Releasable marine anchor

Abstract

A releasable marine anchor (1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 801) is disclosed having a shank (3, 30, 203, 403, 503, 603, 803) having two ends. One end of the shank has an anchor line connected thereto and the other end of the shank has at least one sea bed (25) engaging fluke (2, 102, 202, 302, 602, 802) pivotally connected to the shank by an overcentre toggle mechanism. The fluke has an attack angle relative to the shank which is capable of being actuated from a sharp angle anchoring attack angle to a blunt angle release attack angle by actuation of the overcentre toggle mechanism by action of said anchor line acting on the shank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to marine anchors and river anchors, and particularly to releasable marine anchors for small boats, sailboats and recreational boats. Background Technology

[0002] Marine anchors have long been used for temporary mooring of vessels. Anchors with different arrangements of lugs or seabed joints are known to suit different types of seabeds or riverbeds. In particular, sandy, gravelly, muddy, rocky, and coral reef areas require different types of anchors.

[0003] A common problem with anchors is that they sometimes become impossible to disengage from the seabed. If a temporarily moored vessel needs to be moved, this requires cutting the anchor line and losing the anchor. This is not only an economic loss, but the safety measure the anchor provides to the vessel is no longer available until the (lost) anchor is replaced.

[0004] Causes of the invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve, or at least improve, the problems mentioned above by providing a releasable marine anchor. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a releasable marine anchor for temporary mooring vessels and similar watercraft is disclosed, the anchor comprising a shank having two ends, one end of the shank having a connecting device for connecting an anchoring line to the shank, and the other end of the shank having at least one seabed-engaging pawl pivotally connected to the shank via an over-center toggle mechanism, wherein the pawl has an angle of attack relative to the shank, which can be released from an acute anchoring angle of attack to an obtuse release angle of attack by actuating the over-center toggle mechanism by means of the action of the anchoring line acting on the shank.

[0007] Preferably, the over-center toggle mechanism includes: a first pivot and a second pivot, the first pivot and the second pivot being supported by the other end of the handle; a third pivot located between the first pivot and the second pivot; at least one anchor pawl connected to and movable with the third pivot to set the angle of attack between the anchor pawl and the handle; a first link, one end of which is rotatably mounted on the first pivot; and a second link, the second link... One end of the rod is rotatably mounted on the second pivot, and the other ends of the first and second links are pivotally mounted relative to each other and rotatably mounted on the third pivot. The first and second pivots are elastically movable toward and away from each other, thereby allowing the third pivot to move from one side of a line extending between the first and second pivots to the other side, thus changing the angle of attack from an acute angle to an obtuse angle. At an acute angle, the anchor claw can engage the seabed, while at an obtuse angle, the anchor claw can disengage from the seabed.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for releasing the anchor claw of a releasable marine anchor is disclosed. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Some embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view taken from one side of the anchor in the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 From Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the other side of the anchor.

[0012] Figure 3 From Figure 1 A side view of the anchor.

[0013] Figure 4 Is it like this? Figure 3 The side view in the image, but the side view in which the anchor is inverted.

[0014] Figure 5 It is seen towards the anchor claw Figure 1 End view of the anchor.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Plan view of the anchorage.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Side view of the connecting rod of the anchor.

[0017] Figures 8 to 11 yes Figure 1 A series of side views of the anchors, illustrating how to achieve disconnection.

[0018] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the anchor, showing how the handle can be gripped to move the retainer.

[0019] Figure 13 It is similar to Figure 12 The three-dimensional diagram illustrates the movement of the retaining element.

[0020] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the anchor, illustrating the retainer in the first position.

[0021] Figure 15 Is with Figure 14 The illustration is similar to the one shown, but it depicts the retainer in the second position.

[0022] Figure 16 Is with Figure 14 The illustration is similar to the one shown, but it depicts the retainer in the third position.

[0023] Figure 17 This is a plan view of the anchorage according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 18 From Figure 17 A three-dimensional view of the shank end of the anchor.

[0025] Figure 19 From Figure 17 A three-dimensional view of the rear end of the anchor.

[0026] Figure 20 Is with Figure 18 A similar 3D diagram, but with half of the handle omitted to show the internal working structure.

[0027] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 However, the scaled-up truncated 3D image is larger than it appears.

[0028] Figure 22 yes Figures 17 to 21 An exploded perspective view of the floating anchor claw shaft arrangement structure of the anchor.

[0029] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 Enlarged view of the axis.

[0030] Figure 24 This is a perspective view of the anchor from above in the third embodiment.

[0031] Figure 25 From Figure 24 A three-dimensional view of the anchorage from below.

[0032] Figure 26 It is in the release configuration Figure 24 and Figure 25 A three-dimensional diagram of the anchor.

[0033] Figure 27 This is a first perspective view of the anchor of the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 Another perspective view of the anchor.

