Anchor line

Abstract

The invention concerns an anchor line (1) for a pleasure boat (10), wherein the anchor line (1) comprises a central core (2, 3, 4, 5) and an outer covering (6), wherein the core comprises a plurality of weights (2, 3, 4) distributed in one or more rows along the anchor line (1), wherein the weights (2, 3, 4) are arranged spaced apart in each row and wherein adjacent weights in each row are connected by a connecting element (5), wherein each of the weights (2, 3, 4) comprises a metal-, stone- or sand-based material substantially free from lead, wherein the covering (6) comprises a layer of braided polymer fibre bundles, and wherein the covering (6) has a thickness of 2-3 mm.

Description

[0001] Anchor line

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This invention relates to an anchor line suitable for a pleasure boat.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Anchor lines for pleasure boats are often in the form of a chain or a rope. Chains may be preferred for their greater weight (per meter), which often provides for a better anchor grip. Rope-type anchor lines may on the other hand be preferred because of less noise, less damage to the boat and lower cost. Certain rope-type anchor lines contain lead to increase the weight. Lead is, however, generally considered to be a harmful material and there is a desire to reduce the use of lead.

[0006] How to replace lead in rope-type anchor lines is not evident. Most other materials that are not too expensive or too sensitive to e.g. salt water have a much lower density, so either the anchor line will be too light or it must be structured in a significantly different way with the lead-replacing material taking up a larger fraction of the volume (of a rope with a given outer diameter).

[0007] A further challenge is that the rope-type anchor line should be well adapted for being used in an anchor handling arrangement in the form of an automatic windlass system often provided at the stern of pleasure boats. Such an arrangement typically comprises a motor-driven anchor let-out and heave-up apparatus having two wheels with grooves or teeth arranged to clamp and grip a rope-type anchor line located between the wheels when hauling in the anchor line and heaving up the anchor. The anchor line must be structured to allow the wheels to get a very good grip onto the rope, and this also means that the rope must be durable and withstand the tough handling. Further, such an anchor handling arrangement often includes also a compartment, such as a box, located at a level below the anchor let-out and heave-up apparatus for receiving the anchor line when hauling in the anchor line. Since the space available for such a compartment is limited in most modem pleasure boats, it is a desire that the anchor line role up and arrange itself in a compact but still suitable way so as to avoid getting stuck or in other ways interfere with the function of the motor-driven anchor let-out and heave-up apparatus.

[0008] There is thus a need for improvements in the field of lead-free rope-like anchor lines for pleasure boats.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention concerns an anchor line for pleasure boats, wherein the anchor line comprises a central core and an outer covering, wherein the core comprises a plurality of weights distributed in one or more rows along the anchor line, wherein the weights are arranged spaced apart in each row and wherein adjacent weights in each row are connected by a connecting element, wherein each of the weights comprises a metal-, stone- or sandbased material substantially free from lead, wherein the covering comprises a layer of braided polymer fibre bundles, and wherein the covering has a thickness of 2-3 mm.

[0011] An outer mantle made of braided polymer fibre bundles, such as braided polyester fibre strands, and having a thickness of 2-3 mm provides for a covering that is sufficiently thick and tough for being used in a motor-driven anchor let-out and heave-up apparatus of the type described above. At the same time, the outer covering is sufficiently thin to allow a large portion of the volume and cross section of the anchor line to be taken up by the lead-free material to add weight to the anchor line, i.e. the metal-, stone- or sandbased material. So even if the density of stone or metals like steel or iron is much less than that of lead, the possibility to add a larger volume of stone or metal per meter of anchor line compared to conventional weighted ropes containing lead makes it possible to provide a lead-free rope-type anchor line with relatively high weight per meter.

[0012] Typical standard diameter dimensions for pleasure boat anchor lines are 12, 14 and 16 mm. By using an outer covering thickness of around 2.5 mm, the stone / metal weights may, as examples, have a diameter of around 7, 9 and 11 mm, respectively, if using only one row of weights.

