Renewably buoyant, self-protective floating habitat

Abstract

A floating habitat designed to be renewably buoyant, self-sustaining and optionally specialized for waterfowl nesting. The first embodiment comprises one or more flotation units, a source of compressed air, and a means for connecting the source of compressed air to the flotation units. Each flotation unit comprises an individual supply hose, an inflatable bladder, a relief valve, a diffusing manifold, bottom mesh, top mesh, and buoyant growth medium. An alternative embodiment comprises a self-compensating buoyancy system. In the waterfowl nesting embodiment, the floating habitat includes one or more waterfowl nesting structures and construction material selected to optimize the nesting habitat. The floating habitat can be comprised of scrap pieces or layers of polyester mesh material. The floating habitats can be combined to provide safe habitat for juvenile waterfowl, encourage colony nesting, or allow a variety of waterfowl or shore bird species to enjoy suitable habitat on the same floating habitat.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 595,735 filed on May 8, 2006. The latter application claims priority back to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60 / 609,187filed on Sep. 10, 2004 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60 / 529,060 filed on Dec. 12, 2003. The contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a floating habitat that has a dynamic ability to generate its own buoyancy, through the use of external power or by replicating the biotic activity that occurs on wild floating islands. The present invention encompasses a number of different embodiments directed toward providing waterfowl nesting habitat.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Naturally occurring floating islands are a relatively unique phenomenon, but they do exist in several places in the wo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020]The present invention involves a floating habitat that is designed to be renewably buoyant and self-sustaining. The floating habitat comprises buoyant growth medium and optionally includes one or more inflatable bladders. The growth medium can be made of natural or synthetic material and can include plant growth enhancers. The inflatable bladders can be transparent or opaque and rigid or flexible. Gas-producing microorganisms can be added to the growth medium to provide additional buoyancy.

[0023]The floating habitat described above can also be specialized for waterfowl nesting. In this embodiment, the floating habitat includes one or more waterfowl nesting structures and, optionally, a predator control device. Live vegetation is selected based on the nesting preferences of a particular species of waterfowl, and the construction material and screen size of the top and bottom mesh are selected to optimize the nesting habitat. The present invention also includes a method of combining any number of the floating habitats described herein to provide safe habitat for juvenile waterfowl, to encourage colony nesting, or to allow for a variety of waterfowl or shore bird species to enjoy suitable habitat on the same floating habitat system. In an alternative embodiment, one or more waterfowl nesting structures are combined with an impermeable closed bag.

[0024]The present invention also includes a number of different embodiments of a waterfowl nesting structure that is made our of scrap pieces of polyester mesh material, expandable foam, and optionally, scrap pieces of closed cell foam. The sides of the habitat can be comprised of smooth, rigid plastic sheeting to prevent swimming animals from boarding the habitat. Camouflage material can be added to provide protection for a nesting area and / or nesting cavity. Jute or a similar natural-looking material can be added to the top of the structure to improve its appearance. The bottom of the habitat can be either penetrable or non-penetrable by plant roots, as desired.

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 primary food sources for various undesirable algae species, and ammonia and heavy metals are toxic to humans, fish and other organisms.

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