IMPROVEMENTS IN ANCHORS
Year: 1872

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Claude Martin and Hyppolite Martin, both of
Great Winchester Street, in the City of London, Gentlemen, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ANCHORS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Claude Martin and
Hyppolite Martin at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents,
with their Petition, on the 30th May 1872.
We, CLAUDE MARTIN and HYPPOLITE MARTIN, both of Great
Winchester Street, in the City of London, Gentlemen, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ANCHORS," to. be
as follows:-
--
This Invention relates first to improvements in the construction of
anchors of the character described in the Specification of Letters Patent
granted to François Martin, dated 21st day of October 1864, No. 2604.
In constructing anchors as described in the said Specification with
curved surfaces under the head of the shank, much difficulty was
experienced and great cost incurred in cutting and forming the keyway

page_text: for the insertion of a flat key to determine the angle of resistance
assumed by the moveable arms of the anchor, and one part of our
improvements consists in making the head of this form of anchor with
a square set-off, so that a circular hole can be readily drilled or bored
through the head for the insertion of a round key in place of a flat one
as heretofore, by which means a much shorter keyway is required,
thereby simplifying the construction of this part of the anchor and
saving considerable labour and expense in boring, chipping, and fitting.
Another of our improvements in this form of anchor consists in
forming a recess in the face of the head partly around the axis of the
arms, on which latter a shoulder or projection is formed which deter-
mines the angle of resistance of the arms when bearing against either
end of such recess in conjunction with the key, thus preventing the
proper angle of the arms from being destroyed by the indentation of
the key through strain and the setting fast of the arms in the shank.
In the Specification of Letters Patent before referred to, the axis
of the moveable arms corresponded accurately with the hole formed in
the head of the shank in which it was arranged to partially rotate, and
it has been found in practice that owing to the large amount of bearing
surface that the axis of the arms was very liable to be set fast by the
corrosion of the metal, particularly at sea, thus rendering the anchor
unserviceable when required for use. Now in order to avoid this
difficulty, according to our improvements we form on the axis a groove
or channel, leaving the outer bearing surfaces of the axis comparatively
small, thus preventing the arms from setting fast by corrosion or
otherwise.
In place of forming each face of the arms from the shoulder to the
biting point of three different lines or angles as heretofore in this form
of anchor, according to our improvements we form the arms of one line
or angle only from the shoulder to the biting point, by which arrange-
ment the biting angle of the arms is invariably assured in all anchoring
grounds, thus preventing the anchor from dragging as heretofore.
In place of the edges of the flukes being grooved and formed with
hollow curves as described in the Specification before referred to, we
form them according to our improvements with flat surfaces and
bevelled edges, the point according to this part of our improvements
being formed with convex sharp edged sides instead of concave and flat
edges as heretofore in this form of anchor.

page_text: The stock (or steadying arms) in place of being formed in three parts:
with a central rib made of angle iron and a central plate rivetted
together as described in the Specification above referred to, is according:
to our improvements formed from a flat bar forged to the shape required.
and having an enlargement in the centre with an opening to fit on to
the shank, to which it is secured by a key.
Several methods of arranging the arms in combination with the head of
the shank in order to determine the angle of resistance were described in
the Specification before referred to, and another part of our improvements
in anchors of this character consists in an improved method of arresting
the movements of the arms at the proper angle. According to this part
of our improvements we introduce a pin through the head of the shank,
the end of the pin passing into a recess formed in the central axis of the
arms, so that when either end of the recess comes in contact with the pin
the movement of the axis and arms in either direction is arrested at the
proper angle, a shoulder or projection upon the axis-also. acting at the
same time in a recess on the face of the head to arrest the movement
of the arms at the proper angle. The pin for carrying the buoy rope
shackle passes through the pin previously described for arresting the
movement of the arms, thus securing the pin.or. stop in its position.
The second part of our Invention relates to improvements in the
construction of anchors of similar character to those previously described
in which both flukes are arranged to enter the ground together.
In order to simplify the construction of anchors of this character
according to this part of our improvements we form the shank in two
parts or halves bolted together and having a forked head at one end
formed with circular eyes or bearings, which carry the axis of the
holding arms and flukes. The two parts of the shank are put together
by passing the holding arms through the eyes or bearings in each part,
which are then firmly bolted together. The central axis of the holding
arms is formed with lever arms or projections at right angles to the
arms, and as the anchor begins to drag the lever arm on the under
side acts to open the arms, causing the arm to assume an angle of
41, degrees or thereabouts to the centre of the shank, in which position
it is arrested by the opposite lever arm coming into contact with the
inner surface of the forked head. The buoy rope shackle is carried by a
pin or axis passed through eyes in the elongated horns of the forked head,

