Abstract: An apparatus to assist a user in tying a boat to a cleat or rail. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a line having a loop and a pair of spreaders which are independently, slidably mounted thereon. Each spreader has a connection recess to receive an end portion of one of a pair of spaced-apart spreader arms. The spreader arms are attached to one end of an elongated shaft and the other end of the shaft is for grasping by the user. The spreaders hold the loop in an open position for easy placement around the cleat and when the handle is pulled by the user in a direction away from the cleat with a predetermined separation force, with the loop in place around the cleat, the spreaders separate from the spreader arms and the loop is free to assume a closed position around the cleat for tying the boat to the cleat. In an alternative embodiment, the line has a pair of spliced end portions, each of which is fixedly attached to one of the spreaders.

Abstract: A girth hitch is secured about an object by a girth hitching mechanism hag a rotatable actuator gate which displaces a latch gate that has a parrot hook that loosely supports a portion of a closed girth loop. A latch ring joined to the girth loop by a latch ring bite is engaged by the parrot hook when the latch gate and actuator gate are rotatably displaced as the object enters the throat of a fork which supports the latch gate, actuator gate and latch ring. After the parrot hook engages the latch ring and the latch gate is rotated in the opposite direction by the object to disengage the latch ring, the girth loop is pulled from its loose support on the parrot hook into a girth hitch configuration about the object to enable its recovery via an attached lift line.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system of the type having a sacrificial anode for corrosion protection of the casing includes structure whereby the propeller is electrically insulated from the casing and the sacrificial anode. The structure includes spacers made of insulating materials, spacers having insulating coatings, or insulating coatings on the surfaces of the propeller or the propeller shaft. Electrical insulation of the propeller prevents unsightly and efficiency-reducing depositions on the propeller surfaces and reduces the required size of the anode.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist a user in tying a boat to a cleat. The apparatus includes a line having a loop and a pair of spreaders which are independently, slidably mounted thereon. Each spreader has a connection recess to receive an end portion of one of a pair of spaced-apart spreader arms. The spreader arms are attached to one end of an elongated shaft and the other end of the shaft is for grasping by the user. The spreaders hold the loop in an open position for easy placement around the cleat and when the handle is pulled by the user in a direction away from the cleat with a predetermined separation force, with the loop in place around the cleat, the spreaders separate from the spreader arms and the loop is free to assume a closed position around the cleat for tying the boat to the cleat.

Abstract: A mooring and maneuvering device which includes an elongated rigid pole having an improved boat hook at the distal end thereof and further including a flexible loop movable from an operative position to facilitate the securing of said device to a mooring post and an inoperative position wherein said loop is pivoted back upon and secured to said pole to permit the use of the device for other purposes.

Abstract: An illuminated boat hook structure for performance of boat docking and launching operations, particularly at night or other times of low visibility, is disclosed. The structure of this invention comprises a tubular telescoping shaft member supporting therewithin a power source, parabolic reflector and bulb, and associated wiring connected to a manual switch mounted on the shaft member. A significant feature of the invention is the provision at the forward end of the tubular shaft member of a shaped essentially transparent plastic hook member which projects an unidirectional diffused beam of light toward objects which are to be sighted during zero or low visibility boat docking and launching operations. The particular shape of the hook member facilitates performance of these operations.

Abstract: A boat hook which permits selectively releasable connection with respect to a conventional snap-hook of a standard mooring line. The boat hook is composed of a handle which terminates at a remote end in a snap-hook holder. The snap-hook holder is composed of two parts: (1) a seating member which is dimensioned so that the general vicinity of the eyelet area of a conventional snap-hook can seat snugly therein, and (2) a biasing member, which is hingably biased with respect to the seating member so as to selectively retain the snap-hook seated in the seating member. Once the snap-hook has been manipulated by the handle so as to be connected onto an eyelet of an object, such as the bow eyelet of a boat, a sharp pull on the handle will cause the snap-hook to be released from the handle of the boat hook.

Abstract: A self-contained, freely floating, freely operating minesweeper is disclo which facilitates the neutralization of marine mines in rivers, streams, and other water courses. Said minesweeper includes a barrel with a permanent magnet array mounted on the bottom thereof. An internal combustion engine, having a drive shaft and an exhaust output, in mounted within said barrel in such manner that the drive shaft extends through the side wall thereof. A partially fender shrouded paddle wheel is mounted on the end of said drive shaft for rotation therewith, and an exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust output of said internal combustion engine, with the effluent end thereof located outside said barrel and radially therefrom in such manner as to cause the exhaust gases emanating therefrom to effect rotation thereof. A float collar is partially mounted around the outer periphery of the aforesaid barrel, so as to facilitate the attitude stabilization thereof.

Abstract: A device for mounting a downrigger to a sidewall portion of a boat includes a base having a generally flat planar surface for receiving and supporting the downrigger and a clamping arrangement including a pair of spaced apart C-clamps joined by a transverse tightening member which C-clamps are removably fastenable to a sidewall portion of a boat for fastening the base to the boat. A preferably adjustable structure couples the base and clamping arrangement or base support together at selected relative angular orientations thereby allowing mounting on virtually any current open side wall style boat while also allowing the downrigger to be optimally inclined to the water line as selected by the user.

Abstract: A remotely operable shackle particularly adapted for connecting a mooring line to a mooring loop. The shackle may be detachably carried by a boat hook and is remotely operable to connect and disconnect the shackle from a mooring loop.

Abstract: An improved sacrificial marine anode is adapted for installation on numerous different types of marine vessels. The anode is comprised of a plate of sacrificial metal formed with a pair of longitudinally aligned slots which are spatially separated from each other and which are defined entirely within the perimeter of the plate. The anode may be installed on a marine vessel having a hull and a pair of spatially separated studs projecting from the hull below the waterline thereof. The anode is installed by placing the slab against the hull from beneath the waterline such that the studs project through the slots, and securing fasteners to the ends of the studs to clamp the slab against the hull.

Abstract: A convertible bank anchor and mooring device with a locking cylinder is shown for use with watercraft. The anchor has an elongated tube, or pole, having a ball and socket coupling at one end joined to the side of the boat and an inverted, downturned hook member at the opposite end of the pole for engagement with a tree bough or trunk on shore. There is a lock and key cylinder associated with the socket of the coupling to prevent the unauthorized disengagement of the coupling when the bank anchor is reversed and used as a mooring device. The hook member has a longitudinal swivel connection to the pole, and the ball and socket coupling comprises a stationary socket mechanism attached to one sidewall of the boat having a housing supporting a fixed clamping jaw and a spring-biased clamping jaw urged toward the fixed jaw to provide a female socket.

Abstract: This handrail polishing flap is designed to depend from boat handrails when the boat is not in use, so as to clean and polish the handrails by wind power only. Primarily, it consists of a panel with a bristled plastic strip in the longitudinal middle portion that contains a cleaning and polishing agent that engages with the handrail. Mating hook and loop pile fasteners are secured to the flap for holding it together on the handrail, and pockets are provided in the end portion that depends downward from the handrail, for returning the flap to its full downward position after each movement back and forth caused by the wind.

Abstract: A barrier against vermin crawling along an elongated structure. The barrier comprises an outer shell having a generally continuous side wall and an end wall which together define a cavity. A mounting means connects the outer shell to the elongated structure, and a pesticide is disposed inside the cavity for providing a vermin-deterring environment therein.

Abstract: A system for releasing an anchor moored to the bottom of the sea, based on a mechanical device being inserted between the lower end of the anchor suspension chain or cable and the upper part of the arm of the anchor. The mechanical device basically comprises two in-between articulated parts, which, in their normal position, are blocked in order to form a single body for attaching the above-mentioned lower end of the anchor suspension cable to the upper end of the anchor arm. Through the use of an additional and independent accessory or piece which is made to slide along the very anchor suspension cable, both parts of the device are unblocked, by tractioning said additional and independent piece. The unblocking implies that one the parts of the device will be only attached to the lower end of the suspension cable, while the other part will be attached to the upper end of the anchor arm, all that so that the tractioning force for raising the anchor will be exerted from the lower part thereof, i.e.

Abstract: A manually operated device to aid in docking a boat by clasping a dock bollard or in clasping other stationary pole-like objects. This invention comprises two outwardly rotating semicircular jaws, linked by a linkage mechanism, that clasp together and latch together to encircle an object such as a dock bollard or stationary pole. Release of the bollard or pole is accomplished by twisting the clasping device so that the sides of the jaws detach themselves from the latching position.

Abstract: A sailboat having a foresail is disclosed including a combination whisker pole and boat hook where the whisker pole portion includes a cleat for securing an idle foresail sheet to retain the pole in contact with the foresail clew releasably.

Abstract: A rail clamp is provided comprising a pair of substantially identical opposing side pieces or members in which the side members have a means for slidably interlocking with one another at one end of the side members, a semicircular portion located in in approximately the middle of each side member, a hole for fastening the two side members together after they have interlocked around a rail, and a hole for mounting auxiliary equipment to the rail clamp. The interlocking end comprises a hooking end and a receiving end such that the hooking end of the first side member can slidably interlock with the receiving end of the opposing side member. The hooking end has a hooking lip which forms a hooking channel and the receiving end has a receiving lip which forms a receiving channel such that the hooking lip slides into the receiving channel and the receiving lip slides into the hooking channel when the two opposing side members are brought into a face-to-face relationship.

Abstract: By providing at least two elongated, telescopically engaged tube members which incorporate therein a spring biased, dual locking pin structure in combination with tube aligning and centralizing zones, a unique, adjustable handle and arm assembly is achieved which is capable of being easily moved into a plurality of alternate positions and securely engaged in each position, with unwanted dislodgement or lateral wobbling or movement being completely eliminated. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated telescopically engaged tube members are constructed with cooperating enlarged diameter zones and reduced diameter zones to prevent the unwanted disengagement of the tube members. In addition a plurality of alternate operative end units can be quickly and easily mounted to said elongated handle and arm assembly, with one of said end units comprising a unique mooring clasp and book hook construction.

Abstract: A trap-guard for vermin repellant destruction which may be molded from conventional plastic as a unitary structure and has a body, a central tube and a mounting means for a conventional chemical compound.

Abstract: A standoff mooring bar for a boat featuring an adjustable mooring bar body. This body has an inner cylindrical tube telescoping within an outer cylindrical tube, and a pair of end caps closing the telescoping pair of tubes. A mooring rope extends through the pair of tubes through openings located in both end caps. A compression locking assembly fixes the adjustable length of the telescoping pair of tubes. The locking assembly includes a generally cylindrical threaded sleeve fixed to the outer tube opposite its capped end, a thraded locking cap through which the inner tube passes, and a compression ring seal seated upon the inner tube and captured between the sleeve and the locking cap. The locking cap is manually tightened relative the threaded sleeve to cause the ring seal to bind frictionally the two telescoping tubes to a fixed length. A guy rope is fixed to the sleeve in such a manner that the guying forces do not tend to alter the combined length of the two telescoped tubes.

Abstract: A marine standoff that maintains a watercraft at a fixed distance from a dock or wharf. The marine standoff may be used as a portable unit and stored on board the watercraft or may be used as a fixed unit and left permanently attached to a fixed mooring point. A preferred embodiment includes an attaching hook/clip combination on one end of the marine standoff and an elastomer tip at the other end of the marine standoff through which a line is passed through at the elastomer tip end. A stainless steel cable is attached to the safety clip portion of the hook, said cable being housed within the interior chamber of the marine standoff. The cable end which is remote from the hook is connected to an exterior pull ring which allows the remote release of the safety clip for easy removal of the standoff from a docking device such as a cleat or ring.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mooring device for more quickly, safely and securely mooring a boat to a stationary object. The device includes first and second opposed, inwardly curving arms forming a jaw portion and a handle portion extending from each of the arms. The arms are coupled by a fastener located adjacent the handle portions. A resilient member couples the arms intermediate the fastener and the other end of the jaw portion to hold the jaw portion in a normally closed position while yielding to allow the jaw portion to open when the handle portions are drawn together. A tie-line extends from the first arm, to the second arm, through the first handle portion and to the boat to be secured.

Abstract: An accessory or an accessory mount for a yacht comprises a device (1) not involved with the normal operation of a winch and having an integral supporting leg (3) which is adapted to locate in the handle receiving socket of a winch. The leg (3) is designed to be a jamm fit in the handle receiving socket, and has a thread (5) at least towards its upper end. A threaded ring (6) engages the threaded upper end of the leg (3) and is screwable down the leg (3) so that it will engage the top of the winch and force the leg (3) out of its jamm fit with the socket.

Abstract: A chaser of a hook type for laying-out and weighing an anchor and intended for tensioning of an anchor line to an embedded anchor.

Abstract: A hand-manipulated device for mooring boats to docks, both of the same being provided with cleats, and the device comprising essentially an elongate spacer member having opposite end fittings each provided with an outer edge. These edges are recessed to provide a concave, cleat-receiving seat for proper positionment of the device. The device itself includes suitable apertures for receiving an elongate flexible member such as a cord that is loosely looped at the opposite ends of the device to loop over and engage the cleats. The cord is then pulled tight such that the loops tightly surround the cleat risers or posts, and the cord is itself fastened to a cleat provided the device so that the cord is maintained in top condition.

Abstract: Rope-supporting members are secured to a boat hook at spaced points along the length of the forward portion of that boat hook; and each of those rope-holding members has a shank and a bent end. That boat hook will be rotated about its axis to dispose those rope-holding members in position to support two spaced parts of a loop which is adjacent one end of a rope; and then those two spaced parts of that loop will be draped over those rope-holding members.

Abstract: A device for holding open and manipulating an end loop of a boat line at an extended distance from the user, especially for positioning the loop over a cleat or the top of a piling to dock a boat. The device attaches to a long pole such as a boat hook. It comprises a wire support and a wire forming a V shape in a first, operational mode. At the free ends of the V, the wire is shaped into releasable rope-holding hooks. In operation, the rope loop is held by these hooks while the operator applies tension to the rope along the pole. The loop forms a triangle, bounded on two sides by the wire, with the third side free. The triangle is slipped over the piling and the pole retracted. The piling passes through the open side of the wire triangle and the rope releases from the wire hooks. In a second mode, the wire is retracted and the ends brought together for convenient storage and to permit use of the pole for other purposes such as a boat hook and the like.

Abstract: Outriggers for sportfishing boats of the tubular mast type strengthened by a plurality of longitudinal truss cables to resist mast bending are improved by new spreader assemblies that include unique cable spreader arms that have (a) tubular sockets on their inboard end, (b) a cable guide through which an anti-bending cable passes removably fitted into their outboard end and (c) a frangible portion in the arm to break when the arm is overloaded. The improved spreader assemblies include (1) a collar, sized to encircle the mast and (2) a plurality of lateral posts, each threaded at one end into the collar and sized to slideably receive the tubular socket of one of the spreader arms to retain the arm extending laterally outwardly from the collar creating a cable truss member. The truss cables are connected to the mast via unique ball-anchor lugs formed as integral portions of the mast collars.

Abstract: A method of providing a habitable dry work chamber for conducting work on an underwater work surface when the nature of the work is such that dangerous fumes and gases are produced. An underwater gas pocket work unit is attached to the underwater work surface to define a work chamber that may be entered from beneath through the water. The work unit includes a structure consisting of walls defining a work opening, which, when positioned with the work opening at the work surface, defines a work chamber that is accessible only from beneath. The structure is sealed at the work opening to the work surface to define the work chamber, wherein the work chamber is defined solely by the structure and the work surface. A habitable gas that is heavier than the dangerous fumes and gases is caused to flow continuously into the work chamber through a valve in the structure to provide a gaseous pocket in the upper portion of the work chamber when the structure is sealed to the underwater work surface.

Abstract: A man-overboard retrieval device comprises a rigid, tubular boom attachable at an inboard end to an anchorage on a boat and having at its other, outboard end a strap which forms a semi-rigid, self-supporting bight which can be placed around a man in the water. A draw-cord attached to a free end of the strap extends through the boom and emerges at the inboard end where it can be pulled to tighten the bight around the man before being fastened in a cleat. A hoist on the boat can be attached to a hoisting eye on the boom either at the inboard end or near the strap, as convenient, for hoisting the device and the rescued man onboard.

Abstract: An elongated dimensionally stable flexible electrode (30) having a current carrying inner portion (31) in an outer protective and electrically conductive sheath (33) preferably formed of ruthenium dioxide. A layer of titanium cladding (33) may be provided on the inner current carrying portion (31) for carrying the outer sheath (33). The anode electrode is utilized for generating electrical current, such as for use in developing magnetic fields in salt water environments, preferably as an element of a sweep cable device having a floatation means around which one or more electrodes are helically wound.

Abstract: A rat guard for ships' hawsers. A barrier plate has a main open-end slot leading upwardly from its lower edge toward an arcuate hawser-engaging end near its center of gravity, and a through opening near its upper end. A pivot pin is near the upper end of the main slot. A freely swingable closure door has an upper end portion with a recess extending in from one side edge and an arcuate portion for engaging the hawser. This door has a closed slot receiving the pivot pin, so that the door is slidable relative to the plate and pin as well as being pivoted to the pin. The door has a first rope-anchor adjacent to its upper end. Either the door or the plate has a second rope anchor well below its upper end and near one side thereof. A first control rope extends through the through opening and is secured to the first rope-anchor; a second control rope is secured to the second rope-anchor.

