Anchoring apparatus and method of anchoring

Abstract: An anchor for a buoyant device comprises an angled plate member (25) having first and second plates (21, 22) adjoining along a line and extending therefrom at a predetermined angle. A shank (30) is pivoted in an opening (28) to a medial portion of the angled plate member (25) and extends outwardly therefrom. Prong members (42, 43, 47, 48) extend outwardly from the outer surfaces of the plates (21, 22) of the angled plate member.

Description: Field Of The Invention The present invention relates to the field of aquatic or marine devices and, more particularly, to an anchoring apparatus for buoyant devices in the aquatic or marine industry. Background of The Invention Boat anchors have been developed over the years for stabilizing or bracing boats or other buoyant devices when positioned in the water. An anchor can generally be described as a large or heavy device which embeds into the floor of a sea, lake, river, or other body of water to brace a boat or other buoyant device. Conventional anchors have hooks, flukes, or barbs which embed into or snag underwater terrain to accomplish the bracing function. Advances have been made over the years in the structural design of anchors to make them easier to handle or transport, which enables the anchor to readily reach the waterway floor or other underwater terrain, and which increases the anchoring force when launching, positioning, or setting an anchor. Some examples of these advances can be seen in U.S. Patents Nos. 4, 972, 793 and 4,397,257 and British Patent No. 1,067,382. Floors or the underwater terrain of waterways, however, also often contain many natural as well as man-made obstacles, such as rocks, shrubbery, trees, sea plants, natural caverns, wreckage, or pollutants, with which anchors can become entangled. Generally, when a user of an anchor incurs difficulty in removing or dislodging an anchor from the underwater terrain by merely winching the anchor, the boat is guided in a reverse direction and the anchor is attempted to be removed when the boat is above or now behind the anchor in the opposite direction it was originally attempting to travel. If the anchor has portions thereof, e.g., a hook, fluke, or barb, lodged under a large rock, log, or some type of man-made obstacle, this conventional anchor removal process is often unsatisfactory. In other words, the anchor remains lodged under the obstacle or a user has problems in removing the anchor. One cause of these anchor removal problems, for example, is that the hook, fluke, or barb can actually be further lodged under the obstacle when the upper shank of an anchor is pulled in the opposite direction. Accordingly, attempts have been made to develop anchors which can more easily be removed when lodged under obstacles. Examples of some of these attempts can be seen in U.S. Patents Nos. 4,951,593, 4,385,584 and 4,644,894 and French Patent No. 1,466,433. These conventional "snag-release" anchors, however, are often complex which, for example, can increase the risk of entanglements, expensive to manufacture, and fail to be easily used on some of the various underwater terrain which an anchor can encounter French patent specification 2 666 785 discloses an anchor comprising an angled plate member mounting anchor flukes and a shank pivoted to the angled plate member between the flukes. The angled plate member has adjoining plates which extend at an angle relatively to each other and which stabilise the flukes in a horizontal plane when the anchor rests on the bottom. Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide an anchoring apparatus which is readily adaptable for embedding into or lodging under various types of underwater terrain. The invention consists in an apparatus for anchoring a buoyant device, comprising an angled plate member having first and second adjoining plates extending at a predetermined angle relatively to each other, and a shank pivotally connected to a medial portion of the angled plate member, characterised by at least one prong member extending outwardly from the outer surface of each of the plates of the angled plate member. The anchoring apparatus of the invention provides a simple structure which can readily be manufactured and which decreases the risk of entanglements during use. Additionally, it may be of light weight which advantageously enables various users readily to handle the anchoring apparatus during launching and winching and which can be readily adapted for various types of boats or other buoyant devices. The anchoring apparatus preferably also includes plate positioning means connected to the shank and the angled plate member for adaptively positioning the angled plate member in various arrangements for various. types of underwater terrain surfaces and for adaptively removing the angled plate member when secured to various underwater terrain surfaces. The plate positioning means may include pivotal connecting means connected to a distal end portion of the shank for pivotally connecting the shank to the medial portion of the angled plate member. By pivoting between the plurality of positions with an angled plate member and the prongs of the hook members, the anchoring apparatus advantageously provides a flexible anchoring device for various types and sizes of boats or other buoyant devices. Because the structure may be light weight and easy to manufacture, the anchoring apparatus can advantageously be produced in high volume, be relatively inexpensive, and be easily sized for various uses. The various pivoting positions permitted by the present invention advantageously provide an anchoring apparatus which readily