[0013] The outer covering is a tubular braid obtained by braiding several fibre bundles or strands. Each bundle / strand may comprise 1-3 yams, which in turn may comprise several twisted polymer fibres. Various variants are possible. As an example, for a 12 mm anchor line one may use 24 strands, where each strand comprises two yams and where each yam comprises six polyester fibres (dtex = 1100) twisted around 80 times per meter. The number of fibres in each yam may be increased for anchor lines with larger diameter.

[0014] After having arranged the layer of braided polymer fibre bundles around the weights, the braided layer is preferably subject to a heat treatment (heat setting) so as to remove stress, tension, etc. that has been created during twisting and braiding of the layer of braided polymer fibre bundles. This way, the braided layer will set around the weights and will be much less prone to slide or slip along the weights, which could lead to accumulation of covering lumps, which in turn will interfere with an automatic windlass system used for handling the anchor line. The heating may be carried out by using infrared radiation.

[0015] In an embodiment, the outer covering comprises only one layer of braided polymer fibre bundles that has a thickness of 2 mm or more. Two such “thick” layers of braided polymer fibre bundles may make the outer covering too soft for being properly handled in an anchor handling arrangement. The outer covering may comprise a thinner layer of braided polymer fibre bundles or other material. For instance, a thin inner layer, such as a thin tubular braid, may be used to hold the weights together if using more than one row of weights. Some sort of thin inner layer may also be used when using only one row of weights.

[0016] In an embodiment, the outer covering comprises only said layer of braided polymer fibre bundles. Thus, a single layer of braided polyester fibre bundles with a thickness of 2-3 mm forms the outer covering.

[0017] In an embodiment, the outer covering has a thickness of at least 2.2 mm, or at least 2.3 mm.

[0018] In an embodiment, the outer covering has a thickness of less than 2.8 mm, or less than 2.7 mm.

[0019] In an embodiment, the braided polymer fibre bundles comprises polyester fibres. In an example the entire braid is made up of only, or substantially only, polyester fibres. Polyester fibres provide for a good durability and polyester has also a higher density than, for instance, nylon so it adds in an advantageous manner to the weight of the anchor line. A tubular polyester braid for a 12 mm anchor line may have a weight of around 50-70 grams per meter, for 14 mm anchor line around 60-80 g / m, and for a 16 mm anchor line around 80-110 g / m.

[0020] In an embodiment, the weights in each row have a circular cross section and a similar cross sectional diameter.

[0021] In an embodiment, the core comprises only one row of weights. Manufacturing of the anchor line is typically simplified if using only a single row of weights, and the weights of such a single row should preferably have a circular cross section and a similar cross sectional diameter. If using a plurality of rows of weights, one may use e.g. three rows of weights where all weights have the same diameter. In another example one may arrange one row in the middle and a plurality of rows surrounding the middle row. The weights of the middle row may have a smaller diameter than the weights of the outer rows. Other variants are possible. A plurality of rows of weights may be held together by a thin inner covering as mentioned above and / or by various connectors distributed along the rows.

[0022] In an embodiment, the similar cross sectional diameter of the weights is in the range 6-12 mm, such as 7 mm or 9 mm or 11 mm. The length of the individual weights may be around 5-20 mm and the distance between adjacent weights may be a few millimetres. The weight of the core may be around 120-160 grams per meter for a 12 mm anchor line, around 160-240 g / m for a 14 mm anchor line, and around 170-350 g / m for a 16 mm anchor line.

[0023] If using three rows of weights where all weights have the same diameter, the cross sectional diameter of the weights may be around 3-3.5 mm for a 12 mm anchor line.

[0024] In an embodiment, the weights comprises a mix of stone- or sand-based material and a binding material, preferably a thermoplastic or rubber-based binding material. An example of a suitable material is sandstone. The stone- or sand-based material may be finely divided, mixed with the binding material, extruded (around the connecting element) so as to form a rigid rod and then cut / broken into pieces of suitable length.

[0025] In an embodiment, the weights comprise a metallic material. The metallic material may be steel or other iron-based material. The metallic material may have been stabilized at a higher temperature to reduce corrosion tendency. Also heat-stabilized and stainless steel will, however, most likely corrode, in particular if using the anchor line in salt seawater. Therefore, the metallic material is preferably covered by a protection layer, for instance comprising or consisting of a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene or poly propene. The protection material may also comprise elastomers for flexibility and for increasing friction to the outer cover.

