GB2561394A

GB2561394A - Anchor

Info

Publication number: GB2561394A
Application number: GB1705999.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Griffith Ivor
Original assignee: Tidal Anchors Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Tidal Anchors Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2017-04-13
Filing date: 2017-04-13
Publication date: 2018-10-17
Also published as: GB201705999D0

Abstract

An anchor 100 comprises two panels 111, held in spaced relation, between which is disposed at least one anchoring blade 120a, 120b, which is pivotably coupled to at least one, preferably both of the panels, with a wing (123, figure 2) of the blade extending out from between the panels through a channel (119, figure 4), where the ends of the channel limit the pivotal motion of the blade. Preferably the blade is held by a grommet bearing 131. Preferably, there is a bridging member 150 pivotally coupled to the side panels, and a plurality of claws 140 attached to the anchor. In some embodiments, there are two anchor blades 120a, 120b

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Anchor

Abstract Title: Anchor with a pivotable blade (57) An anchor 100 comprises two panels 111, held in spaced relation, between which is disposed at least one anchoring blade 120a, 120b, which is pivotably coupled to at least one, preferably both of the panels, with a wing (123, figure 2) of the blade extending out from between the panels through a channel (119, figure 4), where the ends of the channel limit the pivotal motion of the blade. Preferably the blade is held by a grommet bearing 131. Preferably, there is a bridging member 150 pivotally coupled to the side panels, and a plurality of claws 140 attached to the anchor. In some embodiments, there are two anchor blades 120a, 120b

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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FIG. 5

ANCHOR

The present invention relates to an anchor and particularly, but not exclusively to an anchor for securing or mooring marine vessels and buoys in water, such as in tidal estuaries and bays.

A conventional anchor for ships and other large vessels or floating equipment comprises one or more flukes pivotally mounted on one end of an elongated shank which has on its other end an eye by which it can be attached to the end of e.g. an anchor cable, the cable itself being connected at its other end to a winch on board the moored vessel or anchor handling tug. When the anchor is dropped onto the sea or river bed it is dragged along at a very shallow angle by a correspondingly long length of cable or chain, which may typically be around three times the depth of water, to permit the or each anchor fluke to dig into the sea bed and thereby serve to anchor the vessel in place at a point remote from the anchor itself. Such an arrangement is generally satisfactory for anchoring in still water or in water flowing in one direction only, but it will be apparent that where, e.g. tidal flow reverses (or, in the case of a yacht, where the wind direction changes), the anchor may have to be reset if it is not provided with additional flukes that work in the opposite direction. Where such a multiple-fluke arrangement is adopted, only one set of flukes at any given time contributes to the anchor’s purchase on the sea bed, an inefficient configuration which adds considerably to the cost of the anchor. In addition, the distance between the vessel and the anchor when moored in such a fashion can become problematic in requiring a correspondingly large radial area for the vessel to move in. The minimum length of anchor cable required, which in turn determines the radius of possible movement (the swinging circle) of the moored vessel, is constrained by the requirement to maintain a comparatively shallow angle at its point of attachment to the anchor, where an angle of around 26 degrees or greater will typically result in a conventional anchor being pulled free of its mooring ground. This problem is exacerbated at sites subject to large tidal ranges, where additional anchor line length must be provided to accommodate rise and fall of the floating vessel or object.

A conventional anchor of the aforesaid type is also impractical for use where taut-line moorings are required, such as for navigation buoys, where it is necessary for them to have a small swinging circle for maintaining accurate positioning. In such circumstances it is common to use permanent or semi-permanent installations, such as large and correspondingly heavy concrete blocks which often prove difficult or impossible to retrieve when they become unserviceable or are no longer required and are consequently left in place, thereby potentially causing a shipping hazard. This is especially problematic, since such blocks will often have been sited immediately adjacent to defined navigation channels or vessel manceuvering areas.

A further important performance criterion is the distance over which the anchor must be drawn, under given bed conditions, before gaining a secure purchase on the bed. This in turn governs the accuracy of positioning which can be achieved for the moored vessel or equipment. It is moreover an important consideration in cases where available manceuvering space is constrained by e.g. the presence of sensitive sea bed installations (e.g. pipelines and cables) in the vicinity.

WO2014/167334 discloses an anchor which acts to readily secure with the seabed and remains suitably sited under changing tidal conditions. However, a problem with this anchor is that the anchor can settle on the seabed in an inverted orientation which severely limits the ability of the anchor to form a secure purchase on the seabed.

