Abstract:
A floating buoy for use in securing a looped wire assembly in marine environments is disclosed. The anchor buoy may include a buoyant body and a first opening and a second opening formed in the buoyant body, the first and second openings forming a passage through the buoyant body. The floating buoy may also include a loop-securing structure detachably connected to the buoyant body adjacent to the first opening, the loop-securing structure movable from a first position to a second position and vice versa, the loop-securing structure configured to cover the first opening such that the loop-securing structure in the first position defines a third opening that is narrower than both of the first opening and the second opening.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to equipment for use in marine operations and more particularly to the use of a floating anchor buoy in such operations. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many marine operations make use of floating buoys to indicate subsurface locations of interest or to secure lines of various types at the surface of the water to provide a convenient way of locating and securing these lines. Some buoys may be used as mooring buoys. Mooring buoys are generally semi-permanent or permanent features that float on the surface of the water to mark the location of an anchor. Mooring buoys typically include an anchor chain attached to the anchor. Due to their permanence or semi-permanence, mooring buoys are not generally used to quickly move an anchor. 
     One particular application for floating buoys, for example, includes securing lines at the surface for the raising and lowering of anchors for marine vessels. Floating anchor buoys are frequently used to mark the surface locations above the anchor and secure a looped line or picking eye for quickly and easily moving the anchor. A cable or wire rope generally extends from the top or securing side of the anchor through the buoy, with a loop or picking eye extending above the surface of the water such that the loop can be easily captured by a vessel to raise and move the anchor to another position. 
     In general, mooring and floating anchor buoys are formed from heavy steel cylinders or spheres. Modifying these steel structures to receive a looped anchor cable can be difficult, time consuming, and pose some risk of injury to the worker. Splicing or otherwise forming the loop of the wire cable after the cable has passed through the buoy increases the amount of time needed to prepare the buoy for use and can pose a safety risk to persons near the buoy. A floating anchor that can quickly and easily accommodate and secure a looped cable line above the surface of the water would solve many of the disadvantages of prior designs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention provide floating buoy cans that are easy and safe to manufacture and that will easily secure a looped line above the water. 
     In one aspect, a floating buoy for holding an anchor line having a loop at one end is disclosed. The buoy includes a buoyant body, a first opening and a second opening formed in the buoyant body, the first and second openings connected by a passage through the buoyant body, the first and second openings and the passage sized to allow a loop in an anchor line to move through the first opening and through the passage and through the second opening, and a first loop-securing structure connected to the buoyant body to provide a third opening sized to allow the anchor line to move therethrough and to prevent the loop from moving therethrough. In some embodiments, the first loop-securing structure is detachably connected to the buoyant body. In some embodiments, the first loop-securing structure is configured to have first and second positions such that, when the first loop-securing structure is in the second position, the third opening is sized to allow the anchor line to move therethrough and to prevent the loop from moving therethrough, and such that, when the first loop-securing structure is in the first position, the third opening is larger than it is when the first loop-securing structure is in the second position. 
     In some embodiments, the first loop-securing structure comprises a first plate and a second plate, each of the first and second plates detachably connected to the buoyant body adjacent to the first opening, the first loop-securing structure movable from an open position to a closed position such that the first loop-securing structure in a closed position defines a third opening. In some embodiments, the buoy further includes a second loop-securing structure comprising a third plate and a fourth plate, each of the third and fourth plates detachably connected to the buoyant body substantially adjacent to the second opening, the second loop-securing structure movable from an open position to a closed position, and the second loop-securing structure in the closed position defines a third opening. In some embodiments, the third opening is approximately centered over the first opening. In some embodiments, each of the first and second openings is circular. In some embodiments, each of the first and second openings is rectangular. In some embodiments, a diameter of each of the first and second openings is at least 12 inches. In some embodiments, each of the first plate and the second plate is a half-circle shape. In some embodiments, each of the first plate and the second plate is rectangular. In some embodiments, the first plate further includes a first retaining member and a second retaining member and the second plate further comprises a third retaining member and a fourth retaining member such that a first securing member is inserted into the first and third retaining members and a second securing member is inserted into the second and fourth retaining members to secure the loop-securing structure in a closed position. In some embodiments, each of the first and second securing members is a bolt. In some embodiments, the first and second securing members are removably secured with locking nuts. 
