Anchor Patents (Class 114/294)
  • Patent number: 6202586
    Abstract: An anchor for anchoring floating structures at sea, in particular floating platforms for the production of oil and/or gas. The anchor includes a hollow body (2) which is designed to be submerged in a sea bed by suction or by some other method. The anchor is characterized in that the body is a polygon with concave side surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Sigmund Askestad, Knut Haldorsen
  • Patent number: 6119619
    Abstract: There is disclosed an anchor for anchoring boats in areas where there are reefs or a rocky seabed. In one embodiment four prongs extend from the end of an anchor shaft, the prongs including stem section with terminating portions making an arcuate angle with corresponding stem section. The stem sections are fixedly attached to the shaft and angled relative to the shaft axis in order that the free end of the terminating portion is longitudinally offset from the end of the shaft and radially offset also. The longitudinal offset being substantially greater than the radial offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Alan Fitzmaurice
  • Patent number: 6106199
    Abstract: A pile for anchoring a floating structure in deep water includes an elongated body provided with a tapered pointed tip at the lower end thereof and a closure disc at the upper end thereof. A plurality of radially and axially extending fins are secured to the pile adjacent the upper end thereof. The elongated body of the pile is filled with material having a high specific gravity distributed in such a manner that the center of gravity of the pile is located well below its center of buoyancy. The process for installing the pile uses the potential energy generated by the free fall of the pile from a vessel in order to ensure that the pile penetrates the ocean floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. -Petrobras
    Inventors: Cipriano Jose de Medeiros, Jr., Luis Hissashui Hassui, Rogerio Diniz Machado
  • Patent number: 6098565
    Abstract: A vessel anchor includes a body having a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member. The second cylindrical member is disposed substantially within the first cylindrical member. The vessel anchor further has a retention slide bar for affixing an anchor line. The first cylindrical member has at least one spaded edge and the second cylindrical member has a mass greater than the first cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas E. O'Neil, Sr., Thomas E. O'Neil, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6092484
    Abstract: An improved anchor is provided for small boats for mooring in the bottom of bodies of water such as lakes and coastal and inland waters. Embodiments include an anchor comprising a rod, such as a round cross-section stainless steel rod about 3-6 feet long and about 1-2 inches in diameter. One end of the rod is tapered, either to a point or to a blunt or hemispherical end, while the other end has a swivel with an eyelet for connecting a shackle and a rope or chain. A hand grip is provided on the rod between the two ends of the rod. The tapered end of the rod is inserted into the bottom of a body of water using the hand grip. Thus, the anchor easily sets on the first attempt, the swivel accommodates changes in current and wind conditions that may move the boat while it is moored, thereby avoiding dislodging of the anchor, and the anchor does not snag on debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventors: Hugh D. Babin, Albert J. Domangue
  • Patent number: 6067924
    Abstract: A container for supporting an anchor on its side on the deck of a boat. The container is a hollow enclosure having an enclosed bottom, sides and a top. The top of the hollow enclosure has an anchor support recess having two side recesses for the anchor flukes and a front recess for the anchor shank. The top has a central enclosure and as an anchor is raised, the line can be placed in the central enclosure and the anchor rested on the top with its flukes resting on the side support recesses and the shank resting in the front recess. A strap can be provided to hold the anchor on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Paul J. Chatelain
  • Patent number: 6058871
    Abstract: An anchoring device for boats including a T-shaped member comprised of a horizontal component and a vertical component. An upper end of the vertical component is secured to a midpoint of the horizontal component whereby the vertical component extends downwardly from the horizontal component in an essentially orthogonal relationship. The vertical component has a length greater than a length of the horizontal component. The horizontal component and the vertical component are constructed of PVC plastic tubing. The vertical component has a pointed lower end for penetrating a recipient surface. The T-shaped member receives a line from a boat wrapped therearound to facilitate securement of the boat to a shoreline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Trenton Tanner
  • Patent number: 6055923
    Abstract: An anchor bag and system for use with a rode and an anchor having an anchor stock, an anchor shank, an anchor crown, and an anchor fluke. The bag has an opening at one end, a closed section at the opposite end, and an inner chamber for accepting, properly coiling, and stowing the rode. The anchor is retained on the outside of anchor bag by a releasable shank support and by a separate fluke support. The opening of the bag is selectably closable by a pull string. The closed section has a reinforced rode passage through which the bitter end of the rode is retained. A plurality of drainage portals are situated on the outer surface of the bag. Carry handles are positioned on the bag such that the composite weight of the anchor bag system (with anchor and rode stowed therein) is distributed equally on either side of the center points of the carry handles. The rode is chainlessly attached to the anchor and, from the anchor end, has internal weights thereon extending a distance of between approximately 2.5% to 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: George G. Militzer
