Module and system for improved retrieval of a stuck anchor

Abstract

The present disclosure falls within the area of nautical accessories, in particular accessories for retrieving anchors when they become stuck during anchoring. When, during anchoring, the anchor of a vessel gets stuck in some external element, such as rocks that may have moved and blocked the free action of the anchor, it is difficult to remove it, which in many cases leads to the vessel's owner being forced to cut the chain, only then being able to release the vessel. The described module (10) and system (100) ensure improved and efficient retrieval, by making it possible—with a single module (10) and under a mechanical action—to release a first connecting element (11).

1 . A module ( 10 ) for improved retrieval of a stuck anchor ( 101 ), the anchor ( 101 ) having a shank ( 102 ) with a first end ( 102   a ) and a second end ( 102   b ), the first end ( 102   a ) being opposite the second end ( 102   b ), and at least one arm ( 103 ) connected to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ), the module ( 10 ) being characterized in that it comprises:
 a first connecting element ( 11 ) comprising means for coupling to an external element ( 13 ) such as a chain,   a second connecting element ( 12 ) comprising coupling means to the shank ( 14 ) of the anchor ( 101 ), at the first end ( 102   a ) or at a point substantially proximate to the first end ( 102   a ),   
       the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) being coupled to each other,
 the module ( 10 ) being configured i) in such a way that, upon a mechanical action, the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) release from their coupling, thereby separating the first end ( 102   a ) of the shank ( 102 ) of the anchor ( 101 ) from the external element, when the anchor ( 101 ) and the external element are coupled to the module ( 10 ) and ii) to release the first from the second connecting element ( 12 ) when a mechanical action is performed on the first connecting element ( 11 ) in a direction substantially along the shank ( 102 ) and in a direction of the coupling means to the shank ( 14 ), and 
 the second connecting element ( 12 ) comprising attachment points for a fuse ( 16 ) which is breakable under mechanical action, the attachment points being such that, when a fuse ( 16 ) is positioned at the attachment points, the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) are fixedly connected to each other via the fuse ( 16 ). 
 
     
     
         2 . A module ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein it is additionally configured to keep the first connecting element ( 11 ) connected to the second connecting element ( 12 ) when a mechanical action is performed on the first connecting element ( 11 ) in a direction substantially along the shank ( 102 ) and in a direction opposite to the coupling means to the shank ( 14 ). 
     
     
         3 . A module ( 10 ) according to  claim 2 , wherein the second connecting element ( 12 ) comprises a rail with an opening ( 17 ) and the first connecting element ( 11 ) comprises a thickening inserted and movable in the rail, wherein:
 when a mechanical action is performed in a direction substantially along the shank ( 102 ) and in a direction of the coupling means to the shank ( 14 ), the thickening runs along the rail and passes through the opening ( 17 ), releasing the coupling point to an external element of the shank ( 102 ), and   when a mechanical action is performed in a direction substantially along the shank ( 102 ) and in a direction from the second end ( 102   b ) to the first end ( 102   a ), the thickening element runs along and remains in the rail, the coupling point for an external element of the shank ( 102 ) remaining connected.   
     
     
         4 . A module ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , further comprising a fuse ( 16 ) breakable under mechanical action, the fuse ( 16 ) being positioned at the attachment points such that the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) being fixedly connected to each other through the fuse ( 16 ), wherein, under mechanical action, the fuse ( 16 ) breaks and, as a result, the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) release from their coupling, thus separating the first end ( 102   a ) of the shank ( 102 ) of the anchor ( 101 ) from the external element, when an anchor ( 101 ) and an external element are coupled to the module ( 10 ). 
     
     
         5 . A module ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the second connecting element ( 12 ) is hingedly connectible to the shank ( 102 ) such that, when connected to the first end ( 102   a ) of the shank ( 102 ), it is capable of rotating relative to the shank ( 102 ) in a plane parallel to the shank ( 102 ) and between a point at which it is aligned or substantially aligned with the shank ( 102 ) and a point at which it is disposed transversely relative to the shank ( 102 ), the point at which it is aligned or substantially aligned with the shank ( 102 ) being reached when a mechanical action is performed on the first connecting element ( 11 ) in a direction substantially along the shank ( 102 ) and in a direction of the coupling means to the shank ( 14 ). 
     