     In another aspect, a floating buoy for holding an anchor line having a loop at one end is disclosed. The buoy includes a buoyant body, a first opening and a second opening formed in the buoyant body, the first and second openings forming a passage through the buoyant body, and a loop-securing structure detachably connected to the buoyant body adjacent to the first opening, the loop-securing structure movable from a first position to a second position, the loop-securing structure configured to at least partially cover the first opening and the loop-securing structure configured such that in the first position it defines a third opening that is narrower than both of the first opening and the second opening. In some embodiments, the third opening is approximately centered over the first opening. In some embodiments, the buoyant body further includes a collar secured to the buoyant body such that the collar surrounds and is adjacent to the first opening. In some embodiments, the loop-securing structure further comprises a rectangular plate having angled surfaces defining a loop-securing opening in the plate, the third opening forming part of the loop-securing opening, the plate detachably secured to the collar with a plurality of mechanical fasteners. In some embodiments, the collar further includes a tab extending from the collar into the first opening such that the tab extends into the loop-securing opening when the loop-securing structure is secured to the collar. In some embodiments, the loop-securing structure further includes a first plate and a second plate hingeably attached to the first plate such that the first plate can rotate with respect to the second plate, each of the first plate and the second plate detachably secured to the collar with a plurality of mechanical fasteners. In some embodiments, the loop-securing structure further includes a first plate and a second plate, each of the first plate and the second plate hingeably attached to the buoyant body. In some embodiments, the floating buoy further includes a collar secured to the buoyant body such that the collar surrounds and is adjacent to the first opening, the collar further including a groove formed in an interior perimeter of the collar and the loop-securing structure further includes a first plate and a second plate such that the first and second plates slide from a first position to a second position within the groove. 
     In yet another aspect, a floating buoy for holding an anchor line having a loop at one end is disclosed. The buoy includes a buoyant body, a first opening in the buoyant body, the first opening having an area that is at least as large as twice the cross-sectional area of an anchor line, and a securing structure configured to have first and second positions, the securing structure, when in the first position, defining a securing opening, the securing opening having an area that is smaller than twice the cross-sectional area of the anchor line. In some embodiments, the floating buoy further includes a second opening in the buoyant body, the second opening having an area that is at least as large as twice the cross-sectional area of the anchor line. In some embodiments, the first opening is located on a top side of the buoy, the second opening is located on a bottom side of the buoy, and the securing opening is concentric with one of the first opening and the second opening. 
     Several illustrative embodiments are disclosed in this specification. Any feature, structure, or step disclosed in connection with any embodiment can be replaced with or combined with any other feature, structure, or step disclosed in connection with any other embodiment, or omitted. Further, for purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and features of the inventions have been described herein. However, not all embodiments include or achieve any or all of those aspects, advantages, and features. No individual aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments or inventions. Furthermore, any features, structures, components, materials, and/or steps of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a prior art floating anchor buoy and wire rope assembly. 
         FIG. 2  schematically illustrates the floating anchor buoy shown in  FIG. 1  with the rope passed through the anchor can. 
         FIG. 3  schematically illustrates the floating anchor buoy shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  floating on the surface of the water and securing a wire loop above the surface of the water. 
         FIG. 4  schematically illustrates a loop-securing structure for an anchor buoy, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates a floating anchor buoy according to one embodiment, the anchor buoy configured for the loop-securing structure shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  schematically illustrates the floating anchor buoy shown in  FIG. 5  with a loop-securing structure attached. 
         FIG. 7  schematically illustrates a side view of the floating anchor buoy and loop-securing structure shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  schematically illustrates a floating anchor buoy and loop-securing structure according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  schematically illustrates a side view of the floating anchor buoy and loop-securing structure shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  schematically illustrates a floating anchor buoy according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  schematically illustrates a loop-securing structure for the floating anchor buoy shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  schematically illustrates an open view of the loop-securing structure shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the loop-securing structure shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  schematically illustrates a side view of the loop-securing structure shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  schematically illustrates the floating anchor buoy shown in  FIG. 10  assembled with the loop-securing structure shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 16  schematically illustrates the floating anchor buoy and loop-securing structure shown in  FIG. 15  securing a wire cable. 
         FIG. 17  schematically illustrates a floating anchor buoy and loop-securing structure according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  schematically illustrates an open configuration of the floating anchor buoy and loop-securing structure shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  schematically illustrates a securing mechanism for a loop-securing structure, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  schematically illustrates a loop-securing structure for a floating anchor buoy, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  schematically illustrates a closer view of the loop-securing structure shown in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  schematically illustrates the loop-securing structure for the floating anchor buoy of  FIG. 21  in a closed position. 
         FIG. 23  schematically illustrates a loop-securing structure for a floating anchor buoy, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  schematically illustrates the loop-securing structure and floating anchor buoy of  FIG. 23  securing a wire loop above the surface of the water. 
