Method of and apparatus for installation of plate anchors

A plate anchor comprising:

• a major plate portion having a leading edge and a trailing edge;
• a minor plate portion having a leading edge and a trailing edge;
• a hinge mechanism supporting the minor plate portion on the major plate portion with the leading edge of the minor plate portion extending adjacent the trailing edge of the major plate portion for pivotal movement between a first position wherein the minor plate portion extends parallel to the major plate portion and a second position wherein the minor plate portion is substantially angularly disposed relative to the major plate portion;
• a shank mounted on the major plate portion and extending therefrom a predetermined distance;
• and
• apparatus mounted at the distal end of the shank for securing the plate anchor to a mooring line.

A plate anchor comprising:

• a first plate member rectangular in shape and having a relatively large surface area;
• a second plate member rectangular in shape and having a relatively small surface area;
• at least one hinge securing the second plate member to the first plate member for pivotal movement between a first position wherein the second plate member extends parallel to the first plate member and a second position wherein the second plate member extends angularly relative to the first plate member;
• and
• a shank mounted on the first plate member for securing the plate anchor to a mooring line.

A method of anchor installation comprising:

• providing a first plate member having a leading edge and a trailing edge;
• providing a second plate member having a leading edge and a trailing edge;
• hingedly supporting the second plate member on the first plate member with the leading edge of the second plate member extending adjacent the trailing edge of the first plate member;
• forcing the leading edge of the first plate member downwardly into the sea floor until the plate anchor is positioned at a predetermined depth in the sea floor;
• subsequently applying an anchoring load to the first plate member;
• and
• pivoting the second plate member into an angular relationship relative to the first plate member in response to upward movement of the first plate member and thereby preventing further upward movement of the first plate member in the sea floor.