U.S. patent application number 14/750167 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-31 for beach maintenance system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Linda Parker. Invention is credited to Sarah Clewell, Patricia Jones, William Parker, JR..
Application Number | 20150376852 14/750167 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54929911 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150376852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parker, JR.; William ; et
al. |
December 31, 2015 |
Beach Maintenance System
Abstract
A system and method for maintaining and/or reclaiming sand or
stone levels of a beach or shoreline for the purpose of mitigating
erosion. The beach maintenance system preferably includes a series
of support members, flexible webbing stretched between each support
member, an anchoring system, and a discharge system. Primary
support members preferably form a line generally orthogonal to the
shoreline. Preferably, this array of support members spans from a
point inland from the high tide line to a point further into the
water than, the low tide boundary. In addition to support members
running perpendicular to the shoreline, smaller arrays of support,
members are preferably aligned generally parallel or tangent to the
first array. Preferably, each of this group of arrays span the
shoreline such that there is a series of webbing groups running
parallel to the shoreline.
Inventors: |
Parker, JR.; William;
(LeHigh Acres, FL) ; Jones; Patricia; (LeHigh
Acres, FL) ; Clewell; Sarah; (LeHigh Acres,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Parker; Linda |
Carrabelle |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54929911 |
Appl. No.: |
14/750167 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62016771 |
Jun 25, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 3/04 20130101; E01F
7/02 20130101; E02D 17/202 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02B 3/12 20060101
E02B003/12; E02D 17/20 20060101 E02D017/20; E01F 7/02 20060101
E01F007/02; E02B 3/04 20060101 E02B003/04 |
Claims
1. A beach maintenance system for mitigating erosion on a beach
which includes an oceanic ridge, a shoreline, a low tide boundary,
and a high tide boundary, comprising: a. at least one primary
accretion array, including, i. at least a first support member and
a second support member, each having a first end and a second end,
ii. a support line attached to said first end of said support
members, iii. an anchoring line proximate said second end of said
support members, iv. wherein said support line spans from said
first support member to said second support member and from said
second support, member to any additional support members, v.
webbing connecting said support line to said anchoring line, vi.
wherein said anchoring line and said support line maintain said,
webbing in a generally planar alignment, vii. wherein said second
ends of said support members are driven into said beach; b. wherein
said at least one primary accretion array is generally
perpendicular to said shoreline; c. at least one secondary
accretion array attached to said at least one primary accretion
array, including, i. at least one secondary support member having a
first end and a second end, ii. a secondary support line attached
to said first end of said at least one secondary support member,
iii. a secondary anchoring line proximate said second end of said
secondary support member, and iv. webbing connecting said secondary
support line to said secondary anchoring line.
2. The beach maintenance system of claim 1, wherein said secondary
array forms an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 180
degrees with said primary accretion array.
3. The beach maintenance system of claim 1, further comprising at
least one extended accretion array, including: a. an extended
support member having a first end and a second end, b. wherein said
first end of said extended support member is attached to said first
end of said support member of said primary array and extending
upwards therefrom, c. an extended support line, d. wherein said
extended support line is attached to said second end of said
extended support member, and e. webbing attached to said extended
support line.
4. The beach maintenance system of claim 1, wherein said support
line is attached to said support members by inserting said support
line through a series of eyebolts mounted to said top end of said
support members.
5. The beach maintenance system of claim 1, wherein said anchoring
line is steel.
6. The beach maintenance system of claim 1, wherein said anchoring
line is comprised of tubing.
7. The beach maintenance system of claim 6, wherein said anchoring
line is fluidly attached to a reservoir.
8. The beach maintenance system of claim 7, wherein said reservoir
is capable of releasing an amount of water to fill said anchoring
line.
9. The beach maintenance system of claim 6, wherein said anchoring
line is fluidly attached to a pump.
10. The beach maintenance system of claim 9, wherein said pump is
capable of pumping an amount of water into said anchoring line.
11. A beach maintenance system for mitigating erosion on a beach
which includes an oceanic ridge, a shoreline, a low tide boundary,
and a high tide boundary, comprising: a. at least one primary
accretion array, including, i. at least a first support member and
a second support member, each having a first end and a second end,
ii. a support line attached to said first end of said support
members, iii. an anchoring line proximate said second end of said
support members, iv. wherein said support line spans from said
first support member to said second support member and from said
second support member to any additional support members, v. webbing
connecting said support line to said anchoring line, vi. wherein
said anchoring line and said support line maintain said webbing in
a generally planar alignment, vii. wherein said second ends of said
support members are secured to said beach. b. wherein said at least
one primary accretion array is generally perpendicular to said
shoreline; c. at least one secondary accretion array attached to
said at least one primary accretion array, including, i. at least
one secondary support member having a first end and a second end,
ii. a secondary support line attached to said first end of said at
least one secondary support member, iii. a secondary anchoring line
proximate said second end of said secondary support member, iv.
webbing connecting said secondary support line to said secondary
anchoring line, d. wherein said secondary array forms an angle
greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees with said primary
accretion array; e. at least one extended accretion array,
including, i. an extended support member having a first end and a
second end, ii. wherein said first end of said extended support
member is attached to said first end of said support member of said
primary array and extending upwards therefrom. iii. an extended
support line, iv. wherein said extended support line is attached to
said second end of said extended support member, and v. webbing
attached to said extended support line.
12. The beach maintenance system of claim 11, wherein said support
line is attached to said support members by inserting said support
line through a series of eyebolts mounted to said top end of said
support members.
13. The beach maintenance system of claim 11, wherein said
anchoring line is steel.
14. The beach maintenance system of claim 11, wherein said
anchoring line is comprised of tubing.
15. The beach maintenance system of claim 14, wherein said
anchoring line is fluidly attached to a reservoir.
16. The beach maintenance system of claim 15, wherein said
reservoir includes a valve capable of releasing an amount of water
to fill said anchoring line.
17. The beach maintenance system of claim 14, wherein said
anchoring line is fluidly attached to a pump.
18. The beach maintenance system of claim 17, wherein said pump is
capable of pumping an amount of water into said anchoring line.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit
of an earlier-filed provisional patent application. The provisional
application was assigned serial number 62/016,771. It was filed on
Jun. 25, 2014.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates to the field of maintaining and
preventing erosion of beaches and shorelines. More specifically,
the invention comprises a series of support members with a
flexible, porous barrier, such as webbing, running between each
support member in order to accrete sand, pebbles, and other natural
materials in transport due to wind or wave energy.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] Beaches and shorelines around the world are an integral part
of human society. Beaches serve as natural attractions, foster
tourism, and contribute to economies, as well as provide protection
for critical ecosystems and valuable property. Local and greater
economies, such as cities and even states, depend greatly on the
presence of beaches, and the associated natural environments. These
coastal environments are critical in protecting and maintaining
coastal and aquatic systems, to support habitats and food chains,
tourism, storm protection, and recreation.
[0008] Shorelines and beaches are greatly endangered due to several
different factors. Coastal erosion, being an ever present threat,
has increased due to natural influences such as rising sea levels
and storm events, as well as, due to human interference such as
seawall construction, beach sand mining, and overdevelopment.
[0009] Currently, approximately forty percent of the worlds'
population lives within 100 kilometers of the coast. Therefore, it
is critical that an innovative, natural solution be found to help
mitigate the impacts of coastal erosion in a manner that is
compatible and works in conjunction with the natural
environment.
[0010] Previous methods of beach restoration or coastal protection,
such as dredging, hauling in non-native sand, seawalls, or riprap
were not effective over time, were costly, and sometimes caused
extensive ecological damage.
[0011] Due to tidal and climatological influences, coastal regions
are very dynamic. Technology such as dredging or hauling in
non-native sand is costly and does little to mitigate the overall
impact of erosion. The proposed system mitigates the impact of
erosion by reclaiming native sand lost to local systems.