Abstract: A fairing and a fairing assembly for towed underwater cables is provided, having two different embodiments of fairings. In the first embodiment, each fairing has a flexible nose portion and a substantially rigid tail portion having separable halves, with the connection between the nose portion and the tail portion being by way of a flange at each side at the rear of the nose portion fitting into a channel at the front of each of the half pieces of the tail portion, and with the channel being interrupted by a shear block which is accommodated by a discontinuity in the nose portion flanges. A special arrangement is made having half-length nose portions, and using a flexible link between at least certain ones of adjacent fairings, where the half-length nose portion accommodates a ring secured to the periphery of the cable.

Abstract: An arrangement for sweeping mines having firing systems which are sensitive to magnetic fields is disclosed which utilizes a remote control mobile floating body with a built-in propulsion system. A magnetic field is generated within a group of permanent magnets located within the floating body in such a manner that these permanent magnets are either individually controlled or controlled as a group so that various types of magnetic field mines can be detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method having particular utility in quickly releasing the moorings of large vessels and offshore platforms. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a pair of pyrotechnic cutting torches disposed in a housing included as a structural member in a submerged mooring, such as an anchor chain. The housing divides at one end into a shackle comprising substantially parallel laterally spaced walls, each having an aperture therethrough. A common anchor chain link is inserted between the walls of the shackle and a shackle pin is inserted through the wall apertures and the link to secure the link to the housing. The cutting torches are disposed in the same plane as the link, and the torch nozzles oriented so as to sever the link on both sides of the pin when the torches are ignited, in order to release the chain therefrom. The other end of the housing comprises a clevis, secured to the anchor chain by a Kenter shackle.

Abstract: Collars are secured to a boat hook at spaced points along the length of the forward portion of that boat hook; and each of those collars has a rope-holding member which has a shank and a bent end. That boat hook will be rotated about its axis to dispose those rope-holding members in position to support two spaced parts of a loop which is adjacent one end of a rope; and then those two spaced parts of that loop will be draped over those rope-holding members.

Abstract: A magnetic mine sweep has at least one block of permanent magnet material connected on each side in flux conducting relationship to respective distributor elements, typically of mild steel, which are secured to respective steel pipes which are closed to form cavities for providing buoyancy and for distributing the flux for mine sweeping purposes. Rigid plastic foam can be provided in the cavities for reserve buoyancy and stiffening purposes. A non-magnetic shroud extends around the block of permanent magnet material.

Abstract: The rope handling device described herein comprises two cylindrical tubes adapted to have one pass longitudinally within the other, with a T or Y shaped journal attached to the end of the outer tube. An appropriate length of rope is positioned through the length of the inner tube and the rope is looped at the end extending out of the tubes and through a spreading journal or yoke, one portion of the loop extending out one side of the journal and another part extending out the other side of the journal and the completion of the loop extending out beyond the journal. The loop section of the rope has a stiffening means, such as a stiff spring wire embedded and securely fastened in the rope. The loop may be enlarged by pushing the rope through the spreader. The loop may be made smaller and tightened on any object encircled by the loop by pulling the rope through the tubes.

Abstract: The device for remote passing a cord in or around an anchoring member comprises a support (1) on the end of which a slide (2) is fastened as well as a sliding block (3) sliding in the slide. The sliding block (3) has a length at least equal to twice that of the slide (2) increased by the width of a notch (8) provided in the sliding block. The sliding block (3) comprises at at least one of its ends, fixing means (6, 7) for the cord. A locking mechanism (9 to 18) is provided to fix either temporarily or permanently the position of the sliding block (3) with respect to the slide (2). The introduction into the notch (8) of an anchoring member displaces the lever (12) of the locking mechanism, when it is in its temporary locked position, and frees the sliding block from the slide which can slide up to the other end of the notch (8). In this manner a cord fixed to the sliding block (1) is passed around the anchoring member.