We have now devised an improved anchor.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an anchor comprising oppositely disposed side panels held in spaced relation, and an anchoring blade disposed between the side panels, the blade being pivotally coupled at a distal region thereof to the side panels, the blade comprising a wing portion disposed along at least one side thereof, at least one of the side panels comprising a channel formed therein for receiving the wing portion, the blade being arranged to pivot between a first angular position in which the wing portion abuts a first end of the channel and a second angular position in which the wing portion abuts a second end of the channel, wherein a proximal end of the blade is arranged to extend out from between the side panels at a first side of the anchor in the first angular position, and wherein the proximal end of the blade is arranged to extend out from between the side panels at a second side of the anchor in the second angular position.

Advantageously, the pivotal nature of the anchor blade enables the anchor to form a secure coupling with the seabed regardless of the orientation of the anchor relative to the seabed.

In an embodiment, the channel comprises an arcuate channel.

In an embodiment, each side panel comprises a channel and the blade comprises a wing portion disposed at each side thereof, the wing portions being arranged to separately extend within a respective channel. The wing portions and channels act to limit the range of angular movement of the blade relative to the side panels and this limited rotation of the blade enables the anchor to embed within the seabed.

In an embodiment, the anchor further comprises a bearing arrangement for facilitating pivotal movement of the blade relative to the side panels. The bearing arrangement comprises two grommet bearings, each having a peripherally extending recess which extends radially inwardly of the bearing. The recess is defined between annular flanges of the bearing and the width of the recess is chosen to substantially match a thickness of the side panel.

Each bearing further comprises a radially extending slot for receiving a distal edge of the blade. Each side panel further comprises an aperture, and in use, the bearings are separately located within an aperture, such that the opposing flanges extend at opposite sides of the respective side panel. The aperture formed in each panel preferably opens into the channel formed in the respective panel.

In an embodiment, the anchor further comprises a bridging member which extends between the side panels and which is pivotally coupled at each end thereof to the side panels, at respective coupling points. The bridging member is arranged to pivot around the anchor, between the first and second sides of the anchor.

In an embodiment, side panels separately comprise claws which extend to the first and second side of the anchor.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an anchor 10 comprising oppositely disposed side panels held in spaced relation and a first anchoring blade and a second anchoring blade disposed between the side panels, the first and second blades being pivotally coupled at a distal region thereof to the side panels, the first and second blades separately comprising a wing portion disposed along at least one side of the respective blade, at least one of the side panels comprising a channel formed therein for receiving the wing portion of the first blade and at least one of the side panels comprising a channel formed therein for receiving the wing portion of the second blade, the first and second blades being arranged to pivot between a first angular position in which the wing portion abuts a first end of the respective channel and a second angular position in which the wing portion abuts a second end of the respective channel, wherein a proximal end of the first and second blade is arranged to extend out from between the side panels at a first side of the anchor in the first angular position, and wherein the proximal end of the first and second blade is arranged to extend out from between the side panels at a second side of the anchor in the second angular position.

In an embodiment, the distal regions of the first and second blade extend adjacent each other, such that the proximal region of the first/second blade is directed away from the second/first blade respectively.

In an embodiment, the channels comprise arcuate channels.

In an embodiment, the first and second blades comprise a wing portion disposed at each side thereof, the wing portions of each blade being arranged to separately extend within a respective channel.

In an embodiment, the anchor further comprises a bearing arrangement for facilitating pivotal movement of the first and second blade relative to the side panels. The bearing arrangement comprises a first and second pair of grommet bearings, each having a peripherally extending recess which extends radially inwardly of the respective bearing. The recess is defined between annular flanges of the bearing, and the width of the recess is chosen to substantially match a thickness of the side panel.

Each bearing further comprises a radially extending slot for receiving a distal edge of the respective blade. Each side panel further comprises an aperture for separately receiving a bearing, such that the opposing flanges extend at opposite sides of the respective side panel. The apertures formed in each panel preferably open into a respective channel.

In an embodiment, the coupling points are fixedly disposed along a lateral axis of the anchor, which extends between the side panels and between the first and second anchoring blades.