[0035] Figure 29 This is a perspective view of the anchor in the fifth embodiment, which includes a buoyancy-enhancing device.

[0036] Figure 30 This is a perspective view of the anchor in the sixth embodiment, including the weighted rear end portion.

[0037] Figure 31 This is a perspective view taken from one end of the anchor in the seventh embodiment.

[0038] Figure 32 From Figure 31 A three-dimensional view of the other end of the anchor.

[0039] Figure 33 The diagram illustrates the formation during assembly. Figure 31 and Figure 32 An exploded perspective view of the components of the anchor.

[0040] Figure 34 Is manipulating such Figures 31 to 33 The diagram shows a perspective view of auxiliary tools for anchors, such as anchors.

[0041] Figure 35 It shows the engagement with the anchor. Figure 34 A 3D diagram of the tool.

[0042] Figure 36 It shows Figure 31 A perspective view showing the anchor's shank being pressed down, thereby allowing the retainer to be manipulated.

[0043] Figure 37 yes Figures 31 to 36 A partial perspective view of a modified version of the anchor, which includes a stop function to prevent anchor release.

[0044] Figure 38This is an exploded 3D view of the modified washer that enables the stop function.

[0045] Figure 39 It is similar to Figure 37 It is a partial 3D view, but it illustrates different forms that achieve the same stopping function.

[0046] Figure 40 Is with Figure 33 Similar to the decomposed stereoscopic view, a partial decomposed stereoscopic view is shown, and it is illustrated. Figure 39 Different types of washers used,

[0047] Figure 41 yes Figure 39 A side view of the arrangement structure, in which the anchor claw is in the central position and the stop function is not in operation.

[0048] Figure 42 It is similar to Figure 41 The side view shows the anchor claw being stopped at the point of maximum deviation.

[0049] Figure 43 This is a 3D view of the entire anchor, in which the anchor claw is positioned... Figure 41 In the position shown in the figure,

[0050] Figure 44 This is a 3D view of the entire anchor, in which the anchor claw is positioned... Figure 42 In the position shown in the figure,

[0051] Figure 45 This is a perspective view of the anchorage according to the eighth embodiment with two lifters.

[0052] Figure 46 yes Figure 45 Different 3D diagrams of anchors,

[0053] Figure 47 yes Figure 45 A close-up 3D view of the tail end of the anchor.

[0054] Figure 48 From Figure 45 A perspective view of one side of one of the lifters in the anchor bolt lifter.

[0055] Figure 49 From Figure 48 A three-dimensional view taken from the other side of the lifter.

[0056] Figure 50 It is connected to the seabed. Figure 45 A side view of the anchor, and provides a view with... Figure 8 The comparison,

[0057] Figure 51 and Figure 52 and Figure 45 and Figure 46 The same, but it shows an anchor with an anchor cable attachment ring.

[0058] Figure 53 It shows Figures 45 to 52 The anchor is suspended by its anchor cable attachment ring.

[0059] Figure 54 This shows a modification to include a stop function. Figure 37 A 3D view of the anchorage, and

[0060] Figure 55 It is magnified. Figure 54 A partial 3D view. Detailed Implementation

[0061] like Figures 1 to 6 As seen in the diagram, the anchor 1 of the first embodiment has a pair of pivoting anchor claws 2, one on each side of the handle 3. The handle 3 has a pair of arms 5, 6, one on each side of the bend 7. A retainer 9 is slidably located on the handle 3. The arms 5 include three nuts or rings 11, 12, 13 welded to the arms 5, and the retainer 9 can engage with the nuts or rings.

[0062] like Figure 2 As best viewed from the center, the free end of arm 5 terminates in a T-shaped arrangement, which forms a first axis 15 that defines a first axis of rotation. A similar T-shaped arrangement at the free end of arm 6 similarly forms a second axis 16 that defines a second axis of rotation. A third axis 17 is located between the two axes 15 and 16, defining a third axis of rotation.

[0063] The first link 21 has a first end 21A pivotable on shaft 15 and a second end 21B pivotable on third shaft 17. Similarly, the second link 22 has a first end 22A pivotable on shaft 16 and a second end 22B pivotable on third shaft 17. Anchor claws 2 are rotatably mounted on third shaft 17 and are pivotable in an arcuate manner, the arc terminating at which each anchor claw 2 contacts either shaft 15 or 16. Therefore, the anchor claws 2 can have the following characteristics: Figure 3 The middle position shown in the figure and as shown in the figure Figure 4 In the more inclined position illustrated in the diagram, the anchor claw 2 abuts against the lower of the two shafts 15 and 16. Figure 3 and Figure 4It will be understood that anchor 1 can be positioned with either side facing upward after it is thrown overboard. Furthermore, anchor 1 can be positioned with either side facing upward, in which case the lower pawl 2 engages the seabed. Therefore, regardless of how the dropped anchor 1 was initially oriented, at least one of the pawls 2 is ready to engage the seabed.

