ARTIFICIAL REEF AND PROCESS FOR FORMING SUCH AN ARTIFICIAL REEF

Abstract

A process for forming an artificial reef includes forming a form having a geometric shape, applying at least one blockout onto a surface of the form such that the blockout extends outwardly of the surface of the form, applying a sprayable concrete over the form and over a portion of the blockout, curing the sprayable concrete on the form for a period of time so that the sprayable concrete adheres to the blockout, and removing the cured sprayable concrete and the adhered blockout together from the surface of the form. The sprayable concrete is applied over the form until the depth of the sprayable concrete is approximately equal to a depth of the blockout. The blockout is a cinder block.

Claims

1. A process for forming an artificial reef, the process comprising: forming a form having a geometric shape; applying at least one blockout to a surface of the form such that the blockout extends outwardly of the surface of the form; applying a sprayable concrete over the form and over a portion of the blockout; curing the sprayable concrete on the form for a period of time such that the sprayable concrete adheres to the block out; and removing the cured sprayable concrete and the adhered blockout together from the surface of the form.

2. The process of claim 1, the step of applying the sprayable concrete comprising: applying the sprayable concrete over the form until a depth of the sprayable concrete is approximately equal to a depth of the blockout.

3. The process of claim 1, the blockout being of a cast concrete material.

4. The process of claim 3, the blockout being a cinder block.

5. The process of claim 1, the blockout having openings therethrough such that the openings open to an interior of the artificial reef.

6. The process of claim 1, further comprising: applying a rod onto the form so as to have a portion extending outwardly of the surface of the form, the step of applying the sprayable concrete comprising spraying the sprayable concrete over a portion of said rod.

7. The process of claim 1, the step of forming comprising: forming a generally a pyramid-shaped form having an upper end and a lower end; forming a base; and placing the lower end of said generally pyramid -shaped form upon said base.

8. The process of claim 7, said base having a surface extending outwardly of a perimeter of said lower end of said generally pyramid-shaped form.

9. The process of claim 8, the step of applying the sprayable concrete comprising: spraying the sprayable concrete onto said upper surface of said base outwardly of said perimeter of said lower end of said generally pyramid-shaped form.

10. The process of claim 1, further comprising: applying a plurality of limestone surfaces onto an outer surface of the sprayable concrete during the step of curing.

11. The process of claim 1, further comprising: applying a concrete release agent onto the form prior to the step of applying the sprayable concrete.

12. An artificial reef comprising: a structure formed of a concrete material, said structure having an interior and an exterior; a plurality of cast concrete members affixed to said structure, each of said plurality of cast concrete members having an aperture therethrough, the aperture communicating between said interior and said exterior of said structure.

13. The artificial reef of claim 12, said plurality of cast concrete members having a surface at the exterior of said structure that is generally flush with the exterior of said structure.

14. The artificial reef of claim 12, each of said plurality of cast concrete members being a cinder block.

15. The artificial reef of claim 12, said structure having a top that is substantially open to said interior of said structure.

16. The artificial reef of claim 12, said structure having a generally pyramid-shaped configuration.

17. The artificial reef of claim 12, said base having an opening therein that opens to said interior of said structure.

18. The artificial reef of claim 12, said concrete material being a sprayable concrete.

19. The artificial reef of claim 12, further comprising: a plurality of limestone surfaces adhered to said exterior surface of said structure.

20. A process for forming an artificial reef, the process comprising: forming a form having a geometric shape; applying at least one cinder block to a surface of the form such that the cinder block extends outwardly of the surface of the form; spraying a concrete material over the form and over a portion of the cinder block until a depth of the sprayed concrete material is approximately equal to a depth of the cinder block; curing the sprayed concrete material on the form for a period of time such that the sprayed concrete material adheres to the cinder block; and removing the cured sprayable concrete material in the adhered cinder block together from the surface of the form.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the form as used in the process for forming the artificial reef of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the sprayable concrete is applied on to the surface of the form.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing the artificial reef of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing the artificial reef of the present invention as having limestone surfaces applied to the exterior thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the form 10 as used in the process for forming the artificial reef of the present invention. The form 10 can be made of any rigid material, such as wood, polymer, steel, or other materials. The form 10 includes a plurality of surfaces 12, 14 and 16 that are arranged in a generally pyramid-shaped configuration. In other words, the form 10 has an upper end 18 and a lower end 20. A base 22 is positioned below the lower end 20 of the form 10. The base 22 has an upper surface 24 upon which the lower end 20 of the form 10 resides. A wall 26 extends upwardly from the top surface 24 so as to define the outer perimeter of the base 22. It can be seen that the outer perimeter of the base 22 is greater than the outer perimeter of the lower end 20 of the form 10. As such, as will be described hereinafter, the sprayable concrete can be utilized so as to cover the upper surface 24 of the base 22.

