AU2018256526B2 - Anchor system - Google Patents

Abstract

An anchor system for quick release from snagging comprising a connection means to a vessel, an anchor member for engaging an environmental element, the anchor member including at least one or more flukes to engage said environmental element, limiting means for limiting pivoting movement of the flukes, the limiting means including at least one fixable formation for rotation relative to the connection means, the fixable formation is securable to the connection means by a frangible fastener, a limiting formation connected to the anchor member to rotate with the anchor member relative to the connection means and the fixable formation wherein when at least one fluke is snagged on an environmental element in use, and tension is increased on the connection means, the limiting formation will be caused to bear onto the fixable formation to cause the failure of the frangible fastener, thereby free the fixable formation to a released condition. 7/12 100 415 44 61 52 64 40 53 212 62 36 FIGURE 11 100 41 21 64 21 FIG URE 12

Description

7/12

100

415 44

61 52

64 40

53

212

62

36

FIGURE 11

100

41

21

64

21

FIG URE 12

I ANCHOR SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to anchor system and in particular to an anchor system that can be used in a multiple of different environments that usually require different forms of anchor.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with for providing quick release on a multiformat anchor system and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[0003] An anchor system on a boat is intended to either anchor the boat to a position or to at least to restrict the boat in its travel by the current or waterflow. An anchor system therefore primarily works on a drag concept. At one extreme, the drag is by engaging the sand, mud or bottom of the water channel. In a lesser drag situation, there is a drag member that acts in parachute like manner to prevent or slow flow through or around the member and thereby slow down the boat by the drag effect.

[0004] A typical reef anchor is shown in Fig. 19. Reef Anchors are designed for use around reefs. Being of a grappling-hook type design, they can easily grab hold to any piece of reef. The design facilitates easy grabbing of the reef, but they are often designed that when enough force is exerted on the anchor chain, the prongs can be straightened out and then re-bent back into place. If snagged on solid objects such as reef or rocks, the prongs will straighten on retrieval, requiring tools on board to re-bend the prongs before further use.

[0005] A typical sand or mud anchor is shown in Figures 20 and 21. A sand/ mud anchor is typically suitable for use in mud or sand in that it includes planar flukes that dig into and present a large surface area to increase their ability to anchor in sand. Such anchors are usually fitted with a retrieval eye for ease of removal if it gets snagged. However, the chain may get caught in-between the fluke and shank making the anchor non-retrievable. This anchor only works if the anchor lands on the ocean floor with the correct alignment to allow the flukes to dig into the sand floor.

[0006] The use of a boat is often varied as boats often are used in different environments such as:

a) rivers

b) beach

c) shallows

d) bays

e) oceans

[0007] Each of these different environments results in a variety of different circumstances including:

i. different depths;

ii. different surfaces of bottom of water - e.g. sand, mud, rocks

iii. different snag levels

iv. different flow rates

v. different precision of required anchoring

vi. different local dangers.

[0008] The present invention seeks to provide anchor system, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0009] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[00010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, anchor system provides for multifunctionality, being able provide an anchoring effect in a variety of environments.

[00011] It can be seen that the invention of anchor system provides the benefit of the anchor being usable in a range of environments and in a range of locations and with different mechanisms.

[00012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an anchor system is provided that allows for a release mechanism for releasing a snagged anchor in a plurality of environments

[00013] It can be seen that the anchor system provides the benefit of providing a quick release mechanism of the locking means to allow ready reorientation from the first anchoring orientation to the second orientation which is a non-anchoring orientation. In this way a snagged anchor can be readily de-snagged.

[00014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an anchor system is provided including a frangible means to provide a quick release and/or de-snagging mechanism for releasing an anchoring effect at a greater than predetermined breaking point.

[00015] In one aspect, the invention may be said to consist in an anchor system for providing de-snagging and/or quick release in a wide variety of environments, the anchor system comprising: an anchor member for selectively providing anchoring by a drag force against an environmental element; a connection means allowing connecting of the anchor system to the boat to allow the anchor member to effect the anchoring of the boat when in use; a rotating means connecting to the anchor member allowing for different orientations of the anchor member to the connection means; wherein the rotating means allows the anchor member to rotate from a general effective anchoring position to a rotated position in which it releases the drag force against an environmental element and allows for retraction by the connection means to the boat.

[00016] Preferably the anchor member and the connection means are mounted to the rotating member such that with the connection means in use extending from the boat to the environmental element the anchor member faces back towards the boat to provide the anchoring by a drag force against an environmental element; and wherein the rotating means allows the anchor member to rotate from a general effective anchoring position to a rotated position in which it releases the drag force against an environmental element and allows for retraction by the connection means to the boat.

