IMPROVEMENTS IN ANCHORS
Year: 1870

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the "International
Patent Office," Southampton Buildings, London, Consulting En-
gineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ANCHORS."-A com-
munication from abroad by Gourney Crow Pattison, of Baltimore,
Maryland, United States of America.
Sealed the 17th May 1870, and dated the 28th March 1870.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 28th March 1870.
I, WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the "International Patent Office,"
Southampton Buildings, London, Consulting Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ANCHORS,"
a communication, to be as follows:-
The first part of this Invention relates to improvements in the con-
struction of anchors having a detachable stock and a detachable pivoted
fluke arm for the purpose of securing and guarding the same more
completely when in use against any fouling of the ship's chains or

page_text: cables therewith. These improvements consist in combining with the
detachable stock and pivotted arm of the anchor guard chains or rods
extending from the extreme ends of the stock to the pivot pin of the
arm at the crown of the anchor or to the lower end of the shank at or
ncar said pivot, in combining stay rods or chains with the horns upon i
the fluke arms to extend from the points of the horns to the extremities
of the flukes to prevent a fouling of the latter.
The second part of this Invention relates to the substitution of
pivotted catches instead of the horns often placed upon the fluke arms
of anchors at the base of the flukes to insure the tripping of the arm 1
and an engagement of the fluke with the bottom, these catchos being
so placed and pivotted upon the fluke arm that they will close when a
chain or cable is drawn under them to prevent the catching and fouling
of the same thereon.
The third part of this Invention relates to improvements in that class 1
of anchors which are constructed with but a single pivotted fluke arm,
so arranged as to lie within a slot or opening in the shank when not in
use, and in which all projections such as the stock, or the unused
upwardly projecting arm of anchors of the ordinary forms which may
cause the cable to foul in swinging, or upon which a vessel can be 2
injured when in shallow water, are dispensed with.
These improvements consist, first, in combining a pivotted catch with
the fluke of such an anchor to subserve the same end as the horn upon
the fluke arm of other anchors and operate to prevent the dragging of
the palm over the bottom by causing it to enter and take hold of the 2
ground; secondly, in combining lateral projections with or otherwise
enlarging the shank or body of such an anchor centrally in a plane at
a right angle to that of the movement of its pivotted fluke arm so as to
give thereto a diameter or angular form for the purpose of preventing
the anchor from dragging on its side and to ensure the contact of its a
fluke with the ground, subserving in this respect the end attained by
means of the stock of ordinary forms of anchors; and thirdly, in com-
bining a pivotted shackle or a chain with the pivotted fluke arm and
the shank of such an anchor to relieve the pivot bolt from undue strain
when the anchor is in use.
When the shank of the anchor is constructed in accordance with the
first part of this Invention the upper end thereof is provided with an
ordinary shackle or ring to which the cable from the ship is bent and is
3

page_text: in
pierced with a suitable aperture to receive a detachable stock. Its lower
end is slotted to receive a centrally pivotted fluke arm. The stock when
inserted in the shank is secured thereto by a key bolt passing through a
slot in the stock or in any other suitable manner. The fluke arm made
in a solid piece entirely separate from the shank is centrally pivotted
within the slot by means of a transverse bolt or pin which may be
secured by a nut or otherwise. The ends of the stock are fitted with
shackles or detachable links carrying chains or loose roots terminating
eyes made to slip over and upon the ends of the pivot pin. Horns
of the ordinary description are arranged below or in the rear of the
flukes to ensure the tripping of the arm upon its pivot and an engage-
ment of the fluke with the ground. Guard straps extend from the ends
of the horns to the points of the flukes to prevent the fouling of the
flukes by the chains or cables. Projections or offsets are formed upon
each side of the shank, and their edges are recessed to receive the ends
of the flukes when they swing up towards the shank so that when one of
the flukes is buried in the ground the point of the opposite fluke is
completely shielded. These projections also greatly strengthen the
shank at its weakest point. This improved anchor may be stowed in a
very small compass by removing the pivot pin, thus releasing entirely
the fluke arm and the ends of the guard chains or rods from the shank,
and then detaching the key or other fastening securing the stock to the
shank so that it may be drawn therefrom. The shank stock and fluke
arm being thus entirely separated may be laid together and stowed side
by side.
In ordinary use instead of detaching the fluke arm from the shank one
of the chains may be detached from the stock and the stock alone be
withdrawn from the shank. Catches are pivotted on cach side of the
fluke arm below or in the rear of the flukes or palms as a substitute for
the horns. These catches are connected in pairs upon each end of the
fluke arm by cross bars which allow their lower ends to swing up far
enough to close under the palms and to swing down and project at
nearly at a right angle with the general plane of the fluke. They are
also bent slightly forward so as the more readily to catch in the ground
when the anchor is dragging, and they yield to any pressure of the cable
thereon and fold up so that the cable cannot foul therewith. When not
required they may be fastened up out of the way by means of a simple
transverse pin.

