WO2006105573A1

WO2006105573A1 - Device for attaching an object to a securing point

Info

Publication number: WO2006105573A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/001573
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Richard Frier
Original assignee: Frier, Kevin, Thomas
Priority date: 2004-10-13
Filing date: 2005-10-12
Publication date: 2006-10-12

Abstract

A securing device (10) comprises an elastic cable (11) and wire clamp (16). The cable (11) is made from a resilient polymer material which can function as a dampener by elastically deforming to compensate for changes in the distance between a boat and its mooring point, such as an anchor. Wire clamp (16) enables a user to easily connect and disconnect the securing device (10) from a securing point, such as an anchor tackle or mooring rope. The clamp 16 is permanently secured to one end of the elastic cable (11). The combination of the elastic cable (11) and clamp (16) act in concert to provide a device that can be used to quickly and safely secure a vessel to a mooring point or anchor position in conditions which require dampening of the shock produced by wave motion, tidal effects and/or currents when secured in that position.

Description

"DEVICE FOR ATTACHING AN OBJECT TO A SECURING POINT"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a securing device for attaching an object to a securing point such as an anchor or mooring, and which also dampens the effects of relative movement between the object and securing point.

While the device finds particular application in securing marine vessels to an anchor or mooring rope and dampening the effects of wave motion and/or tidal forces thereon, it will be understood that the invention has wider application in securing other types of objects to a fixed securing point.

Background to the Invention

An important requirement when operating a marine vessel is the ability to secure the vessel in a stationary position. For example, a boat operator may want to position a boat over a fishing spot, stop the vessel for some activity such as dining or sleeping, or need to moor the boat to a dock or jetty. It may also be necessary to secure the boat in a fixed position in order to control the vessel in bad weather and/or rough conditions. Currently, this is achieved by securing the boat to an anchor or a mooring point using a length of rope, cable or chain (the 'tackle'). The tackle is usually manually tied to an attachment point on the vessel, such as a rode, bollard or t-piece, and secured at the other end to an anchor or mooring point. This arrangement therefore acts like a leash and prevents the vessel from moving a fixed distance from the anchor or mooring point corresponding to the length of the rope.

However, in rough or stormy conditions where waves are produced, this leash arrangement prevents the vessel from moving to compensate for movement of the vessel with the waves. In this respect, the fixed length of the leash prevents any compensation for movement or lifting of the vessel resulting from wave motion. Thus, significant wave motion can result in the vessel being tossed about by the waves about a pivot point defined by the attachment point. Such wave motion can also dislodge an anchor from the seabed and apply severe stress to the vessel at the attachment point.

Modified mooring/anchor ropes have been previously disclosed as being useful in dampening the effects of such wave motion. One such prior art water motion cushioning device is disclosed in United States Patent No.

5,307,753, comprising a telescopic tubular structure enclosing an extension spring. The device is permanently positioned on an anchor line between a boat and anchor, such that in use, the spring can absorb the shock of wave motions along the anchor line. However, this device has not found widespread application due to the rigid material of construction and complexity of moving parts.

Another modified anchor rope is disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,483,911. This anchor rope consists of a hollow braid cover surrounding an elastic core of tubular latex. The elasticity of the rope is used to allow anchoring of a boat in a yieldable manner to allow the discharge of boat occupants onshore and the anchor rope then returning the boat to a point offshore.

A further disadvantage of each of the above devices is that each is adapted to be secured to the vessel using the conventional tied arrangement. Ropes tied using securing knots are difficult to quickly attach and subsequently readjust because they require manual manipulation. This can be a problem when it is necessary to secure a vessel quickly. For example, in extreme weather, an anchor may be dislodged from the point to which it is anchored owing to movement of the vessel by wave motion. It is very difficult to quickly and efficiently reset or adjust a conventional tackle arrangement because the rope is tied to the vessel and hence taut. Without a means to quickly dislodge the tackle and/or compensation for the wave action, the known type of vessel securing devices can cause the vessel to become swamped. References to prior art documents in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a securing device for fastening an object to a securing point, the securing device comprising an elongate elastic flexible member provided with a clamp for releasable attachment to the securing point.

