Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02419694 2005-12-14
61211-1707
1
A MODULAR REINFORCED FIBER LOG EROSION AND SEDIMENT
CONTROL BARRIER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a
reinforced erosion and sediment control barrier, and more
specifically relates to a modular erosion and sediment
control barrier composed of coupler reinforced fiber logs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a reinforced coupler fiber log
comprising: a filler pack having a first end and a second
end, wherein said filler pack comprises loose fibers and a
tubular casing having at least one closed end, said closed
end of said casing covering said first end of said filler
pack, wherein said casing comprises at least two layers of a
flexible material.
In accordance with another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a modular erosion and sediment
control barrier comprising: first and second reinforced
coupler fiber logs, said coupler fiber logs including a
filler pack having a first end and a second end, a tubular
casing having at least one closed end, said casing extending
about the outside of said filler pack, said closed end of
said casing covering said first end of said filler pack,
said casing comprising at least two layers of a flexible
material, and means for joining said first coupler fiber log
to said second coupler fiber log.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. I is a perspective view of a reinforced circular coupler having a single
closed end, a first embodiment of the coupler fiber logs of the present
invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a fiber-ball plug, a first embodiment of the
plugs of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a pin plug, a second embodiment of the plugs
of
the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a disc plug, a third embodiment of the plugs
of
the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a rectangular coupler, a second embodiment of
the reinforced coupler fiber logs of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a triangular coupler, a third embodiment of
the
reinforced coupler fiber logs of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a reinforced circular coupler having two
closed
ends and having an outer mesh netting made from metal strands, the metal
strands
having an external protective coating, a fourth embodiment of the coupler
fiber logs
of the present invention.
Fig. 7A is a cross-section view of a coated metal strand from which the outer
2o layer of mesh netting and cord are constructed.
Fig. 7B is a cross-section view of the reinforced circular coupler shown in
Fig.
7.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the joining of two adjacent circular
reinforced coupler fiber logs.
Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the machinery suitable for the manufacturing of
reinforced coupler fiber logs.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an erosion and sediment
control barrier of the present invention made from reinforced coupler fiber
logs, the
barrier installed at a water's edge.
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Fig. 10A is a cross-section view of the erosion and sediment control barrier
of
Fia. 10.
Fig. 11 is a side sectional view of a two-tiered erosion and sediment control
barrier of the present invention made from reinforced coupler fiber logs, the
barner
installed at a water's edge.
Fig. 1 1A is a cross-section view of the two-tiered erosion and sediment
control
barrier of Fig. 11.
Fig. 12 is a side sectional view of a terraced erosion and sediment control
barrier of the present invention, made with reinforced coupler fiber logs, the
barrier
to installed at a water's edge.
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a linear silt trapper, an embodiment of the
erosion and sediment control barriers of the present invention, made with
reinforced
coupler fiber logs, the barrier installed in front of a curb inlet.
Fig. 13A is a cross-section view of the linear silt trapper of Fig. 13.
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a ring silt trapper, an embodiment of the
erosion and sediment control barriers of the present invention, constructed
with a
reinforced coupler fiber log, the barrier installed around a storm inlet.
Fig. 14A is a cross-section view of the erosion and sediment control barrier
of
Fig. 1.l.
20 Fig. 15 is a side sectional view of a prairelog, an embodiment of the slope
stabilizer of the present invention made with reinforced coupler fiber logs,
the
stabilizer installed on a steep slope.
Fig. 15A is a cross-section view of the slope stabilizer of Fig. 15.
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DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present
invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the
drawings
and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless
be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. Any
alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and any
further
applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being
contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the
invention
relates are also included.
to An aspect of the present invention is a reinforced coupler fiber tog which
can
be used singly or in combination as an erosion and/or sediment barrier. The
term
"log", hereinafter, describes an elongated object having greater lengths than
cross-
sectional widths. The term "reinforced" with relation to a coupler fiber log
or other
coupler describes a log or coupler having a reinforced casing comprising at
least two
layers of a flexible material. Unless otherwise designated, the terms "coupler
fiber
logs", "fiber logs", "couplers" and the like used herein refers to reinforced
logs or
couplers. Standard couplers are constructed with a standard casing comprising
a
single layer of a flexible material and are designated "standard coupler fiber
logs",
"standard fiber logs" or "standard coupler" and the like herein. The coupler
fiber log
20 includes a quantity of fibrous filler held inside a reinforced casing made
from at least
two layers of a flexible material, and further includes means to join an
adjacent
coupler fiber log in an end-to-end orientation or along an edge. The coupler
fiber logs
can be formed to any shape and size to accommodate the needs of an
application.
Like ordinary coupler fiber logs, the reinforced coupler fiber logs commonly
have
circular, rectangular or triangular cross sections. However, it is
contemplated that the
reinforced coupler fiber logs may be formed into any shape. In selected
embodiments, plant wells or other means are provided to promote plant growth
within
the reinforced coupler fiber logs.
Refernng now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate
30 corresponding components throughout the several views. Fig. 1 shows a
reinforced
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circular coupler fiber log or reinforced circular coupler 20, a first
embodiment of the
reintorced coupler fiber log of the present invention. The term ''circular",
hereinafter,
describes all planar shapes that are approximately round or partially round.
Circular
coupler 20 has a circular cross section and a length extends therefrom.
Circular
coupler fiber log 20 includes a pack of fibrous filler ? 1 held inside a
reinforced casing
22 by a plug 23. The pack of fibrous filler or filler pack 21 includes a first
end 24 and
a second end 25. Reinforced casing 22 is constructed of a flexible material
having an
inner layer 10 and an outer layer 11 and includes a reinforced extended
section or net
extension 26 which extends beyond plug 23 and has a cinch cord 27 weaving
around
to its end. When circular coupler 20 is being stored or transported, the two
layers of net
extension 26 peels over and folds around, the exterior of circular coupler 20,
proximal
to second end 25. On the exterior of reinforced circular coupler 20, proximal
to first
end ?~, a plurality of S-hooks 28 are provided. Also on the exterior of
circular
coupler 20, a series of plant wells 29 are provided.
Reinforced casing 22 holds the quantity of loose fiber forming the pack of
fibrous filler or filler pack 21. Preferably, casing 22 allows fluid
communication
between filler pack 21 and the outside environment. It is contemplated that
reinforced casing 22 is constructed of at least two layers of a porous or
perforated
material. In this illustrated embodiment, reinforced casing 22 is formed from
two
20 layers of tubular mesh netting 30, one layer superimposed upon the other.
The
reinforced casing 22 can be formed by filling two standard casings at the same
time or by forming a standard coupler 20 with a single standard casing and
adding
a second standard casing over the first standard casing. Tubular mesh netting
or
net 30 has a length, grid-like openings 31 along its length, an interior
chamber 32,
a closed end 33, and an opened end 3~t. The total length of net 30 is defined
by the
combined lengths of filler pack 21, plug 23 and net extension 26. Preferably,
net
extension 26 is approximately three quarter to one time (3/4 to 1) the
prescribed
diameter of circular coupler fiber log 20.
Grid-like openings 31 of net 30 provide the path for fluid communication
3o between filler pack 21 retained inside reinforced casing 22 with the
outside
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environment. Grid-like openings 31 vary in size and shape, but are generally
rectangular and sufficiently small enabling the retention of the loose fibers
of filler
pack ? 1. In one embodiment, one side of Arid-like opening 31 within a single
layer
of net 30 measures less than about two and a half (2 '/a) inches. In another
embodiment, one side of grid-like opening 31 in a single layer of net 30
measures
about one and a half ( 1 '/z) inches.
Net 30 is constructed from a tubular netting material. Such standard or
reinforced tubular netting materials are commercially available in roll form
or can
be made to order. Suitable materials of construction include natural or
synthetic
fibers or flexible metal strands. A predetermined length is cut from such a
roll and
tied or otherwise fastened at one end with a cord 35 forming net 30 with a
length,
an interior chamber 32, a closed end 33 and an open end 34. However, it is
contemplated that net 30 may be constructed individually in both a standard
and
reinforced form and have an integrally formed closed end 33. The methods of
constructing a tubular netting material are well known in the art. The tubular
netting material may be formed by knotting at grid intersections to define the
grid
openings or formed by inter-braiding together strands of ropes or twines at
the
intersection of the openings, so that the openings are formed free of knots.
It is
understood that other methods of forming an open weave net may be used.
z0 It is preferred that net 30 is constructed of a durable material, such as
for
example, either natural or synthetic fibers or flexible metal strands, which
can
withstand the abrasive forces of the application site environments. In the
illustrated
embodiment, net 30 is constructed of extruded strands of polypropylene fibers.
However, other synthetic materials, e.g.. polypropylene and nylon, or flexible
metal
strands, e.g. steel, having adequate strength and durability may also be used.
