Anchor Having Increased Performance For Use In Earthen Material

Abstract

Apparatus and method to secure items in or around coastal and shoreline areas including sandbars. In one embodiment an anchor includes a shaft having an outer surface and opposing upper and lower ends and an auger attachable to the shaft for penetrating into material of an earthen medium and driving the shaft lower end into the earthen material. A first wall is connected to the shaft outer surface to create a cavity having an opening into which material may enter the cavity as the auger rotates. When a portion of the anchor is in the earthen material and after at least one of the plurality of concentric cylinders is penetrated into the earthen material, the earthen material is moved into the annular cavity.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/362,607, filed Apr. 7, 2022.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of anchors and stands, commonly referred to as sandbar anchors, used to secure posts and platforms in sand, soils and other earthen materials, and useful when submerged in water or placed in dry substrates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a need for an improved device or method to secure, or provide a foundation for, items that need to be secured in or around coastal and shoreline areas including sandbars. Recreational activities are commonly undertaken along shorelines where boaters and other water enthusiasts often bring accessories similar to those brought on camping trips or beach outings, e.g., umbrellas, tents, tables or chairs. Also, to maximize enjoyment of the water along shorelines, it is advantageous to anchor or otherwise enhance stability to these amenities while they are placed in shallow waters. To this end, there is a need for an improved system to secure or better stabilize floating amenities and accessories, e.g., tables and umbrellas placed in the water.

Conventional sandbar-type anchors typically comprise a single size cylindrical shaft, e.g., a hollow tube, having a uniform outside diameter. Attachment of an auger to one end of the cylindrical shaft facilitates ease of penetrating the anchor into the sand or soil. However, the utility of such designs has been somewhat constrained due to practical limitations of the shaft diameter and, hence, the area in cross-section of the anchor shaft. For the pole of a typical beach umbrella to be secured in sand (having a diameter of only about 3-4 inches), there is limited ability to withstand forces, e.g., bending moments and, therefore, stability is limited.

In a similar bending moment example, when anchoring a floating device or boat to such a cylindrically shaped pole-auger anchor combination, the anchoring pole has limited integrity to withstand a bending displacement to the portion of the pole positioned above the sand. As still another example, the shaft of a standard umbrella extending into underlying sand may also tip from a vertical orientation when sufficient wind force is transferred to the umbrella shaft.

Understandably, the greater the diameter and, hence, the greater the area of the anchor portion in cross-section, the greater the ability to withstand movement or bending moments. In principle this can render the umbrella sufficiently stable under high wind conditions. However, while increasing the depth of the conventional pole-auger anchor combination in the sand underlying the shoreline waters could increase the stability, the materials commonly used for most anchors of this type are plastics of limited strength. So, practically, it is not seen that the penetration depth of such pole-auger anchor designs can extend into the sand more than about 1-2 feet before efforts to overcome resistive forces opposing the depth penetration cause components of the pole-auger anchor, or handles for turning the anchor, to fail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An anchor is disclosed having a plurality of cavities encircling a shaft 2. Two exemplary cavities are described where each cavity is created by configuring one or a plurality of wall structures around a portion of the shaft. Consistent with the exemplary embodiment, the wall structures may, more generally, be a sequence of n concentric, spaced-apart cylindrical-like shapes where a major exterior surface portion of an outer-most wall structure transitions from an exemplary cylindrical-like shape into a hub or other termination, e.g., having an exemplary conical-like shape. In some embodiments, each in a plurality of cavity walls, e.g., cylindrical wall structures, extends from a position along a hub and along the central axis of the anchor toward the lower end of the anchor. The axial length of each of the cavity walls, as measured along the shaft axis, can decrease from cavity wall structure to adjacent cavity wall structure but, in other embodiments, can be of equal length. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity wall structures are tiered in axial length to produce a stepped arrangement of different axial lengths and different outer diameters about the shaft in the sequence of cylindrical wall structures. Each in the plurality of cavity wall structures extends from a position along the hub 13 and along the exterior surface of a lower portion of the anchor shaft.