[0012] Therefore, what is needed is a system which allows for
maintenance of beaches utilizing a sustainable, soft technology
consisting of a non-permanent structure and webbing that is
installed parallel and perpendicular to the shoreline, and works in
conjunction with nature and its processes. The present invention
achieves this objective, as well as others that are explained in
the following description.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention comprises a system and method for
reclaiming and/or maintaining sand, stone, or natural materials,
natural or indigenous to beaches or shorelines affected by erosion.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beach
maintenance system includes a series of support members, flexible
webbing stretched between each support member, an anchoring system,
and a discharge system. One arrangement of support members
preferably forms a line generally orthogonal to the shoreline.
Preferably, this array of support members spans from a point above
the high tide line (inland from the high tide line) to a point
beyond the low tide line (further into the water at various
distances), sometimes extending to oceanic ridges, according to
project design. Webbing stretches between each support member in
order to capture or recapture natural materials in transport, which
are suspended in the water or air, and are caused to fail out of
suspension when, wind or wave load is reduced as a result of
encountering the perpendicular line of support members and webbing,
ultimately causing the natural/indigenous material to accrete in a
native formation, pattern or slope ratio, in addition to support
members running perpendicular to the shoreline, smaller arrays of
support members are preferably aligned generally parallel or
tangent to the shoreline (perpendicular to the first line of
support members). These parallel arrays are attached to the
orthogonal array at various locations along the first array. The
smaller arrays are utilized to capture or recapture wind-blown or
water-spray sand, which falls out of suspension when, encountering
the smaller array, and accretes in a native formation or
pattern.
[0014] Preferably, each of this group of arrays span the shoreline
such that there is a series of webbing groups running parallel to
the shoreline. Thus, the series of perpendicular arrays of support
members and webbing facilitates an accretion, of sand, pebbles, and
other natural materials in order to maintain the structure of the
beach, preserve habitats, and mitigate erosion.
[0015] The system is modeled after nature, both in structural,
design and processes. Specifically, the system is modeled after the
function of mangrove roots, creating a support structure which
naturally accretes sand and protects critical habitats. This system
also emulates the natural pattern that coastal systems follow in
accretion and erosion processes, it reclaims native sand
transported and lost off-shore in storm events. Over a great
length, of time the system eventually migrates and repopulates a
beach. However, this system works with nature to speed recovery
processes which occur following periods of disturbance. Because
this system is not a permanent structure, and is flexible in
nature, the "soft" groynes are extended off-shore to the nearest
sand ridge before, during, or after periods of disturbance. This
soft solution to coastal erosion works with natural processes
occurring as a result of severe weather, and is deployed or removed
to capitalize on natural conditions in order to recapture native
sand sources, quickly rebuilding beaches, and protecting habitats
and property. Additionally, this system works with and allows
nature to build the beach in a natural formation, or slope
ratio.
[0016] Given that coastal erosion is an ongoing, permanent
influence on mankind and critical ecosystems, it is important that
a sustainable solution be found.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an elevation view, showing the embodiment of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 3A is a plan view, showing the accretion of natural
materials caused by the installation of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3B is a perspective view, showing the accretion of
natural materials caused by the installation of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is an elevation view, showing the extended webbing
panel.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an elevation view, showing an alternate form of
the anchoring system of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view, showing a discharge system of
the present invention which uses a reservoir.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view, showing a discharge system of
the present invention which uses a pump.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a detailed view, showing initiation of the
discharge system of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an elevation view, showing the present invention
as it is discharged from the accreted natural materials.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS
[0027] 10 beach maintenance system
[0028] 12 accretion array
[0029] 14 primary accretion array
[0030] 16 oceanic ridge
[0031] 18 low tide boundary
[0032] 20 high tide boundary
[0033] 22 secondary accretion array
[0034] 24 support member
[0035] 26 support line
[0036] 28 webbing
[0037] 30 anchoring line
[0038] 32 beach
[0039] 34 buried end
[0040] 36 natural particulate materials
[0041] 38 extended array
[0042] 40 extended support member
[0043] 42 eyebolt
[0044] 44 water spray
[0045] 46 body of water
[0046] 48 sand
[0047] 50 reservoir
[0048] 52 reservoir tubing
[0049] 54 valve
[0050] 56 pump
[0051] 58 nozzle array
[0052] 60 nozzle
[0053] 62 new beach level
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] The present invention provides a maintenance system to be
used for the accretion of sand, small pebbles, and other natural
materials on a beach. FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment. Beach
maintenance system 10 comprises a series of accretion arrays 12.