[0064] It will be understood that arms 5 and 6 and the bend 7 constitute a torsion spring, such that shafts 15 and 16 are spring-loaded and capable of limited movement toward and away from each other. Figure 7 As illustrated in the diagram, links 21 and 22 typically have... Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 The middle finger points to the left in a V-shaped configuration. However, if the third axis 17 points... Figure 7 If the right side of the shaft is moved with sufficient force, shafts 15 and 16 may be forcibly separated, thereby allowing connecting rods 21 and 22 and shaft 17 to flip. Figure 7 The second V-shaped configuration, indicated by the dashed line pointing to the right, occurs if the release mechanism is to be activated, as will be explained below.

[0065] In use, the anchor line or cable (not shown) is connected to the shank 3, and the anchor 1 is thrown overboard and usually ends up as... Figure 3 The location shown in the diagram—with arm 5 being the highest—or Figure 4 The anchor 1 is positioned on the seabed at any of the locations shown in the diagram—with arm 5 being the lowest point. Regardless of how the anchor 1 is positioned, gravity causes the anchor claw 2 to move downwards because the anchor claw 2 pivots about axis 17, resulting in the tip of the anchor claw 2 being positioned on the seabed (by...). Figures 8 to 11 (As indicated by the dotted line 25 in the text). Figure 3 As seen in the image, the anchoring line pulls the shank 3 to the right, causing the anchor claw 2 to penetrate into the seabed 25. Figure 8 The mooring status is illustrated in the diagram. Figure 8 In the moored position illustrated, the wind and tidal forces applied to the ship (not shown) cause the shank 3 to move to the right, and the anchor claw 2 to penetrate the seabed 25. Figure 8 As seen in the image, this action also pushes shaft 17 to the left, thereby pushing connecting rods 21 and 22 towards... Figure 8 The configuration shown in the figure.

[0066] In order to retrieve anchor 1, such as Figure 9 As indicated, the bend 7 begins to move upward as the anchor line is pulled into the ship. When this occurs, if the anchor claw 2 leaves the seabed 25, that is fine, and the anchor 1 can be pulled into the ship, and the ship can continue sailing. However, if the anchor claw 2 remains engaged with the seabed 25, the position is as follows: Figure 9As illustrated in the diagram. In this position, the tip of the anchor claw 2 engages with the seabed 25, the base of the anchor claw 2 engages with the shaft 16, and the curved portion 7 is pulled upward in an attempt to disengage the anchor claw 2 from the seabed 25.

[0067] If the anchor claw 2 does not disengage from the seabed 25, sufficient force will eventually be applied to the shank 3 by making the anchoring line more vertical, allowing the arms 5 and 6 to move sufficiently to allow the third shaft 17 to flip over. Figure 10 In the position shown in the figure (and by Figure 7 (Dashed line illustration). Due to this flipping configuration, the angle of attack of the anchor claw 2 relative to the shank 3 changes from an acute angle (preferably as shown in the dashed line illustration). Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 Move as shown in the diagram (within the range of 25 to 60 degrees) to... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The obtuse angle shown in the figure (preferably in the range of 100 to 145 degrees). Due to this change in angle of attack, the anchor claw 2 can be disengaged from the seabed 25, thereby releasing the anchor 1 and allowing the anchor 1 to be pulled to the water surface by the anchoring line.

[0068] Once anchor 1 is retrieved, such as Figure 12 As illustrated, the handle 3 can be compressed, thereby allowing the retainer 9 to move to the bend 7. This allows shafts 15 and 16 to easily move away from each other, and thus shaft 17 to move away from the bend 7. Therefore, shaft 17 can easily move between shafts 15 and 16 to reset the anchor claw 2 to the acute angle of attack position. Figure 13 As illustrated, the retainer 9 can be moved away from the bend 7 to allow for the resetting of the anchor 1. Typically, if the anchor 1 is retracted, it adopts... Figure 3 The configuration shown in the diagram is because it is located on a hard surface.

[0069] Now go to Figures 14 to 16 The retaining element 9 can be moved as follows Figure 14 Located between the nut or ring 12 and 13 as shown in the diagram, or as... Figure 15 Located between nuts or rings 11 and 12 as shown in the diagram, or as... Figure 16 As shown in the diagram, it is located in front of the nut or ring 11. These three positions each represent different levels of stiffness, where... Figure 14 The position shown in the diagram represents the minimum stiffness state, and Figure 16 The position shown in the diagram indicates the "locked" position. Therefore, in Figure 14 In the location illustrated, anchor 1 is designed to be retrieved with minimal effort. Figure 15 In the location shown in the diagram, anchor 1 is set for normal use. Figure 16In the position shown in the diagram, anchor 1 is set to maximum holding strength, as indicated in the case of an approaching storm or cyclone (or typhoon or hurricane).

[0070] Now go to Figures 17 to 21 The illustration shows the anchor 101 of the second embodiment, wherein, with Figures 1 to 17 Similar components to anchor 1 are indicated by reference numerals with an increase of 100. Thus, anchor 101, for example, has an anchor claw 102. In anchor 101, the pivoting of anchor claw 102 is substantially similar to the pivoting of anchor claw 2 in anchor 1. However, the shank 3 of anchor 1 is completely changed in anchor 101 because the shank 30 of anchor 101 includes two side plates 31, 32 and includes an internal mechanism 33 for setting the breaking tension of anchor claw 102. Shank 30 has a bend 107.

[0071] like Figure 19 As best viewed from the center, the anchor claw 102 pivots about the third axis 117 as previously described. The position of the third axis 117 is determined by the positions of the first link 121 and the second link 122, which extend between the first axis 115 and the second axis 116 as previously described. The third axis 117 also supports two U-shaped supports 35, which tend to raise the rear of the anchor during the initial engagement of the anchor with the seabed 25.

[0072] Now go to Figure 20 and Figure 21 In both figures, side plate 31 is omitted to expose the internal mechanism 33. Shafts 115 and 116 pivot at the ends of two corresponding lever arms 41 and 42, respectively. Each lever arm 41 and 42 pivots about a corresponding rivet 44 or 45 extending between side plates 31 and 32. A perforated plate 46 is fixed between side plates 31 and 32 and carries a threaded bolt, on which two springs 48 and 49 are positioned. Nut 50 holds springs 48 and 49 constrained and sets spring tension. The end of the bolt away from nut 50 carries shaft 52, on which a pair of pivoting arms 54 and 55 pivot. The ends of pivoting arms 54 and 55 pivot to adjacent ends of lever arms 41 and 42, respectively.

[0073] Due to this arrangement, shafts 115 and 116 can move toward or away from each other to set the stiffness of the anchor release mechanism. This is achieved by rotating lever arms 41 and 42 about rivets 44 and 45. The stiffness of this rotation is set by the degree of compression of springs 48 and 49, which is determined by the position of nut 50.

[0074] Now go to Figure 21A central toggle locking mechanism 60 is provided by means of two linkage arms 61, 62, which pivot about corresponding rivets 63, 64 in lever arms 41, 42. The linkage arms 61, 62 are connected together by means of a trigger rod 66, which passes through the linkage arms 61, 62 and is secured by two slots 67 (…). Figure 21 (as shown in the diagram) and slot 68 ( Figure 18 (As illustrated in the diagram). If the trigger lever 66 is manually moved toward the nut 50, the linkage arms 61, 62 allow the lever arms 41, 42 to pivot about the rivets 44, 45. However, if the trigger lever 66 is manually moved away from the nut 50, the linkage arms 61, 62 lock the lever arms 41, 42 and prevent rotation of the lever arms 41, 42. This, in turn, locks the anchor claw 102.

[0075] Figure 22 yes Figures 17 to 21 An exploded perspective view of the third shaft 117 shows how each of the anchor claws 102 is provided with a hollow square tube 118 that matches a corresponding square portion 119 of the shaft body 117A. The shaft body 117A has a central cylindrical portion 120 that rotatably supports the connecting rods 121 and 122. Figure 23 As can be seen from the center, the shaft body 117A also includes two threaded portions 123, each of which receives a corresponding retaining nut 124. With this arrangement, the angle of attack of the two anchor claws 102 is constrained to be the same and is controlled by the rotation of the shaft body 117A.

[0076] The advantage of anchors 1 and 101 is that, due to the shape of shafts 15, 16 and 115, 116 and the elasticity of their spring-loaded components, anchor claws 2 and 102 tend to make a wave-like movement when moving through water or loose sediment. This movement is somewhat similar to the wave-like movement of the torso when swimming the butterfly stroke, or the swimming motion of a dolphin. This wave-like movement makes it easier for anchor claws 2 and 102 to engage and disengage with seabeds with loose textures, such as mud, sand, and gravel.

[0077] Now go to Figures 24 to 26 The figure illustrates the anchor 201 of the third embodiment, wherein... Figures 1 to 17 Similar components to anchor 1 are indicated by reference numerals 200. Thus, anchor 201, for example, has a shank 203 with arms 205 and 206. However, anchor 201 has only a single claw 202, reminiscent of, for example, the VULCAN anchor from Rocna Anchors of New Zealand, and anchors disclosed as in U.S. Patent No. 8,950,352 (Smith). Claw 202 is connected to shank 203 by means of a fin plate 204.