embeds, sets, lodges, braces, or secures a boat or other buoyant device to the various underwater terrain surfaces and yet also readily can be dislodged from the various underwater terrain surfaces. Brief Description Of The Drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective environmental view of an anchoring apparatus positioned in a first position according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is side elevational view of an anchoring apparatus positioned in a first position according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective environmental view of an anchoring apparatus positioned in a second position according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of an anchoring apparatus positioned in a second position according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a perspective environmental view of an anchoring apparatus positioned in a third position according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an anchoring apparatus positioned in a third position according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is front elevational view of an anchoring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an anchoring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of an anchoring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an anchoring apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these illustrated embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation when used indicates similar elements in alternative embodiments. FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 illustrate perspective environmental views of an apparatus 20 according to the present invention for anchoring a buoyant device, such as a boat. As illustrated, the anchoring apparatus 20 can advantageously be used for multiple purposes in various underwater terrain, e.g., sand, rock, logs, brush, sea plants, underwater caverns, and man-made obstacles, to provide effective anchoring functions. The anchoring apparatus 20 preferably has first and second plates 21, 22 adjoined along a common line 23. An end of the second plate 22 is transversely connected to or adjoined to an end of the first plate 21 along the common line 23 and extends inwardly therefrom at a predetermined angle  so that the first and second plates 21, 22 in combination define an angled plate member 25 . The angled plate member 25 preferably has a generally L-shape as illustrated. The L-shaped configuration of the angled plate member 25 advantageously provides a wide enough spacing to allow pivoting movement of the angled plate member 25 as described further herein and advantageously provides a structural configuration that is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture. Nevertheless, as understood by those skilled in the art, other angled configurations of the angled plate member 25 can be used as well for the present invention. The angle plate member 25 , as well as the other elements of the anchoring apparatus 20, preferably includes an anti-corrosive material either coating the angled plate member 25 or integrally formed therewith. The angle plate member 25 preferably also includes an elongate opening 28 formed in a medial portion thereof. The elongate opening 28 extends into and through end portions of the first and second plates 21, 22 and preferably generally transverse to and through the common adjoining line 23 of the first and second plates 21, 22 (see also FIGS. 7-8). As will be described further herein, the opening 28 can also form a part of plate positioning means 50 which functions to adaptively position the angled plate member 25 in a plurality of positions for various underwater terrain. A shank 30 is pivotally connected to a medial portion of the angled plate member 25 and extends outwardly therefrom. The shank 30 is preferably an elongate shaft or rod that has a proximal end portion thereof which extends through the elongate opening 28 in the angled plate member 25 . The shank 30 preferably has an oblong shape for correspondingly fitting through the elongate opening 28 . As illustrated, the shank 30, however, also preferably is small enough to allow for slack or sliding movement-within the opening 28. The distal end portion of the shank 30 preferably is adapted to connect to an anchoring line such as a chain, cable, or rope connected to a boat or other buoyant device. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 9, a pair of hook members 41, 46 extend through and between each of the first and second plates 21, 22 of the angled plate member 25 . End portions of each of the hook members 41, 46 define a pair of corresponding prong members 42, 47 and 43 , 48 which extend outwardly from the outer surface of each of the first and second plates 21, 22 of the angled plate member 25 . The prong members 42, 43 , 47 , 48 , e.g., sharpened or extending to form a conical point, advantageously engage or assist in embedding the anchoring apparatus 20 into the surface of the underwater terrain where the anchoring apparatus 20 rests after launching. Each of the pair of hook members 41, 46 also arcuately extends between the first and second plates 21, 22 of the angled plate member 25. This extension of the pair of hook members 41, 46 advantageously strengthen the structure of the angled plate member 25 and inhibits the angled inner surface of the angled plate member 25 from entanglement and abutting contact with various underwater obstacles or terrain. This extension of the pair of hook members 41, 46 also advantageously protects the pivotal connection of shank 30 with the angled plate member 25 . Because the structure of the anchoring apparatus 20 as described is light weight and easy to