Pivoted Fluke Patents (Class 114/304)
  • Publication number: 20140261136
    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: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BRUPAT LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter Bruce
  • Patent number: 8662001
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a foldable grappling device comprising a shank or crown having a hollow tubular shaft member and a telescopic slide bar slidably coupled within the hollow tubular shaft member. The device further includes a plurality of foldable grappling arms attached to a base of the shank or crown and a plurality of linking arms coupled to the telescopic slide bar to push the grappling arms to an unfolded position from a folded position or pull the grappling arms to the folded position from the unfolded position. Raising the telescopic slide bar within the hollow tubular shaft member unfolds the foldable grappling arms simultaneously and when lowering the telescopic slide bar, the foldable grappling arms are folded simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jacques Hebert
  • Publication number: 20130160694
    Abstract: A gravity installed anchor including a metal plate provided with one or more connection points for extending an anchor line from a front face of the plate. The gravity installed anchor preferably includes an elongated shank connected to the plate and arranged for being directed along the plate during the gravity installation process, the elongated shank provided with a nose portion with a nose. The plate may be rotated to an angle relative to the shank after being gravity installed in the seafloor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: DEEP SEA ANCHORS AS
    Inventor: Jon Tore Lieng
  • 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
  • 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: 20080314305
    Abstract: This invention relates to marine anchors and more particularly to bi-directional boat anchors with a shank which is pivotable relative to at least one fluke. The invention also relates to bi-directional anchors that have two or more flukes positioned at opposite ends of the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Rhett Kenneth Bryant
  • Patent number: 7467597
    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 a pin, 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: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Vrijhof Ankers Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Gijsbertus Degenkamp
  • Patent number: 7004098
    Abstract: A convertible anchor capable of being converted between a first position usable on sandy bottom floors and a second position usable on debris laden bottom floors, such as reefs. The convertible anchor may include an elongated shank and one or more flukes rotatably coupled to the elongated shank. The convertible anchor may also include an engagement limiting device placing the convertible anchor in a first position in which the fluke is prevented from rotating relative to the elongated shank. The convertible anchor may also include a catch device so that the convertible anchor can grab a debris laden bottom when the convertible anchor is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Anchor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Nikolaos Sarantidis
  • 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: 6951183
    Abstract: A marine anchor release mechanism that can be utilized on several pre-manufactured claw, plow or fluke type anchors for unsnagging the anchors from underwater obstructions. The release mechanism consists of two blade type brackets that run parallel to the shank of an anchor and connected to a rear portion of the anchor. A shear pin is installed through the parallel blade type brackets and the shank or an upper extension of the anchor that is sandwiched there between. The release mechanism is designed to release a snagged anchor by applying a sufficient force when powering the boat over the anchor, the shear pin will give way and the anchor assembly will rotate freely from an angle of substantially 180° with respect to the shackle end of the anchor, thus allowing the anchor to pull free from the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: John Alexander Burback
  • Patent number: 6857383
    Abstract: A convertible anchor capable of being converted between a first position usable on sandy bottom floors and a second position usable on debris laden bottom floors, such as reefs. The convertible anchor may include an elongated shank and one or more flukes rotatably coupled to the elongated shank. The convertible anchor may also include an engagement limiting device placing the convertible anchor in a first position in which the fluke is prevented from rotating relative to the elongated shank. The convertible anchor may also include a catch device so that the convertible anchor can grab a debris laden bottom when the convertible anchor is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Anchor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Nikolaos Sarantidis
  • Publication number: 20040187759
    Abstract: A convertible anchor capable of being converted between a first position usable on sandy bottom floors and a second position usable on debris laden bottom floors, such as reefs. The convertible anchor may include an elongated shank and one or more flukes rotatably coupled to the elongated shank. The convertible anchor may also include an engagement limiting device placing the convertible anchor in a first position in which the fluke is prevented from rotating relative to the elongated shank. The convertible anchor may also include a catch device so that the convertible anchor can grab a debris laden bottom when the convertible anchor is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Nikolaos Sarantidis
