Anchor Patents (Class 114/294)
  • Patent number: 8727276
    Abstract: An anchoring harpoon intended in particular for an aircraft, capable of cooperating with an anchoring grate of a platform, includes jack elements including a cylinder element containing mobile piston elements provided with a rod that extends beyond the cylinder element, the free end of which includes a harpoon head (7) that is hooked in the grate and includes retaining fingers (8, 13, 14) that can be moved between a retracted position and an active position by control elements (9). The control element (9) for controlling the movements of the fingers include a control piston (18) which can slide inside the rod of the jack and which is associated with a bistable actuator (19) of the fingers, capable of moving between a retracted position and an active position in which the fingers are deployed with the application of successive pressure pulses in the jack elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: DCNS
    Inventor: Ronan Affre De Saint Rome
  • Patent number: 8720360
    Abstract: A flotation control system that allows a user to place a first anchor base and a second anchor base operating in conjunction with respective retractable lines at opposite ends of an inflatable float. Each retractable line is secured to an outer bag that is used to protect an internal inner bag. The inner bag is filled with sand and sealed so that the outer bag, inner bag, and sand form an anchor. A user will release two anchors at opposite ends of the float. This function affords the user control over direction and drift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Leslie Kessler
  • Patent number: 8677919
    Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing using an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Gregory Paul Beamer, David M. Samek
  • Patent number: 8667919
    Abstract: A boat anchor is described and which includes a fixture, which is releasably secured to a cleat that is mounted on a boat; an adjustable arm moveably mounted to the fixture and which has a distal end; a channel member mounted on the distal end of the adjustable arm and which defines a passageway; and an elongated anchor rod which is received in the passageway and which further has a distal end which is operable to engage an underwater surface, which is located near the boat, and wherein the adjustable arm maintains the boat at a predetermined distance from the anchor rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Adam Higby
  • Patent number: 8661999
    Abstract: A shallow water anchoring device that attaches to the outside hull of a boat. The device drives a sharpened rod into the floor of the body of water. The rod is driven perpendicularly to the water line of the body of water. The device uses an electric motor to drive the driving wheel that drives the rod into the floor. The driving wheel is coated by an elastic material to increase the physical force between the driving wheel and the rod when pressed together. The rod is housed within a tube that connects to the housing of the driving wheel. The housings connect using a pivot. The electric motor can be manually operated or wirelessly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Blom
  • Publication number: 20140038479
    Abstract: A mooring system (10) for use in mooring a marine device (24) within a fluid (12) subject to flow comprises a mooring line (16) to be secured to an anchor (18) and defining a tether point for a marine device (24), and a loading assembly (20) secured to the mooring line (16) and configured to generate hydrodynamic lift when exposed to flow to apply tension to the mooring line (16). In embodiments of the invention the loading assembly (20) is configured to also generate a buoyancy force, such that tension is applied to the mooring line (16) by a combination of the hydrodynamic lift force and the buoyancy force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Nautricity Limited
    Inventors: Cameron Johnstone, Dave Pratt
  • Publication number: 20140014021
    Abstract: A subsea anchoring assembly with a locking head for connection of a mooring line to an anchor is disclosed. A socket is provided on the anchor. The socket has a seat adapted to receive and seat the locking head within it. The socket has a neck provided with a guide device to direct the locking head into alignment with the socket. By this arrangement, the locking head and the socket can move between a first configuration in which the locking head and the socket are separate, and a second configuration in which the locking head and the socket are locked together. An associated method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Julek Romuald Tomas
  • Patent number: 8550023
    Abstract: A power anchor having a boat mount, a hydraulic cylinder, a pivoting assembly, comprising a proximal pivot, a distal pivot, and a pivot link. There is also provided an anchor shaft, having a tapered point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Quail
  • Patent number: 8485856
