AU734845B2 - Anchor - Google Patents

Description

i 6 P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT e.

t.

Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for service is: Jeyco (1992) Pty Ltd Simon Guy Taylor WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 S* Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Anchor Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): P04498 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 21. APR. 2001 15:29 W/RAY AND ASSOCIATES NO, 730 P. -2- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an anchor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENION Anchors are well known to provide a holding force for marine vessels. Anchors usually have a fluke and a pair of shank legs. The fluke is adapted to engage the soil on the sea floor and be inserted so as to provide the necessary holding force.

A problem that exists for known anchors is that when anchors approach the sea floor the anchor can be inverted so that the shank legs engage the sea floor rather than the fluke.

This causes a problem of not providing sufficient holding force due to the fluke not being in contact with the sod on the sea boor.

Accordingly the present invention minimises at least the above problem by providing an alternative anchor, SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Accordingly, the invention resides in an anchor including a fluke and a shank, the fluke being plate-like and having a forward edge provided with at least two apexes located at equidistant spaced intervals across the edge, said fluke having a lower surface comprising a central portion and a side portion to each side of the central portion, the junction between the side portions and the central portion being substantially parallel to the fore and aft axis of the fluke, the lower surface of the side portions being inclined laterally upwardly from the junction, the shank comprising a pair of shank members, each having a first portion lying substantially within a substantially upright plane extending upwardly from the fluke at spaced positions equidistant to each side of the central axis, the upright plane being substantially parallel to the fore and aft axis of the fluke, the shank 27/04 '01 FRI 17:25 [TX/RX NO 9337] 27. APR. 2O01 15:29 WRAY AND ASSOCIATES NO. 730 P. 6 -3members each including a second portion extending forwardly from the upper end of the first portion, said second portions each lying substantially within a forwardly directed plane, said forawardly directed planes converging to provide an attachment means for attachment to an anchor line.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the lower surface of the central portion is substantially coplanar.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the lower surface of each side portion is substantially coplanar.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, each of the shank members engages the fluke substantially in the region of the junction.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the first portions of the shank members are located intermediate the forward and rearward edges of the fluke and the attachment means is located above and forward of the forward edge.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, each shank member engages the fluke through an aperture in the fluke.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the lower end of each lower portion comprises a laterally directed lip, the lip receivable through the aperture in the fluke when the first porticin is inclined and being engageable with the lower surface when received through the aperture and substantially upright.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the shank members are detachable from the fluke.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the shank members are secured to the fluke by removable retaining means at the forward ends of the second portions of the shank.

27/04 '01 FRI 17:25 ITX/RX NO 9337] 27. APR. 2001 15:30 WRAY AND ASSOCIATES NO. 730 P. 7 -4- According to a preferred feature of the invention, the profile of the rear edge of the first portion of each shank member is arcuate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings; in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an anchor in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the anchor as shown in figure 1 Figure 3 is a plan or top view of an anchor as shown in figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is an end view of a third embodiment of an anchor; Figure 5 is a side view of the anchor as shown in figure 4; Figure 6 is a plan or top view of the anchor as shown in figure 4 and Figure 7(a) is a side view of a shank used in the third embodiment of the anchor in accordance with the present invention; 15is Figure 7(b) is an expanded side view of an end of the shank as shown in figure 7(a); Figure 7(c) is an expanded view of the spreader bar as shown in figure 4; Figure 8(a) is a plan view of the fluke used in the third embodiment of the anchor in accordance with the present invention; Figure 8(b) is an end view of the fluke as shown in figure and 27/04 '01 FRI 17:25 [TX/RX NO 9337] 27. APR, 2001 15:30 WRAY AND ASSOCIATES NO. 730 P. 8 Figure 8(c) is an expanded view of the shank and fluke connection of the anchor as shown in figure 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of an anchor 10 having a fluke 12 with a central longitudinal axis 12a and a shank comprising a pair of shank members 18. The anchor 10 has a front end 11 and a rear end 13, The fluke 12 has a central portion 14 and a pair of side portions 16 extending laterally from the central portion 14. The side portions of the fluke extend from junctions with the central portion running parallel to the central axis 12a, one third of the way along the rear edge of the fluke from each end of the rear edge. In large versions of the anchor according to the embodiment, stiffener plates are added to the underside of the junctions to further stiffen and strengthen the fluke arrangement, although these are unnecesary in smaller version. The stiffeners are chamfered at their leading dege at a 3:1 camber to reduce resistance to s15 penetration The central portion 14 and each of the side portions 16 are platelike, having planar surfaces. Each side portion 16 of the fluke 12 is inclined laterally upwardly from the junction with respect to the central portion 14, The fluke 12 has a forward edge provided with two apexes 17 equidistantly spaced from the central longitudinal axis 12a. The angle of inclination is between 4 degrees and 15 degrees and is asymmetric to the axis of the fluke.