  • Publication number: 20040154521
    Abstract: The invention provides an anchor (1) with four flukes (5, 6, 7, 8) which may be folded together for storage purposes, the flukes being both hinged together and hinged to a shank (2) such that the anchor can be deployed from a stowed to an operational state by a single action, the flukes (5, 6, 7, 8) and shank arranged to lie in a substantially flat position when stowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond John Gotto
  • Patent number: 6626123
    Abstract: A bi-metal light weight self penetrating boat anchor includes flukes 18A and 18B and a crown 16 formed of light weight material, such as aluminum, and includes a shank 12 and stock 14 formed of heavier material such as stainless steel. The heavier shank assures that the shank will lie flat on the lake bottom when being dragged by the boat, and the stronger heavier stock resists bending or other deterioration when engaging obstacles at the lake bottom. The reduced weight of the crown and flukes permits the anchor to be of reasonable weight that is more conveniently handled by the boat operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 6564515
    Abstract: A land anchor for use with a winch and cable assembly affixed to a vehicle to pull the vehicle when immobilized having a fluke formed by wings shaped to penetrate into the ground and shaped to keep the fluke level during penetration into the ground, and a removable stock assembly attachable to the fluke. The fluke is provided with a stock assembly mount having a tubular member provided with a parallel slot extending through one side of the tubular member. The tubular member is fixedly attached to the rear thrust end section of the fluke with the slot being positioned to permit the stock assembly to be received by the stock assembly mount. The stock assembly has an engaging member shaped to engage and fix the stock assembly to the stock assembly mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: Steven F. Fontenot, Patrick J. Connolly
  • Patent number: 6155194
    Abstract: An improved plough anchor is provided, having an elongate shank and a plough body, the plough body having provided therein a neck portion pivotally attached to the remainder thereof and through which the elongate shank is connected thereto, the axis described by the pivotal connection of the neck portion and remainder of the plough body being tilted forward of vertical, such that upon rotation of the elongate shank with respect to the plough body the elongate shank is at its highest when not orientated along an axis described by the plough body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Desire Dominique Hoareau
  • 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: 6145464
    Abstract: Provided is a Danforth type anchor by which anchor effect is obtained rapidly and reliably, and can be lifted up certainly. The anchor comprises a base unit; a pair of flat plate flukes projecting horizontally outward from the base unit; a shank joined at its base end portion to the base unit; and an orientation control rod provided in the base unit, the base unit including (A) flat plate-like support base plates each of which is formed of (i) a front portion extending at right angle to the reference plane in which the flukes extend and having upper and lower edges inclined outward toward the rear end thereof, and (ii) a rear end portion formed integrally with the front portion and having upper and lower edges inclined outward; and (B) a pair of secondary guide plates fixed to the inclined upper and lower edges of the rear end portions of the support base plates, the secondary guide plates having at their respective rear end sections bent rear end portions being bent to incline inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Yukiharu Machida
  • Patent number: 6138603
    Abstract: An anchor in which an L-shaped shank has a single trapeziform fluke pivotally secured to the shorter leg of the L provides a larger surface area for the palm of the fluke. The fluke is configured such that a center of force is directed perpendicularly to the shorter leg of the L to minimize the tendency of the anchor to move sideways or crab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: James Matthews Taylor
  • Patent number: 6119618
    Abstract: A modular anchor with a compressible spring member 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 spring member that is part of the modular anchor. The spring member compresses when it is subjected to sufficient pressure. 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: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Giles
  • 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: 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: 5890451
    Abstract: A drag embedment normal load anchor ("Denla") comprises a fluke with a shank pivotally attached thereto, the shank including an anchor cable attachment point and control or restraint mechanisms whereby the shank can be set such that the cable attachment point can lie selectively in first, second, and third directions relative to the fluke centroid, the directions providing three fluke centroid angles (.alpha., .beta., and .theta., respectively) with the fluke forward direction (F). The Denla is part of an anchoring apparatus including a rear drogue line serving to orientate the anchor correctly at the sea bed without the need for a separate pendant line. In operation, the Denla is embedded by pulling on an anchor cable with the first fluke centroid angle .alpha. present; when the desired horizontal anchor loading is achieved, the shank is moved to the second larger centroid angle .beta.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Brupat Limited
    Inventor: Peter Bruce
  • Patent number: 5829379