[0078] Arms 205 and 206 are formed of strip spring steel with a rectangular cross-section having a "lateral" orientation. This has the advantage of increasing the bending moment of the shank 3 to resist lateral movement of the anchor line applied to the shank 3 due to the vessel's arcing motion around the mooring point. Arm 205 has a hollow cylindrical portion at its free end that receives the shaft 215. The free end of arm 206 is bifurcated (e.g., ...). Figure 26 (Best viewed from the center) and receives the second shaft 216, which is located a short distance from the tip of plate 204. The third shaft 217 is located at the tip of plate 204. The first link 221 connects the first shaft 215 and the third shaft 217. The short length of plate 204 extending between the second shaft 216 and the third shaft 217 has a function similar to that of the second links 22 and 122.

[0079] Retainer 209 with Figures 1 to 16 The retainer 9 functions in the same way. The heads of rivets 211, 212, and 213 are similar in shape and function. Figures 1 to 16 Nuts or rings 11, 12, and 13. Anchor 201 operates in the same manner as anchors 1 and 101 in terms of its release mechanism. Figure 24 and Figure 25 The lieutenant general observed that the third axis 217 was located behind the line connecting the first axis 215 and the second axis 216. However, as Figure 26 As illustrated, the shank 203 moves rearward to position the first shaft 215 and the second shaft 216 in front of the third shaft 217. Therefore, the angle of attack of the anchor claw 202 relative to the shank 203 is... Figure 24 and Figure 25 The middle is an acute angle, while... Figure 26 The angle is obtuse. Therefore, in Figure 26 In the configuration shown in the figure, even if it is initially stuck, the anchor 201 can be released from the seabed.

[0080] Now go to Figure 27 and Figure 28 The figure illustrates the anchor 301 of the fourth embodiment, wherein, with Figures 1 to 17 The anchor 301 is similar to the anchor 201, indicated by the reference numeral 300. Therefore, anchor 301, like anchor 201, has only a single anchor claw 302. Similarly, anchor claw 302 is connected to shank 303 by means of fin plate 304. Shank 303 has arms 305 and 306 laser-cut from spring steel sheet. Retainer 309 engages with three notches 311, 312, and 313 formed on arm 306 (instead of arm 305) in this embodiment. Similarly, arm 306 is forked, and the arrangement of shafts 315, 316, and 317 is similar to... Figures 24 to 26The arrangement of shafts 215, 216, and 217 of anchor 201 is the same. The release mechanism of anchor 301 operates in the same manner as the release mechanism of anchor 201.

[0081] Figure 29 The figure illustrates the anchor 401 of the fifth embodiment, wherein, with Figures 27 to 28 Similar components to anchor 301 are indicated by reference numerals with an increase of 100. Thus, the shank 403 is identical to shank 303, except that the arm 405 is provided with a buoyancy-enhancing device 469, which is preferably in the form of a rectangular plastic strip of substantially impermeable foam material. The buoyancy-enhancing device 469 displaces a large amount of water but is not very heavy. For example, the foam material 469 can be glued to the underside of the arm 405. The foam material 469 is used to place the center of buoyancy of anchor 401 above its center of gravity. Therefore, when anchor 401 is thrown overboard, it experiences a righting torque that tends to rotate it so that the arm 405 (and the foam material 469) is positioned at its highest point. Thus, when anchor 401 strikes the seabed, the anchor claw 402 is located below the shank 403, the anchor 401, for example, on the seabed, such as... Figures 8 to 11 The likelihood of landing on the seabed 25 increases. Therefore, the initial attitude of the anchor 401 upon impact with the seabed is conducive to good engagement between the anchor claw 402 and the seabed.

[0082] Figure 30 The figure illustrates the anchor 501 of the sixth embodiment, which is connected to... Figures 1 to 16 The anchor 1 is basically the same, among which, with Figures 1 to 16 The anchor 501 has similar components to the anchor 1, indicated by the reference numeral 500. Therefore, the handle 503 is identical to the handle 3. However, a weight is provided at the rear of the anchor 501, preferably in the form of a steel ball 570, which is connected to the rear of the anchor by a short chain 571. The function of the weight 570 is to reduce the chance of the anchor 501 jumping or bouncing on the hard surface of the seabed. The additional weight of the weight 570 exerts an increased downward force on the tip of the anchor claw 502, and thus increases the interaction between the anchor claw 502 and the seabed.

[0083] Now go to Figures 31 to 33 The figure illustrates an anchor 601 according to a seventh embodiment. Anchor 601 has a shank 603 cut from spring steel, and each arm of the shank 603 has four protrusions 611, 612, 613, and 614, which form positioning stops for the retainer 609. Furthermore, a first link 621 and a second link 622 are each freely positioned as a pair of links, one on each side of the shank 603, thereby better balancing the forces involved. This arrangement is generally similar to... Figure 22 and Figure 23 The arrangement is illustrated in the figure. Specifically, two shafts 615 and 616 engage with orifices at the free ends of the arm portion of the handle 603. Two spacer washers 635 and 636 are positioned between the handle 603 and the closer pair of connecting rods 621 and 622. Shaft 617 passes through two of the central pivot points of the connecting rods 621 and 622, and spacer washer 637 maintains the desired spacing between the two pairs of connecting rods 621 and 622.