         FIG. 25  schematically illustrates a floating anchor buoy and loop-securing structure according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  schematically illustrates the loop-securing structure and floating anchor buoy of  FIG. 25  in a closed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Various embodiments of floating anchor cans or buoys are disclosed. The inventions disclosed herein are described in the context of floating anchor cans (also called anchor cans, anchor buoys, buoys, or otherwise) because they have particular utility in this context. However, the inventions disclosed herein can be used in other contexts as well, such as in any other type of floating buoy. Further, although the features described herein refer to various example embodiments and drawings, other variations and improvements may be included, used, or substituted in view of these teachings without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates some components of a floating anchor can or buoy assembly  100  according to the prior art. As shown, the buoy assembly  100  can include a cylindrical can  102 . The can  102  may be hollow, with at least one end  104 . The end  104  may be welded to cylindrical surface  103  of the can  102 . The can  102  may be cut such that a cylindrical member or pipe  108  may be inserted within the can  102  such that the cylindrical member  108  creates a cylindrical opening from a first, top side of the can  102  to a second, bottom, or opposite side of the can  102  located approximately 180 degrees from the first side of the can. The cylindrical member  108  may be welded to the can  102  at both the top side and the bottom side to form an air-tight compartment  114  in the can  102 . In some embodiments of the prior art, a larger opening may be cut in top and bottom sides of the can  102 . Plates  109 ,  110  each having an opening for the pipe  108  may be welded to the bottom and top sides of the can  102  and to the external circumference of the pipe  108 , as shown. A wire rope or cable  106  may be passed through the pipe  108  from one side of the can  102  to the other, for example, through the bottom end  111  of the pipe  108  and emerging from the top end  112  of the pipe  108 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     Once one end of the wire rope or cable  106  has passed through the can  102 , the wire rope  106  is spliced into a loop  107  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The loop  107  has a larger diameter than the opening of the pipe  108  and cannot fall through the can  102 . This arrangement secures the loop  107  on one side of the can  102 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The opposite end of the wire rope or cable  106  may be attached to an anchor (not shown) so that the anchor can be easily picked from the subsurface and moved to a new location. This process is both time consuming and dangerous due to the weight of the components and the possibility of injury when splicing the heavy wire cable. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a loop-securing structure for a floating anchor can or buoy that has advantages in safety, use and assembly over previous loop-securing solutions. A loop-securing structure  400 , according to one embodiment, may include two half-circle shaped plates  402 ,  404 . Each of the plates  402 ,  404  includes a curved surface  406 ,  408 . The curved surfaces  406 ,  408  form an approximately circular opening  410  when the plates  402 ,  404  are placed together to form a circle as shown in  FIG. 4 . The opening  410  has a diameter of approximately 1.5″ to 3″ such that a wire cable having a diameter of approximately 2″ can fit within the opening  410 . It will be readily understood that the plates may be formed to create circular openings of a particular diameter to accommodate the diameter of a particular cable and the invention is not limited by any range of diameters. In some embodiments, the opening  410  has a diameter of between approximately 1.25″ and 1.125″. In some embodiments, the opening  410  has a diameter between approximately 0.5″ and 2″, between approximately 0.75″ and 1.75″, and between approximately 1″ and 1.5″. 
     When placed side by side to form a circle and the opening  410 , the plates  402 ,  404  form a circle having a diameter of approximately 18-20″ in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the plates  402 ,  404  may form a circle having a diameter of approximately 10-12″. In some embodiments, the plates  402 ,  404  may be formed from steel or another rigid material perhaps having anti-corrosion properties. In some embodiments, the plates  402 ,  404  may be formed from stainless steel or composite plastic. In some embodiments, a thickness or depth of the plates  402 ,  404  may be approximately ½″. In other embodiments, the plates  402 ,  404  may each have a thickness of up to ½″, up to ⅝″, or up to ¾″. The plate thickness may also be smaller or larger than these embodiments. Preferably, the plates  402 ,  404  are configured to be fitted to or cover a hole or opening in the anchor can that has a much larger diameter or width than the diameter of the wire cable. Furthermore, the plates  402 ,  404  are desirably configured to cover a hole or opening in the anchor can that has a diameter or width to allow a loop  507  formed at one end of a wire cable to pass through such opening  510 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Each of the plates  402 ,  404  may further include a plurality of bolt openings, such as bolt openings  412 ,  414 ,  416 ,  418  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The bolt openings  412 ,  414 ,  416 ,  418  may be used to secure the plates to the anchor can as discussed in further detail below. While the plates  402 ,  404  are shown as half circles, the plates  402 ,  404  may also be generally rectangular, square, or half-elliptical shaped. It will be understood that the plates may be of virtually any shape that suffices to cover a loop-accommodating opening in the buoy and that creates, when the plates are put together, an opening just slightly larger than the diameter of a wire cable and so prevent the loop from passing through the opening. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the anchor can assembly  500  may include a floating anchor can or buoy  502 . In some embodiments, the anchor buoy  502  may be cylindrical, having an outside surface  503  and two side surfaces (one side surface  505  is illustrated). The side surfaces may be welded to the cylindrical outside surface  503 . While a cylindrical anchor can is illustrated in the figures, any other shape may be used, such as spherical, rectangular, or bowl-shaped wherein one side is flat and the opposite side is curved. Openings  510 ,  511  may be cut in the top and bottom sides of the buoy  502  approximately 180 degrees apart in the surface  503  such that a cylindrical member or pipe  508  may be inserted within the can  502  to form a passage  512  through the anchor can  502 . The cylindrical member  508  may be formed from a pipe or from sheet metal formed into a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical member  508  may be welded or otherwise secured to the buoy  502  at the openings  510 ,  511 . In some embodiments, the passage  512  may have a diameter of approximately 18-20″. In other embodiments, the passage  512  may have a diameter of approximately 10-12″. In some embodiments, the passage  512  may have a diameter of at least 10″, at least 15″, at least 18″ or at least 20″. In some embodiments, the passage  512  may have a maximum diameter of 12″, a maximum diameter of 15″, or a maximum diameter of 20″.  FIG. 5  illustrates a cylindrical-shaped member  508 ; however, in other embodiments, the passage  512  through the buoy  502  may be formed from two oppositely spaced elliptical, square, rectangular, or other shaped openings. In some embodiments, the opening  510  on the top side can  502  may be different in shape from the opening  511  on the bottom side of the can  502 , such as a circular opening on the top side and a rectangular or square opening on the bottom side. 