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plate anchor having two anchor plates (2, 3) which are disposed in a plane and have between them a gap (12) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the anchor. An anchor shaft (1) is swingably mounted on pivot means which is disposed in the region of the end of the anchor plates (2, 3) which is directed generally away from the anchored vessel, whereby the shaft (1) can be swung into and through the gap (12). Each anchor plate (2, 3) has at least one forwardly disposed pointed claw element (21, 31) and at least one lagging pointed claw element (22, 32). All of the claw elements have lateral edges which are backswept in the direction generally away from the ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Rudiger von Spies
  • Patent number: 5579713
    Abstract: An automatic levelling self-bedding anchor having a high capacity for levelling and an improved capacity for positioning and bedding, which comprises:1. an elongated shank (5);2. a cam plate (6) with pivot (7), connected to the shank at or near to one end of the shank;3. a gusset plate (4) connected to the shank through the cam plate pivot;4. a fluke limit means (3) connected to the gusset plate adapted to retain the fluke pivot shaft, whereby the limit means retaining the pivot shaft controls the travel of the flukes to one side or the other side of the shank;5. two flukes (1, 1A) connected to the pivot shaft, one on each side of the shank, the point of each fluke being located relatively far from the shank and approximately in line with the respective end of the pivot shaft; and6. cam means (6) connected to the shank and adapted to interact with a cam surface or cam surfaces (8) on one or both flukes, wherein the flukes may be retained in a desired bedding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Robert W. Power
  • Patent number: 5546883
    Abstract: Method for anchoring an object in a body of water having a ground-like bottom, in which an anchor, comprising a fluke with upper surfaces having a center location and a shank, which obliquely extends upwards and forwards from the fluke and is connected by a first end to the fluke and can be attached by a second end to a penetration or pulling line, is pulled into the bottom ground by a pulling line, and wherein the anchor, after the fluke has penetrated the bottom ground to a sufficient extent, is attached by an anchor line to the object, the point of engagement of the anchor line being located above the center location of the upper surfaces of the fluke and the pulling force exerted thereon via the anchor line being essentially directed vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Vrijhof Ankers Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Rob van den Haak
  • Patent number: 5546884
    Abstract: Anchor fluke, being formed as to have a penetration or front-side and a rear side, as well as a longitudinal plane of symmetry intersecting these sides, the anchor fluke comprising first device for attachment of an anchor line for use in a vertical anchoring system and a second device for attachment of at least two connecting lines spaced in the longitudianl plane of symmetry so as to connect the fluke to a pulling or penetration anchor line, the fluke being so formed that at least its upper surface has a shape convexly curved or buckled in cross-section along the plane of symmetry, the first attachment device for the anchor line for a vertical anchoring system being located near the center of area of the fluke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Vrijof Ankers Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Rob Van Den Haak
  • Patent number: 5474015
    Abstract: A marine anchor comprising a fluke and a shank attached to the fluke is intended for drag embedment in a mooring bed by pulling the anchor substantially horizontally via the shank. Further, it is a particular feature of the anchor that two modes of operation are possible through use of the line extending between the anchor cable attachment point on the shank and the fluke centroid being variable to provide a first line present for drag embedment of the anchor, and a second line utilized when the anchor is embedded, wherein the pulling force on the anchor via the shank can now be essentially upwards, thereby providing an increased holding force due to the increased fluke area presented in the direction of the upwards force. The change in direction from the first line to the second line can be achieved by having the shank pivotal and by providing pivot control members permitting selective pivoting of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Brupat Limited
    Inventor: Peter Bruce
  • Patent number: 5353732
    Abstract: An anchor has a fluke (3) having an underside (2) lying in one flat geometrical plane and comprising two fluke parts (5, 6) which each have a forwardly pointed tip (7, 8) on either side of the central plane (9) of symmetry which is perpendicular to the geometrical plane (2) of the underside. These two fluke parts (5, 6) form an integral unit at the central plane (9) and have their front edges (10, 11, 12, 13) in that geometrical plane (2) tapering towards the respective tips (7, 8) and from each tip (7, 8) extend rearwardly with a cross section in each plane perpendicular to the underside plane (2) and perpendicular to the plane (9) of symmetry. That unit is substantially triangular up to and beyond the point where the inner front edges (11, 12) of the fluke parts (5, 6) meet, which triangular cross sections (10, 11, 12, 13) have their apex (22, 23) according to a straight ridge line which from each tip (7, 8) extends rearwardly at a sharp angle (.alpha.) with the underside plane (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventors: Jean C. Gramet, Samy Alhayari
  • Patent number: 5215030