    Abstract: An anchor for use with a buoyant decoy used in hunting has a hollow anchor housing configured for detachable engagement with the buoyant decoy, the hollow housing having an anchor head portion, a ballasted and ballastible anchor shaft portion and a hook portion unitary connected to the anchor shaft portion. A reel assembly with a spool of an anchor line is positioned in the anchor housing. The spool is rotated by a detachable crank handle to rewind the anchor line into the housing. A spring-operated release plunger is positioned within a bore formed in the head portion. When the plunger is depressed, the anchor line can be extended and/or retrieved. A hook on a free end of the anchor line allows detachable securing of the anchor housing to the keel of the decoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Carlo Paternostro
  • Patent number: 8468966
    Abstract: Anchor comprising a fluke which can be introduced into an anchoring ground in accordance with a direction of penetration by exerting a pulling force on an anchor line connected to the anchor, and a measuring coupling which during introduction of the fluke forms part of a force transfer between the anchor line and the fluke, wherein the measuring coupling is provided with a first coupling member that is connected to the fluke, a second coupling member that is connected to the anchor line, a hollow coupling bar that couples the coupling members to one another, wherein the coupling members in the longitudinal direction of the bar engage onto the coupling bar at different places in order to be able to deform it, and a measuring body extending through the hollow coupling bar and which at least at its ends is connected to the coupling bar in order to deform along with the coupling bar, wherein the measuring body is provided with deformation sensors for recording the deformation parameters of the coupling bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Stevlos B.V.
    Inventors: David Peter Van Den Ende, Roderick Michael Ruinen
  • Publication number: 20130145979
    Abstract: A flotation control system that allows a user to place a first anchor base and a second anchor base operating in conjunction with respective retractable lines at opposite ends of an inflatable float. Each retractable line is secured to an outer bag that is used to protect an internal inner bag. The inner bag is filled with sand and sealed so that the outer bag, inner bag, and sand form an anchor. A user will release two anchors at opposite ends of the float. This function affords the user control over direction and drift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Leslie Kessler
  • Publication number: 20130099496
    Abstract: An ocean wave energy system for generating power from ocean waves includes a platform supporting an array of hollow columns whose respective lower ends are in fluidic communication with ocean waves and whose respective upper ends are in air communication with a turbine arrangement such that wave motion occurring at the lower ends is operable to cause air movement within the columns for propelling the turbine arrangement to generate power output. The system further includes one or more position-adjustable and/or angle-adjustable submerged structures near the lower ends of the columns for forming ocean waves propagating in operation towards the lower ends of the columns to couple the waves in a controllable manner into the hollow columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: HAVKRAFT AS
    Inventor: Geir Arne Solheim
  • Patent number: 8418641
    Abstract: The invention is a method for mooring a marine vessel (P) using three or more anchor lines (11a, 11b, . . . ) comprising—laying out each anchor line (11) with an anchor in a desired position relative to the platform, with a seabed anchor chain (10) extending towards the desired position of the platform (P), with the seabed chain (10) connected to a fiber rope's (20) arranged for being extended through the sea and connected to an anchor winch chain (30) and being tightended by an anchor winch (31) on the vessel (P), wherein the fiber rope (20) is prepared by being packed to a bundle or coil (21) arranged in a protective container (24) on the seafloor, and arranged for being released and pulled out of the container (24) at a predetermined pulling force, and arranged for being picked up and connected to the anchor winch chain (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Viking Moorings AS
    Inventors: Bjørn Thore Ribesen, Arild Saasen, Espen Lea, Knut Ove Steinhovden, Steinar Ekrem
  • Publication number: 20130074758
    Abstract: An anchoring enclosure embodying the invention includes a chamber whose buoyancy can be controlled by pumping a gas (e.g., air) or a liquid (e.g., sea water) into the chamber. The anchoring enclosure includes a bottom extension for embedding the anchoring enclosure into the seabed and an anti-scouring skirt extending about the perimeter of the lower portion of the structure and outward from the anchoring enclosure for resting along the seabed and preventing water movement from disturbing the embedded bottom extension. The anchoring enclosure may be rendered sufficiently buoyant to be easily towed to a selected site of a body of water without the need for large and expensive equipment and to then be rendered less buoyant so as to sink, in a controlled manner, to the seabed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: William Blaine Powers, Wei Ming Chi