Each shank members 18 has a first portion 20 lying substantially within a S: substantially upright plane extending upwardly from the fluke at spaced positions equidistant to each side of the central axis 12a, and a second portion 22 extending forwardly from the upper end of the first portion 20. The upright planes are substantially parallel to the central axis 12a. The second portions 22 each lie substantially within a forwardly directed plane which converge to an apex 28. An eye 36 extends from the apex 28 of the pair of shank members 18.

A shackle 32 is shown attached to the anchor 10 by way of the eye Each of the shank members 18 engages the fluke 12 substantially in the region f\ 3o of the junction between the respective side portion 16 and the central portion 14.

27/04 '01 FRI 17:25 [TX/RX NO 9337] 27. APR. 2001 15:30 WRAY AND ASSOCIATES NO. 730 P. 9 6 The first portions 20 of the shank members 18 are located on the fluke intermediate the forward 11 and rearward edges 13 and the eye 30 is located above and forward of the forward edge 11. The shank legs 18 may be fixedly mounted, pivotally mounted or detachably mounted to the fluke 12.

As shown in figure 2, the profile of the rear edge of the lower portion 20 of the shank member 18 is arcuate.

In a second embodiment, the lowermost end of each shank leg 18 is pivotally mounted within a sleeve member (not shown) mounted on the fluke 12. This method of mounting allows rotation of the shank legs 18 from an upright position to a substantially flat position with respect to the fluke 12. Whilst the shank legs 18 are described previously as fixedly mounted or pivotally mounted to the fluke 12, it is to be understood that the pair of shank legs 18 could also be detachably attached or adjustable by other known means.

In figures 4 to 6, there is shown a third embodiment of the invention wherein there is provided a spreader bar 34 which joins the upper end of the first portions 20 of the shank members 18 to provide stiffness to the shank and thereby greater strength and support. The angle of the stiffener is slightly convergent to the back edge. This provides a small cross-sectional area to be presented to the soil thereby reducing resistance to penetration and increasing holding power.

o 20 According to a fourth embodiment and as shown in figures 7(a) to each first portion 20 has a laterally directed lip 36. As shown in Figure apertures in the form of slots 38 are provided in the fluke 12. The lip 36 is inserted through the slot 38. When the shank legs are moved to an upright position, the eye 30 is fixed by a shackle or bolt as a removable fixing means. As a result of this means of engagement of the shank members 18 to the fluke 12, the anchor may be compactly packed for transportation, yet still provide a quick and efficient means of assembly after transportation, In a further embodiment and as more applicable to large versions of the anchor, Sthe two shank members are retained together at the apex by welding, either by 27/04 '01 FRI 17:25 [TX/RX NO 9337] 27. APR. 2001 15:31 WRAY AND ASSOCIATES NO. 730 P. 7 bringing the two shank members 18 together and welding them or by welding a connection piece to the two shank members.

Also applicable to larger embodiments, additional stiffeners are added to the shank, one placed inside the crown just rear of the apex, another placed equidistant between the crown stiffener and the elbow and a final stiffener placed equidistant between the elbow and the fluke. The stiffeners may be welded or bolted to the shank members 18.

In use, a shackle 32 is attached to the eye 30 of the anchor 10 and a suitable towing rope is attached to the shackle. Due to the shape of the anchor with its side portions being inclined laterally upwardly, as the anchor is lowered to the sea floor, it "flies" or glides through the water, keeping the anchor the correct way up. In addition, the presence in the fluke of the upwardly angled side portions adds stiffness and strength to the fluke. When the anchor rope is tensioned, the anchor 10 will penetrate the soil of the sea floor thereby effecting a suitable is holding force to maintain the vessel in a stable position. The presence of the two or more apexes enables the penetration to be effected very stably and because of the construction from plate material, the surface area of the edge presented to the soil during the penetration process is very low, thereby further facilitating penetration. The angle of the shank to the fluke, the height of the first portions 20 of the shank members 18 and the radius of the shank legs is such that they allow substantial penetration of the fluke before the shank comes in contact with the soil and begins to resist penetration. This allows faster engagement of the anchor and shortens the drag distance before ultimate capacity is reached. In addition, because the first portions of the shank members are upright and parallel 25 to central axis 12a, the shank itself, they provide minimal resistance to the soil during penetration, being the resistance caused by the front edge of the members, only. As well, the rapid engagement of the anchor facilitates use in long line anchoring where penetration is derived as a result of the relaxation of a tensioned nylon anchor line. When conventional anchors are used in this application, they tend to slide across the surface of the sea-bed due to the rapid 27/04 '01 FRI 17:25 [TX/RX NO 9337] 27. APR. 2001 15:31 WRAY AND ASSOCIATES NO. 730 P. 11 -8creep of the anchor line. In contrast, an anchor in accordance with the present invention will penetrate the soil, providing the required engagement.

