Patent Description:
Placing structures in the open sea is a complex and costly operation. The structures must have the ability to safely sustain waves, currents, storms, earthquakes, and winds, all conditions that can cause the structure to dislodge from its anchoring and worse, capsizing. To overcome these open sea conditions, contemporary solutions include, artificial islands, wave breakers, sea floor drilling and supplemental columns.

As a result of these engineering solutions, most open sea structures are large scale projects, such as oil and gas drilling rigs, wind power supports and communication structures, such as mounted transmitters and receivers. These projects typically require long term planning, along with huge financial and technical investments from public and private entities. However, these structures are not environmentally friendly.

<CIT> discloses a survival shelter, which is buoyant and designed to float at the current ambient water level. The shelter is limited in its rise by the fixed height of the column.

<CIT> discloses a housing unit for hilly or sloped land, that cannot support a traditional foundation for a traditional housing unit. As a result, a fixed mast of a fixed height, greater than the height of the housing unit, occupying a small amount of area, serves as the support for the housing. The housing is moved into position vertically and rotatably about the mast and fixed into place upon installation.

The present invention, as defined by independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>, is directed to providing small scale habitable units in marine environments, such as the open sea, which are inexpensive to assemble and maintain, while providing habitable space. The habitable units of the invention include a support structure with the strength needed to safely sustain waves, currents, storms, earthquakes, and winds, while maintaining the stability of the habitable unit. The habitable units of the present invention are anchored to the sea floor, and do not float on the water (e.g., sea), so as to be non-floating.

The habitable units of the invention are environmentally friendly, as they have a small footprint, limiting shading of the sea, and these structures do not change or alter the character of the sea floor and sea bed, in which they are mounted. Additionally, the habitable units do not alter wave and current patterns, and are adaptable to their marine or sea environments,.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined by the dependent claims.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a marine habitation system. The system comprises: a habitable chamber; and, a column in communication with the habitable chamber at a first end and including a second end, opposite the first end, for mounting in the sea bed, wherein the chamber is moveable with respect to the column to adjust for variable sea water levels.

Optionally, the column includes a portion in communication with a platform of the habitable chamber, the portion configured for moving vertically to adjust the height of the habitable chamber.

Optionally, the habitable chamber includes a moveable portion in communication with the column for moving the habitable chamber with respect to the column.

Optionally the column portion is additionally configured to be rotatable for rotating the habitable chamber.

Optionally, the moveable portion of the habitable chamber is additionally configured to be rotatable for rotating the habitable chamber.

Optionally, the first end of the column for mounting in the sea bed is such that the column is configured for anchoring in the sea bed.

Optionally, the habitable chamber additionally comprises a cover over at least a portion of the platform.

Optionally, the marine habitation system additionally comprises a sink resistant base for supporting the column.

Optionally, the sink resistant base includes an opening, and, the supporting the column includes receiving the column in the opening, such that the column extends through the opening.

Optionally, the column extends through the opening and into the sea bed.

Optionally, the sink resistant base includes oppositely disposed first and second sides, the first side for supporting the column, and the second side including an additional column extending from the second side.

Optionally, the marine habitation system additionally comprises at least one first anchor tethered to at least one of the columns or the habitable chamber.

Optionally, the marine habitation system additionally comprises at least one second anchor in communication with the at least one first anchor.

Optionally, the marine habitation system is such that the tethering includes at least one shock absorber.

Optionally, the marine habitation system is such that the tethering is adjustable in its length to maintain the column in a vertical orientation.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to constructing a marine habitation system. The construction method comprises: obtaining a habitable chamber and a column, the column including oppositely disposed first and second ends; mounting the first end of the column in the sea bed; and, placing the habitable chamber into communication with the second end of the column, for moving the habitable chamber with respect to the column.

Optionally, the column is configured for at least one of: moving the chamber substantially vertically, and rotating the chamber.

Optionally, the habitable chamber is configured for at least one of: moving substantially vertically with respect to the column, and rotating about the column.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below.

In the description that follows below, the term "embodiment" has to be understood to mean "aspect", and the term "invention" as "disclosure".

Some embodiments of the present invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention.

Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings:.

An Appendix A is attached to this document.