[0084] like Figures 34 to 36 As seen in the image, a tool 708, manufactured by bending a steel rod, and preferably a stainless steel rod, can be used to manipulate the anchor 601. The tool 708 has a front end 711 with an S-shaped bend 712. The tool has a tail end 713 that serves as a handle, and is preferably provided with a latch hook 714. (As shown...) Figure 35 As best viewed from the center, the S-shaped bend 712 engages with shafts 615 and 617. In this position, the tail end 713 and the upper portion of the handle 603 can be gripped by the user with one hand. The user then grips his hand to move the tail end 713 toward the handle 603. This has the effect of using shaft 617 as a fulcrum to move shaft 615 toward shaft 616, thereby overcoming the natural elasticity of the handle 603 and compressing the two arms of the handle 603. This is Figure 36 The location is shown in the diagram.

[0085] Figure 35 and Figure 36 More notably, the movement of the two arms of the handle 603 toward each other releases the retainer 609, which can then be moved by the user's other hand to a desired position relative to the protrusions 611, 612, 613, 614, thereby setting a release force under which the over-center toggle mechanism of the anchor will be activated. If necessary, such as Figure 36 As illustrated, the latch hook 714 can engage with the upper arm of the handle 603, thereby holding the tool 708 in place. Figure 36 In the position shown in the diagram. The advantage of the latch hook 714 is that the user can then use both hands when manipulating the retainer 609.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, where the anchor is located on a hypothetical level seabed and the anchor chain is pulled on a hypothetical level shank, an engagement angle exists between the seabed and the longitudinal axis of the anchor claw. For a double anchor claw, the engagement angle is in the range of 10° to 35° below the horizontal plane, and preferably in the range of 12° to 30°. For a single anchor claw, the engagement angle is in the range of 10° to 35°, and preferably in the range of 13° to 15°.

[0087] Just before the release mechanism is activated, there is a pull angle between the longitudinal axis of the anchor claw and the longitudinal axis of the shank, which is approximately 70° for both double and single anchor claws.

[0088] Once the release mechanism is activated, a release angle exists between the longitudinal axis of the anchor claw and the longitudinal axis of the shank. For both types of anchor claws, this release angle is in the range of 100° to 130°, and preferably in the range of 105° to 120°.

[0089] In some situations, a stop mechanism is needed to prevent the release mechanism from operating. In particular, if severe weather, such as cyclones, typhoons, or hurricanes, is predicted, it is highly desirable for anchored vessels to remain in their anchored positions. One way to achieve this is... Figure 37 and Figure 38 The diagram is shown in the image. Figure 37 and Figure 38 As seen in the image, the modified spacer washer 637A is positioned between a pair of connecting rod arms 621 and 622. (See image for reference.) Figure 38 As best seen in the image, the modified spacer washer 637A has two tail arms 641 and 642, each of which has a through hole 645. Each of the two holes 645 receives a corresponding bolt 646 with a nut 647.

[0090] It will be apparent that, without bolt 646 and nut 647, the spacer washer 637A is modified to match... Figure 33 The spacer 637 works in the same way. That is, the spacer 637A sits on the shaft 617, maintaining the spacing between a pair of link arms 621, 622; and allows the shaft 617 to move through the center position, thereby activating the center toggle mechanism.

[0091] However, with the two bolts 646 and two nuts 647 positioned within the orifice 645, the shaft 617 can only move a limited distance before the bolts 646 and nuts 647 strike the connecting rod arms 621 and 622. This stops the shaft 617 from further movement and thus prevents the release mechanism from disengaging.

[0092] Different actions can be achieved if only one bolt 646 and its corresponding nut 647 are present in one of the orifices 645. The tail arms 641 and 642 are long enough to allow the modified spacer 637A to rotate about the shaft 617, thereby allowing the shaft 617 to pass through the center position. That is, two bolts 646 and two nuts 647 are required to stop the release mechanism from operating.

[0093] exist Figures 39 to 42 The diagram illustrates an alternative stop mechanism. Here, as... Figure 40As illustrated, the modified spacer washer 637B is positioned on the shaft 617. The modified spacer washer 637B is provided with a single tail arm 650, also having a through hole 645. An arc-shaped cap 651 is secured to the modified spacer washer 637B by means of a screw 652, which passes through the tail arm 650 of the modified spacer washer 637B.

[0094] like Figure 41 and Figure 43 As seen in the diagram, when shaft 617 is at its furthest point from handle 603, there is no engagement between cap 651 and connecting rod arms 621, 622. However, as... Figure 42 As seen in the diagram, as the shaft 617 moves toward the handle 603, the cap 651 engages the connecting rod arms 621 and 622 and prevents the shaft 617 from reaching the center of the over-center toggle mechanism. Therefore, the locking mechanism serves to prevent the release mechanism from operating.