The object can be any structure, vessel, fixture or member which a user is required to secure to a fixed or stationary position at a securing point using an elongate member, and where there can be relative movement between the object and that position. Objects can include vessels such as boats, ships, hot air balloons or the like, tents, awnings, tarpaulins or similar rope secured shelters.

Thus, the combination of the elasticity of the flexible member and the clamp act in concert to facilitate the ready attachment of the securing device to the securing point, and when there is movement between the object and securing point the elasticity reduces jerking on the securing device so that the clamp can be brought into play, while the clamp allows the prompt attachment of the securing device to the securing point.

In a one preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a securing device of the present invention is used for fastening a water or marine vessel to a securing point. In this embodiment, the combination of the elasticity of the flexible member and the clamp act in concert to facilitate the ready attachment of the securing device to the securing point when the vessel is subject to wave motion and/or natural tidal effects: the elasticity reduces jerking on the securing device so that the clamp can be brought into play, while the clamp allows the prompt attachment of the securing device to the securing point.

It is to be understood that the term clamp is used here in its broadest sense and includes in its scope any form of device having at least two spaced members which can be used to retain an object therebetween by clamping action.

In use, the flexible member is connected at one end to an attachment point on the vessel and the clamp is clamped onto the securing point. This allows the flexible member to elastically deform between the attachment point and securing point in order to dampen the effects of wave motion on the vessel.

In this respect, suitable elastic materials should have sufficient tensile strength to withstand tension in the flexible member resulting from movement of the vessel away from the securing point, and also have sufficient elasticity to provide the dampening or shock absorbing properties required to compensate for wave motion.

Preferably polymeric materials, particularly certain resilient polymeric material, are able to meet each of the above requirements. Suitable materials include rubber based materials, polyurethane materials and latex based polymers. Of the listed resilient polymeric materials, it has been found that a polyurethane based materials are particularly suitable owing to the material's resistance to deterioration in the outdoor conditions in which the securing device is intended to be used. This material has particularly good UV and abrasion resistance.

The resilient polymeric material can be formed in any shape or configuration that allows the flexible member to stretch to compensate for wave movement and also provide a sufficient connection between the securing point and vessel so as to retain the desired position of the vessel. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible member is of a circular cross-section in the form of a cable. The diameter of the cable can be of any suitable diameter. Preferably, the diameter of the cable is between 8 and 18mm.

The clamp of the present invention is preferably configured to allow a user to easily secure the securing point to the securing device and also have sufficient clamping force to securely retain the securing point within the clamp. However, in this regard, selection of the most suitable clamp depends on the configuration of the securing point. The securing point can comprise a connecting member such as a cable, rope, chain, wire, grapple, clip, clamp or the like onto which the clamp is adapted to be attached. One particular example is a cable attached to a mooring point. In this respect, as will be understood by the person skilled in the art, the most common form of connecting member is a cable or rope with an essentially circular cross-section.

Accordingly, in those embodiments in which the securing point includes a connecting member with a circular cross-section, the clamp preferably comprises at least two spaced clamping members that are biased to retain a piece of the cable inserted between the members. The two spaced clamping members can be biased to a closed position using a biasing means. The clamping member may be an arm, band, bar, bearing, block, bolster, boom, bracer, bracket, clip, girder, grip, guy, jaw, lever, prop, strut, sustainer, vice or the like. In one embodiment, it is preferable for ease of use that the biasing of the clamping members would allow a user to apply sufficient force to open the clamping members, but would apply a sufficient retaining force to hold the piece of the cable inserted between the clamping members.

Furthermore, in order to prevent loss of the connection between the vessel and securing point it is also preferable that the retaining force applied by clamping members on the rope or cable is greater than the strength of the material comprising the flexible member.

Considering the water, marine and/or outdoor conditions in which the securing device is intended to be used, it is also preferable that the component parts of the device are constructed of material which does not substantially deteriorate in these conditions.

