Abstract:
An artificial barrier reef has a skeletal frame formed from a plurality of support beams. The frame has a base and a plurality of side panels extending from the base to form a pyramid. A plurality of connectors are used to connect the support beams together. A cap connects the support beams and forms the side panels at an apex of said frame. Also, a plurality of grates, each grate connected to cover a respective one of said side panels and including a plurality of bars connected in a criss-cross pattern allow for fish of a predetermined size to pass therethrough into and out of the skeletal frame. The artificial barrier reef is positioned on the floor of a body of water for aiding in the development of an underwater ecosystem pass therethrough into and out of said skeletal frame.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to environmental structures and, more specifically, to an artificial reef having a tetrahedral structure with concrete beams extending from and connected to one another to form a skeletal frame. Side grid panels are placed against the skeletal frame and are connected to each other via connection hooks to form a pyramid structure that may be used to provide a habitat and protection for aquatic life. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Numerous other environmental structures designed for the production of an artificial barrier reef. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,300 issued to Walter on Mar. 28, 2000. Another such patent was issued to Bartkowski on Feb. 13, 2001 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,702. While these artificial barrier reefs may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,300 
     Inventor: David M. Walter 
     Issued: Mar. 28, 2000 
     An equilateral tetrahedral frame, comprising six concrete beams inserted through the center of a number of automotive tires. The ends of the concrete beams are fastened together at four points. These four points are covered by a cap of concrete to seal the fastening points. The reef device may be of any size. The design permits ease of transport due to its ability to stack one upon another uniqueness of this reef is in the design. Once the reef is transported to its desired location, it can be lowered or dropped to the sea floor. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,702 
     Inventor: Michael Scott Bartkowski 
     Issued: Feb. 13, 2001 
     An artificial reef that will adequately promote marine growth, marine life, and prevention erosion by providing a unique design and configuration. The artificial reef is a vertical structure having an enclosed top wall, an opened bottom, and at least three side walls for forming an overall geometrical shape. An opening extends through the enclosed top wall and at least one opening extends through each side wall. This design and configuration will provide an optimum means for water flow and provide adequate and efficient stability of the final structure. This will ultimately prevent damage, rollovers, or the like, even during turbulent weather conditions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to environmental structures and, more specifically, to an artificial reef having a tetrahedral structure with concrete beams extending from and connected to one another to form a skeletal frame. Side grid panels are placed against the skeletal frame and are connected to each other via connection hooks to form a pyramid structure that may be used to provide a habitat and protection for aquatic life. 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef that will overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices. 
     Another, secondary object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef having a tetrahedral shaped skeletal framework formed from a plurality of concrete support beams. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef having a plurality of side panels. 
     A yet further object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef wherein the side panels form a grid for allowing for the ingress of small aquatic wildlife while providing a barrier to larger aquatic wildlife. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef having a lifting element for selective placement and replacement at desired locations. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef that allows for the attachment thereon of plant life or crustaceans. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef having a plurality of hooks that selectively connect the side panels to one another to maintain placement on the tetrahedron frame. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef that is stackable one on top of another for easy transportation and storage thereof. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef having weighted concrete blocks positioned at each of the junctions of the concrete beams forming the skeletal frame. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef having additional weight and stability to aid the present invention in remaining stationary and resisting drift or erosion. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef that is simple and easy to use. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide an artificial barrier reef that is economical in cost to manufacture. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an artificial barrier reef formed from a plurality of concrete beams formed in a tetrahedral shape thereby forming a skeletal framework. At each junction of the concrete beams, a weighed block, preferably formed from concrete, is used to connect each beam to the other. A lifting element positioned at the apex of the skeletal framework in order to allow easy transportation and positioning of the artificial barrier reef in its desired position. A plurality of side panels, each formed as a grid, is positioned on each side of the skeletal framework thereby allow for the ingress of small aquatic life while functioning as a barrier for larger species and also provides an anchoring base for many stationary life forms such as crustaceans, coral, mollusks and plant life. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 
     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawing, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention positioned on the floor of a body of water; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the skeletal framework of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the skeletal framework of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention with the side panels not connected; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention having the side panels attached to the skeletal framework; 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 7 is a view of a connection point on the skeletal frame taken from within the circle labeled  7  in FIG. 6 of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the artificial barrier reef of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures. 
