EP0569499B1 - Process and device for constructing a watercourse from a river - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a method for constructing a specific, though temporary, watercourse in a natural or artificial river bed. It consists in placing on the river bottom (5) a number of concrete supports (1) provided with holes (4). Elements (10) can then be placed in the river bed by driving a rod (11) located at their lower end into a corresponding hole (4). Any obstacle can then be created as required, especially if the river can be drained. Application in the construction of watercourses, in particular for canoeing and kayaking.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to aquatic activities and sports, such as canoeing and kayaking, for which rivers are used where nautical stadiums are arranged to allow the training of practitioners and the conduct of competitions.

PRIOR ART

The practice of white water sports, and more particularly canoeing and kayaking, is constantly evolving and progressing. Several types of aquatic routes are used for this purpose.

The first type is made up of natural rivers which offer a privileged setting for practitioners and which require very little development, such as beacons suspended above the river to possibly diagram a determined route in the bed of this river.

A second type of aquatic route is offered by pseudo-natural routes, which are the development of rivers using natural or concrete riprap. Indeed, the riverbed is modified by the creation of artificial volumes by means of concrete masses installed in the riverbed.

A third type of aquatic route consists of artificial rivers obtained, for example, by diverting part of the flow of a river in an artificial channel or by pumping.

These types of aquatic routes offer, for a specific river, only one flow of water from the river, determined and irremovable. In other words, the bed and the flow of the river are permanently frozen.

In addition, the development of these nautical activities is such that these white water stadiums are essential and necessary driving elements for the practice of these sports, and in particular for canoeing and kayaking.

The object of the invention is to develop a nautical course avoiding the aforementioned drawbacks and which may offer the possibility of changing the course of the flow of the river, so as to diversify the possible courses to practice on this river, while avoiding modifying the riverbed.

Furthermore, the patent document DE-A-3519168 discloses a flood protection barrier device consisting of removable elements placed in holes provided at the bottom of the body of water or of the river.

• mettre hors d'eau partiellement la rivière ;
• disposer sur le lit de la rivière, à chaque endroit où l'on désire créer un volume, au moins un socle muni de trous débouchant sur sa surface supérieure ;
• placer dans les trous du ou des socles, des éléments ayant chacun une partie dépassant des trous pour constituer lesdits volumes artificiels ; et
• remettre en eau la rivière,

de manière à créer ainsi un parcours nautique provisoire.A first main object of the invention is a method of developing a nautical course in white water, intended for nautical activities, and consisting in modifying the river bed, which must be able to be put out of water, by creating artificial volumes in the riverbed. According to the invention, it consists in proceeding according to the following steps:

• partially clear the river;
• place on the river bed, at each place where one wishes to create a volume, at least one base provided with holes opening on its upper surface;
• placing in the holes of the base (s), elements each having a part projecting from the holes to constitute said artificial volumes; and
• put the river back in water,

so as to create a provisional nautical route.

An improvement of this process consists in connecting together several vertical elements by a connecting piece to secure them and materialize larger artificial volumes.

It is also possible to connect certain elements together by an intermediate board to thereby increase the artificial volumes created by these elements.

• des socles à poser sur le lit de la rivière ; et
• des éléments fixés sur les socles et ayant une partie supérieure volumineuse pour constituer une partie des volumes artificiels dans le lit de la rivière.

The second main object of the invention is a water course in white water for water sports by modifying the bed of a river comprising:

• pedestals to be placed on the river bed; and
• elements fixed on the bases and having a voluminous upper part to constitute a part of the artificial volumes in the river bed.

The bases which may be made of concrete are preferably provided with holes on the upper surface of the base and the elements each have a rod to ensure their fixing in the holes.

In this case, the holes are through and vertical with respect to the bases.

In this embodiment, the bases each have a few feet so that these bases are raised relative to the river bed to cause circulation around and through the bases in order to clean the holes.

The upper part of certain elements may consist of a polyethylene envelope molded around the rod which extends over the entire height of the element, or of a vertical cylinder at the base of which the lower rod is fixed by means of 'a concrete sleeve.

We can thus choose the route that we wish to install by placing, beforehand, the concrete bases in certain places and by equipping them with one or more vertical elements.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the elements each consist of a vertical cylinder itself constituting the upper part at the base of which is fixed the lower rod by means of a concrete sleeve.

Advantageously, such cylinders are completed by making handling orifices in the wall of each of them and also allowing river water to enter the cylinder when the river is put back into water and to evacuate from the cylinder when putting the water out of the river.

