Buoyant water heating device

Abstract

A buoyant water heating device that may be used in a natural setting, such as a pond or lake, or in a man-made water-containing apparatus, such as a pool or water-treatment lagoon. The device comprises a water-filled, generally cylindrical anchor member coupled to a hollow, generally annular base member, and may he used alone or in combination with multiple other devices to create a free-floating blanket on the surface of the water. The device absorbs solar energy to heat water external to the device, and also provides a layer of thermal insulation between the water and the air above the device.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A device for heating at least a portion of a body of water, comprising:
 a buoyant base member removably coupled to a water-filled anchor member.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising, a locking member to lock the base member to the anchor member. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , the base member further comprising a square, hexagonal, or triangular shape; and
 wherein a plurality of the base members form a tiling pattern without gaps over the body of water.   
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the base member absorbs solar energy and transfers heat to the body of water. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the base member further comprises a dome shape to properly orient itself within the water. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor member further comprises a first port located in a lower portion of the anchor member and a second port located in the upper portion of the anchor member; and
 wherein water flows into the first port and air exits the second port, the rate of flow dependent upon the diameter of each of the first port and second port.   
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the base member and anchor member are made of a high density waterproof plastic resin.