view of the plurality of floating units from Figure 6, aligned in a first direction and associated with each other, in the second direction, by means of secondary connecting elements; Figure 8: Presents a top view of the plurality of floating units from Figure 7 comprising, in the second direction, overlapping tie rods;

[0032] Figure 9: Presents a top view of the plurality of floating units from Figure 8 framed by a main frame;

[0033] Figure 10: Presents a top view of the plurality of floating units of Figure 7 comprising a plurality of additional tie rods;

[0034] Figure 11: Shows a side view of Figure 10;

[0035] Figure 12: Shows a front view of Figure 10;

[0036] Figure 13: Shows a top view of the plurality of floating units from Figure 10, partially covered with support elements; Figure 14: Shows a top view of Figure 13, fully covered with support elements, representing a completed floating system;

[0037] Figure 15: Shows a side view of Figure 11, representing people on the floating system; Figure 16: Shows a top view of a plurality of floating systems of Figure 11, representing people and objects arranged on the floating system; Figure 17: Shows a top view of Figure 11 including lateral restraint elements; and Figure 18: Shows a side view of Figure 17. Detailed description of the invention.

[0038]

[0016] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the present invention are represented, by way of non-limiting illustration. These embodiments are described in such a way as to allow a person skilled in the art to reproduce their results. Other embodiments resulting from structural, mechanical, logical, electrical and electronic changes are possible and can be carried out without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description should therefore not be understood in a restrictive or limiting manner.

[0039]

[0017] The present invention relates to a floating system (100) and to a method of constructing a floating system (100).

[0040] System

[0041]

[0018] The floating system (100), according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, comprises:

[0042] i. at least one floating unit (110); ii. a plurality of floating elements (120);

[0043] Ui. first linking elements (130);

[0044] iv. second linking elements (140);

[0045] V. first tie rods (150);

[0046] vi. second tie rods (160);

[0047] VU. additional tie rods (170);

[0048] VÜi. main frame (180)

[0049] ix. intermediate supports (190);

[0050] X. supporting elements (200);

[0051] xi. possibly and optionally, additional connecting elements (300);

[0052] xii. possibly and optionally, side retaining elements (400).

[0053]

[0019] As can be seen especially in Figures 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b, each floating unit (110) comprises at least one main element (111) comprising an internal space (111-1) in which one or more floating elements (120) are arranged which impart buoyancy to the floating unit (110).

[0054]

[0020] The main elements (111) are preferably, but without limitation to the invention, used and / or discarded automotive tires, which may be tires from passenger vehicles, utility vehicles, trucks, tractors, harvesters and the like.

[0055]

[0021] The floating elements (120) are preferably, but without limitation to the invention, used and / or discarded containers and / or bottles, crushed or not, but always fitted with caps to keep the air trapped inside. The floating elements (120) are containers and / or bottles made of synthetic material and fitted with caps, wherein the bottles are usually beverage bottles with their body made of synthetic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other material known in the state of the art such as polypropylene, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, ABS, etc., and their caps made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or other material known in the state of the art. The floating elements (120) are arranged inside the main elements (111) so as to fill the largest possible volume of the internal space (111-1) of the main elements (111).

[0056]

[0022] According to the application, expected static and dynamic loads, place of use, weather conditions, dimensioning and geometry of the floating system (100), among other design characteristics, said floating system (100) may comprise one or more floating units (110), wherein each floating unit (110) may comprise one or more main elements (111), wherein the grouping, arrangement and fixing of both the main elements (111) to each other and of the respective floating units (110) to each other may be carried out individually or modularly, which is one of the many innovative and inventive features of the invention.

[0057]

[0023] It should also be noted that, depending on the application and the other characteristics mentioned above, the floating system (100) may include vertical retention elements to ensure the permanence of the floating elements (120) within the internal spaces (111-1) of the main elements (111). These vertical retention elements may be screens, nets, bags and even the floating system’s own construction elements (100), such as, for example, the tie rods themselves (150, 160, 170).

