Anchor retrieval device, system and method

Abstract

A method, system and device for facilitating the retrieval of a marine anchor from an underwater obstruction, the device being configured to actuate when subjected to a force load of a predetermined peak force threshold to effect a change in the point of retrieval that an anchor rode makes with the anchor. The obstructed anchor may be retrieved from another direction, such as a direction opposite from which the anchor was set.

1 . A device for facilitating retrieval of a marine anchor that is connected to an anchor rode, the device comprising:
 a) a component configured having a first attachment means for making a first connection with an anchor and having second attachment means for making a second connection with an anchor rode;   b) wherein at least one of said first attachment means and said second attachment means comprises a releasable fastening means configured to release its connection upon being subjected to an application of a force load of at least a predetermined peak force threshold, and wherein at least the other one of said first attachment means and said second attachment means is configured to retain its connection upon being subjected to said application of said force load; and   c) wherein said at least one of said first attachment means and said second attachment means that is configured to retain its connection is configured to hold a cable.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said component first attachment means is configured to connect with an aperture of an anchor. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said releasable fastening means comprises a release mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the release mechanism comprises a shearable member. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the shearable member comprises a fastener. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the releasable fastening means comprises a release pin. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the release pin has a threaded portion, and wherein a matingly threaded nut is provided to secure said component on an anchor structure. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said shearable member will shear allowing the releasable fastening means to release its connection when the component is operated under a working load that exceeds a predetermined threshold peak working load. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the one of said first attachment means and said second attachment means that is configured to retain its connection upon being subjected to said application of said force load comprises a fastener. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said component has a body structure, and wherein said releasable fastening means is provided to connect with and release from said body structure of said component. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said component has a body structure, and wherein said releasable fastening means is provided to connect with said body structure and release pin from said body structure of said component when the component is operated under a working load that exceeds a predetermined threshold peak working load. 
     
     
         12 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a reset line for facilitating orienting an anchor that is retrieved from an orientation where an end other than the shank end is the leading end. 
     
     
         27 - 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . A device for facilitating retrieval of an anchor comprising:
 a) a release bar having a body portion and a slot therein;   b) a bore disposed in the body portion of the release bar and extending through the body portion;   c) a first shackle having first arm and a second arm with apertures disposed in each arm;   d) a fastener configured for installation through the slot of said release bar for connecting the release bar to an anchor rode, said fastener comprising a second shackle having first arm and a second arm with apertures disposed in each arm, and including a bolt and a nut for securing said second shackle to an anchor rode;   e) a release pin configured with shear points, the release pin being sized for installation through said first shackle first arm aperture, said release bar through bore, and said first shackle second arm aperture to releasably secure the first shackle to said release bar;   f) a nut provided to secure the release pin to the first shackle and release bar; and   g) a cable, wherein said cable is configured with a first connecting portion at one end thereof that is securable to said component and with a second connecting portion that is securable to an anchor;   h) wherein the shear points of the release pin comprise annular grooves provided in the release pin, and wherein the annular grooves are provided so that when the release pin is installed, the annular grooves are respectively located proximate to the first shackle first arm and second arm.   
     
     
         35 . A device for facilitating the retrieval of an anchor from an underwater obstruction comprising a connector that, when subjected to a force load of a predetermined peak force threshold, actuates to change the point of retrieval that an anchor rode makes with the anchor, wherein said connector includes a first component having a releasable securing mechanism and wherein said device includes a cable, wherein said cable is configured with a first connecting portion at one end thereof that is securable to said component and with a second connecting portion that is securable to an anchor. 
     
     
         36 . An anchor having a releasable feature that includes the device of  claim 34 . 
     
     
         37 . A kit providing an anchor and improved release mechanism, the kit comprising:
 a) an anchor;   b) the device of  claim 39 .   
     
     
         38 . The kit of  claim 37 , wherein said kit further comprises a plurality of shearable members having different force shearing thresholds, and wherein said releasable fastening means comprises a shearable member is selected from said plurality of shearable members. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 1 , further including a cable, wherein said cable is configured with a first connecting portion at one end thereof that is securable to said component and with a second connecting portion that is securable to an anchor. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 39 , wherein said first cable connecting portion comprises a loop and wherein said loop is arranged to be releasably held by said component at a location at the anchor shank end, wherein, when an applied force load is below the release threshold, the cable provides a first point of retrieval from the anchor shank end and wherein, when the applied force load applied is at least said predetermined peak force load, the cable provides an alternate point of retrieval. 
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said component comprises a release bar member having a body portion with a first bore therethrough and a second bore therethrough, wherein said releasable fastening means comprises a release pin configured to pass through said first bore, and wherein said release bar member has a second bore therethrough; wherein the component second attachment means is configured to pass through said second bore of said release bar member and make a connection with said anchor rode to link said release bar member with said anchor rode, said second attachment component being configured to hold said cable. 
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein said second attachment means comprises a shackle. 
     
     
         43 . A method of retrieving a marine anchor used to anchor a marine craft comprising:
 a) providing an anchor having a crown end and a shank end having a shank eye;   b) providing an anchor rode having at least one terminal end;   c) providing a cable having a first end and a second end;   d) connecting said cable second end to the crown end of the anchor;   e) providing a release bar;   providing a connector having a disengagement mechanism;   g) connecting the release bar to the shank end of an anchor with said connector having the disengagement mechanism to make a first release bar connection;   h) providing a fastening element;   i) securing with said fastening element said first cable end and said release bar and making a connection with the anchor rode to provide a second release bar connection;   j) lowering the anchor with the cable and release bar connected thereto;   k) retrieving the anchor from an obstruction by:
 i) securing the anchor rode to the marine craft; 
 ii) moving the marine craft in a direction to provide a pulling force from a direction different than a force previously applied to the anchor when in the obstructed position; 
 iii) releasing said connection between the release bar and the shank of the anchor by actuating said disengagement mechanism with said pulling force by applying a force load that exceeds the peak force threshold of said connector disengagement mechanism; 
 iv) hoisting the anchor by applying a pulling force to retrieve the anchor from the anchor crown end.