Patent ID: 7819712
Filing Date: 2010-10-26
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
1. A self-setting marker buoy for marking selected locations on a body of water, said marker buoy comprising: an elongated, substantially air-filled, watertight floatation unit comprising two buoyant end portions of generally similar configurations, and an integrally formed connecting medial portion, said medial portion being disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation of said floatation unit and being disposed a preselected offset distance from said longitudinal axis of rotation, the eccentric positioning of said medial portion, in conjunction with the buoyant force of said body of water acting upon said floatation unit, imposing a preselected amount of rotational resistance to impede rotation of said floatation unit about said longitudinal axis of rotation; a length of anchor line having one end thereof attached to said floatation unit, and being wound around said medial portion of said floatation unit; and an anchor weight of high specific gravity attached to the other end of said anchor line, said anchor weight being of sufficient weight to produce sufficient torque to slightly overcome said rotational resistance resulting from the eccentric configuration of said medial portion of said floatation unit, thus causing said floatation unit to rotate upon the surface of said body of water to allow unwinding of said anchor line while said anchor weight descends downwardly to the bottom of said body of water, after which said rotational resistance prevents further unwinding of said anchor line, whereby said floatation unit remains at a position nearly vertically above said anchor weight while resisting further rotation caused by from forces of wind, waves, or currents.