Shallow water anchor

Abstract

A shallow water anchor system incorporates a four-bar linkage displaceable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The four-bar linkage includes a drive arm pivotally secured at a proximal end on a first fixed pivot point, a pivot arm pivotally secured at a proximal end on a second fixed pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, and a link pivotally connected between distal ends of the drive arm and the pivot arm. A connector is secured between the drive arm and the pivot arm, and a ground spike is coupled with the link. The connector is configured to bias the ground spike downward.

1 . A shallow water anchor system comprising:
 a four-bar linkage displaceable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the four-bar linkage including a drive arm pivotally secured at a proximal end on a first fixed pivot point, a pivot arm pivotally secured at a proximal end on a second fixed pivot point spaced from the first fixed pivot point, and a link pivotally connected between distal ends of the drive arm and the pivot arm;   a telescopic connector secured between the drive arm and the pivot arm; and   a ground spike coupled with the link, the four-bar linkage maintaining an orientation of the ground spike regardless of a position of the four-bar linkage.   
     
     
         2 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 1 , wherein the telescopic connector comprises a linear actuator that is displaceable between a retracted position in which the four-bar linkage is displaced to the stowed position and an extended position in which the four-bar linkage is displaced to the deployed position. 
     
     
         3 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 2 , further comprising a gas spring connected at one end to the linear actuator and at an opposite end to one of the drive arm and the pivot arm. 
     
     
         4 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 3 , wherein the gas spring is interposed between the linear actuator and the one of the drive arm and the pivot arm. 
     
     
         5 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 1 , wherein the telescopic connector comprises a gas spring that is biased toward an extended orientation such that the four-bar linkage is biased toward the deployed position. 
     
     
         6 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 5 , wherein the four-bar linkage is displaced manually between the stowed position and the deployed position. 
     
     
         7 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 5 , further comprising a latch that secures the four-bar linkage in the stowed position. 
     
     
         8 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 1 , wherein the telescopic connector comprises a linear actuator having a distal end, the system further comprising a rigid housing fixed to one of the drive arm and the pivot arm, and a spring disposed in the rigid housing, wherein the distal end of the linear actuator engages the spring. 
     
     
         9 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 8 , wherein the rigid housing is interposed between the linear actuator and the one of the drive arm and the pivot arm. 
     
     
         10 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 9 , wherein a compression rate of the spring is constant. 
     
     
         11 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 10 , wherein the compression rate is greater in compressive force than the linear actuator. 
     
     
         12 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 9 , wherein a compression rate of the spring is progressive. 
     
     
         13 . A shallow water anchor system comprising:
 a four-bar linkage displaceable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the four-bar linkage including a drive arm pivotally secured at a proximal end on a first fixed pivot point, a pivot arm pivotally secured at a proximal end on a second fixed pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, and a link pivotally connected between distal ends of the drive arm and the pivot arm;   a connector secured between the drive arm and the pivot arm; and   a ground spike coupled with the link,   wherein the connector is configured to bias the ground spike downward.   
     
     
         14 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 13 , wherein the connector comprises a telescopic connector. 
     
     
         15 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 14 , wherein the telescopic connector comprises a linear actuator that is displaceable between a retracted position in which the four-bar linkage is displaced to the stowed position and an extended position in which the four-bar linkage is displaced to the deployed position. 
     
     
         16 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 15 , further comprising a gas spring connected at one end to the linear actuator and at an opposite end to one of the drive arm and the pivot arm. 
     
     
         17 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 16 , wherein the gas spring is interposed between the linear actuator and the one of the drive arm and the pivot arm. 
     
     
         18 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 14 , wherein the telescopic connector comprises a gas spring that is biased toward an extended orientation such that the four-bar linkage is biased toward the deployed position. 
     
     
         19 . A shallow water anchor system according to  claim 14 , wherein the telescopic connector comprises a linear actuator having a distal end, the system further comprising a rigid housing fixed to one of the drive arm and the pivot arm, and a spring disposed in the rigid housing, wherein the distal end of the linear actuator engages the spring. 
     
     
         20 . A shallow water anchor system comprising:
 a four-bar linkage displaceable between a stowed position and a deployed position;   a ground spike coupled with the four-bar linkage, the four-bar linkage maintaining an orientation of the ground spike regardless of a position of the four-bar linkage; and   a shock absorber cooperable with one of the ground spike and the four-bar linkage and configured to absorb external forces on the ground spike.