page_text: The shank or body of an anchor of the class to which the improve-
ments embraced in the third part of my Invention are applicable may
be made by bending a suitable iron bar upon itself and welding the two
edges together along the line of contact at the upper end of the shank
and the two ends together at its lower extremity, an intermediate open
space being left to receive and enclosed a pivotted fluke arm and fluke.
The shank is enlarged or widened centrally to form a diamond shaped
centre, the projecting elbows or corners on either side being made to
extend out far enough to prevent the anchors resting upon either side
or edge when thrown out and ensure its falling or turning upon one of
the faces through which the pivotted fluke swings. The opening to
receive the fluke may conform with the outward configuration of the
shank, thereby leaving space for a wide diamond shaped palm upon the
fluke arm. The fluke arm is pivotted in the usual manner to swing freely
in either direction. The movements of the fluke arm and fluke may be
arrested by suitable shoulders at the lower end thereof formed to strike
against the lower end of the opening or slot through which the fluke
vibrates. I prefer however to use other devices for arresting the outward
movement of the fluke at a proper angle to the shank of the anchor,
and at the same time afford it such support as will relieve the pivot pin
of the great strain which would otherwise be brought to bear thereon.
One device consists of a shackle or elongated link, the ends of which
are bent outward instead of inward on each side at a right angle to
the shackle. An extended slot is cut in the arm of the fluke, into
which the shackle is placed with its cross bar towards the palm and its
bent ends inserted into apertures in the shank on each side of the
opening through which the fluke arm plays, and left loose therein so
that the shackle may turn thereon freely as upon a pivot. As the
fluko swings in and out through the shank the shackle plays back
and forth in its slot turning upon its pivots, but as the fluke arm plays
through and between the arms of the shackle or link its movement
either way is arrested by the length of the shackle in connection with
that of the slot.
Instead of using a shackle or link as just described a short chain
passing through a transverse aperture in the fluke arm and whose
ends are
secured to the shank on each side of the arm may be
employed. Where the shackle or a chain is employed the slotted
aperture in the shank is made wider than the fluke arm to allow the

page_text: shackle or the chain a space in which to move between the arm and
shank.
In some cases a slot is cut centrally and longitudinally in the palm or
fluke, within which is pivotted a pointed catch in such manner that it
may swing out in either direction to an angle of about 60°, when its
further movement is arrested by suitable stops. The pivotted catch may
be provided with one, two, or more points. Catches are pivotted upon
the sides of the fluke arm, which are free to vibrate or swing outward
either in both directions, or else one to the right and the other to the
left until they attain an angle of about 60° more or less with the fluke,
when they are arrested from further movement by means of suitabic
offsets or stops.
The fluke when holding the ship is braced and its pivot joint pro-
tected by means of a shackle or chain.
When not required in use the anchor may be fished or catted, and
hung up by its lower ring. A bolt may be inserted through the shank
into the fluke or fluke arm to lock the same for stowage and prevent
any movement of the fluke in such case:
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 27th September 1870.
-
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
ROBERT LAKE, of the "International Patent Office," Southampton
Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, Consulting Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-eighth day of March, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy, in the thirty-third
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said William Robert Lake, Her special licence, that
I, the said William Robert Lake, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said William Robert Lake, my 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,

page_text: within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ANCHORS,"
a communication to me from abroad by Gourney Crow Pattison, of
Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America, upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said William Robert Lake, my exccutors
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or
one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascer-
tain the nature of tho said Invention, and in what manner the same
was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
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 William Robert Lake, do hereby
_declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the samo
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawing forming a part of this Specification:-
The first part of this Invention relates to improvements in the
construction of anchors having a detachable stock and a detachable
pivotted fluke arm for the purpose of securing and guarding the same
more completely when in use against any fouling of the ship's chains or
cables therewith. These improvements consist in combining with the
detachable stock and pivotted arm of the anchor guard chains or rods
extending from the extreme ends of the stock to the pivot pin of the
arm at the crown of the anchor or to the lower end of the shank at or
near said pivot, and in combining stay rods or chains with the horns upon
the fluke arms to extend from the points of the horns to the extremities
of the flukes to prevent a fouling of the latter.
The second part of this Invention relates to the substitution of pivotted
catches instead of the horns often placed on the fluke arms of anchors
at the base of the flukes to insure the tripping of the arm and an engage.
ment of the fluke with the bottom, these catches being so placed and
pivotted upon the fluke arm that they will close when a chain or cable
is drawn under them to prevent the catching and fouling of the same
thereon.
The third part of this Invention relates to improvements in that class
of anchors which are constructed with but a single pivotted fluke armı
so arranged as to lie within a slot or opening in the shank when not in
use, and in which all projections, such as the stock or the unused

page_text: upwardly projecting arm of anchors of the ordinary forms which may
cause the cable to foul in swinging, or upon which a vessel can be
injured when in shallow water, are dispensed with.
These improvements consist, first, in combining a pivotted catch with
the fluke of such an anchor to subserve the same end as the horn upon
the fluke arm of other anchors and operate to prevent the dragging of
the palm over the bottom by causing it to enter and take hold of the
ground; secondly, in combining lateral projections with or otherwise
enlarging the shank or body of such an anchor centrally in a plane at
right angles to that of the movement of its pivotted fluke arm so as to
give thereto a diamond or angular form for the purpose of preventing the
anchor dragging on its side, and to ensure the contact of its fluke with
the ground, subserving in this respect the end attained by means of the
stock of ordinary forms of anchors; and thirdly, in combining a pivotted
shackle or a chain with the pivotted fluke arm and the shank of such
an anchor to relieve the pivot bolt from undue strain when the anchor is
in usc.
In the accompanying Drawing Figure 1 is a perspective view of the
first form of the improved anchor herein described, and Figure 2,
elevations illustrating the several parts of the same detached; Figure 3
is an elevation of the fluke arm of the anchor shown in Figure 1, having
pivotted catches combined therewith in lieu of horns; Figure 4 is a plau
view of the second form of the improved non-fouling anchors which are
the subject of this Invention, and which are constructed with a single
pivotted catch closing within the shank or body thereof; Figure 5 is a
central longitudinal section thereof on the line x, x, of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a side elevation of the anchor bent to a cable by its upper
ring, and in position as when its fluke is buried in the ground to hold
the ship; Figures 7 and S are detached views illustrating different forms
of swinging catches; Figure 9 is a detached view of the fluke arm and
fluke illustrating catches combined and arranged thereon laterally;
Figure 10 is a side view of the same; Figure 11 is a plan view of the
same form of anchor illustrating the combination of a shackle with its
shank, and with a longitudinal slot in its fluke arm to stay the latter
and relieve its pivot from undue strain thercon; Figure 12 is a side
elevation of the anchor shown in Figure 11, with its fluke arm in the
position which it assumes when it has taken hold of the ground;
Figure 13 is a similar elevation thereof illustrating the substitution of a