In one series of embodiments an anchor of the type which penetrates into earthen material such as a sandbar includes a shaft having a central axis and first and second opposing ends which extend in opposing directions along the axis. A device, which may be an auger, for penetrating into and displacing the earthen material, is configured for attachment to the first shaft end for rotation therewith. When the shaft is rotated while a downward force from the weight of the shaft is translated through the auger to the earthen material, the device can both penetrate into the earthen material and pull a portion of the anchor shaft into the earthen material. An assembly is coupled to impart a rotational force to the shaft and cause the auger to rotate with the shaft. One or more walls are attached along the shaft and configured to provide one or more cavities along or about the first axis. Each cavity has an associated cavity opening positionable to receive earthen material through the cavity opening while the auger is penetrating into the earthen material, this causing the shaft to be pulled into the earthen material as the auger penetrates into the earthen material.

In another series of embodiments an anchor is provided for securing an object in a location near an earthen medium having an upper surface. The anchor includes a shaft having an outer surface and opposing upper and lower ends. A device attachable to the shaft lower end for penetrating into and displacing material of the earthen medium, the device suitable for penetrating through the upper surface of the earthen medium and for driving the shaft lower end into the earthen surface. A first wall is connected to the shaft outer surface with a first portion of the first wall positioned in spaced-apart relation to the shaft to create a first cavity having a first opening into which fluid may enter the cavity as the auger rotates.

In still another series of embodiments a method is provided for anchoring an object in a location near an earthen medium having an upper surface. An anchor is provided which includes a rotatable shaft having one or more open containers positioned along the shaft for holding earthen material therein. With an auger affixed to a lower end of the shaft, the shaft is rotated, causing the auger to penetrate into an earthen medium and pull a combination of portions of the shaft and the one or more containers into the earthen medium, thereby causing the one or more containers to receive some of the material from the penetrated earthen medium therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures illustrate one or more embodiments of a multi-tiered anchor for use in soil or sand where like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Vertical and horizontal directions and orientations of the multi-tiered anchor, and components thereof, are described with reference to an exemplary, multi-tiered anchor, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anchor according to an embodiment of the invention, having a major axis of rotation, A, and having handles extending outward from the axis, along a plane B-B;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the inventive anchor as seen in a rotated position relative to the view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is still another perspective view of the anchor shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial view in cross section of the anchor shown in FIG. 1, taken along the plane, C-C, having a perpendicular orientation with respect to the plane, B-B, and illustrating internal features of the anchor shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is another view in cross section of the anchor shown in FIG. 2, taken along the plane, C-C, where the plane C-C shown in FIG. 1 and passing through multiple cavity-containing elements of the anchor;

FIG. 6 is a view in cross section, taken along the plane B-B, of an adapter plate attachable to the anchor as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, but also useful as a table;

FIG. 7 is still another view in cross section taken along the plane B-B of an assembled embodiment of the invention incorporating the adapter plate of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 illustrates deployment of the anchor of FIG. 1.

To the extent features are illustrated schematically, details, connections and components of an apparent nature may not be shown or not be drawn to scale, to emphasize other features of the invention. Suggested dimensions of features are only exemplary.

The figures illustrate one or more embodiments of a sandbar anchor 1 and component features thereof. Accordingly, features described in the following detailed description may not be found in all of the figures. Vertical and horizontal directions and orientations of the anchor embodiments and component features thereof are described with reference to exemplary, alternate embodiments of the anchor 1, shown in an upright or vertical position relative to a horizontal ground plane, but the claimed invention is not so limited.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures generally, a sandbar anchor 1 and related methods of deploying the anchor are based on positioning one or more fillable cavities along the shaft 2 of the anchor. The anchor extends from an upper end 3 of the shaft 2 to a lower end 4 which is coincident with the pointed lower end 7 of an auger. In the described embodiments the sandbar anchor is illustrated in a vertical orientation typical for use after insertion into earthen media.

The anchor is shown in FIG. 2 with the shaft 2 extending along a central axis, A, vertically both above and below a horizontal ground plane, P as when deployed. The ground plane may, for example, extend along the surface of earthen material, e.g., soft ground such as found on a beach, or dry soil in a recreational area; or the ground plane may extend along earthen material forming the bottom surface of a shallow body of water along a sandbar or other coastal waters.

