Fluke Type Patents (Class 114/301)
  • Patent number: 10721927
    Abstract: A decoy anchor includes an integrally formed main body member having three fingers extending therefrom, generally in the shape of a W. The main body member preferably includes a pair of holes, which are used to receive an anchor line and set the depth of the anchor, as desired. The decoy anchor is preferably formed into the shape of a duck foot, wherein the fingers include knuckles along the fingers, and a claw at the end of each finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Timothy Darrell Newman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10308323
    Abstract: An anchor system for watercraft includes: a hub including a receiving contour; a skirt removably securable to the hub along a receiving contour of the hub, wherein: the skirt at least partially surrounds an inner recess and includes a gap such that such that the skirt is not circumferentially continuous; and the skirt is configurable in an open position and a closed position, wherein when the skirt is in the open position the gap is wider than when the skirt is in the closed position. The inner recess of the skirt has a radius that is larger than a complementary radius of the receiving contour of the hub when the skirt is in the open position. When in the closed position, the radiuses are substantially the same, such that the skirt is secured to the hub when the skirt is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Helmut K. Skyba
  • Patent number: 9233738
    Abstract: A marine anchor is described which has a fluke with a shank pivotably attached thereto wherein the shank is remotely lockable pivotably and subsequently remotely unlockable pivotably with respect to the fluke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: BruPat Limited
    Inventor: Peter Bruce
  • Patent number: 8950352
    Abstract: The invention comprises an anchor including a shank which in cross section along at least part of its length has forward and rearward facing edges and a pair of side faces between said edges. The parts of the shank adjacent the forward edge are substantially “v” shaped in cross section and at least part of the side faces between the edges are concave. The anchor further includes a fluke having a forward end and a rearward edge in normal use, the rearward edge having a continuous flange extending therefrom over at least a substantial part of the rearward edge. The anchor has a roll-bar positioned substantially above the upper surface of the fluke forming a semi-circular wheel spanning the width of the fluke and wherein along at least a substantial part of its length the roll-bar is in cross section substantially in the form of a foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Kevin Smith
  • Patent number: 8561565
    Abstract: An anchor for mooring of objects in a marine environment for floating vessels, floating, grounded structures etc, which is resistant to hooking or snagging on underwater objects, such as pipelines The anchor comprises a fluke and a shank, and embeds itself into the seafloor when tension is applied to a line connected to the anchor In either a side or top profile view, the shape of the anchor presents a profile which does not have a hook shape, and therefore tends to nde over and slide off of, rather than hook onto, underwater obstructions that the anchor may be dragged over Embodiments disclosed include an anchor having a shank rigidly fixed to the fluke, and one in which the shank is rotatably connected to the fluke An elastic member, which may be a coil spring, biases the shank toward a relatively closed position with respect to the fluke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Delmar Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8468966
    Abstract: Anchor comprising a fluke which can be introduced into an anchoring ground in accordance with a direction of penetration by exerting a pulling force on an anchor line connected to the anchor, and a measuring coupling which during introduction of the fluke forms part of a force transfer between the anchor line and the fluke, wherein the measuring coupling is provided with a first coupling member that is connected to the fluke, a second coupling member that is connected to the anchor line, a hollow coupling bar that couples the coupling members to one another, wherein the coupling members in the longitudinal direction of the bar engage onto the coupling bar at different places in order to be able to deform it, and a measuring body extending through the hollow coupling bar and which at least at its ends is connected to the coupling bar in order to deform along with the coupling bar, wherein the measuring body is provided with deformation sensors for recording the deformation parameters of the coupling bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Stevlos B.V.