In this embodiment, each vertical element can be completed with a round cover provided with at least one hole.

It is also possible to use multiple covers made up of several rounds, each provided with at least one hole, for placing on the top of several adjacent cylinders. This creates larger volumes.

The cylinders and covers can be either polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene.

Preferably, the holes of the bases are covered with a sheath, preferably metallic.

Preferably, the sheath has grooves on its internal surface.

Likewise, the rods have longitudinal grooves.

An improvement of the invention consists in that the upper parts of certain elements have grooves to accommodate intermediate boards thus placed between two elements and thus increase the artificial volumes created by the elements.

LIST OF FIGURES

• figure 1, en coupe, une première réalisation d'un élément et un socle du dispositif selon l'invention ;
• figure 2, en vue frontale, un assemblage de plusieurs éléments verticaux constituant un volume déterminé ;
• figure 3, une vue de dessus correspondant à la figure 2 ;
• figure 4, une deuxième réalisation d'un élément du dispositif selon l'invention ; et
• figure 5, en vue de dessus, l'utilisation des éléments de la figure 4.

The invention and its technical characteristics will be better understood on reading the detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, which follows and which is annexed to the figures representing respectively:

• Figure 1, in section, a first embodiment of an element and a base of the device according to the invention;
• Figure 2, in front view, an assembly of several vertical elements constituting a determined volume;
• Figure 3, a top view corresponding to Figure 2;
• Figure 4, a second embodiment of an element of the device according to the invention; and
• FIG. 5, in top view, the use of the elements of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The method and the device are described simultaneously in this description.

With reference to FIG. 1, the first main part of the device according to the invention consists in creating a series of bases 1, preferably made of concrete, and intended to be placed on the raft of the river bed, that is to say - say at the bottom of the latter. The main characteristic of these bases 1 is that elements 10 can be attached thereto which must constitute artificial volumes. As shown by the embodiment described, this is possible in that the bases 1 each have a series of holes 2, for example, vertical and through, on the upper surface 3 of the base in question. The fact that these holes 2 are through avoids the suction cup effect when an object is inserted or removed from these holes 2. They are preferably reinforced with a sheath which may for example be metallic 4 to increase their resistance. wear and ensure the stability of the artificial volumes created in the river.

It is also preferable to provide feet 22 below the bases 1 so that they can be raised. Indeed, if these are surrounded by water, the current can allow systematic cleaning of the holes 2 when they are through.

One can thus consider using bases 1 whose sides can vary, for example, from one to three meters. Given that these bases 1 are preferably made of concrete, the handling of these must be done by means of a crane.

The second essential element of the device according to the invention consists of a lot of elements 10, for example, vertical, which are intended to constitute an artificial volume in the river bed and to be able to divert the flow of water of the latter. To be able to be fixed in a concrete base 1, the embodiment shown provides that each element has at its lower part a fixing rod 11, the shape of which corresponds to the internal diameter of the sheath 4. It is specified in this regard that, not only the shape complementary to the interior shape of the sheath 4 (a cylindrical tube if the sheath 4 is cylindrical) can be used, but also all the shapes inscribed can be used. It is thus envisaged to use cylindrical fixing rods 11 in sleeves 4 whose internal shape is circular in which is inscribed the external surface of the rods.

In a first embodiment, and to facilitate the handling of this vertical element 10, this lower rod 11 can advantageously be produced in the form of a hollow metal profile. It is fixed to an upper part 12 of the vertical element 10 which is bulky. Indeed, it constitutes the operational part with respect to the flow of the river to be modified. The attachment of the lower rod 11 to the voluminous upper part 12 can advantageously be carried out using any connecting concrete constituting a fixing sleeve 13.

It is thus understood that it is possible, not only to equip any base 1 with one or more vertical elements 10 to constitute an artificial obstacle in the river bed, but that it is also possible to place this artificial obstacle at a desired location by placing the base 1 at the corresponding location on the bottom of the river.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, it is immediately clear that the device according to the invention makes it possible to produce any type of artificial obstacle shape in the river bed, as long as the laying of the bases 1 is possible on the bottom of it. In fact, FIG. 2 shows four vertical elements 10 placed one next to the other. Indeed, it is preferably provided that the distance between the holes 2 of the bases 1 corresponds to the diameter or to the width of the vertical elements 10. In this way, the latter, by being placed adjacent, can play the role of a dike opposite the river water.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a possible embodiment of an obstacle shown in Figure 2. Indeed, considering the edge 20 of the river, we see that the installation of one or more pedestals on the side of the bed , near this edge 20 allows to build a projection 21 consisting of eight vertical elements 10 placed so as to obtain the desired shape. This creates a diversion of the flow of the river, that is to say an artificial turning point.