  • Publication number: 20130068152
    Abstract: The invention comprises an anchor including a shank which in cross section along at least part of its length has forward and rearward facing edges and a pair of side faces between said edges. The parts of the shank adjacent the forward edge are substantially “v” shaped in cross section and at least part of the side faces between the edges are concave. The anchor further includes a fluke having a forward end and a rearward edge in normal use, the rearward edge having a continuous flange extending therefrom over at least a substantial part of the rearward edge. The anchor has a roll-bar positioned substantially above the upper surface of the fluke forming a semi-circular wheel spanning the width of the fluke and wherein along at least a substantial part of its length the roll-bar is in cross section substantially in the form of a foil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Kevin Smith
  • Patent number: 8381671
    Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Gregory Paul Beamer, David M. Samek
  • Patent number: 8327791
    Abstract: A rod-shaped anchor has lower and upper ends and a central extent. A fixed plate and a movable plate with adjustment mechanisms couple the plates. The movable plate has an exterior end. A vertical collar slidably receives the central extent of the anchor. Driving mechanisms selectively raise and lower the anchor. A control assembly is operatively coupled with respect to the driving mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Edward N. Cullom, Susan Cullom
  • Publication number: 20120302115
    Abstract: A system for acquiring data in an offshore environment comprises an elongate composite tension member having a longitudinal axis, an upper end, and a lower end. In addition, the system comprises a buoyancy module coupled to the upper end of the composite tension member and configured to apply a tensile load to the tension member. Further, the system comprises a base coupled to the lower end of the composite tension member. The base is configured to secure the tension member to the sea floor. Still further, the system comprises a plurality of composite stringers coupled to the buoyant module and disposed about the tension member. Moreover, the system comprises a plurality of instrumentation systems configured to measure environmental or geological data. The instrumentation systems are coupled to the stringers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: HORTON WISON DEEPWATER, INC.
    Inventor: Edward E. Horton, III
  • Publication number: 20120292911
    Abstract: Various subsystems for a submerged or waterborne system used to generate power derived from fast-moving water currents using an induction-type generator system equipped with one or more fin-ring propellers are disclosed. Many of the systems and subsystems shown and described herein are individually suitable for use in systems using conventional generator drive systems and other means of power creation. Means for transmission of power generated by such systems, tethering and mooring systems, and methods for improving system transportation, installation and maintenance are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: William D. Bolin
  • Patent number: 8312832
    Abstract: A cylindrical rod has an upper end with an upper aperture, a lower end with a lower aperture, and is of a common diameter along the majority of its length. A spiral attachment component has an upwardly facing upper end received in the lower aperture and a downwardly facing lower end terminating in a point. A crank has a vertical lower region removably received in the upper aperture, a horizontal middle region, and a vertical upper region. A cylindrical collar is secured to the lower region of the crank. The collar has a central recess of a diameter less than the diameter of the collar. A rope has a first end secured around the central recess of the collar and a second end adapted to be secured to a cleat of a boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Alan Camp
  • Publication number: 20120266802
    Abstract: An anchor (3) and an anchor positioning system (1) are provided in which an anchor shackle (7) is arranged such that, in use, it is disposed within a chasing collar (17). The anchor shackle can be positioned in a locking position in the chasing collar in which rotational movement of the anchor shackle around its longitudinal axis is inhibited. The anchor shackle may also be positioned in an unlocked position in the chasing collar. The anchor shackle can rotate around its longitudinal axis (x-x) from the unlocked position to the locking position. Accordingly, the anchor shackle assists in maintaining the anchor (3) in a desired orientation corresponding to the locking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: FE ANCHOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Edmund Fitch
  • Patent number: 8256367
    Abstract: A cover for an anchor, particularly a fluke-type boat anchor is constructed of a cover material of a resilient rubber that includes an elongated section and side wings. An elongated opening and closing member, such as a zipper, enables the cover to be opened and closed for receipt of the anchor therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventors: Nicole Murray, Kevin R. Murray
  • Patent number: 8205569
    Abstract: An anchor includes a base member (10), having a leading end or toe (26), associated therewith, the base member (10) being formed from opposed, interconnected substantially triangular shaped flukes (20, 30), and a shank member (100) extending upwardly therefrom and attached thereto. The lateral and rear free edge of each fluke (20, 30) have extensions (22, 32 and 23, 33) associated therewith and depending angularly therefrom. All free edges of the anchor are other than blunt. The base member (10) includes one or more apertures, slots or discontinuing extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Rex William Francis
  • Patent number: 8201515
    Abstract: An improved anchor (20) for securing the floatation units (12) of marker buoys (10), waterfowl decoys (36), and the like at selected locations on a body of water. The anchor (20) has an anchor weight (24) portion of non-lead material and a pair of clamping arms (30) extending outwardly from the anchor body (22), and configured and adapted to springably spread apart to open, to close about, and to releasably clamp onto the floatation unit (12), thus preventing the release and tangling of anchor line (14). This provides convenient storage for the marker buoy (10) or the waterfowl decoy (36) with its wound anchor line (14) and the attached anchor (20). Currently, marker buoy anchors and waterfowl decoy anchors frequently consist of a thin lead strip capable of being bent around a portion of the floatation unit (12) of the marker buoy (10) or the waterfowl decoy (36) for secure storage. For use, the lead strip can be unbent to release it from the floatation unit (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Lynn A. Winter
  • Patent number: 8181589
    Abstract: A gravity anchor that includes one or more anchor units. The units are designed to be rotationally linked together so that multiple units can be used to provide the required weight. The units are designed for ease of handling on the vessel and to control the rotation of the units relative to each other to insure proper orientation on the seafloor. The units are designed to help them dig into the sea bed and enhance the drag and holding power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventors: Jim B. Petersen, Chellakat Satyaraj Joe-Joe
  • Publication number: 20120012045
    Abstract: An anchor retrieval system for manually retrieving a submerged anchor without requiring heavy pulling includes an anchor retrieval apparatus generally in the form of a clip formed from cylindrical stainless steel fabricated into a unique shape the permits the device to be quickly connected to an anchor line by a simple sliding motion. The clip is further adapted by the attachment of a buoyant member, such as a buoy, to provide a buoyant lifting force. Once the clip is connected to the anchor line anchor retrieval system is tossed into the water and travels down the anchor line as the boat motors away from the buoy until the buoyant force lifts the anchor from the sea floor, whereafter the anchor line is manually drawn in to the boat as the anchor is buoyantly suspended near the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Griffin
  • Patent number: 8096256
    Abstract: A passively-actuated lanyard clamp is disclosed that provides an improved ability to deploy a terminal weight or anchor in a body of water without some of the disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mechanically-bistable latch for clamping a lanyard, wherein the latch is passively-actuated by a force that develops as a result of the terminal weight reaching the bottom of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin J. Mackie
  • Patent number: 8082869
    Abstract: Apparatus and system are disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tube for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stern of the kayak, and a shaft which is disposed in the tube. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises a gearing mechanism for operative engagement with the shaft, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the gearing mechanism. The rotatable handle, when rotated in a first direction, deploys the shaft from a position inside the tube to a position outside the tube and into engagement with the bottom of the body of water. An anchoring system according to this embodiment permits the operator of the kayak to anchor the kayak at the bow or stern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Benny R. Beaty
  • Publication number: 20110305518
    Abstract: A deployment device for deploying a buoyant underwater electricity generating apparatus to a submerged location in a body of water is disclosed. The deployment device comprises a winding apparatus (14) adapted to be mounted to the electricity generating apparatus and adapted to engage an anchor chain (24) fixed to a floor of the body of water and to move along said anchor chain in a first direction to move the electricity generating apparatus to said submerged location. The deployment device also comprises a locking mechanism (38) having a locked condition in which movement of the winding apparatus along the anchor chain in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, is prevented when the locking mechanism is at a predetermined location on said anchor chain, and an unlocked condition in which said winding apparatus can move along the anchor chain in said second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Colin Richard Pearce, Justin Nicholas Farrelly
