US20110041752A1

US20110041752A1 - Anchorman marine mooring and docking system

Info

Publication number: US20110041752A1
Application number: US12/543,997
Authority: US
Inventors: Anthony LaCivita
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-19
Filing date: 2009-08-19
Publication date: 2011-02-24

Abstract

The Anchorman System invention is a unique and ecologically friendly invention to dock, moor, and secure small watercraft and marine recreation products. The Invention is designed to eliminate the backbreaking job of installing and un-installing equipment each boating season. In addition, the Invention serves as a Terrestrial photo electric (Solar Panel) anchoring system permitting the optimal placement for solar panel anchorages.

Objects of Invention include:

- 1) a unique Sand Auger Anchor with an extruded Tubular Aluminum Anchor Shaft and custom designed helical solid aluminum auger head with a proprietary stainless steel shaft nut end fitting
- 2) a unique Sea Floor Attachment Plate made of Marine Safe material with a Marine Buoy with integral line holders
- 3) a unique Snap-in docking post Sea Floor Attachment Plate made of Marine Safe Material with a Snap-in PVC post
- 4) a unique quick connect pin adjustable sleeve tool, with adjustable single and double handles.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to Marine Docking and Mooring Products, Anchors, and as well as to Terrestrial Photo Electric Solar Cell Panel anchorages and installation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the Finished Configurations of the Anchorman Marine Docking and Mooring System including a) Anchorman base attachment plate and Anchorman Sand Auger Anchorage b) Anchorman base attachment plate and Anchorman Sand Auger Anchorage and marine buoys with line holders c) Anchorman Snap In Piling (Docking Post) attachment plate and Anchorman Sand Auger Anchorage. Details of the three components are illustrated.

FIG. 2 shows the Finished Configurations of the Anchorman System in a terrestrial Photo Electric Panel (Solar Panel) anchorage application. This includes an Anchorman base attachment plate and an Anchorman Sand Auger inventions. The Anchorman Sand Auger enables the anchorage and placement of solar panels for optimal solar angle placement.

FIG. 3 shows the Finished Configurations of the Anchorman System in a marine or a terrestrial Small Wind Turbine Electric Generator anchorage application. This includes an Anchorman Sea Floor Base Attachment Plate # 10 and an Anchorman Sand Auger #1 & #2 inventions. The Anchorman Sand Auger enables the anchorage and placement of guy wires or shrouds that secure Pole Mounted Small Wind Turbine Powered Electric Generators # 16. The Anchorman Piling (Docking Pole) base # 8 can be used to affix the pole for the Wind Turbine Electric Generator.

FIG. 4 shows how the Anchorman Sand Auger is deployed without the operator having to work under the surface of the water. Both the Installation tool sleeve # 4 and the Anchorman Sand Auger Shaft #2 have matching and indexed through holes drilled along the length of the tool. The Installation tool # 4 slides over the top of the Auger shaft # 2, and adjusts to operator preference using the continuous increments in the through holes. The Installation Sleeve Tool #4 and Auger Shaft #2 are temporarily affixed together using the quick connect pins # 3, #6. The Installation Handle # 5 is also equipped with the same through holes and slides over the installation sleeve tool # 4. By using quick connect pins both the Installation Sleeve Tool and Handle can be adjusted by the operator to work at a comfortable height above the water in the deployment of the Anchorman Sand Auger. The nut end of Anchorman Sand Auger #7, can be used for refined insertion heights into the sea bed using a standard socket and ratchet tool.

FIG. 5 shows the attachment of the Anchorman Sea Floor Plates # 8, #10, to the Anchorman Sand Auger Anchor #1, #2, using the proprietary stainless steel shaft nut end fitting # 7. They are attached with a stainless steel machine bolt for the Anchorman Snap in Piling (Docking Post) Plate # 8 or a stainless steel eye bolt # 11 for the Sea Floor Base Plate # 10. The Marine Mooring or docking Lines are attached to the Sea floor plates using a carabineer.