    Inventors: David Peter Van Den Ende, Roderick Michael Ruinen
  • Publication number: 20130125805
    Abstract: An anchor assembly comprising an anchor having a shank with a running slot for a shackle connection to an anchor rode with which the anchor is to be supported, the running slot allowing a captive movement of the shackle between a location at the free end of the shank and a location adjacent the fluke of the anchor, and apparatus carried by the shank, configurable through or at the slot to maintain the shackle, at or in the vicinity of the location at the free end of the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Manson Anchors Limited
    Inventor: Manson Anchors Limited
  • Publication number: 20130068152
    Abstract: The invention comprises an anchor including a shank which in cross section along at least part of its length has forward and rearward facing edges and a pair of side faces between said edges. The parts of the shank adjacent the forward edge are substantially “v” shaped in cross section and at least part of the side faces between the edges are concave. The anchor further includes a fluke having a forward end and a rearward edge in normal use, the rearward edge having a continuous flange extending therefrom over at least a substantial part of the rearward edge. The anchor has a roll-bar positioned substantially above the upper surface of the fluke forming a semi-circular wheel spanning the width of the fluke and wherein along at least a substantial part of its length the roll-bar is in cross section substantially in the form of a foil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Kevin Smith
  • Publication number: 20130036963
    Abstract: A weighted chisel-shaped tip is attached to a generally triangular and concave fluke. Extensions are attached to either side of the fluke, proximal to the aft edge and extending outward from the centerline of the fluke. A roll bar is attached to the extensions. A shaft is attached along the centerline of the top of the fluke, extending perpendicularly from and forward of the top of the fluke. The shaft provides an attach point for an anchor rode. A plurality of fasteners enables assembly and disassembly of the marine anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: GREGORY KUTSEN
  • Publication number: 20130032077
    Abstract: A marine anchor (1, 40, 40A, 40B, 40C) for deep embedment in a seabed soil (2) including a fluke member (4, 41) and a shank member (7, 49) and means (12, 62, 62A) for constraining a load application point thereon (13, 15, 63, 63A, 65) to lie in first and second directions from a centroid (9,46) of said fluke member (4, 41) forming, with respect to a fore-and-aft direction (10, 47) of the fluke member (4, 41), an acute forward-opening angle (A) and an acute rearward-opening angle (C) respectively whereby said marine anchor (1, 40, 40A, 40B, 40C) can be pulled rearward to bury deeply in a rearward bury deeply in a forward direction (F).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: BRUPAT LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter Bruce
  • Patent number: 8205569
    Abstract: An anchor includes a base member (10), having a leading end or toe (26), associated therewith, the base member (10) being formed from opposed, interconnected substantially triangular shaped flukes (20, 30), and a shank member (100) extending upwardly therefrom and attached thereto. The lateral and rear free edge of each fluke (20, 30) have extensions (22, 32 and 23, 33) associated therewith and depending angularly therefrom. All free edges of the anchor are other than blunt. The base member (10) includes one or more apertures, slots or discontinuing extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Rex William Francis
  • Publication number: 20110247543
    Abstract: Anchor comprising a fluke which can be introduced into an anchoring ground in accordance with a direction of penetration by exerting a pulling force on an anchor line connected to the anchor, and a measuring coupling which during introduction of the fluke forms part of a force transfer between the anchor line and the fluke, wherein the measuring coupling is provided with a first coupling member that is connected to the fluke, a second coupling member that is connected to the anchor line, a hollow coupling bar that couples the coupling members to one another, wherein the coupling members in the longitudinal direction of the bar engage onto the coupling bar at different places in order to be able to deform it, and a measuring body extending through the hollow coupling bar and which at least at its ends is connected to the coupling bar in order to deform along with the coupling bar, wherein the measuring body is provided with deformation sensors for recording the deformation parameters of the coupling bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: David Peter Van Den Ende, Roderick Michael Ruinen
  • Patent number: 7882793
    Abstract: An anchor for small watercraft. It is extremely lightweight, and can be stored in a very small space. The anchor consists of a pear-shaped fabric ballast container. This container is made up of a number of matching side panels and a circular bottom disc. A set of four metal or composition flukes attached to the ballast container near the bottom and at the widest part of the container. Each fluke is about 9-11? long, ¾? wide, ½? thick, with an angled tip at one or both ends. The flukes are thus deployed by weighting the bag with material like gravel or sand, which forces the flukes to protrude sharp angle from the ballast bag. When filled with material, the anchor approximates the function of traditional fluke or bell anchors. The anchor can be turned inside out for self-storage, requiring no additional storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Robert D. Paulus
