A WEIGHT DEVICE FOR AN ANCHOR LINE

Abstract

 The present invention relates to an anchor weight device comprising a weight element (1) having an upper surface (10), a holder (2) attached to the weight element and extending upwardly from the upper surface, and a wheel (3) rotatably arranged relative the holder and at a distance from the upper surface forming a space (26) for receiving an anchor line (64). The weight device comprises a shackle (4) comprising an intermediate part(42) and a first and a second leg (44, 46) extending from the intermediate part on opposite sides of the wheel and ending at a distance from the peripheral surface of the wheel, and the shackle is rotatably connected to the holder so that the shackle is rotatable between a closed position in which at least one of the legs extend between the wheel and the upper surface of the weight element to secure the anchor line housed in said space (26), and an open position in which the legs are moved away from the upper surface of the weight element so that an opening is formed between the shackle and the upper surface of the weight element to allow the anchor line to enter or leave said space.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a weight device for an anchor line that extends between a boat and an anchor.

Background of the invention

[0002] An anchor is used to connect a boat or a vessel to a sea bed or bottom of a lake in order to prevent the boat/vessel from drifting due to current or wind (figure 1). When using an anchor there is always a risk that the anchor loses its grip on the sea bed. The upward pulling forces on the anchor line from the boat may cause the anchor to loosen, whereafter the boat starts to drift. This is especially true in rough wind and weather conditions.

[0003] To overcome this problem anchor weight devices have been developed. The aim of these devices is to position the anchor line from the anchor parallel to the water bed before extending in a more upward direction towards the boat. Examples of such weight devices are disclosed in DE9301099, SE411032 and WO8102413. The more horizontal orientation of the anchor line reduces the upward pulling forces on the anchor. This reduces the risk for the anchor becoming detached from the sea bed. This also increases the possibility for the anchor to fasten again on the water bed after having been detached. Thus, anchor holding devices improve the safety of a boat.

[0004] Known weight devices may be a double anchor attached to the anchor line at a distance from each other as shown in US2008245287. Another alternative is the use of lead attached to the anchor line. Other holding devices can be attached to the anchor line prior to use. Many of these devices comprise screwing part and/or complex locking mechanisms to attach the holding device to the anchor line. DE20017299 describes a weight device with a locking mechanism that can be opened to attach the device to the anchor line.

[0005] AU731379BB2 also discloses an apparatus for assisting anchoring of boats comprising a weight having a channel for receiving an anchor line.

[0006] SE520 239 describes a mooring device comprising a holder arranged around a rotatable wheel and having two arms extending under the wheel, whereby a weight is attached to one of the arms. An opening for receiving an anchor line is defined between the wheel and the arms under the wheel. A mooring line can be attached to the holder. The holder can be opened and closed using a lock positioned on the arms under the wheel. A disadvantage with this device is that opening and closing of the device it can be troublesome. In particular when the sea is rough, and the boat is moving up and down, and it can be tricky to open and close this device.

Object and summary of the invention

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome the above problems, and to provide a simple and robust anchor weight device for holding an anchor line that extends between a boat/vessel and an anchor, which is easy to open and close.

[0008] This object is achieved by a device as defined in claim 1.

[0009] The anchor weight device comprises a weight element having an upper surface. A holder is attached to the weight element, and preferably extending upwardly from the upper surface of the weight element. The holder may extend in a direction that crosses a plane defined by the upper surface of the weight element. The anchor weight device also comprises a wheel that is rotatably arranged in relation to the holder and disposed at a distance from the upper surface of the weight element. Hereby, a first space for receiving an anchor line is formed between a peripheral surface of the wheel and the upper surface of the weight.

[0010] The anchor weight device is characterized in that the anchor weight device comprises a shackle comprising an intermediate part and a first and a second leg extending from the intermediate part on opposite sides of the wheel and ending at a distance from the peripheral surface of the wheel, and the shackle is rotatably connected to the holder so that the shackle is rotatable between a closed position in which at least one of the legs extend between the wheel and the upper surface of the weight element to secure the anchor line housed in said space, and an open position in which said at least one leg is moved away from the upper surface of the weight element so that an opening is formed between the shackle and the upper surface of the weight element to allow the anchor line to enter or leave said space.

[0011] The shackle is arranged rotatable between an open position in which an opening is formed between at least one the legs and the upper surface of the weight element, and a closed position in which the legs extend towards the weight element close the opening and by that secure the anchor line in the space.