[00017] A locking means can be used for locking the rotating means in the general effective anchoring position. In one form, the locking means is a frangible means which is breakable at a substantially predetermined force. Preferably the frangible means is breakable ata substantially predetermined force that can be effected manually. However more preferably the frangible means is breakable at a substantially predetermined force that can be effected by a force provided by the boat on the connection means.

[00018] The rotating means can be configured to allow a limited range of rotation of the anchor member relative to the connection means to provide a range of effective anchoring in different environmental elements.

[00019] Preferably the rotating means allows a limited range of rotation of the anchor member relative to the connection means of substantially between 200 and 90° to provide a range of effective anchoring in different environmental elements. However more preferably the rotating means allows a limited range of rotation of the anchor member relative to the connection means of substantially between 200 and 600 to provide a range of effective anchoring in different environmental elements.

[00020] The anchor system can include limiting means and wherein the rotating means is able to rotate on an axle until engaging the limiting means which restricts rotation to allow a limited range of rotation of the anchor member relative to the connection means to provide a range of effective anchoring in different environmental elements.

[00021] Preferably upon unlocking the rotating means allows a range of rotation greater than 90° in which it releases the drag force against an environmental element and allows for retraction by the connection means to the boat. More preferably upon unlocking the rotating means allows a range of about 1800 in which it releases the drag force against an environmental element and allows for retraction by the connection means to the boat.

[00022] The anchor member can include at least one pointed end for providing anchoring by a drag force against an environmental element by spiking or snagging the environmental element. The anchor member can instead or as well include at least one plate means for providing anchoring by a drag force against an environmental element

• by shallow digging into the environmental element.

• by deep angular digging into soft material of the environmental element.

• by a wide body drag force against a water volume or waterflow of the environmental element.

[00023] The anchor system can have the connection means including a chain or rope section. Also, the connection means can include a rigid shank extending from the chain or rope section and mounting at a distal end on the rotating means.

[00024] The anchor system can include a quick release mechanism for releasing an anchoring effect in a plurality of environments. Most preferably the anchor system includes a frangible means to provide a quick release mechanism for releasing an anchoring effect at a greater than predetermined breaking point.

[00025] It can be seen that the anchor system provides in one form the anchor member and its connection to drag means and the rotating means is such that it is useable in a plurality of environments including one or more of:

• rivers * beaches • shallows * bays * oceans

[00026] Each of these different environments can result in a variety of different circumstances including:

• different depths; • different surfaces of bottom of water - e.g. sand, mud, rocks * different snag levels * different flow rates * different precision of required anchoring • different local dangers.

[00027] In one form, the invention provides a multiformat anchor system providing for a quick release of an anchoring mechanism comprising a) an anchor having two substantially planar plates with front edge points for selectively providing anchoring by a drag force against an environmental element formed by one or more mechanisms of: * spiking or snagging the environmental element; • by shallow digging into the environmental element; • by deep angular digging into soft material of the environmental element; • a wide body drag force against a water volume or waterflow of the environmental element; b) a connection means including a flexible connection section, such as a rope or chain, and a rigid connection section in the form of a central elongated shank allowing connecting of the anchor system to the boat to allow the anchor member to effect the anchoring of the boat when in use; c) a rotating means having an axle with the central elongated shank of the connection means able to freely rotate on the axle; and two shorter elongated shanks mounted on the axle on either side of the central elongated shank; and the rotating means further comprising at least one plate fixedly mounted on the axle; and further including the plates of the anchor member being mounted fixedly on the axle on the outer sides of the central elongated shank and the two shorter elongated shanks; d) a locking means in the form of two elongated shanks that a frangible means which selectively connects between the central elongated shank and two limiting means in the form of limiting plates restricting operative anchoring angle relative to the connection means; the plate for mounting a plurality of plates mounting least one plate connecting to the anchor member allowing for different orientations of the anchor member to the connection means; e) wherein the rotating means allows the anchor member to rotate from a general effective anchoring position to a second rotated position in which it releases the drag force against an environmental element and allows for retraction by the connection means to the boat.

[00028] The anchor system can be substantially assembled with improving security including any one or more of the following: 0 improvements in structure and assembly including versatility in order to minimise number of anchors required; * improvements in quick release for safer and easier operation; * improvements in control for variations of operative anchoring angle of orientation for different environments but selective release to a non anchoring orientation.

[00029] It can be seen that in one form the invention achieves an aim of solving the need of having multiple anchors on board your vessel. Different anchors are used in different environments. For example, a reef anchor is required when anchoring on a reef and a sand anchor is required when anchoring on a sandy river bed.

[00030] The anchor system provides a breakaway system with 4 tipping plates making the anchor of the invention a standout design. The tipping plates assist in orienting the anchor flukes to be able to more readily dig into sandy or muddy seabeds, riverbeds or other underwater surfaces.