    Abstract: An adjustable anchor comprising a vertical cylinder including a helical spring supported on a puck depending from a vertical rod terminating in an eye projecting above the cylinder. Three anchors 120.degree. apart are pivotally supported by the puck so that upward pull on the eye by a rope will effect progressive retraction of the three anchors into corresponding openings in the cylinder against the resistance of the helical spring. An internally threaded cap of the cylinder screws onto external threads of the cylinder to adjust the tension of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: James A. Conti
  • Patent number: 5140931
    Abstract: A boat anchor having a shank which is pivotally movable relative to the other elements is designed to provide three stop positions defining terminal positions of movement of the shank in each direction. A primary stop is provided by contact of a pin extending laterally through the shank with edge portions of the crown side, between which the shank is mounted. A secondary stop, operable upon failure of the primary stop, is provided by contact of the end of the shank adjacent the pin with inner surfaces of the crown heads. A tertiary stop, operable upon failure of the secondary stop, is provided by mutual contact of edge portions of the shank and crown heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Jaquith Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Parks
  • Patent number: 5092261
    Abstract: A boat anchor with a fixed pair of flukes on the end of the shank. For the purpose of illustration, the shank is square on the lower end and around on the opposite end. A pair of movable flukes are connected with means defining a central opening which, for the purpose of illustration, is square and received on the shank to fix a position of the movable flukes relative to the fixed flukes when in the lower position, and rotatable on the round portion of the shank to selectively and alternatively position the fixed and movable flukes. Accordingly, the fixed and movable flukes are in a right-angle position when in operation and can be adjusted to a parallel position when in storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Ronald J. Bertrand
  • Patent number: 5054416
    Abstract: An elongated shank is provided having first and second end portions. A pair of anchor flukes are pivotally supported from the first end portion on opposite sides thereof and a latch member and operator are mounted from the shank for movement longitudinally thereof with a lost motion connection provided between the latch operator and latch member. Cam-type stops are carried by the flukes and engagable by the latch member to releasably limit swinging of the flukes relative to the shank between positions angulated at least generally 30 degrees on either side of centered positions generally paralleling the shank and extending toward the second end portion thereof and also engagable with the latch member to cam the latter to its release position from its applied position upon return of the flukes past the stops toward their centered positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Richard H. Zetah
  • Patent number: 5005508
    Abstract: An improved anchor assembly of the Danforth type. The crown is formed from a single piece of rectangular tubing by a pressing operation to form a crown having two parallel inwardly disposed sidewalls and, at generally right angles thereto, two sidewalls which extend towards each other in a forward direction. Right-hand and left-hand flukes are each formed from a single piece of metal plate material and have a triangular plate portion and flange portion which extends to either side of the plate portion at right angles thereto. Extensions of the flange are welded to the parallel sidewalls of the crown box. The rear end of a shank, which is formed from square bar stock, is disposed within the crown box with an aperture in the shank being in alignment with corresponding apertures in the flange extensions of the flukes and the parallel sidewalls of the crown box. A stock is inserted through the apertures so that the shank can pivot about an intermediate portion of the stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: The Crosby Company
    Inventors: Peter W. Crosby, Henry W. Schenk
  • Patent number: 5003910
    Abstract: A twin-fluke anchor has a shank, a stock, fluke elements mounted upon the stock to pivot as a unit at the inner end of the shank, each element including a fluke surface in a first plane and a rib generally perpendicular to the first plane, the shank disposed between ribs, and a crown including a pair of flat plates having opposed inner surfaces, each plate supported centrally of the flukes and spaced from the flukes plane and sloping upwardly and rearwardly away from the plane to permit bottom material to flow freely between the inner surfaces of the plates and the flukes. The shank inner end has opposite end surfaces to engage upon respective opposed inner surfaces of the crown plates to limit the range of pivoting movement of flukes, at least one end surface of the shank engaging an opposed inner surface of a crown plate along a line of contact whereby holding load is transferred from the shank to the flukes by a long coupled reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Rule Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce S. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 4972793
    Abstract: An anchor is used for anchoring a hull or a floating body on the water. When the anchor of the present invention is made to land on the bottom of the water, left and right bills and a lower auxiliary bill encroach the bottom of the water and thus to make anchoring positive, and as a shank, bills and a bill stopping frame are relatively thin, said anchor is lighter than the conventional anchors. Consequently the resistance of the sediment in the bottom of the water is minimized with respect to the encroachment, and therefore the work and labor during casting and weighing said anchor can be relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Sakai Kohatsu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tokio Sakai
