WO1981001539A1

WO1981001539A1 - Self-power supplied floating island

Info

Publication number: WO1981001539A1
Application number: PCT/FR1980/000171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Conde J Perez
Original assignee: Conde J Perez
Priority date: 1979-11-27
Filing date: 1980-11-27
Publication date: 1981-06-11
Also published as: GB2097340A; FR2470044A1; EP0040624A1; FI812287A

Abstract

Floating island having the shape of a flower comprised of an assembly of petal units with luxuriant vegetation, intended to be positioned at the heart of beaches and bays. It comprises hydraulic turbine units (6) which use the force of waves, plant boxes (2), a floating bar (3) at the center of the island, a floating pontoon allowing to have access from the beach to the island, a submarine tunnel allowing to look at the sea bottom, a tying system for attaching the petals to each other and holding the whole assembly towards the center. The invention may be used in all cases where a leasure installation is required. Other applications may be a maritime radio station or a lighthouse.

Description

SELF-CONTAINED FLOATING ISLAND IN ENERGY

The present invention relates to an energy autonomous floating island.

The distribution of maritime waters, the exploitation of the oceans, the creation of water bodies, the development of fluvial or marine sites and finally the intense development of nautical leisure, raise many equipment problems, one of which consists in arranging the coast or the water bodies of leisure facilities within the reach of the multitude of people being in these places. At present, and especially in high season, the beaches and bays are taken by storm by a multitude of tourists and vacationers who encounter major difficulties during the restoration or when they want to drink. Indeed, currently, the state of the art presents very little equipment for this kind of activity and 'especially on the spot, this is how people are forced to dress, to move around, doing a few times several kilometers to eat and refresh.

At present, the few drinking places on site are rare, expensive and providing poor quality, moreover, people are deprived of the site they have chosen, they must leave it to eat elsewhere, instead of stay in a pleasant environment and chosen by themselves. This is how they are forced to find the urban atmosphere with the disadvantages that this entails, such as loss of time, traffic jams, crowds, nervousness, clothing, proper attire, wasted travel costs, parking lots and other fees. In addition, various constraints, such as the respect of catering hours, dress, return to daily life, or what they have left; another problem is the displacement of children.

The present invention makes it possible to avoid all these drawbacks, in fact, it is possible to restore the summer visitors on the spot without depriving them of the environment which they have chosen without having to put back a correct and ccntrεignante outfit, in particular in hot weather, or have to respect the various urbanization rules. But on the contrary, the invention allows multiple possibilities of equipment: drinking establishment, restaurants, relaxation, navigation, boating, sailing, motor, sea, skiing, shops, nightclubs, evenings, games , leisure in general, while remaining in contact with the sea, it allows boats to dock without disturbing swimmers and avoids the creation of ports which deteriorate aquatic sites as well as accidents that may occur, it allows various activities such as shows, observation of the aquatic fauna and flora, in conditions of extreme comfort, people being on the spot in the marine environment.

It allows better and greater surveillance of the beaches, given the proximity and supervision of the environment, the layout of the island in relation to the beach or the bay. As a result, lifeguards can exercise greater surveillance of swimmers through a better strategic location. They can, in case of rescue, intervene more quickly. Indeed, one always swims towards the larg the surveillance being exerted from the floating island towards the beach, this results in a faster rescue intervention.

The invention relates to the following arrangements. The floating island is made up of petal-shaped modules made of light, resistant and non-corrosive materials such as polyester and its derivatives, aluminum, plastic or others, which are articulated between them, each module being able to be variously equipped: turbines, planters, springboards, slides, underwater tunnels, chairs, tables, berths, stools, and others. The turbine module is formed by a turbine which operates by the force of the waves according to a principle which can be assimilated to the pistons of an internal combustion engine, in fact, each turbine not being placed on the same plane nor at same level, the wave drives the propeller in rotation while waiting for the second wave and passes to the next turbine giving way to the next wave. The result is a continuous cycle that goes from wave to wave. The planter is formed of two boxes nested one inside the other, between the two, a liquid lighter than water stabilizes and corrects the movements of swell and roll of the waves also via a spring which connects the two boxes together at the bottom, as well as a peripheral membrane which connects it on the upper-outer edges thus stabilizing it; a variable pressure float keeps the tanks on the surface in a precise manner, finally the tanks are connected together by a flexible membrane which allows to absorb and assume all kinds of movements.