[0095] from Figure 42 and Figure 44 It will also be apparent that, with the cap 651 engaged with the connecting arms 621, 622, the anchor claw 602 can then achieve a maximum acute angle relative to the shank 603. This represents the maximum holding force of the anchor 601. It is particularly advantageous to achieve the maximum holding force in a configuration where the stop mechanism prevents the release mechanism from functioning.

[0096] Both the stop or washer 637B and the stop or cap 651 have a significant impact on the performance of the retainers 609 and 809. Without such a stop, the position of the retainers 609 and 809 controls the tension at which the release mechanism operates (and prevents the release mechanism from operating at its furthest point from the anchor cable). However, with such a stop, the position of the retainers 609 and 809 controls the ease with which the anchor claws 602 and 802 can increase their tilt angle relative to the shanks 603 and 803.

[0097] Therefore, as the retainers 609 and 809 move toward the anchor cable and away from the claws 602 and 802, the claws will easily achieve maximum tilt relative to the shanks 603 and 803. This configuration is particularly advantageous in soft mud because it allows for rapid achievement of maximum stopping force. However, as the retainers 609 and 809 move away from the anchor cable and toward the claws 602 and 802, it becomes more difficult for the claws 602 and 802 to pivot away from the shanks 603 and 803. This configuration is particularly advantageous in hard ground, where a smaller angle between the claws 602 and 802 and the shanks 603 and 803 is desirable to allow the claws to better engage in the hard ground.

[0098] Therefore, it will be seen that the movement of the limiting shafts 617 and 817 transforms the retaining members 609 and 809 from tension setting devices for the release mechanism into mechanisms that determine the ease with which the angle of the anchor claw relative to the shank 603 and 803 increases. The above discussion also applies to matters concerning... Figures 54 to 55 The described implementation method.

[0099] Now go to Figures 45 to 53 The figure illustrates the anchor 801 of the eighth embodiment, wherein, with Figures 31 to 36 Similar components to anchor 601 are indicated by reference numerals with an increase of 200. Thus, anchor 801, for example, has an anchor claw 802. In anchor 801, the pivoting of the anchor claw 802 is substantially similar to the pivoting of the anchor claw 602 in anchor 601. However, anchor 801 is provided with two lifters 881, 882, which are... Figure 3 or Figure 8 In contrast, these two lifters 881 and 882 are used to lift the tail end of the anchor 801 above the seabed 25, such as... Figure 50 What I saw in the video.

[0100] This modification is desirable because it is necessary to increase the size and weight of the anchor bolts in order to successfully moor vessels of increased length and thus displacement. As the anchor bolt size increases, the sizes of the lugs 602 and 802 also increase. Most of the weight of the lugs 602 and 802 is located near the tips. Therefore, when the anchor bolt initially reaches the seabed 25, without the lifters 881 and 882, the weight of the lug 802 alters its angle of attack to a greater angle than desired for rapid embedding into the seabed 25. The larger lug 802 also tends to sit more flatly on the seabed 25. However, with the lifters 881 and 882, the angle of attack of the lug 802 increases relative to the angle without the lifters 881 and 882. Therefore, with the lifters 881 and 882, the lug 802 does not slide on a flat seabed surface, such as hard-compacted sand, but instead bites into the seabed surface and quickly sets the anchor bolt as needed.

[0101] like Figure 48 and Figure 49 As best seen in the image, each of the lifters 881 and 882 has a cheek 883 and an arm 884. One of the cheeks 883 engages the seabed 25 and performs the lifting action. The arms 884 overlap and thus provide a protective ring to prevent the anchoring chain from becoming entangled with the cheek 883, for example. Additionally, each of the lifters 881 and 882 has a hole 886, which allows the lifters 881 and 882 to be mounted on surfaces such as... Figure 35 and Figure 36The shafts 615 and 616 seen in the image correspond to the shafts 815 and 816. Therefore, each of the lifters 881 and 882 replaces one of the corresponding washers 635 and 636 between the shafts 615 and 616 and the handle 603.

[0102] like Figures 51 to 53 As seen in the image, the anchor 801 is preferably provided with an anchor cable attachment ring 887 that engages with the shank 803. Additionally, each arm of the shank 803 is provided with an inwardly oriented protrusion 810. Therefore, as... Figure 45 As seen in the image, ring 887 can be positioned between protrusion 810 and retainer 809. In this position, since the weight of anchor claw 802 is close to the tip of anchor claw, the center of gravity of ring 887 and anchor 801 are substantially aligned. Therefore, anchor 801 can be positioned as follows: Figure 45 The chain shown in the diagram is balanced. This balance is particularly useful when the tip of the anchor claw 802 passes under, for example, a rope or cable located on the seabed. Therefore, the entire anchor 802 can be moved back, allowing the tip of the anchor claw 802 to be pulled out from under such rope or cable.