Although only three accretion arrays 12 are illustrated, the number
of accretion arrays 12 can be much greater or be limited to a
single array. The reader will note that the number of accretion
arrays 12 is dependent upon the stretch of beach or shoreline which
the user would like to maintain. Each accretion array 12 preferably
includes primary accretion array 14. Preferably, primary accretion
array 14 is generally perpendicular to the shoreline. The reader
will note that a shoreline will generally not be perfectly linear
or make a curve with a constant radius. Thus, the term "generally"
should be construed as primary array 14 being perpendicular to the
average curvature or line, or the general curvature of the
shoreline at that point. As the reader can see from FIG. 1, oceanic
ridge 16, low tide boundary 18, and high tide boundary 20 are not
perfectly linear or curved. In this instance, shoreline can be
assumed to be the low tide line or high tide line. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, primary array 14 extends from
a point inland of high tide boundary 20 to a point between oceanic
ridge 16 (in the case of maintenance of an oceanic beach or
shoreline) and low tide boundary 18. Of course, the span of primary
array 14 depends on the amount of beach to be maintained.
[0055] In addition to primary array 14, accretion array 12
preferably includes secondary accretion array 22. At least one
secondary accretion array 22 is preferably attached to each primary
accretion array 14. Secondary accretion array 22 is attached to
primary array 14 whereby an angle between 0 and 180 degrees is
formed. Preferably, secondary arrays 22 are perpendicular (90
degree angle) to primary array 14 and vary in length, as
illustrated. The details of each array are discussed in further
detail in the subsequent text.
[0056] FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of a portion of primary
array 14. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
primary array 14 includes support members 24, support line 26,
webbing 28, and anchoring line 30. In order to erect beach
maintenance system 10, support members 24 are driven into the beach
32. Preferably, support members 24 are forced into beach 32 deep
enough such that accretion array 12 remains upright during use.
Although support member 24 is shown as shaft with a circular
cross-section, support member 24 can take many forms. For example,
support member 24 may include multiple members in order to increase
stability or support member 24 may include smaller members that
extend radially from the buried end 34 of support member 24.
Anchoring line 30 preferably rests on the surface of beach 32, as
shown. Anchoring line 30 is preferably used in order to maintain
the structure of webbing 28 proximate beach 32. In order to
maintain this structure, anchoring line 30 is preferably attached
to webbing 28. In the figure, anchoring line 30 is a chain with
torus shaped links. Preferably, the chain is constructed from
stainless or galvanized steel or a material that is similar in
weight and resistance to corrosion. Those familiar with the art
will note that although a steel chain is a cheap, easy, and
convenient means to anchor webbing 28, many other techniques can be
used for anchoring line 30. Some examples of alternatives for
anchoring line 30 include metal or plastic tubing, heavy-duty wire,
discrete weights attached to the lower portion of webbing 28
(proximate beach 32), and other similar techniques.
[0057] While anchoring line 30 maintains the structure of webbing
28 proximate beach 32, support line 26 and support members 24
preferably keep webbing 28 upright. Although webbing is shown in a
horizontal configuration, the webbing can also be configured
diagonally or lattice-like in design. Preferably, webbing 28 is
attached to support line 26. In addition, support line 26 is
preferably connected to the upper end (hot buried end) of support
member 24. Those familiar with the art will note that there are
multiple means which can be used to attach support line 26 to
support member 24. One such technique is to mount eyebolts to the
top end of each support member 24. Then, support line 26 is
preferably inserted through each eyebolt which would keep support
line 26, and consequently, webbing 28 upright. The eyebolts may be
threaded into support member 24 or preferably manufactured integral
to the support members.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, support
line 26 is fabricated from a heavy duty, corrosive-resistant
material. Preferably, webbing 28 is constructed from cotton, nylon,
plastic, or another flexible, interwoven, porous material that is
capable of withstanding a harsh, environment such as large,
crashing waves of seawater. The porosity of webbing 28 can be
optimized depending on the maintenance site and other research
acquired by the installers of the system. In addition, support
member 24 is preferably constructed from a strong,
corrosion-resistant material such as galvanized steel, in fact,
those familiar with the art will realize that it is important for
most materials which are used in beach, maintenance system 10 to be
able to withstand a certain level of corrosion and harshness in the
environment. The reader will note that much of beach maintenance
system 10 is submerged underwater during the accretion process.