  • Patent number: 6041730
    Abstract: A shallow water anchoring mechanism for a vessel drives an upper arm between a raised position, in which the lower end of a pole is above the bottom of the hull and a lowered position, in which the lower end of the pole extends downward below the vessel so as to engage the bottom of a shallow body of water. This provides a shallow-water anchoring arrangement for a boat that does a minimum amount of damage to sea life, including oysters, and grasses or other vegetation growing on the bottom of the water, and allows a boater to anchor in shallow water and to leave the anchorage without bringing mud, grasses, or other debris into the boat. A manual disconnect arrangement allows the boater to pull the pole out of the water in the event of actuator or power supply failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: JL Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Oliverio, Leonard T. Mriscin
  • Patent number: 6009825
    Abstract: In a system for mooring offshore drilling units, a first mooring assembles installed at a first drilling venue, after which the mobile offshore drilling unit is moored by connection to the mooring lines. A second mooring assembly is installed at a second drilling venue while drilling operations are carried out at the first drilling venue. In this manner the mobile offshore drilling unit can be relocated between successive drilling venues with minimum down time. Less than complete mooring assemblies can be used to temporarily secure the mobile offshore drilling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Aker Marine, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Fulton, Peter George Scott Dove, Gordon R. Wilde, Johannes Jacobus Treu
  • Patent number: 5970902
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved anchor which is capable of being readily laid, regardless of the holding, and which will automatically reset itself in the instance of it being dislodged from the holding. The anchor includes a base member, preferably substantially triangular-shaped when viewed in plan and V-shaped when viewed in end elevation, a shank member associated with the base member and stabilizing means, preferably in the form of a hoop member, which is attached to the base member and/or the shank member, the stabilizing means serving to ensure that the anchor, once laid or set, will return to its operating disposition even if dislodged or displaced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Rex William Francis
  • Patent number: 5934219
    Abstract: A marine anchor designed so that it positions itself automatically and penetrates instantly into all kinds of sea beds with maximum holding power. The geometry and ballasting of the anchor ensure automatic positioning of the anchor. The off-center position of the ballast counter-balancing the weight of the shank places the center of gravity of the anchor as close as possible to the anchor tip, so that the tip can bear practically half the total weight of the anchor, the pressure exerted by the top on the sea bed is increased, and its penetration into the sea bed is promoted. The sharp corners between the two sides of the tip aids penetration into all kind of sea beds, including sea beds covered with thick seaweed, and the concave surface of the fluke provides maximum holding power. Said anchor is suitable for mooring yachts and fishing boats, as well as for marine industrial use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Alain A. Poiraud
  • Patent number: 5915326
    Abstract: A suction anchor for mooring systems, especially from floating installations for offshore production of oil and gas. The anchor is made in the form of a hollow cylindrical body (2) that is open at both ends and is completely embedded in the seabed (1), i.e. it is surrounded by seabed mass on all sides. Such a deep siting of the anchor (2) results in several advantages. For instance, the anchor (2) will penetrate to a depth with presumably firmer masses. The danger of a split on the back of the anchor is also avoided. The anchor can be left behind after use, because it lies at an approved depth. The anchor is mounted by means of a top piece designed as an inverted beaker-shaped part provided with a vent hole so that the anchor can be suction penetrated. The top piece is recovered and used again for lowering other similar anchors. Advantageous embodiments/sitings of the anchor cable (5,7) connected to the anchor are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Karel Karal
  • Patent number: 5906173
    Abstract: An improved and simplified anchor line shock absorber to protect an anchor line, the hoisting or lifting device gearing and motor attached thereto, from excessive shock forces. A tubular member, having a compression spring and located vertically, is arranged to fit within (a prior art) an anchor (shell) to absorb the shock forces. A (prior art) lifting line is attached to the terminal end of the spring assembly located within (the) an anchor. (shell.) This arrangement provides for free retrieval of the lifting line through and around guides, fair-leads, spools and drums when retrieved (by mechanical means.) mechanically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventors: Charlie E Day, Jr., David B. Raulerson
  • Patent number: 5899165
