High-penetration, high-holding power, stowable marine anchor

Abstract

A weighted chisel-shaped tip is attached to a generally triangular and concave fluke. Extensions are attached to either side of the fluke, proximal to the aft edge and extending outward from the centerline of the fluke. A roll bar is attached to the extensions. A shaft is attached along the centerline of the top of the fluke, extending perpendicularly from and forward of the top of the fluke. The shaft provides an attach point for an anchor rode. A plurality of fasteners enables assembly and disassembly of the marine anchor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation of prior U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 521,679, filed 9 Aug. 2011.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to apparatus for anchoring marine vessels and, more specifically, to a marine anchor apparatus for penetrating and holding in a mooring bed.[0003]Marine vessels may be damaged or destroyed, and property damage and bodily injury or loss of life may result from an anchor dragging or failing to set properly. For this reason, it is desirable to design anchors to maximize mooring bed penetration and holding power.[0004]Conventional anchor designs fit generally into three categories: fluke-style anchors, claw-style anchors and plow-style anchors.[0005]Fluke-style anchors have difficulty penetrating a mooring bed, particularly ones with a rocky or hard sand or clay bottom, due to their tendency to kite or skate over the mooring bed due to thei...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a new type of marine anchor that has a fluke and two extensions. The fluke has a forward edge and a chiseel-shaped tip to penetrate a mooring bed and distribute the weight. The extensions extend out from either side of the fluke and increase its effective width. The anchor also has a roll bar to help it roll into position and a shaft for attachment to an anchor rode. The technical effects of this design are improved load capacity and increased stability of the anchor in the mooring bed, making it more durable and reliable.

Problems solved by technology

Marine vessels may be damaged or destroyed, and property damage and bodily injury or loss of life may result from an anchor dragging or failing to set properly.

Fluke-style anchors have difficulty penetrating a mooring bed, particularly ones with a rocky or hard sand or clay bottom, due to their tendency to kite or skate over the mooring bed due to their large fluke area acting as a sail or a wing.

Once set, fluke-style anchors have a tendency to break loose from the mooring bed and drag when the direction of force from the anchor rode changes, such as with the changing of the wind, current or tide.

Claw-style anchors have difficulty penetrating weed or grass-covered bottoms.

Additionally, claw-style anchors offer a low holding power-to-weight ratio, and generally must be over-sized relative to other anchor styles.

Conventional plow-style anchors tend to be heavy, owing to the necessity to concentrate weight on the penetrating tip of the anchor.

The geometry of conventional plow-style anchors makes them awkward to transport and stow.

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