As more fully described herein, the anchor 1 extends from an upper end 3 of the shaft 2 to the pointed end 4 at the tip of an auger. The shaft upper end 3 extends upward and away from the ground plane while the shaft lower end 6 extends below the ground plane. During use the shaft 2 can have a vertical or a near vertical orientation or may be at a substantial angle relative to the ground plane, e.g., typically an angle greater than 75° above the ground plane but, depending on the application, the orientation angle may not be so limited. The shaft 2 includes three inter-connected segments: an upper shaft portion 10 extending from the upper shaft end 3; a lower shaft portion 12 extending to the lower shaft end 6; and a mid-shaft portion 14 connected between the upper and lower shaft portions 10, 12. The shaft portions 10, 12 and 14 are shown as cylindrically shaped but are not so limited. A pair of handles 16 is connected between the shaft upper end 3 and the mid-shaft portion 14, suitably attached thereto for applying torque to turn the shaft 2 as it is rotated to penetrate into earthen media. The illustrated handles 16 are embodied as a single bar passing through a handle bar coupling 18 connected between the upper shaft portion 10 and the mid-shaft portion 14.

A screw-type auger 20, having opposing upper and lower ends, is attachable at the lower shaft end 6 for connection 22 to the lower shaft portion 12 so that a pointed lower end 4 at the tip of the auger extends away from the shaft 2 to penetrate into the ground. The connection 22 of the auger to the lower shaft end 6 may be reversible to render the auger removable if there are safety concerns or for convenience when storing or transporting the anchor 1. To effect removable coupling of the auger to the shaft 2, the upper end of the auger 20, i.e., the end opposing the pointed lower end 3, may be threaded and insertable into a bore hole (not shown) formed within the lower shaft end 6 to engage mating threads formed along the bore hole.

With the anchor in a vertical orientation with respect to the horizontal ground plane, the auger 20 is inserted within earthen material beneath the ground plane by application of a downward vertical force while rotating the handles 16 to turn the shaft 2. To some extent, and prior to penetration into underlying earthen material, the downward force will be based on the weight of the anchor 1.

However, disclosed embodiments incorporate two or more walls W_i in the lower-shaft portion 12, which walls collectively form at least one cavity or chamber, C_j. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there are shown three walls W₁, W₂, W₃, each comprising a cylindrically shaped wall portion centered about the axis, A. The exemplary three walls define both an outer, first cavity C₁ (having a volume of space defined by the walls W₁ and W₂), and an inner, second cavity C₂. (having a volume of space defined by the walls W₂ and W₃). In an example design, the axial length, e.g., length along the axis, A, of the outer, first cavity C₁ (between the walls W₁ and W₂) is no greater than the axial length of the lower shaft portion 12, i.e., extending between the hub 13 and the auger connection 22. The axial length of the second cavity C₂, e.g., the length along the axis, A, is no greater than the axial length of the lower shaft portion 12, i.e., extending between the hub 13 and the auger connection 22.

The axial length of the wall W₁ and, hence, the axial length of the first cavity C₁ is less than the axial length of the wall W₃ and, hence, less than the axial length of the second cavity C₂. In other embodiments the axial lengths of the cavities C_j may extend the full axial length of the mid shaft portion with or without a tiered profile (e.g., with the hub 13 against the coupling 18, or the hub 13 integrated with the handle bar coupling 18, or the walls W_i extending to the coupling 18. Some embodiments may dispense with the hub 13 or integrate the hub 13 with the coupling 18.

Per the illustrated embodiments, the differing axial lengths of the walls W_i and cavities C_j create a tiered or stepped profile for the cavity openings 26 or walls, W_i. The tiered arrangement may be characterized by, for example, approximately a 15° profile relative to the axis, A, as measured along the cavity openings. For sequences containing additional walls W_i, increasing values of i in the series each denote a wall in the series of walls positioned a progressively smaller distance from the axis, A, as the value i increases. Also, with the anchor including such additional walls W_i, with the resulting pairs of adjacent walls forming a sequence of additional cavities increasing values of j in the series each denote a cavity in the series of cavities C_j positioned a progressively smaller distance to the axis, A, as the value j increases. Higher values of j in the sequence correspond to cavities positioned closer to the axis, A.

Each cavity C_j has a cavity opening 26 positionable against the earthen material while the anchor auger 20 penetrates into the earthen material and thereby receives a portion of the earthen material into the cavity. Each cavity C_j also includes one or more vent holes or apertures 28, positioned in spaced-apart relation with respect to the opening 26, e.g., along one or more of the walls W_i to permit air or water or other liquid material to exit the cavities. This arrangement facilitates entry of a portion of the earthen material into each cavity as the anchor penetrates into earthen material.