page_text: and the shackle pin or axis is by preference formed with shoulders
within the horns, being rivetted outside so as to impart stability thereto.
The lower ends of the two parts of the shank may be rivetted together,
but we prefer to form them with an angular step or dovetail joint at
the point where the socket of the steadying bar (or arms) passes over
and is keyed on to the shank, thereby strengthening the part where the
two halves of the shank are dovetailed together. The steadying bar is
forged by preference with flat surfaces as previously described, but we
do not confine ourselves thereto, as its form and section may be varied,
and according to our improvements a hole is formed in each end of the
steadying bar for the purpose of introducing a fish line in order to turn
the anchor should the flukes be inwards or towards the side of the
vessel when the anchor is in the act of being raised. The key for
securing the steadying bar to the shank is formed with an angular
groove (or inclines) which enters corresponding grooves formed in the
two parts of the shank.
According to another part of our improvements we form the forked
head of the shank of anchors of this character by simply bending each
part or half at an angle, a wedge-shaped block being inserted and
rivetted between the two parts of the shank, the ends of the bars which
form the fork to the shank being forged parallel, by which means the
construction of the shank is much simplified and reduced in cost.
In place of the lever arms formed on the central axis of the holding
arms projecting beyond the outer edges of the forked head as previously
described, the said lever arms (according to this part of our improve-
ments) may be arranged to work between the cheeks of the forked
head, the elongated oval form of which acts on a shifting fulcrum (when
the free end of the shank is being raised) to withdraw the flukes from
their hold in the ground, thus rendering the anchor self-canting and
self tripping.
The third part of our improvements relates to a novel form and
construction of anchor the holding arms of which move on inde-
pendent axes so as to fall close up to the shank either when in action
or out of action. Each holding arm is of bifurcated form, having
two flukes which enter the ground together, and each arm has a per-
forated horn or projection thereon which acts so as to cause the arm
to assume an angle of 41, degrees or thereabouts to the centre
of the shank when the anchor begins to grip, and by which the

page_text: anchor is also fished. The bifurcated arms may be varied in form and
construction. The shank is formed either with a slotted or forked
head with circular eyes or bearings for the pins or axes which carry the
holding arms, the short or inner ends of which are formed so as to act
as levers which bear against each other when a strain is put upon the
arms and flukes. The shank in this description of anchor may be formed
in two parts as previously described. The steadying arms or stock may
be the same as previously described or of other form and construction,
and the buoy rope shackle is attached to the head as previously described.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Claude Martin and Hyppolite Martin in the Great
Seal Patent Office on the 30th November 1872.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, CLAUDE
MARTIN and HYPPOLITE MARTIN, both of Great Winchester Street, in
the City of London, Gentlemen, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirtieth day of May, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the thirty-
fifth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto us, the said Claude Martin, and Hyppolite Martin, Her
special license, that we, the said Claude Martin, and Hyppolite Martin,
our executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the
said Claude Martin and Hyppolite Martin, our executors, administrators,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time
to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands,
and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ANCHORS," upon
the condition (amongst others) that we, the said Claude Martin, and
Hyppolite Martin, our executors or administrators, by an instrument in
writing under our, or their, or one of their hands and seals, or under
the hand and seal of one of us or them should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great

