SCREWS TOGETHER FOR ANCHORING A MARINE ORGANISM

Description

DESCRIPTION 5

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly screw for anchoring a marine organism.

[0002] In particular, with “together lives for the anchoring of a marine organism” means a screw suitable for keeping said marine organism anchored to a 10 support.

[0003] In particular, with “marine organism” we mean means a coral or a sponge or an alga or a bryozoan either a hydrozoan or a Posidonia oceanica.

[0004] In particular, the present invention 15 concerns the repopulation of marine organisms on a seabed.

[0005] One of the problems with known solutions is the lack of effectiveness and practicality in the repopulation of said marine organisms. 20

[0006] A further problem of the known solutions it is linked to the slow growth of organisms marine.

[0007] A further problem of the known solutions is linked to the inefficiency of the techniques 25 transplant.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a screw assembly for anchoring an organism marine to a seabed suitable for allowing rapid and simple solution to the problem of depopulation of 5 coral alternatives to state solutions technique.

[0009] This purpose is achieved by the screw assembly according to claim 1. The claims set forth in this employees ask for protection for additional characteristics 10 and they bring additional technical advantages.

[00010] Additional features and benefits of the invention will appear from the description below reported of his favorite examples of realization, data for indicative purposes only and not limited to, with reference to 15 to the attached figures, in which: – Figure 1 shows a support body 900 on which the screw assembly is anchored for anchoring a marine organism according to the present invention; - figures 2' and 2” represent two views in 20 perspective of a first preferred form of realization, respectively in separate parts and in joined parts, of the screw assembly; - figures 3' and 3” represent two views in prospect of a second preferred form of 25 realization, respectively in separate parts and in joined parts, of the screw assembly; - figure 4 shows a longitudinal section of the screw assembly which is the subject of the present invention anchored in a 900 support body; 5 - Figures 5a and 5b represent two views in perspective, respectively from above and below, of a further preferred embodiment of parts screw assembly joints; - figure 6 represents a perspective view of 10 a further preferred embodiment of parts separate the screw assembly; - Figures 6A and 6B represent two enlarged views of two details of the screw assembly in figure 6.

[00011] With reference to the attached figures, with 15 the number 1 indicates the screw assembly and with the number 500 a marine organism committed to the whole life.

[00012] The screw assembly 1 is intended to be committed to a 900 support corps.

[00013] According to a preferred embodiment, 20 the support body 900 is a rock.

[00014] According to a preferred embodiment, the 900 support body is a seabed.

[00015] According to a preferred embodiment, the 900 support body is a rock. 25

[00016] According to a preferred embodiment, the 900 support body is a coral reef.

[00017] According to a preferred embodiment, the support body 900 is a submerged pavement.

[00018] According to a preferred embodiment, 5 the support body 900 is a basic element included in an aquarium.

[00019] Preferably, the support body 900 is at least partially or totally or predominantly submerged in water. 10

[00020] According to the present invention, the screw assembly 1 comprises a base group 2 that extends along a XX axis.

[00021] According to the present invention, the screw assembly 1 comprises a head group 3 engageable by the organism 15 marine.

[00022] According to the present invention, the screw assembly 1 includes 4 configurable fastening means along the XX axis in a block configuration, in which base group 2 and head group 3 are mutually 20 bound.

[00023] With “configurable along the XX axis” you means that the coupling between the base group 2 and the head group 3 occurs through a movement of the group head 3 approaching base group 2 along the axis 25 XX, preferably a linear movement.

[00024] According to a preferred embodiment, starting from the block configuration, the means of Fixing 4 are configurable in a configuration of unlocking, in which the base group 2 and the head group 5 3 are unattached.

[00025] According to a preferred embodiment, in the block configuration, the fastening means 4 create a non-releasable or permanent bond between the base group 2 and the head group 3. 10

[00026] According to a preferred embodiment, base group 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape or conical or truncated conical.

[00027] Preferably, the base group 2 comprises a external diameter between 6 and 13 mm 15 millimeters.