  • Patent number: 7870831
    Abstract: An anchor incorporates a release mechanism that is releasably assembled to a shank. An anchor chain is affixed to a crown section of the anchor. The chain is slideably inserted through a tubular release mechanism body. A tension controlling mechanism is elastically coupled between the release mechanism and the anchor chain. A pair of release interface notches is formed within the proximal end of the release mechanism; the slots are placed on opposing sides of the release mechanism. A pair of release interface fasteners is disposed along a distal end of the shank. The release mechanism is held in a mooring configuration by engaging the release interface notches and the release interface fasteners. The release mechanism maintains the chain in a mooring configuration until the release mechanism is rotated perpendicular to the shank, wherein the release interface notches disengage from the release interface fasteners changing a tensile force from an anchor engaging direction to a releasing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventors: David Richert, Scott McCord, Joseph Richert
  • Publication number: 20100206211
    Abstract: A multifunction anchor comprises an anchor shank to selectively work with one of a dual-fin fluke set, a four-leaf fluke set, and the spear fluke set. A user can choose one of the fluke sets that suits current anchoring conditions to assemble with the anchor shank to anchor a vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Chin-Chung Tung
  • Publication number: 20100192830
    Abstract: An anchor for mooring of objects in a marine environment for floating vessels, floating, grounded structures etc, which is resistant to hooking or snagging on underwater objects, such as pipelines The anchor comprises a fluke and a shank, and embeds itself into the seafloor when tension is applied to a line connected to the anchor In either a side or top profile view, the shape of the anchor presents a profile which does not have a hook shape, and therefore tends to nde over and slide off of, rather than hook onto, underwater obstructions that the anchor may be dragged over Embodiments disclosed include an anchor having a shank rigidly fixed to the fluke, and one in which the shank is rotatably connected to the fluke An elastic member, which may be a coil sp?ng, biases the shank toward a relatively closed position with respect to the fluke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Evan Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20100058968
    Abstract: An anchor includes a base member (10), having a leading end or toe (26), associated therewith, the base member (10) being formed from opposed, interconnected substantially triangular shaped flukes (20, 30), and a shank member (100) extending upwardly therefrom and attached thereto. The lateral and rear free edge of each fluke (20, 30) have extensions (22, 32 and 23, 33) associated therewith and depending angularly therefrom. All free edges of the anchor are other than blunt. The base member (10) includes one or more apertures, slots or discontinuing extending therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Rex William Francis
  • Patent number: 7475650
    Abstract: Device for connecting an anchor line to an anchor, which anchor has a fluke and according to a direction of penetration can penetrate into an anchoring ground by exerting a tensile force on the anchor line, wherein the device is provided with an attachment means for attachment of an anchor line to the device and at least two attachment means for attachment of two fluke-anchor line connection elements which at locations that are spaced apart in a forward direction of penetration are attached to the fluke, wherein at least one of the attachment means is adapted for release by swinging the anchor line with respect to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Rijhof Ankers Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Roderick Michael Ruinen, David Peter Van Den Ende
  • Patent number: 7257921
    Abstract: A banana shaped weight has a connecting eyelet on a forward end of a top side to which a line is attached to the decoy and a wider tongue member extending from a bottom side beneath the connecting eyelet. A reinforcing rib reacts any forces the tongue member may experience as it digs into the soil beneath the water into the central portion of the body of the weight to resist possible bending or breakage of the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Paul F. Hellmann
  • Patent number: 7171917
    Abstract: An asymmetric boat anchor has an unballasted fluke (2), with a tip (6) and a back (8) with a curved edge (10); a shank (4) is mounted on the fluke. The edge (26) of the shank away from the tip (6) of the fluke is curved and the free end of the shank (18) is offset from a plane (30) tangent to the back edge (10) of the fluke and to the edge (26) of the shank. Thus, if the anchor is in a reverse position, contacting the sea ground through the edge of the shank and the back edge of the fluke, it will roll on the edge of the shank and turns to the anchoring position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Alain Poiraud
  • Patent number: 7111576
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved anchor which is capable of being readily laid, irrespective of the holding or anchorage involved. The anchor includes a first fluke or base member (2), an elongate shank member (9) to which at least one anchor line or chain may be attached, and a second fluke (20) from and disposed substantially parallel to the first fluke (2) but is of a smaller size than the first fluke (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Rex William Francis
  • Patent number: 7059263
