U.S. patent application number 10/883440 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for y-panel anchoring system for boom installation.
Invention is credited to Dreyer, Harold B..
Application Number | 20040234339 10/883440 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23098906 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040234339 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dreyer, Harold B. |
November 25, 2004 |
Y-panel anchoring system for boom installation
Abstract
The present invention relates to an anchoring system for a
containment/exclusion boom, the anchoring system including: a
Y-panel member which is adapted to be connected to a curtain of a
containment/exclusion boom, said Y-panel member comprising a first
skirt panel and a second skirt panel each having their proximal
ends joined together and each having a distal end; and means for
maintaining the distal ends of the first and second skirt panels
substantially against the floor of a body of water upon
introduction of the anchoring system into the body of water. Also
disclosed are a containment/exclusion boom which includes an
anchoring system of the present invention and a method of
containing/excluding contaminants from passage from one side to
another side of a boom through the use thereof.
Inventors: |
Dreyer, Harold B.;
(Anchorage, AK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Edwin V. Merkel
Nixon Peabody LLP
Clinton Square
P.O. Box 31051
Rochester
NY
14603-1051
US
|
Family ID: |
23098906 |
Appl. No.: |
10/883440 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10883440 |
Jul 1, 2004 |
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10134359 |
Apr 26, 2002 |
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60286504 |
Apr 26, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 15/06 20130101;
E02B 15/0814 20130101; E02B 15/0892 20130101; E02B 15/08
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/063 |
International
Class: |
E02B 015/04 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. An anchoring system for a containment/exclusion boom, the
anchoring system comprising: a Y-panel member comprising a portion
having an upper end, which is adapted to be connected to a
submerged curtain of a containment/exclusion boom, and exactly two
skirt panels, the exactly two skirt panels being formed of the same
material, each having a proximal end connected to the portion and
each having a distal end; and means, secured to the distal ends of
the first and second skirt panels, for maintaining their distal
ends substantially against the floor of a body of water upon
introduction of the anchoring system into the body of water.
2. The anchoring system of claim 1 wherein the means for
maintaining comprises: first and second ballast secured,
respectively, to the distal ends of the first and second skirt
panels.
3. The anchoring system of claim 2 wherein the means for
maintaining further comprises: first and second anchors secured,
respectively, to the distal ends of the first and second skirt
panels.
4. The anchoring system of claim 1 wherein the means for
maintaining comprises: first and second anchors secured,
respectively, to the distal ends of the first and second skirt
panels.
5. The anchoring system of claim 1 wherein the Y-panel member is
formed of a flexible fabric that allows movement of water
therethrough.
6. The anchoring system of claim 5 wherein the Y-panel member is
formed of a geosynthetic fabric.
7. The anchoring system of claim 1 wherein the Y-panel member is
formed of a flexible material that resists movement of water
therethrough.
8. The anchoring system of claim 7 wherein the Y-panel member is
formed of a rubberized canvas.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/134,359, filed Apr. 26, 2002, which claims
the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 60/286,504 filed Apr. 26, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to
containment/exclusion booms and their use to control movement of
contaminants in bodies of water. More specifically, the present
invention relates to an anchoring system for use on such booms.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Containment/exclusion booms can be used to filter water or
restrict the flow of contaminants from one side of the boom to the
other. Such contaminants can include any debris or marine life, as
well as silt which is laden with bacteria. Unfortunately, while
such use of the containment/exclusion boom can be effective in
reducing the debris, marine life, or silt in the water on one side
of the boom, many such booms have a tendency to shift position in
response to tidal action, or in response to increasing or
decreasing water pressure (which may occur for a variety of
reasons) on either side of the boom. This change in position can
cause seepage of contaminants (e.g., debris, marine life, or silt)
under the lower edge of the main boom curtain.
[0004] It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a
containment/exclusion boom with an anchoring mechanism which would
allow for the maintenance of a seal which prevents or at least
substantially minimizes the movement of contaminants in either
direction under the boom.