     
         6 . A system ( 100 ) for improved retrieval of a stuck anchor ( 101 ), characterized in that it comprises
 a module ( 10 ) for improved retrieval of a stuck anchor ( 101 ), the anchor ( 101 ) having a shank ( 102 ) with a first end ( 102   a ) and a second end ( 102   b ), the first end ( 102   a ) being opposite the second end ( 102   b ), and at least one arm ( 103 ) connected to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ), and   a flexible cable ( 21 ), the flexible cable ( 21 ) having an end fixedly attached to the first connecting element ( 11 ) and a length such that an opposite end is attachable to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ) or at a point substantially proximate to the second end ( 102   a ), such that when the end of the flexible cable ( 21 ) is attached to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ) and when the first connecting element ( 11 ) is released from the second connecting element ( 12 ), an external element connected to the first connecting element ( 11 ) remains connected to the anchor ( 101 ) via the flexible cable ( 21 ), and wherein the module ( 10 ) comprises:   a first connecting element ( 11 ) comprising means for coupling to an external element ( 13 ) such as a chain,   a second connecting element ( 12 ) comprising coupling means to the shank ( 14 ) of the anchor ( 101 ), at the first end ( 102   a ) or at a point substantially proximate to the first end ( 102   a ),   the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) being coupled to each other,   the module ( 10 ) being configured i) in such a way that, upon a mechanical action, the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) release from their coupling, thereby separating the first end ( 102   a ) of the shank ( 102 ) of the anchor ( 101 ) from the external element, when the anchor ( 101 ) and the external element are coupled to the module ( 10 ) and ii) to release the first from the second connecting element ( 12 ) when a mechanical action is performed on the first connecting element ( 11 ) in a direction substantially along the shank ( 102 ) and in a direction of the coupling means to the shank ( 14 ), and   the second connecting element ( 12 ) comprising attachment points for a fuse ( 16 ) which is breakable under mechanical action, the attachment points being such that, when a fuse ( 16 ) is positioned at the attachment points, the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) are fixedly connected to each other via the fuse ( 16 ).   
     
     
         7 . A system ( 100 ) according to  claim 6 , wherein the flexible cable ( 21 ) comprises a flexible metal cable or chain, optionally a stainless steel cable. 
     
     
         8 . A system ( 100 ) according to  claim 6 , wherein it further comprises an anchor ( 101 ) with a shank ( 102 ) having a first and a second end ( 102   b ), the first end ( 102   a ) being opposite the second end ( 102   b ), and at least one arm ( 103 ) connected to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ),
 wherein the coupling means to the shank ( 14 ) of the anchor ( 101 ) of the second connecting element ( 12 ) of the module ( 10 ) are coupled at a first end ( 102   a ) or at a point substantially proximate to the first end ( 102   a ) of the shank ( 102 ) of the anchor ( 101 ).   
     
     
         9 . A system ( 100 ) according to  claim 6 , wherein it comprises a flexible main cable or chain, the flexible main cable or chain consisting of the external element and being thus coupled to the coupling means to an external element ( 13 ), and the mechanical action being transmissible to the first connecting element ( 11 ) via the flexible main cable or chain. 
     
     
         10 . A system ( 100 ) according to  claim 6 , comprising means configured for winding and/or unwinding the main cable or chain, optionally a cable reel for anchor ( 101 ), the means configured for winding and/or unwinding being capable of performing the mechanical action. 
     
     
         11 . A method for improved retrieval of a stuck anchor ( 101 ), characterized in that, in a system ( 100 ) for improved retrieval of a stuck anchor ( 101 ),
 a mechanical action is performed that releases the first connecting element ( 11 ) from the second connecting element ( 12 ), and   an external element coupled to the coupling means to an external element ( 13 ) is pulled, thereby consequently pulling the flexible cable ( 21 ) and thence pulling the anchor ( 101 ) through the second end ( 102   b ) or from a point substantially proximate to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ),   
       wherein the system comprises
 a module ( 10 ) for improved retrieval of a stuck anchor ( 101 ), the anchor ( 101 ) having a shank ( 102 ) with a first end ( 102   a ) and a second end ( 102   b ), the first end ( 102   a ) being opposite the second end ( 102   b ), and at least one arm ( 103 ) connected to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ), and 
 a flexible cable ( 21 ), the flexible cable ( 21 ) having an end fixedly attached to the first connecting element ( 11 ) and a length such that an opposite end is attachable to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ) or at a point substantially proximate to the second end ( 102   a ), 
 
       such that when the end of the flexible cable ( 21 ) is attached to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ) and when the first connecting element ( 11 ) is released from the second connecting element ( 12 ), an external element connected to the first connecting element ( 11 ) remains connected to the anchor ( 101 ) via the flexible cable ( 21 ), and wherein the module ( 10 ) comprises:
 a first connecting element ( 11 ) comprising means for coupling to an external element ( 13 ) such as a chain, 
 a second connecting element ( 12 ) comprising coupling means to the shank ( 14 ) of the anchor ( 101 ), at the first end ( 102   a ) or at a point substantially proximate to the first end ( 102   a ), 
 