The securing device of the present invention can be used in a number of applications. In one embodiment of the present invention, the securing device is used to secure a vessel to a securing point comprising a mooring point. In another embodiment of the present invention, the securing device is used to secure a vessel to an anchor using an anchor rope at the securing member. In each of these embodiments the securing device is secured at one end to the vessel and at another end to a connecting member secured to the mooring point or anchor. This connecting member would typically be a rope or chain.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Likewise the word "preferably" or variations such as "preferred", will be understood to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable but not essential to the working of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the securing device, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a securing device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is side view of the securing device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the securing device of Figures 1 and 2 illustrating one manner of securing the device at both ends to respective ropes;

Figure 3A is a perspective view of an alternative manner of securing a rope to one end of the securing device to that shown in Figure 3;

Figure 4 illustrates one manner of using the securing device of Figure 1 to secure a boat to a mooring point at a dock;

Figure 5 illustrates one manner of using the securing device of

Figure 1 in conjunction with an anchor, to anchor the boat in a stationary position;

Figure 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a securing device according to the present invention; Figure 7 is an enlargement of one end of the securing device of Figure 6 shown attached to a rope;

Figure 8 illustrates an application of the securing device of Figure 6; and,

Figure 9 illustrates a third embodiment of the securing device according to the present invention shown in use.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 are plan and side views respectively of a securing device 10 for a boat according to a first embodiment of the invention. The securing device 10 comprises an elastic cable 11 and wire clamp 16. The cable 11 is constructed of a resilient polymer 15 which can function as a dampener by elastically deforming to compensate for changes in the distance between the boat and its mooring point, such as an anchor. Wire clamp 16 enables a user to easily connect and disconnect the securing device 10 from a securing point, such as an anchor tackle 76 (see Figure 5) or mooring rope 58 (see Figure 4). The clamp 16 is permanently secured to one end of the elastic cable 11. The combination of the elastic cable 11 and clamp 16 act in concert to provide a device that can be used to quickly and safely secure a vessel to a mooring point or anchor position in conditions which require dampening of the shock produced by wave motion, tidal effects and/or currents when secured in that position.

The elastic cable 11 is preferably constructed of an elongated length of a thermoplastic polyurethane material 15 formed into a length of substantially cylindrical cross-section. The elastic cable 11 is configured to have a dampener section 12 comprised of a desired length of polyurethane material 15 set between two space apart connector loops 13 and 14. The elastic rope can be attached to a desired location or object using the loops 13 and 14. Each loop 13 and 14 consists of a looped length of the thermoplastic polyurethane material 15 which is secured at the base of the loop using a compressed metal band 18 and 20. Each loop 13 and 14 and the dampener section 12 comprise one integral length of the thermoplastic polyurethane material 15.

While the preferred material of construction of the elastic cable 11 is a thermoplastic polyurethane material 15, it is to be understood that elastic cable 11 can be constructed of any resilient type of polymer having suitable material properties. For example, a rubber or latex material of suitable dimensions would impart the required tensile strength along the elongate dampening section 12 with a sufficiently low Young's modulus elasticity required to function as the elastic cable 11.

However, it must be noted that unlike polyurethane materials, rubber and/or latex type materials tend to degrade in water and outdoor conditions in which the securing device 10 is intended to be used. This is particularly evident with vessels used in a marine environment. Tests have shown that an elastic cable 11 having a rubber based dampening section 12 continuously used for securing a vessel to an anchor in a marine environment lasts no more than 3 months due to the combined degrading effects of UV, sea water and other factors. A rubber based dampening section 12 also requires a fairly thick material in order to impart suitable tensile strength to the securing device 10 to withstand the forces produced by waves on the vessel and natural tidal effects.

It has been found that a thermoplastic polyurethane material offers an advantageous compromise of tensile strength, low Young's modulus stretch and deterioration resistant properties. One such suitable thermoplastic polyurethane material is Desmopan 385 available from Bayer Material Science AG. Such thermoplastic polyurethane material has a high elasticity, high abrasion resistance, and high strength. Furthermore, this type of thermoplastic polyurethane is also extremely weather resistant and barely ages in salt water, unlike the rubber equivalents which degrade over the course of time.

The diameter D of the cable 11 has an effect on the overall properties imparted by the securing device 10. On the one hand, it is important to have an elastic cable 11 of a large enough diameter D so that the cable 11 has sufficient strength to hold the vessel to the securing point without breaking. However, on the other hand, if too large a diameter D is used, the elastic properties of the cable 11 at lower loads can be adversely affected. Accordingly, the cable 11 may not stretch sufficiently to compensate for movements between the securing point and vessel caused by small wave motion. Therefore, the diameter D of the cable 11 is preferably optimized for the particular vessel for which the securing device 10 is intended to be used.