page_text: Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Claude Martin, on behalf of myself
and the said Hyppolite Martin, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement
thereof, that is to say :-
This Invention relates to improvements in the construction of anchors
of the character described in the Specification of Letters Patent granted
to François Martin, dated 21st day of October 1864, No. 2604.
In constructing anchors as described in the said Specification with
curved surfaces under the head of the shank, much difficulty was
experienced and great cost incurred in cutting and forming the keyway
for the insertion of a flat key to determine the angle of resistance
assumed by the moveable arms of the anchor, and one part of our
improvements consists in making the head a* of the shank a in this form
of anchor with a square set-off a', a', as shown at Figures 1, 2, and 3,
Sheet 1 of the Drawings hereunto annexed, so that a circular hole can be
readily drilled or bored through the head for the insertion of a round
key a² in place of a flat one as heretofore, by which means a much
shorter keyway is required, thereby simplifying the construction of this
part of the anchor and saving considerable labour and expense in boring,
chipping, and fitting.
Another of our improvements in this form of anchor consists in
forming a recess as in the face of the head partly around the axis b' of
the arms b, b, on which latter a shoulder or projection 6' is formed,
which determines the angle of resistance of the arms when bearing
against either end of the recess a³ in conjunction with the key a³, thus
preventing the proper angle of the armis from being destroyed by the
indentation of the key through strain and the setting fast of the axis of
the arms in the shank.
In the Specification of the Letters Patent before referred to, the axis of
the moveable arms correspond accurately with the hole formed in the
head of the shank in which it was arranged to partially rotate, and it
has been found in practice that owing to the large amount of bearing
surface that the axis b¹ of the arms b was very liable to be set fast
by the corrosion of the metal, particularly at sea, thus rendering the

page_text: anchor unserviceable when required for use.
Now in order to avoid this
difficulty, according to our present improvements we form on the axis 6¹
a groove or channel, leaving the outer bearing surfaces 6s of the axis 6'
comparatively small, thus preventing the axis of the arms 6 from
setting fast by corrosion or otherwise.
In place of forming each face of the arms from the shoulder to the
biting point of three different lines or angles as heretofore in this form
of anchor, according to our present improvements we form the arms of
one line or angle only from the shoulder to the biting point, as shown in
Figures 1, 4, and 5, Sheet 1 of the Drawings, by which arrangement the
biting angle of the arms b is invariably assured in all anchoring grounds,
thus preventing the anchor from dragging as heretofore.
In place of the edges of the flukes being grooved and formed with
hollow curves, as described in the Specification before referred to, we
form them according to our improvements with flat surfaces and bevilled
edges, the point according to this part of our improvements being formed.
with convex sharp edged sides b* (as shown in Sheet 1 of the Drawings)
instead of concave and flat edges as heretofore in this form of anchor.
The stock (or steadying arms c) in place of being formed in three
parts with a central rib made of angle iron and a central plate rivetted
together, as described in the Specification above referred to, is formed
according to our improvements (as shown at c, Figure 3, Sheet 1 of the
Drawings,) from a flat bar forged to the shape required, and having an
enlargement in the centre with an opening to fit on to the shank, to
which it is secured by a key c', as shown.
Several methods of arranging the arms in combination with the head
of the shank in order to determine the angle of resistance were described
in the Specification before referred to; and another part of our present
improvements in anchors of this character consists in an improved
method of arresting the movements of the arms at the proper angle.
According to this part of our improvements we introduce a pin a*
through the head a* of the shank a, as shown at Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10,
Sheet 1 of the Drawings, the end of the pin a passing into a recess b*
formed in the central axis 6' of the arms b, so that when either end
of the recess 6* comes in contact with the pin a', the movement of the
axis 6' and arms 6 in either direction is arrested at the proper angle, a
shoulder or projection 6 upon the axis also acting at the same time in a
recess on the face of the head a* of the shank a to arrest the move-

