Abstract:
A breakwater composed of a network of interconnected elements of similar size and configuration, each of which has a body with a through axial recess and vertically projecting portions so that when the bodies are arranged in levels, the portions interlink in the recesses forming a network of bodies which are adapted to be assembled at a job site as a breakwater to resist wave action.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to breakwaters, and, more particularly, to elements sized and configured for mating interlinking connection with one another to define a multi-level network comprising a breakwater. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As is perhaps well known, it is quite often desired to have a breakwater at various locations, and this invention is of an improved construction of bodies of similar size and configuration for interlinking to define a multi-level or layered network or breakwater wherein each of the bodies includes a generally triangular configuration having a plurality of equi-spaced legs extending from the vertexes to interlink in mating relation with corresponding bodies provided with similar legs, the legs being received in recesses provided in the bodies. 
     It is a general object of this invention to provide an improved breakwater network and bodies therefor which form the network when interlinked, which is composed of similarly sized members which may be prefabricated in concrete or other rigid material and transported to a job site to be interconnected with one another to form a breakwater network which is effective and relatively effective to resist wave action and relatively inexpensive in construction and to assemble. 
    
    
     In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an element for use in forming a support layer of a network of elements to form a breakwater according to the instant invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the element shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a view of an element for use in forming a top layer of a network of elements to interlink with a lower layer of elements similar to those of FIG. 1 to form a breakwater according to the instant invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the element shown in FIG. 3; 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 are alternative embodiments of the elements shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is a view of a support level of elements, similar to those of FIG. 1, which are arranged in a network; 
     FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 and illustrating the first or support level of elements and a second or top level of elements arranged in a network with the elements interlinked and forming a submerged breakwater; and 
     FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of interlinked or interconnected elements of the support layer type and the top layer type of elements, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, respectively. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views and referring particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown an element generally designated by the numeral 12 which includes a first upper surface 14 and a second or lower surface 16 with each surface having a peripheral edge 18 and 18&#39; on opposite sides of a side surface of the element body, which side surface is generally designated by the numeral 19. Each element has a central cylindrical through recess 20 which has an axis perpendicular to the surfaces and which recess is of a predetermined cross sectional area which is generally triangular in configuration of equiangular form. 
     As shown, the element of FIGS. 1 and 2 are generally triangular as seen in plan, and symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane, that is, a plane bisecting the vertex of one of the angles. It is seen that, from the upper surface 14 of the element, there is a plurality of three equispaced arms 22, 24 and 26 which are integral with the element; and each extends a common distance from the surface 14 at one of the vertexes of the elements, see FIG. 2. Each arm is triangular as seen in cross section. Each of the arms is integral at its proximal end with the element or body and the arms extend to a distal end and are generally triangular in cross section, see 28, 30 and 32. The cross sectional area of each of the arms is less than one-third the area of the through recess 20 and the arms are preferably of a length between their ends which is about equal to the distance between the surfaces 14 and 16 of the body, i.e., the depth of the recess. The body also has a plurality of three equispaced legs, 34, 36 and 38 integral therewith and extending a common distance from the second surface 16 adjacent the peripheral edge thereof at each of the vertexes. Each of the legs is also cylindrical and triangular in cross section and the distal end is spaced from its proximal end a distance about equal to that of the legs extending from the other surface 14. Each of these legs is of a cross sectional area less than one-third the area of the through recess and defines an equiangular triangle as seen in cross section. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, a second type body is shown which is designated by the numeral 50. It is similarly sized for mating engagement with bodies such as that shown in FIG. 1 with the legs extending from one surface only. It also is provided with a central through recess 52 which is equiangular and generally about congruent to the recess 20. The body 50 has a plurality of three equispaced legs 54, 56 and 58 each having a terminal end zone which, as seen in plan, defines an equiangular triangle in the preferred embodiment. 
     With reference to FIG. 7, the utilization of the elements is shown forming a lower or support layer of a network comprising a breakwater. A plurality of bodies as seen in FIG. 1 are arranged as shown on a surface; that is, with all of the bodies oriented similarly with their respective legs extending from one surface and supporting the elements with their arms extending upwardly. With reference to FIG. 8 it is seen that the bodies similar to those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are positioned over the bodies of the lower or support level forming an upper or top level above the level shown in FIG. 7; that is, with their respective legs being recessed in the recesses of the lower level. It is seen in FIG. 8 that the downwardly-extending legs of the body shown in FIG. 3 are received within the recesses of the lower level bodies, mating with them and forming an interconnected network. This is more apparent upon reference to FIG. 9, comprising a perspective view and illustrating an interconnected pair of bodies of an upper level and a lower level. 
     With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alternative embodiment is shown wherein the body as seen in plan is generally circular and wherein the legs as seen in plan are generally semicircular, the bodies in FIG. 5 being designated by the numeral 100 with the upwardly extending legs being designated by the numerals 102, 104 and 106 and the downwardly extending legs being designated by the numerals 108, 110 and 112 and the corresponding body is designated by the numeral 114 with the legs extending from one of the surfaces being designated 116, 118 and 120. Once again, the legs are sized for receipt within the cylindrical recesses 122 and 124 when the bodies are arranged in levels with their legs in confronting relation similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. 
     It is thus seen that there is provided a plurality of bodies adapted to be interconnected in a network to define a breakwater. For example, the bodies can be formed of reinforced concrete or steel or other heavy material. The bodies are of two types for standardization of construction; each are relatively small. However, when interconnected at a job site into a network as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 they comprise a sturdy, heavy, interlinked breakwater network composed of members with interlocked legs which rest on the surface on legs and with the central recesses and with the network with its central recesses and interlinked legs forming a cellular type structure to absorb the kinetic energy of wave action with the levels being adjustable to allow for soil for changes in the support surface by reason of the clearance provided, it being noted that the cross-sectional area of the recesses is greater than three times the cross-sectional area of the legs. There is thus provided meshing units to be interlinked to define the breakwater network or breakwater which may be several levels high if desired.