[0005] It would also be desirable to make it possible to secure the
boom in a fixed position to counteract tidal action or changes in
water pressures and levels on either of the boom curtain.
[0006] The present invention is directed to achieve these
objectives and others, as well as overcome these and other
deficiencies in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an
anchoring system for a containment/exclusion boom, the anchoring
system including: a Y-panel member which is adapted to be connected
to a curtain of a containment/exclusion boom, said Y-panel member
including a first skirt panel and a second skirt panel each having
their proximal ends joined together and each having a distal end;
and means for maintaining the distal end of the first and second
skirt panels substantially against the floor of a body of water
upon introduction of the anchoring system into the body of
water.
[0008] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a
containment/exclusion boom which includes: a support system which
can be positioned in a body of water; an upper curtain member made
of a flexible fabric that allows movement of water therethrough,
said upper curtain member being connected to said support system; a
Y-panel member integral with or connected to said upper curtain
member, said Y-panel member including a first skirt panel and a
second skirt panel each having a proximal end adjacent the upper
curtain member and each having a distal end; and means for
maintaining the distal ends of the first and second skirt panels
substantially against the floor of a body of water upon
introduction of the containment/exclusion boom into the body of
water.
[0009] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of containing/excluding contaminants from passage from one side to
another side of a boom which includes: installing a boom of the
present invention into a body of water with the first skirt panel
maintained on the floor of the body of water substantially on one
side of the upper curtain member and the second skirt panel
maintained on the floor of the body of water substantially on the
other side of the upper curtain member, wherein one or both of the
first and second skirt panels are maintained substantially against
the floor of the body of water, thereby containing or excluding
contaminants from passage from one side to another side of the
boom.
[0010] The inclusion of the Y-panel member secured to the lower
edge of the main boom curtain, along with suitable anchors or
ballast, affords better control of contaminant movement, i.e., over
substantially the entire water column. Booms according to the
invention can be used to contain contaminants, including oil
spills, suspended particulates, and other lighter-than-water
releases, as well as silt, debris, and marine life. The Y-panel
skirts provide for a much tighter seal against the movement of
contaminants underneath the lower edge of the boom and makes it
possible to secure the boom in a fixed position when needed for a
specific application. Moreover, the Y-panel skirts afford enhanced
containment even following changes in tidal conditions or changes
in water pressures on the opposite sides of the boom.
[0011] The boom system can be deployed from a barge, a dock with a
small boat, or other surface or access point near the water. The
invention is uncomplicated in design and can be easily deployed by
persons having basic waterfront experience without prior training
in containment boom deployment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boom of the present
invention which is installed into a body of water. As shown in this
embodiment, the Y-panel member is integrally formed with the upper
curtain member, whereby one of the skirts is simply formed by the
lower end of the upper curtain member and the other skirt is
attached to the upper curtain member.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a boom of the present
invention which is installed in a body of water under no current
flow.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a boom of the present
invention which is installed in a body of water under current flow
in one direction.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a boom of the present
invention which is installed in a body of water under current flow
in a direction opposite from that shown in FIG. 3.
[0016] FIGS. 5A-C illustrate different embodiments for connecting
the Y-panel member to the upper curtain member. In FIG. 5A, the two
skirts which form the Y-panel member are each connected directly to
the lower edge of the upper curtain member. In FIG. 5B, only one
skirt is connected directly to the lower edge of the upper curtain
member; the other skirt is connected indirectly to the lower edge
of the upper curtain member via the first skirt. In FIG. 5C, both
skirts are connected directly to a connector panel, which is
provided with a connector designed for mating engagement with a
corresponding connector on the lower edge of the upper curtain
member.
[0017] FIGS. 6A-C illustrate different techniques for connecting
the distal ends of the skirts to ballast or anchors. In FIG. 6A,
the distal end of a skirt is folded and secured to itself to form a
sleeve in which ballast (e.g., chain) is provided. In FIG. 6B, the
distal end of a skirt is provided with a series of grommets which
receive connectors that attach to ballast (e.g., chain). In FIG.
