WO2012038763A1

WO2012038763A1 - Buoys

Info

Publication number: WO2012038763A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/051806
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Alan Fairhurst
Original assignee: Global Plastic Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-24
Filing date: 2011-09-23
Publication date: 2012-03-29
Also published as: GB201016065D0

Abstract

A kit of parts for forming a buoy (1), the kit comprising a plurality of bodies, the bodies (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, 14) being shaped and sized so as to interchangeably interengage one another. Two structural bodies of a first kind (12a, 12b) may be able to mate with coupler bodies of a second kind (13a, 13b). The structural bodies may have a plurality of external faces (16); each face being defined by a plane passing through the axis of the body, such that for a given distance along the axis, all points on the face (16) form a line parallel to the plane and perpendicular but spaced from the axis; and have an internal skin (28)of conical or frustoconical shape coaxial with the axes and touching each external face (16).

Description

BUOYS

This invention relates to a kit of parts for forming a buoy, such as may non-exclusively be used in maritime navigation, a structural unit for the construction of a buoy, a buoy formed of the kit of parts , and a method of forming a buoy.

Buoys used as navigational aids are well know. By providing an indication of the location of a maritime channel or obstruction, they can safely guide the experienced seaman through potentially hazardous waters. A standard system of lateral, cardinal and other marks has been set up by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities to standardise the meaning of such buoys in two different regions . Buoys are generally formed as large welded steel bodies. This is a complex and time consuming procedure, which it has been desired to simplify. It is also desirable to provide a more lightweight and stable buoy. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for forming a buoy, the kit comprising a plurality of bodies , the bodies being shaped and sized so as to interchangeably interengage one another. Thus, a buoy can be built up from an interchangeable set of parts . The number of parts required to manufacture a range of buoys can be reduced, thus simplifying manufacture.

Whilst the bodies may be able to mate with each other, there may be a plurality of bodies of a first kind and a plurality of bodies of a second kind, the bodies of a second kind being able to mate at least two bodies of the first kind, but with the bodies of the first kind typically not being able to mate with each other, and the bodies of the second kind typically not being able to mate with other. As such, the bodies of the second kind can be used to mate the bodies of the first kind.

This is especially convenient where the bodies of the first kind are provided in differing sizes, which have different matings with the bodies of the second kind. Bodies of the second kind can be provided which mate with, on the one hand, a body of the first kind of a first size, and on the other hand, a body of the first kind of second size different to the first size. Bodies of the second kind can also be provided that mate with at least two bodies of the first kind of the same size. Thus, a buoy having bodies of the first kind of various sizes mated together by appropriate bodies of a second kind can be built up. A buoy of a desired size and profile can therefore be made.

Each of the bodies of the first and second kind may have two parallel mating faces on opposite sides of the body. By having the mating faces parallel, a linear structure can be built up. The bodies of the first and second kind may each define an axis perpendicular to the mating faces, the axes being coaxial when the bodies of the first and second kind are mated.

The mating faces of the bodies of the first kind may cooperate with the mating faces of the second kind. Typically, one of the mating faces will comprise a male part and the other of the mating faces will comprise a female part. In one embodiment, the bodies of the first kind may have mating faces with a male part, whereas the mating faces of the bodies of the second kind may have a female part, although the converse may be true.

The bodies of the first kind may be structural, in that they have a substantially (say at least twice, or at least three or four times) greater depth between the mating faces than the bodies of the second kind, which may simply act to mate the various bodies of the first kind.

The kit may comprise a core onto which at least some of the bodies can be attached. The core may be formed of a metal material, such as steel, particularly to give the buoy thus formed sufficient strength.

The bodies may comprise at least one flotation body, forming at least part of a flotation collar that can surround the core; typically, a plurality of flotation bodies will form the flotation collar. The flotation bodies may be filled with foam material, typically closed-cell polyurethane foam, for buoyancy's sake.

The flotation bodies may have an indent in their outline, such that, when assembled around the core, the flotation bodies define between them a passage. This passage is useful for forming a fairlead tube, allowing communication with such devices located below the waterline such as data logging devices, such as wave height, sea temperature, location or direction monitors or so on.