For example for a small dingy or fishing vessel, an 8mm diameter polyurethane rope is likely to be sufficient. An 8mm polyurethane rope has been found to be able to be stretched under a force of at least 2500 Newtons and not break. The 8mm diameter rope also has sufficient elasticity at lower loads so as to compensate for small wave and/or tidal movements. In contrast, if a larger diameter D rope were used for such a small vessel, the rope may not have sufficient extension . at smaller loads/forces to allow the dampening section to stretch in smaller wave and/or tidal conditions. This would prevent the elastic cable 11 from absorbing the shocks of such wave motion and currents.

When a more heavy duty application is required, such as for larger fishing vessels or the like, then a larger diameter polyurethane rope could be used. For much larger vessels, even larger diameter polyurethane ropes could be used. Alternatively, a plurality of securing devices 10 could be used in parallel, each having a smaller diameter elastic cable 11.

The elastic cable 11 is connected to the wire clamp 16 using a connector loop 14 formed using a metal band 20, which secures a free end 17A of the rope against a portion of the resilient material of the elastic cable 11 to form the loop. A similar loop connector arrangement 13 is formed at the other end of the elastic cable 11. In a similar manner to the material specifications of the resilient material 15 of the elastic cable 11, the compressed metal bands 18 and 20 need to have sufficient weather resistance and strength properties to maintain the shape of the loop shape of the loops 13 and 14 during use of the securing device 10. In this respect, the compressed metal bands 18 and 20 should usually be formed of a material which can be permanently deformed to securely retain the pieces of resilient material within the compressed band, and also be resistant to degradation and/or corrosion when subjected to outdoor or marine conditions. Suitable materials include stainless steel, particularly marine grade stainless steel, (such as 18-8 grade or 316), titanium, brass, silicon bronze, aluminium or the like.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wire clamp 16 is connected to one of the connecting loops 14. As mentioned previously, the wire clamp 16 is used to secure the securing device 10 to a cable or rope 40 (see Figure 3) which is connected to the securing location, being an anchor, mooring point or the like. The clamp 16 is attached to the elastic cable 11 via the connector loop 14 by threading one end of the clamp 14 through the eye of the loop 14. This forms a permanent connection between the clamp 16 and elastic cable 11 which can only be broken by cutting the connector loop 14, deforming the metal band 20 so as to break the loop of the loop 14 or breaking the clamp 16.

Wire clamp 16 is constructed of a single length of twisted wire 25. The clamp 16 comprises two spaced apart wire members, being an upper wire member 26 and a lower wire member 28, each of which are connected at one end by a looped biasing means 30 and are adapted to rest in close proximity in the form of a clamping section 21 at another other end. The clamping section 21 is formed from two clamping arms made up of wires 22 and 24 which have a shape adapted to sit around the outer surface of a cable, rope or chain which is inserted between these members 22 and 24. In this regard, the first clamping arm 22 is in the form of a single wire upper hook member 22, which extends downwardly from the upper wire member 26 in a U-shape arrangement 23. The U-shape arrangement projects between two spaced apart wire members 24A and 24B which form the lower clamping arm 24. The lower clamping arm 24 extends from the lower wire member 28 in a first C-shaped wire twist 32A. The C-shaped twist extends upwardly towards the upper wire member 28 to an apex, or apex portion 34 which thereafter loops over the upper wire portion 26 and extends downwardly in another C-shaped wire twist 32B which mirrors the shape of the first C-shaped wire twist 32A. The wire of the lower clamping arm 24 thereafter terminates at a loop connection 36 around the lower wire member 28. . A simple wire spring biasing means 30 is used to create a retention force between the two clamping arms 22 and 24. The spring 30 comprises a wire 25 looped one rotation or more which results in the wires 26 and 28 being biased in a direction away from each other. ^" In this manner, the biasing means biases the clamping arms 22 and 24 in a direction that tends to force these members 22 and 24 against each other. The biasing force created by the spring 30 is capable of exerting enough force on a cable, rope or chain inserted, between the clamping arms 22 and 24 to retain the cable, rope or chain therebetween, to at least the breaking strength of the resilient material of the dampener section of the cable 11. Accordingly, a rope 40 can be retained in the clamp 16 between the clamping arms 22 and 24 to at least the breaking strength of the rope 40.