[00031] The invention provides for 3 shanks or shafts, the middle shaft that can spin on the stock 360 degrees and the outer 2 shafts that move 60-90 degrees either side depending which way the anchor lands.

[00032] In another aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in an anchor system for anchoring a vessel to an underwater surface, and for providing quick release from snagging, the anchor system comprising:

a) connection means for connecting of the anchor system to a vessel to allow the anchor member to effect the anchoring of the boat in use;

b) an anchor member for engaging an environmental element, the anchor member including at least one or more flukes adapted to engage said environmental element, the anchor member being rotatably connected relative to the connection means;

c) limiting means for limiting pivoting movement of the flukes, the limiting means including:

i) at least one fixable formation configured for rotation relative to the connection means, the fixable formation being normally operable in a secured condition in which the fixable formation is secured or securable to the connection means by a frangible fastener; and

ii) a limiting formation securely connected to the anchor member to rotate with the anchor member relative to the connection means and relative to the fixable formation, the limiting formation extending to either side of the fixable formation to define the range of rotational movement of the anchor member relative to the connection shank when the fixable formation is in its secured condition, and wherein rotational movement of the limiting formation relative to the fixable formation is limited by engagement of the limiting formation with the fixable formation; and

d) wherein when at least one fluke is snagged on an environmental element in use, and tension is increased on the connection means, the limiting formation will be caused to bear onto the fixable formation to cause the failure of the frangible fastener, to thereby free the fixable formation in a released condition in which the range of movement of the flukes relative to the connection means is increased to free engagement of the fluke with the environmental element.

[00033] In one embodiment, the connection formation is a connection shank.

[00034] In one embodiment, the rotational movement of the limiting formation relative to the fixable formation is configured to allow a range of movement of the anchor flukes to extend to opposed sides of the connection means.

[00035] In one embodiment, the anchor system includes an axle on which one or more selected from the anchor member and limiting formation, the fixable formation and the connection means is rotatable.

[00036] In one embodiment, the fixable formation comprises at least one or more fixable shanks.

[00037] In one embodiment, the fixable formation comprises a pair of fixable shanks flanking the connection shank.

[00038] In one embodiment, the fixable shank and the connection flank define aligned holes for receiving a frangible fastener therethrough.

[00039] In one embodiment, the limiting formation includes offset plates configured for guiding the alignment of the at least one or more flukes to dig into a seabed when the anchor system is in use.

[00040] In one embodiment, the anchor flukes are rotatable relative to the connection means to extend at an angle relative to the connection shank of between 200 and 90°.

[00041] In one embodiment, the anchor flukes are rotatable relative to the connection means to extend at an angle relative to the connection shank of between 200 and 600.

[00042] In one embodiment, when the fixed formation is in its released condition, the at least one or more flukes are rotatable relative to the connection means in a range of rotation greater than 90° to release the at least one or more fluke from snagging on an environmental element.

[00043] In one embodiment, the anchor system includes a frangible fastener.

[00044] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[00045] Notwithstanding any other forms which can fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are schematic views of different embodiments of rotating means between anchor member and connection means of an anchor system;

Fig. 4 is a block diagrammatic view of the elements of an anchor system;

Fig. 5 is a top view of an anchor system in accordance with a preferred first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is an top front view of the multiformat anchor system of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of the shanks forming the connection means of the anchor system of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic side view of part of the limiting formation of the anchor system of Fig. 5;

Figs. 9 and 10 is a diagrammatic side view of the operation of the shanks and body forming the limiting means of a second embodiment of an anchor system;

Fig. 11 is a perspective side view of anchor system in accordance Fig. 5 in an operative limited anchoring orientation;

Fig. 12 is a perspective side top view of a multiformat anchor system in accordance Fig. 5 with the fixable formation in a released condition;

Fig. 13 is a back view of a multiformat anchor system in accordance Fig. 5 with the fixable formation in a released condition ;

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic top view of an anchor system with frangible means engaged;

Fig. 15 is a cutaway top view of an anchor system;

Fig. 16 is a back side perspective view of a connection means including an axle, with a fixing formation in a released condition;

Fig. 17 is front top view of a anchor system; and

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic block diagram of a method of quick release anchoring;

Fig. 19 is a perspective top view of a reef anchor of the prior art; and

Fig. 20 is a general diagrammatic view of a sand/ mud anchor of the prior art.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

[00046] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[00047] Referring to figures 1-18 there is shown an anchor system 100 for providing release or de-snagging in the event of the anchor being snagged on an underwater obstacle, and which is operable in a variety of environments. The anchor system 100 in general comprises an anchor member 20 for providing anchoring by engaging with and/or providing a drag force with an environmental element. The anchor member 20 includes a pair of planar elongated anchor plates 21 or wings with tips that act as flukes 22.