Thus, it is preferable to provide corrosive-resistant materials for
the system, especially in the case of oceanic beaches which are
exposed to seawater.
[0059] The reader will note that FIG. 2 shows both a fine porosity
and a more course porosity of webbing 28. The material of webbing
28, as discussed in the preceding text, is preferably-capable of
withstanding extended, time underwater, including seawater. The
porosity of webbing 28 depends on the beach for which maintenance
system 10 is installed. For example, if beach maintenance system 10
is installed on a rocky beach, a more course webbing 28 would be
sufficient. Whereas, a beach with fine powder sand requires a very
fine mesh for webbing 28.
[0060] FIG. 3A is a top view of beach maintenance system 10 which
shows the accretion of natural materials caused by each accretion
array 12. Although the type of natural materials accumulated by
using accretion arrays 12 depends on the type of beach in which the
system is implemented, in order to demonstrate the occurrence of
the accumulation, small rocks, pebbles, smaller particles (sand),
sticks, and larger rocks are shown. Accretion of natural
particulate materials 36 occurs on either side of primary array 14
and on each side of secondary arrays 22. The reader will note, as
stated above, that the structure and porosity of the webbing
determine the composition of the natural particulate materials 36.
In the figure, many types of natural particulate materials 36 are
illustrated. The reader will also note that the length of secondary
array 22 becomes larger as the primary array 14 stretches further
inland, which is opposite FIG. 1. The purpose of this is to
illustrate that the invention is not limited to any specific length
progression for secondary array 22, in fact each array 22 can be of
equal length. Preferably, as waves roll onto the beach and the
tides change, webbing 28 (not visible from this perspective) allows
natural particulate materials 36 to accrete as shown, thereby
increasing the amount of sand, pebbles, or other natural materials
present on the beach or shoreline. The reader will note that a
portion of beach maintenance system 10 is preferably submerged
under body of water 46 during the maintenance process.
[0061] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of accretion array 12
installed on a primarily sandy beach as sand 48 is accreted. As
illustrated, sand 48 has accumulated along accretion array 12.
Preferably, webbing 28 allows sand 48 to accrete proximate primary
array 14 and secondary array 22. The reader will note that sand 48
has accumulated to a level above the original level of beach 32
which is illustrated by a dashed line. Once sand 48 or natural
particulate materials 36 have reached the desired level, the user
can remove accretion array 12. The method of removing accretion
array 12 is discussed in the subsequent text.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows an additional feature of the beach maintenance
system 10. As illustrated, extended array 38 is attached to
extended support member 40. Extended support member 40 is
preferably attached to support member 24. The reader will note that
there are multiple techniques in which one can attach extended
support member 40 to support member 24--such as threaded pipes, a
telescopic tube and pin system, or any other attachment means known
in the art for two tubes. In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, extended array 38 includes support line 26 and webbing
28, which are utilized in the same fashion as those components on
primary array 14. Preferably, extended array 38 is used to catch
any sea spray which may have sand particles or other natural
particulate materials 36 that are traveling in the air, thereby
increasing the effectiveness of the present inventive system by
capturing particles in the air and driven by sea spray.
[0063] In addition to extended array 38, FIG. 4 shows that
secondary array 22 is affixed to the ground in the same manner as
primary array 14--using support members 24 driven into the beach
32. Also, eyebolt 42 is shown (without support line 26) in order to
demonstrate one possible embodiment for fastening support line 26
to support member 24. In this embodiment, support line 26 (not
shown in this view) runs through eyebolt 42. As those familiar with
the art will realize, eyebolt 42 allows 360 degrees of rotation.