This configuration of upper 22 and lower 24 clamping arms results in the following configurational advantages. Firstly, the U-shaped arrangement 23 of the upper clamping arm 22 and C-shape of the two lower clamping arms 24A and 24B are arranged to overlap to define a space P (see Figure 2). More particularly, the clamping arms 24A and 24B overlap so that a lower section of the U-shaped arrangement 23 of the upper clamping arm 22 is positioned below an upper section of each of the C-shaped wire twists 32A and 32B. This overlap forms a lateral space P between the lower portion of the U- shaped arrangement 23 when the upper clamping arm 22 falls below the upper section of each of the C-shaped wire twists 32A and 32B within which a cable, rope or chain can be inserted, as shown in Figure 3 for a rope 40. Secondly, the position of the apex portion 34 ensures that the upper wire member 26 engages this portion when no cable, rope or the like is inserted between the clamping arms 22 and 24, and therefore retains the upper clamping arm 22 in close proximity to the lower clamping arm 24 when not in use.

Once inserted into the space P, the spring 30 forces the upper and lower clamping arms 22 and 24 apart, and therefore these clamping arms compress the cable, rope 40 or chain inserted in this space. Furthermore, as the rope

40 is captured between at least one loop of wire of either the upper or lower clamping arm 22 or 24, the rope 40 cannot escape in a direction along the length of the clamp without deforming or breaking the clamp 16.

The wire 25 is preferably of a material which has suitable properties to retain the rope, cable or the like within the clamping arms without deforming, and also be resistant to degradation and/or corrosion when subjected to outdoor or marine conditions. Suitable materials include steels coated or alloyed to withstand corrosion, such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, particularly marine grade stainless steel (such as 18-8 grade or 316), titanium, brass, silicon bronze or the like.

In use, the combination of the components of securing device 10 can be secured at one end to a vessel and another to a tackle for mooring or dropping an anchor. One such connection is illustrated in Figure 3. Here, a first rope 42 is attached to the securing device 10 through the loop 13. The rope 42 can be fastened to the loop 13 using a similar looped end formed using a compressed metal band 46 in the same manner as the configuration of loops 13 and 14 and metal bands 18 and 20 of the securing device 10. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 3A, the loop 13 of the securing device 10 is connected to the loop 44 of the rope 42 using an intermediary metal link 44 such as a metal chain link. In a further embodiment (not illustrated), the rope 42 is fastened to the loop 14 using a knot. The first rope 42 is connected to an attachment point on the vessel such as a rode. The securing device 10 is therefore permanently connected to the vessel, and ready for use whenever required.

Therefore, when attached to a vessel, the free end of the securing device 10 includes the clamp end 16 of the device. Accordingly, when a user wishes to secure the vessel to a securing point, the user can use the clamp 16 to affix a cable or rope to the securing device 10. In the embodiment illustrated in

Figure 3, a second rope 40 is retained between the clamping arms 22 and 24 of the wire clamp 16 at one end of the securing device 10. The second rope 40 could comprise part of an anchor tackle system, or part of a mooring rope, or part of a rope for docking an adjoining boat, etc... The rope 40 is retained within the clamp 16 by compressing the upper and lower wire members 26 and 28 together against the biasing force exerted by the wire biasing means 30 so as to push the clamping arms 22 and 24 apart. The rope 40 is then inserted between the clamping arms 22 and 24 and the compression force exerted on the upper and lower wire members 26 and 28 is released.

One. possible application of a securing device 50 is illustrated in Figure 4, in which the securing device 50 is used for mooring a boat 52 to a dock or jetty 54. The securing device 50 has substantially the same configuration as the securing device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3. At one end 56 the device 50 is attached to a mooring rope 58 secured to the rode 60 of the boat .52. In a similar manner to that shown in Figure 3, the rope 58 can be threaded through the loop 13 and secured using a metal band 46, knot or the like so as to permanently retain the securing device 50 in connection with the boat 52. The loop 14 on the free end 64 of the securing device 50 is attached to the clamp 62 of the device.