    Abstract: A plate-type anchor includes a flat sheet forming a central portion of substantially rectangular shape, provided with lateral flanges with a certain inclination with respect to the plane of the principal sheet, a flange corresponding to the front part of the anchor being of pointed shape while the flange corresponding to the tail of the anchor has a cut-out to allow fitting of a device to be used when it is launched. On its upper face, the anchor is provided with two longitudinally hollowed-out lugs which are mutually parallel and fastened perpendicularly to the face of the flat sheet, and to which the chain cables or mooring cables of the anchor are attached. On the lower face are fastened two longitudinal bars perpendicular to the plane of the face, but forming an acute angle towards the front part of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.--Petrobras
    Inventors: Adolfo Tsuyoshi Komura, Gester Filgueiras, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5868094
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring a buoyant device are provided. The apparatus preferably includes first, second, and third plates adjoined along a common line. An end of the second plate is transversely connected to an end of the first plate along the common line and extends inwardly therefrom at a predetermined angle so that the first and second plates in combination define an angled plate member. A third plate is adjoined along the common line and extends outwardly therefrom in a different direction from the angled plate member. A shank is pivotally connected to a medial portion of the angled plate member and extends outwardly therefrom. At least one prong member is connected to and extends outwardly from the outer surface of each of the first and second plates of the angled plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Sabah Naser Al-Sabah
  • Patent number: 5853309
    Abstract: A swimming pool float with anchoring system including a flotation device, at least one float anchoring assembly secured to the flotation device, at least two pool anchoring assemblies securable to the cantilever side edge of a swimming pool, and a flexible anchoring line including a first securing mechanism securable to a float anchoring assembly and a second securing mechanism securable to one of the pool anchoring assemblies in a manner to anchor the flotation device to the cantilever side edge of the swimming pool. The float anchoring assembly preferably includes a section of hook and pile fastener material and a flexible cover member What folds over the section of hook and pile fastener material when nothing is secured thereto. Preferably, four float anchoring assemblies are included, with each of the anchoring assemblies being permanently secured to a cantilever side edge surface of the flotation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Sabrina P. Biggs
  • Patent number: 5819681
    Abstract: An anchoring device, for use with a personal watercraft, having a tube containing layers of material including cement and a heavier material, preferably shot, used in a ratio which produces a predetermined weight. The tube is sealed with end caps. A shock absorber is positioned within the tube preferably between one of the end caps and the cement. One end cap has a fastener by which the anchoring device can be fastened to the personal watercraft. The tube and end caps are coated with a moisture and abrasion resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: Bruce E. Barnes, Sharon E. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5743207
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring a buoyant device are provided. The apparatus preferably includes first and second plates adjoined along a common line. An end of the second plate is transversely connected to an end of the first plate along the common line and extends inwardly therefrom at a predetermined angle so that the first and second plates in combination define an angled plate member. A shank is pivotally connected to a medial portion of the angled plate member and extends outwardly therefrom. At least one prong member is connected to and extends outwardly from the outer surface of each of the first and second plates of the angled plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: International Design Systems Company
    Inventor: Sabah Naser Al-Sabah
  • Patent number: 5690047
    Abstract: A sea anchor may be lifted from the sea bottom by remotely inflating an inflatable float connected to the anchor. The inflated float provides a buoyant lift force that automatically lifts the anchor to the water surface or assists a person in lifting the anchor to the surface. The anchor may be lowered to the sea bottom by venting air out of the float from a remote point on the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: William C. Holmes
  • Patent number: 5640921
    Abstract: Anchor fluke comprising a bottom side and an upper side and a longitudinal plane of symmetry, the upper side being defined by two convexly bent faces, formed by faces ascending in a convex manner from the sharp front edge in a symmetrical fashion relative to the longitudinal plane of symmetry twoards the rear and sidewards upto an apex line, by surfaces connecting smoothly thereonto in that location and descending in a symmetrical and convex fashion rearwards and towards the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Vrijhof Ankers Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Rob Van Den Haak, Gijsbertus Degenkamp
  • Patent number: 5640920
