WO2024062461A1 - Device for collecting garbage from a body of water - Google Patents

Device for collecting garbage from a body of water Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024062461A1
WO2024062461A1 PCT/IB2023/059432 IB2023059432W WO2024062461A1 WO 2024062461 A1 WO2024062461 A1 WO 2024062461A1 IB 2023059432 W IB2023059432 W IB 2023059432W WO 2024062461 A1 WO2024062461 A1 WO 2024062461A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
collecting structure
filter element
water
replaceable filter
filter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2023/059432
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tom LAGAE
Original Assignee
New Invest Nv
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by New Invest Nv filed Critical New Invest Nv
Publication of WO2024062461A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024062461A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B15/00—Cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water; Apparatus therefor
    • E02B15/04—Devices for cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water from oil or like floating materials by separating or removing these materials
    • E02B15/10—Devices for removing the material from the surface
    • E02B15/106—Overflow skimmers with suction heads; suction heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/32—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for for collecting pollution from open water

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for collecting garbage from a body of water, such as a sea, a lake or a watercourse.
  • Devices for collecting garbage from a body of water are known per se and their designs vary greatly with respect to each other.
  • the general principle of such devices is that they are placed in or on a body of water or are pulled across a water surface.
  • a volume of water passes along the device, with garbage which is present in the body of water or on the water surface of the volume of water being retained by the device.
  • This garbage may be retained, for example, by a net or by a barricade which floats on the water surface.
  • the device is removed from the water. Then, the garbage is removed from the device and processed further.
  • One challenge with such devices is preventing aquatic animals, in particular fish, from becoming trapped in the device.
  • Another challenge is the easy removal of the garbage from the device.
  • Korean patent publication KR 2017 0116659 A describes a device for securely recovering viscous floating substances, such as oil and floating sludge, while they float on the water surface.
  • the respective device comprises a floating skimmer which floats on the water surface and sucks floating substances from the water surface, a pump which is connected to the skimmer in order to draw in the floating substances, and a replaceable filter element.
  • the object of the invention is achieved by providing a device for collecting garbage from a body of water, such as a sea, a lake or a watercourse, comprising a collecting structure configured to be placed in a body of water, the collecting structure comprising one or more inlet apertures and one or more outlet apertures, wherein the device furthermore comprises a replaceable filter element which is configured to be accommodable in the collecting structure, so that a volume of water which moves from the one or more inlet apertures to the one or more outlet apertures passes through the replaceable filter element, wherein the total surface area of the one or more outlet apertures is greater than a total surface area of the one or more inlet apertures in order to create a suction effect at the one or more inlet apertures.
  • the device can easily be kept operational.
  • the reason for this is that when the device reaches its maximum capacity with regard to garbage, the replaceable filter element can easily be removed from the device.
  • the collecting structure itself does not have to be removed.
  • the collecting structure is significantly heavier than the replaceable filter element with garbage.
  • removal of the collecting structure is cumbersome, such as for example in a relatively inaccessible river bend.
  • the replaceable filter element may also be cleaned. Thereafter, the replaceable filter element can be fitted to the collecting structure again.
  • the device is the fact that it essentially disappears under the water line, and that the garbage which has been collected is likewise under the water line. In this way, the garbage is less visible, if at all, from the outside. This produces a pleasant aesthetic effect, as a result of which the device is also suitable for use in water environments which are susceptible to visual pollution.
  • the upper surface of the filter element remains over the outlet apertures, which may preferably be achieved by providing the inside of the collecting structure with one or more blocking elements which prevent the upper surface of the filter element from ending up under the outlet apertures.
  • the upper surface of the filter element is preferably a panel-shaped structure. This panel-shaped structure floats on the water and will, in use, move up and down.
  • This up and down movement may exert a pressure action on the material collected by the filter element, as a result of which this material will be compressed. Due to the fact that a total surface area of the one or more outlet apertures is greater than a total surface area of the one or more inlet apertures, a suction effect is produced at the one or more inlet apertures.