page_text: chain for a shackle to sustain the fluke arm; Figure 11 is another view
of the lower end of the anchor (the upper part being broken away)
illustrating the combination of a slotted shackle with the fluke arm to
sustain it, projecting pins from each side of the arm passing into its
slots to engage the same.
In Figures 1 and 2, A is the shank of an anchor constructed in
accordance with the first part of this Invention. The upper end of this
shank A is provided with an ordinary shackle or ring, to which the cable
from the ship is bent, and is pierced with a suitable aperture to receive
a detachable stock B of the ordinary form. Its lower end is slotted to
receive a centrally pivotted fluke arm C. The stock B when inserted in
the shank A is secured thereto by a key bolt passing through a slot c
in the stock, or in any other suitable manner, and it may be either
straight or have its ends bent as illustrated in the Drawing. The fluke
arm C made in a solid piece entirely separate from the shank A is
centrally pivotted within the slot in the lower end of the shank by
means of a transverse bolt or pin, which may be threaded at one end
to receive and be secured by a nut or slotted to receive and be secured
by a wedge-shaped pin or be otherwise secured as may seem expedient.
The ends of the stock B are fitted with shackles or detachable links b, b,
carrying chains or loose rods E, E. The lower ends of these chains
terminate in eyes c, c, made to slip upon the ends of the pivot pin 2.
D', D', are horns of the ordinary description, such as are usually formed
upon the fluke arm C of anchors of this description below or in the rear
of the flukes to ensure the tripping of the arm upon its pivot and an
engagement of the fluke with the ground. a, a, are guard straps
extending from the ends of the horns D' to the points of the flukes D,
as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, to prevent a fouling of the flukes by
the chains or cables. These straps a, a, become serviceable also in
fishing for the anchor when it is lost as the drag hook will readily catch
and hold the same. F, F, are projections or offsets formed upon each
side of the shank A, and whose edges are recessed to receive the ends
of the flukes D, D, when they swing up towards the shank, so that
when one of the flukes is buried in the ground the point of the opposite
fluke fitting into the recess d of the projection F is thereby so com-
pletely shielded that the cables or chains cannot catch therein and foul
therewith. These projections F, F, are also very useful from the fact
that they greatly strengthen the shank at its weakest point.

page_text: When not required for immediate use this improved anchor, Figure 1,
may be stowed in a very small compass by removing the pivot pin =,
thus releasing entirely the fluke arm C and the ends of the guard chains
or rods E, E, from the shank A, and then detaching the key or other
fastening securing the stock B to the shank so that it may be drawn
therefrom. The shank, stock, and fluke arm being thus entirely sepa-
rated may be laid together and stowed side by side. In ordinary use
instead of detaching the fluke arm C from the shank A one of the
chains E may be detached from the stock B, and the stock alone be
withdrawn from the shank so that the anchor may lie close upon deck.
G, G, Figure 3, are catches pivotted on each side of the fluke arm C
below or in the rear of the flukes or palms D, D, as a substitute for the
horns D', D', illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. These catches are connected
in pairs upon cach end of the fluke arm C by cross bars 7, g, coupling
their upper extremities transversely over the top edge of the arm, and
which allow their lower ends to swing up far enough to close under the
palms D, D, and to swing down and project out nearly at a right angle
with the general plane of the fluke, as shown in the Drawing. They
are also bent slightly forward so as the more readily to catch in
the ground when the anchor is dragging, and thus trip the fluke and
cause it to penetrate the ground. As they are always free to turn upon
their pivot they yield to any pressure of the cable thereon, and fold up
out of the way so that the cable cannot foul therewith. When not
required they may be fastened up out of the way by means of a simple
trausverse pin passing into the same.
In Figures 4, 5, and 6, H is the shank or body of an anchor of the
class to which the improvements embraced in the third part of my
Invention are applicable. This shank may be made by bending a
suitable iron bar upon itself, and welding the two edges together along
the line of contact at the upper end of the shank A, and the two
ends together at its lower extremity i (sce Figure 4), an intermediate
open space I (Figure 5) being left to receive and enclose a pivotted fluke
arm and fluke. The shank H is enlarged or widened centrally in such
a manner as to form a diamond-shaped centre, the projecting elbows or
corners g, g, on either side being made to extend out far enough to
prevent the anchor from resting upon either side or edge when thrown
out, and ensure its falling or turning upon one of the faces through
which the pivoted fluke swings. The opening I to receive the fluke