       10  artificial barrier reef of the present invention 
       12  support beam 
       13  skeletal frame 
       14  side panel 
       16  weighted connector 
       18  cap 
       20  loop 
       22  connecting hooks 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims. 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate the artificial barrier reef of the present invention generally by the numeral  10 . 
     FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of an artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention positioned on the floor of a body of water. The artificial barrier reef  10  includes a plurality of support beams  12  connected to one another so as to form a skeletal frame  13 . The skeletal frame  13  preferably is in the shape of an equilateral tetrahedron. Preferably, the support beams  12  are formed from concrete in order to provide rigid support for the skeletal frame  13  while not adversely interfering with the aquatic environment in which the artificial barrier reef  10  is placed. The use of concrete is described only for purposes of example and any material which provides rigid support and would not adversely interfere with an aquatic environment could be used. 
     The skeletal frame  13  is formed from six support beams  12 . The skeletal frame  13  is formed by three support beams  12  arranged in the shape of a triangle. The three support beams  12  which form the base are connected at each vertex by a weighted connector  16 . Preferably, the weighted connectors  16  are each also formed from concrete, however any material that would provide additional weight and aid in preventing unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  may be used. The remaining three support beams  12  not used to form the triangular base are connected to extend angularly from the weighted connectors  16  at each vertex of the triangular base to form a pyramid. The angularly extending support beams  12  are secured together by a cap  18  at an apex of the pyramid where the angularly extending support beams  12  meet. The cap  18  connecting the support beams  12  is preferably weighted and formed from concrete as well in order to prevent unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  after placement in a body of water. Positioned on the cap  18  is a loop  20  for use in selectively moving and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. Preferably, a mechanical lifting device such as a crane is connected to the loop  20  of the artificial barrier reef  10  to aide in lifting and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in the water. However, any device able to lift and move the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention may be used to selectively position the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in water. 
     The artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention further includes a plurality of side panels  14  for positioning against the sides of the pyramid of the skeletal frame  13 . Preferably, three side panels  14  used to form the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. However, a fourth side panel  14  may also be used by positioning the fourth side panel  14  on the remaining open end of the equilateral tetrahedron. It is preferable that the side panels  14  are formed from metal which would provide support to the artificial barrier reef  10  without adversely affecting the aquatic environment surrounding the reef  10  and which would allow plant life and crustaceans to attach thereby forming an ecosystem where the artificial barrier reef  10  is positioned on the floor of the body of water. The side panels  14  are also formed as a grid. The space between the gridlines is at a predetermined distance preferably between the range of 0.5 and 25 inches. Preferably, the distance between the gridlines is 1.5 inches. The grid of the side panels  14  are formed so as to allow small aquatic life to pass easily therethrough, as well as to allow plant life, crustaceans, and other stationary forms of life to attach thereto. The side panels  14  are triangular in shape and are positioned within and against the skeletal frame  13 . Extending up from a base of the triangular side panels  14  at each end thereof is a brake  15 . Upon placing the side panels  14  within the skeletal frame  13 , the break  15  rests against the support beam  12 . The break  15  holds the side panel  14  in place and ensures a secure fit within the skeletal frame  13 . Upon placement of the side panels  14 , connection hooks  22  are used to connect each side panel  14  to another side panel  14 . At least one connection hook  22  must be used to connect the side panels  14  to each other. However, it is preferable to have a plurality of connection hooks  22  used to connect each side panel  14  so as to ensure that the side panels  14  remain in place on the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. The connection hooks  22  have a first end and a second end. Both the first end and the second end each form a hook. The hook of the first end connects to a respective gridline of one side panel  14 . The hook of the second end connects to the corresponding gridline on an adjacent side panel  14 . Upon connection of a plurality of connection hooks  22 , the side panels  14  are secured within the skeletal frame. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the skeletal framework of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention. The artificial barrier reef  10  includes a plurality of support beams  12  connected to one another so as to form a skeletal frame  13 . The skeletal frame  13  preferably is in the shape of an equilateral tetrahedron. Preferably, the support beams  12  are formed from concrete in order to provide rigid support for the skeletal frame  13  while not adversely interfering with the aquatic environment in which the artificial barrier reef  10  is placed. The use of concrete is described only for purposes of example and any material which provides rigid support and would not adversely interfere with an aquatic environment could be used. 