The floating bar is formed. a cellar in the shape of a boat hull that supports the full weight of the modular elements that form the bar counter, as well as the column and the roof. ALL the resting elements as well as the platform are easily assembled and dismountable by locking systems allowing to absorb all the movements transmitted by water.

The floating access pontoons and the floating bridge are made up of modules hinging together and making it possible to assume all the movements transmitted by the liquid element. They are covered with a non-slip coating resistant to salt air. Each floating pontoon module has at least two parallel sticks which are screwed onto the module and connected to each other by a resistant rope, thus providing an access ramp to the floating island.

The floating island has two submarine tunnels which diametrically run along the petals forming the platform of the island and which surround the bar in its center. The underwater tunnel is made of completely transparent tubes allowing people to observe and contemplate the underwater flora and fauna. Each of the entrances has sealed doors giving access to a staircase so as to be below the water level.

The fasteners are formed of flexible tubes converging towards the center which allow the articulation of the modules with each other, thus achieving the perfect articulation of the modules, circumferentially by means of wiring. peripheral which has the effect of maintaining the resultant of the forces towards the center of the island, which makes it possible to obtain an elastic, flexible, unsinkable, resistant, compact, constant and unshakable assembly in order to absorb and maintain, and d '' marry all movements of water.

All the elements which equip each module are mountable and dismountable. They are screwed onto the floating platform by means of a tapped hole and therefore they are quickly set up or removed, whether it be tables, chairs, stools, berths, slides, springboards and others.

All the components of the island will be made of light materials such as hollow molded polyester, inside which is injected foam in expanded polystirene thus becoming completely unsinkable. The materials being light and removable, they can easily be transported by road, and slide them into the water via a rolling stand.

The invention is illustrated by the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an overview according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the floating island according to the invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the floating island where the turbines can be seen.

Figure 4 is a top view according to the invention.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the floating island according to the invention.

Figure 6 is a sectional view in which we see the underwater tunnel according to the invention.

Figure 7 is an overview of the fasteners of the floating island modules according to the invention. Figure 8 is a sectional and detailed view of the fasteners relating to the floating island, according to the invention. Figure 9 is a view of a quarter of the floating island according to the invention.

Figure 10 is a view of a modular petal equipped with tables according to the invention. Figure 11 is a sectional view of a petal in which we can see tables screwed onto it, according to the invention. Figure 12 is an overview of the island covered with a roof and in which we can see the turbines on the outskirts, according to the invention.

Figure 13 is an overview of the floating island in which we can see the turbines that produce energy, according to the invention.

Figure 14 is a front and top view of the turbine according to the invention.

Figure 15 is a sectional view of the turbine according to the invention.

Figure 16 is a top view of the floating island in which we can see the floating tanks, according to the invention.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a floating container, according to the invention.

Figure 18 is a sectional view of a floating container according to the invention. FIG. 19 is a detailed view of modules making up the floating pontoon according to the invention.

Figure 20 is a sectional view of the floating pontoon which shows the action of water on the latter, according to the invention. FIG. 21 is a view of a floating bridge at the location of the breaking of the waves, according to the invention.

Figure 22 is a view of the operation of the joints and the location of its organs, showing its different possibilities according to the invention. Figure 23 is a top view of the floating bar, a sectional view thereof and an external view, according to the invention. Figure 24 is a view of the submarine tunnels in section, and from above, according to the invention.

Figure 25 is a view of a springboard and a slide, according to the invention. Figure 26 is a sectional view of the location and attachment of tables, chairs and floating stools, according to the invention.

Figure 27 is a sectional view of a mooring bollard and its fixing system on the floating platform according to the invention. Figure 28 is a view of a modular petal equipped with tables and chairs according to the invention.

Figure 29 is a caricatured view of the placement of the floating island in its geographical setting according to the invention.

Figure 30 is a view showing the means of transport of the various modules and elements of the floating island according to the invention.

FIG. 31 is a view of a rolling stand used to move the modules from the beach to the water according to the invention.

FIG. 32 is a view of the multitude of possibilities for modular construction of the floating island according to the invention. Referring to Figure 1, we see that the floating island according to the invention consists of a modular petal 1, terminated by a tank 2, in contact with the bar 3; the entire island is connected to the beach by a floating pontoon 4 where boats moor 5. Referring to Figure 2, we see by translucency of the water, the hydro turbines 6 which allow the island to be completely energy self-sufficient.