     Desirably, the cylindrical member  508  divides the can  502  to form a sealed compartment  514  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The sealed compartment  514  is desirably filled with air and waterproof. In some embodiments, the cylindrical member  508  may be formed by a pipe, tube, or other hollow structure that can be welded or sealed to the can  502  at the openings  510 ,  511  to prevent water from penetrating into the compartment  514  of the buoy  502  during use. 
     In some embodiments, a plurality of tabs may be welded to the circumference of the openings  510 ,  511  to provide points of attachment for the plates  402 ,  404 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , tabs  518   a - d  may be welded in an approximately symmetric pattern around the circumference of the opening  510 . Similarly, tabs  520   a - d  may be welded in an approximately symmetric pattern around the circumference of the opposite opening  511 . As illustrated, the tabs  518   a - d  and  520   a - d  extend into the passage  508 ; however, tabs  518   a - d  and  520   a - d  do not prevent a loop  507  of wire cable  506  from passing through the openings  510 ,  511 , and passage  512 . While four tabs are illustrated in  FIG. 5 , it will be understood that any number of tabs may be used to secure the plates to the buoy  502  as long as the openings  510 ,  511  remain wide enough to accommodate a looped wire cable, at a minimum wide enough to accommodate two diameters of a wire cable. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate one embodiment of a fully-assembled buoy and loop-securing structure  500 . Desirably, the wire cable  506  is pre-looped, either by splicing, crimping, or other means, before the loop  507  is passed through the buoy  502  via the passage  512  shown in  FIG. 5 . As discussed above, the openings  510 ,  511  have a width or diameter large enough to accommodate the loop  507  such that the loop  507  can be easily passed through the passage  512 . Once the loop  507  has been passed through the passage  512  and the loop  507  extends from a top or bottom side of the buoy  502  above the surface  503  of the buoy  502 , the plates  402 ,  404  may be positioned to encircle the wire cable  506  and secured to the buoy  502 . The bolt openings  412 ,  414 ,  416 ,  418  of the plates  402 ,  404  preferably align with receiving members  522   a - d  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) on the tabs  518   a - d  to cover the opening  510  and form an opening just slightly larger than the diameter of the wire cable  506 . A second set of plates  402 ,  404  may be used to similarly secure the opening  511  and form an opening just slightly larger than the diameter of the wire cable  506 , with bolt openings  412 ,  414 ,  416 ,  418  preferably aligned with receiving members on tabs  520   a - d . The receiving members may be nuts configured to receive a bolt or other mechanical fastener that is passed through the bolt openings  412 ,  414 ,  416 ,  418 , such as bolts  702  shown in  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, the receiving members and bolt openings  412 ,  414 ,  416 ,  418  may be configured for ½″ bolts. In other embodiments, the receiving members and bolt openings  412 ,  414 ,  416 ,  418  may be configured for bolts or mechanical fasteners of other sizes, such as ¼″, ⅝″, ¾″, etc. Desirably, the sets of plates  402 ,  404  are secured to the buoy  502  such that diameter of the opening  410  formed when the plates are put together allows the wire cable  506  to move freely through the passage  508  while securing the loop  507  from falling through the passage  508 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Two loop-securing assemblies  400  are illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  with one loop-securing structure on a top side of the buoy  502  and a second loop-securing structure on a bottom side of the buoy  502 . It will be understood that in some embodiments a single loop-securing structure, such as assembly  400 , may be used on either the top or bottom side of the buoy  502 . In other embodiments, the loop-securing structure  400  may be used to restrict the diameter of the passage  512  at any point along its length between opening  510  and opening  511 . 
     Another embodiment of a floating buoy and loop-securing structure  800  is shown in  FIG. 8 . The floating buoy  802  is similar in construction to the buoy  502  discussed above. The buoy  802  is shown as a cylinder but in other embodiments the buoy  802  may be any other shape including spherical, bowl-shaped, etc. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , an opening  813  may be cut or formed in the surface  803  of the buoy  802 . The opening  810  as illustrated is a rectangular opening; however, it will be understood that the opening may be of any shape that can accommodate the passage through the opening of a looped wire cable. While only a single opening in the buoy  802  is discussed in detail in  FIG. 8 , a similar opening is formed in the surface  803  of the buoy  802  on an opposite side of the buoy  802  approximately 180 degrees from the passage  812 , similar to the oppositely-spaced openings discussed above with respect to  FIG. 5 . As discussed above, a cylindrical, square or rectangular insert  808  may be formed from a pipe or sheet metal formed to the required shape. The insert  808  may be welded to the buoy  802  at or near the openings, such as opening  813 . The two openings on the top and bottom of the buoy  802 , along with the insert  808 , desirably form a passage  812 , similar to the passage  512  discussed above. 
