US20220096952A1

US20220096952A1 - Floating track

Info

Publication number: US20220096952A1
Application number: US17/035,785
Authority: US
Inventors: Jose Lopez Rivas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-29
Filing date: 2020-09-29
Publication date: 2022-03-31
Also published as: WO2022070054A1

Abstract

A floating track used for holding competitions and other sporting events with aquatic vehicles, mainly water karts, comprising, a floating barrier that defines and delimits the layout of the track on the surface of the water, made up from the successive connection of a multitude of floating modular parts that are coupled together, having an elongated elliptic shape and have, on their respective short ends some perforations aligned so that by ensuring the overlapping of a first end of a part with a contiguous second end of another part, these perforations fit together, with the possibility of being assembled and dismantled with different layouts as required in each case.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The field of application of this invention is framed within the section of the industry dedicated to the manufacturing of water sport installations, focusing particularly on the area of the floating aquatic tracks.

Description of Related Art

As a reference to the current state of the art, although other types of tracks are known for the realization of water sports events, it is unknown at least by the applicant, the existence of any that presents the technical and structural characteristics equal or similar to those that the one claimed herein presents.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention, refers to a floating track that contributes, in the use for which it was designed, advantages and characteristics that are described in detail later, and supposes an improvement of the actual state of the art.
More specifically, the purpose of the invention is focused on an installation of a floating track, used eminently for the holding of competitions and other sporting events with aquatic vehicles, mainly water karts, which is distinguished, essentially, by being comprised by a floating demarcation barrier, that defines the layout of the track on the surface of the water, made from the successive connection of a multitude of modular parts specifically designed for the purpose, ease of assembly and dismantling as well as modification of the layout according to the requirements of each case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to complement the description that is being made and for the purpose of aiding a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied by, as an integral part thereof, a set of plans in which, as an illustration and not limited to this, the following has been represented:

FIGS. 1 and 2. They show a perspective view, taken from different viewpoints, lower in FIG. 1 and higher in FIG. 2, of an example of realization of the floating track of the invention, noting its general configuration and the principal parts and elements that it includes.

FIGS. number 3 and 4.—They show with a perspective view and a top plan view, respectively, an example of the realization of one of the many long modular parts that make up the floating demarcation barrier of the track, subject of the invention, noting their configuration.

FIGS. number 5 and 6.—They show a cross-sectional view, according to the A-A and B-B cuts indicated in FIG. 4, showing the internal configuration of the long modular part that makes up the floating barrier of the track of the invention.

And FIGS. 7 and 8.—They show a top plan view and perspective view, respectively, of an example of the many short modular parts that make up the floating demarcation barrier of the of the track of the invention, noting their configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The floating track that the invention proposes, as noted previously, is an installation of a floating track, used eminently for the holding of competitions and other sporting events with aquatic vehicles, mainly water karts, which is distinguished, essentially, by being comprised by a floating demarcation barrier, that defines the layout of the track on the water surface, made from the successive connection of a multitude of modular parts specifically designed for the purpose, advantageously permitting an easy assembly and dismantling of said barrier, as well as great versatility to vary or modify its layout, as required according to the needs of each case.
For this reason, more specifically, these modular parts, manufactured in floating plastic material or similar, have on their ends a series of perforations aligned so that they are apt for the insertion of some anchor shafts that ensure their mutual coupling, so that the parts can be successively joined to form a floating barrier on each side of the route as planned.
In addition, preferably, both ends of each part are designed to respectively fit in a male-female manner, favoring a safer connection.
Optionally, depending on the position of the connection shaft in each connection between the contiguous pieces, this connection can be fixed, that is, without the possibility of lateral movement, or mobile, that is, with certain capacity of relatively lateral movement, towards one side or the other, between both parts, so the barrier can be adapted batter to the possible movements of the water.
In each case, the floating demarcation barrier, preferably, is composed of a series of long parts, of approximately 4 meters in length, that are incorporated in the straight sections of the layout, and a multitude of short pieces, of approximately 1 meter in length, which are incorporated in the curved section of the track, allowing the creation of more or less closed curves, as required or desired.
In addition, with the purpose of keeping connected the respective sides, interior and exterior of the floating demarcation barrier, the incorporation of a series of arches that are made up of polyethylene tubes and that carry a metallic support piece attached to the barriers where the arch is placed. These arches are intended, apart from beautifying the circuit, to hold the consecutive numbers from 1 to 7 or number of arches that are installed according to the size of the circuit. There is also an intermediate floating piece provided for this purpose, so that, in addition to serving to support these arches, it separates the circuit layout into channels or tracks for the different participants.
Furthermore, optionally, these arches also serve as a support element for the incorporation of lighting sources, that can be for advertising or aesthetics, as well as having a functional nature, in order to show information on the event or to light sections if the event is produced at night or in conditions of low natural light.
In any case, these means, preferably, are made up of a LED panel coupled to the structure of the arch.
Additionally, the track also has another series of elements and services to facilitate the realization of the competition events in which it is used in each case, among which stand out, at least, the following:

- A mooring platform, used to tie up the participating water vehicles.
- An access platform, used to facilitate access of the participants from the land to the mooring platform.
- A series of marquees, to protect the different participating teams from the sun.
- A kiosk that serves as an information desk.
- Distinctive banners distributed throughout the track.
- Delimiting fences that impede access to certain areas.
- Buoys
- Buoy fastening systems and, occasionally, to fasten parts of the demarcation barrier of the layout.

Also, the track considers electronic equipment for time control, sound, remote control system, as well as a business management and customer loyalty software.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

In view of the cited figures, and in accordance with the numeration adopted, an example of realization, but not limited to it, of the floating track of the invention, which makes up what is indicated and is described in detail below.
Thus, as noted in these figures, the track (1) referred to includes, at least, a floating barrier (2) that defines and delimits the layout of the track on the water surface, which is comprised of two parallel lines, one interior and another exterior, from the successive connection of a multitude of floating modular parts (3, 3′) that are coupled together with the possibility of being able to be assembled and dismantled with different layouts as required in each case.
For this coupling, the modular parts (3, 3′), preferably manufactured in plastic material, have a long shape and have, in their respective ends (3 a, 3 b), some perforations (4) aligned so that, by ensuring the overlapping of a first end (3 a) of a part (3, 3′) with a contiguous second end (3 b) of another part (3, 3′), these perforations (4) fit together, allowing the insertion of an anchor shaft (not shown) that ensures their mutual coupling, so that multiple parts (3, 3′) can be connected successively until forming one side or the other of the route of the layout of the floating barrier (2) as has been planned.
Preferably, each end (3 a, 3 b) of each part (3, 3′) has two perforations (4) aligned on the longitudinal axis (e) of the part, in a way that if both perforations (4) are fixed, the connection is fixed and if only one perforation (4) is fixed, it can present a certain degree of lateral rotating movement towards one side or the other between the contiguous parts (3, 3′).
Also, preferably, both ends (3 a, 3 b) of each part (3, 3′) are designed to fit together respectively in a male-female connection. Specifically, preferably, a first end (3 a) presents an upper and lower step (5) that defines a central section (6) of lesser thickness than the rest of the part (3, 3′), and a second end (3 b) presents a central box (7) of such a dimension that the central section (6) of the first part (3 a) fits tightly into it.
In any case, the floating demarcation barrier (2), preferably, comprises long parts (3), of approximately 4 meters in length, shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, that are incorporated in the straight sections of the layout, and short parts (3′), of approximately 1 meter in length, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, that are incorporated in the curved sections of the track, allowing making more or less closed curves, as required or desired.
Preferably, the long parts (3) and the short ones (3′), which present the same described coupling means and connection, have holes (8) to reduce weight. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, preferably, the cross-sectional view of the parts (3, 3′) presents rounded sides (31) of greater thickness with respect to a central reduced area (32) used to provide stability to the part on the water surface.
Furthermore, the track (1) of the invention also includes the incorporation of arches (9) that, made out of semicircular metallic structures, are used to keep the lines of the interior and exterior sides of the floating demarcation barrier (2) together. To do this they are fastened on their ends between parallel parts (3) of both sides of the barrier (2) or, between these and an intermediate floating part (3″) provided for this purpose.
Preferably, the ends of the arches (9) are fastened in the holes (8) to reduce the weight of the parts (3) that make up the floating barrier (2).
Preferably, at least some of these arches (9) incorporate lights (10), which, preferably, are made by a LED panel connected to the arch structure.
In addition, the track (1) also includes other traditional elements, such as:

- A mooring platform (11), for the participating water vehicles.
- An access platform (12), so the participants may access from the land to the mooring platform (11).
- Marquees (13) formed by collapsible metallic structures with canvases for the participating teams.
- Information kiosk (14).
- Distinctive banners (15).
- Bordering fences (16) to impede access to certain areas.
- Buoys (17)

It also includes fastening system (not shown) of the buoys (17) and of the parts (3, 3′) of the floating demarcation barrier (2) and electronic equipment to control time, sound, remote control, and software for business management and customer loyalty.
Having sufficiently described the nature of this invention, as well as the manner to put it into practice, it is not considered necessary to extend its explanation further so that any expert in the matter may understand its scope and the advantages that are derived from it, stressing that, within its essentiality, other forms of realization can be carried out that differ in detail from that indicated as an example, and to which the protection being sought would also extend as long as its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

1. A floating track used for holding competitions and other sporting events with aquatic vehicles, mainly water karts, comprising,

a floating barrier that defines and delimits the layout of the track on the surface of the water, made up of two parallel walls, one interior and the other exterior, made from the successive connection of a multitude of floating modular parts that are coupled together with the possibility of being assembled and dismantled with different layouts as required in each case.

2. The floating track according to claim 1, wherein the modular parts have an elongated elliptic shape and have, on their respective short ends some perforations aligned so that by ensuring the overlapping of a first end of a part with a contiguous second end of another part, these perforations fit together, allowing the insertion of an anchor shaft that ensures their mutual coupling, so that multiple parts can be connected successively until forming one side or the other of the wall of the layout of the floating circuit as has been planned.

3. The floating track according to claim 2, wherein the short end of each modular part has two perforations aligned on the longitudinal shaft of the part, in a way that if both perforations are fastened, the connection is fixed and if only one perforation is fastened, it can present a certain degree of lateral rotating movement towards one side or the other between the contiguous parts.

4. The floating track according to claim 2, wherein both ends of each modular part are designed to fit together respectively in a male-female connection.

5. The floating track according to claim 4, wherein of the short ends of the modular pieces a first end presents a recess that defines a central section of lesser thickness than the rest of the part, and a second end presents a central groove of such a dimension that the central section of the first part fits tightly into it.

6. The floating track according to claim 1, wherein to form the track there are long modular pieces that are incorporated in the straight sections of the layout, and short modular pieces that are incorporated in the curved sections of the layout.

7. The floating track according to claim 6, wherein the long modular pieces are between 3.5-5 meters in length and the short modular pieces are between 0.5-2 meters in length.

8. The floating track according to claim 1, wherein the modular pieces of the floating barrier are manufactured in a plastic material.

9. The floating track according to claim 1, wherein it includes arches pieces made out of semicircular metallic structures, to keep the lines of the interior and exterior sides of the floating demarcation barrier together.

10. The floating track according to claim 9, wherein the arches are fastened at their ends between parallel parts of both sides of the barrier.

11. The floating track according to claim 9, wherein the arches are fastened by their ends between parallel parts of both sides of the walls and an intermediate floating part provided for this purpose.

12. The floating track according to claims 9 to 11, wherein the arches incorporate lights.

13. The floating track according to claim 12, wherein the lights are made by a LED panel connected to the arch structure.

14. The floating track according to claim 1, wherein the floating barriers have an alternation of colors.

15. The floating track according to claim 1, wherein the alternation of colors red and white.