As shown in Figure 4, the clamp 62 can be attached adjacent to the other end 66 of the mooring rope 58 which can then be tied around a suitable mooring pole 68 or mooring device. Ideally, the securing device 50 is connected between two portions of the mooring rope 58 in a manner which leaves a length of untensioned, loose rope 65. The securing device 50 therefore acts as a shock absorber in the rope, taking up the tension between the boat 52 and the mooring pole 68. However, if ever the clamp 62 slips or the flexible member 61 of the securing device 50 is broken, the length of untensioned, loose rope 65 can act as a safety line to keep the boat 52 tethered to the mooring point 68. Alternatively, if the mooring rope 58 is already attached to the mooring pole 68, the clamp 62 can be directly clamped on to a free end of the mooring rope 58, so as to moor the boat to the dock 54.

Accordingly, the securing device 50 can be easily attached to the mooring rope 58 using the clamp 62. Furthermore, in rough seas or weather causing wave motion, the flexible member 61 of the securing device 50 is able to deform when the boat 52 is forced away from the dock 54. Therefore, the shock of this force is dampened by the flexible member 61 , resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride when moored to a dock 54 than when compared to a traditional simple leash type arrangement.

It is to be understood that more than one securing device 50 can be used when mooring a boat 52 to a dock 54. In this respect, the boat can be secured to a number of mooring points or poles 68 so as to accommodate movement of the boat in two or more directions — for example sideways and backwards movement.

A further example of the use of a securing device 70 of the present invention is shown in Figure 5, in which the securing device 70 is attached between a boat 71 and an anchor 72 via an anchor tackle/rope 76. Again, the securing device 70 shown in Figure 5 has substantially the same configuration as the securing device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3. One end 74 of the device 70 is attached to the rope 76 near the point where it is secured to a rode 78 of the boat 71. In a similar manner to that shown in Figure 3, the rope 76 can be threaded through the loop 13 and secured using a metal band 46, knot or the like so as to permanently retain the securing device 70 in connection with the boat 71. The connection 14 at a free end 80 of the securing device 70 is attached to a clamp 82 of the device, which is attached to the anchor rope 76.

Ideally, as shown in Figure 5, the securing device 70 is connected to the anchor rope 76 between two portions of the rope 76 in a manner which leaves a length of untensioned, loose rope 79. The securing device 70 therefore acts as a shock absorber in the rope 76, taking up the tension between the boat

71 and the anchor 72. However, if ever the clamp 82 slips or the elastic rope of the securing device 70 is broken, the length of untensioned, loose rope 79 can act as a safety line to keep the boat 71 tethered to the anchor 72.

Alternatively, if the anchor 72 is already set in a location, and the user wishes to adjust the connection point, the clamp 82 can be slightly loosened by compressing the upper 26 and lower 28 wire members together. The clamp 82 is then repositioned along the length of the anchor rope 76 and the compression on the upper and lower wire members 26 and 28 released so as to retain the rope between the clamping arms 22 and 24 of the clamp 82. This can also be used to release the clamp 82 if it is desired to drift back off the anchor 72.

Accordingly, the securing device 70 can be easily connected or disconnected to the anchor rope 76 using the clamp 82. Furthermore, in rough seas or weather causing wave motion, the flexible member 73 of the securing device 70 is able to deform when the boat 71 is forced away from the anchor 72. Therefore, the shock of this force is dampened by the flexible member 73, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride when anchored than when compared to a traditional simple anchor rope arrangement.

In an alternative arrangement, the securing device 70 can be connected as an insert between two independent portions of the anchor rope 76. The securing device 70 would then acts as an elastic insert in the rope, taking up the tension between the boat 71 and the anchor 72.

It is to be understood that more than one securing device 70 can be used when anchoring a boat 71 in a stationary position. In this respect, the boat can be secured using a number of anchors 72 so as to reduce movement of the boat in two or more directions - for example forwards and backwards movement.

In the light of the above applications, it will be apparent that the securing device of the present invention can be easily retrofitted to any existing vessel.

In this regard, the existing anchor tackle or mooring line could be cut at an appropriate length allowing the securing device 10 be placed over the side of the vessel and the securing device 10 can be attached to the free end of the anchor tackle or mooring line attached to the vessel. The clip of the securing device 10 can then be used to attach the remaining part of the anchor tackle or mooring line.

