U.S. patent application number 12/174724 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-21 for manually operated shallow water anchor.
Invention is credited to Carlos Santiago.
Application Number | 20100012013 12/174724 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41509838 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100012013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Santiago; Carlos |
January 21, 2010 |
MANUALLY OPERATED SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR
Abstract
An apparatus for anchoring a boat to a bottom of a body of water
is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base securely coupled to a
transom of a boat and an elongated member having a proximal end
hingably coupled to the base. The apparatus further includes a
spear hingably coupled to a distal end of the elongated member,
such that when the elongated member is positioned substantially
horizontally, the spear is positioned substantially vertically so
as to extend below a hull of the boat. The apparatus further
includes a maneuvering arm hingably coupled to the elongated member
for manually lowering the elongated member into a substantially
horizontal position. The apparatus further includes a stopping
member perpendicularly coupled to the distal end of the elongated
member, so as to halt the spear from rotating beyond ninety degrees
from the elongated member.
Inventors: |
Santiago; Carlos; (Winter
Park, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CAREY, RODRIGUEZ, GREENBERG & PAUL LLP;ATTN: STEVEN M. GREENBERG, ESQ.
950 PENINSULA CORPORATE CIRCLE, SUITE 3020
BOCA RATON
FL
33487
US
|
Family ID: |
41509838 |
Appl. No.: |
12/174724 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/294 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 21/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/294 |
International
Class: |
B63B 21/24 20060101
B63B021/24 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for anchoring a boat to a bottom of a body of
water, comprising: a base securely coupled to a transom of a boat;
an elongated member having a proximal end hingably coupled to the
base; a spear hingably coupled to a distal end of the elongated
member, such that when the elongated member is positioned
substantially horizontally, the spear is positioned substantially
vertically so as to extend below a hull of the boat; a maneuvering
arm hingably coupled to the elongated member for manually lowering
the elongated member into a substantially horizontal position; and
a stopping member perpendicularly coupled to the distal end of the
elongated member, so as to halt the spear from rotating beyond
ninety degrees from the elongated member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises: a planar
portion having orifices through which fasteners are threaded and
coupled to the transom; and a protruding portion extending
perpendicularly from the planar portion, the protruding portion
including a hinge to which the proximal end of the elongated member
is coupled.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hinge comprises a butt
hinge.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the elongated member
comprises: a first elongated planar member; and a second elongated
planar member, wherein the second elongated planar member is
coupled in parallel to the first elongated member.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the elongated member further
comprises: a butt hinge positioned at its distal end, to which the
spear is coupled.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the spear comprises: an
elongated rod having a sharpened distal end and a proximal end
coupled to the butt hinge of the elongated member.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the spear has a length greater
than the length of the elongated member, such that when the
elongated member and the spear are positioned substantially
vertically, the distal end of the spear extends below the proximal
end of the elongated member.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein when the elongated member and
the spear are positioned substantially vertically, the spear is
positioned between the first elongated planar member and the second
elongated planar member.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein when the maneuvering arm
comprises: an elongated rod comprising: a distal end coupled to a
hinge on substantially a midsection of the elongated member; and a
proximal end including a handle.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein when the hinge on
substantially a midsection of the elongated member comprises: a
butt hinge positioned on a first side of the elongated member,
wherein the first side is opposite a side of the elongated member
to which the spear is coupled.
11. An apparatus for anchoring a boat to a bottom of a body of
water, comprising: a base securely coupled to a boat; an elongated
member having a proximal end hingably coupled to the base and a
gutter extending the length of the elongated member; a spear
hingably coupled to a distal end of the elongated member, such that
when the elongated member is positioned substantially horizontally,
the spear is positioned substantially vertically so as to extend
below a hull of the boat, and wherein the when the elongated member
is positioned substantially vertically, the spear is positioned
substantially vertically within the gutter; a maneuvering arm
hingably coupled to the elongated member for manually lowering the
elongated member into a substantially horizontal position; and a
stopping member perpendicularly coupled to the distal end of the
elongated member, so as to halt the spear from rotating beyond
ninety degrees from the elongated member.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base comprises: a planar
portion having orifices through which fasteners are threaded and
coupled to the boat; and a protruding portion extending
perpendicularly from the planar portion, the protruding portion
including a hinge to which the proximal end of the elongated member
is coupled.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the hinge comprises a butt
hinge.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the elongated member
comprises: a first elongated planar member; and a second elongated
planar member, wherein the second elongated planar member is
coupled in parallel to the first elongated member.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the elongated member further
comprises: a butt hinge positioned at its distal end, to which the
spear is coupled.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the spear comprises: an
elongated rod having a sharpened distal end and a proximal end
coupled to the butt hinge of the elongated member.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the spear has a length
greater than the length of the elongated member, such that when the
elongated member and the spear are positioned substantially
vertically, the distal end of the spear extends below the proximal
end of the elongated member.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein when the maneuvering arm
comprises: an elongated rod comprising: a distal end coupled to a
hinge on substantially a midsection of the elongated member; and a
proximal end including a handle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to shallow water anchors and more
particularly to manually operated shallow water anchors.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Typical marine anchors for small boats comprise a heavy
metal anchor with an irregular shape, which is attached to the boat
via a long chain or rope. The anchor and chain/rope are usually
stored on the deck of the boat or in a compartment on the deck.