    Abstract: An anchor for mooring of structures to a water bottom, comprising an elongated central body having a longitudinal axis through its center. The central body comprises a plurality of channel members radiating outward from the center, each with a channel therein. A plurality of nose and tail plates are disposed within the channels, and hingedly connected to the central body, so that the plates can be swung in or out from the central body, and thereafter fixed in place (for example, by pins inserted through mating holes in the channel members and plates). A means for attaching a mooring line to the anchor, for example a load ring encircling the central body and rotatable completely around the circumference of the central body, has an arm hingedly attached thereto. The arm can be rotated to a desired angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central body, and fixed at a set angle or within a range of angles to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Delmar Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan H. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6959662
    Abstract: An elongate shank has a trailing end adapted to be secured to an anchor. A slide sleeve ensleeves the shank, is slideable along its extent, and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A leading end of the shank is capped to prevent slide sleeve disengagement. A radially extending apertured tab is secured to the slide sleeve. A continuous loop member adapted to be engaged by an anchor chain extends through the aperture. A vessel operator places tension on the anchor chain and passes over the anchor. The slide sleeve rotates about the longitudinal axis of the shank and slides along the length of the shank until stopped by the cap. The shank rotates to follow the path of travel of the vessel and the anchor is released from any obstacle to which it may be engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventors: Michael A. Moran, Gail M. Moran
  • Patent number: 6901878
    Abstract: Anchor comprising a fluke and a shank which at a first end is attached to the fluke and a second end that is situated opposite to the first end, is provided with means for attachments of the anchor to a penetration line or anchor line, in which the shank comprises two shank legs, which at the second end are connected to each other using apin, in which the portion of the pin situated within the shank legs also serves as connection means for an end link or end shackle of the penetration line or anchor line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Vrijhof Ankers Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Gijsbertus Degenkamp
  • Patent number: 6899051
    Abstract: An anchor includes an anchor shank, a fluke disposed on the leading terminal side of the anchor shank as folded back therefrom, and a buoyancy part disposed on the leading terminal side of the anchor shank. The buoyancy part has a buoyant force that causes the leading terminal side of the anchor shank to rise upward and the basal terminal side thereof to contact the water bottom when the anchor is positioned on the water bottom, allows the leading terminal part of the fluke to remain in contact with the water bottom under its own weight, and enables the fluke to retain a posture for forming a given inserting angle relative to the water bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Yukitoshi Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20040206291
    Abstract: An asymmetric boat anchor has an unballasted fluke (2), with a tip (6) and a back (8) with a curved edge (10); a shank (4) is mounted on the fluke. The edge (26) of the shank away from the tip (6) of the fluke is curved and the free end of the shank (18) is offset from a plane (30) tangent to the back edge (10) of the fluke and to the edge (26) of the shank. Thus, if the anchor is in a reverse position, contacting the sea ground through the edge of the shank and the back edge of the fluke, it will roll on the edge of the shank and turns to the anchoring position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Alain Poiraud
  • Publication number: 20040069202
    Abstract: An anchor that operates in a 360 degree direction regardless of the marine environment. A swiveling and/or rotating anchor. The anchor is able to rotate with its arms/flukes and shank. The arms/flukes are fastened to the anchor shank. The anchor comprises a shank having a forward and a rear end with a plurality of arms/flukes secured to the shank and/or crown. The plurality of arms/flukes are secured to the shank by a fluke mounting element or the shank itself. The plurality of arms/flukes are radically oriented and angularly spaced apart and positioned on the fluke mounting element or the shank itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Michael Courtheyn
  • Patent number: 6718904
    Abstract: Anchor fluke (1) having a hollow plate-shaped body adapted for attachment to a shank and/or anchor lines, with a longitudinal axis and a front penetration edge (3) and a rear trailing edge (4), which are located at a distance from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the fluke has a plane of symmetry that contains the longitudinal axis and is substantially perpendicular to the plate-shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Vrijhof Ankers Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Gijsbertus Degenkamp
  • Publication number: 20030192464
    Abstract: An anchor includes an anchor shank, a fluke disposed on the leading terminal side of the anchor shank as folded back therefrom, and a buoyancy part disposed on the leading terminal side of the anchor shank. The buoyancy part has a buoyant force that causes the leading terminal side of the anchor shank to rise upward and the basal terminal side thereof to contact the water bottom when the anchor is positioned on the water bottom, allows the leading terminal part of the fluke to remain in contact with the water bottom under its own weight, and enables the fluke to retain a posture for forming a given inserting angle relative to the water bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Yukitoshi Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20030140839