In an alternative embodiment, the anchor further comprises a side rail disposed along each side panel and the coupling points are arranged to slide along the rails.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an anchor according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of an anchoring blade illustrated in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a magnified view of the bearing assembly illustrated in figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the side panel illustrated in figure 1; and,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an anchor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to figure 1 of the drawings, there is illustrated an anchor 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, for securing marine vessels and the like (not shown) over a designated area of seabed. The anchor 100 comprises and anchor frame 110 comprising opposing, substantially planar side panels 111 which are held in spaced, parallel relation by struts 112, which extend across the frame 110 between the side panels 111 at a central region thereof, and at opposite end regions of the side panels 111. The struts 112 may comprise externally threaded portions 113 disposed at opposite ends thereof for locating within apertures 114 formed in the side panels 111, and may be releasably secured to the side panels via fasteners 115 comprising an internal thread for example.

The anchor 100 further comprises a first and second anchoring blade 120a, 120b (as illustrated in figure 2 of the drawings) for engaging with the seabed. The blades 120 comprise a generally triangular shape with a cut out 121 formed at the proximal apex region, forming two pointed sections 122 for penetrating the seabed. Each blade 120 further comprises a wing portion 123 disposed at each lateral side thereof, proximate a distal region of the blade 120. The wing portions 123 depart from the general triangular shape and extend outwardly from a lateral side edge of the blade 120, substantially parallel to the distal edge

124.

Referring to figure 3 of the drawings, the first and second blades 120a, 120b are pivotally coupled at a distal region thereof to the frame 110, between the side panels 111 via a respective bearing arrangement 130. Each bearing arrangement 130 comprises a pair of substantially cylindrically shaped grommet bearings 131 each comprising a peripherally extending recess (not shown) which extends radially inwardly of the respective grommet 131. The recess is defined between annular flanges (not shown) of the grommet and the bearings 131 of each pair are arranged to locate within a respective circular aperture 132 formed in the side panels 111 (as illustrated in figure 5 of the drawings), such that the flanges (not shown) extend to opposite planar sides of the respective panel 111. The apertures 132 associated with each bearing arrangement 130 are disposed in opposing side panels 111, and are positioned within the side panels 111 such that the rotation of the bearings 131 within the respective apertures 132 takes place around a common axis which extends substantially perpendicular to the bearings 131. The rotational axis for the bearings

131 of each bearing arrangement 130 extend substantially parallel to each other and to a lateral axis 116 of the frame 110, and are disposed either side of the lateral axis 116, substantially equidistant from a first side 117 (i.e. upper side) and a second side 118 (i.e. lower side) of the frame 110.

The grommet bearings 131 further comprise a radially extending slot (not shown) formed therein for receiving the distal edge 124 of a respective blade 120, proximate the respective wing portion 123. The bearings 131 are rigidly secured to the blade 120 via a weld or braze for example, and the wing portions 123 extend out from the slot (not shown) into a respective arcuate channel 119 formed in the side panels 111. The channels 119 thus open into the respective aperture 132 and the blade 120 is permitted to pivot relative to the side panels 111 by virtue of the bearing arrangement 130 and the passage of the wing portions 123 within the channels 119. The blades 120 are arranged to pivot between a first angular position in which the wing portions 123 abuts a first end 119a of the respective channel 119 and a second angular position in which the wing portions 123 abuts a second end 119b of the respective channel 119. In this respect, the channels 119 determine the angular range of movement of the blades 120 and in the first angular position, the proximal ends of the blades 120 are arranged to extend out from between the side panels 111 at a first side 117 (i.e. upper side) of the frame 110 and in the second angular position the proximal ends of the blades 120 are arranged to extend out from between the side panels 111 at a second side 118 (i.e. lower side) of the frame.

The anchor 110 further comprises a plurality of claws 140 which assist in securing the anchor 100 to the sea bed. The claws 140 separately comprise a planar skid section 141 with a pointed longitudinal end 142 and the planar skid section 141 is arranged to extend substantially perpendicular to a plane of adjoining side panel 111, inwardly of the frame 110.

Each side panel 111 comprises a pair of claws 140 disposed at each longitudinal end thereof, and the claws 140 are acutely orientated to a plane of the frame 110, and in the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the claws 140 associated with each pair 140 diverge with respect to each other along the side panel 111, toward the opposite longitudinal end of the side panel 111. The pointed ends 142 of the claws 140 disposed at each longitudinal end separately extend out from between the side panels 111 to the first side 117 (i.e. upper side) and second side 118 (i.e. lower side) of the frame 110 and are oppositely directed to the blade 120 disposed therebetween. However, in an alternative embodiment, which is not illustrated, the claws 140 associated with each pair 140 may diverge with respect to each other along the side panel 111, toward the adjacent longitudinal end of the side panel 111, and in this embodiment are directed in the same direction as the blade 120 disposed therebetween.

