Boat anchor

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.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a boat anchor, and more specifically to a boat anchor which may be readily releasably attached to an existing boat cleat and which is affixed to a recreational boat or watercraft of conventional design, and which further provides a convenient means by which the boat may be securely anchored so as to prevent the movement of either the bow or the stern of the boat relative to the position of the boat anchor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational boating has increased steadily in recent years. Recreational boats of various designs have been provided to meet the needs and assorted interests of various consumers. For example, recreational boats which include fishing boats; pontoon boats; speed boats; cruising motor yachts and the like have been developed to meet various consumers' interests and tastes. These recreational boats are varied in length, from as short as 10 to 15 feet, to as long as 60 or more feet. Further, these same recreational boats have a draft which may be measured in mere inches of water, to those which may draw as much as 5 to 7 feet of water as in the case of sailboats.

Small recreational boats for waterskiing, and similar water sports typically have lengths of less than 22 feet. Further, their shallow drafts allow these boats to be used in shallow water and many boating enthusiasts often find it desirable to “beach” the boats by finding a suitable sandy beach and then running the bow of the boat up onto the beach so as to temporarily secure it so that they may enjoy the beach during their day on the water. (Please seeFIG. 4.)

Often in those circumstances where a boat has been “beached” onto a sandy outcropping for purposes of recreation, the incoming waves from the body of water which is adjacent to the beach often causes the boat to turn, either to the port or starboard side, thereby causing the boat to move to a position which is substantially parallel to the beach. (Please seeFIG. 6) While typically this does not normally cause problems, in some circumstances this is undesirable because one or more other boats may be also “beached” close by. Therefore, a movement of a beached boat, sideways, may cause an undesirable collision with an adjacent beached boat, or further may cause the stern drive on the boat to be dragged needlessly through the underwater sediment found under or near the boat. When a beached boat twists or otherwise turns parallel to the beach, the skipper of the beached watercraft typically will go out into the water and then forcibly move the stern of the boat back to a position where it is substantially perpendicular to the beach, and away from any adjacent watercraft. The skipper of the watercraft may have to do this multiple times during several hours in order to rectify the undesirable movement of the boat.

It should be readily recognized that the movement of the boat may occur slowly over time or may further suddenly occur when, for example, a large wave approaches the beach and which is generated from a passing watercraft. In view of the size of the wave, the movement may be rather rapid and/or violent and if another boat is nearby, serious damage may result because of the collision of the two boats.

Heretofore, there has been no convenient means by which an owner of a boat or other watercraft could conveniently “beach” the watercraft or boat in a predetermined orientation and thereafter secure either the bow or the stern in a convenient manner so that it would not move, notwithstanding incoming waves or surf which may move against either the stern or bow and thereby causing it to turn the boat or watercraft to a position where it was substantially parallel to the beach without first placing at least one anchor in relatively deep water astern of the boat. (Please seeFIG. 5). While this remedy has operated with some degree of success, it is often inconvenient, and still does not completely prevent movement of the boat caused by incoming waves or surf. While some skippers may deploy two anchors off of the stern, for example, this remedy increases the inconvenience of beaching the boat, and further requires the provisions of a second anchor. In view of the small size of such boats, the provision of a second anchor is usually undesirable because there typically is reduced storage space for such anchors on these same boats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a boat anchor 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.

Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a boat anchor which includes, a cleat mounted on a boat, and wherein the cleat has a central region which is secured to the boat, and further has individual, longitudinally oriented, and opposed cleat wings which extend laterally outwardly relative to the central region, and which are spaced from the boat, and wherein a passageway extends through the central region of the cleat, and wherein the cleat has opposite first and second surfaces; a first elongated support member having first, second and third apertures formed therein, and which is juxtaposed relative to the first surface of the cleat, and wherein the second aperture is substantially coaxially aligned with the passageway formed in the central region of the cleat; a second elongated support member having first, second and third apertures formed therein, and which is juxtaposed relative to the second surface of the cleat, and wherein the first, second and third apertures of the second elongated support member are substantially coaxially aligned relative to the first second and third apertures formed in the first elongated support member; first, second and third fasteners received through the coaxially aligned first, second and third coaxially aligned apertures formed in the respective first and second elongated support members, and wherein the second fastener is received through the passageway formed in the central region of the cleat, and wherein the respective fasteners releasably secure the first and second elongated support members to the cleat; a first member of an adjustable mounting assembly having a proximal end which is releasably secured to the first elongated support member by the second fastener, and which further has a second distal end which extends substantially laterally outwardly relative to the first elongated support member, and away from the cleat, and wherein an indexing member extends longitudinally outwardly relative to the distal end of the first member; a second member of an adjustable mounting assembly having a main body which has a proximal end which is releasably affixed to the second elongated support member by the second fastener, and an opposite distal end, and wherein the main body of the second member has a first leg which extends laterally outwardly relative to the second elongated support member, and which is substantially parallel relative to the first member of the adjustable mounting assembly, and a second leg which is substantially perpendicular to the first leg, and wherein a multiplicity of apertures are formed in a given longitudinally extending pattern along the second leg, and which are dimensioned to receive the indexing member therein; a U-shaped attachment member having a main body which is rotatably attached to the second member of the adjustable mounting assembly, and wherein the main body has a pair of spaced legs which extend normally outwardly relative to the second leg of the second member; an adjustable elongated arm having a proximal and a distal end, and wherein the proximal end is received between, and rotatably secured to, the spaced legs of the U-shaped attachment member, and wherein the adjustable arm is selectively angularly adjustable relative to the U-shaped adjustment member, and wherein the adjustable arm is moveable in multiple axes; a rotatable channel member mounted on the distal end of the adjustable arm, and which defines a passageway extending therethrough; and an elongated anchor rod having a main body with a proximal and a distal end, and which extends through the rotatable channel, and wherein the distal end is operable to engage an underwater surface which is located near the boat, and wherein the elongated anchor rod moves substantially freely though the passageway as defined by the rotatable channel member as the boat moves upwardly and downwardly in response to a movement of a body of water upon which the boat is floating, and wherein the adjustable arm maintains the boat at a predetermined distance from the anchor rod.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful laws [Art. I, Sec. 8].

A boat anchor for use on a boat or watercraft of conventional design is generally indicated by the numeral10inFIG. 1, and following.

As seen in the drawings, the boat anchor10of the present invention is operable to be utilized on or in connection with a boat or watercraft11of conventional design. The boat has a forward or bow portion12, and an opposite rear or stern portion13. Further, the watercraft, as depicted, has a stern drive14which is used to propel the boat11. As depicted inFIGS. 5 and 6, the boat11is shown in an orientation where it has been driven up onto a beach15, which is adjacent to a body of water16. Still further, as depicted, the stern13of the boat11is located in a floating, overlying relationship relative to an underwater surface which is generally indicated by the numeral17. (FIG. 7) As will be understood, and periodically, the movement of the body of water16will tend to cause the stern13of the boat11to move upwardly and downwardly as waves, or other surf, moves towards the beach15where the boat11has been temporarily “beached.” (FIG. 6)

The boat anchor of the present invention10is operable to be releasably affixed to a cleat20, which is of conventional design and which is attached to the boat11. Such marine or rope securing cleats are well known and have been used for centuries. The cleat20has a main body21, which is defined, in part, by a central region22which is affixed to the underlying boat11using threaded fasteners22(a). Further, the cleat has individual longitudinally oriented and opposed cleat wings23, which extend laterally outwardly and longitudinally relative to the central region22, and which are further located in a spaced relationship relative to the underlying boat11. A space24is defined between the boat11, and the overlying, cleat wings23. Further as illustrated inFIG. 8A, a passageway25of predetermined dimensions, is formed through the central region22. Additionally, as seen inFIG. 8B, the cleat20has a given width dimension26. It will be recognized from the discussion, as found in the paragraphs, below, that the present boat anchor10provides a convenient means whereby it may be successfully utilized with cleats20having various width dimensions26, thereby allowing the anchor10, to be utilized on a wide variety of different boats and/or other watercraft. The cleat20has opposite first and second surfaces which are generally indicated by the numerals27and28, respectively.

As illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, the boat anchor10includes a first elongated support member which is defined by a main body31, and which has a first end32, and an opposite second end33. The first elongated support member30is juxtaposed relative to the first surface27of the cleat20. First, second and third apertures34,35and36are formed in, and located in predetermined spaced relation, one relative to the other in the main body31. Still further, the second aperture35is substantially coaxially aligned with the passageway25, which is formed in the central region22of the cleat20. (FIG. 1) Additional Apertures37and38may be provided and which will allow this structure to be used on cleats20which have varying length dimensions.

The boat anchor10of the present invention includes a second elongated support member which is generally indicated by the numeral40. Similar to the first elongated support member30, the second elongated member has a main body41that has opposite first and second ends42and43, respectively. As illustrated inFIG. 10, the first and second elongated support members have substantially similar longitudinal as well as transverse dimensions. The second elongated support member has first, second and third apertures44,45, and46, respectively that are formed therein, and which are located in predetermined spaced relation, one relative to the other, and which further can be substantially coaxially aligned relative to the first, second and third apertures34,35and36, respectively, and which were formed or defined in the first elongated support member30. It should be understood, that the apertures, as formed in the respective first and second elongated support members40, may be suitably threaded (as depicted) so as to receive a suitable fastener which will be discussed in the paragraphs which follow. As will be appreciated, the second aperture45of the second elongated support member40is substantially coaxially aligned with the second aperture35of the first elongated support member, and with the passageway25as defined by the central region22of the cleat20. (FIG. 1) Similarly in this structure additional apertures47and48may be provided and used for the same purposes as stated in the paragraph, above.

As seen inFIG. 10, the boat anchor10further provides first, second and third fasteners51,52and53, respectively, and which are received through and matingly cooperate with the coaxial aligned first, second and third aperture34and44;35and45; and36and46, respectively, and which are formed in the respective first and second elongated support members30and40, respectively. As will be recognized, apertures37and38are aligned with apertures47and48. As should be understood, the second fastener52is received through the passageway25formed in the central region22of the cleat20. The respective fasteners51,52and53releasably secure the first and second elongated support members in juxtaposed relationship relative to the cleat20. As will be recognized from the drawings, the first and third fasteners51and53, respectively, individually pass through the space24, which is defined between the opposed cleat wings23, and the underlying boat11. The first and third fasteners are located on the opposite sides of the central region22of the cleat20. The first and second elongated support members30and40, and the first, second and third fasteners51,52and53, comprise, at least in part, a fixture60, which is releasably secured to the cleat20that is mounted on the boat11. As seen inFIG. 10, the fasteners may be fabricated in a fashion to include a flange54which prevents the fasteners from being separated from the second elongated support member40. This prevents the loss of the fasteners while the invention is in storage; or due to loss when they are carelessly lost, overboard, when the invention is being installed, or removed from the cleat20. Still further, and while the fasteners are depicted as having a circular proximal end, other designs, such as wings and toggles, may be used and which allow a user to effectively apply a rational force to the respective fasteners.

The boat anchor20includes an adjustable mounting assembly, which is generally indicated by the numeral70(FIG. 11), and which further includes a first and second member71and72, respectively. The first member71of the adjustable mounting assembly70has a main body73, which has a proximal end74, which is releasably secured to the first elongated support member30by the second fastener52. Still further, the main body73has a second, or distal end75, which extends laterally outwardly relative to the first elongated support member30, and away from the cleat20. Still further as seen in the drawings, the first member includes an indexing member76, which extends substantially longitudinally, outwardly, relative to the distal end25of the first member71and which substantially cooperates with the second member72, as will be described in greater detail, below.

The boat anchor has, as earlier noted, an adjustable mounting assembly which includes a second member72, and which has a main body80, which cooperates with the first member71, as described in the paragraph, immediately above. The main body80of the second member72has a proximal and a distal end81, and82respectively. The proximal end81is releasably affixed to the second elongated support member40by the second fastener52. The main body80of the second member72is further defined by a first leg83, which extends laterally outwardly relative to the second elongated member40, and which is oriented substantially parallel relative to the first member71of the adjustable mounting assembly70. As will be recognized, the length dimension of the first leg83is substantially equal to the length dimension of the main body73, of the first member71. Still further, the main body80has a second leg84, which is substantially perpendicularly oriented relative to the first leg83. As will be recognized fromFIG. 11, a multiplicity of apertures85are formed in a longitudinally extending pattern along the second leg84, and which are individually dimensioned to receive the indexing member76therein. The arrangement, as seen in the drawings, and specifically the spaced apart multiplicity of apertures85, provides a convenient means whereby the fixture60can be adjusted and then utilized on cleats20having different width dimensions26. Therefore, the present invention can be used on a multiplicity of differently designed watercraft in a manner that has not been possible, heretofore.

The boat anchor10further includes a U-shaped attachment member which is generally indicated by the numeral90. (FIG. 11) The U-shaped attachment member has a main body91, which is rotatably attached to the second member72of the adjustable mounting assembly70. The main body91has a pair of spaced legs, here indicated as a first leg92, and a second leg93, which are located in predetermined, substantially parallel spaced relation, one relative to the other, and which further extend normally, outwardly, relative to the second leg84, of the second member72. As seen inFIG. 11, the main body91is rotatably moveable along the path of travel which is generally indicated by the numeral95. Still further, a fastener96is provided and which extends through main body91and which facilitates the rotation for the main body91. Moreover, and as seen in the drawings, a multiplicity of apertures97are formed in a semi-circular pattern around a second fastener99which extends through the legs92and93respectively. The fastener99permits an adjustable arm to rotate relative thereto. The adjustable arm will be discussed in the paragraphs which follow. The aforementioned apertures97, which are substantially coaxially aligned in each of the respective first and second legs92and93, are operable to receive a setting pin98therethrough. (FIG. 1) The setting pin98is operable to physically cooperate with the rotatably moveable adjustable arm, as will be described, hereinafter, so as to positionally, angularly fix the orientation of the adjustable arm member, as will be described, relative to the fixture60.