Referring to Figure 3, we see that the floating trays allow a large floating vegetation 7 can be fitted at one or the other of the ends of the modular petal. Referring to Figure 4, we see a top view of the floating island which represents a flower with circular shapes.

Referring to Figure 5, we see that the bar has a cellar 8 in the shape of a boat hull located below the water level, we also see a hydro turbine that will allow the entire island of '' be completely energy independent, supporting the entire roof, a column which includes a kitchen oven 9. We also see fixed on the platform tables 10, chairs and stools 11.

Referring to Figure 6, we see that under the water level, the island is crossed by a transparent tunnel 12 which allows to see the entire seabed.

Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the entire island is maintained, fixed by a peripheral cord 13, which connects flexible tubes 14, at the end of which a female end piece with an eye 15, allows the latter to pass inside and therefore all the modular petals are connected together and held towards the center. Referring to Figure 8, we see that the fasteners and in particular the ball joint is embedded in the interior elements 16, an elastic sleeve 17, allows the flexible bent tubes to absorb shocks. The ball joint screed 18 has an implantation axis 19 which allows it to connect the modules together.

Referring to Figure 9, we see a quarter of an island according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 10, we see a modular petal according to the invention, comprising the establishment of several tables screwed onto the latter.

Referring to Figure 11, we see a section of the modular petal to see the fixing tables.

Referring to Figure 12, we see that the island can be covered with a roof 20. Referring to Figure 13, we see an overview of the floating island in which we see the turbines that produce energy according to the invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, it can be seen that the turbine is fitted with propellers 21 and a rotating body 22.

Referring to Figure 15, we see that the turbine has an armature 23 and a coil 24 which allow it to provide electricity, moreover a rack 25 allows it to pivot to face the waves. Referring to Figure 16, we see a top view of the floating island in which we can see the floating tanks according to the invention.

Referring to Figures 17 and 18, we see that the floating container has inside a second tank 26, inside which the vegetation will be able to live and develop. Thus, the floating tank is equipped with a variable pressure float 27 making it possible to stabilize, decrease or increase the height of the level of floating on water; moreover, it is composed of a spring 28, a mat 29 and a fixing mat 30, an internal peripheral bumper 31, a membrane of the tank 32, a membrane connecting the two tanks 33 , of a stabilizing liquid 34, of an irrigation hole 35, of a fastening ring 36. Referring to FIG. 19, it can be seen that the floating pontoon comprises sticks 37, fixed on the modules of the latter by one end and by the other end a rope 38, connecting them thus creating an access ramp to the island. Furthermore, a non-slip mat 39 is glued to its outer surface.

Referring to Figures 20, 21, and 22, it can be seen that the floating pontoon is made up of articulation pieces 40, situated between each module, this may be a variant of articulation of the floating pontoon. Furthermore, another way of articulation consists in fixing the modules together by a flexible tube passing through a hinge 41, allows all the movements of the water. At the end of the floating pontoon, a bridge floating 42 allows non-disturbance when the wave breaks.

Referring to Figure 23, we see that the components of the bar counter 43, are removable and modular. The bar has a column 44 which supports the roof.

Referring to FIG. 24, it can be seen that the underwater tunnel has a staircase of descent 45.

Referring to Figure 25, we see that the modular petal has a springboard 46, and a slide 47, for the enjoyment of users.

Referring to Figure 26, there is a view of the location and attachment of tables, chairs and floating stools according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 27, we see a shock absorber placed at the end of the modular petal for boarding boats. We also see the location of a bollard 49 placed in the floating module.

Referring to Figure 28, we see the location of the tables and chairs on the floating modular petal.

Referring to Figure 29, we see a caricatural geographic view according to the invention, of the floating island in its ambient environment.

Referring to FIG. 30, we see a means of transporting modules 63.

Referring to FIG. 31, a crutch 64 is seen, comprising a spring 65 which makes it possible to damp the movements during the transport of the modular petal from the beach to the water, moreover, it is composed of a ball joint 66 which is used to steer, a wheel 67, a gente 68 and a wheel axle 69.