[0026] In an embodiment, wherein the metallic material is present as small particles, such as a powder, distributed in a matrix comprising a thermoplastic material. Weights containing metal particles distributed in a thermoplastic matrix may be extruded and produces in a way similar to what is described above for the stone- or sand-based material.

[0027] The weights may contain a mix of metal-, stone- and / or sand-based material. The weighs are rigid taken individually but since they are arranged at a distance from each other in the anchor line, similar to a chain, the core can be made sufficiently bendable.

[0028] In an embodiment, the layer of braided polymer fibre bundles has been subject to a heat treatment after having been applied onto the central core.

[0029] In an embodiment, the connecting element is a thread made of a polymeric material, such as polyester or other heat-resistant polymer, wherein the thread extends through the weights along the anchor line.

[0030] In an embodiment, the anchor line comprises a swivelling joint fastened to the anchor line at an end portion thereof.

[0031] The invention also concerns an anchor line arrangement, wherein the anchor line arrangement comprises an anchor line according to above and an anchor fastened to the anchor line at an end portion thereof. In an embodiment of the anchor line arrangement, the anchor is fastened to the anchor line via a swivelling joint fastened to the anchor line at an end portion thereof.

[0032] The anchor line arrangement may also comprise a chain forming an extension of the anchor line.

[0033] The invention also concerns an anchor handling arrangement for a pleasure boat, wherein the anchor handling arrangement comprises: an anchor let-out and heave-up apparatus comprising first and second clamp members adapted to clamp and grip a rope-type anchor line located between the first and second clamp members when hauling in the anchor line and heaving up the anchor, an anchor line according to above, and a compartment located at a level below the anchor let-out and heave-up apparatus for receiving the anchor line when hauling in the anchor line.

[0034] An anchor line of the above type is somewhat stiffer than conventional ropes and arrange itself nicely in a compartment of limited size when hauled in.

[0035] The invention also concerns a boat provided with an anchor handling arrangement according to above.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] In the description of the invention given below reference is made to the following figure, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 shows an example of an anchor line according to this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 shows the anchor line of figure 1 provided with a loop and connected to an anchor via a swivelling joint. Figure 3 shows an anchor handling arrangement arranged onto a pleasure boat and being provided with an anchor line and anchor according to figure 2.

[0040] DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Figure 1 shows an example of anchor line 1 for a pleasure boat 10 (see figure 3). The anchor line 1 comprises a central core made up of a plurality of weights 2, 3, 4 having a circular cross section and a similar cross sectional diameter. The weights 2, 3, 4 are made of a lead-free metal-based material (a mix of metal powder distributed in a matrix of a thermoplastic material) and are arranged spaced apart in a single row connected by a connecting element 5 in the form of a thread made of polyester that extends through all the weights along the entire anchor line 1 . The outer diameter of the anchor line 1 is in this example 14 mm.

[0042] The central core of the anchor line 1 is surrounded by an outer covering 6 made up of a single layer of braided polyester fibre bundles. In this example the covering has a thickness of 2.5 mm.

[0043] The exemplified anchor line 1 is thus made up of only two main components, i.e. the row of weights 2, 3, 4 and the outer covering 6 in the form of a single layer of braided polyester fibre bundles.

[0044] The weights 2, 3, 4 has the shape of a circular cylinder with a diameter of 9 mm. The length of each weight 2, 3, 4 is around 20 mm and the distance between adjacent weights 2, 3, 4 is around 3 mm.

[0045] The outer covering 6 is in this example made up of 24 braided strands, where each strand comprises two yams and where each yarn comprises nine polyester fibres (dtex = 1100) twisted around 80 times per meter. The covering 6 has been subject to heat treatment after twisting and braiding so as to improve fixation to the weights 2, 3, 4. The total weight of the anchor line 1 is in this example around 300 grams per meter.

[0046] Figure 2 shows the anchor line of figure 1 provided with a (sewn) loop 11 and connected to an anchor 13 via a swivelling joint 12. The swivelling joint 12 allows the anchor line 1 and the anchor 13 to rotate in relation to each other so as to avoid twisting the anchor line 1 if the anchor 13 rotates.