     The skeletal frame  13  is formed from six support beams  12 . The skeletal frame  13  is formed by three support beams  12  arranged in the shape of a triangle. The three support beams  12  which form the base are connected at each vertex by a weighted connector  16 . Preferably, the weighted connectors  16  are each also formed from concrete, however any material that would provide additional weight and aid in preventing unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  may be used. The remaining three support beams  12  not used to form the triangular base are connected to extend angularly from the weighted connectors  16  at each vertex of the triangular base to form a pyramid. The angularly extending support beams  12  are secured together by a cap  18  at an apex of the pyramid where the angularly extending support beams  12  meet. The cap  18  connecting the support beams  12  is preferably weighted and formed from concrete as well in order to prevent unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  after placement in a body of water. Positioned on the cap  18  is a loop  20  for use in selectively moving and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. Preferably, a mechanical lifting device such as a crane is connected to the loop  20  of the artificial barrier reef  10  to aide in lifting and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in the water. However, any device able to lift and move the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention may be used to selectively position the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in water. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the skeletal framework of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention with the side panels not connected. The artificial barrier reef  10  includes a plurality of support beams  12  connected to one another so as to form a skeletal frame  13 . The skeletal frame  13  preferably is in the shape of an equilateral tetrahedron. Preferably, the support beams  12  are formed from concrete in order to provide rigid support for the skeletal frame  13  while not adversely interfering with the aquatic environment in which the artificial barrier reef  10  is placed. The use of concrete is described only for purposes of example and any material which provides rigid support and would not adversely interfere with an aquatic environment could be used. 
     The skeletal frame  13  is formed from six support beams  12 . The skeletal frame  13  is formed by three support beams  12  arranged in the shape of a triangle. The three support beams  12  which form the base are connected at each vertex by a weighted connector  16 . Preferably, the weighted connectors  16  are each also formed from concrete, however any material that would provide additional weight and aid in preventing unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  may be used. The remaining three support beams  12  not used to form the triangular base are connected to extend angularly from the weighted connectors  16  at each vertex of the triangular base to form a pyramid. The angularly extending support beams  12  are secured together by a cap  18  at an apex of the pyramid where the angularly extending support beams  12  meet. The cap  18  connecting the support beams  12  is preferably weighted and formed from concrete as well in order to prevent unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  after placement in a body of water. Positioned on the cap  18  is a loop  20  for use in selectively moving and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. Preferably, a mechanical lifting device such as a crane is connected to the loop  20  of the artificial barrier reef  10  to aide in lifting and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in the water. However, any device able to lift and move the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention may be used to selectively position the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in water. 