The embodiment of Figure 3 shows that the holes 4 are staggered relative to the edges 20 of the riverbed. This is just a exemplary embodiment, the bases can be arranged anyhow on the bottom of the river, just as the location of the holes 2 in these bases 1 can be provided in any geometry. It is nonetheless preferable that their position and spacing make it possible to constitute compact volumes. It is also understood that if one or more bases 1 are placed in the middle of the river, it is possible to create, not only a projection of the edge 20 of the river, but an artificial island in the middle of the bed of the latter.

Returning to FIG. 1, for handling the vertical elements 10, provision is made to make at least one handling hole 14 in the wall of the upper part 12 of the vertical elements 10. It is also advantageous for these holes 14 to have a handle shape. It is thus possible to manually place the vertical elements 10 in the holes 2 of the bases 1 at the desired locations.

It should also be specified in this connection that the invention preferably applies to rivers which can be at least partially put out of water, that is to say which can be largely drained. Once the vertical elements 10 have been laid, the river can be filled with water. The handling holes 14 then allow the vertical elements 10 to remain in the bases 1 and not to float. Indeed, these fixing holes 14 allow the water to gradually enter into each of the vertical elements. The realization of the lower rods 11 by means of hollow profiles allows a possible circulation of water from the inside of the vertical elements 10 below the bases 1, if the holes 2 do not do not leak tightly onto the bottom 5 of the river. Finally, it is advantageous to provide a drain hole 19 in the bottom of the cylinder 12 to allow the water to flow out of the upper part 12, when the river is put out of water, before a possible displacement of the vertical element. This type of hole 19 can also serve as a handling hole, as soon as it has the shape.

A first preferred embodiment of the upper part 12 of the vertical elements 10 is to use relatively large cylinders. We are thinking in particular of PVC drainage pipes, that is to say polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene.

These vertical elements 10 are advantageously supplemented each with a round cover 15 placed at the top 16 of a vertical element 10. Such a cover mainly makes it possible to avoid users of the aquatic course from getting their leg or arm caught in one of the elements vertical 10. It is preferably provided at least one hole 17 passing through each of the covers 16, to allow the air to escape, during the progressive filling of the interior of the vertical elements 10 during the re-filling of the river.

In the case illustrated by Figures 2 and 3, it is advantageous to have a connecting piece such as a multiple cap 18 consisting of individual round covers secured to each other. Such a multiple cap 18 makes it possible to stiffen the structure created by several adjacent vertical elements 10.

The single or multiple covers can also be made of the same material as the upper part 12 of the vertical elements 10, in this case PVC or polyethylene.

The weight of such a vertical element can then be around sixty kilograms for a size of the order of one meter fifty to two meters. Such vertical elements 10 can withstand a difference in water level on either side of the vertical element equal to one meter. It is therefore understandable that it is possible to constitute rapid local currents and diversions of the flow of the river to simulate obstacles and situations of high difficulty on an aquatic course, such as rapids.

It has been specified that this preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the lower rod 11 of the vertical elements 10 is a cylindrical rod and that the corresponding holes 2 are also. This is only an embodiment, these two elements being able to have different but corresponding shapes.

Likewise, the section of the vertical elements 10 may not be cylindrical, but square or of a shape more or less suitable for the configuration of the obstacle that it is desired to create. They can, in particular, have the complementary shape of the bank of the river opposite the place where they are placed to allow an obstacle to be in intimate contact with it and thus prevent the flow from skirting the bank .

Referring to Figure 4, a second preferred embodiment of the elements consists mainly of molding a synthetic material, such as polyethylene, around a large rod 25 extending over the entire height of the element. This constitutes a vertical element having an envelope 2 which can have any shape. It is thus possible to mold a large number of different obstacles in order to obtain a relatively complete set of obstacles to achieve a varied course.

In this Figure 4, the rod 25 is shown with longitudinal grooves 28. This can facilitate the introduction of the rods 25 into the holes, or the sheath of the holes, When there is a little soil or sand inside of these. This ease of assembly can also be obtained by making grooves on the internal surface of the sleeves placed in the holes. To allow the handling of these elements 10, lower grooves 26 may be provided at the bottom of the polyethylene casing 23. It is thus possible to arrange beads 27 in the upper part of these lower grooves 26 to constitute grips.