The core may comprise a mating face for the bodies of either the first or second kind, typically the first kind. The core may also provide a location for winching of an assembled buoy. At least some of the bodies of the first kind may have a plurality of external faces ; each face may be defined by a plane passing through the axis of the body, such that for a given distance along the axis, all points on the face form a line parallel to the plane and perpendicular but spaced from the axis. This includes the case where the faces are planar. As such, the external surface of these bodies may be polygonal in cross section perpendicular to the axis. The bodies with the external faces may also have an internal skin of conical or frustoconical shape coaxial with the axes and touching each external face. This will strengthen these bodies .

Typically, each of the bodies with external faces will have eight faces, although any other convenient number (typically even) is possible. Typically, the bodies of the first kind will be rotationally symmetric.

The bodies may comprise signalling or lighting bodies , provided with such lights or navigation symbols that are required in order for the buoy to convey such messages as may be desired. These bodies will typically be of the first kind, but may also be of the second kind.

The bodies of the first kind may be provided with a door for internal access . The door may extend across an external face of the body of the first kind, and so be provided with an edge. This can improve the structural rigidity of the door.

The bodies of the first and second kind may be made of rotationally moulded plastic material, such as a polyethylene or polyethylene compound.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provide a body for the construction of a buoy, the body having a pair of parallel mating faces for engagement with other bodies , the body having an axis and a plurality of external faces; each face defined by a plane passing through the axis of the body, such that for a given distance along the axis , all points on the face form a line parallel to the plane and perpendicular but spaced from the axis, the body having an internal skin of conical or frustoconical shape coaxial with the axes and touching each external face. Such bodies are particularly strong. Typically, the body will have eight faces, although any other convenient number (typically even) is possible. Typically, the body will be rotationally symmetric.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a buoy formed of parts forming the kit of the first aspect of the invention. By selecting the bodies as the manufacturer sees fit, a buoy can be generated with the desired height (and so focal plane height) , profile, buoyancy, stability and so on. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a buoy, comprising selecting bodies from the kit of the first aspect of the invention and coupling them together to form the buoy. There now follows, by way of example only, description of an embodiment of the invention, described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a buoy formed according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the core of the buoy of

Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a floatation body of the buoy of Figure 1 ; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a coupling body of the buoy of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a side elevation of the coupling body of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a structural body of the buoy of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a cross-section through the structural body of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the bottom part of a buoy of Figure 1 ; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of part of the buoy of Figure 1 , with the door open; and

Figure 10 shows an internal perspective view of the door of Figure 1 , as seen from inside the buoy.

Figure 1 shows a buoy 1 formed of a kit of parts comprising several different bodies according to an embodiment of the invention. As will be discussed below, the interchangeable and interengageable nature of these parts mean that the form of the buoy can be changed as desired.

The buoy is formed of several discrete parts coupled together. Starting towards the bottom of the buoy 1 , there is the core 2. This is formed of steel, and as such provides a strong scaffold for the remaining parts. Steel, being a relatively dense metal, ensures that the centre of gravity of the buoy is low in the buoy 1 , making the buoy 1 stable. The core 2 is , as many of the bodies of the buoy 1 are, generally rotationally symmetric about an axis 3 vertically through the centre of the buoy 1. The core 2 is provided with four equally circumferentially spaced vanes 4, which divide the core into quarters. Two of the vanes 4 are provided with holes providing lifting locations 5a whereby the buoy can be suspended before it is securely positioned in the desired body of water and mooring locations 5b whereby the buoy can be chained into position to a weight on the sea bed. Given that the lifting 5a and mooring 5b locations are formed on the same vanes and so will be in direct tension, this is stronger than having the lifting and mooring locations separately welded to the core 2.

Each of the quarters of the core 2 receives a flotation body 6, shown in more detail in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings. Each flotation body 6 is of the form of a quarter-circular annular sector. The flotation bodies 6 are each formed of a plastic rotationally moulded polyethylene skin, containing a closed-cell polyurethane foam material for buoyancy. The flotation bodies 6 are each provided with ribs 15 in the side for strength and to diffuse aggressive waves to deflect the waves away from the tower section 11 discussed below.

The four flotation bodies 6 thus provided surround the core 2 so as to provide a flotation collar. However, each of the flotation bodies 6 has a semi-cylindrical indent 7 formed in each of its end faces 8, such that when the end faces 8 abut, adjacent indents 7 form a cylindrical passage or pipe 9 between each adjacent pair of flotation bodies 6.

The top surface of the core 2 is provided with a mating surface 10, which comprises a flange surrounding a recess. This mating surface 10 provides location for a tower section 11 of the buoy 1. The tower section is made up of a number of interchangeable and interengageable bodies 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, 14 as discussed below.

The first kind of body encountered is a structural body 12, shown in more detail in Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings. The structural body comes in various different sizes 12a, 12b, differing in radius from the axis 3 or depth along the axis. These structural bodies 12a, 12b make up the majority of the height of the buoy 1 above the core 2. The structural bodies are externally generally octagonal in cross section perpendicular to the axis 3, thus defining eight faces 16.

Each structural body 12 has a pair of mating faces 17a, 17b on top and bottom respectively. The bottom mating face 17b comprises a flange 18 having an annual protrusion 19 extending therefrom. The top mating face 17a similarly has a flange 20 with a recess 21 formed therein, the recess 21 and protrusion 19 of a structural body 12 of a given size cooperating with one another.

Whilst the structural bodies 12 externally present an octagonal shape, they have an internal skin, shaped as two oppositely directed conical frustums 28. The profile of the outer skin of the structural body has two narrower waists, which form a pair of troughs 29 (still of octagonal cross section perpendicular to the axis 3) following around the outside of the body 12. The frustums 28 touch the outer skin at the midpoint of the troughs 29 on each face 16 at kissing points 30. This provides the structural bodies with extra strength. The frustums 28 join together at circular plate 31.

The second kind of body 13 is of the form of a plate-like coupling body. The coupling body also come in different sizes 13a, 13b. They are used to couple adjacent structural bodies 12. In order to couple structural bodies 12 of differing sizes , a variety of coupling bodies are provided, having mating surfaces 22, 23 which correspond to various combinations of structural bodies 12. In the example shown in the drawings , coupling body 13a couples a large structural unit 12a to a medium structural unit 12b, and coupling body 13b couples the medium structural unit 12b to a smaller lighting unit 14 that will be discussed below. Other coupling bodies 13 can be provided that couple different combinations of structural units 12 (for example, large-large, medium-medium, large-small and so on) .

In the coupling body 13a shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings , the plate-like coupling body 13 has top 22 and bottom 23 mating surfaces. Note that the depth between the mating surfaces 22, 23 is much less than that between the mating surfaces 18, 20 of the structural body 12; the coupling bodies 13 will make up little of the height of the buoy 1. As with the structural body 12, the top mating surface 22 has a recess 24, whereas the bottom mating surface 23 has an annular or cylindrical protrusion 25. These will mate with the corresponding protrusion 19 or recess 21 on the structural body 12, and unlike the structural body, may be of different sizes (that is , radii) .

The recess 24 is provided with three different mounting recesses 36a, 36b, 36c for batteries to power, for example, a light of the buoy. The recesses 36a, 36b, 36c can be selected so as to achieve a centre of gravity for the batteries on the axis; if a single battery is employed, that can placed in central recess 36a on axis 3 , whereas if two are employed, then two recesses 36b, 36c, symmetrical about the axis 3 , can be used. A portal 37 is provided through the coupling body 13a for communication of cables taking power and the like through the body of the buoy. The smaller coupling body 13a will only be provided with a single recess for holding a battery, as that is all there is space for, but will also be provided with a portal as with the coupling body 13a. A lighting body 14 is provided at the top of the buoy. This will have a mating surface which mates with the top-most coupling body 13b. It can be selected to have a light 26 and provide a shaped top 27 to provide the appropriate navigational message; in the buoy shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, the dual conical topmark 27, with both cones facing upwards, means that the buoy would commonly be accepted to be a North cardinal mark indicating that the safe passage is to the North of the mark. Other topmarks and lights can be provided to provide any appropriate message, and the kit of parts forming the buoy can include many such lighting bodies 14, in accordance with the Maritime Buoyage System espoused by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities.