page_text: may be made to conform with the outward configuration of the shank,
thereby leaving space for a wide diamond-shaped palm upon the fluke
arm, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 9. K is the fluke or palm of the
anchor, whose arm K' is pivotted at its lower end in the usual manner in
the shank II, so as to swing freely in either direction through the opening
therein; L is the pivot upon which the fluke K and its arm K' swing.
The movements of the fluke arm and fluke K', K, may be arrested by
suitable shoulders c', c³, (Figure 5) at the lower end thereof formed so
as to strike against the lower end of the opening or slot I through
which the fluke vibrates.
In Figures 11, 12, 13, and 14 other and improved devices are shown
for arresting the outward movement of the fluke at a proper angle to
the shank of the anchor, and at the same time afford it such support
as will relieve the pivot pin L from the great strain which would
otherwise be brought to bear thereon. The device illustrated in Figures
11 and 12 consists of a shackle M formed of a bar bent into a rect-
angular shape so as to make an elongated link, the ends of the bar being
however bent outward instead of inward on each side at a right angle to
the shackle. An extended slots is cut in the arm of the fluke, as
shown in Figure 12, into which the shackle is placed with its cross
bar towards the palm K (see dotted lines, Figure 11), and its bent
ends inserted into apertures pierced in the shank on each side of the
opening through which the fluke arm plays, and left loose therein
so that the shackle may turn thereon freely as upon a pivot. As the
fluke swings in and out through the shank the shackle plays back and
forth in its slot turning upon its pivots, but as the fluke arm plays
through and between the arms of the shackle or link its movement
either way is arrested by the length of the shackle in connection with
that of the slot, as illustrated in Figure 12. To avoid weakening the
fluke arm K' by cutting an extended slot 8 therein, as shown in Figure 12,
and at the same time retain the advantages of a shackle M, I con-
template substituting therefor two shackle bars M', see Figure 14,
pivotted to the inner side of the opening I in the shank II, so as to
swing on cach side of the fluke arm K. These shackle bars are each
longitudinally slotted far enough to give the extent of movement
required in the fluke arm, and they receive pins W which are secured
in the sides of the fluke arm K so as to project through said slots, as
fully illustrated in Figure 14. These pins upon which the shackle bars