[0058]

[0024] In a non-limiting example of the preferred embodiment of the invention, as can be seen especially in Figures 3a and 3b, the main elements (111) are grouped on top of each other by stacking, preferably, but without limiting the invention, in a concentric manner for better use of the internal spaces (111-1), wherein the main elements (111) are associated with each other by means of association elements (112) fixed to the main elements (111) by means of fastening elements (113), wherein the association elements (112) are arranged, preferably, but without limiting the invention, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stacked main elements (111).Although the example of the preferred embodiment of the invention refers to three stacked main elements (111), it is clear that the number of main elements (111) used in each floating unit (110) may vary according to the above explanation regarding the demands of each project. Furthermore, depending on the application, the main elements (111) may be stacked in a non-concentric manner.

[0059]

[0025] The connecting elements (112) may be, for example, but without limitation to the invention, recycled or non-recycled strips and / or straps made of metal or other suitable material, recycled or not, such as, for example, metal alloys, composite materials, synthetic materials, wood and the like. The fastening elements (113) may be screws and nuts, including or not washers or support elements known from the prior art, as well as clamps, nails, pins, adhesives and other fastening elements suitable for fixing the connecting elements (112) to the main elements (111).

[0060]

[0026] Each floating unit (110) may comprise one or more connecting elements (112) and their respective fastening elements (113), it being preferred, but without limiting the invention, to use at least two diametrically opposed connecting elements (112) and their respective fastening elements (113) for each floating unit (110).

[0061]

[0027] It should be noted that, in addition to the connecting elements (112) being able to be fixed to the main elements (111) by means of fastening elements (113) in the form of, for example, adhesives, the main elements (111) can be fixed directly to each other by means of fastening elements (113) in the form of adhesives, dispensing with the use of connecting elements (112), as can be seen especially in Figure 4a. It should also be noted that the fixing of the main elements (111) directly to each other can also be done by means of screws and nuts, as can be seen especially in Figure 4b, or even by other suitable fastening elements already described.

[0062]

[0028] For the construction of the floating system (100), as can be seen especially in Figures 5 to 15, the adjacent floating units (110) are associated with each other, in a first direction (D1), by means of the first connecting elements (130) and respective fixing elements (113), and, in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1), by means of the second connecting elements (140) and respective fixing elements (113). The first connecting elements (130) can be fixed to the main elements (111) using the upper main elements (111) and / or the lower main elements (111) and / or the intermediate main elements (111) of adjacent floating units (110).Here too, the connecting elements (130, 140) may be, for example, but without limiting the invention, recycled or non-recycled strips and / or belts made of metal or other suitable material, recycled or not, such as, for example, metal alloys, composite materials, synthetic materials, wood and the like, while the fastening elements (113), in turn, must comply with the characteristics already described in this document. It should be noted that adjacent floating units (110) may be associated with each other by means of the connecting elements (130, 140) and respective fastening elements (113), for example, in the form of adhesive. In addition, adjacent floating units (110) may be associated with each other directly by means of fastening elements (113) in the form of adhesives or even by means of screws and nuts, as described above with regard to the fastening of the main elements (111) to each other.

[0063]

[0029] For the connection of the floating units (110) to each other, first tie rods (150) and second tie rods (160) may be used, wherein, for this purpose, one or more of the main elements (111) of each floating unit (110) comprise at least two diametrically opposed openings (111-2).

[0064]

[0030] The first tie rods (150) are elongated elements of preferably polygonal cross-section which, preferably, but without limiting the invention, pass through, in a first direction (D1), one or more of the main elements (111) of adjacent floating units (110) aligned side by side in this first direction (D1), passing through the main elements (111) of the stack of main elements (111) of each floating unit (110) through the openings (111-2). It should be noted that the first tie rods (150) may also comprise circular, oval, elliptical and other possible shapes. The first tie rods (150) may be, for example, but without limiting the invention, made of wood, recycled or not, and / or made of metal or other suitable material, recycled or not, such as, for example, metal alloys, composite materials, synthetic materials and the like.As already mentioned, one or more first tie rods (150) may be used that pass through the openings (111-2) of one or more main elements (111) of adjacent floating units (110).

[0065]

[0031] The first tie rods (150) can be fixed to one or more of the main elements (111) of adjacent floating units (110) without passing through one or more of the main elements (111). This fixing can be done by means of fastening elements (113) in the form of adhesives or by means of screws and nuts, as described above with regard to the fixing of the main elements (111).

[0066]

[0032] The second tie rods (160) are elongated elements with a preferably polygonal cross-section arranged, in a second direction (D2), on adjacent floating units in this second direction (D2), perpendicular to the first direction (D1), being fixed to the first tie rods (150) by means of fastening elements (113) in the overlapping region between the second tie rods (160) and the first tie rods (150). It should also be noted here that the fastening elements (113) may be bolts and nuts, including or not washers or support elements known from the state of the art, as well as clamps, nails, pins, adhesives and other fastening elements suitable for fixing the second tie rods (160) to the first tie rods (150).

[0067]

[0033] The third tie rods (170) are elongated elements with a preferably polygonal cross-section arranged, in a first direction (D1), under the ends of the second tie rods (160) and fixed to the ends of the second tie rods (160) by means of fastening elements (113) and, in a second direction (D2), over the ends of the first tie rods (150) and fixed to the ends of the first tie rods (150) by means of fastening elements (113). It should be noted that the third tie rods (170) may also comprise circular, oval, elliptical and other possible cross-sections, but must have a shape compatible with the shape of the first tie rods (150) and the second tie rods (160).The third tie rods (170) may, for example, but without limiting the invention, be made of wood, recycled or not, and / or made of metal or other suitable material, recycled or not, such as, for example, metal alloys, composite materials, synthetic materials and the like. The fastening elements (113) must comply with the characteristics already described in this document.

[0068]

[0034] The main frame (180) is an element of preferably polygonal shape and preferably polygonal cross-section, comprising lateral edges (181) in both the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2), wherein the main frame (180) to which the ends of the through tie rods (150) and the ends of the second tie rods (160) are fixed by means of fastening elements (113) already described. It should be noted that the main frame (180) may also have a circular, oval or elliptical shape and its cross-section may also be circular, oval, elliptical and other possible shapes, but must have a shape compatible with the shape of the first tie rods (150) and the second tie rods (160).The main frame (180) may, for example, but without limiting the invention, be made of wood, recycled or not, and / or made of metal or other suitable material, recycled or not, such as, for example, metal alloys, composite materials, synthetic materials and the like.

[0069]

[0035] The intermediate supports (190) are elements that serve to compensate for the height difference between the first tie rods (150) and the second tie rods (160), being arranged between the ends of the tie rods (150, 160) and the main frame (180), the intermediate supports (190) and, consequently, the tie rods (150, 160), being fixed to the main frame (180) by means of fastening elements (113), in which the fastening elements (113) must comply with the characteristics already described in this document.

[0070]

[0036] The supporting elements (200) are elements in the form of rigid and / or flexible plates that form a floor or base for supporting and / or receiving structures, materials, people, animals, equipment, etc. that will be placed on the floating system (100), and may be formed by several plates or by only one plate that covers the entire upper inner surface of the main frame (180), and may be fixed onto the first tie rods (150), the second tie rods (160) and the third tie rods (170) by means of the fastening elements (113) already described above. The supporting elements (200) may be, for example, but without limiting the invention, made of wood, recycled or not, and / or made of metal or other suitable material, recycled or not, such as, for example, metal alloys, composite materials, synthetic materials and the like, capable of supporting the load to be applied to the floating system (100).Furthermore, the supporting elements (200) can be manufactured in the form of sandwich structures, to provide greater rigidity to the upper useful surface of the floating system (100). It should also be noted that the supporting elements (200) should preferably be able to retain sunlight and other weather conditions, which protects the floating units (110), the floating elements (120) and other structural elements located under the supporting elements (200), protecting them and increasing their service life.