As such, the structural bodies 12 and the coupling bodies 13 can either be painted the required colour, or can be formed out of material of the correct colour. The kit from which the buoy is formed can comprise bodies 12, 13 , 14 of differing colours to provide the required navigational message; in the example of Figure 1 of a North cardinal mark, the bodies would be, from the top of the buoy, be black then yellow. Once assembled together, the bodies 12, 13, 14 are bolted together around their mating faces to ensure that they are securely fastened together.

As can be seen in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, a door 32 can be provided in the structural units 12 for access therewithin, and the buoy 1 can be provided with other miscellaneous equipment as may be required, such as solar panels 33, ladders 34 and handrails 35.

The door 32 of the buoy according to the present embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 8 to 10 of the accompanying drawings. The door 32 is formed in the lower structural body 12b. However, rather than being formed entirely within one face 16 of the structural body 12b, the door spans two faces 16, crossing an edge 40 of the structural body 12b. This means that the door 40 will be more structurally rigid than if the door simply extended over a single face of the structural body. The door can be moulded out of the same polyethylene as the base moulding and so is particularly convenient to make.

Claims

1. A kit of parts for forming a buoy, the kit comprising a plurality of bodies , the bodies being shaped and sized so as to interchangeably interengage one another.

2. The kit of claim 1 , comprising a plurality of bodies of a first kind and a plurality of bodies of a second kind, the bodies of a second kind being able to mate at least two bodies of the first kind.

3. The kit of claim 2, in which bodies of the first kind are provided in differing sizes , which have different matings with the bodies of the second kind, bodies of the second kind being provided which mate with, on the one hand, a body of the first kind of a first size, and on the other hand, a body of the first kind of second size different to the first size.

4. The kit of claim 2 or claim 3 , in which bodies of the second kind are provided that mate with at least two bodies of the first kind of the same size.

5. The kit of any of claims 2 to 4, in which each of the bodies of the first and second kind have two parallel mating faces on opposite sides of the body.

6. The kit of claim 5 , in which the bodies of the first and second kind each define an axis perpendicular to the mating faces , the axes being coaxial when the bodies of the first and second kind are mated.

7. The kit of claim 5 or claim 6, in which the mating faces of the bodies of the first kind cooperate with the mating faces of the second kind.

8. The kit of any of claims 2 to 7, in which the bodies of the first kind are structural, in that they have a substantially greater depth between the mating faces than the bodies of the second kind.

9. The kit of any of claims 2 to 8, in which at least some of the bodies of the first kind have a plurality of external faces ; each face being defined by a plane passing through the axis of the body, such that for a given distance along the axis, all points on the face form a line parallel to the plane and perpendicular but spaced from the axis ; and have an internal skin of conical or frustoconical shape coaxial with the axes and touching each external face.

10. The kit of any preceding claim, comprising a core onto which at least some of the bodies can be attached.

11. The kit of claim 10, comprising at least one flotation body, forming at least part of a flotation collar that can surround the core

12. The kit of claim 11 , comprising a plurality of flotation bodies forming the flotation collar.

13. The kit of claim 12, in which the flotation bodies have an indent in their outline, such that, when assembled around the core, the flotation 25 bodies define between them a passage.

14. A body for the construction of a buoy, the body having a pair of parallel mating faces for engagement with other bodies , the body having an axis and a plurality of external faces; each face defined by a plane passing through the axis of the body, such that for a given distance along the axis , all points on the face form a line parallel to the plane and perpendicular but spaced from the axis, the body having an internal skin of conical or frustoconical shape coaxial with the axes and touching each external face.

15. A buoy formed of parts forming the kit of any of claims 1 to 13.

16. A method of manufacturing a buoy, comprising selecting bodies from the kit of any of claims 1 to 13 and coupling them together to form the buoy.