[0052] In FIG. 1, it can be seen that there are a plurality of blackouts 28 that extend outwardly of the outer surface of the form 10. Each of these blockouts 28 is of a cast concrete material. In particular, each of the blackouts 28 is a common cinder block. Each of the blockouts 28 has openings 32 formed therethrough. These openings 32 are conventional holes that are formed in conventional cinder blocks. The blockouts 28 can be secured to the outer surface 30 of the form 10 by a variety of techniques. In particular, small hooks, nails, pegs, or other small projections can extend outwardly of the outer surface 30 so as to be received by one of the openings 32 of the blockouts 28.

[0053] These blockouts 28 are conventional cinder blocks which are concrete blocks made from cast concrete, e.g. Portland cement and aggregate, usually sand and fine gravel for high-density blocks. Lower density blocks may use industrial waste, such as an aggregate. Lightweight blocks can also be produced using aerated concrete.

[0054] As can be seen in FIG. 1, there is a first set of blockouts 28 which extend in a generally vertical orientation. A second level of blockouts 28 extend in a generally horizontal configuration. A third level of blockouts 28 are shown arranged in pairs in a generally vertical configuration. Although this is the preferred technique for applying the cinder blocks onto the outer surface 30 of the form 10, a wide variety of other configurations of blockouts, such as the cinder blocks, can be utilized in association with the form 10 of the present invention.

[0055] A cover 36 is secured to the upper end 38 of the form 10. Cover 38 can cover the interior of the form 10 so as to avoid the introduction of the sprayed concrete into the interior of the form. Additionally, the cover 36 assures that the top of the artificial reef that is produced upon the form 10 is open. The cover 38 can be removed from the form 10 after the concrete has cured upon the form 10.

[0056] FIG. 2 shows the form with a sprayable concrete 40 sprayed over the outer surface of the form. The sprayable concrete 40 is sprayed so as to substantially cover the outer surface of the form and also be sprayed onto each of the blockouts 28. As such, the sprayable concrete 40 will adhere to the blockouts 28 and will extend over the outer surface of the form. A release agent should be applied to the outer surface of the form prior to the application of the sprayable concrete.

[0057] The sprayable concrete 40 is in the nature of the GUNITE () or SHOTCRETE (). The sprayable concrete preferably contains an embedded fiber mesh material that enhances the structural integrity of the structure and minimizes or eliminates the need for the use of steel rebar. The sprayable concrete is dispensed by pneumatic energy so as to be distributed over the outer surfaces of the form. The sprayable concrete 40 also serves to fill the area 42 between the lower end 20 of the form and the wall 26 of the base 22. The sprayable concrete 40 is retained within the base 22 by the wall 26.

[0058] Ultimately, the sprayable concrete 40 will be cured for a period of time. Once cured, the sprayable concrete will be solid and will adhere to the blockouts 28. As such, the blockouts 28 will be rigidly affixed to the cured sprayable concrete 40. The sprayable concrete 40 is retained over the form 10 by the cover 36.

[0059] Unlike U.S. Pat. No. 9,403,287 to the present inventors, the blockouts 28 are fixedly secured to the sprayable concrete 40. As such, there is no need to remove the blockouts after the sprayable concrete 40 has cured. As such, there is no risk of damage to such blockouts. Furthermore, the cost of forming the blockouts is not necessary with the present invention. Additionally, the time and labor required to remove to blockouts is avoided. The cinder blocks, which serve as the blockouts 28, are very inexpensive and readily available. Experimentation has shown that the artificial reef of the present invention, with the cinder blocks, is ultimately less expensive to manufacture than the manufacture of the artificial reef using removable blockouts. Since each of the blockouts 28 has apertures 32 extending therethrough, each of the cinder blocks provides an easy pathway for marine organisms so as to enter the interior of the artificial reef

[0060] FIG. 3 shows that the artificial reef 50 has been removed from the form. The artificial reef 50 includes a structure 52 formed of the concrete material. The structure 52 has an exterior 54 formed of the sprayable concrete and an interior 56. The plurality of blockouts are actually cast concrete members 58 that are affixed to the structure 52. Each of the cast concrete members 58 includes apertures 60 extending therethrough. These apertures 60 will communicate between the interior 56 and the exterior 54 of the structure 52. It can be seen that each of the cast concrete members 58 has an outer surface that is generally flush with the outer surface of the structure 52.