     As discussed above, the passage  812  is desirably wide enough that the wire loop can pass through the passage  812  in the buoy  802 . To secure the loop of the wire cable on one side of the buoy  802 , a loop-securing structure  850  is secured to the buoy  802  after the loop has been pulled through the buoy  802 . The loop-securing structure includes a plate, such as plate  852 , formed from steel or another rigid material. While a rectangular plate  852  is illustrated in  FIG. 8 , it will be understood that the plate  852  may be of virtually any shape that suffices to cover a loop-accommodating opening in the buoy and that creates, when the plate  852  is secured to the buoy  802 , an opening larger than the diameter of a wire cable but small enough to prevent a loop in the wire cable from passing through the opening. In some embodiments, the plate  852  has a depth or thickness of approximately ½″ though in other embodiments, the plate  852  may have a depth or thickness of approximately ⅝″, ¾″, etc. The plate thickness may also be larger or smaller than these embodiments. Desirably, the plate  852  has a length and width that is approximately equal to the length and width of the opening  813  such that the plate  852  can substantially cover the opening  810 . The invention, however, further contemplates other plates or securing devices that restrict passage of a looped wire cable but do not fully cover the opening  810 . 
     The plate  852 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , desirably has two angled surfaces  854 ,  856  along one of the long sides of the rectangular plate  852 . The angled surface  854 ,  856  are angled generally towards the center of the plate  852  as illustrated. In other embodiments, the angled surfaces may be formed along any of the other sides of the plate  852 . The angled surfaces  854 ,  856  are joined together by a curved surface  858  to form a keyhole-shaped opening  859 . The opening  859  formed by the angled surfaces  854 ,  856  and the curved surface  858  is desirably wide enough to allow a wire cable to pass through the opening but not wide enough to allow a cross-sectional area of a double thickness of wire cable or a pre-looped wire cable to pass through the opening. 
     As illustrated, the angled surfaces  854 ,  856  and curved surface  858  form a keyhole-shaped opening  859  in the plate  852 . In other embodiments, the surfaces  854 ,  856  may be parallel and define a width of an opening between them that is larger than the diameter of a wire cable and is also small enough to prevent passage through the opening of a loop of the wire cable. In other embodiments, the surface  858  may be square or rectangular rather than curved. It will be understood that the opening  859  can be of virtually any shape or size that is slightly larger than the diameter of a wire cable. Additionally, plate  852  further has a plurality of holes, such as holes  860 ,  862 ,  864 ,  866  that may be used to secure the plate  852  to the buoy  802 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 8 , the loop-securing structure  850  is configured to cooperate with a rectangular collar  811 . The rectangular collar  811  may be welded or otherwise secured to the buoy  802 . The rectangular collar  811  is desirably secured to the surface of  803  of the buoy  802  immediately surrounding the opening  813 . The collar  811  desirably includes a plurality of bolt holes  822   a - d , preferably located in each of the four corners of the rectangular collar  811 . The collar  811  also preferably includes a tab  810  that extends from one side of the collar  811  into the opening  813 . Preferably, the tab  810  aligns with the opening  859  created by the angled surfaces  854 ,  856  of the plate  852  such that when the wire cable fits within the opening  859  in the plate  852  created by the curved surface  858 , the wire cable is secured within the opening  859  by the tab  810  when the plate  852  is secured to the buoy  802 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Bolts  890  may be used to secure the plate  852  to the collar  811  as illustrated. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , four bolts are used. However, in other embodiments, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 or more bolts or other mechanical fasteners may be used to secure the plate  852  to the collars  811 . Additionally, while one loop-securing structure  850  is shown in detail in  FIG. 8 , a second loop-securing structure similar to the loop-securing structure  850  or any of the other loop-securing assemblies disclosed herein may be used to secure the wire cable extending through the opening on the opposite side of the buoy  802 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the opening  813  and passage  812  are large enough that at least a cross-sectional area of a double thickness of wire cable or a looped wire cable  807  can pass through. Once the wire loop  807  has passed entirely through the buoy  802  via passage  812 , the plates  852  may be secured to the collars  811  to secure the wire cable  806  within the opening  859  of the plates  852 . The loop-securing structure  850  desirably retains the loop  807  of the wire cable  806  on the top side of the buoy  802  while the other end of the cable  806  extends below the surface of the water to an anchor (not shown). While two loop-securing assemblies  850  are illustrated in  FIG. 9 , it will be understood that a single loop-securing structure may be used in some embodiments to secure the loop  807  of the wire cable  806  on the top side of the buoy  802 . 
