Shoreline erosion control system
US5556229A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02B3/04
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A dynamic shoreline erosion control system includes a plurality of large rotatable hollow spheres spaced along a line at a distance from the shoreline. The spheres are held together by a heavy duty strong flexible netting which permits movement of the spheres with the incoming and outgoing waves. Openings in the spheres permit the sea water to pass through. A plurality of smaller air-filled balls are disposed within the spheres to likewise rotate under the influence of water flow and provide buoyancy. A group of spheres within a common netting is tied to a pair of pilings at the ends of the netting to limit the extent of movement. Narrower sections of the netting between spheres provide a link and spacing for adjacent elements. Like groups of spheres in nettings can be disposed in parallel pairs with staggered spacing and an array of spaced groups in various geometric arrangements can extend along a large shore area. The combined effects of the netting, spheres and balls serve to dissipate wave energy to reduce shore erosion and can trap sand that would normally be washed away to permit restoration of shore areas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.