    Abstract: The present invention is an anchor formed by combining a pyramid with a shaft and an eye. The pyramid has a base and an apex displaced from the base by an apex separation distance D and projecting onto a central region of the base. The shaft, having a shaft length L, is mounted substantially normal to the base of the pyramid with a first shaft end attached to the base of the pyramid and substantially centered thereon. It is preferred that the shaft length L be less than or about equal to the apex separation distance D. The eye is formed on the second shaft end of the shaft. Preferably, the pyramid is four-sided and has a substantially square base with edges having a nominal edge length l. It is further preferred for the apex separation distance D to be about 1/2 of the edge length l.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Rodney C. Dorr
  • Patent number: 5613458
    Abstract: A shore anchor for small boats and personal watercraft includes an elongated central spike-like member, two anvil collars, a slidable hammer weight, and a protective sheath. The anvils are used in conjunction with the slidable hammer weight to drive and retract the elongated spike into or out of the ground. The protective sheath covers the exposed end of the anchor when the anchor is deployed and is attached to the hammer weight. When the anchor is removed for transportation or storage the protective sheath covers the pointed end of the elongated spike and is attached to the other end of the hammer weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Kelly Owen
  • Patent number: 5579712
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a releasable anchor for securing a boat or marine vessel to a desired position having a weighted body with a central bore extending throughout its length through which an elastic strip is pulled in such a way as to form a closed eye on one end of the weighted body and with the remainder of the elastic strip being frictionally held within the central bore of the weighted body. The elastic eye along with the weighted body may be attached to one end of an anchor line and when the anchor becomes bound by an underwater obstruction a boater may exert tension to the elastic eye by applying a pulling force to the anchor line. The exerted tension will cause the elastic strip to stretch thus reducing its diameter inside the central bore of the weighted body until the friction will no longer withhold its exit from the central bore of the weighted body. This action allows the anchor to release from the anchor line at the point of connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: David E. Rinker, Terry Vietz
  • Patent number: 5542368
    Abstract: A lightweight anchor, with its upward-bent tail fin, big-notched fluke and a shank of steel bar bent into a U shape, together with its entire shape, has a great hold of the bottom. The anchor when stuck in a bottom obstacle can be recovered from the bottom simply by moving the ship of its user to the opposite position of its mooring and giving a tug or two to its anchor rope. Because it is simply structured and easy of fabrication with immovable fluke, tail fin and shank, it reduces the cost of fabrication and enhances safety of handling. It avoids most of the demerits of conventional lightweight anchors by its simple structure and its peculiar shape, but its position-correcting mechanism is most remarkable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Kenji Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 5524569
    Abstract: The invention provides an anchor cover for encasing or covering the stock and enlarged top portion of an anchor. This device is for use specifically when an anchor is mounted at the bow of a boat, in order to prevent the anchor from causing damage to other nearby boats and objects when the boat upon which the anchor is mounted is attempting to enter or exit a boat docking area. The anchor cover can be formed of only one piece that is fitted to encase both ends of the stock as well as the enlarged top portion within its hollow body cavity. The anchor cover can also be formed of three separate pieces, two stock-enclosing portions and one top-enclosing portion, for encasing those parts of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventors: William A. Rich, Arthur I. Singer
  • Patent number: 5483911
    Abstract: A hollow braid woven anchor rope having an elastic core, of tubular latex, occupies a major portion of rope length. Ends of the elastic core are secured to the rope proper by rings, one each, located on rope end segements. A snap assembly at one end of the rope facilitates attachment to an anchor. When not in use the elastic core collapses the rope to bunch the rope along the relaxed core. A method with a series of steps is disclosed for rope assembly by insertion of the core into the rope and securement of the core ends to end segments of the rope component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald N. Kubli
  • Patent number: 5474015
    Abstract: A marine anchor comprising a fluke and a shank attached to the fluke is intended for drag embedment in a mooring bed by pulling the anchor substantially horizontally via the shank. Further, it is a particular feature of the anchor that two modes of operation are possible through use of the line extending between the anchor cable attachment point on the shank and the fluke centroid being variable to provide a first line present for drag embedment of the anchor, and a second line utilized when the anchor is embedded, wherein the pulling force on the anchor via the shank can now be essentially upwards, thereby providing an increased holding force due to the increased fluke area presented in the direction of the upwards force. The change in direction from the first line to the second line can be achieved by having the shank pivotal and by providing pivot control members permitting selective pivoting of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Brupat Limited