[00048] The anchor system 100 further includes connection means 40 for connecting of the anchor system 100 to a boat or other watercraft or vessel (not shown) to allow the anchor member 20 to effect the anchoring of the boat when in use. The connection means includes a flexible section in the form of a flexible elongate coupling 44 such as a chain or rope 44, and a rigid section in the form of a connection shank 41.

[00049] The anchor system 100 further includes limiting means 60 for limiting pivoting movement of the anchor plates 21. The limiting means includes a fixable formation in the form of a pair of limiting shanks 64 that are disposed to either side of the connection shank 41, and a limiting formation in the form of two pairs of associated offset wings or tipping plates 61,62 connected to each other by a pair of parallel aligned plates 63. In a first embodiment shown in figures 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 the parallel aligned plates 63 are shaped as a symmetrical trapezium. In a second embodiment shown in figures 8, 9 and 10, the parallel aligned plates 63 are shaped as an asymmetrical trapezium. The limiting formation is securely attached to the anchor member 20 to rotate with the anchor member relative to the connection shank 41. The tipping plates 61, 62 extend outwardly of, and to either side of the limiting shanks 64 in the direction of pivoting movement of the anchor plates 21.

[00050] The anchor system 100 further includes rotating means 30, shown in the figures as an axle 36. The connection shank 41 is preferably rigidly mounted to the axle 36. The anchor member 20 and limiting formation, and the limiting shanks 64 are rotatable about the axle 36.

[00051] In a first embodiment shown in figures 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13, the tipping plates 61, 62 each define a plane mirroring each other around the planar anchor plates 21 of the anchor member, with the planes of each of the pair of associated tipping plates on opposed sides of the anchor plates 21 tapering towards each other. Each of the associated pairs of tipping plates 61, 62 are connected by two associated parallel aligned plates 63 that define a space between them. The tipping plates, 61, 62, parallel aligned plates 63 and anchor plates 21 are all connected to each other to either side of the connection shank 41, and mounted on the axle 36. A limiting shank 64 extends into the space between the associated parallel aligned plates 63, and is also mounted on axle 36.

[00052] In the embodiment shown in figures 8, 9 and 10, the tipping plates do not mirror each other and one tipping plate 61 is tapered towards the planar plate 21, while the other extends parallel to the planar plate 21. It is envisaged that in this embodiment, each side of the anchor system allows the flukes to obtain a different angle of entry, for example into sand, mud, or the like.

[00053] In alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that the axle could be rigidly mounted to any of the anchor member and limiting formation, or the limiting shanks. In another embodiment, it is envisaged that the axle need not be rigidly mounted to any of the anchor member and limiting formation, the limiting shanks, or the connection shank and all of these could be freely rotatable about the axle, as long as the anchor member and limiting formation, the limiting shanks, or the connection shank are rotatble relative to each other.

[00054] The anchor system 100 includes a locking means 50 for locking the anchor system 100 in an operative configuration in which the anchor system 100 is operable to anchor a vessel. The limiting shanks 64 and the connection shank 41 each include an aperture or opening 51,52 that are aligned when the limiting shanks 64 and the connection shank 41 are in rotational alignment. A frangible fastener 53 or tie, preferably in the form of a zip tie, is receivable through the aligned holes and secured to itself as shown in figure 11, 12 and 14, to secure the limiting shanks 64 in alignment with the connection shank 41 in a secured condition.

[00055] When the limiting shanks 64 are secured to the connection shank 41 in their secured condition, as shown in figures 11, 14, and 15, the anchor system 100 is in its operative condition as an anchor. The limiting formation defines the range of rotational movement of the anchor member about the axle 36 while the limiting shanks 64 are in their secured condition.

[00056] When the limiting shanks 64 are secured to the connection shank 41 in their secured condition, rotational movement of the tipping plates 61, 62 and, by extension, the anchor member 20, planar plates 21 and flukes 22 are limited by engagement of the limiting formation with the fixable formation.

[00057] Further, when the limiting shanks 64 are secured to the connection shank 41 in their secured condition, the planar plates 21 are able to rotate to extend to either side of the connection shank 41. This means that the anchor, when it is deployed off the boat, can fall to either side, and the planar plates 21 will fall to that side. The tipping plates 61, 62 are in the form of offset wings that extend in a plane that is angled to the longitudinal axis of the connection shank. Preferably, the anchor flukes are rotatable relative to the connection means to extend at an angle relative to the connection shank of between 200 and 90°, and most preferably between 200 and 600.

