Super-enhanced aquatic floating island plant habitat

Abstract

A super-enhanced aquatic floating island plant habitat that is adjustably buoyant and optionally biodegradable. The first embodiment is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer, a mat, soil / flotation chambers, apertures, nutrient channels, buoyant waterscape options, and a tethering system. The floating island can include monitors that measure water and atmospheric conditions, dispensers for fish food or chemicals, and a water agitation / oxygenation device. Another embodiment comprises a positively buoyant soil matrix contained within a water-permeable bag. Another embodiment comprises a flotation collar, an outrigger, and one or more water-permeable bladders containing negatively or neutrally buoyant bedding soil. The present invention also covers an aquarium-scale floating island and submersible planter, a plant containment bag made out of thermoplastic elastomer, and several methods of adjusting the buoyancy of a floating island. A method of manufacturing a floating island comprising molded thermoplastic elastomer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority back to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60 / 484,411 filed on Jul. 2, 2003, 60 / 512,509 filed on Oct. 18, 2003, and 60 / 572,566 filed on May 19, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to an adjustably buoyant, optionally biodegradable floating island that can be deployed in ponds, lakes, rivers or any other body of water to monitor, regulate and improve water quality, enhance plant and animal life, and complement the natural surroundings. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] In bodies of water such as ponds and lakes, algae growth and the natural process of eutrophication can lead to an increase in land mass and corresponding decrease in water volume, the killing of fish and other organisms, and the diminishment of aesthetic appearance. Various floating mechanisms have been devised with the aim of purifying water, cultivating plants...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] The present invention provides an adjustably buoyant, optionally biodegradable floating island that can be deployed in ponds, lakes, rivers or any other body of water to monitor, regulate and improve water quality, enhance plant and animal life, and complement the natural surroundings. In the first embodiment, which utilizes thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) as the primary layer, the floating island biodegrades gradually and in conjunction with the growth of a self-sustaining natural island around the original core. The TPE layer is optionally comprised of soil / flotation chambers, apertures, and nutrient channels, and the island can include buoyant waterscape options and a tethering system.

[0018] In another embodiment, the floating island comprises a mat that is impregnated with buoyant fibers, buoyant structures, nutrients, seeds and / or plant material. Abrasive particles can be adhered to the bottom of the mat to discourage animals from living on the island. An alternate embodiment comprises bedding soil that is impregnated with gas-filled, closed cell buoyant nodules. Either of these embodiments can also include an agent that enhances root growth and plant development.

Problems solved by technology

In bodies of water such as ponds and lakes, algae growth and the natural process of eutrophication can lead to an increase in land mass and corresponding decrease in water volume, the killing of fish and other organisms, and the diminishment of aesthetic appearance.

It is well known that nitrogen and phosphorous are a primary food source for various undesirable algae species, and ammonia and heavy metals are toxic to humans, fish and other organisms.

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