Throughout this document terms of orientation, such as up, upward, down, downward, vertically and horizontally are used. The use of these terms is for explanation purposes, and is not in any way limiting. Additionally, orientations are references along x, y, z axes, where the x and y axes are coplanar, and the z axis, defining the vertical, extends perpendicular to the plane formed by the x and y axes, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an apparatus <NUM> as a habitation unit in open water <NUM>, such as a marine environment, including, for example, a sea, river, ocean, lake, lagoon, or any other body of water and the like. The apparatus <NUM> is of a housing or housing unit <NUM>, including a habitable chamber <NUM> (hereinafter "chamber"), and a lower platform <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> includes an interior 110a, an optional balcony 110b, with a passageway 110c, for example, extending from the interior 110a to the platform <NUM>, and includes stairs and the like. The chamber <NUM> is adapted for accommodating humans, animals, and the like. The platform <NUM>, for example, serves as an egress point, such as a walkway, from the chamber <NUM>, as well as a dock, or the like. The apparatus <NUM> includes a column <NUM>, which supports the housing unit <NUM>. The column <NUM> extends below the water level 102a or water line, and is mounted in the sea bed <NUM>, below the sea floor <NUM>, and anchored to the sea floor <NUM>. Throughout this document, the "sea floor" is the ground surface under the water, and, the "sea bed" is the ground itself extending to the center of the Earth, under the sea floor.

<FIG> show the apparatus <NUM> in a cross section. The chamber <NUM>, and its platform <NUM>, attach to a mounting unit <NUM>, which receives the column <NUM>, at a first (upper) end of the column 114a. The column <NUM> is mounted in the sea bed <NUM>, at its second (lower) end 114b, opposite the first end 114a, and the second end 114b of the column <NUM> extends into the sea bed <NUM>, a sufficient distance, for example, approximately <NUM> meters, to maintain the column <NUM> in its vertical orientation.

The column <NUM> is, for example, oriented to define the Z axis of the apparatus <NUM>, and is moveable vertically (along the z-axis), as indicated by the double headed arrow 114z, and is also moveable rotatably (rotatable about the z-axis), as indicated by the arrow 114r. The column <NUM> includes a segment 114x that is moved vertically by a motor (not shown) or other movement mechanism, and extends from the body 114y of the column <NUM>. The column <NUM> is moveable vertically, both up and down, for example, to be above the water level 102a, and to accommodate changes in the water level 102a. The chamber <NUM> and platform <NUM> can be moved upward, from a first position or height, as shown in <FIG>, to a second position, or height, greater than the height of the first position, as shown in <FIG>. The column <NUM>, via the segment 114x, is rotatable (by the motor or other movement mechanism), such that the chamber <NUM> and platform <NUM> may be rotated along a <NUM> degree arc (double-headed arrow 114r). For example, as shown in <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> and platform <NUM> have been rotated to accommodate the wind direction (represented by the arrow <NUM>) creating a protected area <NUM>' for the chamber <NUM>.

Turning also to <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> is shown as example levels. As indicated above, a first level includes the platform <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> includes a base level 130a, and an upper level 130b, and is covered by a roof <NUM> or cover. The roof <NUM> is, for example, a curved shape, so as to be aerodynamic, to face and accommodate winds. There may also be an open or uncovered portion 110b, which serves as a balcony. The enclosed portion of the chamber <NUM> defines the interior 110a, such that the chamber <NUM> is enclosed from the elements, so as to be habitable by humans, pets, animals, and the like. The interior 110a of the chamber <NUM> is such that it can accommodate furniture, appliances, electricity and pluming, so as to be habitable by humans.

<FIG> shows an example mounting and anchoring of the column <NUM> in the sea bed <NUM>, and on the sea floor <NUM>, respectively. The anchoring of the column <NUM> includes a tensioning system maintaining the column <NUM> vertical (e.g., parallel to the z axis) at all times, so as to keep the housing <NUM> horizontally balanced (horizontal with respect to the x-y plane), at all times. The tensioning system includes cables 140a-140c, which are attached or tethered (the terms "attached" and "tethered" used interchangeably herein, when referring to the connections of the anchors) at one end to pulleys <NUM> (not shown on the column <NUM>, element <NUM> in <FIG>) on a tensioning collar <NUM>, and at the other or opposite end to anchors 144a-144c.

The pulleys <NUM> adjust tensioning in the cables 140a-140c. The cables 140a-140c are tightened or released by being taken up or released by the pulleys <NUM> (<FIG>) or other take up mechanisms driven by motors 186c (<FIG>), either attached to the column <NUM>, or on the tensioning collar <NUM>. The pulleys <NUM> are also moved to control the tension in the cables 140a-140c, to keep the column <NUM> vertical, for example, in response to forces from currents, waves, tides, earthquakes and the like, exerted on the column <NUM>. The anchors 144a-144c serve as primary or first anchors, as each primary anchor 144a-144c is optionally attached, by cables 146a-146c, to one or more secondary or second anchors 148a-148c.

