Lightweight compact reusable anchoring apparatus

Abstract

An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft such as an inflatable boat, raft, floating air mattress, recreational inner tube, floating lounge chair, and the like. The anchoring apparatus includes a generally hollow anchor portion having a closable opening. The closable opening is configured for the removable introduction of weighing material in the anchor portion. An anchor line is secured to the anchor portion and extends therefrom. The anchor line is removably securable to a pneumatic watercraft.

I claim:  
     
         1 . An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft comprising: 
 a generally hollow anchor portion having a closable opening therein, said closable opening configured for the removable introduction of weighing material,    closing means for closing said closable opening,    an anchor line extending from said anchor portion and having an anchor end and a watercraft end,    anchor securement means for securing said anchor end of said anchor line to said anchor portion, and    watercraft securement means for securing said watercraft end of said anchor line to a pneumatic watercraft.    
     
     
         2 . An anchoring apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said anchor portion is generally bag-shaped.  
     
     
         3 . An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in  claim 1  wherein said anchor portion is formed of a lightweight pliable material.  
     
     
         4 . An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in  claim 3  wherein said anchor portion is formed of nylon.  
     
     
         5 . An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in  claim 2  wherein said anchor portion is formed of a mesh or screen-like material.  
     
     
         6 . An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in  claim 1  wherein said closing means comprises a plurality of grommets used in conjunction with a tie line.  
     
     
         7 . An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in  claim 1  wherein said closing means comprises hook and loop fasteners.  
     
     
         8 . An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in  claim 1  wherein said anchor line is a coiled cord that maintains a compact and coiled orientation until application of a load thereupon.  
     
     
         9 . An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in  claim 1  wherein said anchor securement means includes a clip.  
     
     
         10 . An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in  claim 9  wherein said clip includes plastic or rubberized material to prevent puncture or other damage to a pneumatic watercraft.  
     
     
         11 . An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft comprising: 
 a flexible generally hollow bag-shaped anchor portion having a closable opening therein, said closable opening configured for the removable introduction of weighing material,    closing means for closing said closable opening,    an anchor line extending from said anchor portion and having an anchor end and a watercraft end,    anchor securement means for securing said anchor end of said anchor line to said anchor portion, and    watercraft securement means for securing said watercraft end of said anchor line to a pneumatic watercraft.