     The artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention further includes a plurality of side panels  14  for positioning against the sides of the pyramid of the skeletal frame  13 . Preferably, three side panels  14  used to form the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. However; a fourth side panel  14  may also be used by positioning the fourth side panel  14  on the remaining open end of the equilateral tetrahedron. It is preferable that the side panels  14  are formed from metal which would provide support to the artificial barrier reef  10  without adversely affecting the aquatic environment surrounding the reef  10  and which would allow plant life and crustaceans to attach thereby forming an ecosystem where the artificial barrier reef  10  is positioned on the floor of the body of water. The side panels  14  are also formed as a grid. The space between the gridlines is at a predetermined distance preferably between the range of 0.5 and 25 inches. Preferably, the distance between the gridlines is 1.5 inches. The grid of the side panels  14  are formed so as to allow small aquatic life to pass easily therethrough, as well as to allow plant life, crustaceans, and other stationary forms of life to attach thereto. The side panels  14  are triangular in shape and are positioned within and against the skeletal frame  13 . Extending up from a base of the triangular side panels  14  at each end thereof is a brake  15 . Upon placing the side panels  14  within the skeletal frame  13 , the break  15  rests against the support beam  12 . The break  15  holds the side panel  14  in place and ensures a secure fit within the skeletal frame  13 . Upon placement of the side panels  14 , connection hooks  22  are used to connect each side panel  14  to another side panel  14 . At least one connection hook  22  must be used to connect the side panels  14  to each other. However, it is preferable to have a plurality of connection hooks  22  used to connect each side panel  14  so as to ensure that the side panels  14  remain in place on the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. The connection hooks  22  have a first end and a second end. Both the first end and the second end each form a hook. The hook of the first end connects to a respective gridline of one side panel  14 . The hook of the second end connects to the corresponding gridline on an adjacent side panel  14 . Upon connection of a plurality of connection hooks  22 , the side panels  14  are secured within the skeletal fame  13 . 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention having the side panels attached to the skeletal framework. The artificial barrier reef  10  includes a plurality of support beams  12  connected to one another so as to form a skeletal frame  13 . The skeletal frame  13  preferably is in the shape of an equilateral tetrahedron. Preferably, the support beams  12  are formed from concrete in order to provide rigid support for the skeletal frame  13  while not adversely interfering with the aquatic environment in which the artificial barrier reef  10  is placed. The use of concrete is described only for purposes of example and any material which provides rigid support and would not adversely interfere with an aquatic environment could be used. 
     The skeletal frame  13  is formed from six support beams  12 . The skeletal frame  13  is formed by three support beams  12  arranged in the shape of a triangle. The three support beams  12  which form the base are connected at each vertex by a weighted connector  16 . Preferably, the weighted connectors  16  are each also formed from concrete, however any material that would provide additional weight and aid in preventing unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  may be used. The remaining three support beams  12  not used to form the triangular base are connected to extend angularly from the weighted connectors  16  at each vertex of the triangular base to form a pyramid. The angularly extending support beams  12  are secured together by a cap  18  at an apex of the pyramid where the angularly extending support beams  12  meet. The cap  18  connecting the support beams  12  is preferably weighted and formed from concrete as well in order to prevent unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  after placement in a body of water. Positioned on the cap  18  is a loop  20  for use in selectively moving and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. Preferably, a mechanical lifting device such as a crane is connected to the loop  20  of the artificial barrier reef  10  to aide in lifting and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in the water. However, any device able to lift and move the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention may be used to selectively position the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in water. 