Cord 35,
used for tying close net 30, may be made of any material, but are generally
made of
synthetic polymers like nylon and polypropylene. In applications where natural
fibers
are preferred, net 30 may be constructed from ropes or twine made of natural
fibers
such as jute, hemp, sisal, sea grass or coir. For such a natural application,
cord 35
30 would be made of a natural fiber, e.g., jute, sisal, hemp, sea grass and
coir. In
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applications where the netting material comprises flexible metal strands
and/or the
cord is a flexible metal, the preferred metal net 30 and/or metal cord 35 have
an
external protective coating such as for example a polymeric coating or a layer
of zinc
when the metal is steel. Such protective coatings protect the metal strands
against
corrosion and enable the coupler fiber log 20 having a coated metal net 30
and/or a
coated metal cord 35 to survive intact for extended periods of time in a
corrosive
environment. Additionally coupler fiber logs 20 having a flexible layer 10
and/or 11
comprising a flexible metal netting are better able to resist damage during
transportation, installation and in applications where the environment exerts
stresses
to on the installed coupler fiber log 20.
The loose fibers used to pack circular coupler 20 are generally slow
decaying natural fibers. Coir fiber being one of the slowest decaying natural
fibers
is a preferred choice of filler material. Coir fibers are graded by the length
of the
fibers, and are commercially available in bristle (long), mattress (medium)
and
omat (short) grades. Mattress grade coir fibers are preferably used. It is
understood, however, that the other grades of coir fibers may also be used. It
is
further understood that other slow decaying natural or synthetic fibers may
also be
used without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Plug 23 is provided for blocking open end 34 of casing 22 and for bridging the
2o gap between the ends of two joined coupler fiber logs. Fig. 2 shows a first
embodiment of plug 23, namely, a fiber-ball plug 36. Fiber-ball plug 36 is a
ball of
fibrous filler 37 held inside a net 38. Preferably, the same fibrous filler
and casing
material used to form circular coupler 20 are used to construct fiber ball
plug 36.
Fiber-ball plug 36 is packed to a sufficient stiffness adequate to prevent the
loose
fibers of filler pack 21 from escaping out of open end 34.
Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of plug 23, namely a pin plug 40. Pin plug
40 includes a disk portion 41 and a stem portion 42. Disk portion 41 adapts to
prevent
passage block of the filler pack 2 t, and includes a diameter similar to that
of circular
coupler 20 for which pin plug 40 is intended to be placed, and a thickness
between
30 approximately 3 to 5 inches. Disk portion 41 further includes outside
surface 43 and
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inside surface 44. Both surfaces 43 and 44 are preferably concave. When
installed,
outside surface 43 orients towards open end 34 of casing ~? while inside
surface 44
faces filler pack 21. Stem portion 42 extends from second surface 44 of disk
portion
4I. Stem portion 42 adapted to anchor into fibrous filler pack 21 is
cylindrical.
Preferably, pin plug 40 is made of a material which has similar aging
characteristics
as filler pack 21. In one embodiment, pin plug 40 is made from a slow decaying
wood. In another embodiment, pin plug 40 is made of fibers which are bonded
together with latex.
Fig. 4 depicts a third embodiment of plug 23, particularly identified as disc
to plug 47. Disc plug 47 is shaped like a donut and having a diameter, a
thickness, an
inside face 48 and an outside face 49 and a hole S0, extending between faces
48 and
49. The diameter of disc plug 47 is approximately the same as that of circular
coupler
20 in which disc plug 47 is intended to be placed and the thickness is
approximately 3
to 5 inches. Both faces 48 and 49 of disc plug 47 are preferably concave
adapted to
complement the shape of the ends of circular couple fiber logs 20. When
installed,
inside face 48 orients toward filler pack 21, while outside face 49 orients
towards
open end 34 of casing 22. Hole 50 is provided to enhance fluid communication
and
extends between inside face 48 and outside face 49. While a single hole is
included in
the illustrated embodiment, other configurations of perforations may be
included
2o instead. Preferably, disc plug 47 is made of a material that is flexible
and
compressible. In one embodiment, disc plug 47 is formed of latex. In the
illustrated
embodiment, disc plug 47 is made of latex bonded fibers. The adequate amount
of
fiber included is adequate to increase the stiffness of disc plug 47, but not
to
compromise its compressibility and tlexibility. Preferably, the fiber
dispersed in the
latex is the same fiber used to pack circular coupler fiber logs 20. However,
any non-
reacting fibers may be used.