  • Patent number: 8075685
    Abstract: A concrete formulation, which undergoes controlled deterioration in water, that can be used for making anchors for releasably tethering submarine devices at the seabed. The anchor may have handles for a device release mechanism or a central hole for a central device release mechanism. The formulation includes additives, which cause the cement to transform into non-binding Thaumasite over a pre-set period of time, leaving only natural material on the seafloor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Electromagnetic Geoservices AS
    Inventors: Svein Ellingsrud, Audun Sodal, Hans Rechsteiner, Harald Justnes, Kare Ingvar Johansen
  • Patent number: 8051789
    Abstract: A mooring device is disclosed for securing a floating structure to a layer of soil. A body of water is displaced by the vessel. The floating structure supports an individual having a first hand and a second hand. The mooring device comprises a shaft extending between a first end and a second end. A point is secured to the first end of the shaft for permitting the shaft to transverse the layer of soil. A handle is secured to the second end of the shaft for receiving a descending vertical force or an ascending vertical force. The handle includes a concave upper surface extending between a primary end and a secondary end for receiving the first hand and/or the second hand of the individual during the descending vertical force. The handle includes a first convex surface and a second convex surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Wang Anchor, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Tylisz
  • Publication number: 20110253024
    Abstract: An anchor comprising a container having: a size of at least 3 m×3 m×3 m; a plurality of chambers; at least one valve in each chamber to selectively allow and prevent fluid communication between each chamber and a surrounding environment. Exemplary embodiments also include pressure release valves provided the chambers. The pressure release valves are adapted to allow transfer of fluid between the chamber and the environment when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the chamber exceeds a predetermined level such as 0.5 bar or 1 bar; typically to allow fluid release from the chamber when the pressure inside the chamber exceeds the pressure outside the chamber by a predetermined level. A method of deploying and manufacturing are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: John Offord, David Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20110239923
    Abstract: A vessel and method for breaking ice drifting in a predominant direction relative to an offshore installation such as a drilling vessel. The vessel is used to deploy an anchor in a position at a distance from the offshore installation and in a direction which, seen from the offshore installation, is substantially in parallel with the direction of movement of the ice. By means of the machinery of the vessel, the direction of the anchor line is adjusted and so is the orientation of the vessel relative to the anchor line to the effect that the propellers can be used to crush and dispose of the ice without using motive energy to hold the vessel against the pressure of the ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Niels Peter Elmbo
  • Publication number: 20110237142
    Abstract: A mooring arrangement for a semi-submersible offshore structure having an outer hull with a lower (2) and an upper (1) water line, comprises a mooring line (4) extending from a fixed point on the seabed to an attachment on the off-shore structure, at least a portion of the mooring line closest to the attachment being a chain. The attachment comprises a hawse (10) and a chain stopper (22) located below the lower water line. The chain stopper (22) is located in a dry space inside the outer hull and is sealingly attached at one end to the hawse and at the opposite end to a chain pipe (9) which extends inside the hull to above the upper water line. The hawse extends outwards from the chain stopper and is sealed to an opening in the outer hull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jon Hovik
  • Publication number: 20110227731
    Abstract: A fence for establishing a secure marine perimeter includes a floating platform, at least two uprights extending to a predetermined height, at least one anchor, at least one anchor line, an optic fiber net extending from a first predetermined point above the surface of the body of water to a second predetermined point below the surface of the body of water, the optic fiber net including at least one optic fiber with an input end and an output end, a light transmitter connected to the input end introducing an input optic signal into the optic fiber, a light receiver connected to the output end receiving an output optic signal from the optic fiber, and a processor comparing the output optic signal with the input optic signal and generating an alarm if a difference between the input optic signal and the output optic signal exceeds a predetermined alarm threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: David IFFERGAN