The boat anchor10of the present invention includes an adjustable elongated arm100, which has a main body101, and which further has a first or proximal end102, which is received between, and is rotatably secured to the spaced legs92and93of the U-shaped attachment member90. The adjustable arm100, as discussed in the paragraph above, is selectively, angularly adjustable relative to the U-shaped attachment member90. As seen in the drawings, the adjustable elongated arm100has a given length dimension which is typically greater than about one foot. Still further, and as seen in the drawings, the adjustable elongated member is moveable along a path of movement104relative to the U-shaped attachment member90. Moreover, and illustrated in the drawings, at least one aperture105is formed in the main body101and which can be selectively coaxially aligned with one of the apertures97. In this coaxially aligned orientation, the setting pin98may be received through the coaxially aligned apertures thereby providing a convenient way by which the adjustable elongated arm100may be fixedly, angularly secured in a predetermined orientation relative to the fixture60. (FIG. 1) Further, it is possible that the setting pin98may not be used, thereby allowing the adjustable elongated arm100to rotate freely relative to the U-shaped attachment member90, and along the path of travel104. Still further, it will be recognized that the adjustable elongated arm may rotate about its longitudinal axis when the main body91of the U-shaped attachment member rotates relative to the second member72of the adjustable mounting assembly70. Still further it will be recognized from the drawings that the elongated arm may be fabricated from a flexible substrate and which will prevent excessive torque from being applied to the cleat20when the boat11moves in response to repeated wave action striking the boat.

The boat anchor10of the present invention includes a rotatable channel member110, which is mounted on the distal end103of the adjustable arm100. The rotatable channel member defines a passageway112extending therethrough. As seen in the drawings, the rotatable channel member is rotatable about a path of travel113which is defined by a fastener111, and which is used to attach the rotatable channel member to the distal end103of the adjustable elongated arm.

The boat anchor10of the present invention includes an elongated anchor rod which is generally indicated by the numeral120. The anchor rod has a main body121, which has a first or proximal end122; and a second, or distal end123, which is operable to engage the underwater surface17, which is located near the boat11. In the present invention10the adjustable elongated arm100maintains the boat11at a predetermined distance from the elongated anchor rod120, as will be described in greater detail, below. More specifically, the elongated anchor rod, in addition to the proximal and distal ends122and123, has opposite sides124. The distal end123, as noted, is operable to engage the underwater surface17. As such, the distal end may, in one form of the invention, be ground, shaped, or otherwise formed into a point thereby allowing easier penetration into the underwater surface12. Still further, force applied by a user (not shown) to the proximal end122is effective in driving the elongated anchor rod120to a given distance into the underlying underwater surface17in order to provide a secure placement for the elongated anchor rod120. As seen in the drawings, the main body121of the elongated anchor rod120is received in the passageway112as defined by the rotatable channel member110, and moves substantially freely through the passageway as defined by the rotatable channel member as the boat11moves upwardly and downwardly in response to a movement of the body of water16upon which the boat11is floating. This water movement is occasioned by waves or other surf that may move across the body of water and then land on the accompanying beach15.

As will be recognized, in this arrangement, the adjustable elongated arm100functions to maintain the boat11at a predetermined distance from the elongated anchor rod120, however the elongated arm100freely moves up and down the elongated anchor rod120to accommodate the movement of the boat. In this arrangement, the stern14of the boat11remains in a substantially fixed orientation relative to the beach15, and cannot turn in either direction so as to assume a parallel orientation. This invention prevents the boat11from damaging adjacent boats or further damaging the stern drive14, as might be occasioned when the boat11turns sideways and pulls the stern drive across the underwater surface17. (FIG. 6) As seen in the drawings, the elongated anchor rod120may have several forms including a unitary construction (FIG. 19), and wherein force may be applied to the proximal end122to drive the distal end123into the underwater surface17. Still further, in an alternative form as seen inFIGS. 20 and 21, the distal end123of the anchor rod120has an auger-like shape125, and wherein a substantially longitudinal rotation126of the elongated anchor rod120causes the distal end123of the anchor rod120to penetrate the underwater surface17. In another possible form of the invention (FIG. 22), the anchor rod120further includes a foot member which is generally indicated by the numeral127, and which is located between the proximal and distal ends122and123of the anchor rod120. The foot member127extends perpendicularly, outwardly relative to the main body121, and on the opposite sides124thereof. In this arrangement a user may place their feet, not shown, on the foot member127, and force the distal end123of the anchor rod120into the underlying surface17. In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, this foot member may be effected by an aperture128, which extends transversely through the main body121, and which accommodates a rod, or a cross piece128A. This rod or cross piece128A can, of course, be later removed and conveniently stored. It is also conceivable that folding steps, which are pivotally attached to the main body121(not shown) can be fabricated and which will provide a convenient, easy, elongated anchor rod120for convenient storage when not in use.