S-hooks 28 are provided to couple two adjacent circular couplers 20 together,
and are attached to the exterior of net 30 proximal to first end 24 of
circular coupler
20. S-hooks 28 may be of any dimension which are capable of joining the cinch
cord
3o 27 of a first circular coupler 20 to net 30 of an adjacent circular coupler
20. In the
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illustrated embodiment, S-hooks 28 are approximately one inch in length. In
addition,
S-hooks 28 are preferably made of stainless steel. However, materials which
have the
requisite strength and resistance to the environmental agents may also be
used.
Cinch cord 27 weaves around open end 34 of casing 22 and is for joining two
adjacent circular couplers 20. Cinch cord 27 is formed of a durable material,
for
example, nylon or polypropylene. In the illustrated example, the cinch cord 27
is
formed of nylon. In addition, cinch cord 27 may be one or more strands of cord
of
any diameter having the strength of holding two circular couplers 20 together.
In one
embodiment, for coupling two 16-inch diameter circular couplers 20, cinch cord
27 is
to 0.125 inch in diameter.
Plant wells 29 are cavities formed into the sides of circular coupler fiber
logs
20 and are cut adequately deep for the placement of seeds or seedlings and
plant
growth medium. In the illustrated embodiment, plant wells 29 are approximately
2
inches in diameter and 4 inches deep. Plant wells 29 are placed in two rows at
the top
surface along the length of circular coupler 20. The two rows are placed, when
viewing from a cross section of circular coupler 20, at approximately the 2
o'clock
and 10 o'clock positions. In addition, consecutive plant wells 29, measuring
along the
length of circular coupler 20, are about six inches apart.
In general, plant wells are provided in coupler fiber logs which are intended
2o for permanent placement and at site where water is available. It is
contemplated that,
with the right encouragement, vegetation/plants grow through the coupler fiber
logs
and their roots anchor into the underlying sediment/soil. It is further
contemplated
that the anchoring plant roots hold the underlying soil in place, thus,
providing added
stabilization against further erosion. While plant wells 29 are contemplated
as a
means to promote plant growth, other plant growth promoting methods are also
contemplated. In one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforced
coupler
fiber logs are incorporated with plant seeds and a quantity of plant growth
promoting
medium (plant food or fertilizer). It is contemplated that under favorable
conditions,
the incorporated seeds germinate and the plant growth promoting medium provide
the
3o necessary nutrient for the roots of the newly germinated plants to grow
through the
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to
coupler fiber loos and anchor into the underlying sediment/soil. It is further
contemplated to start germination of the incorporated seeds prior to delivery
of
coupler fiber logs to the final installation site, thusly shortening the time
required for
plants to take root in the underlying sediment/soil.
Circular couplers 20 can be packed to any length prescribed by an
application. For weight and maneuverability considerations, circular couplers
20
are generally packed to less than 20 feet in length. In one embodiment,
circular
couplers 20 are packed to less than about 8 feet in length or approximately 7-
1/2
feet tong. This length allows circular couplers 20 to fit on a conventional
pallet for
to storing or transporting on a conventional semi-trailer or other vehicle
suitable for
transporting a pallet of couplers. Similarly, circular couplers 20 can be
packed to
any diameter suitable for specific applications. In the various embodiments of
the
present invention, circular couplers 20 are packed to approximately 6, 8, 12,
16,
and 20 inches in diameter.
Circular couplers 20 can be packed to a range of fiber densities to suit the
demand of the application sites. Generally, a denser coupler fiber log is
desirable at
locations where the area soils are subjected to greater erosive forces, and at
locations
where greater longevity and durability are required. A lighter coupler fiber
log is
adequate for areas where the soils are subjected to lesser erosion forces, and
at
20 locations where longevity and durability are a lesser issue. In one
embodiment, for
use as an erosion and sediment control barrier along the bank of a swift
river, circular
coupler fiber logs 20 are packed to a packing density of nine (9) pounds per
cubic
foot. In another embodiment, for use in the wetlands of a quiet river channel,
circular
coupler fiber logs 20 are packed to a packing density of five (5) pounds per
cubic
foot.
Fig. 5 shows a reinforced rectangular coupler fiber log or rectangular coupler
60, a second embodiment of the coupler fiber log of the present invention. The
term
"rectangular", hereinafter, describes all four-sided polygonal shapes. These
shapes
range from a true square to a quadrilateral having four unequal sides and tour
unequal
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angles. Rectangular couplers 60 have the added advantage that they are easily
stacked
to form a terrace or a retaining wall.
