Apparatuses and Methods for Fiber Rolls

Abstract

The invention provides components, structures, methods, and assemblies for controlling sedimentation and debris flow associated with soil erosion. The invention also provides components, structures, methods, and assemblies that are useful for anchoring fiber rolls along a sloped surface.

1 . An apparatus for use in an erosion control system comprising:
 (a) an elongated body member comprising two flexible side pieces;   (b) complementary closures disposed along a portion of each of the side pieces of the body member; and   (c) a fastener disposed along an interior of the body member;   
       wherein the side pieces of the body member are adapted to fit around one or more fiber rolls, the complementary closures are adapted to connect the side pieces of the body member, and the fastener is adapted to connect the interior of the body member to one or more fiber rolls. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the complementary closures on the side pieces of body member comprise a mechanical closure selected from the group consisting of a hook-and-loop fastener, string, a snap, a staple, and a zipper. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener disposed along an interior of the body member comprises a tie-down string. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an apron member extending from an exterior surface of the body member. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of apron members extending from an exterior surface of the body member. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body member comprises an interior space, and the interior space is adapted to define a substantially tubular opening. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body member is constructed of biodegradable burlap material. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body member is constructed of UV degradable polypropylene material. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body member comprises a high visibility color. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body member is adapted to fit around a segment of a single fiber roll. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body member is adapted to fit around an end portion of a first fiber roll and an end portion of a second fiber roll to couple the fiber rolls. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body member is adapted to be positioned at intervals along joints of a fiber roll assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a hoop disposed along an exterior portion of the body member and an installation pin driven through the hoop. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the hoop and fastener comprise a unitary structure. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the installation pin comprises a hooked-structure selected from the group consisting of a pin with a U-shaped hook, a pin with a triangle-shaped hook, and a pin with a diamond-shaped hook. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising reflective material disposed along a length of the body member. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a light fixture disposed along an exterior of the body member. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus for use in an erosion control system, comprising: (a) a body member comprising first and second substantially rectangular side pieces, each side piece comprising three detached sides and connected to the other side piece along a fourth common side; and (b) complementary closures disposed at two opposite, detached sides of the first and second side pieces, wherein the complementary closures are adapted to connect the opposite, detached sides to form a substantially tubular casing around one or more fiber rolls. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising a flange extending along an exterior surface of the body member. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising a coupler disposed along an interior of the body member and adapted to connect the interior of the body member to one or more fiber rolls.