Shock absorbers 150a-150c are, for example, positioned along the cables 140a-140c for providing elasticity to the cables 140a-140c, and reducing forces applied to the apparatus <NUM>, while providing additional stability to the apparatus <NUM>. For example, the cables 140a-140c are typically taught, and the shock absorbers 150a-150c exhibit spring-like behavior to introduce some "play" into the cables 140a-140c.

The cables 140a-140c, <NUM> (<FIG>), 146a-146c, <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) are for example, standard marine cables, made of metal or synthetic ropes, including cables and/or ropes made from Dyneema® SK78, from DSM Dyneema B. , Urmonderbaan <NUM><NUM> RD Geleen, The Netherlands.

While a tensioning collar <NUM> is shown, in alternate embodiments, the pulleys <NUM> can be directly attached to the column <NUM> or attached to the chamber <NUM>. Also, while three anchors 144a-144c are shown, any number of anchors, typically three or more, is suitable. Additionally, the secondary anchors 148a-148c are, for example, attached to other secondary anchors, associated with other apparatus <NUM>, when multiple apparatus <NUM> are joined together. These secondary anchors 148a-148c may also be attached to other primary anchors, when multiple apparatus <NUM> are joined together. The same holds true for the primary anchors 140a-140c.

Various example anchoring arrangements including calculations associated therewith are provided in Appendix A, in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, attached to this document.

Optionally, there may be a column base plate <NUM>, mounted in or on the sea floor <NUM> which includes an aperture or opening <NUM> for receiving the column <NUM> (column body 114y). The base <NUM> is sink resistant, as it prevents the column <NUM> from sinking into the sea bed <NUM>. Additional cables 164a-164c, attach the base plate <NUM> to the anchors 144a-144c. Optionally, the column <NUM> at its lower end 114b terminates in a conical point <NUM>, for easier penetration into the sea bed <NUM>. This conical point <NUM> also serves as an anti-drag pin. The column <NUM> or the column base plate may also include a ball joint <NUM>, which accommodates an uneven sea floor <NUM>, and maintains the column <NUM> in a stable position in a vertical orientation, with respect to the water line of the water surface 102a.

Optionally, the column base plate <NUM> may receive the column <NUM> on its upper (water <NUM> facing) side and another column extends from the lower (sea bed <NUM> facing) side and into the sea bed <NUM>, for mounting the apparatus <NUM>.

Optionally, the apparatus <NUM> may be mounted in the sea bed <NUM> by only the column <NUM>, without any anchors, such as the aforementioned primary anchors 144a-144c and secondary anchors 148a-148c.

As shown in <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> may include sensors and a control system <NUM>, which is processor based, to move the column <NUM> vertically, adjusting the height of the chamber <NUM> and/or platform <NUM>, rotating the chamber <NUM>, and/or the platform <NUM>, and maintaining the column <NUM> in its vertical orientation, by adjusting the tension on the cables 140a-140c. The control system <NUM> includes a processor based controller <NUM>, which is in electronic and/or data communication with sensors 184a-184c, and a manual input unit <NUM>, and motors or movement mechanisms 186a, 186b, 186c. A first motor 186a is for moving the column <NUM> (column segment 114x) vertically. A second motor 186bis for rotating the column <NUM> (column segment 114x), so as to rotate the chamber <NUM>, and a third motor(s) is for rotating the pulleys <NUM>. For example, the control system <NUM> is dynamic, in that it operates continuously, by continuously sensing conditions associated with the apparatus <NUM>, and making instantaneous adjustments, for example, automatically and in real time.

For example, there are wave sensors 184a, mounted on the apparatus <NUM>, for example, along the column <NUM> or on the housing <NUM>, which detect the wave or water level 102a height, and send this data to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> then calculates the increase or decrease in height and signals the column <NUM> (column segment 114z) motor 186a to move correspondingly upward or downward. There are wind sensors 184b, mounted on the apparatus <NUM>, for example, along the column <NUM> or on the housing <NUM>, which detect the wind speed and/or wind direction, send this data to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> then calculates the rotation of the column <NUM> (column segment 114x) which minimizes wind resistance, and signals the column <NUM> (column segment 114x) rotation motor 186b, to rotate the corresponding arc length for wind resistance or defense. There are vertical sensors 184c, mounted on the apparatus <NUM>, at the column <NUM>, which detect vertical movements in the column <NUM>. This sensed data is sent to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> then calculates the rotation of the pulley <NUM> to control cable 140a-140c tensioning, e.g., take up or release cable 140a-140c to offset any opposite vertical movement and keep the column <NUM> vertical.