  • Patent number: 4945850
    Abstract: A very light-weight boat anchor includes a pair of penetrating flukes connected together, an anchor shank pivotally attached to this pair of flukes, and a mechanism for limiting the pivotal movement of the shank relative to the flukes. Both the flukes and the shank are made of light-weight alloy metal and the total weight of the anchor does not exceed 250 grams and is preferably less than 150 grams. The flukes include edge ribbing extending along upper and lower edges thereof and relatively thin metal webbing extending between this ribbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: William Steinhoff
  • Patent number: 4907523
    Abstract: The invention has as its object a drag anchor which is simple to manufacture and provides an effective grip in the bottom material where the anchor is to be used, besides which the anchor can be executed with a very low weight.The invention, which relates most particularly to a drag anchor, the shank of which is pivotally attached to its part which forms the fluke, is characterized in that its part (2) which forms the fluke consists of a hollow body (2) open at its front and rear end in the direction in which the shank (1) is towed, i.e. the direction of movement of the drag anchor, which body forms a mantle enclosing the rear part of the shank with an extension in the direction of movement of the drag anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Hans Claesson
  • Patent number: 4856451
    Abstract: A marine anchor comprises a fluke with a shank attached to the fluke to enable the anchor to be joined to an anchor cable. Additionally there is provided a soil barrier plate located aft of the rear of the fluke but above the level of the fluke, with a soil passage between the barrier plate and the fluke. The barrier plate is set an angle to the fluke, and the barrier plate and the associated soil passage are arranged so as to function in a manner enabling the anchor to operate effectively and without adjustment in cohesive soils such as mud even when the fluke is set (say at an attack angle 0.degree. of 30.degree.) for optimum operation in non-cohesive soils such as sand, without substantially detracting from the performance of the anchor in non-cohesive (sand) soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Brupat Limited
    Inventor: Peter Bruce
  • Patent number: 4831952
    Abstract: A gliding anchor for mooring a vessel includes a central shank having a weighted forward end and a blade hinged to said shank. The blade is hinged to the shank by means of a pantographic linkage, the rear link being longer than the forward link to provide downward inclination of the blade when in its open position. The blade is provided with a pair of upswept wings extending on either side of the shank which serve to cause the anchor to glide when the blade is deployed in a first position wherein its longitudinal axis lies parallel to that of the shank. These wings are deployed as bottom engaging flukes when the blade is rotated downwards about the hinge to a second open position by a force being applied to the anchor line attached to the rear of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Dumison Marine Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Philip W. Dulhunty
  • Patent number: 4827863
    Abstract: An improved anchor having a shank and, pivotally connected thereto, a head consisting of a generally flat, arcuate body, a pair of flukes attached to the body and extending laterally from a plane of the shank and body, and a bottom penetrating nose portion, has the further features of the body and shank having a narrowed lead edge and the material of the shank and body being disposed in rectangular cross-sections having substantial ratios of height to thickness. The shank and body of the anchor thereby have a thin lead edge profile to facilitate passage of the anchor through a bottom surface to burrow into the bottom, and the shank has broad side surfaces to resist anchor dislodgement under side forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Rule Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Scholz, Scott Batchelder, Robert Dowding
  • Patent number: 4781142
    Abstract: The present invention is a drag embedment marine anchor having a fluke and shank which are fixed relative to each other during operation. The fluke is symmetrical about its central longitudinal axis and has two pointed front tips for penetrating soil. The elongated shank extends upwardly along the longitudinal axis of the fluke and is rotatably pinned to a trunion at approximately the geometric center of the fluke, to reduce the bending moment in the shank. The attitude of the shank is fixed relative to the fluke at various attitudes by a stopper, to accommodate different soil conditions. The fluke is wedge-shaped in side elevation, and has stabilizer fins protruding upwardly from a stern transom, the stabilizer fins extending beyond the top surface of the fluke to correct yaw. The fluke is formed from a hollow shell having a smooth top surface and a plurality of stiffening ribs depending from its bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Inventor: Maxwell C. Cheung
  • Patent number: 4704982