page_text: ment of the arms at the proper angle. The pin a³ for carrying the buoy
rope shackle passes through the pin a previously described for arresting
the movement of the arms, thus securing the pin or stop at in its
position.
Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 1, show a similar arrangement to that
previously described, as will be readily understood on examining the
Drawing.
The second part of our Invention relates to improvements in the
construction of anchors of similar character to those previously described
in which both flukes are arranged to enter the ground together.
In order to simplify the construction of anchors of this character
according to this part of our improvements, as shewn in Sheet 2 of the
Drawings, we form the shank a in two parts or halves bolted together,
and having a forked head at one end formed with circular eyes or
bearings a✶ which carry the axis 61 of the holding arms and flukes b.
The two parts of the shank a are put together by passing the holding
arms 6 through the circular eyes or bearings a* in each part, which
are then firmly bolted together as shown at Figures 13 and 14, Sheet 2
of the Drawings hereunto annexed. The central axis of the holding
arms 6 is formed with lever arms or projections 63 at right angles to the
arms b, and as the anchor begins to drag the lever arm 6 on the under
side acts to open the arms b, causing the arms 6 to assume an angle of
41 degrees or thereabouts to the centre of the shank a, in which
position it is arrested by the opposite lever arm b³ coming into contact
with the inner surface of the forked head of the shank a.
The buoy
rope shackle a" is carried by a pin or axis a' passed through eyes
in the elongated horns of the forked head of the shank a, and the
shackle pin or axis a is by preference formed with shoulders within the
horns, being rivetted outside so as to impart stability thereto, as clearly
shown at Figure 14, Sheet 2 of the Drawings. The lower ends of the
two parts of the shank may be rivetted together, as shown at Figures 13
and 14, Sheet 2, but we prefer to form them with an angular step or
dovetail joint (as shown at Figure 19) at the point where the socket of
the steadying bar (or arms) c passes over and is keyed on to the
shank a, thereby strengthening the part where the two halves of the
shank a are dovetailed together. The steadying bar c is forged by
preference with flat surfaces as previously described, and shewn by
separate views at Figures 6, Sheet 1, and 18 (Sheet 2), but we do not

page_text: confine ourselves thereto, as its form and section may be varied, and
according to our improvements a hole c* is formed in each end of the
steadying bar, for the purpose of introducing a fish line in order to turn
the anchor should the flukes be inwards or towards the side of the
vessel when the anchor is in the act of being raised. The key k for
securing the steadying bar c to the shank a is formed with an angular
groove (or inclines) which enters corresponding grooves formed in the
two parts of the shank a.
According to another part of our improvements we form the forked
head of the shank a of anchors of this character by simply bending
each part or half at an angle, as shown at Figure 20, a wedge-shaped
block a being inserted and rivetted between the two parts of the
shank a, the ends of the bars which form the fork to the shank a being
forged parallel, by which means the construction of the shank is much .
simplified and reduced in cost.
In place of the lever arms 6° formed on the central axis of the holding
arms projecting beyond the outer edges of the forked head as previously
described the said lever arms 65 (according to this part of our improve-
ments) are arranged to work between the cheeks of the forked head,
as shown at Figures 21, 22, 23, and 24, the elongated oval form of
the forked head acting on a shifting fulcrum (when the free end of the
shank is being raised) to withdraw the flukes from their hold in the
ground, thus rendering the anchor self-casting and self-tripping.
The third part of our improvements relates to a novel form and
construction of anchor, the holding arms of which move on inde-
pendent axes b so as to fall close up to the shank, either when in action
or out of action.
Figures 25 and 26, Sheet 3 of the Drawings show two views of an
anchor constructed according to this part of our improvements. Each
holding arm b is of bifurcated form having two flukes b', 6', which enter
the ground together, and each arm 6 has a perforated horn or projection
68 thereon, which acts so as to cause its arm to assume an angle of
41, degrees or thereabouts, to the center of the shank a when the
anchor begins to grip, and by means of which perforated horn 6 the
anchor is also fished. The bifurcated arms 6 may be varied in form and
construction. The shank a is formed either with a slotted or forked
head (as shown by the side and edge views, Figures 27 and 28,) with
circular eyes or bearings a¹ for the pins or axes 6³, which carry the