Referring to Figure 32 we see the multiple possibilities of realization using modular petals this is how we can make floating platforms very varied, some styles are shown in Figure 32 and numbered from 51 to 62, representing various forms of flower-shaped platforms. A possible variant of the floating island consists of having modular petals of different shapes in order to make several types of flowers or floating platforms. Another variant consists in providing for the autonomy of the island by other means than that of hydro turbines, for example, solar generators or connection to the power line of the nearest city.

The particularly interesting industrial possibilities of the inventio can be the surveillance of coasts and beaches, as well as the installation of a lighthouse allowing boats to dock more easily and thus creating the possibility of approaching coasts and disembarking passengers in ships of large tonnages and also to unload goods. In addition, the floating island being in a privileged geographical situation, it is possible to install a maritime radio station in order to better inform the boats sailing in this sector; on the other hand, it can be used for the study of the marine environment taking into account the ideal distance where it is located: diving school, underwater photographs and various equipment.

Because of its setting and its unique and pleasant environment, you can organize parties or fashion shows, shows, pigeon shooting, clay pigeon shooting, and other leisure activities in general.

Claims

1 - Energy-independent floating island in the shape of a flower with a circular structure, constituted by an assembly of floating modules with high vegetation, transportable, easily assembled and dismantled, equipped with a number of nautical and multiple-use leisure activities, among others, a drinking establishment and floating restaurants, all along the coast in the heart of the beaches and bays; the invention is particularly characterized in that it is composed of modular petals hinging together to form a huge flower which is the base of the floating island; each modular petal can be equipped with either: a hydro turbine, planters at either end, as well as springboards, slides, table chairs, stools or the like, in addition, a tunnel sailor can be embedded in the modular petal and descend below the water level, crossing the entire island and reappearing on the opposite petal.

2 - floating island autonomous in energy according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a pleurality of hydroelectric turbines providing the floating island with an autonomy in energy which it manufactures itself, the electricity and the energy of which it needs by module-turbines which use the force of the waves thus making itself entirely autonomous in energy, and that in addition, which it allows by appropriate technical means, the life and the evolution of a large flora and vegetation floating.

3 - Energy-independent floating island according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at the end of each modular petal, floating tanks specially designed to allow the life and development of a large agricultural and arboreal vegetation giving to the is a character of authenticity and truth.

4 - Energy-independent floating island according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a modular floating bar supported by its own cellar in the form of a boat hull located under the water level. The floating bar is consists of a central column inside which is a built-in pressure cooker oven, the counter is made up of modular elements which make it possible to assemble, a circular bar, the set is topped with a roof also circular .

5 - Energy-independent floating island according to claim 1, characterized in that it is connected to the beach and to the bay, by means of a modular floating pontoon articulated according to the movement of the water; at the end of this pontoon, and at the point where the wave breaks, there is a floating bridge that is also modular, which avoids the consequences of heaving and rolling of the wave.

6 - Energy-independent floating island according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two underwater tunnels making it possible to descend to people, under the water level so that they can see the underwater flora and fauna , due to its transparency.

7- energy-independent floating island according to claim 1, characterized in that it is maintained and fixed by a peripheral cord which connects flexible tubes at the end of which a female end piece with an eye, allows the latter to pass inside. , therefore all the modular petals are connected together and held towards the center. In addition, the fasteners and in particular the ball joint clevis is embedded in metallic and internal peripheral elements: an elastic sleeve allows the flexible bent tubes to absorb shocks. The ball joint clevis has an installation axis which allows the modules to be connected together.

8 - Energy-independent floating island according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the modules, plant containers, modular petals and floating pontoons consist of a metal frame embedded in the mass all around its periphery, which allows each of these modules to be rigid. Nevertheless, the joints and the common fasteners make it possible to keep the whole flexibility and suppleness over the entire surface of the island, by means of assembly and articulation of the flexible tubes. 9 - Energy-independent floating island according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made of light, resistant and non-corrosive materials such as polyester and its derivatives, alumnium, hard plastics or the like, The materials being light and removable, you can easily transport them by road, and slide them into the water using a rolling stand. All the components of the island will be made of light hollow molded materials, inside which foam expanded polystyrene is injected, thus becoming completely unsinkable. Because of their lightness they are quickly put in place or removed, can be assembled and dismantled.

10 - Energy independent floating island according to claim 1, characterized in that it allows the catering and leisure of summer visitors on site.