[0061] In other words, the sprayable concrete extending from the form will have a depth approximately equal to a depth of the cast concrete members 58. The cast concrete members, by virtue of the openings 60 provide an interior surface on which to support the growth of marine organisms. These opening 60 further provide a restriction so that larger fish cannot enter the interior of the artificial reef 50. The use of the cast concrete members 58 further has been found to enhance the structural integrity of the artificial reef 50. In U.S. Pat. No. 9,403,287, the edges of the cast concrete structure that were separated from the blockouts and the form were found to have edges which could deteriorate over time. In contrast, the use of the cast concrete members 58 provides strong structural integrity in the areas that would have been formerly formed by the blockouts of the prior patent. The cast concrete members 58 will have an inner surface that will be generally flush with the inner surface of the artificial reef 50. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the inner surface of each of the cast concrete members 58 will bear against the outer surface of the form 10. As such, the inner surface of the cast concrete members 58 will ultimately be flush with the inner surface of the sprayable concrete. As such, each of the artificial reefs is stackable one upon another. As such, a very large number of artificial reefs can be stacked and transported conveniently to the deployment location.

[0062] It can be seen that the structure 52 has a generally pyramid-shaped configuration. The base 64 extends outwardly from the bottom 66 of the structure 52 in a generally horizontal plane. The base 64 will have an opening in a center 68 thereof which opens to the interior of the structure 52.

[0063] FIG. 4 shows a further development in the artificial reef 70 of the present invention. Artificial reef 70 has a structure similar to that described herein previously. However, in FIG. 4, it can be seen that there are a plurality of limestone surfaces 72 that are adhered to the sprayable concrete material 74. These limestone surfaces 72 are applied to the sprayable concrete 74 during the curing of the sprayable concrete. The blockouts 76 are illustrated as extending generally flush with of the outer surface of the artificial reef 70. The base 80 extends in a generally horizontal plane. In FIG. 4, the base 80 is illustrated as resting upon the sea floor 82.

[0064] A metal rod 84 is illustrated as extending outwardly of the top 86 of the artificial reef 70. In relation to the previous illustrations, the metal rod 84 has an inverted V-shaped configuration. The metal rod 84 can be applied to the outer surface of the form. The sprayable concrete 74 can then be applied over a portion of the metal rod 84. This portion of the metal rod 84 will be the legs of the V-shaped configuration. The vertex of the metal rod 84 extends outwardly and upwardly above the sprayed concrete material 74. Once the sprayable concrete 74 has fully cured, the metal rod 84 can be utilized for the hoisting, lifting, and manipulating of the artificial reef 70.

[0065] In relation to the artificial reefs shown herein, the artificial reef will have a pyramidal-shaped interior which was previously occupied by the form 10. As such, the various openings that are created through the use of the cast concrete members can communicate with this interior so as to allow small fish and organisms to swim therein. In particular, this allows for a small fish to develop and to seek refuge therein by preventing large fish from entering the interior of the artificial reef. As such, the present invention effectively promotes marine growth.

[0066] In each of the previous embodiments, it can be seen that the base is formed at the lower end of the pyramid-shaped structure. This base will have a relatively large surface area relative to the lower end of the pyramid-shaped structure. The wide area of the base serves to prevent any sinking of the artificial reef into the subsea floor and prevented the drifting of the artificial reef by way of ocean currents. Additionally, this wide area provides additional surface area for the limestone.

[0067] The bent rod 84 extends above the top end 86 of the artificial reef 70. This rod 84 facilitates the ability to manipulate the artificial reef 70. As such, a suitable crane can be used offshore so as to deploy the artificial reef 70. If it is necessary to move the artificial reef 70, then a hook can be utilized so as to grasp the bent portion of the rod 84 for lifting and maneuvering of the artificial reef 70.

[0068] The artificial reef in each of the previous embodiments is constructed of the sprayable concrete material so as to provide a hard substrate for the purpose of attracting marine growth, such as algae, truncates, hard and soft corals, fans, sponges, barnacles, oysters and other aquatic life. The structure can be manufactured in a variety of shapes such as tetrahedra, cones, cubes, cylinders, domes, or other shapes. The openings through each of the cast concrete members can also be of different shapes such as circles, squares, rectangles, triangles etc. Calcium carbonate components, such as limestone and/or oyster shell, are also an integral component of the surface. Such calcium carbonate components provide almost 100% coverage of the surface. This provides additional surface area and a suitable material with a proper pH marine growth. The use of the sprayable concrete as the primary structural element allows the unit to be constructed in one step, instead of the multiple steps required by prior art artificial reefs. This provides a substantial savings in time and cost during the manufacturing process. Additionally, the artificial reef described in the embodiments herein is stronger and has greater longevity than previous artificial reefs.

[0069] Since the artificial reefs of the present invention utilize a minimal amount of metal or steel, there is little or no metal or steel to degrade over time in seawater. As such, the structural integrity of the artificial reef will have enhanced longevity. The surface area of the footprint of the artificial reef serves to prevent subsidence or scouring in comparison with previous artificial reef designs. The openings in each wall of the cast concrete members in each wall of the artificial reef will allow for an adequate water circulation. This promotes entry into the interior by smaller fish. As such, the smaller fish are provided with refuge and protection from predation.

[0070] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction, or the steps of this described process, can be made within the scope of the present claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.