[0012] An advantage with the invention is that the device can easily be opened and closed by simply rotating the shackle between the first and second position. In addition, it is possible to close the device at a distance from the device by simply pulling a rope attached to an upper part of the shackle.

[0013] The intention of the weight device is to change the angle of the tensile force on the anchor to an essentially horizontal tensile force instead of an essentially vertical tensile force causing the anchor to adhere better to the bottom of the sea. Further, the strain on the anchor is reduced due to a spring effect achieved by the device, which absorbs the weight of the boat, when waves and wind moves the boat up and down in relation to the anchor.

[0014] The weight device is intended to be rolled out on a stretched anchor line that extends between a boat and an anchor. Thus, the device is adapted to be slidably connected to the stretched anchor line. According to the invention, the weight device comprises a shackle that is rotatably arranged in relation to the weight element between an open position, in which an opening is formed between the shackle and the weight element to allow the stretched anchor line to enter and leave the space, and a closed position in which the opening is closed, thereby preventing the anchor line from leaving the space. Thus, the device can be slidably connected to the stretched anchor line by simply rotating the shackle between the open and closed positions.

[0015] Instead of using the holder for opening and closing the device to receive and remove the anchor line, the anchor weight device of the present invention comprises a separate shackle for this purpose. This improves convenience for the user and allows the device to be used by one person. This also reduces wear and tear of the device and allows the device to remain compact with reduced size, easy to use and store. When the shackle is in the open position relative the weigh element, it is possible to enter the anchor line into the space through the opening formed between the shackle and the upper surface of the weight device, and to remove the anchor line from the space through the opening. When the shackle in the closed position relative the weigh element, the opening is closed and the shackle, the wheel and the weight element form a closed structure with a through hole for the anchor line to pass through. The weight device is permitted to move relative the anchor line in a longitudinal direction of the anchor line when the shackle is in the closed position. However, the weight device is not permitted to be moved away from the anchor line when the shackle is in the closed position.

[0016] The anchor weight device is a simple and robust construction comprising a few parts and can be manufactured at relative low cost. The device does not comprise any complex screwing or locking means. Such means may become affected by sand or mud from the water bed, which reduces the lifetime of the device. The anchor weight device can easily be operated by one person on a vessel. Furthermore, the anchor weight device can be attached and detached on any type of anchor line, such as a chain or a rope. When the anchor weight device is not used, the device can easily be stalled in the vessel without occupying much storage room.

[0017] An anchor line is an elongated and bendable element, for example, a wire, a chain, rope, belt or string.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the invention, the shackle is arranged rotatable about an axis that extends parallel to the upper surface of the weight element. The axis may extend crosswise in relation to an upwardly extending surface of the holder. According to an embodiment of the invention, said shackle is U-shaped. A U-shaped shackle can easily be fitted around the wheel and provides for a simple and robust construction made of a few parts. Suitably, the legs are arranged in parallel.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the wheel is rotatably arranged relative the holder about an axis and the shackle is rotatably arranged relative the holder about the same axis as the wheel. Thus, the shackle and the wheel can be mounted on the same rotatable shaft. The shackle and the wheel preferably rotate independently of each other about the common axis. This embodiment simplifies the construction of the anchor weight device and allows the device to be made of only a few parts.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a locking mechanism adapted to lock the shackle in the closed position. This embodiment prevents the weight device from falling off the anchor line during use of the device. By locking the shackle in the closed position, the shackle is prevent from unintentially moving away from the upper surface of the weight element, and by that forming an opening to the space and allowing the anchor line to leave the space. The separate arranged shackle allows the locking mechanism to be provided thereon. The locking mechanism may be arranged on both the shackle and the holder together. This improves the locking of the anchor weight device and improves the convenience of the user locking the device.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a first portion provided on the holder and a second portion provided on the shackle arranged to mate with the first portion to prevent the shackle from rotating from the closed position to the open position. This locking mechanism is simple and robust. The anchor weight device can be handles by one person using one hand. The anchor weight device can be handles by one person at a distance using a line attached to the intermediate part of the shackle.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, one of the first and second portions comprises a protrusion and the other of the first and second portions comprises an indentation, whereby the protrusion is adapted to lock into the indentation. A surface of the holder facing the second leg may comprise one or more protrusions or indentations, and a surface of the second leg facing the holder may comprise one or more protrusions or indentations. Because the protrusion and indentation are adapted to be locked on each other, this simple and robust lock will hold the shackle in the closed position, thereby closing the first space and holding the anchor line in the space. Such a lock is less sensitive to sand and mud present on the water bed. The lock is easy to clean and reuse without influencing the lifetime of the anchor weight device.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate part of the shackle is provided with means for securing an elongated and preferably bendable element, such as a line or rope, to the shackle. Preferably, the weight device includes an elongated element for securing to the intermediate part of the shackle. By attaching a line to the intermediate part of the shackle, the line can be used to rotate the shackle between the open and closed position and thereby facilitating the opening and closing of the device. The user of the anchor weight device can do this from a distance and does not need to first pull the device out of the water in order to open or close the device. Thereby, the convenience for the user is improved. This embodiment also improves removing the weight device from the anchor line out of the water. Attaching the line to the device enables a person in the boat to pull the weight device towards the boat in order to remove the weight device, before the anchor is taken up. Further, the line enables a user to control the position of the weight device relative the anchor line in order to find an optimal position of the device on the anchor line.