    Inventor: Peter Bruce
  • Patent number: 5463971
    Abstract: A collapsible sea anchor or drogue (50) having first and second hollow frusto-conical body parts (74, 80) which are made from strong flexible material, such as canvas. Four flexible lines (60, 62, 64, 66) connect the two body parts (74, 80) together and to a nose portion (52) to which a towing line can be connected. The sea anchor or drogue (50) is very effective in that the drag is large having regard to the diameter of the body parts (74, 80) and, moreover, it can be compactly stored when in a collapsed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: William J. Abernethy
  • Patent number: 5421280
    Abstract: An anchor chain orientation link having a longitudinal curved body having a curved radius defined by the diameter of a bow roller for guiding an anchor chain wherein the orientation link is fastened between an anchor rope or "rode" and an anchor chain such that when the anchor rope was hauled aboard a vessel, the chain is turned to a selected orientation. In particular, as the curved body comes in contact with the bow roller, said roller acts as a fulcrum such that the curved body acts as a crank due to its curved shape causing the link to rotate until it rotates to a stable position. This stable position has been preselected to establish the orientation of the anchor with respect to the roller and therefore to the vessel on which the roller is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Peter A. Gast
  • Patent number: 5410981
    Abstract: An anchoring kit for use in combination with a flotation device and including an anchor having an outer casing with a dense granular filling therein, an anchor line having a first end attached to the anchor and a second free end, a hook slidably fitted to the anchor line being selectively adjustable along a length thereof relative to the first and second ends, and a body attachment device structured for interconnection between a user's limb and the hook, facilitating attachment of the anchoring kit to the user while lying on the flotation device. A catch is provided on the hook for locking the hook at a selected, fixed position along the anchor line, thereby enabling controlled adjustment of the length of anchor line between the hook and the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventors: Jacqueline Gutstein, Omayra Leon
  • Patent number: 5394818
    Abstract: An apparatus for stowing a "Danforth" type anchor and rode, comprising a frame with two vertical slots for receiving and supporting the anchor's stock ends, flukes, and shank. The frame is shaped such that the rode can also be supported and suspended above the deck. After a simple operation, the anchor and rode are stowed in a secure, upright, and compact manner. Provisions are also available for draining liquids from the interior of the apparatus, as well as, for protecting the deck from scratches and abrasions which might otherwise result from contact with the apparatus during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventors: Murphy L. Walker, II, Randall L. Wendel
  • Patent number: 5342229
    Abstract: An anchor organization for mounting to a float tube for positioning of the float tube relative to a body of water includes a support cable mounted to the float tube at a first end of the support tube, with a second end of the cable mounted to a semi-spherical anchor member arranged for engagement to a bottom surface of an associated body of water providing for an anchor of limited weight and increased effectiveness, wherein an intermediate spool mounted to the cable permits selective winding of the cable about the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Leonard A. Whitt
  • Patent number: 5212939
    Abstract: A marine mooring swivel fitting for connection into a mooring line is a generally dumbbell-shaped element having a relatively slender elongate neck with outward enlargements at the opposite ends of the neck respectively and a mooring line attachment on at least one end of the element. In use the attachment may connect the fitting in the mooring line, the slender elongate neck being adapted laterally to receive swivelly therearound one or more conventional shackles. Such a shackle, depending on whether the swivel is at the upper or lower end of the mooring line, may be secured to a pendant made fast to a marine craft on the surface or secured to an anchoring device. The enlargements, larger than the opening in the shackle, serve to limit the longitudinal movement of the shackle on the element without limiting rotational movement of the shackle around the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: John M. Pratt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5205234
    Abstract: A bow anchor system which has a configuration of the bow of a boat to fit against the bow. The bow anchor has a triangular shape with a pair of wings which form a delta shape. An arm pivotally connected to the triangular shape is also connected to the anchor line for raising and lowering the anchor. A winch mechanism in the hull pays out and retrieves the anchor through a conduit in the bow of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Harry L. Schoell
  • Patent number: 5154131
    Abstract: An anchor which attaches to a tree, stump or other stationary object for anchoring a buoyant vessel such as a boat, in a relatively stationary position. The anchor consisting of a clamping device, a pair of tongs attached to and extending from the clamping device, and an anchor line to attach the anchor to the boat. The tong engaging the tree or other stationary object to securely anchor and hold the boat in a relatively stationary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Pearly T. Hall