Thus, support line 26 can flex laterally if necessary. This is
helpful if a large accumulation of sand 48 or natural materials 36
is pressing against webbing 28 in a single direction, if the
connection between support member 24 and support line 26 were
rigid, this may cause support member to fall. However, the rotation
provided by eyebolt 42 is helpful in preventing this.
[0064] FIG. 5 shows another anchoring system of the present
invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, anchoring
line 30 is tubing which is used both to anchor the system and
easily remove it. The tubing (tube) can be flexible or rigid, but
it is preferably flexible. The tubing is preferably made of
flexible, but moderately stiff tubing that can handle relatively
high pressures if necessary. Anchoring line 30 is installed such
that it rests upon beach 32 or seafloor. However, upon accretion of
natural particulate materials 36 upon and surrounding accretion
array 12, support member 24, the lower section of webbing 28, and
anchoring line 30 become buried with natural particulate materials
36. This makes the removal of accretion array 12 increasingly
difficult as it accumulates more sand and other natural
materials.
[0065] Once the user is satisfied with the level of accumulated
sand and natural materials, beach maintenance system 10 is ready to
be removed. In order to remove accretion array 12 more easily,
anchoring line 30 is tilled, with pressurized water. Filling
anchoring line 30, and in this case the discharge line, with
pressurized water can be achieved in several ways. FIG. 6 shows one
method of filling anchoring line 30 with water in order to
discharge beach maintenance system 10. In this embodiment,
reservoir 50 is tilled with water. The user then connects reservoir
tubing 52 to anchoring line 30. Once reservoir tubing 52 is
connected to anchoring line 30, the system is ready for discharge.
Preferably, reservoir 50 includes valve 54 which can be opened in
order to fill anchoring line 30 with water. Those familiar with the
art will note that reservoir 50 can take many forms. Although
reservoir 50 is shown as a large stationary tank, reservoir 50 can
be tank located on a truck, a group of smaller tanks, a water
source provided by a water tap near the beach, or any other
available source of water.
[0066] FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of beach maintenance
system 10. Beach maintenance system 10 preferably includes pump 56.
In this embodiment, water is pumped into anchoring line 30 from
body of water 46 using pump 56. This allows the user to utilize the
vast amount of wafer already located at the location of maintenance
system 10 as opposed to bring water from another location. Pump 56
is preferably a submersible pump. As pump 56 forces water into
anchoring line 30, water fills and pressurizes anchoring line 30.
As illustrated, nozzle arrays 58 are preferably located along
anchoring line 30. Preferably, nozzle 60 is a normally closed typed
nozzle which is activated (opened) by a certain pressure threshold.
This would allow water pressure to build within anchoring line 30
as pump 56 forces water into line 30. The advantage to using a
nozzle 60 with a pressure threshold is that water is present
throughout anchoring line 30. Thus, once the correct pressure is
reached, water will spray from each nozzle array 58. Otherwise,
water would spray from the arrays 58 which are closest to pump
56.
[0067] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of the discharging process once
anchoring line 30 has reached a sufficient pressure. The reader
will note that as the discharge of accretion array 12 is initiated,
the level of beach 32 is such that anchoring line and the lower
portion of webbing 28 are buried. As discussed in the preceding
text, water may be pumped into anchoring line 30 or water can flow
from a reservoir into anchoring line 30. With either method, water
spray 44 exits nozzle 60. This liquefies the sand or rocks
surrounding anchoring line 30 and support member 24. As illustrated
in FIG. 9, this allows the user to easily remove accretion array
12. By liquefying the sand, rocks, and other natural materials the
support members 24 are easily pulled upward out of beach 32. The
reader will note that the new level of beach 62 is above the
original level of beach 32, Thus, beach maintenance system 10 has
limited erosion and increased the sand, rocks and other natural
materials located on the beach.
[0068] The preceding description contains significant detail
regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. It should not
be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but
rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of
the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by
the following claims, rather than by examples given.
* * * * *