Rectangular coupler fiber log 60 shares many features of circular coupler 20
which have been described previously. Rectangular coupler 60 has a rectangular
cross section and a length extends therefrom. White a cross sectional shape
close to a
true rectangle is preferred, any four-sided polygonal shapes are within the
scope of the
present invention. Rectangular coupler fiber log 60 includes a pack of fibrous
filler
61 held inside a reinforced casing 62 by a plug 63. Rectangular coupler fiber
log 60
further includes a first end 64 and a second end 65. Casing 62 is similarly
constructed
1o as casing 22 of circular coupler 20; except that reinforced casing 62
comprises three
layers of tubular mesh netting 10, 11 and 12. Like reinforced casing 22,
reinforced
casting 62 also includes a reinforced extended section or net extension 66
which
extends beyond plug 63, and having a cinch cord 67 weaves around its end.
During
storage and transportation, reinforced net extension 66 peels over and folds
around
second end 65. Plug 63 is shaped to compliment the cross section of
rectangular
coupler 60, but is otherwise constructed similar to plug 23 of circular
coupler fiber log
20. On the exterior of rectangular coupler 60, proximal to first end 64, a
plurality of
S-hooks 68 are provided. Also on the exterior of circular coupler 60, series
of plant
wells 69 are provided. Plant wells 69 are also similarly form as plant wells
29 of
2o circular coupler 20.
Fig. 6 shows a reinforced triangular coupler fiber log or reinforced
triangular
coupler 70, a third embodiment of the coupler fiber log of the present
invention. The
term "triangular", hereinafter, describes all the shapes of a three-sided
polygon.
Generally, triangular coupler 70 is more stable against movement because of
its wider
base relative to its mass. It is contemplated that triangular coupler 70 has
applications
as erosion and sediment barrier on steep slopes.
Reinforced triangular coupler 70 shares many of the features of circular
coupler 20 which have been described previously. Triangular coupler 70 has a
triangular cross section and a length extends therefrom and includes a pack of
fibrous
3o filler 71 held inside a reinforced casing 72 by a plug 73. The pack of
fibrous filler or
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1'
tiller pack 71 includes a first end 74 and a second end 75. Reinforced casing
72 is
similarly constructed as reinforced casino ?2 of circular coupler 20 from two
iayers of
a tubular netting material 10 and 11 to increase its strength. Reinforced
casing 72
includes a reinforced extended section or net extension 76 which extends
beyond plug
73 and having a cinch cord 77 weaves around its end. During storage and
transportation, net extension 76 peels over and folds around second end 75.
Plug 73
is shaped to compliment the cross section of triangular coupler fiber log 70,
and
otherwise is constructed similar to plug 23 of circular coupler fiber log 20.
On the
exterior of triangular coupler 70, proximal to first end 74, a plurality of S-
hooks 78
to are provided. Also on the exterior of triangular coupler 70, series of
plant wells 79
are provided. Plant wells 79 are similar to plant wells 29 of circular coupler
20.
Fig. 7 shows reinforced circular fiber log 90 having two closed ends, a fourth
embodiment of the present invention. Circular fiber log 90 has the features of
circular
coupler fiber log 20 except that its second end 93 is closed rather than open.
Like
circular coupler fiber log 20, circular fiber log 90 has a reinforced casing
83
constructed from two layers of netting 88. A preferred outer layer of netting
11 is
made from a flexible coated metal, such as steel commonly referred to as
lobster
netting. Both the metal strands that make up netting 11 and the outer cords 81
and 92
are galvanized steel and have a thin coating of polymer, 86. Other suitable
metal
2o netting materials include galvanized steel without a polymer coating or
metals coated
with only a polymer coating. A particularly effective outer polymer coating is
PVC or
polyvinylchloride. Circular fiber log 90 is particularly useful for
installations where
end to end coupling is not required such as for example where a single fiber
log is
required and for applications where the environment causes stresses to be
exerted on
circular fiber log 90. Circular fiber log 90 can readily be coupled with a
second
circular fiber log 90 along a linear edge utilizing standard methods. Like
circular
coupler 20, circular fiber log 90 can similarly contain plant wells 91 on its
exterior
surface.