  • Patent number: 5133277
    Abstract: An anchor having critically improved ability to penetrate and bury deep in mooring beds that can function well in a wide variety of mooring bed types is formed with a fluke component for burying into a mooring bed when it is cast on the bed and a shank component by which the anchor is attached to anchor rode. The fluke component is a contoured plate having identical starboard and port halves that increase in width from distal end to proximal end and meet in an apex at the center of the proximal end. The shank component has an elongated shaft bolted to a standard member above the plate with the shaft and the standard lying in a common plane with the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the plate. When the shaft is horizontal the plate is angled downward so its apex digs into the mooring bed when tension is applied to the anchor rode. Such angle may be varied to obtain maximum holding with different types of mooring beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Andrew L. Peabody
  • Patent number: 5114276
    Abstract: An elongated housing having opposite ends is embedded in the sea floor. One end extends downwardly a substantial distance into the sea floor and the other end terminates adjacent the surface of the sea floor. The housing has an axially, vertically extending passageway therethrough. A tension member is located in the passageway and has one end connected to a lower portion of the housing and an upper end for connection to a floating vessel. Advantageously, means are provided for ensuring that substantially any vertical load transmitted to the tension member is transmitted to a lower portion of the elongated housing. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, means are provided for ensuring that any horizontal force components are transmitted to an upper portion of the elongated housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California, dba UNOCAL
    Inventor: Richard M. Dupin
  • Patent number: 5101592
    Abstract: A fishing weight having a body, at least two fins, and a connector suitable for connecting the body to a fishing line. Each of the fins is formed longitudinally along and extending outwardly from the body. Each of the fins has a forward portion inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body and a rearward portion having a greater angle of inclination than the forward portion. The rearward portion is connected to the forward portion and extends angularly outwardly therefrom. The body is pointed at one end. Each of the fins has a V-shaped configuration that extends from the body. An eyelet is provided for connecting the body to a fishing line. The body and the fins are integrally formed of a leaden material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Roy K. Merritt
  • Patent number: 5067430
    Abstract: An anchor including an axis control bar for holding a vessel in place. The anchor has a pair of planes extending from a crown made up of two flat vanes. An axis control bar is connected between the planes for providing enhanced structural strength and leverage for releasing the anchor from a set position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: The Charles Henry Ford Trust
    Inventor: Charles H. Ford
  • Patent number: 5016556
    Abstract: A sea anchor comprising a hollow body having a front part and a rear part and at least one water outlet located adjacent to the rear end of the front part. The front part has water inlet openings, and the rear part is moveable relative to the front part between first and second positions. In the first position, the forward end of the rear part engages the rear end of the front part to close at least one water outlet. In the second position, the forward end of the rear part is separated from the rear end of the front part to define the water outlet. The front part contains attachment means for attaching a line for towing the body in a forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: William J. Abernethy
  • Patent number: 4987847
    Abstract: An anchor retrieving device for transmitting the anchoring power from a main anchoring line to the end of a shank of an anchor opposite to the crown end when the device is held in the locking position and for transmitting the anchor raising power from the main anchoring line to the crown end when the device is held in the unlocking position. The anchor retrieving device comprises a first lock assembly having a hook member, a weight for striking said first lock assembly when it is desired to bring the first lock assembly in the unlocked position, a second lock assembly connected to the end of the shank opposite to the crown end to be moved between locking and unlocking positions, a connection line for connecting the hook member to the second lock assembly to transmit the anchoring power and having guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Satoru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4983073
    Abstract: The semi-submersible platform comprises a submersible lower hull including a plurality of spaced-apart hull segments. A wave-transparent stabilizing superstructure extends from the lower hull. An upper hull is supported by the superstructure. A wellhead system is suspended from the platform. A catenary mooring system moors the platform to the seabed, and plurality of risers connect the individual wellheads on the platform to the wellbores in the seabed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Odeco, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Petty, Luc G. Chabot, Carmon R. Costello, Kun K. Song
  • Patent number: 4972793