     The artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention further includes a plurality of side panels  14  for positioning against the sides of the pyramid of the skeletal frame  13 . Preferably, three side panels  14  used to form the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. However, a fourth side panel  14  may also be used by positioning the fourth side panel  14  on the remaining open end of the equilateral tetrahedron. It is preferable that the side panels  14  are formed from metal which would provide support to the artificial barrier reef  10  without adversely affecting the aquatic environment surrounding the reef  10  and which would allow plant life and crustaceans to attach thereby forming an ecosystem where the artificial barrier reef  10  is positioned on the floor of the body of water. The side panels  14  are also formed as a grid. The space between the gridlines is at a predetermined distance preferably between the range of 0.5 and 25 inches. Preferably, the distance between the gridlines is 1.5 inches. The grid of the side panels  14  are formed so as to allow small aquatic life to pass easily therethrough, as well as to allow plant life, crustaceans, and other stationary forms of life to attach thereto. The side panels  14  are triangular in shape and are positioned within and against the skeletal frame  13 . Extending up from a base of the triangular side panels  14  at each end thereof is a brake  15 . Upon placing the side panels  14  within the skeletal frame  13 , the break  15  rests against the support beam  12 . The break  15  holds the side panel  14  in place and ensures a secure fit within the skeletal frame  13 . Upon placement of the side panels  14 , connection hooks  22  are used to connect each side panel  14  to another side panel  14 . At least one connection hook  22  must be used to connect the side panels  14  to each other. However, it is preferable to have a plurality of connection hooks  22  used to connect each side panel  14  so as to ensure that the side panels  14  remain in place on the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. The connection hooks  22  have a first end and a second end. Both the first end and the second end each form a hook. The hook of the first end connects to a respective gridline of one side panel  14 . The hook of the second end connects to the corresponding gridline on an adjacent side panel  14 . Upon connection of a plurality of connection hooks  22 , the side panels  14  are secured within the skeletal frame  13 . 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention. The artificial barrier reef  10  includes a plurality of support beams  12  connected to one another so as to form a skeletal frame  13 . The skeletal frame  13  preferably is in the shape of an equilateral tetrahedron. Preferably, the support beams  12  are formed from concrete in order to provide rigid support for the skeletal frame  13  while not adversely interfering with the aquatic environment in which the artificial barrier reef  10  is placed. The use of concrete is described only for purposes of example and any material which provides rigid support and would not adversely interfere with an aquatic environment could be used. 
     The skeletal frame  13  is formed from six support beams  12 . The skeletal frame  13  is formed by three support beams  12  arranged in the shape of a triangle. The three support beams  12  which form the base are connected at each vertex by a weighted connector  16 . Preferably, the weighted connectors  16  are each also formed from concrete, however any material that would provide additional weight and aid in preventing unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  may be used. The remaining three support beams  12  not used to form the triangular base are connected to extend angularly from the weighted connectors  16  at each vertex of the triangular base to form a pyramid. The angularly extending support beams  12  are secured together by a cap  18  at an apex of the pyramid where the angularly extending support beams  12  meet. The cap  18  connecting the support beams  12  is preferably weighted and formed from concrete as well in order to prevent unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  after placement in a body of water. Positioned on the cap  18  is a loop  20  for use in selectively moving and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. Preferably, a mechanical lifting device such as a crane is connected to the loop  20  of the artificial barrier reef  10  to aide in lifting and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in the water. However, any device able to lift and move the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention may be used to selectively position the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in water. 
     The artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention further includes a plurality of side panels  14  for positioning against the sides of the pyramid of the skeletal frame  13 . Preferably, three side panels  14  used to form the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. However, a fourth side panel  14  may also be used by positioning the fourth side panel  14  on the remaining open end of the equilateral tetrahedron. It is preferable that the side panels  14  are formed from metal which would provide support to the artificial barrier reef  10  without adversely affecting the aquatic environment surrounding the reef  10  and which would allow plant life and crustaceans to attach thereby forming an ecosystem where the artificial barrier reef  10  is positioned on the floor of the body of water. The side panels  14  are also formed as a grid. The space between the gridlines is at a predetermined distance preferably between the range of 0.5 and 25 inches. Preferably, the distance between the gridlines is 1.5 inches. The grid of the side panels  14  are formed so as to allow small aquatic life to pass easily therethrough, as well as to allow plant life, crustaceans, and other stationary forms of life to attach thereto. The side panels  14  are triangular in shape and are positioned within and against the skeletal frame  13 . Extending up from a base of the triangular side panels  14  at each end thereof is a brake  15 . Upon placing the side panels  14  within the skeletal frame  13 , the break  15  rests against the support beam  12 . The break  15  holds the side panel  14  in place and ensures a secure fit within the skeletal frame  13 . Upon placement of the side panels  14 , connection hooks  22  are used to connect each side panel  14  to another side panel  14 . At least one connection hook  22  must be used to connect the side panels  14  to each other. However, it is preferable to have a plurality of connection hooks  22  used to connect each side panel  14  so as to ensure that the side panels  14  remain in place on the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. The connection hooks  22  have a first end and a second end. Both the first end and the second end each form a hook. The hook of the first end connects to a respective gridline of one side panel  14 . The hook of the second end connects to the corresponding gridline on an adjacent side panel  14 . Upon connection of a plurality of connection hooks  22 , the side panels  14  are secured within the skeletal frame. 
