US4478533A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Synthetic seaweed
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1982-09-20
•
Granted: 1984-10-23
•
Expires: 2002-09-20
Abstract
Abstract Synthetic seaweed for use in inhibiting coastal erosion comprises an elongate anchor with strips of flexible non-woven material connected to the anchor. The strips may be buoyant with or without tabs of closed cell, low density foam affixed to the free end portions thereof to enhance the buoyancy of the strips whereby they maintain a generally upright position under water. Also, the strips are treated to inhibit or prevent marine growth from forming on the surface of the strips. Such treatment may include an antifouling agent or a smooth film, applied to the strips as a laminate or extruded directly onto the strips, for example. In use, the anchor rests upon the bottom of the sea and the submerged flexible strips of non-woven material extend upwardly therefrom. The strips sway in the ocean water thereby reducing currents in the surrounding water which permits accretion of suspended sand and promotes sedimentation of solid particles.
Inventors
- 👤 William L. Garrett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 22:17
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B3/00; E02B3/04; E02B3/043; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A10/00; Y02A10/26; Y02A40/00; Y02A40/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
Synthetic seaweed for use in inhibiting coastal erosion comprising an elongate anchor, a plurality of flexible strips secured to the elongate anchor extending outwardly therefrom and terminating at free end portions, buoyant tabs of foam material secured to the exterior of at least the free end portions of at least some of the strips, and an antifouling inhibitor on the outside surfaces of the strips.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
Synthetic seaweed for use in inhibiting coastal erosion comprising an elongate anchor, a plurality of flexible strips secured to the elongate anchor extending outwardly therefrom and terminating at free end portions, buoyant tabs of foam material secured to the exterior of at least the free end portions of at least some of the strips, and an antifouling inhibitor on the outside surfaces of the strips.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 1 wherein the antifouling inhibitor includes tributylin fluoride.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 1 wherein the antifouling inhibitor includes cuprous oxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 1 wherein the antifouling inhibitor comprises a smooth film on the outside surfaces of the strips.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 1 wherein the buoyant tabs comprise closed cell foam material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 5 wherein the buoyant tabs are secured to only one side of at least some of the strips.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 5 wherein the buoyant tabs are secured to both sides of at least some of the strips.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 1 wherein the flexible strips comprise non-woven material and the elongate anchor is in the form of a cylindrical tube of flexible, non-woven material closed at its opposite ends and filled with ballast.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 1 including a plurality of perforations in the strips whereby resistance of the strips to underwater currents is reduced.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 9 wherein the percent open area of the perforations is approximately twenty-five to fifty percent.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
62 words
Synthetic seaweed for use in inhibiting coastal erosion comprising an elongate anchor, a plurality of flexible strips secured to the elongate anchor extending outwardly therefrom and terminating at free end portions, buoyant tabs of foam material secured to at least the free end portions of at least some of the strips, and an antifouling inhibitor on the outside surfaces of the strips.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
62 words
Synthetic seaweed for use in inhibiting coastal erosion comprising an elongate anchor, a plurality of flexible strips secured to the elongate anchor extending outwardly therefrom and terminating at free end portions, buoyant tabs of foam material secured to at least the free end portions of at least some of the strips, and an antifouling inhibitor on the outside surfaces of the strips.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 11 wherein the antifouling inhibitor includes tributylin flouride.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 11 wherein the antifouling inhibitor includes cuprous oxide.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 11 wherein the antifouling inhibitor comprises a smooth film on the outside surfaces of the strips.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 11 wherein the buoyant tabs comprise closed cell foam material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 15 wherein the buoyant tabs are secured to only one side of at least some of the strips.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 15 wherein the buoyant tabs are secured to both sides of at least some of the strips.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
38 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 11 wherein the flexible strips comprise non-woven material and the elongate anchor is in the form of a cylindrical tube of flexible, non-woven material closed at its opposite ends and filled with ballast.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 11 including a plurality of perforations in the strips whereby resistance of the strips to underwater currents is reduced.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
Synthetic seaweed as in claim 19 wherein the percent open area of the perforations is approximately twenty-five to fifty percent.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-10-23 | 1988-04-23 | 1988-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-23 | 1992-04-23 | 1992-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-23 | 1996-04-23 | 1996-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |