Ribbed module for wave energy dispersion

Abstract

A ribbed module is provided having a ribbed exterior surface defining a plurality of grooves and channels along the surface for receiving water and directing the water in a direction different from that in which it is received to reduce wave energy. The module is formed as a single integral unit, or as a pair of halves having complementary mating locking elements which when engaged join the halves to form the ribbed module. A buoyancy system is also included to adjust the buoyancy of the module for positioning of same at a select position in the water. A plurality of modules are connected to provide breakwaters which reduce the effects of wave action on the shore.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A buoyant body, comprising: 
 an exterior envelope defining a hollow watertight chamber;    said envelope including a plurality of walls having ribbed outer surfaces,    said surfaces including protrusions, ridges, grooves and channels sized and shaped to receive water and direct the water in a direction different from that which is received,    and means enabling attachment to other buoyant bodies.    
     
     
         2 . The body according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 buoyancy means for adjusting buoyancy of the body.    
     
     
         3 . The body according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 anchoring means for anchoring the body in water at a select position.    
     
     
         4 . The body according to  claim 1 , wherein said envelope includes: 
 a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being symmetrical and arranged for engagement to each other to provide a complete body.    
     
     
         5 . The body of  claim 1  including a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, first and second side walls in a spaced relation, a plurality of intersecting surfaces between said walls, a plurality of spaced extending yokes connected to a plurality of said walls, said yokes including passage means for enabling attachment to other buoyant bodies, the outer surfaces of said walls and yokes having ribbed areas shaped to receive water and direct water in a direction different from that which is received.  
     
     
         6 . The body of  claim 4  wherein said first and second parts include complementary opposing internal wall surfaces having engageable mating extensions and grooves for securing said parts together to form a single body.  
     
     
         7 . The body of  claim 4  wherein said side walls extend outwardly beyond the widths of the other of said walls providing a thicker central dimension.  
     
     
         8 . The body according to  claim 2  wherein said means for adjusting buoyancy includes apertures in said envelope for receiving and removing fillers into and out of the interior of said envelope, and closure means for securing said apertures.  
     
     
         9 . An energy dissipating assembly for flowing water comprising: 
 a plurality of buoyant bodies connected together, each body having a plurality of external walls including ribbed outer surfaces, said surfaces including protrusions, ridges, grooves and channels sized and shaped to receive water and direct water in a direction different from that which is received to dissipate the energy of said water.    
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9  wherein each body includes passages for receiving means for attachment to other buoyant bodies.  
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10  wherein said means for attachment includes cables extending through said passages.  
     
     
         12 . The body of  claim 7  wherein said internal surfaces are of a flexible material having opposing convolutions including engageable mating protrusions and slots securing said parts together.  
     
     
         13 . An energy dissipating assembly for flowing water comprising: 
 a plurality of buoyant bodies connected together;    each body having an external envelope defining a hollow watertight chamber;    each body having a plurality of external walls including ribbed outer surfaces, said surfaces including protrusions, ridges, grooves and channels sized and shaped to receive water and direct water in a direction different from that which is received to dissipate the energy of said water;    each body including a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, first and second side walls in a spaced relation extending outwardly beyond the widths of the other said walls providing a thicker central dimension;    a plurality of intersecting surfaces between said walls;    a plurality of spaced extending yokes connected to a plurality of said walls;    said yokes having ribbed outer surfaces and including passages for receiving means for attachment to other buoyant bodies;    said means for attachment including cables extending through said passages;    each body including apertures in said envelope for receiving and removing fillers into and out of the interior of said envelope for adjusting the buoyancy of said body;    closure means for securing said apertures; and    anchor means for anchoring said body in water at a select position.