[00028] According to a preferred embodiment, base group 2 includes at least a portion of 21 attachment which creates mutual anchoring between the screw assembly 1 and a support body 900. 20

[00029] Preferably, the gripping portion 21 includes a thread.

[00030] Preferably, the propeller pitch of the threading of the attachment portion 21 is included between 1 millimeter and 20 millimeters. 25

[00031] Preferably, the height of the propeller of the threading of the attachment portion 21 is included between 0.5 millimeters and 3 millimeters.

[00032] Preferably, the thread helix of the gripping portion 21 has a triangular shape 5 or sawtooth or square or rectangular.

[00033] According to the present invention, the group head 3 comprises an engageable flat element 30 from the marine organism 500. 10

[00034] Preferably, “flat” means a form as a whole or substantially or predominantly planar. Preferably, the element plate 30 includes two larger sizes and one smaller dimension, also called thickness. 15 Preferably, the flat element 30 is a thin thickness.

[00035] Preferably, the flat element 30 comprises two opposite faces, each face comprising a surface area between 2 cm and 20 24 cm. For example, the size of the flat element 30 between the two opposite faces is the smaller dimension or thickness.

[00036] According to a preferred embodiment, the marine organism engages both sides 25 of the flat element 30, for example surrounds at least partially the flat element 30.

[00037] According to a preferred embodiment, the marine organism only engages one face of the flat element 30, for example it extends 5 perpendicular to said face.

[00038] According to a preferred embodiment, the flat element 30 comprises at least one hole 31.

[00039] Preferably, the at least one hole 31 is a hole passing through the flat element 30, for example 10 open on both opposite faces of the flat element 30.

[00040] Preferably, the flat element 30 comprises a plurality of holes 31.

[00041] Preferably, the plurality of holes 31 is 15 arranged in a matrix configuration on the element dish 30.

[00042] According to a preferred embodiment, the plurality of holes 31 extends on each face of the flat element 30, for example distributed over the entire 20 the face. Preferably, the plurality of holes 31 includes at least one hole 31 proximal or directly adjacent to a perimeter edge of the flat element 30.

[00043] According to another preferred form of 25 realization, the plurality of holes 31 extends over a portion of each face of the flat element 30.

[00044] Preferably, the at least one hole 31 comprises a diameter between 1.5 mm and 8 mm.

[00045] Preferably, each hole 31 comprises a 5 axis hole. Preferably, a center distance or distance between the axes of two adjacent or consecutive holes 31 between theirs is between 1 mm and 8 mm.

[00046] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one hole 31 is designed to facilitate anchoring 10 of the marine organism to the flat element 30. Preferably, the at least one hole 31 provides a support element or a structural element for the marine organism.

[00047] According to a preferred embodiment, 15 the at least one hole 31 is designed to facilitate the passage of water through the flat element 30.

[00048] Preferably, the flat element 30 has a shape essentially circular.

[00049] Preferably, the flat element 30 has a shape 20 essentially polygonal.

[00050] Preferably, the flat element has the shape of regular polygon, for example with four or six sides.

[00051] According to a preferred embodiment, the flat element 30 comprises a first plane 25 imaginary I1, for example orthogonal to the XX axis. Preferably, the flat member 30 extends substantially or predominantly in parallel with respect to the imaginary first plane I1. For example, the two prevailing dimensions of the flat element 30 are 5 substantially parallel to the imaginary first plane I1.

[00052] According to a preferred embodiment, the flat element 30 includes a second plane imaginary I2 substantially parallel to the XX axis. Preferably, the flat member 30 extends 10 substantially or predominantly in parallel with respect to the second imaginary plane I2. For example, the two prevailing dimensions of the flat element 30 are substantially parallel to the second imaginary plane I2. 15

[00053] According to a preferred embodiment, the XX axis lies on the said imaginary plane I2.

[00054] According to the present invention, the means of fixing 4 comprise a female device 41 in the base group 2 and a male device 42 in the group 20 head 3, or vice versa.