[0024] For example, the intermediate part of the shackle is provided with a through hole adapted to receive the elongated element and enable the elongated element to be secured to the shackle. However, the intermediate part can be provided with other means for securing the elongated element, such as a protruding part, a hook, or a loop.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the weight element comprises a metal or metal alloy. The weight element can be made of materials such as brass, steel, stainless steel or an alloy of metals. Advantageously, the holder can be welded on the metal weight.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the weight element is covered with a resilient material. A resilient material that covers the surface of the weight element prevents the surfaces of the boat/vessel from being damaged by the anchor weight device.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the weight element is covered with a layer of resilient plastic or rubber.

[0028] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a second weight element having an upper surface adapted to fit to a bottom surface of a first weight element, and an attachment unit configured to removably attach the second weight element to the first weight element. The device may comprises two or more extra weight element, which can be attached to the first device in order to increase the weight of the device. This embodiment enables the weight of the anchor weight device to be adapted to the size of the boat, the weather conditions, etc. It is possible to add weight to the device to ensure a proper functioning of the device.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface of the first weight element and the upper surface of the second weight element comprises a protrusion and an indentation respectively, whereby the protrusion is adapted to fit into the indentation. This embodiment keeps the weight elements in correct position relative each other, and prevents the weight elements from rotating relative each other.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the holder comprises a handle adapted to hold the device by a user. Operating the anchor weight device is improved if the device can be hold by a handle around which a hand of a user can be fitted.

Brief description of the drawings

[0031] The invention will now be explained more closely by the description of different embodiments of the invention and with reference to the appended figures.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view from one side of an anchor weight device according to a first embodiment of the invention in a closed position.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view from an opposite side of the embodiment of figure 1.

Fig. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the anchor weight device shown in figure 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an example of weight element.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an example of shackle.

Fig. 6 shows the anchor weight device show in in figures 1- 3 in an intermediate position.

Fig. 7 shows the anchor weight device show in in figures 1- 3 in an open position.

Fig. 8 shows a front view of the anchor weight device in the open position.

Fig. 9 shows a front view of the anchor weight device in the closed position.

Fig. 10 shows a side view of the anchor weight device in use on an anchor line.

Fig. 11 shows a boat attached to an anchor by an anchor line.

Fig. 12 shows a boat attached to an anchor by an anchor line provided with an anchor weight device according to the invention.

Fig. 13 shows a front view of an anchor weight device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0032] Figure 1 shows a perspective view from a first side of an anchor weight device according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the anchor weight device from a second side opposite the first side. Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of the anchor weight device shown in figure 1 and 2. Figures 1- 3 shows the anchor weight device in a closed position. The device comprises a weight element 1, a holder 2, a wheel 3, and a shackle 4.

[0033] Figure 4 shows an example of the weight element 1. The weight element 1 comprises an upper surface 10, four side surfaces 12 and a bottom surface 14, as shown in figure 3. The bottom surface 14 can be adapted for attachment of an additional weight element to the bottom surface in order to increase the weight of the weight device. In this embodiment, the weight element is provided with an opening 18 for receiving the holder 2, and a threaded through hole 19 receiving a bolt for attaching an additional weight element, as shown in figure 4.

[0034] The holder 2 is preferably made of a material resistant to corrosion, for example, acid-proof steel. The holder 2 is attached to the weight element 1. The holder may be welded to the weight element. The holder 2 extends upwardly from the upper surface 10 of the weight element 1, as shown in figure 1. In this embodiment, the holder 2 extends through the opening 18 of the weight element 1 and is attached to the bottom side 14 of the weight element, for example, by welding. Alternatively, the holder and the weight element may be manufactured from one piece of metal. One end of the holder 2 may be shaped in the form of a handle 22. The weight element is made of a heavy material that preferably is resistant to corrosion, such an acid resistant metal or metal alloy, for example, acid-proof steel. Optionally, the weight element, or at least the side surfaces 12 and the bottom surface 14, is covered with resilient material, such as plastic or rubber, in order to avoid scratching a (gel) coat on the boat. As shown in figure 3, the weight element 1 includes a solid core 15 made of a heavy material and a layer 16 of a resilient material surrounding the core 15. In this embodiment, the thickness of the layer 16 is larger on the bottom surface 14 than on the other surfaces 12, 10. For example, the thickness of the layer 16 on the bottom surface 14 is between 5 and 15 mm, and typically about 10 mm, and the thickness of the layer 16 is on the other surfaces 10, 12 is between 1 and 4 mm and typically about 1 mm.

[0035] The wheel 3 is rotatably arranged in relation to the holder 2 on an axis 24, as shown in figure 3. The axis 24 extends parallel to the upper surface 10 of the weight element 1. The wheel 3 is disposed at a distance from the upper surface 10 of the weight element 1, such that a space 26 for receiving an anchor line is formed between a peripheral surface 28 of the wheel 3 and the upper surface 10 of the weight element. The peripheral surface 28 of the wheel may be concavely shaped and adapted for rolling over an anchor line, such as a rope or a chain. The wheel may be made of plastic or metal, preferably a material resistant to corrosion, for example, acid-proof steel.

[0036] The shackle 4 is connected to the holder 2 and positioned adjacent to at least on side of the wheel 3. The shackle may comprise one a first leg 44 positioned on a side of the wheel opposite the side where the wheel is attached to the holder. The shackle is rotatably arranged relative the holder and relative the weight element 1. Suitably, the shackle 4 is rotatable about the same axis 24 as the wheel 3. The shackle 4 may be mounted on the same rotational shaft 58 as the wheel 3. The shackle 4 and the wheel 3 preferably rotate independent around the axis 24.

[0037] Figure 5 shows an example of the shackle 4. The shackle may be U-shaped and comprises an intermediate part 42, a first leg 44 and a second leg 46, whereby the legs extend from the intermediate part 42 on opposite sides of the wheel 3, as show in in figure 3. The first leg 44 extends on the side of the wheel 3 that is furthest away from the holder 2. The second leg extends between the holder 2 and the wheel 3. In this embodiment, the first leg and the second leg have the same length. However, the length of the second leg 46 may be shorter than the length of the first leg 44. A second space 30 is formed between the intermediate part 42 of the shackle and the peripheral surface 28 of the wheel, as shown in figure 3.

[0038] At least the first leg 44 is preferably terminate at a distance from the peripheral surface 28 of the wheel. In this embodiment, both legs 44, 46 terminates or ends at a distance from the peripheral surface 28 of the wheel. At least the first leg 44 preferably ends at or in a close vicinity of the upper surface 10 of the weight element when the device is in the closed position. The distance between the first leg 44 and the upper surface 10 of the weight element, when the device is in the closed position, should be significantly less than the diameter of an anchor line, for example, the distance is less than 5 mm. The distance between the end of the first leg and the upper surface of the weight element should be small enough to hold the anchor line in the space 26. As seen from the figures 1 - 3, the outer ends of the legs 44, 46 terminate in a close vicinity of the upper surface 10 of the weight element when the device is in a closed position. The outer ends of the legs 44, 46 may end in contact with the upper surface 10 of the weight element, as shown in figure 1 and 2, or the outer ends of the legs 44, 46 may end a short distance from the upper surface 10 of the weight element, as shown in figure 3.

[0039] The intermediate part 42 of the shackle may comprise a through hole 48 adapted to receive a rope or line. The rope extends from the boat to the shackle on the anchor weight. The rope can be used to open and close the shackle by pulling the rope.