    Abstract: An anchor is used for anchoring a hull or a floating body on the water. When the anchor of the present invention is made to land on the bottom of the water, left and right bills and a lower auxiliary bill encroach the bottom of the water and thus to make anchoring positive, and as a shank, bills and a bill stopping frame are relatively thin, said anchor is lighter than the conventional anchors. Consequently the resistance of the sediment in the bottom of the water is minimized with respect to the encroachment, and therefore the work and labor during casting and weighing said anchor can be relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Sakai Kohatsu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tokio Sakai
  • Patent number: 4969413
    Abstract: A sea anchor or drogue having a body comprised of a front section which tapers forwardly to a nose, and a hollow, rearwardly tapering back section. Longitudinal open channels are formed in the front section and lead into the back section, with vanes or tubes defining the sides of the channels. In certain embodiments, baffles are fixed in each channel and oriented so as to direct water into the back section to create the drag effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: William J. Abernethy
  • Patent number: 4951592
    Abstract: A process of forming a boat anchor is set forth including utilizing a polymeric carbonate beverage container of a typical two liter configuration defined by an elongate cylindrical body with convex ends and a threaded opening coaxially aligned with an upper end and a removably mounted support stand. The support stand is removed from the container whereupon the container is subsequently filled with a concrete mixture. An eye hook is directed through the opening and upon the concrete mixture curing, a typically ten pound anchor is developed. Modifications of the instant invention include the step of threadedly directed a threaded eye hook through a bottom end of the anchor opposed to the upper eye hook with the eye hooks coaxially aligned with one another to enable a plurality of anchors to be secured together in end to end relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventor: Narciso P. Barongan
  • Patent number: 4945850
    Abstract: A very light-weight boat anchor includes a pair of penetrating flukes connected together, an anchor shank pivotally attached to this pair of flukes, and a mechanism for limiting the pivotal movement of the shank relative to the flukes. Both the flukes and the shank are made of light-weight alloy metal and the total weight of the anchor does not exceed 250 grams and is preferably less than 150 grams. The flukes include edge ribbing extending along upper and lower edges thereof and relatively thin metal webbing extending between this ribbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: William Steinhoff
  • Patent number: 4943188
    Abstract: A rotating lug anchor connector (10) is disclosed for anchoring the tether (12) of tension leg platform (14) to the sea floor. The connector includes an anchor latch assembly (18) which is mounted on the lower end of the tether. The assembly includes a ring (50) from which three lugs (58) extend. The ring is secured to the tether through an elastomeric assembly (36) which permits the tether to pivot about a pivot point (28) relative to the ring. Guide surfaces on members (74, 76, 78) of the receptacle assembly (20) guide the lugs downward along vertical slots (104) and beneath notches (92) in the members. Upward movement of the tether engages the lugs and notches to secure the tether to the sea floor. For release the tether is lowered to move the lugs in an alignment with the vertical slots for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: George W. Peppel
  • Patent number: 4941776
    Abstract: An anchorage line comprising a large number of successive elements interconnected in an articulated way and each including a closed watertight tube delimitating an interior volume full of air. The anchorage line comprises a shallow depth extremity providing the link with a floating vehicle and a very deep anchorage extremity providing anchorage on an ocean bottom. The floatability of the anchorage line varies according to its length. The tubular essential parts of the anchorage line have a wall thickness related to their diameter and which is thicker the nearer these parts are to the anchorage extremity of the line. The anchorage line may be assembled on site and put in place by a suitable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignees: Seamet International, S.M.F. International
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Bosgiraud, Andre Cendre
  • Patent number: RE33434
    Abstract: A system which can be set up in emergencies to moor an offloading vessel and transfer oil between it and a seabed pipeline, as to remove oil from a grounded tanker or to deliver fuel to the shore under hostile or emergency conditions. The system includes a barge containing a fluid swivel as well as a mooring buoy and buoy-holding chain. The barge can be towed to a desired location and pipes and hoses connected to the fluid swivel, and the barge then can be sunk to the seabed. Upon sinking, the barge is already connected to the seabed pipeline and to hoses that extend from the barge to the sea surface to connect to an offloading vessel, as well as being connected through a chain to a buoy floating at the sea surface which has a hawser for mooring the vessel. A vessel can be utilized to tow out the seabed pipeline, to facilitate installation of the pipeline as to enable connection of the pipeline to the fluid swivel on the barge prior to sinking the barge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Amtel, Inc.
    Inventors: George M. Pomonik, Martin B. Jansen