[00055] In other words, one of the base group 2 and the head group 3 includes the female device 41, and the other includes the male device 42. The one of the female device 41 and of the male device 42 25 makes the fastening means 4.

[00056] According to the present invention, the means of Fixing 4 are configurable along the XX axis in a block configuration, in which the base group 2 and the head group 3 are mutually constrained. 5

[00057] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening means 4 operate via a mechanism snap.

[00058] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening means 4 create a coupling 10 snap or a coupling of form or force or a threaded coupling.

[00059] According to a preferred embodiment, the male device 42 comprises at least one element 420 bending, for example extending parallel 15 on the XX axis.

[00060] Preferably, the at least one element bending 420 is elastically deformable, for example due to the mechanical interaction between the base group and head group. 20

[00061] According to a preferred embodiment, the male device 42 comprises a single element bending 420.

[00062] According to a preferred embodiment, the male device 42 comprises a plurality of 25 bending elements 420, preferably arranged angularly equi-spaced.

[00063] According to a preferred embodiment, the female device comprises at least one housing 410, in which the at least one bending element 420 is housed 5 in the locking configuration of the fastening means 4.

[00064] According to a preferred embodiment, The female device comprises a single housing 410.

[00065] According to a preferred embodiment, the female device comprises a plurality of 10 accommodations 410.

[00066] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one accommodation 410 is a window or opening or radially open seat.

[00067] According to a preferred embodiment, 15 the at least one housing 410 is a connecting surface intended to be engaged by at least one element bending 420.

[00068] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one bending element 420 performs an action 20 radial, i.e. substantially orthogonal to to the XX axis.

[00069] Preferably, the radial action of the at least a bending element 420 is outward.

[00070] Preferably, the radial action of the at least 25 a bending element 420 is inward.

[00071] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one bending element 420 realizes a undercut with at least one housing 410, for example the at least one bending element 420 has a hook shape. 5

[00072] Preferably, the female device 41 comprises a coupling section 415 having the shape substantially or predominantly annular.

[00073] According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling section 415 is configured for 10 to welcome within it, at least partially, the male device 42, e.g. the bending element 420.

[00074] Preferably, the at least one housing 410 is made, for example passing radially, in the section 15 of coupling 415.

[00075] Preferably, along the XX axis, the group base 2 includes the coupling section 415 and the attachment portion 21.

[00076] According to a preferred embodiment, 20 the base group 2 is substantially in its entirety can be housed in the support body 900.

[00077] Preferably, the base group 2 comprises a portion housed in a support body 900 having a length between 50 and 80 millimetres. 25

[00078] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening means 4 can be housed in the body of support 900.

[00079] According to a preferred embodiment, Head group 3 is made of a biodegradable material. 5

[00080] According to a preferred embodiment, base group 2 and head group 3 can be produced through molding techniques, for example via injection molding, 3D printing, or stamping of thermosetting materials. 10

[00081] According to a preferred embodiment, the base group 2 and the head group 3 are made of polymer or copolymer, e.g. PLA, PCL, PBS, PHA, PHB, PBAT, nylon, PVP, PVA, proteins, polysaccharides, or with clays, thermosetting materials, composites and 15 combinations of the above.

[00082] According to a preferred embodiment, the polymers used are enriched with molecules functional as antioxidants, DMS, DMSO, DMSP, nutrients and microelements for corals, anti-algae, 20 Antimicrobials, Antibiotics to Promote Growth of the marine organism.

[00083] According to a preferred embodiment, the basic group is a single piece or one-piece, for example consisting of the gripping portion and one of the 25 female device and the male device.

[00084] According to a preferred embodiment, the head assembly is a single piece or one-piece, for example example consisting of the flat element and one of the female device and the male device. 5

[00085] According to one aspect of the invention, a system comprises a screw assembly 1 having the characteristics as described above, and a support body 900, in which the screw assembly 1 is housed, at least partially, in the support body 900 via base group 2. 10

[00086] Innovatively, the screw assembly object of the This invention largely fulfills the purpose predetermined.