FIG. 6 shows the assembled Anchorman Snap in Piling (Docking Post) Plate # 8, #9, #12, #13 and the Anchorman Sea Floor Base Plate # 10, with a stainless steel eye bolt # 11 placed in a marine environment with a water depth of up to 40 inches (102 MM) of water. The attachment of mooring and or docking lines is achieved using a carabineer to the Line Attachment Tang # 9 and the Eye Bolt # 11. Further shown is the attachment of the Marine Buoy # 14.

FIG. 7 shows all of the views of the components of the Anchorman Sand Auger Anchor Assembly #1, #2, #3, #11. The Components are made of high grade (recyclable) Aluminum and 316 Stainless Steel.

FIG. 8 shows all of the views and material composition of the Anchorman Sand Auger Installation Tools and their components Quick Connect Pin # 3, Installation Tool Sleeve # 4, Installation Tool Handle # 5, Quick Connect Pin # 6. The Components are made of high grade (recyclable) Aluminum and 316 Stainless Steel and the handles in galvanized carbon steel.

FIG. 9 shows the Single Handle Installation Tool and cutaway views # 5. The Handle is designed for marine appeal. The component is made of high grade galvanized carbon steel.

FIG. 10 shows the Double Handle Installation Tool and cutaway views # 5. The Handle is designed for marine appeal. The component is made of high grade galvanized carbon steel.

FIG. 11 shows all of the views of the components of the Anchorman Sand Auger Anchor Assembly #1, #2, #3. It further illustrates the tools inventions for the Anchorman Installation Tool Sleeve # 4 and Installation Handle # 5 and Quick Connect Pin # 3, #6 with their materials composition.

FIG. 12 shows the detail views of the Anchorman Auger a custom designed helical shaped solid cast aluminum sand mud and soil auger designed with a safety round entry tip.

FIG. 13 shows the Anchor Shaft Nut End Fitting—A 316 Stainless Steel Machined Proprietary Fitting invention featuring a Nut End for the attachment of hardware, a screw in design to connect to the Anchorman Sand Auger Shaft, and a headless screw to affix the end securely in the Anchor Shaft. The Fitting Can be used both in Marine Applications with the Anchorman Sea Floor Plates and in Terrestrial Applications for Photo Electric Solar Panel Installations.

FIG. 14 shows all of the views of the Anchorman Snap In Piling (Docking Post) Assembly Base # 8, Line Attachment Tang # 9, Docking Post # 12, Post Cap # 13. The Figure Illustrates the Safety Break Away Feature highlighted with a +mark and the removable section of the PVC Docking Post.

FIG. 15 shows all of the views of the Anchorman Snap In Piling (Docking Post) Attachment Plate Base # 8 end the engineering for impact strength, ability to conform to uneven sea floor or terrestrial ground surfaces and the port for the Line attachment Tang.

FIG. 16 shows all of the views of the Anchorman 316 stainless steel Line Attachment Tang # 9.

FIG. 17 shows all of the views of the Anchorman PVC Snap In Piling (Docking Post) #12 and the specific machining that is performed on the part to allow for the snap in feature.

FIG. 18 shows the Schedule 40 PVC Cap used the Anchorman Piling (Docking Post) Assembly. No Patent is required for this part.

FIG. 19 shows all of the views of the Anchorman Sea Floor Attachment Plate Base # 10 and the Stainless Steel Eye Bolt # 11 and illustrates the engineering for impact strength, ability to conform to uneven sea floor or terrestrial ground surfaces.

FIG. 20 shows the Anchorman Sea Floor Attachment Plate Base # 10 and the Stainless Steel Eye Bolt # 11 connected to the Marine Buoy #14 and the features of the invention design.