A second embodiment 90 of the securing device according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, The securing device 90 comprises an elongate elastic flexible cord 91 having a clip 92 permanently secured at each end thereof. The cord 91 is preferably made from a resilient polymer material which can function as a dampener by elastically deforming to compensate for changes in the distance between the two ends of the cord. Clip.92 enables a user to easily connect and disconnect the securing device 90 from a securing point. The clips 92 are secured to each end of the cord 91 using a looped arrangement similar to that described in relation to the securing device 10 of Figures 1 to 3. The cord 91 is configured to have a dampener section 93 comprised of a desired length of resilient polymer material set between two space apart connector loops 94 and 95. Each loop 94 and 95 consists of a looped length of the resilient polymer material, which is secured at the base of each loop using a compressed metal band 96 and 97 respectively. The loops 94 and 95 and the dampener section 93 comprise one integral length of the resilient polymer material.

Each of the loops 94 and 95 has a clip 92 secured therein. Each clip 92 comprises a single length of high tensile wire material bent into the shape of a hook, as can be seen more clearly in Figure 7. A hook portion of the clip 92 comprises a length of the wire material bent back on itself to form two spaced members 96 and 97 which can be used to retain an object therebetween by clamping action. Advantageously the spacing between the members 96 and 97 is selected so that the members 96 and 97 are received in a tight clamping fit between the braids of a rope 98 as shown in Figure 7. This ensures that the clip 92 does not slip longitudinally of the rope 98 and remains securely attached thereto even under tension. On the other hand, the clip 92 can be quickly released from the rope 98 by pushing members 96 and 97 of the hook portion backwards from between the braids of the rope 98.

The combination of the elastic cord 91 and clips 92 act in concert to provide a securing device 90 that can be used to quickly and safely secure a vessel to a mooring point or anchor position in conditions which require dampening of the shock produced by wave motion, tidal effects and/or currents when secured in that position.

The securing device 90 can be used in a similar manner to that illustrated in the applications of Figures 4 and 5. However, instead of having to attach one end of the securing device using a loop connection, knot or some other fastening means (as with the securing device 10 of Figures 1 to 3), both ends of the securing device 90 can be connected to the mooring rope or anchor tackle using the clips 92. Figure 8 illustrates another possible application of the securing device 90, in this case to moor a vessel 99 in a dock 100: The vessel 99 is moored to four mooring points 101 on the dock 100 by means of mooring rope 102. Each mooring rope 102 has one of the securing devices 90 attached thereto in a similar manner to the securing device 10 illustrated in Figure 4.

The clips 92 of each securing device 90 are connected to the mooring rope 102 between two points of the mooring rope in a manner which leaves a length of untensioned, loose rope. The securing device 90 therefore acts as a shock absorber in the rope 102, taking up the tension between the vessel 99 and the mooring points 101. An arrangement of four securing devices 90 as shown compensates for stress and tension on the mooring ropes 102 caused by waves, tides and boat wash. It protects the boat and mooring fittings from damage and reduces yawing and pitching of the vessel 99. It also provides a more comfortable mooring for any occupants of the vessel 99.

A third embodiment of a securing device 110 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in Figure 9. This embodiment is in the form of a securing bridle 110 for securing a marine vessel 111 at anchor, with a prevailing wind blowing in the direction of arrow W. The securing bridle 110 comprises two elongate elastic flexible cords 112, each cord 112 being permanently secured to a common clip 114 at one end thereof. Each cord 112 is preferably made from a resilient polymer material which can function as a dampener by elastically deforming to compensate for changes in the distance between the two ends of the cord. Clip 114 enables a user to easily connect and disconnect the securing bridle 110 from a securing point. The other end of each of the cords 112 is provided with a length of cable 115 which is secured thereto and is used to attach the bridle 110 to cleats or bollards 116 provided fore and aft of the vessel 111.

The clip 114 of the securing bridle is connected to an anchor line 117 at a point intermediate an anchor 118 and the vessel 111. Preferably, in its relaxed state, as shown in Figure 9, the securing bridle 110 is connected to the anchor line so as to leave a length of the anchor line 117 in an untensioned state. Hence the cords 112 of the bridle 110 act as dampeners to absorb some of the motion of the vessel 111 caused by the waves and wind. The securing bridle 110 thus reduces anchor drag, helps to protect the underwater environment and provides a more comfortable ride while fishing.