[00087] Advantageously, the screw assembly allows for grow the marine organism on the head group in a 15 protected environment in a simple way, and subsequently anchor the marine organism to the seabed.

[00088] Advantageously, the screw assembly allows for fix the base assembly in the support body 900 first to bring the head group equipped with organism into the water 20 marine.

[00089] Advantageously, the screw assembly allows for minimize exposure time to air of the marine organism, binding the basic group and the head group directly into the water. 25

[00090] Advantageously, the screw assembly allows for create corals of various types, for example choosing the shape of the head group appropriately.

[00091] Advantageously, the screw assembly allows for install large corals. 5

[00092] Advantageously, the screw assembly reduces the anchoring time of a marine organism, increasing the number of corals that can be anchored per dive.

[00093] Advantageously, the at least one hole allows the passage of water rich in nutrients for the organism 10 marine.

[00094] Advantageously, the flat element is configured to allow the marine organism to thrive, for example it has an optimized shape for the growth of the marine organism. 15

[00095] Advantageously, the flat element is positionable in contact and in a configuration ordered with other flat elements, maximizing the cultivation surface available to the organism marine. 20

[00096] Advantageously, the flat element is modular.

[00097] Advantageously, the head assembly is in a biodegradable material.

[00098] Advantageously, the screw assembly represents 25 a new, effective and fast solution for the repopulation of corals on the ocean floor.

[00099] It is clear that a technician in the sector, in order to meet contingent needs, could bring modifications to the invention described above, all 5 contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A screw assembly (1) for anchoring a marine organism (500), for example a coral or a sponge or an alga, a bryozoan or a hydrozoan or a posidonia, in an underwater context, comprising: i) a base assembly (2) extending along an axis (XX), housed in a support body (900); ii) a head assembly (3) comprising a flat element (30) engageable by the marine organism (500); and iii) fastening means (4) comprising a female device (41) and a male device (42), respectively included in the base assembly (2) and in the head assembly (3) or vice versa; wherein the fastening means (4) are configurable along the axis (XX) in a locking configuration, in which the base assembly (2) and the head assembly (3) are mutually constrained.

2. Screw assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base assembly (2) has at least one gripping portion (21), preferably comprising a thread, wherein the base assembly (2) is housed in the support body (900) in such a way that the gripping portion (21) performs a mutual anchoring action.

3. Screw assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flat element (30) has at least one hole (31) suitable for aiding the anchoring of the marine organism.

4. Screw assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein the head assembly (3) comprises a plurality of holes (31) arranged in a matrix configuration on the flat member (30).

5. Screw assembly (1) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein said hole (31) is a through hole suitable to facilitate the anchoring of the marine organism to the flat element (30) and the passage of water through the flat element (30).

6. Screw assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flat element (30) has a substantially polygonal shape, preferably in the shape of a regular polygon, preferably three-sided, four-sided, six-sided.

7. Screw assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flat element (30) extends on a first imaginary plane (I1) substantially orthogonal to the axis (XX).

8. Screw assembly (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flat element (30) extends on a second imaginary plane (I2) substantially parallel to the axis (XX).

9. Screw assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (4) operate via a snap mechanism.

10. Screw assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the male device (42) comprises at least one bending element (420) extending parallel to the axis (XX), the female device (41) comprises at least one housing (410) in which the bending element (420) is housed in the locking configuration of the fastening means (4).

11. Screw assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the male device (42) comprises a plurality of bending elements (420) arranged angularly equidistant.

12. Screw assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein the bending elements (420) perform a radial action substantially orthogonal to the axis (XX).

13. Screw assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base assembly (2) is substantially in its entirety housed in the support body (900), wherein said fastening means (4) are in turn housed in the support body (900).

14. Screw assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the head assembly (3) is made of a biodegradable material.