Cavities C_j in the illustrated concentric arrangement are tube-like or cylindrical shapes each having a major axis extending in a direction parallel with the anchor axis, A. When the auger 20 is inserted to penetrate at least part of the lower shaft portion 12 beneath the ground plane, P, (e.g., into wet sand or other earthen material on land or under a body of water) each opening 26 is positioned to receive earthen material into a cavity C_j.

Accordingly, the above-noted downward force, based on the weight of the anchor 1 prior to penetration of the auger 20 into earthen material, is supplemented during and after penetration of the anchor 1 into the earthen material, i.e., as the cavities C_j become filled with the earthen material. That is, with an initial downward force applied against underlying earthen material while the shaft 2 and walls W_i are rotating, the walls penetrate into the earthen material, causing each cavity C_j to receive earthen material as air or liquid is displaced out from the cavity through one or more vents 28 in the associated cavity walls. This replacement of air or liquid in a cavity C_j with earthen material substantially increases the inertial mass of the anchor about the lower shaft portion 12. This increased mass enhances the stability and support provided by the anchor, in turn improving stability and usefulness of accessories attached to the anchor, such as tables and umbrellas.

The disclosed embodiments describe positioning one or multiple cavities C_j around or about the shaft axis, A. Multiple cavities may be arranged concentrically about the axis, A, as illustrated in the figures. However, it will be apparent that other configurations of the one or more cavities positioned about an anchor shaft can also effect increasing the earthen mass contained by such an assembly. Symmetrical arrangements are exemplary. Embodiments of the invention provide cavities which impart stabilizing weight to the anchor or improve the downward force of penetration into earthen material. For example, in lieu of walls, W_i, defining cylindrically shaped cavities (each symmetrically centered about the shaft axis), multiple individual walled cavity structures can be positioned to extend longitudinally along and about the shaft axis without encircling the shaft. That is, central axes of the cavity structures may be parallel to the Axis, A, but not coincident with, the axis, A. As one example, a series of tubular shaped cavity structures may be formed in a circular array around the lower shaft portion 12.

Also, although the illustrated shaft 2 may comprise cylindrically shaped portions having varied diameters, some or all of the shaft portions 10, 12, 14 may be composed of other rod-like shapes, e.g., square or rectangular in cross section. Cavities of various geometric configurations may be positioned along the lower shaft portion 12 of the anchor 1, with the one or more fillable cavities of sufficient dimension to receive a sufficient amount of earthen material to increase inertial mass and improve the stability of both the anchor and an accessory attached thereto. Generally, providing the lower shaft portion 12 with a relatively large, e.g., radially outward-directed cavity dimension, may advantageously maximize the strength, stability and support of an overlying structure such as a table top attached to the upper shaft portion 10. For example, with the anchor 1 comprising cylindrical shapes, the cylindrical diameter can be relatively larger along the lower shaft portion 12 than it is along the upper shaft portion 10.

During insertion of the anchor 1 into earthen media, a single cavity or multiple open-ended cavities C_j receive the earthen material along the lower shaft portion 12 and/or along the mid shaft portion 14 as the anchor auger penetrates into and below the surface of the earthen material, i.e., below the ground plane, P. The disclosed combination of integrated components collectively provides improved functionality over prior sandbar anchor designs having, for example, relatively narrow cylindrically shaped shafts of constant diameter from the upper shaft end to the auger.

Summarily, the disclosed configurations provide a relatively large, partially enclosed volume formed by one or more open cavities external to the shaft 2, extending along the lower shaft portion or along the mid shaft portion. The specific design may substantially shift the center of mass of the anchor closer to the auger 20 when cavities filled with earthen material are largely in the lower shaft portion 12. Each cavity can receive sand or other semi-solid earthen media as the anchor is rotated to penetrate into and below the surface of the earthen media. It is believed that, by displacing the earthen media into the partially enclosed volumes, there is an overall increase in inertial mass within portions of the anchor that stabilize the anchor with respect to external forces due, for example, to wind action or movement of surrounding water.

Also, with penetration of the anchor 20 into the earthen media, the amount of surface area along the lower shaft portion 12, and possibly also along the mid shaft portion 14, that comes into contact with the earthen media can be substantially enhanced relative to conventional sandbar anchors consisting of a single shaft of constant cylindrical diameter. It is believed that this increase in contact between the earthen media and the outermost wall(s) of the assembly renders it more difficult to displace or rotate the anchor and can thereby improve stability such as, for example, by increasing friction of otherwise impeding movement of the lower shaft portion 12.