  • Publication number: 20110209656
    Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing using an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Gregory Paul Beamer, David M. Samek
  • Patent number: 7987802
    Abstract: An anchor line stabilizer helps a boat remain a preferred distance away from an anchor which is located on a floor of a body of water. The anchor line stabilizer, among other things, allows the boat to move a short distance further than the preferred distance away from the anchor and then return to the preferred distance to allow for short brief movements caused by, for example, wind, waves and/or other intermittent forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Donald S. Niedermair
  • Patent number: 7971548
    Abstract: A shallow water anchor system provides a single arm arrangement with a fixed end of the arm mounted to the transom of a boat and the distal end of the arm retaining a rod adapted to be buried into the bottom of a lake, estuary, or other shallow body of water. The fixed end of the arm includes a first sheave and the distal end of the arm includes a second sheave, with a cable under tension between the first and second sheaves. A hydraulic operating mechanism drives a sliding block clamped to the cable. A hydraulic pressure is applied to one side of the other of a hydraulic piston with a cylinder to drive the operating mechanism, the sliding block moves back and forth thereby moving the arm up and down in a rotary motion about a shaft on the fixed end of the arm. In the down position, the rod is embedded into the bottom. In the stowed position, the arm is oriented straight up in a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Stern Stick, LLC
    Inventor: Rainer Kuenzel
  • Publication number: 20110094142
    Abstract: A rubber decoy anchor including a truncated cone shaped base with a major floor section and a minor floor section; and a loop structure having two parallel linear segments connected at a first end to an end of an arched section and at a second end to an outer portion of the major floor section of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Charles D. Ayers
  • Publication number: 20110094432
    Abstract: A gravity anchor that includes one or more anchor units. The units are designed to be rotationally linked together so that multiple units can be used to provide the required weight. The units are designed for ease of handling on the vessel and to control the rotation of the units relative to each other to insure proper orientation on the seafloor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: JIM B. PETERSEN, Chellakat Satyaraj Joe-Joe
  • Patent number: 7921794
    Abstract: A rod-shaped anchor has lower and upper ends and a central extent. A fixed plate and a movable plate with adjustment mechanisms couple the plates. The movable plate has an exterior end. A vertical collar slidably receives the central extent of the anchor. Driving mechanisms selectively raise and lower the anchor. A control assembly is operatively coupled with respect to the driving mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Edward N. Cullom, Susan Cullom
  • Patent number: 7895961
    Abstract: An anchor protector attaches to a protruding stock of a boat anchor and minimizes damage from impact with the protruding stock. The anchor protector is buoyant and can accommodate the protruding stock of various diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Zuniga, Fidel Zuniga
  • Publication number: 20110034095
    Abstract: A surf perch may be configured to receive a surfboard and permits a user to insert a surfboard therein, allowing him or her to sit/float in an anchored position in the water while he or she awaits a satisfactory wave. The perch may include an octagonal hole disposed vertically therethrough, which creates a mooring system and controls the angle of the anchor line relative to that of the surf perch. Additionally, the surf perch may also include a backrest assembly, with a backrest being capable to rotate upward. Also, the surf perch may be equipped with leg protection chaps surrounding the portion of the user's legs that hang into the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Vincent ROLAND
  • Publication number: 20110034096
    Abstract: A surf perch may be configured to receive a surfboard and permits a user to insert a surfboard therein, allowing him or her to sit/float in an anchored position in the water while he or she awaits a satisfactory wave. The perch may include an octagonal hole disposed vertically therethrough, which creates a mooring system and controls the angle of the anchor line relative to that of the surf perch. Additionally, the surf perch may also include a backrest assembly, with a backrest being capable to rotate upward. Also, the surf perch may be equipped with leg protection chaps surrounding the portion of the user's legs that hang into the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Vincent ROLAND