6C, the distal end of a skirt is provided with straps that can be
used to connect the distal end to chain or lines leading to anchors
as shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates to a Y-panel member used in an
anchoring system for a containment/exclusion boom of the present
invention. The Y-panel member itself can be integrally formed with
the curtain of a containment/exclusion boom or separately prepared
and connected thereto as described herein.
[0019] The Y-panel member includes a first skirt panel and a second
skirt panel, each having their proximal ends joined together and
each having a distal end. The proximal ends of the skirts are
intended to be connected to and/or integrally formed with an upper
curtain member which forms the majority of the boom curtain.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, the invention is embodied in a
containment/exclusion boom 10 which includes a flotation unit 12
and an upper curtain member 14. The curtain member 14 has an upper
sleeve 16 and a main sheet portion 20. The sleeve 16 is constructed
by folding an upper edge portion of the material along a lengthwise
fold line and securing the upper edge portion to the main sheet
portion 20, e.g., by sewing, heat fusion, etc. The flotation unit
12, which may comprise one or more lengths of buoyant material, can
then be inserted, when desired, into vertical slits cut in the
upper sleeve 16 at predetermined intervals. Alternatively, the
upper edge portion of the curtain member 14 can be folded around
the flotation unit 12 and then secured to the main sheet portion
20, forming the upper sleeve 16 with the flotation unit 12 therein.
If an inflatable flotation unit is used, the upper sleeve 16 may
additionally be provided with inlets/outlets for valves used to
inflate and deflate the flotation unit.
[0021] The lower edge of the curtain member 14 has integrally
formed therewith and/or connected thereto a Y-panel member 22. The
Y-panel member 22 includes a pair of skirt panels 23,23' and
optionally a connector panel 24.
[0022] In FIG. 1, the Y-panel member 22 is shown integrally formed
with the upper curtain member 14, whereby one of the skirts 23 is
simply formed by the lower end of the upper curtain member and the
other skirt 23' is attached to the upper curtain member.
[0023] In FIG. 5A, the Y-panel member 22 is shown with the proximal
ends of both skirts 23,23' connected directly to the lower edge of
the upper curtain member 14. In FIG. 5B, only one skirt 23 is
connected directly to the lower edge of the upper curtain member
14; the other skirt 23' is connected indirectly to the lower edge
of the upper curtain member 14 via the first skirt 23. In FIG. 5C,
both skirts 23,23' are connected directly to the connector panel
24, which is provided with a connector 26 designed for mating
engagement with a corresponding connector 28 on the lower edge of
the upper curtain member 14. Connectors 26 and 28 can be any
suitable connectors, e.g., hook and loop type fasteners.
[0024] The skirts 23,23', connector panel 24, and upper curtain
member 14 can be attached together by any appropriate means, such
as zipper connections, heat sealing, sewing, couplers, etc.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6A-C, the distal ends of the
skirts can be coupled with ballast or anchoring devices for
purposes of maintaining the distal ends of the first and second
skirts 23,23' substantially against the floor of a body of water
(i.e., upon introduction of the containment/exclusion boom into the
body of water). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6A, the distal ends of
the skirts 23,23' can be finished by folding along a lengthwise
fold line and securing the ends to the body of the skirt, e.g., by
sewing, heat fusion, etc., thereby forming sleeves 30,30'.
[0026] Ballast 32 such as lengths of steel chain (from less than
{fraction (1/8)} inch to over {fraction (3/4)} inch) or steel cable
(from less than {fraction (3/4)} inch to over 1-{fraction (1/2)}
inches in diameter) have been used inside sleeves 30,30'. Of
course, chains and cables of greater or less diameter may be used
to meet the specific requirements of a project design. It is not
always necessary to form the sleeves 30,30' on the first and second
skirts 23,23' to contain ballast. As shown in FIG. 6B, ballast 32
can be tied with connector 34 (e.g., corrosive resistant wire
connector) which passes through grommets 36 formed at the distal
ends of skirts 23,23'.