The sandbar anchor 1 may have a manual or powered mechanism to rotate the auger 20 and thereby penetrate into earthen material. In an illustrated embodiment a manually operable two arm handle 16 is fixedly attached as an integral component of the anchor 1 but may be removable, foldable or of a collapsible design. The auger 20 comprises a helical, screw-type flange arrangement to provide a directional drilling effect when the anchor is rotated about the axis, A, with turning of the handle 16. The exemplary helical flange arrangement of the auger 20 enables drilling penetration with clockwise, i.e., right-handed, rotation of the auger, as with a right-hand screw. In other embodiments discrete blade-like flanges can be arranged to follow the pattern of a right hand or left-hand screw design. With the auger rotating to drill into sand or other earthen material, penetration of the auger pulls the remaining portion of the anchor 1 deeper into the sand. By way of comparison, with a conventional sandbar anchor loose earthen material is diverted around the auger and central shaft, this resulting in an arrangement where the portion of the central shaft within the earthen medium may be entirely surrounded with loose sand or soil, this rendering it difficult or impractical for the auger to pull the entire anchor deeper into the earthen material. Disclosed embodiments of the invention entrap portions of sand or soil, which would otherwise be loosened, into the cavities C_j and thereby increase capability of further penetrating into the earthen material and effectively increase the inertial mass of the anchor along one or more portions of the shaft., e.g., ranging from 1-2 feet. That is, the otherwise loose sand is forced into the cavities C_j as the auger 20 is turned to penetrate a substantial portion of the anchor into the sand. To some extent, this has the added effect of positioning relatively compact sand in the cavities, thereby increasing the total mass of the anchor 1 during penetration. Advantageously, natural surface tension effects or friction-like properties of damp sand can improve the penetration effectiveness of the sandbar anchor 1.

When used in the water around a sandbar, rotating and penetrating the anchor 1 into the submerged sand diverts the sand into the cavities C_j and/or compacts the sand in the cavities C_j. In some embodiments, vent holes 28, formed through walls of the cavities C_j provide a path allowing the water to exit the cavities C_j as they are filled with sand. Once the sand has been diverted into the cavities C_j, or compacted into the cavities by the drilling effect of the auger 20, with the water removed from the cavities, the surface tension effect between the sand particles, or the tendency of sand particles to stick together, can improve the density of sand particles in the cavities. On the other hand, overly wet, highly diluted, sand permits sand particles to flow away, e.g., through the vent holes 28.

When compared to performance of a conventional sandbar anchor, the anchor 1 according to the invention is advantageous. As one example, the conventional anchor is not as effective as the anchor 1 when attempting to penetrate the anchor to a shallow depth (e.g., one to two feet) below the surface of the submerged sand. This appears to be partly attributable to the added weight amassed by the anchor 1 as it initially rotates the auger 20 to direct earthen materials into the cavities C_j, and to be retained therein, while the weight of the conventional sandbar anchor does not contribute as much penetrating force to reach the greater depths at which highly compacted sand is present. Rather, due to the more fluid nature of loose earthen material along the bottom of some coastal waters, the earthen material can be displaced about the auger without entrapping sufficient mass to supplement the weight of the conventional anchor.

Consequently, when the auger of a conventional anchor is placed in loose and wet sand, there is limited ability to supplement the downward force of the rotating auger in order to reach and penetrate into relatively compact sand which is then diverted into the cavities C_j. Advantageously, to effect improved performance at shallow depths, the present invention is of increased volumetric size and weight due, in part, to ability to fill the cavities C_j and reach greater depths. Simply put, the area in cross section, taken along a plane orthogonal to the axis, A, which plane passes through the cavities C_j, is larger than that of conventional sandbar anchors. Consequently, the cavities C_j can be filled with dense sand which can be compacted to further increase the effective mass of the anchor 1.