    Abstract: Anchor fluke (1) having a hollow plate-shaped body, with attachment means for a shank and/or anchor lines, with longitudinal axis and a front penetration edge (3) and a rear trailing edge (4), which are located at a distance from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the fluke has a place of symmerty that contains the longitudinal axis and is substantially perpendicular to the plate-shaped body,wherein the hollow plate-shaped body comprises an upper surface (2a) with a centre of gravity and a lower surface (2b) which surfaces are bounded by the penetration edge, the trailing edges and the lateral edges (5a, 5b) and wherein said body, at lower side, substantially between the edges, is provided with means belonging to the lower surface for counteracting a rolling movement about the longitudinal axis during penetration of the anchor fluke in an anchorage ground, and with vertical trailing edges (13a, 13b) for counteracting a yawning movement about an axis that is perpendicular to the lon
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: GIJSBERTUS DEGENKAMP
  • Publication number: 20030066472
    Abstract: Anchor comprising a fluke and a shank which at a first end is attached to the fluke and a second end that is situated opposite to the first end, is provided with means for attachments of the anchor to a penetration line or anchor line, in which the shank comprises two shank legs, which at the second end are connected to each other using apin, in which the portion of the pin situated within the shank legs also serves as connection means for an end link or end shackle of the penetration line or anchor line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: VRIJHOF ANKERS BEHEER B.V.
    Inventor: Gijsbertus Degenkamp
  • Patent number: 6390011
    Abstract: A marine anchor having integral flukes which have together a delta configuration. The flukes have a trailing arcuate edge. Each fluke has a wedge cut into the trailing portion to provide extending outer fins. The fins are turned downwardly to provide flaps that produce a self righting anchor and one that results in a horizontal planing when the anchor is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Jack Goodman
  • Patent number: 6390010
    Abstract: An anchor includes at least one fluke, a shank, and a float. The relative position of the float with respect to the center of gravity of the combined shank and fluke causes the anchor to assume a generally upright orientation quickly once the anchor is dropped in the water. One end of the shank is attached to the fluke and the float is attached to a rearward portion of the shank, with the float's center of buoyancy spaced away from the connection to the fluke. Upon being put in the water, the anchor quickly assumes a generally upright orientation, i.e., shank up and fluke tip down. Once in the generally upright orientation, the anchor may gently rock side to side with a pendulum-like action, with the tip of the fluke preferably being the lowest point of the anchor, during its descent to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: John A. Willis
  • Patent number: 6332423
    Abstract: A marine anchor having a shank connectible to an anchor rode at one end and having a double ploughshare fluke rigidly mounted at the other end thereof is described. The fluke consists of two symmetrically mounted part-cylindrical blades disposed on each side of a central ridge in the medial plane of the shank and extending from a forward apex to divergent trailing ends. A ballast weight is mounted under the convex surfaces of the blades and contained within the tangential plane to the convex surfaces. Each blade is also provided with a fin along the outer edge thereof, perpendicular to the central edge and located aft of the junction of the shank and the fluke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Kingston Anchors Limited
    Inventor: Edward R Petersen
  • Patent number: 6311636
    Abstract: An anchor has a fluke with a longitudinal axis that extends from the rear end of the fluke to its front end. A connection member couples the fluke with the lower end of an anchor line. The connection member comprises an anchor shank and at least one coupling with two cooperating coupling members. The first coupling member is situated on the fluke side of the coupling and is directly or indirectly connected to the fluke in order to follow its movement. The second coupling member is situated on the anchor line side of the coupling and is directly or indirectly connected to the anchor line. An operation member is activated by swinging the anchor line held taut in order to change its angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fluke and then to mutually displace the first and second coupling member from a coupling position to a position in which the second coupling member is released or emerges from coupling engagement with the first coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Octrooibureau Vrisendorp & Gaade
    Inventor: Gijsbertus Degenkamp
  • Patent number: 6253701
    Abstract: An anchoring device includes a cylindrical hollow body having a first edge, a second edge and an attachment device for applying a chain or wire to the body. At least one fluke device is arranged at the end of the body opposite to the attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Roslagens Maricenter AB
    Inventor: Olav Dale
  • Patent number: 6240870