Therefore, the foot member127, as described, may be readily detached from the main body121for storage. Still further, and relative to the elongated anchor rod120which shows the auger shaped end125, this particular elongated anchor rod120may include a force transmitting member129, which is coupled to the main body121of the anchor rod120. The force transmitting member129is located near the proximal end122thereof, and which extends substantially transversely, laterally outwardly relative to the main body121. The force transmitting member has a distal end130, and wherein force applied by user, not shown, to the distal end130of the force transmitting member129, imparts longitudinal rotational movement of the anchor rod along its longitudinal axis to facilitate the penetration of the distal end123into the underwater surface. Again, the force transmitting member129may be provided in a convenient form whereby it may be easily removed for storage when the elongated anchor rod120is no longer in use. It should be understood, that while the elongated anchor rod120may be formed in a unitary construction (FIG. 19), it is conceivable that the elongated anchor rod may be formed in multiple portions or sections132(FIGS. 20 and 23) which may be screwthreadably or otherwise fastened together. This arrangement will provide a convenient means whereby the elongated anchor rod120may be broken up or disassembled into shorter segments and then stored in a convenient storage bag or the like, in a compartment or other area of the watercraft11when it is not in use. Additionally, the anchor rod may be provided with a highly reflective fluorescent surface140, which is located near the proximal end122. This reflective surface would permit a user to easily locate the anchor rod120during reduced periods of visibility, such as at night. Further, and optionally, a resilient deformable surface or cap141may be provided and which mates with the proximal end of the anchor rod. Again this cap may be fabricated with a fluorescent surface so as to make it easier to locate it during reduced visibility. However, it would be fabricated of a flexible substrate so as to prevent harm to a boat passing nearby, or a swimmer, for example, moving from the beach into the body of water. Moreover, this cap141would prevent injury to a user in the event they slipped over the side of the boat and into the adjacent water.

OPERATION

The operation of the described embodiments of the present invention are believed to be readily apparent, and are briefly summarized at this point. In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to boat anchor10, which includes a fixture60, and which is releasably secured to a cleat20. The cleat20is mounted on a boat11. In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, an adjustable arm100is movably mounted to the fixture60, and further has a distal end103. In the arrangement as shown, a channel member110is mounted on the distal end103of the adjustable arm100, and which defines a passageway112extending therethrough. The present invention includes an elongated anchor rod120, which is received an the passageway112, and which further has a distal end123, which is effective in engaging and penetrating an underwater surface17, which is located near the boat11. The adjustable arm maintains the boat11at a predetermined distance from the anchor rod120, and the adjustable arm member is readily slideably moveable therealong the elongated anchor rod120as the boat11moves upwardly and downwardly on the body of water16on which it is floating.

The adjustable arm100may be fabricated of either a rigid, substantially inflexible substrate or a rigid flexible substrate which would accommodate some bending of the adjustable arm about its longitudinal axis. This bending would reduce to some degree any excess torque being imparted to the cleat20. Moreover, the anchor rod120has a length dimension of greater than about 3 feet. typically, the length of the anchor rod will be selected so as to permit free movement of the adjustable arm along the anchor rod, but would prevent the adjustable arm from sliding up and off of the anchor rod and thereby permitting the boat to move near, or even over the top of the anchor rod. In this situation, damage to the hull of boat11could result.

Therefore, it will be seen that the present invention provides a convenient means whereby a boating enthusiast may avail themselves of easily beaching their watercraft on an adjacent sandy beach and thereby secure either the bow, or the stern from movement relative to the beach so as to prevent the boat11from damaging adjacent boats or further turning sideways and parallel to the beach and potentially damaging a stern drive of the watercraft.

In compliance with the statute, the present invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the pending claimed appropriately interpreted in accordance with the Doctrine of Equivalents.