[0103] Finally, now turn to Figure 54 and Figure 55 The lifters 881 and 882 can be modified to provide the aforementioned stop function. This is accomplished by casting generally U-shaped lugs 890 at the end of each arm in the arm 884. It will be understood that as the shaft 817 moves toward the retainer 809 and thus approaches the center of the central toggle mechanism, the two lugs 890 abut against each other and prevent the shaft 817 from moving further forward.

[0104] The foregoing description only describes some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications that will be apparent to those skilled in the art of marine anchoring can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, features and advantages disclosed in one aspect of the invention may be modified as necessary in other aspects of the invention.

[0105] As used herein, the term “including” (and its grammatical variations) is used in an inclusive sense of “including” or “having”, rather than in an exclusive sense of “consisting of only”.

Claims

1. A releasable marine anchor for temporary mooring of vessels and similar watercraft, the anchor comprising a shank having two ends, one end of the shank having a connecting device for connecting an anchoring line to the shank, and the other end of the shank having at least one seabed-engaging lug pivotally connected to the shank via a central toggle mechanism, wherein, The anchor claw has an angle of attack relative to the shank, which can be released from an acute anchoring angle of attack to an obtuse angle of attack by actuating the over-center toggle mechanism via the action of the anchoring line acting on the shank.

2. The anchor according to claim 1, wherein, The over-center toggle mechanism includes: a first pivot and a second pivot, the first pivot and the second pivot being supported by the other end of the handle; a third pivot located between the first pivot and the second pivot; at least one anchor claw connected to the third pivot and movable with the third pivot to set the angle of attack between the anchor claw and the handle; a first link, one end of the first link being rotatably mounted on the first pivot; and a second link, the second link... One end of the rod is rotatably mounted on the second pivot, and the other ends of the first and second links are pivotally mounted relative to each other and rotatably mounted on the third pivot. The first and second pivots are elastically movable toward and away from each other, thereby allowing the third pivot to move from one side of a line extending between the first and second pivots to the other side, thus changing the angle of attack from an acute angle to an obtuse angle. At the acute angle, the anchor claw can engage the seabed, and at the obtuse angle, the anchor claw can disengage from the seabed.

3. The anchor according to claim 2, wherein, The first pivot, the second pivot, and the third pivot include a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis.

4. The anchor according to claim 3, wherein, The anchor claw is fixed to the third axis and can rotate together with the third axis.

5. The anchor according to claim 4, wherein, The handle is substantially U-shaped and has two arms interconnected at one end, with a first pivot located at the free end of one of the arms and a second pivot located at the free end of the other arm.

6. The anchor according to claim 5, wherein, The handle, which has two arms, includes a torsion spring that provides the elastic movement of the first pivot and the second pivot.

7. The anchor according to claim 6, wherein, The retainer restricts the outward movement of the torsion spring arm.

8. The anchor according to claim 7, wherein, At least one of the torsion spring arms has a series of retainer positioning protrusions or recesses, thereby defining multiple positions where the retainer can be positioned.

9. The anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the anchor comprises a pair of overlapping lifters adjacent to the other end of the shank.

10. The anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the anchor includes a stop mechanism for preventing release of the over-center toggle mechanism.

11. The anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The handle includes a pair of substantially parallel plates that support a control mechanism for constraining the movement of the pivot.

12. The anchor according to claim 11, wherein, The control mechanism includes a pair of lever arms pivotally connected to the first pivot and the second pivot to allow the first pivot and the second pivot to move toward and away from each other.

13. The anchor according to claim 12, wherein, Each of the pair of lever arms pivots to the corresponding end of one of the pair of spring-biased pivot arms.

14. The anchor according to claim 13, wherein, The lever arm includes a manually operable over-center toggle locking mechanism.

15. The anchor according to claim 14, wherein, The manually operable over-center toggle locking mechanism includes a trigger lever that pivots between a pair of pivotally mounted linkage arms.

16. The anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the anchor has a pair of anchor claws.

17. The anchor according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein the anchor has a single anchor claw interconnected with the shank via a plate extending from the anchor claw, a portion of the plate including the second link.

18. The anchor according to claim 17, wherein, The plate has a tip, a third pivot extends through the tip, and a second pivot extends through the plate at a position further away from the tip than the third pivot.

19. The anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, An additional weight is provided at the other end adjacent to the handle.

20. The anchor according to claim 19, wherein, The additional weights include metal balls and chains.

21. The anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, The handle includes a buoyancy-enhancing device to position the buoyancy center of the anchor above the center of gravity of the anchor.

22. The anchor according to claim 21, wherein, The buoyancy-enhancing device comprises a large amount of essentially waterproof plastic foam.

23. The anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the anchor is combined with an elongated hand tool for manipulating the over-center toggle mechanism; the tool includes an S-shaped bend at one end and a handle at the other end.

24. The combination according to claim 23, wherein, The handle includes a latch capable of engaging with the shank of the anchor.

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