The reinforced coupler fiber logs are preferably stored and transported as
3o individual units, uncoupled. After delivery to the installation site, the
individual
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13
reinforced coupler fiber logs are joined or connected end-to-end to produce a
reinforced linear erosion and sediment control burner having greater strength
throughout its entire length, particularly at the coupling region 26. Fig. 8
depicts the
method of joining two reinforced circular coupler fiber logs 20. While
reinforced
circular couplers 20 are used in the illustration, it is understood that
rectangular
couplers 60 and triangular couplers 70 are similarly coupled to form linear
erosion
and sediment control burners. As shown in Fig. 8, the two reinforced circular
coupler
20 to be joined are brought together in an end to end orientation having
second end 25
of the first circular coupler 20 (at the left hand side) facing first end 24
of the second
to circular coupler 20 (at the right hand side). The net reinforced extension
26 of the
first circular couple 20 is unfolded from its storage position and is
extending out. A
quantity of loose fiber 80 is first packed around plug 23 to fill the gaps
between the
shoulder of plug 23 and net extension 26. First end 24 of the second circular
coupler
20 is then received inside net extension 26 of the first circular coupler.
Cinch cord 27
of the first circular coupler 20 is hooked onto the plurality of S-hooks
placed around
first end 24 of the second circular coupler 20. The second circular coupler 20
is then
pulled towards the first circular coupler 20, by pulling on cinch cord 27
until the
second circular coupler 20 engages loose fibers 80 and plug 23. Thusly
situated, net
extension 26 of the first circular coupler 20 overlaps casing 22 of the second
circular
2o coupler 20. Cinch cord 27 is pulled taut and the ends of cinch cord 27
secured. The
two adjacent circular couplers 20 are thus joined together, preferably with
end 24
butted against loose fiber 80 and/or end 25. After securing the first two
circular
couplers 20 together, the procedure may be repeated to add a third and a
fourth, etc.
circular couplers 20 until a erosion and sediment control barrier of a
desirable length
is formed.
While the above method of securing the reinforced coupler fiber logs together
are particularly illustrated, those of ordinary skill in this art should
appreciate that one
may use many conventional methods to join together the net extension of one
coupler
fiber log to the body of the second coupler fiber log. For example, one could
use
30 lacing, staples, wire, plastic ties, like those that are commonly used to
hold electrical
CA 02419694 2003-02-21
wires together, adhesive, adhesive tape, non-adhesive tape, stove clamps like
those to
connect a household clothes dryer to ductwork, a belt tied around the over-
lapping
casings, cable laced through or tied around the over-lapping casings, or any
other
method commonly known to be used to join or mend netting or join tubular
structures
end-to-end.
Reinforced coupler fiber logs of different dimensions and shapes may be
manufactured by conventional machinery that generally includes a tiller 101, a
hopper
102, a pusher 103, and a stmt tube 104. The differently shaped coupler fiber
logs are
constructed through the use of the appropriate shaped pushers 103 and stmt
tubes
to 104. Refernng now to Fig. 9 which shows a schematic drawing for the
manufacturing
of a circular coupler 20. Reinforced circular coupler 20 is formed by packing
a
quantity of loose coir fibers 105 into a casing 22. Coir fibers 105 can be
purchased
commercially in bales of approximately 360 pounds each. Generally, the baled
fibers
have not been pre-processed and much of their natural layering remains. So
being,
the inventors have found that a more consistent circular coupler 20 can be
produced
by first fluffing the coat fibers 105. Thus, after un-baling, the coir fibers
105 are
placed in tiller 101 where the fibers are disrupted and separated. The fluffed-
up coat
fibers 105 are then delivered to hopper 102 via a conveyer belt 106. A
cylindrical
pusher 103 slides back and forth horizontally immediately below hopper 102 and
20 pushes loose coat fibers 105 through a cylindrical stmt tube 104 and into
an awaiting
casing 22. Casing 22, whether a standard casing or a reinforced casing
composed of
two or more layers of standard casing is wrapped around and fractionally held
to the
outside of stmt tube 104 by a chain belt 107. Initially, casing 22 is
positioned such
that closed end 33 of casino 22 abuts the exit of stmt tube 104. As the coat
fibers 105
are fed into casing 22, closed end 33 slides outward and causes the release of
unfilled
sections of casing 22 underneath chain belt 107. A standard fiber log is
converted to a
reinforced fiber fog by the addition of one or more additional layers of
tubular netting
about the exterior of a standard log. The additional netting can be added by
anchoring
an open end of an outer layer of netting and forcing the standard fiber log
into the
30 additional netting with press or other means such as for example a
forklift. When the
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t1
standard log is properly positioned within the additional netting, the ends
are finished
in the same manner as for a standard fiber log. Although not essential, an
outer
tubular netting having a slightly larger cross-section facilitates the
application of
tubular netting over the exterior of a standard log or coupler.