When use of the anchor is necessary, it is picked up and thrown
into the water. The anchor subsequently rests on the floor or
bottom of the body of water and secures the boat to a fixed
location due to the weight of the anchor. Typical marine anchors,
however, come with their share of drawbacks.
[0005] Because typical marine anchors have a long rope or chain
attaching them to a boat, they can often become tangled or snagged
on various items. This requires the user to untangle or un-snag the
rope or chain before it can be deployed--a tedious and
time-consuming process. Further, the heavy weight of the anchor
requires the user to carefully pick up the anchor and throw it
overboard so as to avoid hitting the fragile deck or hull of the
boat and cause damage--a feat that requires strength, balance and
agility. The user encounters a similar situation when retracting
the anchor from the ocean or lake bottom. Additionally, when
deploying or retracting the anchor, the unwieldy nature of the
marine anchor often causes substantial noise that is distracting
and can scare off fish, which is not desirable for a fisherman.
Lastly, the heavy nature of the anchor can cause damage to the
ocean or lake bottom since the anchor can be dragged or may move
around. This is not desirable in areas where fragile ocean life
resides, such as reefs and underwater vegetation areas.
[0006] Fishing in shallow or littoral waters brings up an
additional set of requirements for an anchor. In shallow water, for
example, fish are confined to a smaller area, thereby requiring
that the fisherman be extra quiet when propelling and
deploying/retracting an anchor. Further, during shallow water
fishing, a fisherman typically moves around frequently as he
attempts fishing in different spots. This requires frequent
deployment and retraction of an anchor. As such, an anchor that
requires substantial time and energy to deploy and retract can be
burdensome to a fisherman in a shallow water environment.
[0007] One approach to this problem is a mechanized marine anchor
system that automates the process of deploying and retracting an
anchor. Mechanized marine anchor systems typically utilize
electrical power to energize an electrical motor having a
mechanical means for deploying and retracting an anchor. Although
this type of system eliminates the need for manual operation, a
mechanized marine anchor system requires an electrical system that
is operational during deployment and retraction of an anchor. This
is not always easily available in a small boat such as a flats
boat. Furthermore, a motor may cause excessive noise, which is not
desirable in a shallow water environment, as described above.
Lastly, a mechanized marine anchor system comprises a complicated
system with multiple moving parts and electrical terminals, which
are prone to malfunctioning, especially in a saltwater
environment.
[0008] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the
prior art as discussed above, and particularly for a more efficient
way for deploying and retracting an anchor in shallow water.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of
the art with respect to marine anchors and provide a novel
apparatus for facilitating frequent manual deployment and
retraction of a quiet shallow water anchor. In an embodiment of the
invention, an apparatus for anchoring a boat to a bottom of a body
of water is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base securely
coupled to a transom of a boat and an elongated member having a
proximal end hingably coupled to the base. The apparatus further
includes a spear hingably coupled to a distal end of the elongated
member, such that when the elongated member is positioned
substantially horizontally, the spear is positioned substantially
vertically so as to extend below a hull of the boat. The apparatus
further includes a maneuvering arm hingably coupled to the
elongated member for manually lowering the elongated member into a
substantially horizontal position. The apparatus further includes a
stopping member perpendicularly coupled to the distal end of the
elongated member, so as to halt the spear from rotating beyond
ninety degrees from the elongated member.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for
anchoring a boat to a bottom of a body of water is disclosed. The
apparatus includes a base securely coupled to a boat and an
elongated member having a proximal end hingably coupled to the base
and a gutter extending the length of the elongated member. The
apparatus further includes a spear hingably coupled to a distal end
of the elongated member, such that when the elongated member is
positioned substantially horizontally, the spear is positioned
substantially vertically so as to extend below a hull of the boat,
and wherein the when the elongated member is positioned
substantially vertically, the spear is positioned substantially
vertically within the gutter. The apparatus further includes a
maneuvering arm hingably coupled to the elongated member for
manually lowering the elongated member into a substantially
horizontal position. The apparatus further includes a stopping
member perpendicularly coupled to the distal end of the elongated
member, so as to halt the spear from rotating beyond ninety degrees
from the elongated member.
[0011] Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in
part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and
attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly
pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that
both the foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein
are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a side view of the shallow
water anchor 100 according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of the base
FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of the
elongated member of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the shallow water anchor of
FIG. 1 during the process of deployment.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the shallow water anchor of
FIG. 1 in full deployment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of
the art with respect to marine anchors and provide a novel
apparatus for facilitating frequent manual deployment and
retraction of a quiet shallow water anchor. In one embodiment of
the invention, an apparatus for anchoring a boat to a bottom of a
body of water is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base securely
coupled to a transom of a boat and an elongated member having a
proximal end hingably coupled to the base. The apparatus further
includes a spear hingably coupled to a distal end of the elongated
member, such that when the elongated member is positioned
substantially horizontally, the spear is positioned substantially
vertically so as to extend below a hull of the boat. The apparatus
further includes a maneuvering arm hingably coupled to the
elongated member for manually lowering the elongated member into a
substantially horizontal position. The apparatus further includes a
stopping member perpendicularly coupled to the distal end of the
elongated member, so as to halt the spear from rotating beyond
ninety degrees from the elongated member.
[0019] The present invention is advantageous as it allows for the
manual deployment and retraction of a lightweight and durable
shallow water anchor that does not require electricity or fuel. The
shallow water anchor of the present invention is fully manual and
therefore only requires the strength of an individual. Further, the
shallow water anchor of the present invention comprises a minimum
number of parts that reduces or eliminates the possibility of
malfunction and minimizes wear and tear. Also, the shallow water
anchor of the present invention can be deployed and retracted
quickly and easily using a minimal amount of human power, therefore
allowing for the frequent deployment and retraction of the anchor
during shallow water fishing. Additionally, operation of the
shallow water anchor of the present invention produces little to no
noise, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility of scaring
away fish while engaged in the sport of fishing. Also, the
lightweight nature of the shallow water anchor, in addition to its
small footprint, causes little affect on the ocean or lake bottom,
thereby reducing the possibility of causing damage to fragile
underwater ecosystems. Lastly, the shallow water anchor of the
present invention is constructed from a durable and lightweight
material that facilitates ease of use and increases its life cycle
in a salt water environment.
[0020] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a side view of the shallow
water anchor 100 according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The shallow water anchor 100 includes a base 104
securely coupled to a transom 150 of a boat 152. The base 104 may
also be secured to other portions of the boat 152. The base 104
includes a planar portion 124 having orifices 210 through which
fasteners (such as screws or bolts) are threaded and coupled to the
transom 150, as shown in FIG. 2. The base 104 also includes a
protruding portion 134 extending perpendicularly from the planar
portion 124, the protruding portion 134 including a hinge 106 to
which the proximal end 154 of the elongated member 102 is coupled.
The hinge 106 may be a butt hinge about which the elongated member
102 rotates.
[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the protruding
portion 134 may comprise a first planar member 202 and a second
planar member 204, wherein the second planar member 204 is coupled
in parallel to the first planar member 204 via one or more bolts or
connectors 206, as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the hinge
106 includes a cylinder that spans the gap or gutter between first
planar member 202 and a second planar member 204. Also in this
embodiment, the elongated member 102 fits between first planar
member 202 and a second planar member 204. Similarly, the elongated
member 102 may comprise a first elongated planar member 302 and a
second elongated planar member 304, wherein the second elongated
planar member 304 is coupled in parallel to the first elongated
planar member 302 via one or more bolts or connectors 306, as shown
in FIG. 3. A gap or gutter exists between second elongated planar
member 304 and first elongated planar member 302.
[0022] The shallow water anchor 100 also includes a spear 116
hingably coupled to a distal end 164 of the elongated member 102.
The spear 116 is an elongated rod having a sharpened distal end 118
and a proximal end 136 coupled to a hinge 108 on the distal end 164
of the elongated member 102. The hinge 108 may be a butt hinge
about which the spear 116 rotates. In this embodiment, the hinge
108 includes a cylinder that spans the gap or gutter between first
elongated planar member 302 and second elongated planar member 304,
as shown in FIG. 3. Also in this embodiment, the spear 116 fits
between first elongated planar member 302 and second elongated
planar member 304.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows spear 116 positioned at a slight angle to the
elongated member 102 for illustrative purposes only. As explained
above, when the elongated member 102 and the spear 116 are
positioned substantially vertically, the spear 116 is positioned
between the first elongated planar member 302 and the second
elongated planar member 304. Item 188 shows spear 116 positioned
substantially vertically such that the spear 116 is positioned
between the first elongated planar member 302 and the second
elongated planar member 304.
[0024] Also, spear 116 may have a length greater than the length of
the elongated member 102, such that when the elongated member 102
and the spear 116 are positioned substantially vertically, the
distal end 118 of the spear 116 extends below the proximal end 154
of the elongated member 102. Item 188 shows spear 116 positioned
substantially vertically such that the distal end 118 of the spear
116 extends below the proximal end 154 of the elongated member
102.
[0025] When the elongated member 102 is positioned substantially
horizontally, the spear 116 is positioned substantially vertically
so as to extend below the hull 162 of the boat 152. This is shown
in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 below.
[0026] The shallow water anchor 100 also includes a maneuvering arm
110 hingably coupled to the elongated member 102 for manually
lowering the elongated member 102 into a substantially horizontal
position. The maneuvering arm 110 comprises an elongated rod having
a distal end coupled to a hinge 114 on substantially a midsection
of the elongated member 102 and a proximal end including a handle
112. The hinge 114 may be a butt hinge about which the maneuvering
arm 110 rotates. Note that the hinge 114 is positioned on a side of
the elongated member 102 opposite the side to which the spear 116
is positioned.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows maneuvering arm 110 positioned at a slight
angle to the elongated member 102 for illustrative purposes only.
When the elongated member 102 and the maneuvering arm 110 are
positioned substantially vertically, the maneuvering arm 110 can be
positioned between the first elongated planar member 302 and the
second elongated planar member 304.
[0028] The shallow water anchor 100 also includes a stopping member
120 perpendicularly coupled to the distal end 164 of the elongated
member 102. The stopping member 120 halts the spear 116 from
rotating beyond ninety degrees from the elongated member 102.
[0029] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the shallow water anchor 100 of
FIG. 1 during the process of deployment. FIG. 4 shows that the
maneuvering arm 110 has been handled or lifted by a person so as to
rotate about hinge 114 in the elongated member 102. The stiff
maneuvering arm 110 is then used to push elongated arm 102 towards
the body of water in which boat 152 is floating such that the
elongated member rotates about hinge 106 in the base 104. FIG. 4
shows the elongated member 102 in the middle of the deployment
process, at about a forty-five degree angle from the vertical.
[0030] As the elongated arm 102 is pushed or falls towards the body
of water in which boat 152 is floating such that the elongated
member rotates about hinge 106 in the base 104, the spear 116
rotates about the hinge 108 in the elongated member 102 so as to
maintain a substantially vertical position.
[0031] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the shallow water anchor 100 of
FIG. 1 in full deployment. FIG. 5 shows that the maneuvering arm
110 has been used to maneuver elongated arm 102 towards the body of
water in which boat 152 is floating such that the elongated member
rotates about hinge 106 in the base 104. FIG. 5 shows the elongated
member 102 in full deployment, substantially parallel to the
ground, or simply horizontal.
[0032] As the elongated arm 102 is pushed or falls towards the body
of water in which boat 152 is floating such that the elongated
member rotates about hinge 106 in the base 104, the spear 116
rotates about the hinge 108 in the elongated member 102 so as to
maintain a substantially vertical position. FIG. 5 shows that the
spear 116 has been fully extended into the body of water such that
the tip 118 of the spear 116 drives into the bottom of the body of
water, thereby anchoring the boat 152 securely in place. Note that
stopping element 120 halts the spear 116 from rotating beyond
ninety degrees from the elongated member 102.
[0033] The components of the shallow water anchor 100 can be
manufactured from a variety of materials using a variety of
methods. In one embodiment of the present invention, the components
of the shallow water anchor 100 can be manufactured from hot-forged
alloy steel that is oil quenched and tempered for maximum strength
and durability. Additionally, the components of the shallow water
anchor 100 may include nickel-chrome plating that resists rust.
[0034] The components of the shallow water anchor 100 can further
be manufactured using a variety of methods for casting metals, such
as sand casting, die casting, permanent mold casting, investment
casting, centrifugal casting, and lost foam casting. The components
of the shallow water anchor 100 can further be manufactured using
metal injection molding (MIM) method for preparing metals.
[0035] The components of the shallow water anchor 100 can further
be manufactured using a variety of metals, such as ferrous metals
and alloys. Ferrous metals and alloys are iron-based materials that
are used in a wide variety of industrial applications. Examples
include carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steels, tool steels,
cast iron, cast steel, maraging steel, and specialty or proprietary
iron-based alloys. The components of the shallow water anchor 100
can further be manufactured using nickel and nickel alloys.
[0036] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been
disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand
that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of
the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific
embodiments. Furthermore, it is intended that the appended claims
cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments
within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *