US2009139927A1PendingUtilityA1
Super-enhanced, adjustably buoyant floating island
Est. expiryMay 24, 2024(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Y02W10/10Y02W10/33A01G 31/00Y02P60/60Y02W10/37
49
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Claims
Abstract
A floating island comprising one or more layers of nonwoven mesh material and optional buoyant nodules. The mesh material is optionally coated with a spray-on elastomer or inoculated with nutrients or microorganisms. The island can include buoyant growth medium, floats, buoyant blocks, a prefabricated seed blanket, a dunking feature, capillary tubes, wicking units and/or bell flotation units. A larger embodiment is comprised of nonwoven mesh material, buoyant nodules, supplemental flotation units, stepping pads and optional load distribution members. Other optional features include a stepping stone flotation assembly, a stepping stone/vertical buoyant member flotation assembly, and a floating log assembly. The buoyancy of the island can be adjusted with a rigid framework of horizontal members, vertical members that can be moved vertically within the island, and/or a framework of prefabricated flotation tubes and cross members. The present invention also covers a floating island with a boat docking location.
Claims
exact text as granted — not AI-modified1 . (canceled)
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7 . A floating island comprising one or more layers, wherein at least one of the layers is comprised of water-permeable, nonwoven mesh material and buoyant nodules, and wherein the buoyant nodules are manufactured into the mesh material.
8 . (canceled)
9 . The floating island of claim 7 , wherein the buoyant nodules are comprised of closed cell polymer foam.
10 . (canceled)
11 . The floating island of claim 7 , wherein the buoyant nodules are comprised of polystyrene.
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13 . A floating island comprising one or more layers of nonwoven mesh material, wherein the layers are joined by an adhesive.
14 . The floating island of claim 13 , wherein the adhesive comprises a hot-melt glue.
15 . The floating island of claim 13 , wherein the adhesive comprises polyurethane foam.
16 . The floating island of claim 13 , wherein the adhesive comprises soy-based foam.
17 . (canceled)
18 . A floating island comprising scrap pieces of nonwoven mesh material, buoyant nodules, and an outer covering.
19 . The floating island of claim 18 , wherein the outer covering is fabricated by placing a bundle of scrap pieces of nonwoven mesh material into a heatable mold, heating the mold to the melting point of the nonwoven mesh material, and allowing the outer fibers of the bundle to soften and fuse.
20 . The floating island of claim 18 , wherein the outer covering is fabricated by softening and fusing the outer fibers of a bundle of scrap pieces of nonwoven mesh material with a solvent.
21 . The floating island of claim 20 , wherein the solvent is di-octyl phosphate.
22 . The floating island of claim 18 , wherein the outer covering is comprised of nylon netting.
23 . A floating island comprising an upper section of relatively tightly packed nonwoven mesh and a lower section of relatively loosely packed nonwoven mesh.
24 . The floating island of claim 23 , wherein the density of the upper section of nonwoven mesh is selected so as to optimize it for plant root growth and durability.
25 . The floating island of claim 23 , wherein the density of the lower section of nonwoven mesh is selected so as to provide openings between the mesh fibers that offer security and feeding habitat for small baitfish.
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28 . A floating island comprising one or more layers of nonwoven mesh material and further comprising floats that are installed into the floating island during assembly of the layers.
29 . The floating island of claim 28 , wherein the floats are comprised of hard plastic.
30 . The floating island of claim 28 , wherein the floats are comprised of foam fish net floats.
31 . A floating island comprising one or more layers of water-permeable, nonwoven mesh material and expanding foam.
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35 . A floating island comprising one or more layers of water-permeable, nonwoven mesh material and one or more buoyant blocks.
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37 . A floating island comprising capillary tubes and an absorbent top cover.
38 . A floating island comprising wicking units and an absorbent top cover.
39 . The floating island of claim 38 , wherein the wicking units are comprised of fabric.
40 . The floating island of claims 37 or 38 , wherein the absorbent top cover is planted with seeds.
41 . The floating island of claims 37 or 38 , wherein the absorbent top cover is coated with a mixture of seeds and adhesive.
42 . The floating island of claim 41 , wherein nutrients are added to the mixture of seeds and adhesive.
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53 . A floating island comprising at least one layer of nonwoven mesh material, supplemental flotation units and stepping pads.
54 . The floating island of claim 53 , further comprising buoyant nodules.
55 . The floating island of claim 53 , wherein the supplemental flotation units are comprised of polyurethane foam sealant.
56 . The floating island of claim 53 , wherein the supplemental flotation units are comprised of closed cell polymer foam.
57 . The floating island of claim 53 , wherein the stepping pads are comprised of outdoor carpeting.
58 . The floating island of claim 53 , wherein the stepping pads are comprised of synthetic stones made of molded fiberglass.
59 . The floating island of claim 53 , further comprising one or more artificial stepping stones.
60 . (canceled)
61 . The floating island of claim 53 , further comprising one or more closed cell foam blocks.
62 . The floating island of claim 53 , further comprising one or more closed cell foam cylinders.
63 . A floating island comprising at least one layer of nonwoven mesh material and one or more load distribution members.
64 . The floating island of claim 63 , wherein the load distribution members are comprised of pipe.
65 . The floating island of claim 63 , wherein the load distribution members are comprised of hose.
66 . The floating island of claim 63 , wherein the load distribution members are comprised of aluminum channels.
67 . The floating island of claim 63 , wherein the load distribution members are comprised of metal foam.
68 . The floating island of claim 63 , wherein the load distribution members are comprised of amorphous metal foam.
69 . The floating island of claim 63 , wherein the diameter of each load distribution member is in the range of about one inch to about 18 inches, wherein the wall thickness of the each load distribution member is in the range of about 1/16 inch to about one inch, and wherein the useful bending modulus of each load distribution member is in the range of about 5,000 psi to 500,000 psi.
70 . A floating island comprising a stepping stone flotation assembly, wherein the stepping stone flotation assembly comprises at least two artificial stepping stones and a connecting cable unit.
71 . The floating island of claim 70 , wherein the connecting cable unit is comprised of plastic rope.
72 . The floating island of claim 70 , wherein the connecting cable unit is comprised of rustproof metal cable.
73 . A floating island comprising a stepping stone/vertical buoyant member flotation assembly, wherein the stepping stone/vertical buoyant member flotation assembly comprises an artificial stepping stone and a vertically installed buoyant member.
74 . The floating island of claim 73 , wherein the buoyant member is comprised of air-filled plastic pipe.
75 . The floating island of claim 73 , wherein the buoyant member is comprised of closed cell foam-filled plastic pipe.
76 . (canceled)
77 . A floating island comprising a rigid framework, wherein the rigid framework comprises one or more horizontal members.
78 . The floating island of claim 77 , wherein the horizontal members are filled with air.
79 . The floating island of claim 77 , wherein the horizontal members are filled with foam.
80 . The floating island of claim 77 , further comprising at least one layer of nonwoven mesh material and locking straps that hold the mesh material to the rigid framework.
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90 . A floating island comprising an adjustably buoyant framework of prefabricated flotation tubes and cross members.
91 . The floating island of claim 90 , wherein each flotation tube comprises a protective pipe, an inflatable tube, an air tube, and an air control valve.
92 . The floating island of claim 90 , wherein each cross member comprises a strap, a plurality of pipe positioning devices, and a plurality of island body attachment posts.
93 . The floating island of claim 92 , wherein the strap is comprised of galvanized steel channels.
94 . The floating island of claim 92 , wherein the strap is comprised of aluminum tubing.
95 . The floating island of claim 92 , wherein the strap is comprised of rigid plastic tubing.
96 . The floating island of claim 92 , wherein the pipe positioning devices are attached in pairs to the straps, with a pipe positioning device on each side of a pipe.
97 . The floating island of claim 90 , wherein the cross members are positioned above the flotation tubes to provide a flat base for the island body.
98 . The floating island of claim 90 , wherein each cross member comprises a strap and a plurality of island body attachment posts, and wherein the straps are bent around the flotation tubes to hold them in place.
99 . A floating island comprising one or more single attachment point flotation units, wherein each flotation unit comprises a barbed attachment spike and a float.
100 . The floating island of claim 99 , wherein the barbed attachment spikes are comprised of corrosion-resistant metal.
101 . The floating island of claim 99 , wherein the barbed attachment spikes are comprised of rigid plastic.
102 . The floating island of claim 99 , wherein the float is comprised of a buoyant and durable material.
103 . The floating island of claim 99 , wherein the barbed attachment spike is positioned within a hole inside the float.
104 . A floating island comprising a flotation unit, a buoyant feature and a means for attaching the flotation unit to the buoyant feature.
105 . The floating island of claim 104 , wherein the means for attaching the flotation unit to the buoyant feature is a retaining pin.
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117 . A floating island comprising a skeleton frame, a floor, buoyant intrusions, soil growth medium, soil-based plants and matrix-based plants, wherein the skeleton frame and floor are comprised of a porous matrix, and wherein the matrix-based plants are grown in portions of the island that are comprised of the porous matrix.
118 . The floating island of claim 117 , further comprising at least one divider, wherein the divider(s) is/are comprised of a porous matrix.
119 . The floating island of claim 117 , wherein the porous matrix is nonwoven mesh material.
120 . The floating island of claim 117 , wherein the matrix-based plants are grown on portions of the island that are comprised of the nonwoven mesh material
121 . The floating island of claim 117 , wherein the soil growth medium comprises natural organic material and synthetic organic material.
122 . The floating island of claim 121 , wherein the synthetic organic material is pieces of nonwoven polyester matrix scrap.
123 . The floating island of claim 117 , further comprising bonded growth medium, wherein the bonded growth medium comprises peat fibers and binder.
124 . The floating island of claim 123 , wherein the bonded growth medium is infused into the skeleton frame and/or floor.
125 . The floating island of claim 118 , further comprising bonded growth medium, wherein the bonded growth medium comprises peat fibers and binder, and wherein the bonded growth medium is infused into the divider(s).
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136 . A floating island comprising bonded growth medium, porous matrix, and buoyant inclusions.
137 . The floating island of claim 136 , wherein the bonded growth medium is comprised of peat fibers and binder.
138 . The floating island of claim 137 , wherein the binder is comprised of a porous and permeable material.
139 . The floating island of claim 138 , wherein the porous and permeable material is open cell polyurethane foam.
140 . The floating island of claim 138 , wherein the porous and permeable material is cellulose.
141 . The floating island of claim 137 , wherein the binder is comprised of a nonporous, non-permeable material.
142 . The floating island of claim 141 , wherein the nonporous, non-permeable material is thermoplastic.
143 . The floating island of claim 137 , wherein the ratio of peat fibers to binder is designed so that the proportion of peat fibers is sufficient to serve as the water transport medium through the bonded growth medium.
144 . The floating island of claim 137 , wherein the bonded growth medium is further comprised of embedded seeds.
145 . The floating island of claim 137 , wherein the bonded growth medium is further comprised of topcoat seeds.
146 . The floating island of claim 137 , wherein the bonded growth medium is further comprised of nutrient particles.
147 . The floating island of claim 146 , wherein the nutrient particles are comprised of commercial slow-release plant fertilizer.
148 . The floating island of claim 137 , wherein the bonded growth medium is further comprised of buoyant pellets.
149 . The floating island of claim 148 , wherein the buoyant pellets are comprised of a closed cell material.
150 . The floating island of claim 149 , wherein the closed cell material is perlite.
151 . The floating island of claim 149 , wherein the closed cell material is polystyrene.
152 . The floating island of claim 137 , wherein the bonded growth medium is further comprised of beneficial microbes.
153 . The floating island of claim 137 , wherein the bonded growth medium is further comprised of an ultraviolet light-blocking agent.
154 . The floating island of claim 153 , wherein the ultraviolet light-blocking agent is carbon black.
155 . The floating island of claim 136 , wherein the porous matrix is comprised of any lightweight, porous material penetrable by plant roots.
156 . The floating island of claim 136 , wherein the buoyant inclusions are comprised of any nontoxic buoyant material.
157 . The floating island of claim 136 , wherein the buoyant inclusions are comprised of closed cell foam.
158 . The floating island of claim 136 , wherein the buoyant inclusions are comprised of polyurethane spray foam.
159 . The floating island of claim 136 , further comprising capillary channels.
160 . The floating island of claim 159 , wherein the capillary channels are filled with wicking material.
161 . The floating island of claim 160 , wherein wicking material supplies water to the bonded growth medium.
162 . The floating island of claim 160 , wherein the wicking material comprises peat.
163 . The floating island of claim 160 , wherein the wicking material comprises polyester felt.
164 . The floating island of claim 159 , wherein the capillary channels are filled with bonded growth medium.
165 . The floating island of claim 136 , wherein the floating island comprises an outer surface, and wherein the bonded growth medium is attached to the outer surface of the floating island.
166 . A floating island comprising at least two layers of nonwoven mesh material, wherein the layers are stacked and bonded together.
167 . The floating island of claim 166 , further comprising bonded growth medium, wherein the bonded growth medium is situated between the layers of nonwoven mesh material.
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204 . A method of forming a floating island, comprising the steps of:
(a) taking a bundle of scrap pieces of nonwoven mesh material; (b) placing the bundle of scrap pieces of nonwoven mesh material in a heatable mold; (c) heating the mold to the melting point of the nonwoven mesh material; and (d) allowing the outer fibers of the bundle to soften and fuse, forming a porous “skin” around the unmelted center pieces of mesh material.
