Anchor Retrieval Device

Abstract

An anchor retrieval device for vessels comprising an anchor having a first point and a second point, a chain attached to a second point of the anchor, a rope having a first end associated with the first point of the anchor and a second end releasably associated to the chain and a flotation device associated with the rope.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . An anchor retrieval device for vessels, the device comprising:
 an anchor having a first point and a second point;   a chain attached to a second point of the anchor;   a rope having a first end associated with the first point of the anchor and a second end releasably associated to the chain; and   a flotation device associated with the rope.   
     
     
         16 . An anchor retrieval device as set forth in claim  1 , wherein the floatation device comprises a buoy attached to the rope between the first end and the second end. 
     
     
         17 . An anchor retrieval device as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein the second end of the rope includes a releasable attaching device for releasably attaching the second end of the rope to the chain. 
     
     
         18 . An anchor retrieval device as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the second end of the rope includes a releasable attaching means for releasably attaching the second end of the rope to the chain. 
     
     
         19 . An anchor retrieval device as set forth  18 , wherein the releasable attaching means comprises a first element that is attached to the second end of the rope and is releasably attached to the chain, a second element moveably relatable along the chain, and coupling means between the first element and the second element. 
     
     
         20 . An anchor retrieval device as set forth in  claim 19 , wherein the first element comprises a cable having a first end attached to the rope and a second end that is releasably attached to the chain, and wherein the second element comprises a tubular device that surrounds the chain and that is movable along at least a portion of a length of said chain, the tubular device having a weight that urges it to move downward, the anchor retrieval device further comprising:
 an auxiliary rope attached to the tubular device to selectively urge the tubular device upward, wherein the auxiliary rope extends to the vessel in operation.   
     
     
         21 . An anchor retrieval device as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein the tubular device defines a housing, and wherein the coupling means comprises a cable stop retainable in the housing. 
     
     
         22 . An anchor retrieval device as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein the housing of the tubular device defines a recess in a wall of the tubular device that further defines a lower opening through which the cable is introduced therein. 
     
     
         23 . An anchor retrieval device as set forth in  claim 22 , wherein the housing defines a space therein and includes locking means for allowing an introduction of the cable in the space and prevents the cable from coming out of the space. 
     
     
         24 . An anchor retrieval device according to  claim 21 , wherein the tubular device is upwardly movable only when the cable is retained in the housing of the tubular device, and wherein the cable is detachably connected to the chain and is detachable therefrom under a force exhibited on the cable from the tubular device. 
     
     
         25 . An anchor retrieval device according to  claim 24 , wherein the tubular device is releasably comprises releasing means with respect to the chain for detaching the the tubular device from the chain when the tubular device pulls the cable. 
     
     
         26 . An anchor retrieval device according to  claim 25 , wherein the the releasing means with respect to the chain comprises a longitudinal groove defined in one of the walls of the tubular device. 
     
     
         27 . An anchor retrieval device according to  claim 20 , wherein the tubular device comprises a cylinder having a first end and a second end, and wherein the first and second ends are slanted. 
     
     
         28 . An anchor retrieval device according to  claim 26 , wherein the tubular device comprises a cylinder having a first end and a second end, and wherein the first and second ends are slanted. 
     
     
         29 . An anchor retrieval device according to  claim 20 , wherein the tubular device comprises a lead weight at an end arranged thereof that is closer to the anchor than the vessel as compares to an opposite end thereof. 
     
     
         30 . An anchor retrieval device according to  claim 15 , wherein the anchor includes a crown zone and a shank free end zone, wherein the first point of the anchor is the crown zone and the second point of the anchor is shank free end zone.