There is also a manual input <NUM>, through which a user can activate the controller <NUM>, so as to manually control chamber <NUM> positioning, vertical height and rotation, as well as column <NUM> vertical adjustments, via cable tensioning. This manual input <NUM> may be a computerized device, such as a smart phone, iPad®, keyboard mounted in the chamber <NUM>, or other device which links to the controller <NUM> via an on-line or link, such as over networks, such as the Internet, cellular, satellite communication networks, and the like, or over a wired link, in the case of the keyboard.

The aforementioned sensors 184a-184c may also be located remote to the apparatus <NUM>. For example, in the case of multiple apparatus <NUM> joined together, the sensors 184a-184c can be at a central location, with respect to all of the apparatus <NUM>.

In alternate embodiments, the column segment 114x may be part of the housing <NUM>, and attach to the column body 114y. This column segment 114x of the housing <NUM> vertically moves (along the z axis) and/or rotates the chamber <NUM> and/or the platform <NUM>, as detailed above.

In other alternate embodiments, the column <NUM> accommodates the chamber <NUM> and platform <NUM>, such that they move vertically and rotatably independent of each other.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show alternate apparatus 100a-100d, which are similar in construction to apparatus <NUM>, with corresponding elements being numbered the same as for apparatus <NUM>, and in accordance with that described above.

In <FIG>, apparatus 100a is mounted in the ground <NUM> of a breakwater <NUM>, which is close to the shoreline. The platform <NUM> extends to the shoreline or to the breakwater upper surface 189x. The mounting into the ground <NUM> is similar to that shown for the apparatus <NUM> in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the apparatus 100b is such that the column <NUM> is above or in contact with the sea floor <NUM>. The column <NUM> is held in place by anchors 144a-144c tethered to the column <NUM>, for example, at pulleys <NUM> <FIG>, not shown in <FIG>) by cables 140a-140c. The anchors 144a-144c are typically primary anchors, as each anchor 144a-144c is optionally also tethered, via a cable or the like, to at least one secondary anchor (not shown), similar to secondary anchors 148a-148c.

<FIG> the apparatus 100c is such that the column <NUM> is mounted on the platform <NUM>, in a manner where the column <NUM> is movable vertically and rotatably, to move the chamber <NUM> vertically and rotatably, in accordance with that detailed above. Legs 190a-190c extend from the platform <NUM> into the sea floor <NUM> to mount the apparatus 100c in the sea floor <NUM>. The three legs 190a-190c are independent of each other to accommodate unevenness of the sea floor <NUM> (and the sea bed <NUM> under the sea floor <NUM>). The legs 190a-190c may be supported by anchors (not shown), primary and/or secondary, as detailed above.

As shown in <FIG>, the apparatus 100c can be towed to its location by a boat or the like <NUM>, where during towing the legs 190a-190c are up and not in contact with the sea floor <NUM>. Once the location for the apparatus 100c is reached, the legs 190a-190c are deployed, by being extended downward from the platform <NUM> into the sea floor <NUM>. The legs 190a-190c may then be mounted in the sea bed <NUM> and/or anchored on the sea floor <NUM> with the primary and/or secondary anchors, as detailed above.

<FIG> shows two apparatus 100c joined together at the legs 190a-190c by being tethered together by a cable <NUM> or the like. <FIG> shows the chambers <NUM> of the apparatus 100c, when the apparatus 100c are connected to each other in accordance with that shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an apparatus 100d similar to the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>, except that the column <NUM> is mounted in a dish-like receptacle <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> sits on the sea floor <NUM>, but may be sunk or otherwise placed into the sea bed <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are examples of apparatus <NUM>, as implemented in various grid patterns. In <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> (represented by columns <NUM>) are tethered together (by a cable <NUM>) via primary <NUM> and secondary <NUM> anchors. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> (represented by columns <NUM>) are tethered together (by a cable <NUM>) via primary <NUM> and secondary <NUM> anchors, where a secondary anchor for one apparatus <NUM> is a primary anchor for another apparatus <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A marine habitation system comprising:
a habitable chamber (<NUM>);
a column (<NUM>) including a first end (114a), and a second end (114b), opposite the first end, the second end for mounting in a sea bed (<NUM>);
a segment (114x) in communication with: <NUM>) the habitable chamber, and <NUM>) the first end of the column (<NUM>); and,
at least one motor (186a, 186b) for generating forces to move the segment (114x) both substantially vertically and rotatably, wherein the habitable chamber (<NUM>) and the column (<NUM>) are moveable with respect to each other: <NUM>) vertically, and, <NUM>) rotatably.