Shore erosion prevention modules
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to shore erosion prevention devices and more particularly concerns such devices which are operable to create an artificial sand bar. 
     So far as applicants are aware, virtually all shore erosion control devices are fixed devices such as bulk heads, pilings, and barriers of steel or concrete or the like fixed in the water along the shore line. Many, if not most, of such devices are ineffective to actually prevent the erosion of the shoreline. Often they merely redistribute the sand along the shoreline. Further, such rigid devices are hazardous to boats and aesthetically displeasing. 
     It is consequently an object of the present invention to provide a shore erosion prevention device which is effective while not being a hazard to boating nor detracting aesthetically from the view along the shore line. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide such an apparatus which is readily positionable on various below-water contours and whose design enhances its maintenance of a fixed position. 
     It is a still further object of the invention to provide such an apparatus which is effective to prevent shore erosion and yet does not bear the full destructive force of incoming waves. 
    
    
     Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shore erosion prevention module in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the base of the module of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2--2 and in the direction of the arrows; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the base and lower slats of the module of FIG. 1 taken along the line 3--3 and in the direction of the arrows; 
     FIG. 4 is a side view in section of the module of FIG. 1 shown under water with water flow in the shoreward direction; 
     FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4 showing a partial sand accumulation and with the water flow in a seaward direction; 
     FIG. 6 is an array of three modules as they would be positioned in the water adjacent a shoreline in operative use; and 
     FIG. 7 is an illustration of an alternative base configuration for the module. 
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. 
     With initial reference to FIGS. 1,2 and 3, a sand collecting module indicated generally as 10 includes a concrete base 11 and a series of boards 12-15 forming a sand-collecting web held together by belts 16 and 17. As shall be discussed hereinafter, the web of boards is substantially buoyant in still water and is positioned such that shoreward water flow, from left to right in FIG. 1, pushes the boards downwardly with the water substantially passing over the module 10. Subsequent seaward water flow causes the boards to rise upwardly forming a web generally in the shape of a pocket which is maintained by the belts 16 and 17. 
     In order to lodge the module in position beneath the water along a shoreline, the base 11 is substantially heavier than water, preferably of a concrete material having a central steel reinforcing bar 18. The weight of the base enables it to serve as ballast for the module 10. The base may alternatively be formed of steel or other rigid, heavy material. A ring-shaped base is preferred to a solid base in order to more readily anchor the module on uneven underwater terrain. The shape of the base 11 as shown in FIG. 1 permits the base to settle into and hold onto irregular terrain such as rocks or the like. 
     The illustrated form of the base is further advantageous in enhancing the settling of the module into underwater sand upon which it is placed. The central opening 19 in the base rapidly collects sand after the module has been installed due to the suction created by the water flow over the opening 19. The water flow over the opening tends to pull sand upwardly and from beneath the base 11 so that the base quickly settles. 
     Various shapes for the base 11 exhibiting the above-defined advantages are possible, with one alternative form being shown in FIG. 7. The base 11&#39; shown in FIG. 7 includes a seawardly facing opening 21, which would not significantly affect the ballast function of the base 11&#39; and yet would reduce the amount of material needed for construction. The above-mentioned suction effect would also draw sand from beneath the base 11&#39; into the partially defined opening in the base. 
     In order to trap sand carried by the water flowing seawardly, the boards 12-15 are arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement leaving openings 22 between the boards so as to retard the water flow. The exact spacing of the boards is determined by the wave energy expected since the water flow is to be retarded sufficiently to cause the collection of sand, but the wave energy obviously cannot be fully absorbed by the module 10. 
     In order to maintain the boards 12-15 in the desired spaced apart web configuration, each board is attached to the pair of straps or belts 16 and 17. The belts are preferably reinforced rubber conveyor belting or the like, and each belt is securely fastened to all of the boards and to the front and rear faces of the base 11. As shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, the belt 17, for example, is attached by a nut and lock washer to a bolt 23 cast in the shoreward side of the base 11. Similarly, the belt 17 is attached on the seaward side of the base 11 to a bolt 24 cast in the base 11, also by a means of nut and lock washer. While the exact fastening means is not crucial to the invention, so long as it is effective to maintain the belt in position, it has been found that if a nut and bolt arrangement is used, a lock washer or the like is necessary in order to prevent the working loose of the bolts due to wave action. The belt 16 is attached to the base and boards in exactly the same manner as the belt 17. 
     It can be seen that a single thickness of each belt such as 17 extends upwardly from the vicinity of its attachment to the base 11 on the shoreward side of the module 10. The belt then passes over the tops of the boards 12-15 and is looped back beneath the boards so that a double thickness of the belt is attached on the seaward side of the base 11. 
     The two thicknesses of each belt are in substantially parallel alignment extending over both sides of the boards, with a suitable fastener passing through each board and both thicknesses of belt to attach each board to the belt. Each fastener may again be a nut, bolt and lock washer arrangement such as is used to attach the belts to the base 11. 
     While wooden boards 12-15 have been disclosed, other types of slats may be employed such as those constructed of a foam-filled plastic. A significant feature is that the slats or other means form a discontinuous web which is attached to the base 11 and is generally buoyant so as to extend upwardly from the base in the absence of water flow over the module. The web is then free to move downwardly and shorewardly (to the right as shown in FIG. 1) when water flows toward the shore, while during water flow in the opposite, seaward, direction the straps 16 and 17 limit the seaward movement of the upper portion of the web so that water flow through the web is retarded sufficiently to cause the deposit of sand. 
     FIG. 4 shows one possible configuration for the boards and the belt 16 of the module 10 during water flow toward the shore. Depending upon the energy of the water flow, the web of boards is deflected from a generally vertical orientation to a position inclined more or less toward shore as shown. As can be seen, the boards are free to be deflected to present a lower profile to avoid the full impact of the shoreward flow of the waves. Some initial build up of sand is illustrated in FIG. 4 around the base and within its interior opening 19. 
     In FIG. 5, the module 10 is illustrated after a more significant buildup of sand, covering the lowermost board 12 and partially covering the next board 13. As can also be seen in FIG. 5, the remaining boards which are free to move in the water are held in a pocket-like configuration by the belts 16 and 17 to retard seaward water flow and continue the collection of sand. The shoreward flow of water, after the accumulation of sand as shown in FIG. 5, results in those boards which remain are free to move being inclined toward the shore. 
     In FIG. 6 there are shown a series of three sand collection modules 10, 10&#39; and 10&#34;, arranged substantially parallel to the shore line. In practice, a row of modules is placed beneath the water along the shoreline to promote the formation of a sandbar. While there are occasions where a single module may be effective, it is typically preferred to utilize a row of modules, one actual test utilizing modules similar to those described herein in a row of five modules in one location and a row of six modules in a second, adjacent location. 
     An additional advantage to the present module design is the ability in high wave energy areas to omit one or more of the upper slats until the module has accumulated sand and become securely anchored. The upper slats may then be added either simultaneously or one at a time after the module has become well stabilized. The belts are pre-punched with the appropriate holes so that the slats to be added later may conveniently be added to the belts.