    Abstract: What is proposed in accordance with the invention is a sea anchor so arranged, after having been dropped, as to be capable of gliding obliquely forwards through the water along a flat, inclined plane so as to land on the bottom in a holding position at a considerable horizontal distance from the boat or vessel which dropped the anchor. For this purpose the shank of the anchor is combined with a transverse wing corresponding to the pair of arms of the conventional anchor. The wing has a marked `V` form and is noticeably swept back, causing it to adopt a stable attitude during its glide through the water, in conjunction with which it takes with it an achor rope which further stabilizes its glide. The wing as a whole is preferably pivotally connected to the anchor leg, for example by means of a pivot bolt, in which case the central section of the wing is extended rearwards to a spade-like, tapering structure which ends in a point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Inventor: Agge Sahlberg
  • Patent number: 4676184
    Abstract: Anchor structures including a flexible shank having improved fluke, crown and shank attachment and crownless designs which enhance bottom penetration and burying capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Alpha Ocean Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Ogg
  • Patent number: 4655158
    Abstract: An improved boat anchor assembly including an anchor shank having a fluke pivotally connected thereto and supported for angular displacement about an axis normally related to the longitudinal axis of the shank, motion limiting stops mounted on the shank for arresting pivotal motion of the flukes relative the shank, the shank being provided with a pivotal coupling interposed between the ends thereof and pins for imparting stability to the shank and adapted to deform under angularly applied loads of predetermined magnitudes whereby the shank-fluke connection is permitted to "break" for facilitating recovery of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Inventor: Larry Holder
  • Patent number: 4651669
    Abstract: A mooring anchor including a pair of spaced part flukes, an integrally cast tripping palm structure integral with said flukes at the rearward end thereof and including a pair of planar, sloping walls diverting rearwardly from the flukes and first and second pairs of transverse reinforcing walls extending transversely between the sloping walls, an elongated solid stock rotatably received through aligned openings in the reinforcing walls and through the rearward end of a rigid elongated shank having a clevis receiving apertured lug portion at its forward end. The sloping walls of the tripping palm have apertures extending therethrough at positions rearwardly of each surface of each fluke and between the adjacent associated reinforcing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Baldt Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco D. Albertini, Arthur W. McClellan, Stephen A. Kokoszka
  • Patent number: 4644894
    Abstract: An anchor comprises an anchor shaft member and an anchor body member in the form of a plate having two blades which are joined to the anchor shaft member by a pivotal connection which allows the blades to lie normally within a range of angles to the plane containing the anchor shaft and the pivot axis. This range of angles is determined by the interconnection between two lugs on the anchor body member projecting away from the pivot axis on the opposite side from the main plate constituting the anchor shaft to enable the anchor to lodge against the submarine obstruction in the usual way: the relative inclination of the anchor body member and the anchor shaft member can be changed by applying a force greater than that required to effect shearing of the shear pin so that the anchor shaft member can swing freely about the pivot with respect to the blade to allow release of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: Bryan F. Woodgate
  • Patent number: 4579077
    Abstract: A simple yet rugged and reliable collapsible anchor in an anchor assembly is disclosed for use with various small craft which are susceptible to damage by a conventional anchor stowed aboard or by the anchor being fouled when there is a swift current. The anchor is a stock anchor in which both the stock arms and the flukes are foldable alongside the anchor's hollow shank so as to be sheathed in a sheath from which the anchor is released when it is cast. A release mechanism is provided within the anchor's hollow shank which mechanism allows the anchor to be either self-tripped, or manually tripped, by exerting a pulling force of predetermined amount, which force required is adjustable; the mechanism obviates the use of shear pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Inventor: Jack A. Soules
  • Patent number: 4559893
    Abstract: A novel shank is provided for an anchor which greatly improves the retention capacity of the anchor. The shank has a tip joined by an intermediate portion to a body portion. These three elements when at rest are in alignment along the longitudinal axis of the shank. The shank is inflexible in a first plane and is flexible in a second plane which is oriented at 90.degree. to the first plane to an extent such that the tip can be moved in the second plane into a position wherein it is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis without permanent deformation of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Alpha Ocean Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Ogg
  • Patent number: H250
    Abstract: An improved high efficiency mooring anchor is light-weight and when opera in tandem provides holding capacity equal to or greater than twice the holding capacity of a single anchor. The shank is designed to hold at least 21/2 times the anchor capacity. Hollow streamline flukes are used and stoppers are mounted on the palms at a maximum distance from the trunion located at the apex of the anchor crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert J. Taylor