Formable Aquatic Coverings For Preventing Biofouling

• US 20120009236A1
• Filed: 07/06/2011
• Published: 01/12/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Biofouling Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Biofouling Solutions, Inc.
• Inventors: Zucker, Fred, Eyster, Fletcher
• Granted Patent: US 8,541,439 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 424/402
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 25/34 Shaped forms, e.g. sheets, not provided for in any other sub-group of this main group
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 43/90 having two or more relevant hetero rings, condensed among themselves or with a common carbocyclic ring system
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 2017/0045 Caps, hoods, or the like devices for protective purposes, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 59/04 Preventing hull fouling anti-fouling paints C09D5/16
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 59/045 by wrapping the submerged hull or part of the hull with an impermeable sheet stopping temporarily leaks in hulls with impermeable sheets B63B43/16
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 20/36 Transporting or testing stands hand carts for transporting outboard units B62B; measuring torque G01L3/00, measuring thrust of propellers G01L5/133, testing in general G01M; Use of outboard propulsion units as pumps; Protection of power legs , e.g. when not in use
• CPC Class Codes: C07D 498/18 Bridged systems
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 17/0017 Means for protecting offshore constructions

Abstract

The instant invention describes an anti-biofouling structure for placement onto structures or surfaces that are exposed to aquatic environments. Embedded within the anti-biofouling structure are agents that can diffuse out of the structure and prevent the formation and/or accumulation of plant and animal species build-up that creates biofouling. The instant invention also describes a system for preventing biofouling of an object stored in an aquatic environment which includes the anti-biofouling structure, and a protective cover element constructed and arranged to fit various structures, such as boat propellers.

Claims

1. An anti-biofouling structure for placement onto an object exposed to aquatic environments comprising:

a formable covering material for securing to an object which is in contact with an aquatic environment, said formable covering material comprising at least one anti-biofouling agent, whereby securing of said object with said material results in preventing the formation of biofouling along the surface of said object.

2. The anti-biofouling structure for placement onto an object exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 1 wherein said anti-biofouling agent is rapamycin.

3. The anti-biofouling structure for placement onto an object exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 2 wherein said biofouling agent is impregnated, encapsulated, or combinations thereof, into said material.

4. The anti-biofouling structure for placement onto an object exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 2 wherein said biofouling agent is coated onto said material.

5. The anti-biofouling structure for placement onto an object exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 2 wherein said material is formed by a plurality of interwoven fibers to form a lattice-like configuration.

6. The anti-biofouling structure for placement onto an object exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 2 wherein said material is in the form of a mesh.

7. The anti-biofouling structure for placement onto an object exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 1 wherein said material includes at least one securing member.

8. The anti-biofouling structure for placement onto an object exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 1 wherein said material is adapted to enclose one or more blades of a boat propeller, said material forming a cover with an interior portion sized and shaped to prevent formation of biofouling on said blades.

9. The anti-biofouling structure for placement onto an object exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 8 wherein said material is biodegradable.

10. The anti-biofouling structure for placement onto an object exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 8 wherein said structure is made of a natural fiber, synthetic fiber, plastics, or combinations thereof.

11. A system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments comprising:

a cover having a material containing one or more anti-biofouling agents, said cover having a front surface, an expandable body portion being traversable between a first position and a second expanded position, an interior portion sized and shaped to enclose an object which is exposed to an aquatic environment, and one or more securing members for securing said cover to said object.

12. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 11 wherein said anti-biofouling agent is impregnated, encapsulated, coated, or combinations thereof, to said cover material.

13. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 12 wherein said cover is secured to a securing cable, whereby applying a force to said securing cable results in releasing said securing members and removal of said cover from said object.

14. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 13 wherein said securing cable contains two additional cables, said additional cables being separated by a predetermined distance.

15. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 14 wherein said cables are attached to said cover through use of a guide tube.

16. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 15 wherein one of said additional cables is coiled.

17. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 16 wherein said object is a propeller.

18. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 17 further comprising a formable covering material for securing to the blades of said propeller, said formable covering material comprising at least one anti-biofouling agent.

19. A system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments comprising a first rigid member made of a material containing one or more anti-biofouling materials securable to a second rigid member, said second rigid member being made of a material containing one or more anti-biofouling agents, each of said rigid members containing an interior which is sized and shaped to receive an object which is exposed to an aquatic environment.

20. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 20 wherein said first rigid member is hingedly connected to said second rigid member.

21. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 20 wherein said object is a propeller.

22. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 21 wherein said first rigid member contains a first member of a securing assembly and said second rigid member contains a second member of a securing member.

23. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 22 wherein said securing members are eyelets.

24. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 23 wherein at least one rigid member contains a cable attached to a portion thereof.

25. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 24 wherein said cable further contains a securing pin, said securing pin adapted to fit into said eyelets.

26. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 25 wherein each of said rigid members contain a cut out portion sized and shaped to secure to a shaft portion of said propeller.

27. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 26 further comprising a formable covering material for securing to at least one blade of said propeller, said material containing at least one anti-biofouling agent.

28. A system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments comprising a flexible cover containing one or more anti-biofouling materials, said cover containing a first face partially connected to a second face, an interior portion sized and shaped to receive a boat propeller, said second face containing a slitted portion terminating in an opening, said opening sized and shaped to receive a shaft of said propeller.

29. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 28 wherein said first face and said second face contain a first member of a hook and loop fastener securing system.

30. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 29 further including a strap, said strap containing a second member of a hook and loop fastener securing system, said strap sized and shaped to secure to said first member of a hook and loop fastener securing system.

31. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 30 wherein said strap further is coupled to one or more cables whereby applying a force to said cables removes said strap from said first member of a hook and loop fastener securing system.

32. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 28 wherein said material is cotton, plastic, or combinations thereof.

33. The system for preventing biofouling of objects which are exposed to aquatic environments according to claim 28 further comprising a formable covering material for securing to at least one blade of said propeller, said material containing at least one anti-biofouling agent.