Mooring habitat structure

Abstract

A container for underwater placement on a sea, lake or river bottom. The container has openings in the sides, top and bottom and is filled with ballast of large boulders, cobble, crushed coral, cast concrete modules or other materials. The openings allow water and water currents, as well as marine organisms, to pass freely therethrough. Over time, a wide assortment of marine organisms infiltrate and colonize the nooks, crevices and cavities of the ballast, thus utilizing the habitat as they would an artificial reef. One or more hitch points are provided on the container for attaching mooring lines for ships, boats, floating wind turbines or other floating structures, thereby allowing the artificial reef to anchor such structures.

Description

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION[0001]The present application is a Continuation-in-Part Patent Application of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 983,267 for ARTIFICIAL REEF ANCHOR STRUCTURE filed Nov. 8, 2007.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to mooring devices and, more particularly, to a specialized mooring system that provides habitat that is attractive to a wide variety of underwater organisms.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Artificial reefs are commonly found around the world. Some are constructed to protect harbors or beaches from wind, wave or tidal forces. These types of reefs are often constructed of large, boulder-sized stones or concrete modules cast in a variety of shapes and sizes.[0004]Reefs designed for protection purposes generally extend above the water line so as to deflect the forces of wind, wave or tide. These protective artificial reefs can be of any size or shape; sometimes they are circular, semi-circular, curved or straight. When a reef...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,845 to Aydelette, Sr. for DEVICE TO ATTRACT FISH shows a submersible container with uniform holes that is used to confine minnows. The container is fashioned of transparent plastic, thus allowing the minnows t

Problems solved by technology

The interior spaces of the structures provide sanctuary to small fish and other organisms, while limiting access to larger, predatory fish.

While a number of the above cited patents employ means to hold them in place on the marine bottom, none of the above patents functions as an anchor for mooring floating vessels or structures.

In summary, none of the above artificial reefs can in any respect serve the function of an anchor for anything but itself.

Individually, the blocks are transportable by helicopter, but when assembled on the base skid they cumulatively can weigh dozens of tons.

German document DE 3201975 shows no internal members or struts connecting to the respective sidewalls, as such internal structural features would prohibit t

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