[0071]

[0037] A floating system (100) can also be coupled to one or more floating systems (100) by means of additional connecting elements (300) preferably arranged on the edges of the main frames (180) of adjacent floating systems (100), as can be seen especially in Figure 16. The additional connecting elements (300) can be, for example, but without limiting the invention, made of wood, recycled or not, and / or made of metal or other suitable material, recycled or not, such as, for example, metal alloys, composite materials, synthetic materials and the like, capable of supporting the load to be applied to the coupled floating systems (100).

[0072]

[0038] Finally, the floating system (100) may also comprise lateral retention elements (400) associated with the main frame (180), as can be seen in Figures 17 and 18, which serve as a barrier for retaining any additional materials to be placed on the support elements (200), such as, but not limited to, sand, natural and / or synthetic granules and other materials suitable for customizing the floating system (100). It should be noted that a barrier of this type can also be obtained by means of a main frame (180) that has a greater height capable of laterally retaining any additional materials to be placed on the support elements (200).

[0073] Method

[0074]

[0039] A method of constructing a floating system (100), according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, comprises constructing a floating system (100) comprising one or more floating units (110) comprising a plurality of floating elements (120), first connecting elements (130), second connecting elements (140), first tie rods (150), second tie rods (160), third tie rods (170), main frame (180), intermediate supports (190), support elements (200), and the floating system (100) optionally comprising additional connecting elements (300) and / or lateral retaining elements (400).

[0075]

[0040] The method of constructing a floating system (100) comprises:

[0076] A) Form a floating unit (110) comprising:

[0077] Aa) Stack two or more main elements (111);

[0078] Ab) To connect the stacked main elements (111) together by means of connecting elements (112) fixed to the main elements (111) by means of fastening elements (113);

[0079] Ac) Provide, in at least one of the main elements (111), at least two diametrically opposed openings (111-2); and

[0080] Ad) Arrange a plurality of floating elements (120) inside the main elements (111) in order to fill the largest possible volume of an internal space (111-1) of the main elements (111);

[0081] B) Form a floating unit (110) comprising:

[0082] Ba) Connect the adjacent floating units (110) together in a first direction (Dl) by means of first connecting elements (130) and respective fixing elements (113);

[0083] Bb) To connect adjacent floating units (110) together in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1), by means of second connecting elements (140) and respective fixing elements (113); Bc) To pierce and / or arrange first tie rods (150) in a first direction (D1), through the openings (111-2) or directly in one or more of the main elements (111) of adjacent floating units (110) aligned side by side in this first direction (D1);

[0084] Bd) Fix the second tie rods (160) to the first tie rods (150) by means of fastening elements (113) in the overlapping region between the second tie rods (160) and the first tie rods (150);

[0085] Be) Place third tie rods (170), in a first direction (Dl), under the ends of the second tie rods (160); Bf) Fix the ends of the second tie rods (160) to the third tie rods (170) by means of fastening elements (113), in the first direction (Dl);

[0086] Bg) Place third tie rods (170), in the second direction (D2), over the ends of the first tie rods (150); Bh) Fix the ends of the first tie rods (150) to the third tie rods (170) by means of fastening elements (113), in the second direction (D2);

[0087] Bi) Place intermediate supports (190) on the ends of the first tie rods (150) and the second tie rods (160);

[0088] Bj) Place a main frame (180) over the intermediate supports (190);

[0089] Bk) Fix the main frame (180) to the intermediate supports (190) and to the ends of the through tie rods (150) and to the ends of the second tie rods (160) and by means of fastening elements (113);

[0090] BI) Arrange and fix one or more support elements (200) on the first tie rods (150), the second tie rods (160) and the third tie rods (170) on the upper inner surface of the main frame (180);

[0091] C) Optionally, one or more lateral retaining elements (400) may be associated with the main frame (180); D) Optionally, the floating system (100) may be coupled to one or more floating systems (100) by means of additional connecting elements (300) preferably arranged on the edges (181) of the main frames (180) of adjacent floating systems (100); and

[0092] E) Optionally, additional connecting elements (300) can be attached to the edges (181) using fastening elements (113).

[0093]

[0041] It should be noted that one or more of the steps in the method of constructing a floating system (100) may be performed in a sequence different from that described above, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, one or more of the steps in the method of constructing a floating system (100) may be replaced or adapted, according to the embodiments described, for example, but without limiting the invention, by using only one main element (111) for each floating unit (110), the use of adhesives, etc., as described previously.