On the other hand, with reference to FIG. 5, it is advantageous to make large longitudinal grooves 31 over part or over the entire height of several elements 10 so that an intermediate board 30 can be inserted therein. It is thus possible to constitute a connection between two elements 10 so as to offer additional possibilities for the formation of various obstacles. Boards intermediaries 30 can have different heights so as to constitute either a complete obstacle vis-à-vis a boat, or a kind of weir to cause a rapid.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The method and the device according to the invention make it possible to have adaptable furniture which can be placed not only in running water, but in a simple body of water. Such a whitewater stadium using this type of obstacle offers a whole range of possibilities for variations in flow favorable to users. This type of equipment in fact makes it possible to overcome certain drawbacks which the bed of a river presents at a particular location by occasionally making a passage too difficult for users. Conversely, it is thus possible to create artificial difficulties in the bed of a river which usually does not present major difficulties for experienced users.

In addition, the obstacles are movable, thus making it possible to vary the currents and the movements of the water of the same river in the same place.

In addition, the elements of the device can be easily standardized. However, it should be noted that the height of the vertical elements 10 can be very variable, depending on the level of the river water or the type of obstacle that it is desired to create.

The aquatic routes thus created can possibly be accessible to practitioners of all levels, when they are associated with variations in river flow.

Finally, by its removable nature, the invention makes it possible to remove all the elements from the river after their use, so as to restore this river with its initial natural bed. However, it must be clarified in conclusion that the invention is particularly well suited to artificial river arms which have been constructed beforehand, for example as a diversion from any arrangement installed on or by the river, such as a dam. .

Other embodiments are possible, the concept of the invention residing in the fact of fixing elements on bases placed at the bottom of the river to be developed.

Claims (20)

1. Method for providing an aquatic passage in running water and intended for nautical activities and consisting of modifying the bed of a river which needs to be able to be drained by creating artificial volumes (21) in the bed by means of the following stages:

   - partially draining the river,

   - disposing on the bottom (5) of the river bed at each location where it is desired to create an artificial volume at least one base provided with holes (2) opening onto the upper surface (3) of the base,

   - placing, in the holes (2) of a base or bases (1), elements (10) each having one voluminous portion (12) which goes past the holes (2) so as to constitute the artificial volumes (21), and

   - refilling the river,

   so as to create a temporary nautical passage.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of interconnecting several elements (10) by a linking piece (18) for rendering integral these elements (10) and materializing the artificial volume.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it consists of interconnecting certain elements (10) by means of an intermediate board (30) so as to thus increase the artificial volumes created by said elements (10).
4. Device for providing an aquatic passage in running water and in particular for nautical sports by modifying the bed of a river and including:

   - bases (1) to be placed on the river bed; and

   - elements (10) secured to the bases (1) and having one voluminous upper portion (12) so as to constitute a portion of the artificial volumes (21) in the river bed.
5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the bases (1) are made of concrete.
6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the bases (1) are provided with holes (2) on the upper surface (3) of the base (1) and in that each element (10) is provided with a rod (11, 25) so as to secure them into the holes (2).
7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the holes (2) are through holes and vertical with respect to the bases (1).
8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the bases (1) are each provided with several feet (22) so that the bases (1) are lifted up with respect to the river bed in order to provoke a circulation around and through the bases (1) for the purpose of cleaning the holes (2).
9. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the upper portion (23) of certain elements is constituted by a polyethylene casing moulded around the rod (25) which extends over the entire height of the element.
10. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the upper portion (12) of certain elements (10) is constituted by a vertical cylinder at the bottom of which is secured the lower rod (11) by means of a concrete sleeve (13).
11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the upper portion (12) of each vertical element (10) is equipped with handling holes (14) making it also possible for water to penetrate into the cylinder when the river is refilled and be removed from the cylinder when the river is drained.
12. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that it includes for each cylinder a round cover (15) provided with at least one hole (10).
13. Device according to claim 10 or 12, characterized in than it includes multiple covers (18) each constituted by several rounds provided with at least one hole (17) for placing on the top (16) of several adjacent cylinders (10).
14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the cylinders and covers (15, 18) are made of PVC.
15. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the cylinders and covers (15, 18) are made of polyethylene.
16. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the holes (2) of the bases (1) are covered with a sheath (4).
17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the sheath (4) is metallic.
18. Device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the sheath (4) has grooves on its internal surface.
19. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the rods (2, 25) have longitudinal grooves (28).
20. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the upper portions (29) of certain elements (10) have grooves (31) for accommodating intermediate boards (30) placed between two elements (10) and thus increasing the artificial volumes created by the elements (10).

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