The anchor 100 further comprises a bridging member 150 which extends between the side panels 111 and which is pivotally coupled at each end thereof to the side panels

111, at respective coupling points 151. The bridging member 150 may comprise a horseshore or similar shape, and may be formed of a metal for example. The bridging member 150 is arranged to pivot around the anchor 100, between the first and second sides 117, 118 of the anchor 100 and serves as an attachment point for a tether (not shown), such as a chain or the like to which a boat (not shown) is secured.

In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the coupling points 151 are fixedly disposed along the lateral axis 116 of the anchor 100, at an outer-side of the frame 100 and the bridging member 150 is sized such that the longitudinal ends of the frame 110 can pass between the bridging member 150. In this respect, the bridging member 150 can freely rotate around the frame 110, about the lateral axis 116.

Referring to figure 6 of the drawings, there is illustrated an anchor 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The anchor 200 of the second embodiment comprises similar features to the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 and so like features have been referenced with the same numeral, but increased by 100. The anchor 200 of the second embodiment differs from the anchor 100 of the first embodiment however, in that anchor 200 of the second embodiment comprises a rail 260 disposed upon each side panel 211, at an outer-side of the frame 210. The rails 260 extend substantially parallel to each other and within a plane of the frame 210, and the coupling points 251 for the bridging member 250 are arranged to slide along the rails 260, between opposite longitudinal ends thereof.

During use of the anchor 100, 200 of the first or second embodiments for suitably locating a boat or other vessel (not shown) over a particular region of seabed, a chain (not shown) for example would be secured to the bridging member 150, 250 and the anchor 100,

200 deployed overboard. During the descent of the anchor 100, 200 to the seabed, the bridging member 150, 250 will be located above the frame 110, 210 owing to the rotational and possible sliding coupling of the bridging member to the frame 110, 210. As the anchor frame 110, 210 lands upon the seabed, the anchor 100, 200 will come to rest lying substantially flat on the seabed and the first and second blades 120a, 120b will pivot downward toward the seabed under gravity. It is evident that the anchor blades 120a, 120b 220a, 220b will pivot downward to the seabed regardless of whether the first or second side 117, 118, 217, 218 of the frame 110, 210 comes into contact with the seabed, owing to the symmetry in the anchor 100, 210.

As the chain continues to deploy, the bridging member 150, 250 will further rotate toward one longitudinal end of the frame 110, 210. Once the desired length of chain has been deployed, then as the boat drifts under the local current and/or wind conditions for example, the chain will become taught and act to pull the anchor 100, 200 along the seabed.

During the initial movement, the bridging member 150, 250 will move to the leading end of the frame 110, 210 owing to the rotational and/or slidable coupling and as the chain becomes taught, the anchor 100, 200 will begin to slide along the seabed. However, the leading anchoring blade 120a, 220a and (in the case of the anchors 100, 200 illustrated in figures 1 and 6) the trailing claws 140, 240 on the lower side of the frame 110, 210 quickly embed within the seabed and form a rapid anchoring therewith, thereby securing the position of the boat.

Following a change in the tidal current or wind direction, the boat will begin to move in the opposite direction, but the bridging member 150, 250 will quickly rotate and/or slide to the other end of the frame 110, 210 and cause the further anchoring blade 120b, 220b and (in the case of the anchors 100, 200 illustrated in figures 1 and 6) the (now) trailing claws 140, 240 to embed within the seabed. It is evident therefore that the anchor 100, 200 remains suitably sited and secured to the seabed under changing tidal currents and forces and thus maintains the desired location for the boat. The skilled reader will recognise however, that in the situation where the claws of each pair diverge in the opposite direction, then it is the leading claws which will become embedded within the seabed.

Figures 1 and 6 illustrate two embodiments of the invention, however, the skilled reader will recognise that both embodiments comprise the common unit of a single blade which can pivot between two side panels. Accordingly, the anchor could also be realised with a single blade pivotally coupled between side panels, and with a bridging member which is rotatably coupled to the side panels, proximate a proximal end of the blade. This ensures that the proximal end of the blade will always face the leading direction of the drift and thus become readily embedded within the seabed. During any change in the tidal current, then the rotation of the bridging member in the opposite direction will act to lift the anchor so that the anchor comes to rest with the proximal end of the blade facing the opposite direction for further embedding with the seabed as the boat drifts in the opposite direction.