       the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) being coupled to each other,
 the module ( 10 ) being configured i) in such a way that, upon a mechanical action, the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) release from their coupling, thereby separating the first end ( 102   a ) of the shank ( 102 ) of the anchor ( 101 ) from the external element, when the anchor ( 101 ) and the external element are coupled to the module ( 10 ) and ii) to release the first from the second connecting element ( 12 ) when a mechanical action is performed on the first connecting element ( 11 ) in a direction substantially along the shank ( 102 ) and in a direction of the coupling means to the shank ( 14 ), and 
 
       the second connecting element ( 12 ) comprising attachment points for a fuse ( 16 ) which is breakable under mechanical action, the attachment points being such that, when a fuse ( 16 ) is positioned at the attachment points, the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) are fixedly connected to each other via the fuse ( 16 ), and 
       the system further comprises an anchor ( 101 ) with a shank ( 102 ) having a first and a second end ( 102   b ), the first end ( 102   a ) being opposite the second end ( 102   b ), and at least one arm ( 103 ) connected to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ), 
       wherein the coupling means to the shank ( 14 ) of the anchor ( 101 ) of the second connecting element ( 12 ) of the module ( 10 ) are coupled at a first end ( 102   a ) or at a point substantially proximate to the first end ( 102   a ) of the shank ( 102 ) of the anchor ( 101 ). 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein, the second connecting element ( 12 ) of the module of the system is hingedly connectible to the shank ( 102 ) such that, when connected to the first end ( 102   a ) of the shank ( 102 ), it is capable of rotating relative to the shank ( 102 ) in a plane parallel to the shank ( 102 ) and between a point at which it is aligned or substantially aligned with the shank ( 102 ) and a point at which it is disposed transversely relative to the shank ( 102 ), the point at which it is aligned or substantially aligned with the shank ( 102 ) being reached when a mechanical action is performed on the first connecting element ( 11 ) in a direction substantially along the shank ( 102 ) and in a direction of the coupling means to the shank ( 14 ) the method further comprising the step, under a performed mechanical action, of breaking the fuse ( 16 ) and thereby releasing the first connecting element ( 11 ) from the second connecting element ( 12 ). 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein it further comprises the step of moving a vessel attached to the anchor ( 101 ) by means of an external element such as a flexible main cable or chain, or to a position wherein pulling the main cable or chain causes a mechanical action to be performed on the first connecting element ( 11 ) in a direction substantially along the shank ( 102 ) and in a direction of the coupling means to the shank ( 14 ). 
     
     
         14 . A vessel, such as a boat, characterized in that it comprises a system ( 100 ) for improved retrieval of a stuck anchor ( 101 ), the system comprising
 a module ( 10 ) for improved retrieval of a stuck anchor ( 101 ), the anchor ( 101 ) having a shank ( 102 ) with a first end ( 102   a ) and a second end ( 102   b ), the first end ( 102   a ) being opposite the second end ( 102   b ), and at least one arm ( 103 ) connected to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ), and   a flexible cable ( 21 ), the flexible cable ( 21 ) having an end fixedly attached to the first connecting element ( 11 ) and a length such that an opposite end is attachable to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ) or at a point substantially proximate to the second end ( 102   a ),   
       such that when the end of the flexible cable ( 21 ) is attached to the second end ( 102   b ) of the shank ( 102 ) and when the first connecting element ( 11 ) is released from the second connecting element ( 12 ), an external element connected to the first connecting element ( 11 ) remains connected to the anchor ( 101 ) via the flexible cable ( 21 ), and wherein the module ( 10 ) comprises:
 a first connecting element ( 11 ) comprising means for coupling to an external element ( 13 ) such as a chain, 
 a second connecting element ( 12 ) comprising coupling means to the shank ( 14 ) of the anchor ( 101 ), at the first end ( 102   a ) or at a point substantially proximate to the first end ( 102   a ), 
 
       the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) being coupled to each other,
 the module ( 10 ) being configured i) in such a way that, upon a mechanical action, the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) release from their coupling, thereby separating the first end ( 102   a ) of the shank ( 102 ) of the anchor ( 101 ) from the external element, when the anchor ( 101 ) and the external element are coupled to the module ( 10 ) and ii) to release the first from the second connecting element ( 12 ) when a mechanical action is performed on the first connecting element ( 11 ) in a direction substantially along the shank ( 102 ) and in a direction of the coupling means to the shank ( 14 ), and 
 the second connecting element ( 12 ) comprising attachment points for a fuse ( 16 ) which is breakable under mechanical action, the attachment points being such that, when a fuse ( 16 ) is positioned at the attachment points, the first connecting element ( 11 ) and the second connecting element ( 12 ) are fixedly connected to each other via the fuse ( 16 ).