Further, because of the broad surface area for engagement with the soil after penetration, the anchoring capacity of the anchor is considerably greater than for previously known anchors of the same weight. Further, the arrangement of the shank members 18 is such that all forward facing portions are convergent. This assists considerably in the stability of the anchor when moving through the water and when penetrating the soil.

Particularly, for larger, heavier anchors, a hole may be incorporated into the fluke adjacent the rear edge 13 and located on the central axis 12a to enable fitment of a retrieval shackle. By lifting from this point, the anchor tends to orient itself for retrieval over stem rollers or other surfaces by presenting the arcuate edge of the first portion of the shank members to the retrieval vessel, thereby reducing the force required to pull the anchor onboard. Retrieval in this orientation also 15 reduces damage to the deck of the vessel when the anchor is moved around the deck.

This connection point also allows the anchors to be towed behind vessels thereby reducing the size of vessel required to install a mooring system, which provides a substantial cost-saving to the user. The anchors can be towed 20 because the shape of the flukes allows the anchor to plane as it is pulled through the water even though it is not buoyant in itself.

o*00 Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers, It is to be understood that the invention should not be restricted to the embodiments described above. Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

27/04 '01 FRI 17:25 [TX/RX NO 9337]

Claims (1)

1. 27. APR. 2001 15:31 WRAY AND ASSOCIATES NO, 730 P. 12 -9- The Claims defining the invention are as follows: 1. An anchor including a fluke and a shank, the fluke being plate-like and having a forward edge provided with at least two apexes located at equidistant spaced intervals across the edge, said fluke having a lower surface s comprising a central portion and a side portion to each side of the central portion, the junction between the side portions and the central portion being substantially parallel to the fore and aft axis of the fluke, the lower surface of the side portions being inclined laterally upwardly from the junction, the shank comprising a pair of shank members, each having a first portion lying substantially within a substantially upright plane extending upwardly from the fluke at spaced positions equidistant to each side of the central axis, the shank members each including a second portion extending forwardly from the upper end of the first portion, said second portions each lying substantially within a forwardly directed plane, said forwardly directed planes *400*: 15s converging forwardly to provide an attachment means for attachment to an anchor line. C *SC* 2. An anchor as claimed at Claim 1 wherein the lower surface of the central portion is substantially coplanar. 3. An anchor as claimed at either of Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the lower 20 surface of each side portion is substantially coplanar. S: 4. An anchor as claimed at any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein each of the shank members engages the fluke substantially in the region of the junction. An anchor as claimed at any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the first portions of the shank members are located intermediate the forward and rearward edges of the fluke and the attachment means is located above and forward of the forward edge. forward edge. 27/04 '01 FRI 17:25 [TX/RX NO 9337] 27. APR. 2001 15:31 WRAY AND ASSOCIATES NO. 730 P. 13 10 6. An anchor as claimed at any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the shank members are detachable from the fluke. 7. An anchor as claimed at any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein each shank member engages the fluke through an aperture in the fluke. 8. An anchor as claimed at Claims 7 wherein the lower end of each lower portion comprises a laterally directed lip, said lip being receivable through the respective aperture in the fluke when the first portioin is inclined and being engageable with the lower surface when received through the aperture and substantially upright, 9. An anchor as claimed at Claims 8 wherein the shank members are secured to the fluke by removable retaining means at the forward ends of the second portions of the shank. 10. An anchor as claimed at any one of Claims 1 to 9 wherein the profile of the rear edge of the first portion of each shank member is arcuate. 15 11. An anchor substantially as herein described. 12. An anchor substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. '4:V 20 Dated this 27th day of April 2001. Jeyco (1992) Pty Ltd Applicant Wray &Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant 9 20 Dated this 27th day of April 2001. Jeyco (1992) Pty Ltd Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant 27/04 '01 FRI 17:25 [TX/RX NO 9337]