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchor which may be buried in the seabed by means of the actual mooring line. One embodiment of such an anchor (25) comprises a fluke (1) which has rear eyes (3, 3A), front eyes (2A, 2B) and auxiliary eyes (4A, 4B). Rear mooring cables (9A, 9B) are connected to the rear eyes (3A, 3B) and front mooring cables (8A, 8B) are connected to rear connection points (17A, 17B) located on the front eyes (2A, 2B). Front installation cables (7A, 7B), which are shorter than the front mooring cables (8A, 8B), are connected to front connection points (16A, 16B) on the front eyes (2A, 2B). The remaining ends of these cables are connected to a connection plate (5), forming the anchor bobstay, and a mooring line is connected to the top of this connection plate (5). As the front installation cables (7A, 7B) are shorter than the rear mooring cables (9A, 9B), the bobstay is configured with the desired angle of attack for the burial of the anchor (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Adolfo Tsuyoshi Komura, Gustavo Adolfo Villela de Castro
  • Patent number: 6240871
    Abstract: An anchor comprising a shank having a forward and a rear end with a plurality of flukes secured to the rear end of the shank. The plurality of flukes are secured to the shank by a fluke mounting element. The plurality of flukes are radially oriented and angularly spaced apart and positioned on the fluke mounting element. A plurality of arm elements are radially aligned and oriented with respect to the fluke mounting element. Each of the plurality of flukes may be provided with an inwardly sloped bill segment at a distal end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Steven M. Courtheyn
  • Patent number: 6220198
    Abstract: A marine anchoring device (1, 33) for penetration into a sea bed is having at least part of its external surface in the form of a low friction surface (8, 12, 13, 14). The device can comprise (a) a drag embedment anchor (1) or alternatively (b) a direct embedment anchor (1A). The low friction surface can be formed by a low friction coating which is adhered to the external surface of the device, or by a coating which is smeared onto the external surface. A lubricant supply apparatus (16, 19) can be provided to replenish the lubricant lost by the friction action of the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Brupat Limited
    Inventor: Peter Bruce
  • Patent number: 6148758
    Abstract: An anchor for a marine vessel has a shank pivotally connected to a fluke allowing pivotal movement therebetween about a pivot axis within a range of motion. The anchor also has a pivot control member engageable between the shank and the fluke to regulate the pivotal movement throughout at least a portion of the range of motion. The pivot control member is elastically deformed as the shank is pivoted relative to the fluke. The anchor has an operational position in which the point of connection of an anchor line to the shank is positioned below a horizontal plane containing the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Electromechanical Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6119619
    Abstract: There is disclosed an anchor for anchoring boats in areas where there are reefs or a rocky seabed. In one embodiment four prongs extend from the end of an anchor shaft, the prongs including stem section with terminating portions making an arcuate angle with corresponding stem section. The stem sections are fixedly attached to the shaft and angled relative to the shaft axis in order that the free end of the terminating portion is longitudinally offset from the end of the shaft and radially offset also. The longitudinal offset being substantially greater than the radial offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Alan Fitzmaurice
  • Patent number: 6082284
    Abstract: The present invention provides a marine anchor that provides a high holding power and allows faster, smoother and more controlled penetration of the anchor in various soil types. The invention includes an anchor with a shank having two, rearwardly diverging legs that are coupled to the top surface of the fluke along two rearwardly diverging lines so that the plate-like legs define a soil passage that diverges rearwardly within all planes that are parallel to the surface of the fluke between the legs. The fluke preferably includes two primary fluke points disposed on either side a central fluke axis and a third fluke point disposed along the central fluke axis to break up the soil passing over the fluke and between the shank legs. The fluke also incorporates a forwardly tapering profile with a ridge aligned with each fluke point, wherein the fluke is also tapered between each ridge so that the side-to-side cross-section of the fluke has multiple hills and valleys therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Vrijhof Ankers Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Curt McCabe
  • Patent number: 6041731
    Abstract: An anchor includes at least one plow-like fluke, a shank, and a float. The relative position of the float with respect to the center of gravity of the combined shank and fluke causes the anchor to assume a generally upright orientation quickly once the anchor is dropped in the water. One end of the shank is attached to the fluke and the float is attached to a rearward portion of the shank, with the float's center of buoyancy spaced away from the connection to the fluke. Upon being put in the water, the anchor quickly assumes a generally upright orientation, i.e., shank up and fluke tip down. Once in the generally upright orientation, the anchor may gently rock side to side with a pendulum-like action, with the tip of the fluke preferably being the lowest point of the anchor, during its descent to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: John A. Willis
