GB2246103A

GB2246103A - Automatic anchor buoy

Info

Publication number: GB2246103A
Application number: GB9015010A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Alan Rhodes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-07-06
Filing date: 1990-07-06
Publication date: 1992-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2010-07-06
Also published as: GB9015010D0; GB2246103B

Abstract

An anchor buoy has a shell 1, inside which is a spring-loaded drum 7 carrying a length of line 4. The line can be securely attached to an anchor by means of the stainless steel ring 3 - itself secured to the line. A counterbalance weight 10 keeps the buoy floating vertically. When the anchor, with the line attached, is deployed, the correct length of line is automatically released from the drum in the buoy. As the tide rises and falls, the length of line from anchor to buoy is adjusted by means of the spring-loaded drum. The line is rewound onto the drum by the spring during normal recovery of the anchor. If the anchor is fouled, the buoy is brought on board and the line used to free it. <IMAGE>

Description

AUT055ATIC ANCHOR BUOY This invention relates to an anchor buoy that automatically rises and falls with the tide.

Anchor buoys are used by vessels at anchor, to indicate the approximate position of the anchor, and to provide a means of releasing the anchor from the bottom if it should become fouled. The anchor buoy floats and is secured to the anchor by a length of line.

Anchor buoys are, however, time-consuming to rig since due allowance must be made for the rise and fall of the tide - the length of line connecting the buoy with teh anchor being adjusted accordingly, before the anchor is deployed.

Moreover, when deployed correctly, there is an excess of line at low water, which means that the buoy no longer marks the position of the anchor, and could also foul the propellor of passing craft.

According to the present invention, there is provided, an automatic anchor buoy comprising a floating buoy inside which is a means of storing a length of line, means of releasing and recovery of teh line through an aperture in the buoy, means for this release and recovery to take place automatically and a means of securing the line to an anchor.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows the external view; Figure 2 shows a cross-section through the buoy; and Figure 3 illustrates the buoy in use.

Referring to the drawing, the buoy comprises an outer case 1, an exit aperture 2, a stainless steel ring 3 which is attached to the line 4 by a swage or splice. At the top of the buoy, a plunger 5 is provided to "brake" the line. The plunger 5 is spring-loaded 6, the spring keeping the catch on an off position ( i.e. the drum is free to rotate).

The line 4 is stored on a spring-loaded drum 7. The drum is in a case 8 secured to or a part of the moulding of the buoy 1. A guide tube 9 is provided for the line.

The line 4 is of sufficient breaking strain to allow the breaking-out of a fouled anchor. A counterweight 10, is provided in the base of the buoy 1, to ensure that the buoy floats verically.

The length of line 4 is to be sufficient to provide for anchoring in different locations with differing depths and tidal ranges.

All patrs to be fully "marinised" to prevent corrosion by sea water.

The buoy is attached to the anchor by means of, for example, a shackle (not shown) through the satinless steel ring 3. The anchor is deployed as normal, the buoy remains on the surface above the anchor as shown in figure 3, and rises and falls with the tide.

If the anchor becomes fouled, the buoy is brought on board the vessel.

The line can then be pulled to free the anchor, either by holding the line 4 or by using the plunger 5 to activate the brake.

When weighing anchor normally, the line connecting the buoy to the anchor is recovered automatically.

Claims

1 An automatic anchor buoy comprising a floating buoy inside which is a means of storing a length of line, means of releasing and recovering the line through an aperture in the base of the buoy, means for this release and recovery to take place automatically, and a means of securing the line to an anchor.

2 An automatic anchor buoy as claimed in claim 1 wherein a brake is provided to lock the movement of the line.

3 An automatic anchor buoy as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a stainless steel ring is provided, fixed securely to the line.

4 An automatic anchor buoy as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a drum and spring is provided inside the buoy, to store, release and recover the line.

5. An automatic anchor buoy as claimed in claim 2, wherein a spring is provided to prevent the brake from operating until activated.

6. An automatic anchor buoy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a guide tube is provided between the exterior surface of the buoy and the drum.

7 An automatic anchor buoy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a counterweight is provided inside the buoy, to enable the buoy to float in a vertical position.

8 An automatic anchor buoy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein all parts are fully "marinised" to prevent corrosion.

9 An automatic anchor buoy as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the line is of sufficient breaking strain to enable the recovery of a fouled anchor, and be of sufficient length to cover most anchoring situations.

10 An automatic anchor buoy substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 - 3 of teh accompanying drawing.