[0047] Figure 3 shows an anchor handling arrangement 20 arranged onto a pleasure boat 10 inside a transom 16 thereof. Figure 3 also shows the anchor line 1 and the anchor 13 located onto a platform 17 protruding from the transom 16. The anchor handling arrangement 20 comprises an anchor let-out and heave-up apparatus 18 comprising first and second clamp members in the form of wheels 21 , 22 adapted to clamp and grip the anchor line 1 when located between the first and second wheels 21 , 22 when hauling in the anchor line 1 and heaving up the anchor.

[0048] The anchor handling arrangement 20 further comprises the anchor line 1 and a compartment or box 15 located at a level below the anchor let-out and heave-up apparatus 18 for receiving the anchor line 1 when hauling in the anchor line 1 .

[0049] The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An anchor line (1 ) for a pleasure boat (10), wherein the anchor line (1 ) comprises a central core (2, 3, 4, 5) and an outer covering (6), wherein the core comprises a plurality of weights (2, 3, 4) distributed in one or more rows along the anchor line (1 ), wherein the weights (2, 3, 4) are arranged spaced apart in each row and wherein adjacent weights in each row are connected by a connecting element (5), wherein each of the weights (2, 3, 4) comprises a metal-, stone- or sandbased material substantially free from lead , wherein the covering (6) comprises a layer of braided polymer fibre bundles, and wherein the covering (6) has a thickness of 2-3 mm.

2. The anchor line (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the outer covering (6) comprises only one layer of braided polymer fibre bundles that has a thickness of 2 mm or more.

3. The anchor line according to claim 2, wherein the outer covering comprises only said layer of braided polymer fibre bundles.

4. The anchor line according to any of the above claims, wherein the outer covering has a thickness of at least 2.2 mm, or at least 2.3 mm.

5. The anchor line according to any of the above claims, wherein the outer covering has a thickness of less than 2.8 mm, or less than 2.7 mm.

6. The anchor line according to any of the above claims, wherein the braided polymer fibre bundles comprise polyester fibres.

7. The anchor line according to any of the above claims, wherein the weights in each row have a circular cross section and a similar cross sectional diameter.

8. The anchor line according to any of the above claims, wherein the core comprises only one row of weights.

9. The anchor line according to claim 7, wherein the similar cross sectional diameter of the weights is in the range 6-12 mm, such as 7 mm or 9 mm or 11 mm.

10. The anchor line according to any of the above claims, wherein the weights comprises a mix of stone- or sand-based material and a binding material, preferably a thermoplastic or rubber-based binding material.

11. The anchor line according to any of the above claims, wherein the weights comprise a metallic material.

12. The anchor line according to claim 11 , wherein the metallic material is present as small particles, such as a powder, distributed in a matrix comprising a thermoplastic material.

13. The anchor line according to any of the above claims, wherein the layer of braided polymer fibre bundles has been subject to a heat treatment after having been applied onto the central core.

14. The anchor line according to any of the above claims, wherein the connecting element is a thread made of a polymeric material, such as polyester or other heat-resistant polymer, wherein the thread extends through the weights along the anchor line.

15. The anchor line according to any of the above claims, wherein the anchor line comprises a swivelling joint fastened to the anchor line at an end portion thereof.

16. An anchor line arrangement, wherein the anchor line arrangement comprises an anchor line according to any of the above claims and an anchor fastened to the anchor line at an end portion thereof.

17. The anchor line arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the anchor is fastened to the anchor line via a swivelling joint fastened to the anchor line at an end portion thereof.

18. An anchor handling arrangement (20) for a pleasure boat (10), wherein the anchor handling arrangement (20) comprises:- an anchor let-out and heave-up apparatus (18) comprising first and second clamp members (21 , 22) adapted to clamp and grip a rope-type anchor line located between the first and second clamp members when hauling in the anchor line and heaving up an anchor (13),- an anchor line (1) according to any of claims 1-15, and- a compartment (15) located at a level below the anchor let-out and heave- up apparatus (15) for receiving the anchor line (1 ) when hauling in the anchor line.

19. A boat (10) provided with an anchor handling arrangement (20) according to claim 18.

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