205 . A method of forming a floating island, comprising the steps of:
(a) taking a bundle of scrap pieces of nonwoven mesh material; (b) applying a solvent to the outer fibers of the bundle; and (c) allowing the outer fibers to soften and fuse, forming a porous “skin” around the rest of the bundle.
206 . A method of constructing a series of floating islands, comprising the steps of:
(a) removing a section of material from a layer of nonwoven mesh material by cutting it out to form a first cutout; (b) removing a section of material from the first cutout by cutting it out to form a second cutout; and (c) continuing this process until the material has been used up or the desired number of islands has been achieved.
207 . A method of manufacturing the floating island of claim 136 comprising the steps of:
(a) pouring or spraying the bonded growth medium in a viscous liquid state onto the matrix; and (b) allowing the bonded growth medium to cure.
208 . The method of claim 207 , further comprising the step of:
(c) adding topcoat seeds to the bonded growth medium before pouring or spraying it onto the matrix.
209 . The method of claim 207 , further comprising the step of:
(c) sprinkling topcoat seeds onto the bonded growth medium after it has been poured or sprayed onto the matrix but before it has cured.
210 . The method of claim 207 , further comprising the step of:
(c) installing embedded seeds into the bonded growth medium after it has partially or fully cured by punching holes into the bonded growth medium and inserting the seeds into the holes.
211 . The method of claim 207 , further comprising the step of:
(c) attaching topcoat seeds to the bonded growth medium after it has cured using a nontoxic adhesive.
212 . A method of manufacturing the floating island of claim 136 , comprising the steps of:
(a) wherein the porous matrix comprises multiple layers, injecting the bonded growth medium in an uncured, viscous state into each layer of matrix; (b) stacking the layers on top of one another; and (c) allowing the bonded growth medium to cure.
213 . A method of manufacturing the floating island of claim 136 , comprising the steps of:
(a) wherein the porous matrix comprises multiple layers, stacking the layers on top of one another; (b) injecting the bonded growth medium in an uncured, viscous state between each layer of matrix; (c) allowing the bonded growth medium to cure.
214 . A method of manufacturing the floating island of claim 137 , comprising the steps of:
(a) wherein the porous matrix comprises raw polyester fibers, adding the peat fibers to the raw polyester fibers in a mixing hopper; (b) adding latex binder to the mixture of raw polyester fibers and peat fibers, wherein the latex binder bonds the raw polyester fibers and peat fibers together.
215 . A method of connecting a plurality of floating islands, wherein the floating islands are comprised of nonwoven mesh material, comprising the step of installing connectors between the islands, wherein the connectors are also comprised of nonwoven mesh material.
216 . The method of claim 215 , wherein the connectors are treated with bonded growth medium to facilitate plant growth.
217 . A method of sequestering carbon, comprising the steps of:
(a) installing a floating island on a body of water; and (b) growing on the island plants that uptake carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it via photosynthesis to organic carbon within the plant.
218 . The method of claim 217 , further comprising the step of:
(c) selecting plants that will provide lateral expansion of the surface of the island during their normal growth and death cycle.
219 . (canceled)
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221 . The method of claim 217 , further comprising the step of:
(c) positioning the island over a nutrient-rich, oxygen-depleted marine zone.
222 . The method of claim 221 , further comprising the step of:
(d) pumping water from the nutrient-rich, oxygen-depleted marine zone over the island, thereby allowing the plants on the island to use sunlight energy to combine carbon dioxide from the air with nutrients in the pumped water to make plant mass.
223 . The method of claim 217 , further comprising the step of:
(c) using a biological adhesive to expand the surface area of the island by trapping and adhering to the island debris in the water and/or waterborne and windblown sediment particles that contact the island.
224 . The floating island of claim 28 , wherein the addition of the floats to the island imparts a flexibility to the island that allows it to undulate with wave action.
225 . The floating island of claim 28 , wherein the floats are not contiguous with one another, and wherein there is nonwoven mesh material between the floats.
226 . The floating island of claim 31 , wherein the addition of the expanding foam to the island imparts a flexibility to the island that allows it to undulate with wave action.
227 . The floating island of claim 31 , wherein the expandable foam is injected in nodules, wherein the nodules are not contiguous with one another, and wherein there is nonwoven mesh material between the nodules.
228 . A floating island comprising one or more layers, wherein at least one of the layers is comprised of water-permeable, nonwoven mesh material, and wherein one of the nonwoven mesh layers is the top-most layer of the island.Cited by (0)
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