  • One advantage thereof is the fact that the volume of water which passes through the replaceable filter element is increased.
  • floating garbage will be drawn in by this suction effect.
  • fish are able to withstand this suction effect.
  • the device may be positioned, for example, on the side of a river. In this case, the garbage will be drawn to the side where it will be collected by the device while any passing fish can simply swim past the device.
  • the one or more inlet apertures are preferably situated near a top side of the collecting structure.
  • the one or more inlet apertures are situated close to the water surface when the device has been placed in the water.
  • the suction effect mainly occurs close to the water surface, whereas fish usually swim slightly lower down in the water.
  • the device may furthermore comprise structural floating elements which are fitted to the collecting structure in order to make the collecting structure float in a body of water.
  • a device which is able to float More particularly, it is possible to provide a device which is able to float in such a way that the one or more inlet apertures are situated at a desired level.
  • the device is able to float in the water in such a way that the one or more inlet apertures are situated close to the water surface.
  • the device may furthermore comprise filter flotation elements which are provided on the replaceable filter element, so that the replaceable filter element is pretensioned to move upwards when the replaceable filter element is situated under water.
  • the replaceable filter element may comprise a filter frame, wherein the filter frame is configured to be accommodable in the collecting structure in a tight-fitting manner, and the replaceable filter element may furthermore comprise a bag-like filter mesh in which the filter mesh is fixedly connected to the filter frame.
  • the filter frame may comprise points of attachment. These points of attachment may be configured, for example, for connecting a crane to the replaceable filter element, so that the replaceable filter element can simply be lifted out of the collecting structure by means of a crane.
  • a top side of the collecting structure may be open, so that the replaceable filter element can be placed into the collecting structure and/or can be removed from the collecting structure via the open top side of the collecting structure.
  • the device may furthermore comprise a closure lid, wherein the closure lid is configured to close off the open top side.
  • the device may furthermore comprise one or more spacers, wherein the spacers are configured to maintain a certain distance between the open top side of the collecting structure and the replaceable filter element.
  • the spacers may be fixedly connected to the closure piece. Alternatively, the spacers may be fixedly connected to the replaceable filter element.
  • the outlet apertures may be a plurality of circular outlet apertures. It is an advantage of the circular shape that it is simple to produce.
  • the outlet apertures may also be of a different shape, such as for example oval or quadrangular.
  • the collecting structure may furthermore comprise one or more closing flaps in order to close off the one or more inlet apertures.
  • These one or more closing flaps can be closed when it is undesirable for water to flow into the collecting structure. This may be the case, for example, when the replaceable filter element is being removed or fitted, or when the replaceable filter element is not present in the collecting structure. In this case, it is obviously not advantageous for water to flow through the collecting structure when there is no replaceable filter element present to filter garbage from the water.
  • the one or more closing flaps may be closed when a specific capacity, preferably a maximum capacity, for storing garbage in the collecting structure has been reached.
  • the collecting structure may be in the shape of a sea container.
  • the collecting structure may be made, for example, from a recycled sea container. This makes it possible to give a new lease of life to used sea containers. Furthermore, a used sea container can easily be transformed into a collecting structure according to the invention, since it suffices to provide inlet and outlet apertures and to find a way to introduce the replaceable filter element into the sea container.
  • the device may comprise a plurality of replaceable filter elements.
  • various replaceable filter elements from the plurality of replaceable filter elements may have a different filter size.
  • the filter size refers to the maximum size of particles or garbage which can pass through the replaceable filter element. Particles or garbage of a size greater than the filter size are then retained by the replaceable filter element.
  • the filter size may decrease, for example, along a flow path from the one or more inlet apertures to the one or more outlet apertures.
  • the first replaceable filter element collects the largest garbage, while subsequent replaceable filter elements in each case collect smaller garbage. This embodiment reduces the risk of blockage.
  • Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of a collecting structure of the device according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 shows a diagrammatic representation of a replaceable fdter element of the device according to the invention
  • Fig. 3 shows a diagrammatic representation of a closure lid of the device according to the invention
  • Fig. 4 shows a diagrammatic representation of an alternative embodiment of the closure lid of the device according to the invention
  • Fig. 5 shows a front view of the device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 6 shows a rear view of the device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of the device according to the invention.
  • a collecting structure (1) comprises an inlet aperture (2) on a front side (as illustrated in Fig. 1) of the collecting structure (2). Furthermore, the collecting structure (1) comprises a plurality of outlet apertures (3) on both the bottom side and rear side (as illustrated in Fig. 1) of the collecting structure (1).
  • the surface area of the inlet aperture (2) is smaller than the cumulative surface area of the plurality of outlet apertures (3).
  • a suction effect is created between the inlet aperture (1) and the plurality of outlet apertures (3) when the collecting structure (1) stands or floats in a body of water.
  • the collecting structure (1) is placed in a body of water. Such a body of water may be a river, a lake, a storage reservoir or the open sea.
  • the force of the suction effect is sufficiently large to attract garbage passing the collecting structure, but not so large as to draw the fish swimming past the collecting structure into the collecting structure.
  • the inlet aperture (1) is provided with a closing flap (17).
  • This closing flap (17) can be closed when an inflow of water in the collecting structure (1) is undesirable. This may be the case, for example, when a filter is being removed or fitted, or when no filter is present in the collecting structure. This prevents garbage from ending up in the collecting structure when there is no filter present to filter the garbage from the water. Furthermore, the closing flap (17) can be closed when the maximum capacity for the storing garbage in the collecting structure (1) has been reached.
  • the walls of the collecting structure (1) are preferably metal walls. Alternatively, for example a small specimen, may be made from a different material, such as plexiglass. In any case, the collecting structure (1) will be made from a waterproof material, or will in any case be provided with a coating or another finish which gives the collecting structure (1) waterproof properties.
  • the collecting structure (1) may be a modified sea container. As is illustrated in Fig. 1, the collecting structure (1) furthermore comprises structural floating elements (7). These structural floating elements (7) are made of a material having a density lower than the density of water. A sufficient number of structural floating elements (7) are attached to the exterior of the collecting structure (1) to render the collecting structure (1) able to float. The structural floating elements (7) are fitted near the top side of the collecting structure (1), so that the top side of the collecting structure (1) is approximately level with the water surface when the collecting structure (1) floats.
  • Fig. 2 shows a replaceable filter element (4), referred to here as filter (4).
  • the filter (4) comprises a filter frame (5) and a bag-like filter mesh (6) which is fixedly connected to the filter frame (5).
  • the filter frame (5) only just fits into the collecting structure (1), as a result of which the filter (4) can be placed in the collecting structure (1). Later, when a predetermined time has passed or when the filter (4) is full, the filter (4) can easily be lifted from the collecting structure (1) in order to replace or empty the filter (4). In this case, the collecting structure (1) may remain standing in situ or float.
  • the filter (4) furthermore comprises four filter flotation elements (13).
  • the filter flotation elements (13) cause the filter (4) to float upwards in water.
  • the filter flotation elements (13) prevent the filter (4) from ending up on the bottom of the collecting structure (1), in which case the filter (4) would be situated under the plurality of outlet apertures (3) on the rear side of the collecting structure (1).
  • the filter flotation elements (13) have a specific height (13H). This height (13H) of the filter flotation elements (13) ensures that the filter (4) maintains a certain distance (corresponding to the height (13H)) with respect to the top side of the collecting structure (1) when floating upwards inside the collecting structure (1). As a result thereof, the filter (4) is prevented from floating above the inlet aperture (2).
  • the filter flotation elements (13) also serve as spacers.
  • the filter flotation elements (13) and spacers may be separate elements.
  • the spacers which also serve as filter flotation elements (13) here, are attached to the filter (4).
  • the spacers may alternatively also be attached to a closure lid (8) or to the collecting structure (1).