As seen in FIG. 4, the anchor 1 has one or plural cavities C_j that extend from the hub 13 to the auger connection 22, and extend about half the total length of the anchor 1 (e.g., about 460 mm or 18 inches). Portions of the shaft 2 may be hollow. as shown in FIG. 4 having, for example, an inner diameter bore sized to accommodate a typical beach style umbrella, on the order of 41 mm or about 1.6 inches. In such embodiments the shaft bore and the concentric cavities C_j are positioned along different portions of the shaft 2. In other embodiments the lower shaft portion 12 and the mid shaft portion 14 are both hollow, providing a longer bore for greater storage space. On the other hand, the strength and resilience of the anchor 1 can be improved upon by forming portions of the shaft 2 as a solid rod capable of withstanding greater loading forces, e.g., without compromising the integrity of the shaft under bending forces.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment an opening 32 along the upper surface of the adapter plate 29 has an inside diameter sized to receive the upper shaft portion 10 to facilitate use of the interiors of the shaft portions 10 and 14 as a storage cavity 21 for beach umbrellas or other accessories, but this inner diameter can be varied in accord with other design considerations or functional requirements. For example, the opening 32 may be of larger (e.g., 1.25 inch) diameter to receive an extension rod or tube 32, such as a length of PVC pipe or an umbrella having a 1.5 inch diameter . For such embodiments a stop may be sized to fully support the wall of a 1.5 inch pipe or partially support a solid rod, and preventing any insertion beyond (i.e., lower than) the stop.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the anchor 1 provides a stable connection between the upper shaft portion 10 and the mid shaft portion 14 via the handle bar coupling 18 as shown in FIG. 4. The upper shaft portion 10 is inserted within a mounting bore 27 formed along the top of the handle bar coupling 18. A cylindrically shaped guide 17 is affixed over the lower opening of the coupling 18, sized and positioned to receive a lower end of the upper shaft portion 10 so that the combination of the inner wall of the bore 27, with the fitting and seating of the lower end of the shaft portion 10 in the guide 17, provides stability when the upper shaft portion 10 is fully inserted in the guide 17. Noting that features of FIG. 4 are not drawn to scale for multiple embodiments, when the upper shaft portion 10 is of smaller outside diameter than the mid shaft portion 14, a stop 19 may be included in a lower portion of the coupling 18 to prevent the shaft 10 from sliding downward into the shaft 14.

Advantageously, the upper shaft portion 10 is removable from the coupling 18 for exchange with shaft portions of different axial lengths in order to adapt the anchor 1 for recreational use in different depths of water. For example, when affixing a table top to the anchor the user may select from multiple upper shaft portions 10 of differing axial lengths to set the table surface at a suitable height above the water surface. With use of the adapter plate 29 (as described below) the anchor according to the present invention will support the combination of a large tabletop and an outdoor umbrella as shown in FIG. 8. The table and umbrella will better maintain desired positions (i.e., stand more erect and stable) than has been achievable with typical sandbar anchors of conventional designs. The inventive anchor design is more steadfast in heavy winds and strong currents than prior art designs.

An adapter plate 29 is coupled to a reducer 30 for attachment about the upper shaft portion 10 to provide an optional connection interface for mounting accessories about the upper end 9 of the anchor. The exemplary reducer 30 may be a PVC component, including an upper portion having a relatively wide, e.g., 2 inch inside diameter, integrally formed along the bottom side of the plate and a lower opening 35 of 1.5 inch inside diameter (or less) sized to receive the upper shaft portion 10. Specifically, the lower portion of the reducer 30 may be of smaller diameter than an upper portion of the reducer, sized as a slip fitting to slide over the outside of the anchor upper shaft portion 10.

The opening 32 may be sized to receive a pipe or shaft having an O.D. of 1.25 inch (or less) associated with an accessory (e.g., the shaft of an umbrella shown in FIG. 7) or partially support a solid rod 38. In another embodiment, the interior chamber of the reducer 30 may include a cylindrically shaped guide 39 affixed against the lower side of the adapter plate 29 and along the opening 32, sized and positioned to receive the upper end of the upper shaft portion 10 so that the combination of the guide and the opening 35 provide stability when the upper shaft portion 10 is fully inserted and seated in the guide 39. The lower portion of the reducer 30 is of smaller diameter, sized as a slip fitting to slide over the outside of the anchor upper shaft portion 10. In other embodiments a stop may be included within the reducer 30, sized to fully support the wall of a 1.5 inch PVC pipe and or partially support a solid rod, preventing any insertion beyond a stop. The plate 29 includes a set of through holes (not shown) suitable for a variety of applications, including use of fasteners of varied designs to attach accessories to the plate. Exemplary accessories for attachment are a tabletop, a removable two arm handle functionally equivalent to the handle 16 (in lieu of attachment of handles via the coupling 18), and a powered drive system coupled through the adapter plate 29 to engage the shaft 2 for rotation.