     The top view of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention shows the effectiveness at which the artificial barrier reef  10  can function as an artificial habitat. The pyramid shape of the skeletal frame  13  shows that when positioned on the floor of a body of water, the ease at which an ecosystem can form using the artificial barrier reef  10  as a basis thereof. Additionally, if a plurality of artificial barrier reefs  10  were positioned in close proximity to one another, it is clear that a large aquatic ecosystem could be artificially constructed by having places for small fish and crustaceans to move about as well as having plants and other stationary forms of life develop. The loop  22  at the apex of the pyramid allows for easy positioning in a body of water to allow a user to selectively position the artificial reefs  10  as discussed with specific reference to FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the artificial barrier reef of the present invention. The artificial barrier reef  10  includes a plurality of support beams  12  connected to one another so as to form a skeletal frame  13 . The skeletal frame  13  preferably is in the shape of an equilateral tetrahedron. Preferably, the support beams  12  are formed from concrete in order to provide rigid support for the skeletal frame  13  while not adversely interfering with the aquatic environment in which the artificial barrier reef  10  is placed. The use of concrete is described only for purposes of example and any material which provides rigid support and would not adversely interfere with an aquatic environment could be used. 
     The skeletal frame  13  is formed from six support beams  12 . The skeletal frame  13  is formed by three support beams  12  arranged in the shape of a triangle. The three support beams  12  which form the base are connected at each vertex by a weighted connector  16 . Preferably, the weighted connectors  16  are each also formed from concrete, however any material that would provide additional weight and aid in preventing unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  may be used. The remaining three support beams  12  not used to form the triangular base are connected to extend angularly from the weighted connectors  16  at each vertex of the triangular base to form a pyramid. The angularly extending support beams  12  are secured together by a cap  18  at an apex of the pyramid where the angularly extending support beams  12  meet. The cap  18  connecting the support beams  12  is preferably weighted and formed from concrete as well in order to prevent unwanted drift of the artificial barrier reef  10  after placement in a body of water. Positioned on the cap  18  is a loop  20  for use in selectively moving and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. Preferably, a mechanical lifting device such as a crane is connected to the loop  20  of the artificial barrier reef  10  to aide in lifting and positioning of the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in the water. However, any device able to lift and move the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention may be used to selectively position the artificial barrier reef  10  both on land and in water. 
     The artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention further includes a plurality of side panels  14  for positioning against the sides of the pyramid of the skeletal frame  13 . Preferably, three side panels  14  used to form the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. However, a fourth side panel  14  may also be used by positioning the fourth side panel  14  on the remaining open end of the equilateral tetrahedron. It is preferable that the side panels  14  are formed from metal which would provide support to the artificial barrier reef  10  without adversely affecting the aquatic environment surrounding the reef  10  and which would allow plant life and crustaceans to attach thereby forming an ecosystem where the artificial barrier reef  10  is positioned on the floor of the body of water. The side panels  14  are also formed as a grid. The space between the gridlines is at a predetermined distance preferably between the range of 0.5 and 25 inches. Preferably, the distance between the gridlines is 1.5 inches. The grid of the side panels  14  are formed so as to allow small aquatic life to pass easily therethrough, as well as to allow plant life, crustaceans, and other stationary forms of life to attach thereto. The side panels  14  are triangular in shape and are positioned within and against the skeletal frame  13 . Extending up from a base of the triangular side panels  14  at each end thereof is a brake  15 . Upon placing the side panels  14  within the skeletal frame  13 , the break  15  rests against the support beam  12 . The break  15  holds the side panel  14  in place and ensures a secure fit within the skeletal frame  13 . Upon placement of the side panels  14 , connection hooks  22  are used to connect each side panel  14  to another side panel  14 . At least one connection hook  22  must be used to connect the side panels  14  to each other. However, it is preferable to have a plurality of connection hooks  22  used to connect each side panel  14  so as to ensure that the side panels  14  remain in place on the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention. The connection hooks  22  have a first end and a second end. Both the first end and the second end each form a hook. The hook of the first end connects to a respective gridline of one side panel  14 . The hook of the second end connects to the corresponding gridline on an adjacent side panel  14 . Upon connection of a plurality of connection hooks  22 , the side panels  14  are secured within the skeletal frame. 
     The view of the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention in FIG. 6 shows the underside thereof. It is clearly shown that the side panels  14  are connected to each other by the plurality of connecting hooks in order to keep the side panels  14  in place. The side panels being formed as a grid allow for small aquatic life forms to grow and flourish because the space between each grid line prevents larger life forms from interrupting any development thereof. Additionally, plant life can easily grow up from the floor of the body of water and attach itself to the grid of the side panel  14 . The artificial barrier reef  10  provides an artificial building block for an underwater ecosystem that will not adversely interfere with natural aquatic environment surrounding the barrier reef  10  of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a cut away view of a connection point on the skeletal frame taken from within the circle labeled  7  in FIG. 6 of the present invention. Shown is the weighted connector  16  having the support beams  12  connected to and extending therefrom. The side panel  14  is shown resting against the skeletal frame  13 . At the base of the side panel the brake  15  extends in a direction towards the apex of the pyramid of the skeletal frame. Upon positioning the side panel  14  against the skeletal frame  13  the brake  15  rests against the support beam  12  thereby holding the side panel  14  in place against the frame  13 . Each side panel  14  has two brakes  15  extending upward from each end of the base so that each brake  15  may rest against the corresponding support beam  12 . Further shown is the connection hook  22  holding one side panel  14  to a second side panel  14 . Preferably there are a plurality of connection, hooks  22  used for connecting one side panel  14  to the second side panel  14 . 
     The artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention may be constructed in any size. The size of the artificial barrier reef  10  is determined by the length of the support beams  12  used in construction thereof. As the artificial barrier reef  10  is an equilateral tetrahedron, all the support beams  12  must be the same length. Therefore, the side panels  14  can also be formed to fit varying sizes of skeletal frames  13  that may be constructed. Transportation of a plurality of the artificial barrier reefs  10  of the present invention is made easy because each reef  10  can be stacked one on top of another as the triangular base of the skeletal frame remains open. Upon reaching the desired location, the artificial barrier reef can be carefully positioned on the floor of a body of water so as to not disturb the environment which the reef  10  is entering. Once the artificial reef  10  of the present invention is in its desired position, the artificial reef  10  provides habitat for a variety of fish and plant life. 
     From the above description it can be seen that the artificial barrier reef  10  of the present invention is able to overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices by providing an artificial barrier reef formed from a plurality of concrete beams forming a skeletal frame having a tetrahedral shape. At each junction of the concrete beams, a weighed connector, preferably formed from concrete, is used to connect each beam to the other. A lifting element positioned at the apex of the skeletal framework in order to allow easy transportation and positioning of the artificial barrier reef in its desired position. A plurality of sides, each formed as a grid, is positioned on each side of the skeletal frame thereby allow for the ingress of small aquatic life while functioning as a barrier for larger species and also provides an anchoring base for many stationary life forms such as crustaceans, coral, mollusks and plant life. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
     While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.