P LEGEND BY CALL OUT NUMBER


No.	Description

1	Anchorman Auger - a custom designed helical shaped solid cast aluminum sand
	mud and soil auger designed with a safety round entry tip.
2	Anchorman Auger Shaft - An extruded tubular high tensile strength grade
	Aluminum Anchor Shaft with matching indexed though holes along the shaft
	length. The through holes are indexed and compatible with the Anchorman
	Installation Sleeve Tool. Each end of the Tubular structure is threaded and
	through bolted for the attachment of the Anchorman Auger #1 on one end and the
	Anchorman Nut End Fitting #7 on the other end.
3	Quick Connect Pin - A Stainless Steel Pin Used to Connect the Anchorman Auger
	Shaft, Installation Handle and Installation Sleeve Tool together
4	Installation Sleeve Tool - A extruded galvanized Steel or Aluminum tubular
	Installation Sleeve that slides and fits over the Anchorman Sand Auger Shaft and
	has through holes along the shaft that are matching indexed compatible with the
	though holes to the Anchorman Sand Auger Shaft #2.
5	Installation Handle - A galvanized steel handle designed to fit over both the
	Installation Sleeve Tool and the Anchorman Sand Auger Shaft using Quick
	Connect Pins. Nautical Designed.
6	Quick Connect Pin - A 316 Stainless Steel Pin Used to Connect the Anchorman
	Auger Shaft, Installation Handle and Installation Sleeve Tool together
7	Anchor Shaft Nut End Fitting - A 316 Stainless Steel Machined Proprietary Fitting
	invention featuring a Nut End for the attachment of hardware, a screw in design to
	connect to the Anchorman Sand Auger Shaft, and a headless screw to affix the
	end securely in the Anchor Shaft. The Fitting Can be used both in Marine
	Applications with the Anchorman Sea Floor Plates and in Terrestrial Applications
	for Photo Electric Solar Panel Installations.
8	Snap in Piling (Docking Post) Anchor Base Plate - An injection molded invention
	that is made of glass reinforced and UV Stabilized Nylon. The invention is further
	colored in Orange to indicate a foot hazard. The invention is composed
	completely of marine friendly materials and designed for minimal disturbance to
	the sea floor or lake bottom from auguring equipment in and out each season and
	designed not to drag lines around the sea floor, this conserves the ecology of the
	water eliminating disturbances to the sea floor and marine life around the
	invention. The invention further uniquely attaches PVC Docking Posts or Pilings
	in a Snap in and Snap Out configuration using a specialized bumps along the
	circumference of the base opening that snap into the Piling (Docking Post) #12. It
	has a race way for the provision of a stainless steel Tang that is used for the
	connection of marine mooring and docking lines. The structure of the sea floor
	plate is reinforced with ribs that are designed to undertake impacts and loads
	without damage. It can remain in the water without need for removal season to
	season. The invention further is free from damage due to Ice since it is positioned
	well below the Ice during winter months. The base is constructed to conform to
	uneven sea bottoms for positive and confident deployment of the pilings.
9	Line Attachment Tang - A stainless steel plate machined and formed to connect to
	the Anchorman Snap In Piling (Docking Post) Base #8. The Bend of the Tang
	Permits lines to remain off the sea floor and not to move to disturb the ecology and
	sea floor life. All of the edges are machined smooth to avoid a foot hazard.
10	Sea Floor Anchor Base Plate - An injection molded invention that is made of glass
	reinforced and UV Stabilized Nylon. The invention is further colored in Orange to
	indicate a foot hazard. The invention is composed completely of marine friendly
	materials and designed for minimal disturbance to the sea floor or lake
	bottom from auguring equipment in and out each season and designed not to drag
	lines around the sea floor, this conserves the ecology of the water eliminating
	disturbances to the sea floor and marine life around the invention. The invention
	further attaches to a stainless steel Pad eye #11 and to the Anchorman Sand
	Auger Nut End Fitting #7. The Curve Along the top of the invention is designed
	not to wear lines and rotate if the unit is used as a mooring point. It can remain in
	the water without need for removal season to season. The invention further is free
	from damage due to Ice since it is positioned well below the Ice during winter
	months. The base is constructed to conform to uneven sea bottoms for positive
	and confident deployment and secure attachment.
11	Eye Bolt Fastener - A 316 Stainless Steel Threaded Eye Bolt with a specified bolt
	length and tensile strength.
12	Piling (Docking Pole) - A PVC Pipe with a specialized routing on one end used for
	the Snap In Sea Floor Anchor Base Plate Attachment.
13	Cap for Piling (Docking Pole) - A Schedule 40 CAP that is made of WHITE PVC
	No Patent is required for this part
14	BOUY - A NAVIMO PATENTED Polypropylene Roto Molded floatation device with
	an eye for docking lines on the top and bottom of the device.
15	Photo Electric Solar Cell Panel - a sample Solar Cell Panel for Illustration
	Purposes.
16	Small Wind Turbine Electric Generator - a sample Wind Mill/Electric Generator
	for Illustration Purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Anchorman Invention has two functional objectives:

- I. Marine Mooring System designed for simplicity and trouble free attachment of docking lines, buoys, quick connect docking posts (marine piles), and other marine recreational accessories.
- II. The Anchorman Sand Auger Invention and Anchorman Base Plate serves as a Terrestrial Photo Electric Panel (Solar Panel) Anchoring system. It enables the anchorage and placement of solar panels for optimal solar angle placement. The Base Plate and Sand Auger act as an attachment point for guy wires to secure ECO Energy Devices such as Solar Panels and Pole Mounted Wind Mill Electric Generators.

The object of the Anchorman Marine Mooring and Docking invention is to eliminate the back breaking job of installing and removing steel and aluminum post piles in inland and shoal draft waters as the boating season begins and ends. Another object of the Anchorman Invention is that the Sand Auger Anchors are installed once and do not need to be removed due to seasonal ice buildup or seasonal coastal water changes. Since the components are on the sea floor, they do not have to be removed as the body of water freezes and are not subject to ice damage. A still further object of this invention is to permit a simple and dependable means to connect and disconnect mooring lines, snap in piles, or buoys in minutes using Carabineers without heavy labor. Another object of this invention is to protect and maintain the surrounding marine life around the Anchorman invention. Since there is minimal disturbance to the sea floor or lake bottom from auguring equipment in and out each season, this conserves the ecology of the water eliminating disturbances to the sea floor and marine life around the Anchorman. All of the materials chosen in the design are friendly to marine biology and are premium materials designed to provide years of dependable and secure service.
The Invention provides:

- a) A strong and effective mooring system that can secure watercraft and other marine recreation products
- b) Is easily installed and removed with simple hand tools
- c) Virtually maintenance free and dependable
- d) Suitable for both salt and fresh water in lakes, rivers and waterways with sand and mud bottom topology (Up to 40 inches of water depth)
- e) Unique design does not allow lines to drag around sea floor and destroy surrounding habitat and marine life
- f) Eliminates the need to locate fixed objects on shoreline with the hazards of lines and cables
- g) Lightweight and compact Designed for Holding Power, Flexibility and Ease of Use

Claims

1. A Marine Mooring and Docking System comprising of a Sand, Mud, and Soil Anchor—that is a rigid, cylindrical, light weight, vertically affixed, and relatively long whose objective is to dock, moor, and secure small watercraft and marine recreation products.

2. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 1 utilizes (a) an extruded tubular aluminum anchor shaft that features multiple, evenly spaced though holes that extends along the entire shaft. These holes are indexed and matched to the invention's installation tools. The upper and lower ends of the tubular anchor shaft are both threaded and through bolted for the attachment of (b) a helical shaped solid cast aluminum sand mud and soil auger designed with a safety round entry tip on one end and (c) a machined stainless steel shaft end fitting whose objective is to both receive machine bolt fasteners and to serve as an installation and extraction nut.

3. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 1 sets a very secure and reliable anchor point for small watercraft in inland and coastal (Fresh and Salt) waters up to 40 inches in depth.

4. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 1 is ECO friendly to the water biology of the sea floor/lake bottom. Unlike other anchors that are set and removed from season to season this invention is set once and left in the bottom for its useful life. The invention is composed of materials that are recyclable and do not pollute or alter water chemistry, or affect marine life. The invention may be extracted from the sea floor for repositioning or removal at any time.