[00058] In use, immediately after the anchor system 100 has been deployed, for example when the anchor system 100 is lying on its side on a sandy floor such as a seabed, the tipping plates 61, 62 are preferably configured to support the flukes 22 so that the flukes 22 will fall to the lower side and be disposed at an angle downwardly so that when tension is applied to the anchor rope 44, the flukes 22 will dig into the sand. In this way, the chance of obtaining a secure anchoring is increased in sand or mud.

[00059] In use, if a fluke 22 is snagged on an environmental element (not shown) such as a reef, rock, in deep sand or another obstacle, and a sufficient tension force is applied to the anchor rope 44, the tipping plates 61 or 62 will apply a force on the limiting shanks 64. In turn, the limiting shanks 64 will move to rotate out of alignment with the connection shank 41, applying a tension force to the frangible fastener 53.

[00060] When the tension force is strong enough, the frangible fastener 53 will fail or rupture, leaving the limiting formation in a released condition as shown in figures 5, 6, 12, 13, 16, and 17. In the released condition, the limiting shanks 64 is free to rotate around axle 36, allowing an increased range pf movement of the limiting formation and anchor member 20 to a rotated position, thereby increasing the chance of release of the snagged flukes 22.When the limiting shanks are in the released condition, the anchor system 100 is in a non-operative condition as an anchor, and will only provide a drag due to its weight, as opposed to a being able to dig in and/or hook on obstacles.

[00061] The anchor system 100 allows the planar plates to rotate with in a limited range in while the extend to either side of the

[00062] It should be noted that the anchor system 100 provides a range of benefits including: a) providing a multifunctional anchor in the sense that it can be used in a wide variety of environments; b) the broad planar plates or wings 21 can provide an increased hydrodynamic drag without engaging the seabed; c) the anchor system allows for de-snagging in the event of the flukes being caught on an environmental obstacle; d) anchor material;

[00063] Referring to Figure 4 there is shown an anchor member 20, a connection means 40, a rotation means 30, a locking means with quick release 50 forming the breakaway and a limiting means 60 allowing multiple use of the anchor in different environments.

[00064] Multifunctional anchor

[00065] In one form, a multifunctional anchor is able to provide an anchoring effect in a plurality of environments.

[00066] The anchor system provides an ability to function in a wide range of environments in that:

a) The anchor system 100 is operable to be able to spike or snag an environmental element such as a reef, rock or the like as it includes spiking or snagging parts such as leading points or flukes 22 of the planar wings 21 to snag and/or spike an environmental element.

b) The anchor system 100 includes a pair of flat planar plates 21 that provide for useful frictional drag even when they are only able to penetrate the seabed shallowly (for example where the seabed includes a shallow layer of sand over rock).

c) The elongated wings 21 and flukes 22 extend at an angle to the connection means 40 and back towards the boat in use, preferably at an angle of about 30°. In this way the anchor can provide deep angular digging into soft material of the environmental element, such as deep sand.

d) The plurality of offset wings 61, 62 provide a parachute effect by a wide body drag force against a water volume or waterflow of the environmental element.

[00067] In the particular embodiment of Figs 5 to 17 there are a number of operative positions such that a plurality of such forms of anchor system apply in the same unit.

[00068] By using the anchor of the invention, the need for carrying more than one anchor is eliminated, as well as the need to change anchors at different spots when anchoring your vessel. In addition, by using the anchor of the invention in all environments the likelihood of not being able to retrieve the anchor is reduced.

[00069] Wings

[00070] Although the flat anchor plates 22 act like wings for increased hydrodynamic drag when the anchor is hung off a vessel without engaging a seabed, they also provide front pointed edge as flukes 22 to dig into the ocean floor. The two flat anchor plates 22 are coplanar and are disposed to each side of the three shanks 41, . The two flat anchor plates are connected to each other and are mounted to a single pivoting axle 36. In an alternative embodiment, each of the two flat anchor plates are independently rotatable relative to each other, with each anchor plate including an associated limiting formation, that acts on a separate limiting shank 64.

[00071] The central long shank is mounted pivotally on the pivoting axle 36 and can rotate 360° around the axle. The shorter limiting shanks 41 on either side of the central long connection shank 41 are also mounted pivotally on the pivoting axle 36 and are also able to rotate 360° around the axle if it was not for the tipping plates 61, 62.