ADVANTAGES AND FEATURES OF EMBODIMENTS INVENTION

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the removable upper shaft portion 10 serves as an extension of the overall shaft 2 to increase the total axial length/height of the anchor 1. For example, with the anchor fixed in the bottom surface under 3 feet of water adjoining a sandbar, an extension effected with the upper shaft portion 10, having an approximate length of 2 feet, allows for attachment of the adapter plate 29 (serving as a platform) at the upper end 3 of the upper shaft portion 10, just above the water line. The adapter plate 29 can also be sized to function as a table by itself or as the underlying support to which a larger table top is attached by suitable means.

Advantageously the adapter plate 29 has a relatively large outside diameter to support a table top 31 with greater resilience when the table top is attached thereto with, for example, screw fasteners or clamps. The reducer 30 has a greater wall thickness than the upper shaft portion 10 to strengthen the region along which connection to an umbrella may incur potentially damaging bending moments, e.g., due to wind forces.

Disclosed embodiments of the anchor 1 have a plurality of cavities encircling a shaft 2. Two exemplary cavities C₁, C₂ have been illustrated where each cavity is created by configuring a plurality of wall structures W_i around a portion of the shaft. Consistent with the exemplary embodiments, the wall structures W_i may, more generally, be a sequence of n concentric, spaced-apart cylindrical-like shapes where a major exterior surface portion 5 of an outer-most wall structure W_i, transitions from an exemplary cylindrical-like shape into a hub 13 having an exemplary truncated frustoconicular shape with the truncated portion of smallest diameter terminating near or along a mid-portion of the shaft.

Each in the plurality of cavity walls, e.g., cylindrical wall structures, may extend from a position along the central axis of a rotatable anchor shaft toward the lower end of the anchor. The axial length of each of the cavity walls, as measured along the shaft axis, can decrease from each cavity wall structure to an adjacent cavity wall structure but, in other embodiments, can be of equal length. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity wall structures W_i are tiered in axial length to produce a stepped arrangement of different axial lengths and different outer diameters about the shaft in the sequence of cylindrical wall structures W_i. Each in the plurality of cavity wall structures W_i extends from a position along the shaft 2, e.g., hub 13, and along the exterior surface 5 of a lower portion of the anchor shaft.

A view in cross section of an assembled embodiment of the invention can be seen in FIG. 7. The height or distance of the plate 29 above the hub 13, along the axis, A, is determined by the length of the upper shaft portion 10, which may be hollow, e.g., a 1.5-inch ID PVC pipe, allowing for the insertion or installation of an accessory rod therein. The rod can be positioned to rest on a bottom ledge or stop 40 of the storage cavity 22 in the mid shaft portion 14. The rod 38 can support accessories like an umbrella. An anchor is disclosed having a plurality of cavities encircling a shaft 2. Two exemplary cavities are described where each cavity is created by configuring a plurality of wall structures W_i around the a portion of the shaft. Consistent with the exemplary embodiment, the wall structures may, more generally, be a sequence of n concentric, spaced-apart cylindrical-like shapes where major exterior surface portion 5 of an outer-most wall structure transitions from an exemplary cylindrical-like shape into a hub 13 having an exemplary truncated frustoconicular shape with the truncated portion of smallest diameter terminating near or at a mid-portion of the shaft.

Each in the plurality of cavity walls, e.g., cylindrical wall structures, extends from a position along the hub 13 and along the central axis of the anchor toward the lower end of the anchor. The axial length of each of the cavity walls, as measured along the shaft axis, can decrease from cavity wall structure to adjacent cavity wall structure but, in other embodiments, can be of equal length. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity wall structures are tiered in axial length to produce a stepped arrangement of different axial lengths and different outer diameters about the shaft in the sequence of cylindrical wall structures. Each in the plurality of cavity wall structures extends from a position along the hub 13 and along the exterior surface of a lower portion of the anchor shaft.

Embodiments of a sandbar anchor have been described. Those skilled in the art will recognize that use of the anchor can be advantageous in a wide variety of applications including both water-related and terrestrial recreational activities. Examples have been used to describe embodiments of the invention having features with specific shapes and sizes, but the invention is not so limited. Numerous additional modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, design of the shaft may vary depending on the desired level of stability or based on insertion depth of the auger, or the specific item or weight of a component being supported or stabilized with the anchor. References made to umbrellas or tables are only exemplary of accessories which can be used in association with the inventive anchor. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is only limited by the claims which now follow.