5. A Marine Mooring and Docking System comprising of a Sea Floor Anchor Base Plate—that is a rigid, semi-spherical, light weight, and vertically affixed whose objective is to connect docking and mooring lines to secure small watercraft and marine recreation products.

6. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 5—utilizes an injection-molded component that is made of glass reinforced and UV Stabilized Nylon. The invention is further colored in Orange to indicate a foot hazard. The Sea Floor Attachment Plate is designed to be used with a Marine Buoy with integral mooring/docking line holders.

7. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 5 is composed of marine friendly materials and designed for minimal disturbance to the sea floor or lake bottom and designed not to drag lines around the sea floor eliminating disturbances to the sea floor and marine life around the invention. The invention further attaches to a stainless steel pad eye and to the Sand Auger Anchor Nut End Fitting. The curve along the top of the invention is designed to minimize line wear and to lift the line off the sea floor or lake bottom. The invention can remain in the water without need for removal season to season. The invention further is free from damage due to Ice in northern climates since it is positioned at a depth below the Ice during winter months. The underside of the invention is constructed to conform to uneven sea bottoms and secure attachment.

8. A Marine Mooring and Docking System comprising of a Sea Floor Anchor Snap-In Piling (Docking Pole) Base Plate—that is a rigid, both cylindrical and semi-spherical, light weight, and vertically affixed whose objective is to provide snap-in removable docking poles and to connect docking and mooring lines to secure small watercraft and marine recreation products.

9. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 8—utilizes an injection-molded lower section that is made of glass reinforced and UV Stabilized Nylon and PVC for the upper section which contains the Snap In Piling or Docking Poles. The lower section invention is further colored in Orange to indicate a foot hazard.

10. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 8 is composed completely of marine friendly materials and designed for minimal disturbance to the sea floor or lake bottom from auguring equipment in and out each season and designed not to drag lines around the sea floor, this conserves the ecology of the water eliminating disturbances to the sea floor and marine life around the invention.

11. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 8 further uniquely attaches PVC Docking Posts or Pilings in a Snap in and Snap Out configuration using a specialized bumps along the circumference of the base opening that snap into the Piling/Docking Post. It has a race way for the provision of a stainless steel Tang that is used for the connection of marine mooring and docking lines.

12. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 8 has a Sea Floor Plate that is reinforced with ribs that are designed to undertake impacts and loads from the Piling (Docking Poles) without damage.

13. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 8 can remain in the water without need for removal season to season. The invention further is free from damage due to Ice in northern climates since it is positioned at a depth below the Ice during winter months. The underside of the invention is constructed to conform to uneven sea bottoms and for secure attachment.

14. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 8 has a Line Attachment Tang—A stainless steel plate machined and formed to connect to the Anchorman Snap In Piling (Docking Post) Base. The Bend of the Tang permits mooring lines to remain off the sea floor and not to move to disturb the ecology and marine life. All of the edges are machined smooth to avoid a foot hazard.

15. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 8 contains a PVC Pipe with a specialized routing on the lower section that is used for the Snap In Sea Floor Anchor Base Plate Attachment. A Schedule 40 PVC Pipe Cap finishes the look of this component.

16. A Marine Mooring and Docking System comprising of a Installation Sleeve tool with quick Connect Pins—that is a rigid, cylindrical, light weight, vertically affixed, and relatively long whose objective is to deploy and extract the Anchor system into the sea bed.

17. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 20 is an extruded galvanized Steel or Aluminum tubular Installation Sleeve that slides and fits over the Sand Auger Anchor Shaft and has through holes along the shaft that are matching indexed compatible with the though holes to the Sand Auger Shaft. Using the quick connect Pins the operator can install or extract the Anchor while working comfortably above the water surface.

18. The Marine Mooring and Docking System in claim 20 contains a galvanized steel handle designed to fit over both the Installation Sleeve Tool and the Sand Auger Shaft using Quick Connect Pins. Two variants of the handle include a single and a double handle.