[0094] Conclusion

[0095]

[0042] The main elements (111), in the form of unusable tires, are filled inside the natural cavity (internal space (111-1)) and also in the center of diameter where the wheel rim is normally attached, with empty plastic bottles (floating elements (120)) closed with their respective caps, making them watertight, forming an “enclosure” preventing them from dispersing by the buoyant power both upwards and to the sides, concentrating in this assembly inverted potential energy, which determines the useful load-bearing capacity.By joining each set of these main elements (111) into scalable modules formed by the floating units (110), both vertically (tires stacked and fixed to each other) and arranged laterally, these quantities of floating units (110) will be formed according to the weight and specific buoyancy needs demanded by each structure to be kept in a floating state at the levels in relation to the water surface required in each project.

[0096]

[0043] Important peculiarities to consider when choosing materials to build a floating system (100) are the origins and intrinsic properties of tires and plastic packaging, both having in common that they originate from highly concerning waste from an environmental perspective, the reason for numerous environmental norms and laws throughout the civilized world, and also their notorious and remarkable permanence as waste to be consumed passively and naturally, which is at least 400 years. This is even under the sun, whose ultraviolet and infrared rays are the main degrading agents of their material composition, and that these rays will be far from the installations of this solution that we present here, since they will be in the shade and in the water, thus further increasing the 400 years predicted for the deterioration time.To this characteristic of these two components, we add the high buoyancy capacity of plastic bottles, combined with the high mechanical resistance against shocks and sudden movements that tires provide, even when in very deteriorated condition compared to their original state.

[0097]

[0044] That being said, the floating system (100) described herein can be used in a wide variety of floating structures or platforms, for people (PE) and / or objects (OB), such as general nautical support decks, events, beaches and / or artificial islands, photovoltaic and solar panels, wind energy capture towers, houses, buildings, inns, shipyards, logistics transshipment, etc.

[0098] Final considerations

[0099]

[0045] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the concepts set forth in the description above. Such modifications should be considered as falling within the scope of the present invention. Consequently, the particular embodiments described in detail above are merely illustrative and exemplary and not limiting as to the scope of the present invention, to which the full extent of the appended claims and of any and all equivalents thereof should be given.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Floating system, characterized by comprising: i. a plurality of floating units (110); ii. a plurality of floating elements (120); Ui. first linking elements (130); iv. second linking elements (140); V. first tie rods (150); vi. second tie rods (160); VÜ. third tie rods (170); VÜi. main frame (180) ix. intermediate supports (190); and X. supporting elements (200); wherein each floating unit (110) comprises one or more main elements (111) stacked one on top of the other, each main element (111) comprising an internal space (111-1) and at least two diametrically opposed openings (111-2).

2. Floating system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the main elements (111) are associated with each other by means of associating elements (112) fixed to the main elements (111) by means of fastening elements (113).

3. Floating system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the floating elements (120) are arranged inside the main elements (111) filling the volume of the internal space (111-1) of the main elements (111).

4. Floating system, according to claim 1, characterized by adjacent floating units (110) being associated with each other, in a first direction (D1), by means of the first connecting elements (130) and respective fastening elements (113) and, in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1), by means of the second connecting elements (140) and respective fastening elements (113).

5. Floating system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connecting elements (130) can be fixed to the main elements (111) using the upper main elements (111) and / or the lower main elements (111) and / or the intermediate main elements (111) of adjacent floating units (110).

6. Floating system, according to claim 1, characterized by the first tie rods (150) passing through, in a first direction (Dl), one or more of the main elements (111) of adjacent floating units (110), passing through the upper main elements (111) of the stack of main elements (111) of each floating unit (110) through the openings (111-2).

7. Floating system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the second tie rods (160) are arranged, in a second direction (D2), on adjacent floating units (110) in this second direction (D2), perpendicular to the first direction (D1), being fixed to the first tie rods (150) by means of fastening elements (113) in the overlapping region between the second tie rods (160) and the first tie rods (150).