manufacture, the anchoring apparatus 20 can advantageously be produced in high volume, be relatively inexpensive, and be easily sized for various uses. Plate positioning means 50 is connected to the shank 30 and the angled plate member 25 for adaptively positioning the angled plate member 25 in various arrangements for various types of underwater terrain surfaces and for adaptively removing the angled plate member 25 when secured to various underwater terrain surfaces. As best illustrated, in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the plate positioning means 50 includes pivotal connecting means connected to a proximal end portion of the shank 30 for pivotally connecting the shank 30 to the medial portion of the angled plate member 25 . The plate positioning means preferably also includes the elongate opening 28 formed in the medial portion of the angled plate member 25. The pivotal connecting means preferably includes an elongate rod 56 transversely connected to at least the proximal end portion of the shank 30. The elongate rod 56 is also preferably connected to or secured to the inner surface of the angled plate member 25 , e.g., preferably secured along the inner surface of the common adjoining line 23 in the medial portion of the angled plate member 25 . The shank 30 preferably pivots about the elongate rod 56 and slidably moves within the elongate opening 28 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-10. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the proximal end portion of the shank 30 pivots between at least three positions. A first position preferably has a first portion of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of the shank 30 abuttingly contacting the inner surface of the first plate 21 . This first position, for example, inhibits the pivoting movement or motion further in the direction of the first plate 21 and, yet, also advantageously provides increased leverage for the shank 30 , especially during removal or dislodging from the underwater terrain surface into which it is embedded. A second position preferably has a second portion of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of the shank 30 abuttingly contacting the inner surface of the second plate 22. This second position, for example, like the first position also inhibits the pivoting movement or motion further in the direction of the second plate 22 and, yet, also advantageously provides increased leverage for the shank 30 , especially during removal or dislodging from the underwater terrain surface into which it is embedded. A third position preferably has the first and second portions of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of the shank 30 positioned transverse to the inner surfaces of the first and second plates 21, 22. The increased leverage in this third position is advantageously provided by the contact of the elongate rod 56 with the inner surface of the medial portion of the angled plate member 25. FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of an anchoring apparatus according to the present invention. This alternative embodiment illustrates another positional movement of the plate positioning means 50' so that in the first position the second portion of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of the shank 30' abuttingly contacts the second plate 22' at the second end of the elongate opening 28' . This first position, for example, inhibits the pivoting movement or motion further in the direction of the first plate 21' and, yet, also advantageously provides increased leverage for the shank 30' , especially during removal or dislodging from the underwater terrain surface into which it is embedded. A second position preferably has the first portion of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of the shank 30' abuttingly contacting the first plate 21' at the first end of the elongate opening. This second position, for example, like the first position also inhibits the pivoting movement or motion further in the direction of the second plate 22' and, yet, also advantageously provides increased leverage for the shank 30' , especially during removal or dislodging from the underwater terrain surface into which it is embedded. A third position preferably has the first and second portions of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of the shank 30' positioned transverse to the inner surfaces of the first and second plates 21', 22' . The increased leverage in this third position is advantageously provided by the contact of the elongate rod 56' with the inner surface of the medial portion of the angled plate member 25' . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the angled plate member 25, 25' of these embodiments and the plate positioning means 50, 50' advantageously cooperate to position the angled plate member 25, 25' in a plurality of positions which include the three positions illustrated and described. Nevertheless, other positions, for example, extending between these positions, can advantageously be used as well with the present invention. By advantageously pivoting between the plurality of positions with the angled plate member 25, 25' and the prongs 42, 43, 47, 48, 42', 43', 47', 48' of the hook members 41, 46, 41', 46' , the anchoring apparatus 20 , 20' provides a flexible anchoring device 20, 20' for various types and sizes of boats or other buoyant devices. The anchoring apparatus 20, 20' of the present invention advantageously provides a simple structure and flexible pivoting positions, as illustrated and described, which also decrease the risk of entanglements during use such as when launched, winched, or removed from the water.