Abstract: This invention is a removable and buoyant sail cradle for use on small sailboats having detachable masts and booms such as the commercially available AMF All-Court Sunfish such that the sail cradle has a stem having a hollow first end which inserts within the mast hole of a sailboat after the mast has been removed where the first end has an upper and lower portion such that the lower portion is watertightly sealed by an inserted cap and the upper portion is sealed by a second end of the sail cradle where the second end extends above the deck and has a cradle portion has a C-type ring having the open portion facing away from the stem and upward for captivating receipt of the detached mast, boom and furled sail above the deck of a sailboat while in transit. The device also doubles in utility as a sealed flotation device in the event that the boat is capsized while in use.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the antifouling coating leach rates on ps' hulls uses a spherical segment shaped shell that circulates water over a coated area. A pump connected in closed circuit with the shell assures proper flow rate. A second pump creates a partial vacuum and holds the shell on the coated surface. A combination of nozzles and outlet fittings assures that the coating is exposed to a circulating flow of water. A portion of the circulated water is passed through a cupric ion electrode sensor which provides signals representative of the dissolved copper in water over time and, hence, the leach rate of the coating.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a substantially liquid free working environment on a submerged surface, such as the hull of a ship. The apparatus includes a liquid tight enclosure, a sealing edge located on the liquid tight enclosure for forming a liquid proof seal between the enclosure and a submerged surface, a device for altering the shape of the apparatus so that the sealing edge can form a seal with submerged surfaces of different shape, and a device for enabling manipulation of objects within the enclosure by a person located outside of the enclosure, which, in a preferred embodiment, includes a pair of gloves that extend into the enclosure. Such an apparatus can be used by securely placing it against a submerged surface, such as the hull of a ship, altering the shape of the apparatus until its sealing edge conforms with the submerged surface so as to make a liquid tight seal with it, and then filling the enclosure full of gas, such as air, until substantially all of the water has been removed from it.

Abstract: A boats hardware system--especially, although not exclusively designed for pleasure boating--involves massive clamping parts fashioned from a plastic, which is light enough to float. The parts are shaped and proportioned to fit over and be clamped to a rail of a boat. Clamping is preferably accomplished by large head nuts which may be fully tightened responsive to finger pressure. A rubber or other friction forming plug or screw head may be used to increase the friction of immobilize the clamp on the boat rail. The various parts may be used together in different combinations to make a system which easily fits into place, even when bulky items are installed by one person. An important advantage of the invention is its ability to be mounted on a boat without requiring either an undue amount of time or any special tools.

Abstract: A brush for cleaning mud from anchor chain mounts on a boat hook so that the staff of the boat hook can serve as the handle of the brush during cleaning operations.

Abstract: A pair of opposed arms extend in spaced parallel arrangement to each other, each of which arms include relatively short handle portions and relatively long gripping portions. The inner or opposed gripping edge of each arm includes a plurality of jagged teeth formed by relatively deep notches in the opposed edges of the arms. The teeth and notches are provided throughout substantially the entire gripping portion. The notches extend into the surface of the arms a distance of at least one-half inch. The arms are joined together by a connection about a pivot point positioned intermediate the handle portion and the gripping portion. A compression spring extends between the handle portions for normally biasing the gripping portions toward a closed position. One of the handles of the device receives one end of a tether which is attached at the other end to the boat.

Abstract: A novel one piece anchor is described for adjustably tethering a rope suspended boat fender against the side of a boat so that the boat fender will be appropriately positioned with respect to the level of a dock against which the boat may be moored. In the preferred embodiment, the novel anchor comprises a substantially elongate member of uniform thickness, one end of which is differentiated into a hook, and the other end of which is rounded. A number of apertures appropriately defined therethrough, at least one of which is disposed near the rounded end thereof receives a rope which is threaded from one side of the anchor through an intermediate aperture, and then around one of the longitudinal edges of the anchor for theading from the same side into a second aperture located near the remote end of the anchor. Once threaded, the intermediate portion of the rope disposed between the two apertures is movable between positions engaging either longitudinal edge of the anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the docking and mooring of a boat which employs a fixed housing which has an opening found therein. A latching pawl assembly connects with the opening and is movable between a latching position and an unlatching position. A funnel shaped shield is located about the opening. A rod member which comprises a front end of an elongated pole is to be guided by the shield into connection with the opening and to be latched by the latching pawl assembly. Pushing and pulling movements can then be exerted against the pole to ease a small boat against a pier.

Abstract: 1. In a device for sweeping a pressure ground mine, the combination of an ongated tow cable adapted to be towed laterally at a substantially fixed distance above and parallel to the bottom of a seaway, a mop-like array of lines having their proximal ends secured to said tow cable and having the major portion of length, including their trailing ends, dragging on the adjacent to the bottom of the seaway, said lines being individually provided with bristly thrums.

Abstract: An extensible-handle buoyant net and retrieval device having a handle member made of telescoping tubes sealed at their joints by a packing gland, the handle member being sealed at one end by an inserted hook member and carrying a fork member at its other end, the fork member having a block pivotally connected thereto supporting a net frame, and the fork member and block forming a pivotal joint carrying a lock for fixing the angle of the net frame to a selected one of multiple predetermined angular positions, the frame and handle members being made of hollow plastic tubing.