  • the filter (4) furthermore comprises a filter panel (14) having a filter panel opening (16) and a non-return valve (15).
  • the non-return valve (15) is hingedly provided in such a way that the non-retum valve (15) is only able to hinge as far as the filter panel (14), closing off the filter panel opening (16) in the process. Consequently, in case a return flow of water occurs at the plurality of outlet apertures (3) towards the inlet aperture (2), the non-return valve (15) will be pushed towards the filter panel (14), thus preventing water from passing through the filter panel opening (16). As a result thereof, garbage which has already been collected in the filter (4) cannot pass through the inlet aperture (2) and leave the collecting structure (1).
  • the nonreturn valve (15) may be provided with pieces of cloth or canvas along the edges of the filter panel opening (16), which pieces of cloth or canvas close off the filter panel opening (16) when the water flows back.
  • the nonretum valve (15) may serve as an alternative for the non-retum valve (15).
  • Fig. 3 shows a closure lid (8).
  • the closure lid (8) is placed on the collecting structure (1) from Fig. 1 in order to close off the open top side of the collecting structure (1).
  • the closure lid (8) is shown as having three hinges (9) which can be connected using eyelets (10) attached to the collecting structure (1).
  • the closure lid (8) furthermore comprises three vertical guiding surfaces (11). These vertical guiding surfaces (11) guide water from the inlet aperture (2) to the filter (4).
  • Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the closure lid (8), in which the closure lid (8) furthermore comprises a slanted guiding surface (12) in addition to the three vertical guiding surfaces (11).
  • Figs. 5 and 6 show a front view and a rear view of the device, respectively, for collecting garbage from a body of water, in which the filter (4) is arranged in the collecting structure (1) and the collecting structure (1) is closed off by the closure lid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for collecting garbage from a body of water, comprising a collecting structure (1) configured to be placed in a body of water, the collecting structure (1) comprising one or more inlet apertures (2) and one or more outlet apertures (3), wherein the device furthermore comprises a replaceable filter element (4) which is configured to be accommodable in the collecting structure (1), so that a volume of water which moves from the one or more inlet apertures (2) to the one or more outlet apertures (3) passes through the replaceable filter element (4).

Description

DEVICE FOR COLLECTING GARBAGE FROM A BODY OF WATER
The present invention relates to a device for collecting garbage from a body of water, such as a sea, a lake or a watercourse.
Devices for collecting garbage from a body of water are known per se and their designs vary greatly with respect to each other. The general principle of such devices is that they are placed in or on a body of water or are pulled across a water surface. In this case, a volume of water passes along the device, with garbage which is present in the body of water or on the water surface of the volume of water being retained by the device. This garbage may be retained, for example, by a net or by a barricade which floats on the water surface. In due course or when the garbage storage capacity of the device has been reached, the device is removed from the water. Then, the garbage is removed from the device and processed further.
One challenge with such devices is preventing aquatic animals, in particular fish, from becoming trapped in the device. Another challenge is the easy removal of the garbage from the device.
Korean patent publication KR 2017 0116659 A describes a device for securely recovering viscous floating substances, such as oil and floating sludge, while they float on the water surface. The respective device comprises a floating skimmer which floats on the water surface and sucks floating substances from the water surface, a pump which is connected to the skimmer in order to draw in the floating substances, and a replaceable filter element.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvement or at least a worthy alternative with regard to the above challenges.
The object of the invention is achieved by providing a device for collecting garbage from a body of water, such as a sea, a lake or a watercourse, comprising a collecting structure configured to be placed in a body of water, the collecting structure comprising one or more inlet apertures and one or more outlet apertures, wherein the device furthermore comprises a replaceable filter element which is configured to be accommodable in the collecting structure, so that a volume of water which moves from the one or more inlet apertures to the one or more outlet apertures passes through the replaceable filter element, wherein the total surface area of the one or more outlet apertures is greater than a total surface area of the one or more inlet apertures in order to create a suction effect at the one or more inlet apertures.