Claims: An apparatus for anchoring a buoyant device, comprising an angled plate member (25) having first and second adjoining plates (21,22) extending at a predetermined angle relatively to each other, and a shank (30) pivotally connected to a medial portion of the angled plate member, characterised by at least one prong member (42,43,47,48) extending outwardly from the outer surface of each of the plates (21,22) of the angled plate member. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, including at least one hook member (41,46) extending between and through each of said first and second plates of said angled plate member, the or each hook member having a pair of the prong members extending outwardly from the outer surfaces of the plates. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein the or each hook member arcuately extends between said first and second plates of the angled plate member. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the angled plate member (25) has a generally L-shape. An apparatus as defined in any preceding claim, wherein the angled plate member (25) has an opening (28) formed in the medial portion of the plate member, and wherein a proximal end of the shank extends through the opening of said plate member. An apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the opening (28) formed in the plate member (25) has a generally elongate shape and extends generally transverse to a common adjoining line (23) of the plates of said plate member. An apparatus as defined in any preceding claim, including plate positioning means associated with the shank (30) and the plate member (25) for adaptively positioning said plate member in various dispositions for various types of underwater terrain surfaces and for facilitating removal of the plate member when secured to various underwater terrain surfaces. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein said plate positioning means includes pivotal connecting means (56) connected to a proximal end portion of said shank (30) and pivotally connecting said shank to the medial portion of said plate member. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, as appendant to claim 5, wherein the proximal end portion of said shank (30) extends through said opening (28) of said plate member, and wherein said pivotally connecting means includes an elongate rod (56) transversely connected to at least the proximal end portion of said shank. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, 8 or 9, as appendant to claim 5, wherein said opening in the medial portion of the plate member (25) comprises an elongate opening (28) extending through end portions of the respective plates (21,22) of the plate member, and wherein the proximal end portion of the shank (30) pivots between at least three positions, a first position having a first portion of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of said shank abuttingly contacting the inner surface of one of the plates (21,22) of said plate member, a second position having a second portion of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of said shank abuttingly contacting the inner surface of the other one of the plates (21,22) of said plate member, and a third position having the first and second portions of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of said shank positioned transverse to the inner surface of the plates of said plate member. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, 8 or 9 as appendant to claim 5, wherein said opening in the medial portion of the plate member (25) comprises an elongate opening (28) extending through end portions of said first and second plates (21'22'), and wherein the proximal end portion of said shank (30') pivots between at least three positions, a first position having a portion of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of said shank abuttingly contacting an end of said elongate opening extending along said second plate (22'), a second position having another portion of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of said shank abuttingly contacting the other end of said elongate opening extending along said first plate (21'), and a third position having the respective portions of the outer surface of the proximal end portion of said shank positioned transverse to the inner surfaces of said first and second plates. An apparatus as defined in any preceding claim, wherein said plate member (25) includes an anti-corrosive material.

Inventors: AL-SABAH SABAH NASER, AL-SABAH, SABAH NASER
Applicants: AL-SABAH SABAH NASER, AL-SABAH, SABAH NASER
Application year: 1998
Main classification: B63B21
IPC codes: B63B21