[00072] The tipping plates 61, 62 are planar and a set of each is located on both sides of the anchor (Fig. 6) enabling the flukes 22 to have an operative angle relative to the connection means 40 connected to the vessel such that the flukes 22 can dig into the ocean floor regardless of which side the anchor lands on. Each set of the tipping plates 61, 62 are plates mounted to intermediate rectilinear aligned plates 63 extending therebetween. The tipping plates 61, 62 on either side of the anchor plates 21 are not parallel to each other, but incline relative to each other while remaining rectilinear or at right angles to the intermediate plates 63. The intermediate plates 63 are fixedly connected to the pivoting axle 36 adjacent the long central connection shank 41. Referring to figure 6, the tipping plates 61, 62 and the intermediate plate 63 form opposing outwardly facing C-shapes having intermediate plate 63 along axis B with the opening extending away from the connection shank 41 and the freely pivoting long central shank 41 therebetween along axis A. A further intermediate plate 63 extends along axis D between the two tipping plates 61, 62 of the C-shape and trap the end of the shorter shank 41 to allow limited movement along the axis C around the pivot axle 36.

[00073] There are a total of four tipping plates 61, 62, with two opposed tipping plates 61, 62 associated with each end of the axle 36. The tipping plates 61, 62 restrict the movement of the outer shanks 64 but allow the middle shank 41 to rotate freely, preferably around 360 degrees. Referring to Figures 5 to 10 the tipping plates 61, 62 are part of the limiting means / multiple use componentry of the multiformat anchor system so that it can provide a variation of form by not being limited in operating angle.

[00074] In one embodiment shown in Fig. 9 the operational angle of the anchor 20 caused by the pulling force P effected by the three shafts 41, 64 being frangibly connected and by the connection 40 to the vessel provides a limited operating angle A° being about 30°. This limitation is caused by the tipping plates 61, 62 limiting the movement of the short shanks 41 within the C-shapes of the tipping plates of the limiting mechanism 60, with the three shanks 41, 64 being connected by the frangible means and acting as a unitary means.

[00075] The movement of the flat anchor plates 22 are also limited within the angle A° of the C-shapes of the tipping plates of the limiting mechanism 60. This results in the formation of a B° being the difference of angle between the angle of the connection means 40 formed by the three shanks 41, 64 being connected by the frangible means and acting as a unitary means and the angle of the flat anchor plates 22. There is an operative limitation of A° but actual operation of B° anywhere up to A° so that it can provide a shallow effect or a deeper cutting into ocean floor effect.

[00076] The tipping plates 61, 62 also provide the added effect that they provide a wide flat plate surface on top and bottom to minimise chances of landing on side edges and allowing operation whether right way up or upside down.

[00077] Breakaway System

[00078] The anchor system 100 is also able to provide a quick release mechanism for releasing a snagged anchor in a plurality of environments.

[00079] The anchor system 100 eliminates the need of having different anchors for different situations. There is provided a quick release anchor system whereby, especially when the vessel is above the anchor the breakaway system is activated and the anchor releases and can be pulled to the surface.

[00080] Referring to Figs 1 to 3 there is shown three characteristic styles of breakaway system that are examples that can be employed in the present invention. It can be seen that consistently the system allows a rotating means connecting to the anchor member allowing for different orientations of the anchor member to the connection means; wherein the rotating means allows the anchor member to rotate from a general effective anchoring position to a rotated position in which it releases the drag force against an environmental element and allows for retraction by the connection means to the boat.

[00081] In figs. 1 to 3 there is shown a general configuration of different forms of rotating means between anchor member and connection means of an anchor system in accordance with a general operation of embodiments of the invention. In the anchor system 1 of Fig 1, the anchor member 20 is mounted at the end of the connection means by a pivoting means 31 that allows the anchor member to rotate from a general effective anchoring position to a rotated position. In the anchor system 12 of Fig 2, the anchor member 20 is mounted to rotating means 32, such as an interconnecting ring, that allows the anchor member to rotate from a general effective anchoring position to a rotated position. In the anchor system 13 of Fig 3, the anchor member 20 has a captured circular track 32 into which is mounted an end of the connection means that allows the anchor member to rotate from a general effective anchoring position to a rotated position.

[00082] In a particularly preferred system of Figs 5 to 17 and as shown particularly in Fig. 5, 6, 7 and Figs 11 to 13, the breakaway system comprises of 3 shanks being a central longer shank 41 and two laterally offset but coextending shorter shanks 64. The central shank 64 as shown in Fig 7 is mounted pivotally at 36 and at the distal end has aperture or opening 42 that can be connected to chain or rope 44 or other flexible part of connection means 40 to connect the anchor 20 to the boat.

[00083] The three shanks 41, 64 are tied together in a secured condition by having a frangible means or frangible fastener 53 in the form of a zip tie extending through middle hole 51 central longer shank 41 and through holes 52 of the aligned coextending shorter shanks 64 such that the three shanks virtually act in unison.

[00084] Referring to Figs 11 to 13 it can be seen that when the tied 3 shanks 41, 64 are frangibly released by failure of the zip tie, or untied, the middle connection shank 41 can spin 360 degrees on the axle 36 or stock. The two outer limiting shanks 64 can only move minimally on the axle 26 or stock as they are restricted by the four tipping plates 61,62.