Claims

1. An anchor comprising oppositely disposed side panels held in spaced relation, and an anchoring blade disposed between the side panels, the blade being pivotally coupled at a distal region thereof to the side panels, the blade comprising a wing portion disposed along at least one side thereof, at least one of the side panels comprising a channel formed therein for receiving the wing portion, the blade being arranged to pivot between a first angular position in which the wing portion abuts a first end of the channel and a second angular position in which the wing portion abuts a second end of the channel, wherein a proximal end of the blade is arranged to extend out from between the side panels at a first side of the anchor in the first angular position, and wherein the proximal end of the blade is arranged to extend out from between the side panels at a second side of the anchor in the second angular position.

2. An anchor according to claim 1, wherein the channel comprises an arcuate channel.

3. An anchor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each side panel comprises a channel and the blade comprises a wing portion disposed at each side thereof, the wing portions being arranged to separately extend within a respective channel.

4. An anchor according to any preceding claim, further comprising a bearing arrangement for facilitating pivotal movement of the blade relative to the side panels.

5. An anchor according to claim 4, wherein the bearing arrangement comprises two grommet bearings, each having a peripherally extending recess which extends radially inwardly of the bearing.

6. An anchor according to claim 5, wherein the recess is defined between annular flanges of the bearing and the width of the recess is chosen to substantially match a thickness of the side panel.

Ί. An anchor according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each side panel further comprises an aperture, and in use, the bearings are separately located within an aperture, such that the opposing flanges extend at opposite sides of the respective side panel.

8. An anchor according to claim 7 as appended to claim 2, wherein the aperture opens

5 into the channel formed in the respective panel.

9. An anchor according to any preceding claim, further comprising a bridging member which extends between the side panels and which is pivotally coupled at each end thereof to the side panels, at respective coupling points.

10. An anchor according to claim 9, wherein the bridging member is arranged to pivot io around the anchor, between the first and second sides of the anchor.

11. An anchor according to any preceding claim, further comprising claws which extend to the first and second side of the anchor.

12. An anchor comprising oppositely disposed side panels held in spaced relation and a first anchoring blade and a second anchoring blade disposed between the side

15 panels, the first and second blades being pivotally coupled at a distal region thereof to the side panels, the first and second blades separately comprising a wing portion disposed along at least one side of the respective blade, at least one of the side panels comprising a channel formed therein for receiving the wing portion of the first blade and at least one of the side panels comprising a

20 channel formed therein for receiving the wing portion of the second blade, the first and second blades being arranged to pivot between a first angular position in which the wing portion abuts a first end of the respective channel and a second angular position in which the wing portion abuts a second end of the respective channel,

25 wherein a proximal end of the first and second blade is arranged to extend out from between the side panels at a first side of the anchor in the first angular position, and wherein the proximal end of the first and second blade is arranged to extend out from between the side panels at a second side of the anchor in the second angular position.

13. An anchor according to claim 12, wherein the distal regions of the first and second blade extend adjacent each other, such that the proximal region of the first/second blade is directed away from the second/first blade respectively.

14. An anchor according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the channels comprise arcuate channels.

15. An anchor according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first and second blades comprise a wing portion disposed at each side thereof, the wing portions of each blade being arranged to separately extend within a respective channel.

16. An anchor according to any of claims 12 to 15, further comprising a bearing arrangement for facilitating pivotal movement of the first and second blade relative to the side panels.

17. An anchor according to any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the bearing arrangement comprises a first and second pair of grommet bearings, each having a peripherally extending recess which extends radially inwardly of the respective bearing.

18. An anchor according to claim 17 the recess is defined between annular flanges of the bearing, and the width of the recess is chosen to substantially match a thickness of the side panel.

19. An anchor according to claim 18, wherein each side panel further comprises an aperture for separately receiving a bearing, such that the opposing flanges extend at opposite sides of the respective side panel.

20. An anchor according to claim 19 as appended to claim 14, wherein the apertures formed in each panel open into a respective channel.

21. An anchor according to any of claims 12 to 20, further comprising a bridging member which extends between the side panels and which is pivotally coupled at each end thereof to the side panels, at respective coupling points.

22. An anchor according to claim 21, wherein the bridging member is arranged to pivot

5 around the anchor, between the first and second sides of the anchor.

23. An anchor according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the coupling points are fixedly disposed along a lateral axis of the anchor, which extends between the side panels and between the first and second anchoring blades.

24. An anchor according to claim 21, further comprising a side rail disposed along each

10 side panel and the coupling points are arranged to slide along the rails.

25. An anchor according to any of claims 12 to 24, further comprising claws which extend to the first and second side of the anchor.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1705999.9 Examiner: Mr Michael Shaw