Key information

Title
Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member and assembly
Application number
20240652
Case type
National
Status
19.06.2024 Godkjent til meddelelse
Filed
19.06.2024
Effective date
19.06.2024
Publicly available
20.01.2025
Next annual fee due
30.06.2027
Applicant
DIMB AQUA AS (NO)
Owner
DIMB AQUA AS (NO)
Inventor
Morten Bjerkås (NO) et al.
Agent
ACAPO ONSAGERS AS (NO)
Granted
20.01.2025
Patent number
348437
Expiry date
19.06.2044

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.
Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (200) and ringshaped or polygonal buoyant structure assembly (300) suitable for use in a fish farming system (100), wherein comprising a ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (200) formed by a steel tube (210) exteriorly encapsulated or coated by at least one layer or member of corrosion protective material (220).

Publications

B2B1A1
Checking availability of the latest published version...

Documents

 Expand Download files (50)
Date
 Date Doc. No. Process Case number In/Out Journal description To/from
 17.08.2026 09-01 Saksbehandling 20240652(348437) UT PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20240652)
16.06.2026 11-03 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN OP1554NO00-norske_krav ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 16.06.2026 11-02 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN OP1554NO00-innsending_av_norsk_oversettelse_av_krav ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 16.06.2026 11-01 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 26.05.2026 10-01 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Oversendelse ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 26.05.2026 09-02 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT IAIN07P- Avgjørelse - innsigelse_2195799
26.05.2026 09-01 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Brev om avgjørelse, med klagefrist ZACCO NORWAY AS
 26.05.2026 08-02 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT IAIN07P- Avgjørelse - innsigelse_2195799
26.05.2026 08-01 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Brev om avgjørelse, med klagefrist ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 31.03.2026 07-02 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN OP496574NO00 - Brev ZACCO NORWAY AS
 31.03.2026 07-01 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ZACCO NORWAY AS
 10.02.2026 06-01 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bekreftelse på mottatt svar (med frist til motparten) ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 10.02.2026 05-04 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT OP1554NO00-tilsvar_innsigelse
10.02.2026 05-03 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT OP1554NO00-endrede_krav_renskrevet
10.02.2026 05-02 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT OP1554NO00-endrede_krav_annotert
10.02.2026 05-01 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Brev om mottatt svar, med frist ZACCO NORWAY AS
 02.02.2026 04-04 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN OP1554NO00-tilsvar_innsigelse ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 02.02.2026 04-03 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN OP1554NO00-endrede_krav_renskrevet ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 02.02.2026 04-02 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN OP1554NO00-endrede_krav_annotert ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 02.02.2026 04-01 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 14.10.2025 03-01 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bekreftelse til kravstiller/innsiger ZACCO NORWAY AS
 14.10.2025 02-15 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT OP496574NO00 - Notice of opposition
14.10.2025 02-14 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 8d
14.10.2025 02-13 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 8c
14.10.2025 02-12 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 8b
14.10.2025 02-11 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 8a
14.10.2025 02-10 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 7 - GB2558302A
14.10.2025 02-09 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 6 - US11773274
14.10.2025 02-08 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 5b - Fiizk nettside
14.10.2025 02-07 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 5a - Fiizk nettside
14.10.2025 02-06 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 4b - Fishfarmingexpert
14.10.2025 02-05 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 4a - Fiizk nettside
14.10.2025 02-04 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 3 - Salmar Ocean Farm
14.10.2025 02-03 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 2 - NO348437B1
14.10.2025 02-02 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Bilag 1 - Begrunnelse
14.10.2025 02-01 Innsigelse 2025/00422 UT Oversendelse til patenthaver ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
 13.10.2025 01-15 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN OP496574NO00 - Notice of opposition ZACCO NORWAY AS
13.10.2025 01-14 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 8d ZACCO NORWAY AS
13.10.2025 01-13 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 8c ZACCO NORWAY AS
13.10.2025 01-12 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 8b ZACCO NORWAY AS
13.10.2025 01-11 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 8a ZACCO NORWAY AS
 13.10.2025 01-10 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 7 - GB2558302A ZACCO NORWAY AS
 13.10.2025 01-09 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 6 - US11773274 ZACCO NORWAY AS
13.10.2025 01-08 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 5b - Fiizk nettside ZACCO NORWAY AS
13.10.2025 01-07 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 5a - Fiizk nettside ZACCO NORWAY AS
13.10.2025 01-06 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 4b - Fishfarmingexpert ZACCO NORWAY AS
13.10.2025 01-05 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 4a - Fiizk nettside ZACCO NORWAY AS
13.10.2025 01-04 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 3 - Salmar Ocean Farm ZACCO NORWAY AS
 13.10.2025 01-03 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 2 - NO348437B1 ZACCO NORWAY AS
 13.10.2025 01-02 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Bilag 1 - Begrunnelse ZACCO NORWAY AS
 13.10.2025 01-01 Innsigelse 2025/00422 INN Nytt overprøvningskrav (OP) ZACCO NORWAY AS