The rate of release of casing 22 determines the packing density of circular
coupler fiber log 20; the slower casing 22 is released, the higher the packing
density
of the resultant coupler fiber log 20. The frictional force applied by belt
107 onto
casing 22 as casing 22 resides over stmt tube 104 controls the rate of release
of casing
22. The amount of applied frictional force to effect a release rate is
empirically
determined. After a prescribed length of circular coupler fiber log 20 is
reached,
filler pack 21 formed by loose coir fibers IOS is capped with plug 23. Casing
22 is
then released from stmt tube 104, and net extension 26 is peeled over and
folded
around the newly formed circular coupler fiber log 20.
The coupler fiber logs of the present invention have multiple applications as
erosion and sediment control barriers, e.g., for buffing of flow and wave
forces,
sediment capture, re-vegetation and erosion control. The coupler fiber logs
can be
deployed singly or in combination with other coupler fiber logs, and be
arranged in
various configurations to suit the application and to accommodate the
installation site
environment.
Fig. I0 shows an erosion and sediment control barrier I10 formed by
reinforced circular couplers 20 installed at a shoreline. While circular
couplers 20 are
used for this illustration, it is understood that other shaped coupler fiber
logs may also
be used. Erosion and sediment control barrier or barner 110 constructed with
reinforced circular couplers 20 dissipates and reduces the effect of the
erosive forces
produced by wave action and flowing water and because of its reinforcement, is
better
able to withstand unexpected natural forces. Barrier 110 may be placed below,
at or
above the water's edge. Commonly, the erosion and sediment control barrier 110
is
placed where the water extends up to about two-thirds the height of barner
110.
As illustrated, reinforced barrier I 10 includes a plurality of reinforced
circular
couplers 20 coupled together and set into a shallow trench I 11 and held by
stakes 112
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and ropes 113 that are wound between stakes 112 and over
circular couplers 20. Erosion control barrier 110 is
generally assembled in situ by methods previously described.
The dimension of trench 111 necessary for the placement of
barrier 110 depends on the site geometry. In one embodiment
for setting a barrier 110 composed of a 16-inch diameter
circular couplers 20, trench 111 is 4 inches deep and 10.5
inches wide. Anchor stakes 112 are typically placed in the
front and in the back of barrier 110 at user-prescribed
distances, usually about 1 to 2 feet apart on each side of
barrier 110. Stakes 112 preferably are made of hard wood,
have about a 2 inches by 2 inches cross-section, are
approximately 36 inches long, and are preferably notched at
their upper end to receive rope 113. With stakes 112
implanted in the sediment/soil 114, ropes 113 are lashed to
stakes 112 in a front-and-back rotation, similar to the
process of lacing your shoes. For further security, the
ends 115 of barrier 110 may be buried into the existing
bank. Thusly secured, the land ward side behind barrier 110
is preferably back filled to ground level. In addition,
rock riprap 116 or rock retainer basket may be placed on the
water side in front of barrier 110 for added security.
While it is convenient and expedient to use stakes
112 and ropes 113 to secure barrier 110 to ground 114, other
securing methods may also be used. Barrier 110 may also be
secured with rock, geotextiles, geogrid, earth anchors, and
the likes according to the site conditions. While methods
for placing and anchoring barrier 110 have been suggested,
it is understood that the placement and anchoring of an
erosion and sediment control barrier is site dependent and
is well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For
the convenience of the reader, however, additional
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details of the use and installation of coupler fiber logs
can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,338,131; 5,425,597;
5,641,244; and 5,678,954 to Bestman, as well as, U.S. Patent
No. 5,951,202 to Brown.
In addition to relying on the physical mass of
barrier 110 to control erosion, the illustrated embodiment
contemplates using vegetation or plants 117 to stabilize the
surface layer of sediment/soil 114. The reinforced circular
couplers 20 forming reinforced barrier 110 are provided with
plant wells 29. It is contemplated that the
CA 02419694 2003-02-21
roots of plants 117 which grow down through plant wells 29 to the underlying
soil
and hold the underlying soil in place.