Now that several embodiments of the securing device have been described in detail, it will be apparent that it provides a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following:

(i) The combination of the elastic flexible member and the clamp facilitates rapid and secure attachment of the securing device to a mooring rope, anchor tackle or other securing point.

(ii) The elasticity of the flexible member allows the length of the tackle to be altered. This allows the boat to move with the waves and/or current and therefore reduces the jerking or jarring effects of the wave movements can have on a secured boat. This gives a more comfortable ride to the occupants of the boat.

(iii) As the tackle now can deform with the waves, less tension is formed in the tackle when the vessel is moved away from the mooring point or anchor resulting in less dislodgment force being applied to the mooring point or anchor. This reduces the chances of the anchor or mooring point being dislodged and the boat becoming unsecured. This can be advantageous when anchored in a conservation or delicate marine environment such as a coral reef, as there is less chance of the anchor being pulled or reefed off and damaging the location in which the anchor is set.

(iv) Use of the clamp facilitates the prompt attachment, reattachment and adjustment of the securing device to a tackle when attaching the tackle to the vessel. No more tying and untying of knots to secure an anchor or mooring rope. The user can simply clip the securing device to an anchor rope or chain and set the anchor on the sea bed.

While the above description relates to use of the device in securing water or marine vessels to an anchor or mooring point, it is to be understood that the invention has a broader application in securing different types of objects to a fixed securing point. For example, the device could be used in a guy rope for a tent to facilitate the prompt attachment, reattachment and adjustment of the rope while also reducing the jerking or jarring effects of wind on the tent and/or tent poles. Furthermore, a similar arrangement can be used to secure a hot air balloon to the ground while reducing the jerking or jarring effects of wind on the secured hot air balloon.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. For example, the design of the clamp or clamps provided in connection with the flexible member may vary significantly from that of the illustrated embodiments, without in any way compromising the operation of the device. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described and is to be determined from the following claims.

Claims

The Claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. A securing device for fastening an object to a securing point, the securing device comprising an elongate elastic flexible member provided with a clamp for releasable attachment to the securing point.

2. A securing device as defined in claim 1, wherein said clamp has at least two spaced members which can be used to retain an object therebetween by clamping action.

3. A securing device as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said elongate elastic flexible member is made from a material having sufficient tensile strength to withstand tension in the flexible member resulting from movement of the object away from the securing point, and having sufficient elasticity to provide dampening or shock absorbing properties required to compensate for movement between the object and the securing point.

4. A securing device as defined in claim 3, wherein said elongate elastic flexible member is made from a resilient polymeric material.

5. A securing device as defined in claim 4, wherein said elongate elastic flexible member is made from polyurethane based material, which is resistant to deterioration in the outdoor conditions in which the securing device is intended to be used.

6. A securing device as defined in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the resilient polymeric material is of a shape or configuration that allows the flexible member to stretch to compensate for movement and also provide a sufficient connection between the securing point and object so as to maintain the desired position of the object.

7. A securing device as defined in claim 6, wherein the flexible member is of a circular cross-section and in the form of a cable.

8. A securing device as defined in claim 7, wherein the diameter of the cable is between 8 and 18mm.

9. A securing device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp comprises at least two spaced clamping members that are biased to retain a piece of rope inserted between the members.

10. A securing device as defined in claim 9, wherein the two spaced clamping members are biased to a closed position using a biasing means.

11. A securing device as defined in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the clamping members are selected from the group consisting of an arm, band, bar, bearing, block, bolster, boom, bracer, bracket, clip, girder, grip, guy, jaw, lever, prop, strut, sustainer, vice or the like.

12. A securing device as defined in claim 10, wherein for ease of use the biasing of the clamping members allows a user to apply sufficient force to open the clamping members, but applies a sufficient retaining force to securely hold the piece of the rope inserted between the clamping members.

13. A securing device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate elastic flexible member is provided with a clamp at each end.

14. A securing device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate elastic flexible member is one of a pair of elongate elastic flexible members provided with a common clamp.

15. A securing device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the object is a marine vessel and the securing device is used for fastening the marine vessel to a securing point.