[0027] In addition, as shown in FIG. 6C, a skirt 23,23' of the type
illustrated in FIG. 6A can also include straps 38 connected (e.g.,
by heat sealing, sewing, etc.) adjacent the distal ends thereof for
purposes of connecting the distal ends to cables or chains 42 which
attach at their opposite ends to anchors 40 (both shown in FIG. 1).
This is particularly advantageous when the containment/exclusion
boom is utilized in adverse wave and current conditions and ballast
32 alone may not be sufficient to maintain the boom 10 in place or
the curtain 14 in a substantially vertical orientation. The
anchor(s) can be temporarily installed anchors or permanent
anchors. When such anchors are utilized it is also desirable to
stabilize the upper end of the curtain member 14 (or sleeve 16)
using cables or wires 44 (also shown in FIG. 1). For booms of
considerable length, anchors preferably are attached at regular
intervals.
[0028] When anchors are employed, their location may be marked by
brightly colored buoys, as necessary.
[0029] The containment/exclusion boom 10 of the present invention
can also include at least two tow cords and secured to the main
sheet portion 20. The tow cords are used to tow the boom into
position or from one location to another. The two cords can be
bands or strips of nylon lifting straps, steel or aluminum cable,
polypropylene rope, geosynthetic material, or the like that extend
the length of the curtain member 14 and can be secured to the main
sheet portion 20. One tow cord can be secured at or adjacent to the
upper sleeve 16 and a second tow cord can be secured to one or both
of the skirts on the Y-panel member 22. Tow cords of this type are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,261 to Gunderson, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. Depending on the overall
length of the containment/exclusion boom 10 and other design
parameters, additional tow cords may be positioned on the main
sheet portion as necessary.
[0030] The upper curtain member 14 is formed of a flexible fabric
material that allows the flow of water therethrough. One class of
preferred materials are known as geosynthetic fabrics, which are
formed of geotextile material(s). The geosynthetic fabric is
"hydrophobic" or "water-pervious," meaning that water passes
through the fabric. The hydrophobic property of geosynthetic fabric
permits the passage of water current through the main body portion
of the upper curtain member 14, thereby maintaining the relative
shape and position of the boom even in adverse current conditions.
It also facilitates towing of the boom.
[0031] Typically, the geosynthetic fabric will be "oleophilic,"
meaning that it absorbs or attracts oil, thereby blocking the flow
of oil. For containment of silt and other suspended particulates,
it is not essential that the curtain be oleophilic; obviously, for
containment of oil, the curtain preferably is oleophilic.
[0032] Useful geosynthetic fabrics are further characterized by
high load distribution capacity, the ability to abate material
filtration, and permeability to water. Geosynthetic fabrics are
commercially available in a range of tensile strengths,
permeabilities, and permitivities, and are useful for the purposes
of the invention throughout those ranges.
[0033] Geosynthetic fabric may be prepared using one or a
combination of various polymers, for example polyester,
polypropylene, polyamides, and polyethylene. Most commercially
available geosynthetic fabrics are polypropylene or polyester.
Examples of suitable nonwoven geosynthetic fabrics include, but are
not limited to, AMOPAVE.RTM. 4399, AMOPAVE.RTM. HD 4597, 4545,
4553, and 4561 (all polypropylene fabrics commercially available
from Amoco Fabrics and Fibers Company); Typar.RTM., a polypropylene
fabric commercially available from Dupont; TREVIRA.RTM. Spunbond, a
polyester fabric commercially available from Hoechst Fibers
Industries. Examples of suitable woven geosynthetic fabrics
include, but are not limited to, 1380 SILT STOP.RTM., 1198, 1199,
2090, 2000, 2006 (all polypropylene fabrics commercially available
from Amoco Fabrics and Fibers Company).
[0034] One of ordinary skill in the art is readily able to select
appropriate geosynthetic fabrics to meet project-specific design
requirements without undue experimentation.
[0035] The geosynthetic fabrics are nonbiodegradable, so they do
not deteriorate due to environmental exposure. During prolonged
use, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light may cause some geosynthetic
fabrics to weaken or deteriorate. However, UV-resistant fabrics are
commercially available as well as UV resistance treatment
methods.
[0036] For most applications, it is sufficient to construct the
upper curtain member 14 with a single layer of geosynthetic fabric.
However, for some applications, a multilayer construction may be
desirable to provide added strength or protection against abrasion.
The layers could be of the same geosynthetic fabric or different
fabrics. For instance, a curtain might have a first layer of
nonwoven fabric and a second layer of a woven fabric, which would
tend to be more abrasive-resistant than the nonwoven fabric. The
fabric can optionally be custom designed to provide for greater or
lesser water flow therethrough, as described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/168,491 to Gunderson et al., which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0037] Depending upon the environmental, tidal, wave and current
conditions, anticipated load requirements, and other parameters,
the appropriate geosynthetic fabric, tow cord, ballast, and
flotation unit can be selected to meet the specific design
requirements for a given spill event or other inclusion/exclusion
project.
[0038] Other relevant parameters for the containment/exclusion boom
10 include, but are not limited to, water depth, particulate size,
length of time the boom is to be in place, pollutant composition,
and the availability of manpower and equipment.
[0039] The Y-panel member 22 (including the skirts 23,23' and
connector panel 24) can also be formed of a material which allows
the flow of water therethrough, including any of the various types
of geosynthetic materials described above. The Y-panel member 22
can be formed of the same geosynthetic material used to form the
upper curtain member 14 or different geosynthetic materials.
[0040] Alternatively, the Y-panel member 22 can be formed of a
flexible material that resists the movement of water therethrough.
Polymer coated fabrics, including geosynthetic materials, can be
coated so as to minimize the porosity thereof, which increases
their resistance against the flow of water. By way of example, a
rubberized canvas or geosynthetic material can be used.
[0041] Sewing or heat fusion of the geosynthetic material can be
used to form the sleeves of the upper curtain member 14 and Y-panel
skirts 23,23', to attach Y-panel skirts 23,23' to one another
and/or to the upper curtain member 14, to connect multiple sheets
together to add additional height (i.e., increase the vertical
dimension of the upper curtain member 14), to attach any straps or
tow cords, or to effect any other connection of fabric materials as
disclosed herein. The geosynthetic fabric can be sewn with a
conventional industrial sewing machine, and heat fusion can be
accomplished with an industrial iron. Heat fusion can also be
accomplished by puncturing or piercing through the overlapped
geosynthetic fabric with a soldering iron or heated needles. Good,
strong connections have been made this way. Zipper connections can
also be used to connect the different sections, panels, skirts,
etc., including connection of flotation and ballast sleeves. This
use of zipper connections is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/328,757 to Dreyer, filed Oct. 11, 2001,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0042] A series of containment/exclusion booms 10 constructed
according to the present invention can be joined together to form
booms of longer longitudinal length. For this purpose, the upper
curtain member 14 and Y-panel member 22 extend longitudinally
beyond the end of the flotation unit 12 to define an end portion at
each end of the boom. With this construction, two curtains can be
positioned such that the end portions thereof overlap. The
overlapping end portions can be sewn or heat sealed together. For
quicker on-site connections, a coupler device may be used. A
particularly suitable coupler device is a pair of industrial
hook-and-loop fastening strips, such as the Dual-Lock Systems
(polyolefin) commercially available from the Minnesota, Mining and
Manufacturing Company. Mating hook-and-loop fastening strips are
secured to the end portions of the two endwise adjacent upper
curtain member 14 and Y-panel member 22 that are to be connected
together, with the strips of one curtain positioned to coincide
with mating strips of the other curtain. Other alternative
mechanical means can be used to form the connection, including
zipper assemblies. The final step in joining the two booms is to
bring the tow cords of one curtain together with the tow cords of
the other curtain and secure the tow cords together using
carabinier, shackles, or other appropriate mechanical connecting
means. Such a connection allows for uniform load distribution along
the tow cords.
[0043] The support system can be either a temporary support system
which floats (as described above) or a permanent or semi-permanent
support system.
[0044] The temporary, floating support system is preferably formed
of a plurality of flotation units which provide sufficient buoyancy
to keep the boom afloat and to maintain freeboard. Conventional
flotation units usable with the present invention include
inflatable devices, air bags, and floats made from buoyant
materials, such as cork, synthetic foams, and other plastics.
However, conventional devices may not perform adequately under
adverse conditions. It has been found that under adverse
conditions, expanded polystyrene ("EPS") is especially suitable for
use as the flotation unit. It is desirable to coat or seal the EPS
to prevent deterioration associated with prolonged exposure to the
elements. EPS is commercially available from ARCO Chemical Company
as DYLITE.RTM. and can be formed or molded into flotation units of
various sizes and shapes (e.g., cylindrical, square, etc.) as
required by project design. The EPS has a positive buoyancy that
keeps the flotation unit above the water surface at all times,
allowing the flotation unit to ride the waves, even in adverse
conditions. An EPS flotation unit is not deformed by wave action
and does not lose buoyancy if punctured, as would an inflatable
device. A single cubic foot of EPS can support as much as 60 lbs
(27.2 kg). A commonly used size of flotation unit of EPS is about
12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter, but the size can be readily
adapted to meet specific wave and environmental conditions and
depth requirements.
[0045] The permanent or semi-permanent support system can be used
as an alternative to the floating support system afforded by use of
the EPS or other buoyant materials. Such support systems can
include pilings of conventional construction and horizontal support
members (i.e., a wire, beam, catwalk, or other like support) which
extend between adjacent pilings. The upper curtain member 14 can be
connected to either the horizontal support members or both the
horizontal support members and the pilings. The Y-panel member 22
can similarly be attached to the pilings. These alternative support
systems are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/168,491, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0046] When a containment/exclusion boom 10 of the present
invention is installed into a body of water, it is particularly
useful to contain or exclude contaminants from passage from one
side to another side of the boom. It is believed that the
improvement in containment or exclusion of contaminants is due to
the presence of the Y-panel member 22 and, in particular, due to
the arrangement of the first and second skirts 23,23' which are
maintained against the floor of the body of water in which the boom
resides. As shown in FIG. 2, when there is little or no current
flow through the curtain 14, both of the skirts 23,23' are
sufficiently positioned against the floor of the body of water. In
comparison, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the Y-panel member 22 can
accommodate changes in current flow. The stress applied to the
curtain 14 by the current flow has the effect of sealing the
upstream skirt sufficiently against the floor of the body of water
while the downstream side contains slack. This scenario is
maintained regardless of the direction of flow. In either case, as
the upstream skirt makes contact with the floor of the body of
water, friction between the floor and the skirt increases to
provide resistance against the movement of that upstream skirt. It
is believed that this friction enhances the seal to further insure
that contaminants cannot pass by the boom.
[0047] In addition, as the water flow changes direction, silt or
other fouling material impinged against the prior upstream side of
the curtain will be cleaned off of that side when the water begins
to flow in the opposite direction (i.e., when the fouled material
is then located on the downstream side).
[0048] In addition to the foregoing use, the containment/exclusion
boom 10 of the present invention finds itself available to numerous
uses which have been described in the art. These include, without
limitation, containment of spills and releases; as a littoral flow
trap or basin to prevent deterioration of beaches or shoreline
along rivers, lakes, oceans, etc.; and as a bathing beach pollution
and debris barrier screen to define a swim area.
[0049] Although the invention has been described in detail for the
purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is
solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention which is defined by the following
claims.
* * * * *