[0040] The shackle 4 is arranged to rotate between an open position and a closed position, as shown in figures 2, 6 and 7. Suitably, the anchorweight device comprise a locking mechanism adapted to lock the shackle 4 in the closed position. The locking mechanism prevents the shackle from unintentially moving away from the upper surface 10 of the weight element and forming an opening in the space 26 that houses the anchor line. That way, the locking mechanism prevents the weight device from falling off the anchor line during use of the device. Any type of lock may be used to lock the shackle into a closed position. Preferably, the second leg 46 of the shackle is locked on the holder 2. An example of a locking mechanism 52 is shown in figure 1. The locking mechanism 52 comprises a first portion 54 provided on the holder 2 and a second portion 56 provided on the shackle 2, arranged to mate with the first portion 54 to prevent the shackle 4 from rotating from the closed position to the open position. The first portion 54 may be a protrusion and the second portion 56 may be an indentation, or vice versa. The protrusion may be shaped as a hook adapted to hook the indentation, as shown in figure 1. This locking mechanism is simple and robust. Alternatively, a surface of the holder facing the second leg 46 may comprise one or more protrusion and the surface of the second leg facing the holder may comprise one or more indentations, whereby the protrusions are adapted to lock into the indentations. Alternatively, the surface of the second leg comprises one or more protrusions that are adapted to lock into one or more indentations present on the surface of the holder.

[0041] The weight device includes a shaft 58 defining the rotational axis 24, as show in in figure 3. The shaft 58 is connected to the holder 2. The shaft 58 may be attached to the holder by any attachment means such as welding, bolting, or screwing. In this embodiment, the shaft 58 is a hollow sleeve, and the shaft 58 is attached to the holder 2 by a fastener, which includes a pin or a bolt 60 and a cap or nut 61. The bolt 60 extends through the hollow shaft. The shaft 58 has a length corresponding to the width between the legs 44, 46 of the shackle. In this embodiment, the shaft 58 is fitted between the legs 44 and 46. The legs 44, 46 are provided with through holes 62 for receiving the bolt 60, as show in in figure 5. One end of the bolt 60 is threaded to enable the nut 61 to be attached to the bolt. The bolt 60 is passed through an opening in the holder 2, as shown in figure 1. This way, the elongated bolt form the axis 24.

[0042] After mounting the shackle 4 and the wheel 2 on the shaft 58, the nut 61 is attached to the bolt 60 to prevent the shackle and wheel from detaching from the holder. The nut may be an acorn nut. At least the end of the bolt is preferably threaded to fasten the nut on the bolt. The threads on the fastener or in the cap are preferably present over a short distance of the fastener to prevent the fastener from clamping the shackle against the wheel. Such clamping would prevent a free independent rotation of the wheel and the shackle around the axis 24.

[0043] The shackle 4, the shaft 58 and the holder 2 may be made of any material suitable for purpose of holding an anchor on a water bed. The material is preferably able to withstand the wear and tear of the environment in which it is intended to be used and may be a metal or metal alloy. As shown in figure 3, the shackle and the holder may be shaped as plates having two flat surfaces and a thickness. This allows the shackle to be conveniently aligned with the holder. This also allows for a simple and robust construction that can be manufactured at low cost.

[0044] Figure 8 shows a front view of the anchor weight device in the opened position. In the open position as shown in figure 7 and 8, the first and second legs 44, 46 are moved away from the upper surface 10 of the weight element. In the open position, the legs 44, 46 are oriented with their longitudinal axes about parallel to the upper surface 10 of the weight element. Hereby, an opening 50 is formed between a periphery of the wheel 3, the end of the first leg 44 and the upper surface 10 of the weight element to allow an anchor line 64 to enter or leave the space 26, as shown in figure 8. In an intermediate position, as shown in figure 6, the longitudinal axes of the legs are orientated at an angle between 0° and 90° in relation to the upper surface 10 of the weight element and the size of the opening 50 is reduced.

[0045] Figure 9 shows a front view of the anchor weight device in the closed position. In the closed position, the legs 44, 46 are extending towards the weight element 1 as shown in figure 1 and 9. In this position, the legs are orientated with their longitudinal axes about orthogonal to the upper surface 10 of the weight element. Hereby, the legs extend upwardly in relation to the upper surface of the weight element and substantially parallel to the direction in which the holder extends. In the closed position, the opening 50 is closed such that an anchor line 64 present in the space 26 is secured in the space.

[0046] An anchor line 64 can be positioned in the anchor weight device by turning the first leg 44 of the shackle away from the upper surface 10 of the weight element. Thereby, an opening 50 is formed between the upper surface 10 and the end of the first leg 44 to allow the anchor line to enter the space 26. Once the line is in the space 26, the first leg 44 can be rotated towards the upper surface 10 to close the opening 50. If a locking mechanism 52 is provided, the shackle 4 can be locked in the closed position.