page_text: play serve to arrest the movements of the fluke arm and to sustain it
when thrown out. Instead of using a shackle and link M and M', as
just described, a short chain N passing through a transverse aperture in
the fluke arm, and whose ends are secured to the shank in each side
of the arm, as illustrated in Figure 13, may be employed to stay and
sustain the fluke arm in its movements. Where the shackle M and
link M or a chain N is employed the slotted aperture in the shank is
made wider than the fluke arm to allow the shackle or the chain space in
which to move between the arm and shank. In Figures 4 and 5, W is
a slot cut centrally and longitudinally in the palm or fluke K, within
which is pivotted a pointed catch q in such manner as that it may
swing out in either direction to an angle of about 60°, when its farther
movement is arrested by suitable stops, or in the manner illustrated in
Figure 5 as applied to the fluke arm K'. The pivotted catch q may be
provided with one, two, or more points, as illustrated in the Drawing
(see Figures 7 and S). R, R, Figures 9 and 10, are catches pivotted
upon the sides of the fluke arm K' which are free to vibrate or swing
outward, either in both directions or else one to the right and the other
to the left until they attain an angle of about 60° more or less with the
fluke, when they are arrested from further movement by means of
suitable offsets or stops.
When the improved anchor illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and
13 is thrown out the peculiar diamond form of its shank causes it to
fall or turn with one of its faces to the ground so that the fluke will strike
the same.
In this position one of the points of the auxiliary pivotted
catch Q will at once be forced into the ground, and so soon as there is a
strain upon the anchor drawing it forward the fluke K will be thereby
tripped so that its point will be forced into the ground, and a hold thus
surely and immediately obtained, obviating the danger and risk of the
dragging of the anchor over and upon the ground where the bottom is
hard. So soon as the fluke engages with the bottom the auxiliary
catch Q is relieved from all strain. The fluke K when holding the ship
is braced, and its pivot joint protected by means of the shackle M,
Figures 11 and 12, or chain N, Figure 13.
When not required in use the anchor may be fished or catted and
hung up by its lower ring (see Figure 1). Its fluke K and the catch Q
will then lic parallel to the shank so that the anchor is at once compact
and ready for service, presenting no projections which can injure the

page_text: bows of the vessel; or it may be stowed in the chains or inboard with
great convenience. A bolt T, Figure 4, may be inserted through the
shank into the fluke or fluke arm to lock the same for stowage (when
not in use) and prevent any movement of the fluke in such case. This
improved form of anchor is peculiarly well adapted for use upon vessels
of war, not only because of the facility with which it may be stowed
away and protected from exposure to an enemy's shells, but because
from its compact form it will not break and splinter when struck by a
shot as will happen with other forms of anchors.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, I claim, -
First. In combination with the shank A, detachable stock B, and
detachable pivotted fluke arm C of an anchor constructed substantially
as herein described detachable guard chains or rods E, E, extending
from the extreme ends of the stock B to the lower end of the shank A,
substantially in the manner and for the purpose herein set forth.
Second. The combination of guard straps a with the horns and flukes
of the fluke arm C of an anchor of any form, substantially as and for the
purpose herein set forth.
Third. Swinging catches G, G, pivotted below or in the rear of the
palms D upon the fluke arm C of an anchor, substantially as hercin
described and illustrated in Figure 3 of the Drawing.
Fourth. The combination of central lateral projections or elbows J, J,
with the shank H of a stockless pivotted fluke anchor so as to widen
said shank centrally and impart thereto a diamond form more or less
precise, all substantially as herein described and illustrated in Figures 4
and 11 of the Drawing.
Fifth. An auxiliary catch Q (see Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, and 13)
pivotted within a slot cut in the swinging fluke of a stockless non-
fouling anchor, substantially in the manner and for the purpose herein
described and illustrated.
Sixth. One or more auxiliary catches R, R, (Figures 9 and 10,)
pivotted to the sides of the swinging fluke of a stockless non-fouling
anchor, substantially in the manner and for the purpose herein described
and illustrated.
Seventh. A shackle M (see Figures 11 and 12) when combined with
the shank H of a stockless non-fouling anchor, and with an extended

page_text: slot in its pivotted fluke arm K' for the purpose of supporting the fluke
and limiting its movement upon its pivot, all substantially in the manner
herein set forth.
Eighth. A chain N (see Figure 13) in combination with the shank II
and pivotted fluke arm K' of a stockless non-fouling anchor, the whole
being arranged and constructed substantially in the manner and for the
purpose herein set forth.
Ninth. Slotted links or shackle bars M', M', (see Figure 14) in com-
bination with the shank H and pivotted fluke arm K' of a stockless
non-fouling anchor, said links M', ', being pivotted to the sides of the
shank H and made to embrace in their slotted apertures pins projecting
from the sides of the fluke arm K', all substantially in the manner and
for the purpose herein set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of September
One thousand eight hundred and seventy.
Witness,
W. J. LOWE.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE. (L.S.)