  • Patent number: 6038996
    Abstract: A modular anchor with a stress sensitive shank that permits its easy retrieval from the floor onto which the anchor became stuck. This retrieval is accomplished by merely pulling the anchor cable, the integrity of the cable being preserved as a consequence of the yielding of a shear pin that is part of the modular anchor. The shear pin breaks when it is subjected to a stress that satisfies a certain limit condition. The modular anchor may be disassembled to be carried in a bag with other elements useful for fastening a boat to shore. The anchor preferably has a fluke in the form of a plow or plowshare fluke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Giles
  • Patent number: 6035798
    Abstract: A marine anchor for recreational boats comprising a rotating hub, with a plurality of flukes extending outward, and a substantially right-angle shaped bail member including five bail positions for receiving a slidable shackle of an anchor chain. The first bail to shakle position is the anchored position. The second bail to shackle position allows for a conventional retrieval of the anchor from above the location of the set anchor. An alternate retrieval can result in a third bail to shackle position from an anchored boat position further away from the set anchor. In the second and third positions the flukes are free to rotate enabling the marine anchor to be retrieved. A fourth position of the bail to shackle position is pulling the anchor chain and shackle from the opposite end of the anchor. A fifth position of the bail is a resting position on the bed of the sea floor by releasing the tension of the anchor chain such as during a slack tide to minimize entanglement with other loose anchors or debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Mark E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6012409
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the anchoring of a floating object by an elongated shank having an attached fluke that extends along the vicinity of the shank, with an edge of the fluke extending to a tip from a constraint movably mounted on the shank, with the fluke apertured and proportioned to limit fouling by a rode attached to the shank and facilitate attachment for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Peter C. Mele
  • Patent number: 5975001
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchor for floating devices and includes a body provided with a shackle linked to an anchor chain, with one set member for engaging the bed of a body of water being jointedly mounted on said body. The body includes a first portion having two longitudinal ends and a second portion extending between the ends of the first portion and being spaced away so as to surround a void space therebetween. The shackle is slidingly mounted along the second portion and the set member is assembled on the first body portion in a jointed fashion to thereby be able to switch between set positions pointing oppositely from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Verrier
  • Patent number: 5970902
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved anchor which is capable of being readily laid, regardless of the holding, and which will automatically reset itself in the instance of it being dislodged from the holding. The anchor includes a base member, preferably substantially triangular-shaped when viewed in plan and V-shaped when viewed in end elevation, a shank member associated with the base member and stabilizing means, preferably in the form of a hoop member, which is attached to the base member and/or the shank member, the stabilizing means serving to ensure that the anchor, once laid or set, will return to its operating disposition even if dislodged or displaced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Rex William Francis
  • Patent number: 5934219
    Abstract: A marine anchor designed so that it positions itself automatically and penetrates instantly into all kinds of sea beds with maximum holding power. The geometry and ballasting of the anchor ensure automatic positioning of the anchor. The off-center position of the ballast counter-balancing the weight of the shank places the center of gravity of the anchor as close as possible to the anchor tip, so that the tip can bear practically half the total weight of the anchor, the pressure exerted by the top on the sea bed is increased, and its penetration into the sea bed is promoted. The sharp corners between the two sides of the tip aids penetration into all kind of sea beds, including sea beds covered with thick seaweed, and the concave surface of the fluke provides maximum holding power. Said anchor is suitable for mooring yachts and fishing boats, as well as for marine industrial use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Alain A. Poiraud
  • Patent number: 5868094
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring a buoyant device are provided. The apparatus preferably includes first, second, and third plates adjoined along a common line. An end of the second plate is transversely connected to an end of the first plate along the common line and extends inwardly therefrom at a predetermined angle so that the first and second plates in combination define an angled plate member. A third plate is adjoined along the common line and extends outwardly therefrom in a different direction from the angled plate member. A shank is pivotally connected to a medial portion of the angled plate member and extends outwardly therefrom. At least one prong member is connected to and extends outwardly from the outer surface of each of the first and second plates of the angled plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Sabah Naser Al-Sabah