     Another embodiment of a loop-securing structure for a floating buoy is shown in  FIGS. 10-16 . The buoy  1002  is similar to the buoy  502  discussed above. The loop-securing structure  1050 , illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , includes two half-circle or half-moon shaped plates  1052 ,  1054 , similar to the plates  402 ,  404  discussed above. As discussed above, it will be understood that cooperating plates may be of virtually any shape that suffices, when the plates are put together, to create an opening just slightly larger than the diameter of a wire cable. The plates  1052 ,  1054  are machined to define an opening  1060 . The opening  1060  may be a circular opening approximately in the middle of the two plates  1052 ,  1054  when the plates are joined together with the flat edges proximal each other as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . As discussed above, the opening  1060  has a diameter greater than the diameter of a wire cable but that is also small enough to prevent passage therethrough of a loop formed with the wire cable. In other embodiments, the opening  1060  may be rectangular, square, elliptical, or any other shape. In some embodiments, the opening  1060  may be located near the outer circumference formed by the plates  1052 ,  1054  when the plates are put together. The plates  1052 ,  1054  may be made of steel or any other strong and rigid material or other material with anti-corrosive properties with a depth or thickness measurement similar to the thicknesses discussed above with respect to the plates  402 ,  404 . As discussed above, the plate thickness may also be smaller or larger than these embodiments. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the plates  1052 ,  1054  are desirably hinged together with a hinge  1070 . The hinge  1070  may be a pin, bolt, screw, or other mechanical fastener that allows the two plates  1052 ,  1054  to pivot around the hinged connection. When the plates  1052 ,  1054  are in an open hinged configuration, such as the configuration shown in  FIG. 12 , a wire cable can pass between the plates  1052 ,  1054 . When the plates  1052 ,  1054  are in a closed configuration, such as that shown in  FIG. 11 , the wire rope is desirably enclosed within the opening  1060 , as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     Similar to the buoy  802  discussed above, the buoy  1002  shown in  FIG. 10  includes two openings  1013 ,  1014  that are cut in the surface  1003  of the buoy  1002  to form a passage  1012  through the buoy  1002 . Similar to the insert  808  discussed above, an insert  1008  may be welded or otherwise secured to the buoy  1002  at the openings  1013 ,  1014  to form the passage  1012 . As illustrated, the insert  1008  is cylindrical; however, it will be understood that the insert  1008  may have a square, rectangular or elliptical cross-section. The buoy  1002  includes a pair of collars  1011  that are welded or otherwise secured to the surface  1003  of the buoy  1002 . Desirably, the collars  1011  surround the openings  1013 ,  1014  in the buoy surface  1003 . As illustrated, the collar  1011  surrounds the opening  1013  on the top side of the buoy  1002 . A plurality of holes  1018   a - d  may be formed in the collars  1011  to receive securing members such as bolts, to secure the loop-securing structure  1050  to the buoy  1002 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the plates  1052 ,  1054  of the loop-securing structure  1050  also desirably include a plurality of holes drilled or otherwise formed in a side surface  1055  defining the thickness of each of the plates  1052 ,  1054 . As shown, two holes  1080 ,  1082  are formed in the side surface  1055  of the plate  1054 . A similar set of holes (not shown) are desirably formed in the side surface of the plate  1052 . The holes  1080 ,  1082  in plate  1054  and the pair of holes in the plate  1052  desirably align with the holes  1018   a - d  formed in the collar  1011  of the buoy  1002 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . Bolts  1090  or other mechanical fasteners may be used to secure the hinged plates  1052 ,  1054  to the buoy  1002 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates the buoy and loop-securing structure  1000  fully assembled with a wire rope or cable  1306 . As illustrated, the loop  1307  of the wire cable  1306  is retained on the top side of the buoy  1002  above the surface of the water such that it may be easily picked or captured to move the anchor attached to the other end of the cable  1306 . 
     In some embodiments, the loop-securing structure may include two plates that are attached at hinge points to tabs within the collar of a buoy, as illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 .  FIG. 17  illustrates a buoy assembly  1400  that includes a loop-securing structure  1450 . The loop-securing structure  1450  includes two plates  1452 ,  1454  that are similar to the plates  402 ,  404  and  1052 ,  1054  discussed above. The plates  1452 ,  1454  define an opening  1060  as discussed above. As discussed above with respect to the buoy  1002 , the buoy  1402  includes a collar  1011  that is formed around or welded around openings spaced on the top and bottom sides of the buoy  1402 . The openings are connected by a passage through the buoy  1402  that has a width to allow a looped cable to pass through, as has been discussed above with respect to the other embodiments. 
     Pins  1470 ,  1472  connect the plates  1452 ,  1454  to the buoy  1402  and form a hinged connection that allow the plates  1452 ,  1454  to rotate with respect to each other and to the buoy  1402 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . The rotation of the plates  1452 ,  1454  allows more or less of the opening  1010  to be exposed to the external environment. When the plates  1452 ,  1454  are rotated to the fully open position shown in  FIG. 18 , the opening  1010  accommodates a pre-looped wire cable to pass through the buoy  1402 . After the loop has been pulled through, the plates  1452 ,  1454  may be swung into a closed position, such as that shown in  FIG. 17 . The opening  1060 , which is desirably just slightly larger than the diameter of the wire cable, encircles the diameter of the wire cable and the plates  1452 ,  1454  prevent the loop from passing through the buoy, as discussed above. 
     A retaining assembly of aligned and paired securing members welded to the plates  1452 ,  1454  may be used to easily and removably secure the plates  1452 ,  1454  in the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 19 . Securing members  1604  may be welded or otherwise secured to the plates  1452 ,  1454  such that a first securing member of the pair is welded to an outer surface of plate  1452  and a second securing member of the pair is welded to an outer surface of plate  1454  and the two securing members on opposite, facing plates are aligned such that a bolt  1602  can pass between them. The bolts  1602  may be secured within the securing members  1604  with lock washers, nuts or other mechanical fasteners. While  FIG. 19  illustrates two bolts  1602  used to secure the plates, other mechanical securing members such as pins may be used. It will be understood that the retaining assembly illustrated in  FIG. 19  may be used with any of the embodiments or alternatives discussed herein. 
       FIGS. 20-22  illustrate another embodiment of a buoy assembly. The buoy assembly  1700  includes buoy  1702  that is similar to the other buoys discussed above in weight and composition. Similar to the buoys discussed above, buoy  1702  has two openings in the top and bottom sides of the buoy (one opening  1710  is illustrated) connected by a passage  1712  through the buoy  1702  with collars  1711  surrounding each of the openings  1710 . While the passage  1712  is illustrated with a rectangular cross-section, the passage  1712  may have a circular, elliptical, or square cross-section, in other embodiments. Similar to the embodiments discussed above, an insert  1708  may be used to connect the openings  1710  on the top and bottom sides of the buoy  1702  such that a water-proof compartment is formed within the buoy  1702 . A rectangular insert  1708  is illustrated; however, in other embodiments, the insert  1708  may have a square, circular, or elliptical cross-section, or a cross-section of any shape sufficient to accommodate a diameter of a pre-looped wire cable. 
     As in the embodiments discussed above, the buoy  1702  includes two openings  1710  connected by the passage  1712  through the buoy  1702 . A loop-securing structure such as the loop-securing structure  1750  shown in  FIGS. 20-22  may be configured to restrain a wire cable within each opening  1710  and secure a wire cable loop on one side of the buoy  1702 . While only one opening  1710  on the top of the buoy  1702  is illustrated in  FIGS. 20-22 , the embodiments of the loop-securing structure  1750  discussed with respect to the opening  1710  may also be used to restrain a wire cable at the second, opposite, or bottom opening in the buoy  1702 . The loop-securing structure  1750  includes two plates  1752 ,  1754 . As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the plates  1752 ,  1754  are each rectangular plates having a half-circular cut-out to define an opening  1760  for a wire cable, as shown in  FIG. 22 . In other embodiments, the plates  1752 ,  1754  may be of virtually any shape that suffices to cover a loop-accommodating opening in the buoy and that creates, when the plates are put together, an opening just slightly larger than the diameter of a wire cable. 
     At least one hinge member  1772 ,  1774  is desirably connected to the edge of each plate  1752 ,  1754  opposite the curves defining the opening  1760 , as shown in  FIG. 22 . The hinge members  1772 ,  1774  allow the plates  1752 ,  1754  to swing open to expose the entirety of the opening  1710 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . By opening to expose the full dimensions of the openings to the passage  1708 , a looped wire cable can pass through the buoy via passage  1712  as discussed above with respect to the other embodiments. In other embodiments, each of the plates  1752 ,  1754  may be hinged on any edge other than the edge containing the curved surface defining the opening  1760 . 
     Similar to the loop-securing structure  1450  shown in  FIG. 19 , retaining members  1776  may be welded or otherwise secured to the plates  1752 ,  1754 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . A bolt  1790  or other securing mechanism such as a pin may be used to retain the loop-securing structure  1750  in the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
       FIGS. 23 and 24  illustrate another embodiment of a buoy assembly  1800 . As in the embodiments discussed above, a passage  1812  is formed through the buoy  1802  to allow a looped wire cable to pass through the buoy  1802 . One opening  1810  into the passage  1812  is illustrated in  FIG. 23 . An insert  1808  may be welded or otherwise secured to the buoy  1802  at the openings  1810  to form the passage  1812  and maintain a water-tight compartment within the buoy  1802 . A collar  1811 , similar to the collars discussed above with respect to the other embodiments, surrounds the opening  1810  and provides an engagement surface for the plates  1852 ,  1854  of the loop-securing structure  1850 . The plates  1852 ,  1854  desirably slide within grooves formed within the collar  1811 . To extend the width and height of the opening  1810  so that the pre-formed wire loop can easily pass through the opening  1810 , plates  1852 ,  1854  of the loop-securing structure  1850  desirably slide apart. The plates  1852 ,  1854  desirably slide within grooves formed within the collar  1811 . The plates  1852 ,  1854  desirably include curved cutouts  1858 ,  1859  that form an opening  1860 . As discussed above, the plates may be of virtually any shape that suffices to create, when the plates are put together, an opening just slightly larger than the diameter of a wire cable, as shown in  FIG. 24 . Any type of retaining assembly, such as the aligned retaining members and bolts or pins shown in  FIGS. 19 and 22  may be used to secure the plates  1852 ,  1854  in a closed position as shown in  FIG. 24 . 
       FIGS. 25 and 26  illustrate another embodiment of a buoy assembly  2500 . As in the embodiments discussed above, a passage  2512  is formed through the buoy  2502  to allow a looped wire cable to pass through the buoy  2502 . The passage  2512 , as shown, may be an extruded oval shape. One opening  2510  into the passage  2512  is illustrated in  FIG. 25 . In one embodiment, the opening  2510  may be 10 inches long by 4 inches wide. In other embodiments, the opening  2510  may be up to 5 inches long, up to 7 inches long, up to 10 inches long, or up to 14 or more inches long. In other embodiments, the opening  2510  may be up to 2 inches wide, up to 4 inches wide, up to 6 inches wide, or up to 8 or more inches wide. An insert  2508  may be welded or otherwise secured to the buoy  2502  at the openings  2510  to form the passage  2512  and maintain a water-tight compartment within the buoy  2502 . A collar  2511 , similar to the collars discussed above with respect to the other embodiments, surrounds the opening  2510  and provides an engagement surface for the plates  2552 ,  2554  of the loop-securing structure  2550 . The plates  2552 ,  2554  desirably include curved cutouts that form an opening  2560  ( FIG. 26 ). As discussed above, the plates may be of virtually any shape that suffices to create, when the plates are put together, an opening just slightly larger than the diameter of a wire cable, as shown in  FIG. 25 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , the collar  2511  may also include a plurality of tabs  2586 ,  2588  extending away from the opening  2510 . The tabs  2586 ,  2588  may be used to secure a plurality of bars  2580  that preferably extend over and secure the plates  2552 ,  2554  to the buoy  2502 . As illustrated, the bars  2580  are preferably secured to the tabs  2586 ,  2588  using mechanical fasteners such as bolts  2590 . In other embodiments, any type of retaining assembly, such as the aligned retaining members and bolts or pins shown in  FIGS. 19 and 22  may be used to secure the plates  2552 ,  2554  in a closed position as shown in  FIG. 26 . 
     In some embodiments, two buoyant bodies may be hinged such that a half channel welded to each buoyant body becomes an enclosed channel when the buoyant bodies are closed and secured together. For example, a first buoyant body may be fully waterproof and have a first half channel welded to a side face of the buoyant body. A second buoyant body may also be fully waterproof and have a second half channel welded to a side face of the buoyant body. The two side faces of the first and second buoyant bodies may be hinged together such that the buoyant bodies can rotate open and closed. When the buoyant bodies are in a closed position, the two half channels form a complete and enclosed circular, square, or rectangular channel, depending on the cross-section of the channel. The diameter of the enclosed channel, when the buoyant bodies are in the closed position, is preferably less than the largest diameter of a loop of a wire cable such that the loop is prevented from passing through the enclosed channel, similar to the designs discussed above. Any latching mechanism that can secure the buoyant bodies together in a closed position may be used. 
     In another embodiment, a half channel may be formed integrally with a side of a first buoyant body while a second half channel may be formed integrally with a second of a second buoyant body. The buoyant bodies may be hinged such that a wire cable may be placed within the channels. As in the designs discussed above, the diameter of the channel is less than the largest diameter of a loop of a wire cable such that when the buoyant bodies are hinged together in a closed position the channel envelopes the cable, allowing the cable to freely pass through the channel while preventing the loop from passing through the channel. 
     In yet another embodiment, two buoyant bodies may be hinged together such that a channel welded or formed integrally with a side of one of the buoyant bodies becomes an enclosed channel when the buoyant bodies are closed and secured together. The channel may be formed integrally with a side of a first buoyant body or welded to a side of the first buoyant body. When in a closed position, the side of the buoyant body closes against the opening in the channel to form an enclosed channel. As in the embodiments discussed above, the diameter of the channel when the buoyant bodies are closed together is less than the largest diameter of a loop of a wire cable to prevent the loop of the wire cable from passing through the channel. It will also be appreciated that variations in buoyancy between the bodies may exist ranging from slight differences to large differences, and in some embodiments one of the bodies or structures helping to form a channel may have little or no buoyancy. 
     Clarifications Regarding Terminology 
     Although various marine buoys, such as anchor buoys or anchor cans, have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the buoys and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the buoys have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, variations and embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. 
     Several of the figures illustrate a single opening in each buoy. While not illustrated, each buoy comprises two openings to define a passage through the buoy, the passage configured such that a looped wire cable can pass through the buoy. While some of the embodiments discussed above illustrate that the same loop-securing structure is used on both openings of the passage through the buoy, in some embodiments different loop-securing assemblies may be used at each opening. Moreover, as used herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that “loop” broadly includes any of several possible configurations at one end of an anchor line, including a ring, an eye or a hook or other structure that can be gripped and used to raise an anchor attached at the other end of the anchor line. 
     For expository purposes, the term “lateral” as used herein is defined as a plane generally parallel to the plane or surface of the floor of the area in which the device being described is used or the method being described is performed, regardless of its orientation. The term “vertical” refers to a direction generally perpendicular to the lateral as just defined. 
     Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments. 
     The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount correlated to reasonable tolerances and variations in construction or implementation of components or aspects of the inventions herein that fall within practical limits and/or do not impede the making or using of the inventions. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by an amount that does not impede the making or using of the inventions. 
     Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures may be generally drawn to scale, but any such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope of any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the present disclosure are part of this specification. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. The specification and examples should be considered as illustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the claims and their full scope of equivalents.