Claims

1. An anchor of the type which penetrates into earthen material, comprising:

a shaft, having a central axis and first and second opposing ends extending in opposing directions along the central axis;

a device for penetrating into and displacing the earthen material, the device having a portion configured for attachment to the first shaft end for rotation therewith so that, when the shaft is rotated while a downward force from the weight of the shaft is translated through the device to the earthen material, the device can both penetrate into the earthen material and pull a portion of the anchor shaft into the earthen material;

an assembly coupled to impart a rotational force to the shaft and cause the device to rotate with the shaft;

one or more walls attached along the shaft and configured to provide one or more cavities along or about the first axis, each cavity having an associated cavity opening positionable to receive earthen material through the associated cavity opening while the device is penetrating into the earthen material, this causing the shaft to be pulled into the earthen material as the device penetrates into the earthen material.

2. The anchor of claim 1 where the cavity opening associated with each cavity is oriented to face the earthen material when the auger penetrates the earthen material.

3. The anchor of claim 1 where the walls define a plurality of cylinders.

4. The anchor of claim 3 where the walls define a plurality of concentric cylinders.

5. The anchor of claim 3 where each cylinder extends along the central axis with the associated opening configured to face the earthen material while the auger penetrates the earthen material.

6. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the wall structures each have an axial length measurable along the central axis and the wall structures are tiered in axial length to produce a stepped arrangement of different axial lengths and different outer diameters about the shaft.

7. The anchor of claim 6 wherein the wall structures are collectively formed as concentric cylinders tiered along the axial lengths to create a plurality of annular cavities between each of the cylinders.

8. The anchor of claim 2 wherein the wall structures are collectively formed as concentric cylinders about the central axis and, when the anchor is embedded into sand by rotation of the auger and, while or after at least one of the plurality of concentric cylinders is penetrated into the earthen media, the earthen media is moved into an annular cavity between a pair of adjacent cylinders.

9. The anchor of claim 1 where the assembly coupled to impart the rotational force to the shaft and cause the auger to rotate with the shaft comprises a handle bar attachable to the shaft to effect rotation of the auger.

10. The anchor of claim 1 where the device for penetrating into and displacing the earthen material comprises a screw-type auger having a lower end for penetrating into the earthen material and an upper end configured for attachment to the first shaft end for rotation therewith.

11. The anchor of claim 1 where the assembly coupled to impart the rotational force comprises a handle connectable to the shaft.

12. An anchor for securing an object in a location near an earthen medium having an upper surface, comprising:

a shaft having an outer surface and opposing upper and lower ends;

a device attachable to the shaft lower end for penetrating into and displacing material of the earthen medium, the device suitable for penetrating through the upper surface of the earthen medium and for driving the shaft lower end into the earthen surface;

a first wall connected to the shaft outer surface with a first portion of the first wall positioned in spaced-apart relation to the shaft to create a first cavity having a first opening into which fluid may enter the cavity as the auger rotates.

13. The anchor of claim 12 wherein the process of penetrating into and displacing material of the earthen medium into the first cavity increases mass of the anchor thereby improving securement or stability of an object attached thereto.

14. The anchor of claim 12 further including a second wall connected to the shaft outer surface with a second portion of the second wall positioned in spaced-apart relation to the shaft or positioned in spaced-apart relation to the first portion of the first wall to create a second cavity having a first opening into which fluid may enter into the second cavity as the auger rotates.

15. A method of anchoring an object in a location near an earthen medium having an upper surface, comprising:

providing an anchor comprising a rotatable shaft having one or more open containers positioned along the shaft for holding earthen material therein;

with an auger affixed to a lower end of the shaft, rotating the shaft, causing the auger to penetrate into an earthen medium and pull a combination of portions of the shaft and the one or more containers into the earthen medium, thereby causing the one or more containers to receive some of the material from the penetrated earthen medium therein.

16. The method of claim 15 where, prior to causing the auger to penetrate into the earthen medium, the one or more containers contain air or liquid media, and the step of causing the one or more containers to receive some of the material includes positioning the first opening of each container to receive the earthen medium therein while allowing air or liquid present in the container to exit the container through an aperture other than the first opening.