[00085] When the two outer shanks 64 are connected by frangible ratcheted teeth adjustable ties 53 to the middle shank 41, the anchor system is in an operative condition. When the vessel is driven over the anchor and pressure is placed on the middle shank while the anchor member 20 is snagged, the frangible ratcheted teeth adjustable tie 53 breaks releasing the anchor member to rotate relative to the connection shank, resulting in the anchor system 100 being in a non-operative direction and not providing an anchoring effect and easily retrieved. When the anchor is retrieved on board the frangible ratcheted teeth adjustable ties can be replaced and the anchor system 100 is ready to use again.

[00086] Frangible ratcheted teeth adjustable ties 53 secure the three shafts 41, 64 in the breakaway system. The frangible ratcheted teeth adjustable tie 53 is secured through two holes in the main shaft so when the breakaway system is activated the frangible ratcheted teeth adjustable tie breaks, however stays attached to the main shaft 41 reducing the environmental impact. Once the anchor system 100 is back on board the vessel the frangible ratcheted teeth adjustable tie can be pulled out and disposed of accordingly and a new frangible ratcheted teeth adjustable tie is inserted to complete the anchor again.

[00087] The strength of the frangible means 53 can be selected so that there is not ready frangibility and doesn't easily break while in normal use. The frangible fastener 53 can be selected so that it requires a heavy pulling action on the connection means 40 before it breaks . Preferably the frangible fastener 53 is designed so that a drifting vessel will not readily cause the frangible fastener to break connection but instead remain intact, thereby retaining the ability of the anchor system 100 to anchor the vessel. However, if the boat motor is used to tension the rope 44, the frangible connector or fastener 53 will be broken, and the boat or vessel can readily and quickly move out of the snagged anchor position or dangerous position or changing position as quickly as necessary and not remain anchored.

[00088] Anchor Material:

Two different sized anchors have been developed. One anchor for small vessels and one for larger vessel. Depending on the size (smaller or larger) different size (thickness) metals will be used. The angles of the shanks will vary slightly to allow for anchor size changes (small or large).

Different materials can be used to build this anchor. For example, stainless steel can be used or steel that is then galvanised.

[00089] Embodiment 1

[00090] Referring to Figures 5 to 17 there is shown an anchor system 100. This includes an anchor member 20, a connection means 40, a rotation means 30, a locking means with quick release 50 forming the breakaway and a limiting means 60 allowing use of the anchor in different environments.

[00091] The anchoring system 100 includes an anchor member 20 having two substantially planar plates 21 with front edge points or flukes 22 for selectively providing anchoring by a drag force against an environmental element formed by one or more mechanisms of: a) spiking or snagging the environmental element; b) by shallow digging into the environmental element; c) by deep angular digging into soft material of the environmental element; d) a wide body hydrodynamic drag force against a water volume or waterflow of the environmental element;

[00092] The connection means 40 includes a flexible connection section, such as a rope 44 or chain, and a rigid connection section in the form of a central elongated connection shank 41 allowing connecting of the anchor system 100 to the boat to allow the anchor member 20 to effect the anchoring of the boat when in use;

[00093] In another embodiment not whown, the rotating means 30 includes an axle 36 with the central elongated connection shank 41 of the connection means 40 able to freely rotate on the axle 36; and two shorter elongated limiting shanks 64 mounted on the axle 36 on either side of the central elongated shank. The rotating means further includes at least one plate fixedly mounted on the axle; and further including the plates 21 of the anchor member 20 being mounted fixedly on the axle outwardly of the central elongated connection shank 41 and the two flanking shorter elongate limiting shanks 64.

[00094] The locking means 50 is in in the form of a frangible means 53 which connects between aligned holes 51, 52 in the central elongated connection shank 41 and the limiting means in the form of limiting plates restricting operative anchoring angle relative to the connection means.

[00095] The rotating means 30 allows the anchor member to rotate from a general effective anchoring position to a second rotated position in which it releases the flukes 22 from engagement against an environmental element and allows for retraction by the connection means 40 to the boat.

Interpretation Embodiments:

[00096] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[00097] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[00098] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Different Instances of Objects

[00099] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[000100] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology

[000101] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Comprising and Including

[000102] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[000103] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention

[000104] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[000105] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability

[000106] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the marine industries.

Claims (12)

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An anchor system for anchoring a vessel to an underwater surface, and for providing quick release from snagging, the anchor system comprising:

a. an anchor member for engaging an environmental element, the anchor member including at least one or more flukes adapted to engage said environmental element;

b. connection means for connecting of the anchor system to a vessel to allow the anchor member to effect the anchoring of the boat in use, the anchor member being rotatably connected relative to the connection means;

c. limiting means for limiting pivoting movement of the flukes, the limiting means including:

i. at least one fixable formation configured for rotation relative to the connection means, the fixable formation being normally operable in an operative condition in which the fixable formation is secured or securable to the connection means by a frangible fastener; and

ii. a limiting formation securely connected to the anchor member to rotate with the anchor member relative to the connection means and relative to the fixable formation, the limiting formation extending to either side of the fixable formation to define the range of rotational movement of the anchor member relative to a connection formation when the fixable formation is in its secured condition, and wherein rotational movement of the limiting formation relative to the fixable formation is limited by engagement of the limiting formation with the fixable formation;

d. wherein when at least one fluke is snagged on an environmental element in use, and tension is increased on the connection means, the limiting formation will be caused to bear onto the fixable formation to cause the failure of the frangible fastener, to thereby free the fixable formation to a released condition in which the range of movement of the flukes relative to the connection means is increased to free engagement of the fluke with the environmental element; and e. wherein the limiting formation is substantially flat and is located relatively rearwards of the one or more flukes.

2. An anchor system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection formation is a connection shank.

3. An anchor system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the rotational movement of the limiting formation relative to the fixable formation is configured to allow a range of movement of the anchor flukes to extend to opposed sides of the connection means.

4. An anchor system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the anchor system includes an axle on which one or more selected from the anchor member and limiting formation, the fixable formation and the connection means is rotatable.

5. An anchor system as any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fixable formation comprises at least one or more fixable shanks.

6. An anchor system as claimed claim 5, wherein the fixable formation comprises a pair of fixable shanks flanking the connection shank.

7. An anchor system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fixable shank and the connection flank define aligned holes for receiving a frangible fastener therethrough.

8. An anchor system as claimed any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the limiting formation includes offset plates configured for guiding the alignment of the at least one or more flukes to dig into a seabed when the anchor system is in use.

9. An anchor system as claimed any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the anchor flukes are rotatable relative to the connection means to extend at an angle relative to the connection shank of between 20 and 90°.

10.An anchor system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the anchor flukes are rotatable relative to the connection means to extend at an angle relative to the connection shank of between 200 and 600.

11. An anchor system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the fixed formation is in its released condition, the at least one or more flukes are rotatable relative to the connection means in a range of rotation greater than 90° to release the at least one or more fluke from snagging on an environmental element.

12. An anchor system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, including a frangible fastener.

1 / 12 Oct 2018

11 20 40 31 2018256526

12 FIGURE 1

32 40 20

FIGURE 2 13 40 32 20

FIGURE 3

2 / 12 Oct 2018

ANCHOR MEMBER 20 2018256526

CONNECTION MEANS 40

ROTATING MEANS /DE-SNAGGING 30

LOCKING MEANS/QUICK RELEASE 50

LIMITING MEANS / MULTIPLE USE 60

FIGURE 4

3 / 12 Oct 2018

100 2018256526

22 21 20

41

61

61 40

20

22

21

FIGURE 5

4 / 12 Oct 2018

100

A BC D D 2018256526

21 21

61

63

63

62

FIGURE 6

5 / 12 Oct 2018 2018256526

41 51 42 36

FIGURE 7

61

36

63

62

FIGURE 8

6 / 12 Oct 2018

61 36 64

P 2018256526

B° A°

DF 62 22

FIGURE 9

61

36

22

62

FIGURE 10

7 / 12

100 Oct 2018

44 41 50 61 52

64 40 2018256526

53

60

22

62

36

FIGURE 11

100

41

21

64

21

FIGURE 12

8 / 12 Oct 2018

100

21

52

61

62 2018256526

63

63 61 64 44 52

62 21

FIGURE 13 100

21 53

64 41 62

62

64 21

FIGURE 14

9 / 12 Oct 2018

100

21 21 2018256526

53

FIGURE 15 63 36

100 41

30

41

FIGURE 16

10 / 12 Oct 2018

100 2018256526

21 21

61 61

62 62

FIGURE 17

11 / 12 Oct 2018

Providing an anchor member for selectively providing anchoring by a drag force against an environmental element 2018256526

Providing a rotating means allowing the anchor member to rotate from a general effective anchoring position to a second rotated position in which it releases the drag force against an environmental element and allows for retraction by the connection means to the boat

Providing a locking means for locking the rotating means in the general effective anchoring orientation;

providing a quick release mechanism of the locking means to allow ready reorientation from the first anchoring orientation to the second orientation which is a non-anchoring orientation

FIGURE 18

12 / 12 Oct 2018

FIGURE 19 (Prior art) 2018256526

FIGURE 20 (Prior art)

FIGURE 21 (Prior art)