[0047] Figure 10 shows a side view of an anchor weight device in use on an anchor line 64. A pull rope 66 is attached to the intermediate part of the shackle. The rope 66 may be used to move the weight device up and down along the anchor line.

[0048] Figure 11 shows a boat attached to an anchor by an anchor line. Figure 12 shows a boat attached to an anchor by an anchor line provided with an anchor weight device 100 according to the invention. In a first step, the anchor is attached at the end of the anchor line, and the anchor is lowered in the water and placed on the water bed at a distance from the boat, as shown in figure 11. Thereby, the anchor line extends from the boat to the anchor. The weight device is opened as shown in figure 8, and the anchor line 64 is entered in the space 26 through the opening 50. The shackle 4 is moved to the closed position, as shown in figure 9, by pulling the pull rope 66. The weight device is then positioned on the anchor line 64 such that the wheel 3 bear on the line 64, shown in figure 10. The weight device is then rolled out on the anchor line to a position between the boat and the anchor, as shown in figure 12. The distance between the anchor and the anchor weight device can be varied by changing the position of the anchor weight device on the anchor line. The position of the anchor weight device can be adjusted to the depth of the water. Adjusting the position can be done by pulling the anchor weight device up and down along the anchor line by pulling the rope 66.

[0049] When the weight device has returned to the boat, the anchor weight device can be opened by pulling the rope 66 that is attached to the shackle, thereby opening the shackle and allowing the anchor line to be removed from the space 26.

[0050] Figure 13 shows a front view of an anchor weight device according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the legs of the shackle 4b have different lengths. The second leg 46b is shorter than the first leg 44b. The weight device comprises a first weight element la and a second weight element 1b having an upper surface 10b adapted to fit to a bottom surface 14b of the first weight element. The bottom surface 14b of the first weight element is provided with an indentation 70 and the upper surface 10b of the second weight element comprises a protrusion 72 adapted to fit into the indentation 70 to prevent the weight elements from rotating relative each other. The weight device further comprises an attachment unit configured to removably attach the second weight element 1b to the first weight element 1a. The weight elements 1a-b, may for example comprise a threaded hole 19 as shown in figure 4 adapted to receive a screw 74. The indentation 70 can be used for guiding the additional weight element 1b in the correct position to receive the screw 74 through the hole 19 in the additional weight element.

Claims

1. Anchor weight device comprising:

a weight element (1) having an upper surface (10),

a holder (2) attached to the weight element and extending upwardly from the upper surface of the weight element, and

a wheel (3) rotatably arranged relative the holder and disposed at a distance from the upper surface of the weight element such that a space (26) for receiving an anchor line (64) is formed between a peripheral surface (28) of the wheel and the upper surface of the weight element, characterized in that the anchor weight device comprises a shackle comprising an intermediate part (42) and a first and a second leg (44, 46; 44b, 46b) extending from the intermediate part on opposite sides of the wheel and ending at a distance from the peripheral surface of the wheel, and the shackle is rotatably connected to the holder so that the shackle is rotatable between a closed position in which at least one of the legs (44;44b) extend between the wheel and the upper surface of the weight element to secure the anchor line housed in said space (26), and an open position in which the legs are moved away from the upper surface of the weight element so that an opening (50) is formed between the shackle and the upper surface of the weight element to allow the anchor line to enter or leave said space.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the shackle is arranged rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the upper surface (10) of the weight element.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wheel is rotatably arranged relative the holder about an axis (24) and the shackle is rotatably arranged relative the holder about the same axis (24) as the wheel.

4. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said shackle is U-shaped

5. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a locking mechanism adapted to lock the shackle in the closed position.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first portion (54) provided on the holder (2) and a second portion (56) provided on the shackle (4) arranged to mate with the first portion to prevent the shackle from rotating from the closed position to the open position.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein one of the first and second portions comprises a protrusion and the other of the first and second portions comprises an indentation, whereby the protrusion is adapted to lock into the indentation.

8. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the intermediate part (42) of the shackle is provided with means (48) for securing an elongated element to the shackle.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the means (48) for securing is a through hole (48).

10. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight element is covered with a resilient material (16).

11. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises:

- a second weight element (1b) having an upper surface (10b) adapted to fit to a bottom surface (14b) of the first mentioned weight element (1a), and

- an attachment unit configured to removably attach the second weight element to the first mentioned weight element.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the bottom surface of the first weight element and the upper surface of the second weight element comprises a protrusion (70) and an indentation (70) respectively, whereby the protrusion is adapted to fit into the indentation.

Drawing