 22.01.2025 08-01 Saksbehandling 20240652(348437) UT PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20240652)
22.11.2024 07-01 Saksbehandling 20240652 UT Intention to grant CURO AS
 20.11.2024 06-05 Saksbehandling 20240652 INN Reply_office_action CURO AS
 20.11.2024 06-04 Saksbehandling 20240652 INN NO20240652-norske_krav CURO AS
 20.11.2024 06-03 Saksbehandling 20240652 INN NO20240652-ameneded_specification_clean CURO AS
 20.11.2024 06-02 Saksbehandling 20240652 INN NO20240652-ameneded_specification_annotated CURO AS
 20.11.2024 06-01 Saksbehandling 20240652 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) CURO AS
 18.10.2024 05-02 Saksbehandling 20240652 UT PT report 03:44:14
18.10.2024 05-01 Saksbehandling 20240652 UT Substantive Examination CURO AS
 20.06.2024 04-03 Saksbehandling 20240652 INN Power of Attorney_MB CURO AS
 20.06.2024 04-02 Saksbehandling 20240652 INN Assignment_MB_MLS CURO AS
 20.06.2024 04-01 Saksbehandling 20240652 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) CURO AS
 19.06.2024 03-01 Saksbehandling 20240652 UT Formal Examination 1 CURO AS
 19.06.2024 02-01 Saksbehandling 20240652 UT Infobrev til oppfinner CURO AS
 19.06.2024 01-03 Saksbehandling 20240652 INN U4549-text CURO AS
 19.06.2024 01-02 Saksbehandling 20240652 INN U4549-figures CURO AS
 19.06.2024 01-01 Saksbehandling 20240652 INN Søknadsskjema Patent CURO AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content. Description
3484371Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member and assemblyThe disclosed embodiments relate to a ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member and assembly suitable for use in a fish farming system.5 BackgroundThe fish farm industry continuously develops and is continuously in the search for technology reducing the risk for lice or parasites, as well as diseases while the fish being in the sea. Over the years there have been presented different solutions where the intended effect is to protect/shield the production volume of fish from the upper water layers.10 To achieve protection/shielding it is common to use non-permeable membranes or rigid hulls in, e.g., steel, concrete or glass fibre. The lice or parasites are mostly present and transported in the upper water layers from 0-10 meters below the sea surface. Even with use of such protection, undesired affection of the fish production volume is still experienced and protection should extend far further down in the water than the usual 10 meters. Full scale tests shown that such protection 15 should extend down to 25 meters or more below the sea surface to considerably reduce the need for treatment of the fish, something that thus will result in improved fish health and lower mortality.By using soft protection membranes extending further down below the sea surface than the usually 10 meters, such as, e.g., 25 meters, one has experienced that the load from currents, 20 waves and density differences in the water are considerable factors.It is common to use buoyant structure members, often denoted as floating or buoyant collars, made of polyethylene (PE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The load on these conventional PE/HDPE structure members has proven to be so high that deformations in the production volume may be unacceptably high without substantial reinforcement.25 WO9117653A1 discloses a breeding vessel comprising two annular buoyancy means which define and form the circumference of the breeding vessel, and with a number of fittings/connections which are tensioned about the bodies of said buoyancy means arranging them together. It is further described that the buoyancy means can be filled with air for increased buoyancy. The solution suffers from, among others, not being able to withstanding high loads from net and 30 membranes attached thereto. 3484372In WO2010134825A1 is disclosed a net cage construction comprising a number of floating tubes of Polyethylene and a number of clamps arranged mutually spaced apart around the floating tubes arranging the floating tubes to each other. The solution suffers from, among others, not being able to withstanding high loads from net and membranes attached thereto.5 From NO345633B1 is known a closed, flexible cage for fish farming or other aquatic organisms, where the closed, flexible cage for fish farming comprises a container which in a submerged state delimits a volume of water, wherein an upper portion of the container is connected to at least one floating collar, wherein the at least one floating collar further is arranged around an inner circumference of the container. The floating collars are made of a suitable material which provides 10 the desired buoyancy, or the floating collar may be made as a hose which can be filled with air. It is also described the use of sub-floating collars for adding additional buoyancy. The solution suffers from, among others, not being able to withstanding high loads from net and membranes attached thereto.In NO341817B1, EP4152921A1 and NO346711B1 is disclosed a semi-submersible fish-faring 15 system wherein the floating collar is formed by a structure of a ring-shaped or polygonal lower buoyancy member, a ring- shaped or polygonal upper buoyancy member and a plurality of pillars connecting the buoyancy member. The system is configured to be located in at least two different submerged positions by ballasting/deballasting the floating collar. The solution suffers from, among others, being complex and expensive to build and further requires extensive maintenance.20 In addition, the solution requires means for active control of the ballast/deballast and active controlling.From EP3541174B1 is known the use of buoyant collars in a fish farming system made from sections of steel pipe welded together or plastic material. Disadvantages of this solution, is among others, water intrusion on the buoyant collars and the corrosion thereof.25 EP3937624A1 discloses buoyant collars of steel or PE with integrated ballast means. Disadvantages of this solution, is among others, water intrusion on the buoyant collars and the corrosion thereof. A further disadvantage is the requirement for ballast controlling means and the controlling thereof.In US2019045754A1 is disclosed a buoyancy system is for a fish pen. The fish pen has an enclosure 30 for keeping fish confined in the fish pen, the enclosure being secured to an inner flexible buoyancy body floating on a water surface. The buoyancy system has an outer buoyancy body on the outside of the inner buoyancy body. The