8. Floating system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the third tie rods (170) are arranged, in a first direction (D1), under the ends of the second tie rods (160) and fixed to the ends of the second tie rods (160) by means of fastening elements (113) and, in a second direction (D2), over the ends of the first tie rods (150) and fixed to the ends of the first tie rods (150) by means of fastening elements (113).

9. Floating system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the main frame (180) comprises lateral edges (181) in both the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2), in which the main frame (180) is fixed to the ends of the through tie rods (150) and the ends of the second tie rods (160) by means of fastening elements (113).

10. Floating system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate supports (190) are disposed between the ends of the tie rods (150, 160) and the main frame (180), the intermediate supports (190) and the tie rods (150, 160) being fixed to the main frame (180) by means of fastening elements (113).

11. Floating system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support elements (200) are fixed onto the first tie rods (150), the second tie rods (160) and the third tie rods (170) by means of the fastening elements (113).

12. Floating system, according to claim 1, characterized in that a floating system (100) can be coupled to one or more floating systems (100) by means of additional connecting elements (300) preferably arranged on the edges (181) of the main frames (180) of adjacent floating systems (100).

13. Method for constructing a floating system, characterized by comprising the construction of a floating system (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: A) Form a floating unit (110) comprising: Ae) Stack two or more main elements (111); Af) To connect the stacked main elements (111) together by means of connecting elements (112) fixed to the main elements (111) by means of fastening elements (113); Ag) Provide, in at least one of the main elements (111), at least two diametrically opposed openings (111-2); and A) Arrange a plurality of floating elements (120) inside the main elements (111) so as to fill the largest possible volume of an internal space (111-1) of the main elements (111); B) Form a floating unit (110) comprising: Ba) Connect the adjacent floating units (110) together in a first direction (Dl) by means of first connecting elements (130) and respective fixing elements (113); Bb) Connect the adjacent floating units (110) together in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1), by means of second connecting elements (140) and their respective fixing elements (113); Bc) To pass through and / or place first tie rods (150), in a first direction (Dl), through the openings (111-2) or directly in one or more of the main elements (111) of adjacent floating units (110) aligned side by side in this first direction (Dl); Bd) Fix the second tie rods (160) to the first tie rods (150) by means of fastening elements (113) in the overlapping region between the second tie rods (160) and the first tie rods (150); Be) Place third tie rods (170), in a first direction (Dl), under the ends of the second tie rods (160); Bf) Fix the ends of the second tie rods (160) to the third tie rods (170) by means of fastening elements (113), in the first direction (Dl); Bg) Place third tie rods (170), in the second direction (D2), over the ends of the first tie rods (150); Bh) Fix the ends of the first tie rods (150) to the third tie rods (170) by means of fastening elements (113), in the second direction (D2); Bi) Place intermediate supports (190) on the ends of the first tie rods (150) and the second tie rods (160); Bj) Place a main frame (180) over the intermediate supports (190); Bk) Fix the main frame (180) to the intermediate supports (190) and to the ends of the through tie rods (150) and to the ends of the second tie rods (160) and by means of fastening elements (113); BI) Arrange and fix one or more support elements (200) on the first tie rods (150), the second tie rods (160) and the third tie rods (170) on the upper inner surface of the main frame (180); C) Optionally, the floating system (100) may be coupled to one or more floating systems (100) by means of additional connecting elements (300) preferably arranged on the edges (181) of the main frames (180) of adjacent floating systems (100); and D) Optionally, additional connecting elements (300) can be attached to the edges (181) using fastening elements (113).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized by further comprising, possibly and optionally, an additional step comprising: E) Optionally, one or more side retaining elements (400) can be attached to the main frame (180).

15. Method according to claim 13, characterized by further comprising, possibly and optionally, additional steps comprising: F) Coupling the floating system (100) to one or more floating systems (100) by means of additional connecting elements (300) preferably arranged on the edges (181) of the main frames (180) of adjacent floating systems (100); and G) Attach the additional connecting elements (300) to the edges (181) by means of fastening elements (113).

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