While only one linear erosion burner 110 is shown installed in Fig. 10, it is
understood that multiple linear erosion control burners 110 may be installed
in
parallel or in other configurations where situation demands. Fig. 11 shows a
two-
tiered barrier 120 having two rows of joined reinforced circular coupler 20
installed
along the water edge 118. The two rows of joined reinforced circular couplers
20 are
placed parallel to each other and secured by lacing 121. The two-tiered burner
120 is
anchored to the soil/sediment 114 with stakes 112 and rope 113 as described
for
barrier 130 above. The circular coupler 20 composing two-tiered burner 120 are
provided with plant wells to promote the growing of plants 117 through
circular
couplers 20.
Fig. 12 shows an erosion and sediment control terrace 130 which provides
protection to shorelines. Terrace 130 includes multiple rows of reinforced
rectangular
couplers 60 stacked on each other and on a precut sub-grade soil terrace 131.
Rectangular couplers are held by stakes 112 anchored into the soil terrace 131
and are
further held by ropes 113 which wind around rectangular couplers 60 and tie to
stakes
112. In addition to relying on the physical mass of rectangular coupler 60 to
control
erosion, the illustrated embodiment further contemplates the use of vegetation
or
plants 117 to stabilize the underlying soil.
The reinforced coupler fiber logs may also be used to entrap and capture
sediment and is useful in many locations and situations where a sediment
barrier
needs to be constructed quickly. Fig. 13 shows a reinforced linear silt-
trapper 140
placed in front of a curb side inlet 141. Silt-trapper 140 allows water to
seep through
and drain to inlet 141 but traps the silt and sediment behind. In this
embodiment, silt-
trapper 140 is constructed of reinforced circular couplers 20 joined together
to form a
linear barrier of sufficient length or circular logs 90 for shorter runs. It
is understood
other geometric shaped coupler fiber logs may also be used. Silt-trapper 140
is held
between pairs of stakes 142 anchored into the sediment/soil or ground 143 and
further
3o held by ropes l44 which are wound between each pair of stakes over circular
couplers
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l
20. Silt trapper 140 is formed by circular couplers 20 or circular logs 90
which are 12
inches in diameter. However, it is understood that the type of circular
coupler fiber
logs 20 or fiber log 90 required is determined by the application site
environment.
Anchor stakes 142 are typically placed in the front and in the back of silt-
trapper 140
at user-prescribed distances, usually about I to 2 feet apart on each side of
silt-trapper
140. Stakes 142 preferably are made of hard wood, have about a 1.5 inches by
1.5
inches cross-section, are approximately 36 inches long, and are preferably
notched at
their upper ends to receive ropes 144. Preferably, ropes 144 are made of nylon
and
are approximately 0.25 inch in diameter.
t0 Sediment barriers may be constructed to various geometric configurations in
addition to the linear silt-trapper 150 described above. Fig. 14 shows a ring
silt-
trapper 150 for the protection of a storm inlet 151. Ring silt-trapper 150 is
constructed with reinforced circular couplers 20 coupled together to form a
ring of the
prescribed diameter. Similar to linear silt-trapper 140, ring silt-trapper 150
is held
between pairs of wooden stakes 142 anchored to ground 143 and secured with
ropes
144 wound over ring silt-trapper 150.
The reinforced coupler fiber logs of the present invention may also be used on
dry slope for slope stabilization. Fig. 15 shows a series of prairelog 160
installed on a
45° slope 163. Prairelog 160 hinders the continuous slide of soil and
sediments down
2o such steep slopes, and hence reduces slope erosion. Prairelog 160 are
typically placed
across gradient of slope 163 in rows at user prescribed distances, usually
about 3 feet
apart.
Prairelog 160 is constructed of reinforced circular couplers 20, either singly
or
joined, to form a linear barrier of sufficient length. While the use of
reinforced
circular couplers 20 is illustrated, it is understood other shaped reinforced
coupler
fiber logs, particularly triangular couplers 70, may also be used. Prairelog
160 is held
between pairs of stakes 162 anchored into slope 163 and further held by ropes
161
which are wound between each pair of stakes over prairelog 160. Stakes 162
preferably are made of hard wood, have about 1 inch cross section, are
approximately
30 24 inches long and are preferably notched at their upper ends to receive
ropes 161.
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Ropes 161 are preferably made of a strong, durable material, e.g. nylon,
polypropylene. However, any other material may be used.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the
drawings
and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and
not
restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred
embodiments have
been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come
within the
spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