By providing a replaceable filter element, the device can easily be kept operational. The reason for this is that when the device reaches its maximum capacity with regard to garbage, the replaceable filter element can easily be removed from the device. In this case, the collecting structure itself does not have to be removed. This is advantageous in embodiments in which the collecting structure is significantly heavier than the replaceable filter element with garbage. This is also advantageous in embodiments in which removal of the collecting structure is cumbersome, such as for example in a relatively inaccessible river bend. Once the replaceable filter element has been removed, this filter element can be emptied. Optionally, the replaceable filter element may also be cleaned. Thereafter, the replaceable filter element can be fitted to the collecting structure again. Alternatively, it is also possible to immediately fit another replaceable filter element after removal of the replaceable filter element. In this case, it is possible to ensure continuous operation of the collecting structure, for example by alternating replaceable filter elements.
An additional advantage of the device is the fact that it essentially disappears under the water line, and that the garbage which has been collected is likewise under the water line. In this way, the garbage is less visible, if at all, from the outside. This produces a pleasant aesthetic effect, as a result of which the device is also suitable for use in water environments which are susceptible to visual pollution. Preferably, the upper surface of the filter element remains over the outlet apertures, which may preferably be achieved by providing the inside of the collecting structure with one or more blocking elements which prevent the upper surface of the filter element from ending up under the outlet apertures. The upper surface of the filter element is preferably a panel-shaped structure. This panel-shaped structure floats on the water and will, in use, move up and down. This up and down movement may exert a pressure action on the material collected by the filter element, as a result of which this material will be compressed. Due to the fact that a total surface area of the one or more outlet apertures is greater than a total surface area of the one or more inlet apertures, a suction effect is produced at the one or more inlet apertures. One advantage thereof is the fact that the volume of water which passes through the replaceable filter element is increased. In addition, floating garbage will be drawn in by this suction effect. However, fish are able to withstand this suction effect. As a result thereof, the device may be positioned, for example, on the side of a river. In this case, the garbage will be drawn to the side where it will be collected by the device while any passing fish can simply swim past the device. The one or more inlet apertures are preferably situated near a top side of the collecting structure. As a result thereof, the one or more inlet apertures are situated close to the water surface when the device has been placed in the water. As a consequence thereof, it should furthermore be noted that the suction effect mainly occurs close to the water surface, whereas fish usually swim slightly lower down in the water.
Alternatively or additionally, the device may furthermore comprise structural floating elements which are fitted to the collecting structure in order to make the collecting structure float in a body of water. As a result thereof, it is possible to provide a device which is able to float. More particularly, it is possible to provide a device which is able to float in such a way that the one or more inlet apertures are situated at a desired level. Preferably, the device is able to float in the water in such a way that the one or more inlet apertures are situated close to the water surface.
Alternatively or additionally, the device may furthermore comprise filter flotation elements which are provided on the replaceable filter element, so that the replaceable filter element is pretensioned to move upwards when the replaceable filter element is situated under water.
Alternatively or additionally, the replaceable filter element may comprise a filter frame, wherein the filter frame is configured to be accommodable in the collecting structure in a tight-fitting manner, and the replaceable filter element may furthermore comprise a bag-like filter mesh in which the filter mesh is fixedly connected to the filter frame. Additionally, the filter frame may comprise points of attachment. These points of attachment may be configured, for example, for connecting a crane to the replaceable filter element, so that the replaceable filter element can simply be lifted out of the collecting structure by means of a crane.
Alternatively or additionally, a top side of the collecting structure may be open, so that the replaceable filter element can be placed into the collecting structure and/or can be removed from the collecting structure via the open top side of the collecting structure. Additionally, the device may furthermore comprise a closure lid, wherein the closure lid is configured to close off the open top side.