  • Patent number: 7882793
    Abstract: An anchor for small watercraft. It is extremely lightweight, and can be stored in a very small space. The anchor consists of a pear-shaped fabric ballast container. This container is made up of a number of matching side panels and a circular bottom disc. A set of four metal or composition flukes attached to the ballast container near the bottom and at the widest part of the container. Each fluke is about 9-11? long, ¾? wide, ½? thick, with an angled tip at one or both ends. The flukes are thus deployed by weighting the bag with material like gravel or sand, which forces the flukes to protrude sharp angle from the ballast bag. When filled with material, the anchor approximates the function of traditional fluke or bell anchors. The anchor can be turned inside out for self-storage, requiring no additional storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Robert D. Paulus
  • Patent number: 7870831
    Abstract: An anchor incorporates a release mechanism that is releasably assembled to a shank. An anchor chain is affixed to a crown section of the anchor. The chain is slideably inserted through a tubular release mechanism body. A tension controlling mechanism is elastically coupled between the release mechanism and the anchor chain. A pair of release interface notches is formed within the proximal end of the release mechanism; the slots are placed on opposing sides of the release mechanism. A pair of release interface fasteners is disposed along a distal end of the shank. The release mechanism is held in a mooring configuration by engaging the release interface notches and the release interface fasteners. The release mechanism maintains the chain in a mooring configuration until the release mechanism is rotated perpendicular to the shank, wherein the release interface notches disengage from the release interface fasteners changing a tensile force from an anchor engaging direction to a releasing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventors: David Richert, Scott McCord, Joseph Richert
  • Patent number: 7870829
    Abstract: A securement assembly is provided. A support has a lower end and an upper end. The lower end is coupled to the securement assembly. A spear has a leading end and trailing end with a central extent between the leading and trailing ends. A cylindrical member has a passageway slidably receiving the spear between the leading and trailing ends. Adjustment components couple the cylindrical member to the upper end of the support. The adjustment components are adapted to move the cylindrical member and spear between any of a plurality of orientations. The plurality of orientations include a generally horizontal orientation for storing and transportation and a generally vertical orientation for deploying and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventors: Heath A. Perry, Kathryn E. Perry
  • Patent number: 7861661
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. The apparatus includes first and second tubes for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stern of the kayak, and first and second shafts which are disposed in the first and second tubes, respectively. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises two sets of gearing mechanisms for operative engagement with the two shafts, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the first and second gearing mechanisms. First and second actuation devices external to the gear box are provided which have first and second positions, and, in the first position, the actuation devices function to establish operative connection between the first and second gearing mechanisms and a rotatable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Benny R. Beaty
  • Patent number: 7827927
    Abstract: An anchoring system for a watercraft vessel, the anchoring system including an anchor bracket configured to be mountable on the watercraft vessel; a sleeve attached to the anchor bracket, the sleeve having an aperture disposed longitudinally therethrough; a sliding tube inserted through the sleeve, the sliding tube being at least partially hollow and having a first end and a second end, a rod having a first end disposed within a sliding tube lumen and a second end having a floor contacting tip; the floor contacting tip operable to penetrate the bottom of a creek, lake, river or ocean flat and a retraction member connected to the rod. The retraction member is configured to retract the rod into the sliding tube and retract the sliding tube through the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Craig Kivi
  • Publication number: 20100263582
    Abstract: A backup anchor or primary anchor for use with various types and sizes of watercraft as well as a stabilization tool for use in numerous situations whenever and wherever stabilization is needed, comprised of a harness that holds an appropriate size rock or selected object for adequate weight to perform the desired operation. The harness is constructed with heavyweight polypropylene webbing, heavy duty stainless steel “D” rings and equipped with a stainless steel quick link for secure fastening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Shelley Jeanne Wier