page_text: holding arms b, the short or inner ends 6* of which are formed so as
to act as levers which bear against each other when a strain is put upon
the arms and flukes. The shank in this description of anchor may be
formed in two parts as previously described. The steadying arms or stock
may be the same as previously described, or of other form and construc-
tion if preferred, and the buoy rope shackle a' may be attached to the
head as previously described, or in the manner shown in the Drawings.
Anchors constructed with arms moving on axes, and furnished with
twin flukes as previously described, may be constructed in accordance
with this part of our Invention with both the shank and the arms made
in separate parts or halves, bolted together, as shown by Figures 25* and
26*, Sheet 4 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
A similar form and construction of anchor to that previously described
is shown at Figures 29 and 30, Sheet 4 of the Drawings hereunto
annexed. In this arrangement the arms b, b, move on the central
axis b³ and are formed with twin flukes 61, 61, in accordance with this
part of our improvements, and in like manner to the shank the arms
are formed in two parts or halves, bolted together as shown, the palms
being formed by forging and flattening the ends of the arms. 6º, 6º, are
fixed shackles or projections bolted to the arms which act (when the
anchor begins to grip) to cause the arm to assume the required angle
for taking hold and by means of which the anchor may be fished. The
arms 6 in this arrangement and construction of parts are arrested at
the proper angle by the inner surface of either arm 6 coming in contact
with the bottom surface of the forked head of the shank.
Having thus described the nature of our improvements in anchors,
and the manner of performing or carrying the same into practice, we
would remark that we do not confine ourselves to the exact details
herein described, so long as the true character of our Invention is
retained; but what we claim is,—
First. The improved construction of anchors known as " Martin's
anchors" with a square set-off a¹, a', and circular keyway for the
insertion of a round key a², substantially as herein-before described
and shown in reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, Sheet 1 of the Drawings
hereunto annexed.
We also claim the improved method of constructing anchors known
as "Martin's anchors" with a recess a³ formed in the face of the head
in which a projection 62 acts to arrest the movement of the arms 6 at

page_text: the proper angle, substantially in the manner herein-before described
and shown in Sheet 1 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
We also claim the improved method of forming the axis 6' of the
arms 6 of anchors of this character with a groove or grooves in order to
prevent the axis b¹ from setting fast by corrosion or otherwise, substan-
tially as herein-before described and shown in Sheet 1 of the Drawings
hereunto annexed.
We also claim the improved construction of the arms of anchors of
this character of one uniform angle from the shoulder to the biting
point, substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-before
described and shown in Sheet 1 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
We also claim the improved construction of the flukes of anchors of
this character with flat surfaces and bevilled edges, the point being
formed with convex sharp edged sides substantially in the manner
herein-before described and shown in Sheet 1 of the Drawings hereunto
annexed.
We also claim the improved method of constructing the stock or
steadying arms c of anchors of this character substantially in the manner
herein-before described and shown in Sheet 1 of the Drawings hereunto
annexed.
We also claim the improved method of arresting the movement of
the arms b of anchors of this character by means of the pin a' and
recess b', substantially as, herein-before described and shown at Figures
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, Sheet 1 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Secondly. We claim the improved construction of anchors known as
Martin's anchors in which the shank a is formed in two parts or halves
bolted together substantially as described and shown in reference to
Figures 13 and 14, Sheet 2 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
We also claim the improved arrangement and combination of parts
employed in the construction of anchors, together with the method of
arresting the movement of the arms 6 at the proper angle, substantially
as herein-before described and shown in reference to Figures 13, 14, 15,
16, 17, 18, and 19 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
We also claim the improved method of constructing the forked head
of the shanks of anchors of this character substantially as herein-before
described and shown in reference to Figure 20, Sheet 2 of the Drawings
hereunto annexed.

page_text: We also claim the improved form and construction of the forked
head a* and levers 6 of anchors of this character arranged so as to act
substantially in the manner herein-before described and shown in
reference to Figures 21, 22, 23, and 24 of the Drawings hereunto
annexed.
Thirdly. We claim the improved form and construction of anchors in
which bifurcated twin fluked arms 6 are arranged to move on inde-
pendent axes so as to act substantially in the manner herein-before
described and shown in reference to Figures 25, 26, 27, and 28, Sheet 3
of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
We also claim the improved method of constructing twin fluked.
anchors by forming the parts of the shanks a and arms 6 in halves, and
then combining and bolting them together substantially in the manner
herein-before described and shown in reference to Figures 25*, 26*, 29,
and 30, Sheet 4 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Lastly, we claim the improved form and construction of anchors
arranged with twin fluked arms 6 moving on a central axis 6³, acting
substantially in the manner herein-before described and shown in
reference to Figures 29 and 30, Sheet 4 of the Drawings hereunto
annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said Claude Martin, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of November, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two.
Witness,
J. G. TONGUE,
Patent Agent,
34, Southampton Buildings,
Chancery Lane, W.C.
C. MARTIN. (L.S.)