Additionally, the device may furthermore comprise one or more spacers, wherein the spacers are configured to maintain a certain distance between the open top side of the collecting structure and the replaceable filter element. Thus, it is possible to prevent the replaceable filter element from positioning itself over the one or more inlet apertures, as a result of which water could flow from the one or more inlet apertures to the one or more outlet apertures without having to flow through the replaceable filter element. The spacers may be fixedly connected to the closure piece. Alternatively, the spacers may be fixedly connected to the replaceable filter element.
Additionally, the outlet apertures may be a plurality of circular outlet apertures. It is an advantage of the circular shape that it is simple to produce. The outlet apertures may also be of a different shape, such as for example oval or quadrangular.
Optionally or additionally, the collecting structure may furthermore comprise one or more closing flaps in order to close off the one or more inlet apertures. These one or more closing flaps can be closed when it is undesirable for water to flow into the collecting structure. This may be the case, for example, when the replaceable filter element is being removed or fitted, or when the replaceable filter element is not present in the collecting structure. In this case, it is obviously not advantageous for water to flow through the collecting structure when there is no replaceable filter element present to filter garbage from the water. Furthermore, the one or more closing flaps may be closed when a specific capacity, preferably a maximum capacity, for storing garbage in the collecting structure has been reached. Alternatively or additionally, the collecting structure may be in the shape of a sea container. In this case, the collecting structure may be made, for example, from a recycled sea container. This makes it possible to give a new lease of life to used sea containers. Furthermore, a used sea container can easily be transformed into a collecting structure according to the invention, since it suffices to provide inlet and outlet apertures and to find a way to introduce the replaceable filter element into the sea container.
Alternatively or additionally, the device may comprise a plurality of replaceable filter elements. In this case, various replaceable filter elements from the plurality of replaceable filter elements may have a different filter size. Here, the filter size refers to the maximum size of particles or garbage which can pass through the replaceable filter element. Particles or garbage of a size greater than the filter size are then retained by the replaceable filter element. The filter size may decrease, for example, along a flow path from the one or more inlet apertures to the one or more outlet apertures. In this case, the first replaceable filter element collects the largest garbage, while subsequent replaceable filter elements in each case collect smaller garbage. This embodiment reduces the risk of blockage.
In order to further explain the properties of the present invention and to indicate additional advantages and particulars thereof, there now follows a more detailed description of the device according to the present invention. It will be clear that nothing in the description which follows should be interpreted as a limitation to the scope of protection of the present invention as laid down in the claims.
In this description, reference numerals are used to refer to the attached drawings, in which:
• Fig. 1: shows a diagrammatic representation of a collecting structure of the device according to the invention;
• Fig. 2: shows a diagrammatic representation of a replaceable fdter element of the device according to the invention;
• Fig. 3: shows a diagrammatic representation of a closure lid of the device according to the invention; • Fig. 4: shows a diagrammatic representation of an alternative embodiment of the closure lid of the device according to the invention;
• Fig. 5: shows a front view of the device according to the invention; and
• Fig. 6: shows a rear view of the device according to the invention.
Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of the device according to the invention. A collecting structure (1) comprises an inlet aperture (2) on a front side (as illustrated in Fig. 1) of the collecting structure (2). Furthermore, the collecting structure (1) comprises a plurality of outlet apertures (3) on both the bottom side and rear side (as illustrated in Fig. 1) of the collecting structure (1). The surface area of the inlet aperture (2) is smaller than the cumulative surface area of the plurality of outlet apertures (3). As a result thereof, a suction effect is created between the inlet aperture (1) and the plurality of outlet apertures (3) when the collecting structure (1) stands or floats in a body of water. The collecting structure (1) is placed in a body of water. Such a body of water may be a river, a lake, a storage reservoir or the open sea. The force of the suction effect is sufficiently large to attract garbage passing the collecting structure, but not so large as to draw the fish swimming past the collecting structure into the collecting structure.
The inlet aperture (1) is provided with a closing flap (17). This closing flap (17) can be closed when an inflow of water in the collecting structure (1) is undesirable. This may be the case, for example, when a filter is being removed or fitted, or when no filter is present in the collecting structure. This prevents garbage from ending up in the collecting structure when there is no filter present to filter the garbage from the water. Furthermore, the closing flap (17) can be closed when the maximum capacity for the storing garbage in the collecting structure (1) has been reached.