inner buoyancy body is attached to the outer buoyancy body with 3484373a mooring so that the outer buoyancy body and the inner buoyancy body move independently of each other relative to waves. Different materials of the buoyancy bodies are described. However, there is no corrosion protection described.From CN 210017484 U is known a relates to a floating frame for aquaculture. The floating frame 5 comprises a load-bearing beam and several floating bodies arranged thereto. The floating bodies include a closed hollow floating shell made of a corrosion-resistant metal or a metal coated with a corrosion-resistant material. Each of the hollow floating shells is also filled with a foam body, thereby further improving the buoyancy. However, there is no disclosure of what the may be. There is accordingly a need for a ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member and 10 assembly being capable for withstanding higher loads than the prior art solutions and is corrosion protected.SummaryThe disclosed embodiments provide a ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member 15 (ROPBSM) and ring-shaped polygonal buoyant structure assembly (ROPBSA) partly or entirely solving the above-mentioned disadvantages of prior art.Provided herein is a ROPBSM and ROPBSA capable of withstanding higher loads, compared to prior art solutions.Also provided herein is a ROPBSM and ROPBSA enabling the use of heavier and/or longer nets, 20 protective membranes and/or or non-permeable enclosures combining the net and protection in one unit for retaining the fish, arranged thereto.Provided herein is a ROPBSM and ROPBSA that is less complex than prior art solutions using structures, hull-type or other structures in, e.g., steel, concrete or glass fibre.Also provided herein is a ROPBSM and ROPBSA requiring less maintenance than prior art solutions 25 using floating structures, rigid hulls or similar in, e.g., steel, concrete or glass fibre.Provided herein is a ROPBSM and ROPBSA involving lower costs than prior art solutions using floating structures, rigid hulls or similar in, e.g., steel, concrete or glass fibre. 3484374Also provided herein is a ROPBSM and ROPBSA not requiring any ballast or bouncy means for changing the ballast or buoyancy.Further features of the present invention will appear by consideration of the following description, claims and attached drawings.5The inventionA ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member suitable for use in fish farming system is defined by the technical features of claim 1. Preferable features of the ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member are described in the dependent member claims.10 A ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure assembly for use in fish farming system is defined by the technical features of claim 7. Preferable features of the ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member assembly are described in the dependent assembly claims.The present invention is related to a ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (ROPBSM) and a ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure assembly (ROPBSA) suitable for use in 15 a fish farming system.According to one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention it is formed by a steel tube exteriorly encapsulated or coated by at least one layer or member of corrosion protective material.In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the steel 20 tube is interiorly filled with a water intrusion prevention material.According to one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the steel tube is formed as one continuous steel tube or by multiple steel tube sections connected by connections or welding.In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the 25 corrosion protective material is Polyethylene or High-Density Polyethylene or a similar material.According to one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the corrosion protective material is a paint, anodes (Zinc) or a coating by different materials. 3484375The corrosion protective material may further be formed by two or more materials.According to one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the water intrusion prevention material is a water-resistant foam as, but not limited to is Polyurethane, cross-linked Polyurethane (XPU).5 In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the water intrusion prevention material is air or compressed air.According to a one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the steel tube has a cross-sectional diameter of, but not limited to, 300 – 600 mm. Other suitable diameters are within the knowledge of a skilled person within the art.10 In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the wall thickness of the steel tube is, but not limited to, 6 – 20 mm. Accordingly, a thick-walled steel pipe. Other suitable diameters are within the knowledge of a skilled person within the art.In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the steel tube sections are bent to a shape corresponding to the desired curvature of the ROPBSM prior to 15 assembly.According to one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the steel tube sections are bent by, but not limited to, induction bending or cold-bending.In accordance with a further embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, it comprises assembling the steel tube by prefabricated bent steel tube sections.20 According to one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the encapsulation or coating by the at least one layer or member of corrosion protective material is performed after the steel tube is assembled.In an alternative embodiment, the steel tube sections are encapsulated or coated prior to assembly when connections are used or when the corrosion protective material is paint or similar 25 material.According to one embodiment of the ROPBSM according to the present invention, the steel tube is filled with water intrusion prevention material prior to encapsulation or coating by the at last one corrosion protective material. 3484376The ROPBSA according to the present invention comprising at least one first and at least one second ROPBSM arranged one within the other and attached to each other by attachment devices. The at least one second ROPBSM is formed by a Polyethylene or High-density Polyethylene tube, and the at least one first ROPBSM is formed by a steel tube exteriorly encapsulated or coated by at 5 least one layer or member of corrosion protective material.In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the steel tube is interiorly filled with a water intrusion prevention material.According to one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention the steel tube is formed as one continuous steel tube or by steel tube sections connected by connections or 10 welding.In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the corrosion protective material is Polyethylene or High-Density Polyethylene or a similar material. According to one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the corrosion protective material is a paint, anodes (zinc) or a coating by different materials.15 The corrosion protective material may further be formed by two or more materials.According to one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the water intrusion prevention material is a water-resistant foam as, but not limited to, is Polyurethane, cross-linked Polyurethane (XPU).In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the water 20 intrusion prevention material is air or compressed air.According to one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the steel tube has a cross-sectional diameter of, but not limited to, 300 – 600 mm. Other suitable diameters are within the knowledge of a skilled person within the art.In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the wall 25 thickness of the steel tube is, but not limited to, 6 – 20 mm. Accordingly, a thick-walled steel pipe.Other suitable diameters are within the knowledge of a skilled person within the art.In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the steel tube sections are bent to a shape corresponding to the desired curvature of the ring-shape or polygonal buoyant structure prior to assembly. 3484377According to one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the tube sections are bent by, but not limited to, induction bending or cold-bending.In accordance with a further embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, it comprises assembling the steel tube by prefabricated bent steel tube sections.5 According to one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the encapsulation or coating by the at least one layer or member of corrosion protective material is performed after the steel tube is assembled, or the encapsulation or coating by the at least one layer or member of corrosion protective material is performed prior to the steel tube sections prior to the steel tube is assembled by connections or when the corrosion protective material is 10 paint or similar material.In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the steel tube is filled with water intrusion prevention material prior to encapsulation or coating by the at least one corrosion protective material.According to one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, one or more 15 buoyancy devices are arranged to the at least one first and/or second ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure members.According to one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the at least one second ring-shaped or buoyant structure member further being interiorly filled with Styrofoam or similar materials.20 According to one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the steel tube has a cross-sectional diameter of, but not limited to, 300 – 600 mm. Other suitable diameters are within the knowledge of a skilled person within the art.In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, the wall thickness of the steel tube is, but not limited to, 6 – 20 mm. Other suitable diameters are within 25 the knowledge of a skilled person within the art.In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSA according to the present invention, one or more anchoring means are arranged to the at least one first and/or second ring-shaped or polygonal structure members and/or buoyancy devices. 3484378By the present invention is provided a ROPBSM and ROPBSA with higher rigidity (structural stiffness) than prior art solutions using only PE-rings/collars.The ROPBSM and ROPBSA according to the present invention enables the use of longer (extending to larger depths) protective membranes than prior art solutions using only PE-rings/collars.5 By the present invention is provided a ROPBSM and ROPBSA being cheaper to produce and maintain than prior art solutions using floating structures, rigid hulls or similar in, e.g. steel, concrete or glass fibre.The ROPBSM and ROPBSA according to the present invention are less complex than prior art solutions with comparable rigidity.10 The ROPBSM and ROPBSA according to the present invention do not require the use of ballast or buoyancy means, as is the case for many of the prior art solutions.ExampleThe present invention will below be described in further detail with references to the attached 15 drawings, whereFig.1a-b are principle drawings of a ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member according to one embodiment of the present invention,Fig.2a-c are principle drawings of a ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and20 Fig.3 is a principle drawing of an example embodiment of the use of the present invention in a fish farming system.The present invention is related to a ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member 200 (ROPBSM) suitable for use in a fish farming system 100, and wherein the ROPBSM 200 is formed 25 by different material. 3484379Reference is now made to Figures 1a-b, wherein Fig.1a is a cross-sectional view of a ROPBSM 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention and Fig. 1b is a principle drawing of the assembly of a steel tube 210 of the ROPBSM 200.The ROPBSM 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed by a steel tube 5 210 exteriorly encapsulated or coated by at least one layer or member of corrosion protective material 220.In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the steel tube 210 is formed as one continuous steel tube 210 or by multiple steel tube sections 211A-M assembled to form a ringshaped or polygonal steel tube 210 with a tubular cross-section. The number and length of the 10 steel tube sections 211A-M are dependent on the required size/circumference of the ROPBSM 200.According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steel tube 210 or steel tube sections 211A-M are of high-quality steel. High-quality steel has good mechanical properties, good comprehensive properties of tensile and compressive strength and toughness. High-quality steel is 15 further characterized by having few impurities.In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention, steel tube sections 211A-M of, e.g., 1-13 meters are assembled by connections 212 or welding to form the ring-shaped or polygonal steel tube 210. Examples of connections 212 are screw-bolt-joint, spigot-and-socket joint, socket joint, etc. Other types of connections are within the knowledge of a 20 skilled person within the art.According to one embodiment of the present invention there are used straight steel tube sections 211A-M (as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig.1b) that are bent to a shape corresponding to the desired curvature of the ring-shaped or polygonal steel tube 210 prior to assembly by connections 212 or welding.25 In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention, the straight steel tube sections 211A-M are bent by, but not limited to, induction or cold-bending. Other methods for bending the steel tube sections 211A-M to a desired curvature is within the knowledge of a skilled person within the art.According to a further embodiment of the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention, the 30 steel tube 210 is formed by assembling prefabricated bent steel tube sections 211A-M. 34843710In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention, the steel tube 211 has a cross-sectional diameter of, but not limited to, 300 – 600 mm. According to one embodiment of the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention, the wall thickness of the steel tube 211 is, but not limited to, 6 – 20 mm. Accordingly, a thick-walled steel tube 210. Other 5 suitable dimensions are within the knowledge of a skilled person within the art.In accordance with a further embodiment of the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention, the ROPBSM 200 further comprises filling the interior of the steel tube 210 with a water intrusion prevention material 230. In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention, the water intrusion prevention material 230is a water-resistant foam as, but 10 not limited to, Polyurethane, cross-linked Polyurethane (XPU) or similar water-resistant foams. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention, the water intrusion prevention material 230 is air or compressed air. This requires that the steel tube 210 is completely sealed. Other alternatives of corresponding water intrusion prevention materials 230 suitable for use in the present invention will be within the knowledge of 15 a skilled person. The water intrusion prevention material 230 is applied to prevent the steel tube 210 from being filled with water in case of a damage or breakage. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the water intrusion prevention material 230 is inserted prior to encapsulation or coating by the at least one corrosion protective material 220.In a further embodiment of the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention, it is provided 20 dividing walls or barriers (not shown) to prevent possible water from protruding interior in the steel tube 210.In accordance one embodiment of the present invention, the corrosion protective material 220 is, but not limited to, Polyethylene or High-Density Polyethylene. According to a further embodiment of the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention, the corrosion protective material 220 is a 25 paint, anodes (Zinc) or a coating formed by different materials. The corrosion protective material 220 may further be formed by two or more materials.Accordingly, the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention, can be manufactured as one continuous ring-shaped or polygonal steel tube 210, by bending a number of steel tube sections 211A-M to a desired curvature and assembling them to form a ring-shaped or polygonal steel tube 30 210, or by using prefabricated bent steel tube sections 211A-M that are assembled to form a ringshaped or polygonal steel tube 210. 34843711If desired, an intermediate step of filling the steel tube 210 with water intrusion prevention material 230 is performed.The final step is encapsulating or covering the assembled steel tube 210 with at least one layer or member of corrosion protective material 220. The corrosion protective material 220 is arranged to 5 the ROPBSM 200 so that the surface thereof is smooth.By the ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention is provided a ROPBSM 200 having higher rigidity (structural stiffness) in circumferential direction at the water line compared to prior art PE-rings/collars. The increased rigidity results in higher strength preventing ovaling of the ROPBSM 200 as well as deformation of the shape of the ROPBSM 200.10 The ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention further enables the use of heavier and/or longer nets 700 (Fig. 2b and 3), protective membranes 710 (Fig. 2b and 3) and/or or nonpermeable enclosures (not shown) combining the net and protection in one unit for retaining the fish, arranged thereto.Reference is now made to Fig.2a-c showing principle drawing of ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant 15 structure assembly (ROPBSA) 300 suitable for use in a fish farming system 100 utilizing the above described ROPBMS 200. The ROPBSA 300 according to the present invention comprises at least one first 200 and at least one second 400 ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member arranged one within the other and attached to each other by attachment devices 500, known per, se as clamps, distributed in circumferential direction. There are usually arranged such attachment 20 devices 500 every 2-3 meters.The at least one first ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (ROPBSM) 200 is formed as described above by a steel tube 210 exteriorly encapsulated or coated by at least one layer or member of corrosion protective material 220.The at least one second ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (ROPBSM) 400 is 25 formed by Polyethylene or High-density Polyethylene. In accordance with one embodiment of the ROPBSA 300, the second ROPBSM 400 is formed by a tube 410 of Polyethylene or High-density Polyethylene. In accordance with a further embodiment of the ROPBSA 300, the second ROPBSM 400 is further interiorly filled with Styrofoam 420 or similar material. This second ROPBSM 400 is known per se, and requires no further detailed description herein beyond the citations to prior art 30 made above. 34843712As shown in the Figures 2a-c and 3, the second ROPBSM 400 is arranged interior the first ROPBSM 200. In alternative embodiments of the ROPBSA 300 according to the present invention, the second ROPBSM 400 is arranged outside the first ROPBSM 200 or both at inside and outside of the first ROPBSM 200. Accordingly, the ROPBSA 300 may comprise more than one of the second 5 ROPBSM 400 arranged inside each other or inside and outside the first ROPBSM 200.In further alternative embodiments, the ROPBSM 300 comprises two or more of the first 200 and/or second 400 ROPBSMs arranged above one another in the vertical plane.According to ROPBSA 300 according to the present invention, the at least one second ROPBSM 400 provides additional buoyancy to the ROPBSA 300 and ensuring that the ROPBSA 300 has sufficient 10 buoyancy depending on the load thereon from nets 700, protective membranes 710 and or nonpermeable enclosures (not shown) combining the net and protection in one unit for retaining the fish, arranged thereto.As shown in Fig. 2b-c, the ROPBSA 300 according to the present invention will, in addition to forming a support structure, form fundament/support structure for arrangement of railing 800 15 and working platform/walkways 810, arranged thereto by appropriate attachment devices (not shown), known per se.When used in a fish farming system 100, the ROPBSA 300 forms a floating structure for suspending nets 700, known per se, forming an enclosure for retaining fish 10, protective membranes 710 and or non-permeable enclosures (not shown) combining the net and protection in one unit for 20 retaining the fish.Reference is now made to Fig. 2c. In accordance with a further embodiment of the ROPBSA 300 according to the present invention, the ROPBSA 300 comprises one or more buoyancy devices 600 arranged to the at least one first 200 and/or second 400 ROPBSMs to add buoyancy to the ROPBSA 300. In Fig.2c is shown a non-limiting example of the use of four buoyancy devices 600 distributed 25 in the circumferential direction of the ROPBSA 300. As shown in the example, it may be advantageous to arrange the additional buoyancy devices 600 in connection with anchoring means 900, known per se, arranged to the ROPSBSA 300 for maintaining a fish farming system 100 in a desired position in the sea.The ROPBSA 300 with at least one first ROPBSM 200 according to the present invention increases 30 the rigidity (structural stiffness) in circumferential direction of the ROPBSA 300 at the water line.The increased rigidity of the ROPBSA 300 results in higher strength, compared to prior art 34843713solutions using PE-rings/collars, that prevents ovaling of the ROPBSA 300 as well as deformation of the shape of the ROPBSA 300.In this manner, the ROPBSA 300 according to the present invention enables the use of heavier and/or longer (extending to larger depths) nets 700, protective membranes 710 and/or non-5 permeable enclosures (not shown) combining the net and protection in one unit for retaining the fish, arranged thereto. While prior art PE-rings/collars are designed for suspending protective membranes 710 down to 10 meters below the sea surface, the ROPBSA 300 according to the present enables the use of protective membranes or non-permeable enclosures extending down to 25 meters and further below the sea surface.10 The ROPBSA 300 according to the present invention will have some higher weight than prior art solutions, using only PE-rings/collars. The increased rigidity could also result in that ROPBSA 300 is more likely overflow due to the ROPBSA 300, compared to only PE-rings/collars, will not follow the waves as much. The ROPBSA 300 is especially suitable, but not limited to, water regions where the wave heights are below 2.5 meters and without significant amounts of ocean swells.15 The increased weight may in certain situations result in lower buoyancy reserves and thus reduced freeboard during high current load. To prevent this, the properties of the at least one second ROPBSM 400 and/or the properties and use of buoyancy devices 600 are adapted for increasing the buoyancy reserve.Reference is now made to Fig.3 showing a principle drawing of the use of the principles according 20 to the present invention on a fish farming system 100. As shown in the illustrated example, the ROPBSA 300 according to the present invention, comprising first 200 and second 400 ROPBSMs, is used for suspending upper end of a net 700 and protective membrane 710 at the sea surface, and wherein the net 700 and protective membrane 710 at a lower end is arranged to a bottom ringshaped or polygonal structure member 110, often referred to as bottom ring, wherein the 25 protective membrane 710 encloses the net 700 and shields the net 700 from the surroundings.In the shown embodiment, the ring-shaped or polygonal structure member 110 is further arranged to a weight 120 via anchored lines or wires 130 for tensioning of the net 700 and protective membrane 710. The mentioned anchor lines or wires 130 may be controllable. In the shown embodiment, the mentioned weight 120 rests on the seabed 140 and provides a stable set up for 30 the fish farming system 100. 34843714As illustrated the protective membrane 710 by use of the ROPBSM 200/ROPBSA 300 according to the present invention extends down to 25 meters or further, while existing technology will only support the protective membrane 710 to extend down to approximately 10 meters.The technical features of the above described embodiments may be combined to form modified 5 embodiments within the scope of the attached claims.10
Claims
34843715AMENDED CLAIMS1. Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (200) suitable for use in a fish farming system (100), wherein the ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure 5 member (200) is formed by a thick-walled steel tube (210) exteriorly encapsulated or coated by at least one layer or member of corrosion protective material (220), characterized in that the corrosion protective material (220) is Polyethylene or High-Density Polyethylene, or the corrosion protective material (220) is a paint, anodes or 10 a coating by different materials, or the corrosion protective material (220) is formed by two or more materials, the thick-walled steel tube (210) is formed multiple bent steel tube sections (211A-M) connected by connections (212) or welding, wherein the steel tube sections (211A-M) are bent to a shape corresponding to the desired curvature 15 of the ring-shape or polygonal buoyant structure member (200) prior to assembly or formed by prefabricated bent steel tube sections (211A-M), and wherein the steel tube sections (211A-M) having a cross-sectional diameter between 300 – 600 mm and a wall thickness between 6 – 20 mm.2. Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (200) according to claim 1, 20 wherein the thick-walled steel tube (210) is interiorly filled with a water intrusion prevention material (230).3. Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (200) according to claim 1, wherein the steel tube sections (211A-M) are bent by induction bending or coldbending.25 4. Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (200) according to claim 2, wherein the water intrusion prevention material (230) is a foam, air or compressed air.5. Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (200) according to claim 4, wherein the water intrusion prevention material (230) is water-resistant foam as, but 30 not limited to, Polyurethane or cross-linked Polyurethane.6. Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure assembly (300) suitable for use in a fish farming system (100), the ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure assembly (300) comprising at least one first ring-shaped polygonal buoyant structure member (200) according to any one of claims 1-5, and at least one second ring-shaped or 35 polygonal buoyant structure member (400) arranged one within the other and attached to each other by attachment devices (500), wherein the at least one second34843716ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (400) is formed by a Polyethylene or High-density Polyethylene tube (410).7. Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure assembly (300) according to claim 6, wherein the thick-walled steel tube (210) is interiorly filled with a water intrusion 5 prevention material (230).8. Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure assembly (300) according to claim 7, wherein the water intrusion prevention material is a water-resistant foam as, but not limited to, Polyurethane or cross-linked Polyurethane.9. Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure assembly (300) according to claim 6, 10 wherein one or more buoyancy devices (600) is arranged to the at least one first (200) and/or second (400) ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member.10. Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure assembly (300) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one second ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure member (400) further being interiorly filled with Styrofoam (420).15 11. Ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure assembly (300) according to claim 6 or 9, wherein one or more anchoring means (900) is arranged to the at least one first (200) and/or second (400) ring-shaped or polygonal buoyant structure members and/or buoyancy devices (600).2034843717Patentkrav1. Ringformet eller mangekantet flytende strukturmedlem (200) egnet for bruk i et fiskeoppdrettssystem (100), hvori det ringformede eller mangekantede flytende 5 strukturmedlemmet (200) er dannet av et tykkvegget stålrør (210) hvilket utvendig er innkapslet eller belagt med minst et lag eller medlem av korrosjonsbeskyttende materiale (220), karakterisert ved at det korrosjonsbeskyttende materialet (220) er polyetylen eller høydensitets-polyetylen, eller det korrosjonsbeskyttende materialet (220) er maling, anoder eller et belegg av ulike 10 materialer, eller det korrosjonsbeskyttende materialet (220) er dannet av to eller flere materialer, det tykkveggede stålrøret (210) er dannet av et flertall bøyde stålrørseksjoner (211A-M) sammenkoblet ved koblinger (212) eller sveising, hvori stålrørseksjonene (211A-M) er bøyd til en form tilsvarende den ønskede kurvaturen til det ringformede eller mangekantede 15 flytende strukturmedlemmet (200) før sammenstilling eller dannet av prefabrikkerte bøyde stålrørseksjoner (211A-M), og hvori stålrørseksjonene (211A-M) har en tverrsnittdiameter på mellom 300 – 600 mm og en veggtykkelse på mellom 6 – 20 mm.2. Ringformet eller mangekantet flytende strukturmedlem (200) i samsvar med krav 1, hvori det 20 tykkveggede stålrøret (210) innvendig er fylt med et vanninntrengingshindrende materiale (230).3. Ringformet eller mangekantet flytende strukturmedlem (200) i samsvar med krav 1, hvori stålrørseksjonene (211A-M) er bøyde med induksjonsbøying eller kaldbøying.4. Ringformet eller mangekantet flytende strukturmedlem (200) i samsvar med krav 2, hvori det vanninntrengingshindrende materialet (230) er skum, luft eller komprimert luft.25 5. Ringformet eller mangekantet flytende strukturmedlem (200) i samsvar med krav 4, hvori det vanninntrengingshindrende materialet (230) er vannbestandig skum som, men ikke begrenset til, polyuretan eller kryss-linket polyuretan.6. Ringformet eller mangekantet flytende struktursammenstilling (300) egnet for bruk i et fiskeoppdrettssystem (100), hvori den ringformede eller mangekantede flytende 30 struktursammenstillingen (300) omfatter et første ringformet eller mangekantet flytende 34843718strukturmedlem (200) i samsvar med ett av kravene 1-5, og minst et andre ringformet eller mangekantet flytende strukturmedlem (400) innrettet den ene i den andre og festet til hverandre ved festeanordninger (500), hvori det minst ene andre ringformede eller mangekantede strukturmedlemmet (400) er dannet av et polyetylen- eller høydensitets-polyetylen-rør (410).5 7. Ringformet eller mangekantet flytende struktursammenstilling (300) i samsvar med krav 6, hvori det tykkveggede stålrøret (210) innvendig er fylt med et vanninntrengingshindrende materiale (230).8. Ringformet eller mangekantet flytende struktursammenstilling (300) i samsvar med krav 7, hvori det vanninntrengingshindrende materialet (230) er vannbestandig skum som, men ikke begrenset 10 til, polyuretan eller kryss-linket polyuretan.9. Ringformet eller mangekantet flytende struktursammenstilling (300) i samsvar med krav 6, hvori en eller flere oppdriftsinnretninger (600) er innrettet til det minst ene første (200) og/eller andre (400) ringformede eller mangekantede flytende strukturmedlemmet.10. Ringformet eller mangekantet flytende struktursammenstilling (300) i samsvar med krav 6, hvori 15 det minst ene andre ringformede eller mangekantede strukturmedlemmet (400) videre innvendig er fylt med Styrofoam (420).11. Ringformet eller mangekantet flytende struktursammenstilling (300) i samsvar med krav 6 eller 9, hvori en eller flere forankringsmidler (900) er innrettet til det minst ene første (200) og/eller andre (400) ringformede eller mangekantede flytende strukturmedlemmet og/eller20 oppdriftsinnretninger (600).
Drawings

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classesA01K 61/60CPC classesA01K 61/60

Citations

US 2019045754 A1 (A1)CN 210017484 U (U)CN 213369404 U (U)US 5967086 A (A)JP 2000175593 A (A)ES 2215489 A1 (A1)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners
DIMB AQUA AS
Ellefsens vei 3 7020 TRONDHEIM NO (TRONDHEIM Municipality, Trøndelag county)Org. number: 932711923Inventors
Morten Bjerkås
Ellefsens vei 3 7020 TRONDHEIM NO (TRONDHEIM Municipality, Trøndelag county)
Martin Lein Staveli
Fridtjof Nansens vei 27 7020 TRONDHEIM NO (TRONDHEIM Municipality, Trøndelag county)

Agent

ACAPO ONSAGERS AS
ACAPO ONSAGERS AS

Org. number: 932214636

Name and address are automatically synchronized with the Brønnøysund Register Centre.

Open in The Brønnøysund Register Centre
Edvard Griegs vei 1 5059 BERGEN NO (BERGEN Municipality, Vestland county)
Org. number: 932214636
Reference: P20240652NO

Status history

Payment history

Oppositions and appeals

InnsigelseReceived: 13.10.2025 NIPO's case No.: 2025/00422Current status: Avgjort. Innsigelsen har delvis ført fram
OpponentZACCO NORWAY AS
ZACCO NORWAY AS

Org. number: 982702887

Name and address are automatically synchronized with the Brønnøysund Register Centre.

Open in The Brønnøysund Register Centre
 Postboks 488 0213 OSLO NO

Administrative limitation

No administrative limitation

Liens and licences

No liens or licenses registered

Gazette entries

No Gazette entries foundOnly events from 2024.03.04 and onwards are shown.