The walls of the collecting structure (1) are preferably metal walls. Alternatively, for example a small specimen, may be made from a different material, such as plexiglass. In any case, the collecting structure (1) will be made from a waterproof material, or will in any case be provided with a coating or another finish which gives the collecting structure (1) waterproof properties. For example, the collecting structure (1) may be a modified sea container. As is illustrated in Fig. 1, the collecting structure (1) furthermore comprises structural floating elements (7). These structural floating elements (7) are made of a material having a density lower than the density of water. A sufficient number of structural floating elements (7) are attached to the exterior of the collecting structure (1) to render the collecting structure (1) able to float. The structural floating elements (7) are fitted near the top side of the collecting structure (1), so that the top side of the collecting structure (1) is approximately level with the water surface when the collecting structure (1) floats.
Fig. 2 shows a replaceable filter element (4), referred to here as filter (4). The filter (4) comprises a filter frame (5) and a bag-like filter mesh (6) which is fixedly connected to the filter frame (5). The filter frame (5) only just fits into the collecting structure (1), as a result of which the filter (4) can be placed in the collecting structure (1). Later, when a predetermined time has passed or when the filter (4) is full, the filter (4) can easily be lifted from the collecting structure (1) in order to replace or empty the filter (4). In this case, the collecting structure (1) may remain standing in situ or float.
The filter (4) furthermore comprises four filter flotation elements (13). The filter flotation elements (13) cause the filter (4) to float upwards in water. As a result thereof, the filter flotation elements (13) prevent the filter (4) from ending up on the bottom of the collecting structure (1), in which case the filter (4) would be situated under the plurality of outlet apertures (3) on the rear side of the collecting structure (1). The filter flotation elements (13) have a specific height (13H). This height (13H) of the filter flotation elements (13) ensures that the filter (4) maintains a certain distance (corresponding to the height (13H)) with respect to the top side of the collecting structure (1) when floating upwards inside the collecting structure (1). As a result thereof, the filter (4) is prevented from floating above the inlet aperture (2). Thus, the filter flotation elements (13) also serve as spacers. Alternatively, the filter flotation elements (13) and spacers may be separate elements. As is illustrated in Fig. 2, the spacers, which also serve as filter flotation elements (13) here, are attached to the filter (4). In case the filter flotation elements (13) and the spacers are separate elements, the spacers may alternatively also be attached to a closure lid (8) or to the collecting structure (1). The filter (4) furthermore comprises a filter panel (14) having a filter panel opening (16) and a non-return valve (15). The non-return valve (15) is hingedly provided in such a way that the non-retum valve (15) is only able to hinge as far as the filter panel (14), closing off the filter panel opening (16) in the process. Consequently, in case a return flow of water occurs at the plurality of outlet apertures (3) towards the inlet aperture (2), the non-return valve (15) will be pushed towards the filter panel (14), thus preventing water from passing through the filter panel opening (16). As a result thereof, garbage which has already been collected in the filter (4) cannot pass through the inlet aperture (2) and leave the collecting structure (1). Alternatively, the nonreturn valve (15) may be provided with pieces of cloth or canvas along the edges of the filter panel opening (16), which pieces of cloth or canvas close off the filter panel opening (16) when the water flows back. The person skilled in the art will understand that any embodiment which prevents garbage from flowing back to the inlet aperture (2) may serve as an alternative for the non-retum valve (15).
Fig. 3 shows a closure lid (8). The closure lid (8) is placed on the collecting structure (1) from Fig. 1 in order to close off the open top side of the collecting structure (1). Here, the closure lid (8) is shown as having three hinges (9) which can be connected using eyelets (10) attached to the collecting structure (1). The closure lid (8) furthermore comprises three vertical guiding surfaces (11). These vertical guiding surfaces (11) guide water from the inlet aperture (2) to the filter (4).
Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the closure lid (8), in which the closure lid (8) furthermore comprises a slanted guiding surface (12) in addition to the three vertical guiding surfaces (11).
Figs. 5 and 6 show a front view and a rear view of the device, respectively, for collecting garbage from a body of water, in which the filter (4) is arranged in the collecting structure (1) and the collecting structure (1) is closed off by the closure lid

Claims

CLAIMS Device for collecting garbage from a body of water, such as a sea, a lake or a watercourse, comprising a collecting structure (1) configured to be placed in the body of water, the collecting structure (1) comprising one or more inlet apertures (2) and one or more outlet apertures (3), a replaceable filter element (4) which is configured to be accommodable in the collecting structure (1), so that a volume of water which moves from the one or more inlet apertures (2) to the one or more outlet apertures (3) passes through the replaceable filter element (4), characterized in that the total surface area of the one or more outlet apertures (3) is greater than a total surface area of the one or more inlet apertures (2) in order to create a suction effect at the one or more inlet apertures. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the device furthermore comprises structural floating elements (7) which are fitted to the collecting structure (1) in order to make the collecting structure (1) float in a body of water. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device furthermore comprises filter flotation elements (13) which are provided on the replaceable filter element (4), so that the replaceable filter element (4) is pretensioned to move upwards when the replaceable filter element (4) is situated under water. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the replaceable filter element (4) comprises a filter frame (5), wherein the filter frame (5) is configured to be accommodable in the collecting structure (1) in a tight- fitting manner, and wherein the replaceable filter element (4) furthermore comprises a bag-like filter mesh (6) which is fixedly connected to the filter frame (5). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a top side of the collecting structure (1) is open, so that the replaceable filter element (4) can be placed into the collecting structure (1) and/or can be removed from the collecting structure (1) via the open top side of the collecting structure (1). Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the device furthermore comprises a closure lid (8), wherein the closure lid (8) is configured to close off the open top side of the collecting structure (1). Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the device furthermore comprises one or more spacers, wherein the spacers are configured to maintain a certain distance between the open top side of the collecting structure (1) and the replaceable filter element (4). Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the spacers are fixedly connected to the closure lid (8) or wherein the spacers are fixedly connected to the replaceable filter element (4). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more outlet apertures (3) are a plurality of circular outlet apertures. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collecting structure (1) furthermore comprises one or more closing flaps (17) to close off the one or more inlet apertures (2). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collecting structure (1) is in the shape of a sea container.
PCT/IB2023/059432 2022-09-23 2023-09-25 Device for collecting garbage from a body of water WO2024062461A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BE20225763A BE1030910A1 (en) 2022-09-23 2022-09-23 DEVICE FOR COLLECTION OF WASTE FROM AN WATER BODY
BE2022/5763 2022-09-23

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WO2024062461A1 true WO2024062461A1 (en) 2024-03-28

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4372854A (en) * 1979-12-12 1983-02-08 Novex Foreign Trade Co. Ltd. For Development And Commercialization Of Inventions Device for removing floating liquid impurities, oil, from a flowing water surface
KR20170116659A (en) 2016-04-12 2017-10-20 지수민 A Skimmer
CN111305177A (en) * 2020-03-29 2020-06-19 金华职业技术学院 Water floats refuse collection device
CN110024766B (en) * 2019-04-11 2021-08-13 缪一诺 Multifunctional fishpond water surface insect catching device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4372854A (en) * 1979-12-12 1983-02-08 Novex Foreign Trade Co. Ltd. For Development And Commercialization Of Inventions Device for removing floating liquid impurities, oil, from a flowing water surface
KR20170116659A (en) 2016-04-12 2017-10-20 지수민 A Skimmer
CN110024766B (en) * 2019-04-11 2021-08-13 缪一诺 Multifunctional fishpond water surface insect catching device
CN111305177A (en) * 2020-03-29 2020-06-19 金华职业技术学院 Water floats refuse collection device

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