Fun Facts About Anchor Patent Art

Looking for the perfect piece to bring nautical whimsey into your home décor? Anchor wall art is history and adventure wrapped with a refined bow. Does it get any better than beauty and art wrapped in one interesting package? Patent art that reflects a wandering spirit and depicts a functional device that dates back as far as travel itself – yes, please.

The 1902 Ship’s Anchor patent art is a detailed, laser-cut, and stained wall hanging that reflects the patent granted on April 8, 1902. Meticulously etched into high-quality Baltic birch, this recreation of the drawings of the inventor, Frances Kenney of Providence, Rhode Island, is shown in exquisite detail. Anchor patent art makes the perfect addition to any office or nautical living space, anchoring the wanderer to their home and providing a glimpse into the history of travel.

What is an Anchor?

Old anchor on beach

An anchor is a device designed to keep a ship, boat, or other floating devices secure by adding weight, friction, or flukes (hooks). A sea anchor is a wooden or metal framework covered with canvas and weighted at the bottom. Modern ships are equipped with several anchors, two in the front (forward) and two aft (in the back). While older anchors were made of wrought iron, anchors are now made from forged steel.

Parts of the Anchor Patent Art

  • Shank
  • Arms
  • Flukes
  • Cable-ring
  • Stock

What is the Earliest-Known Anchor?

The Greeks are credited with the first use of iron anchors; however, other types of anchors have been used since the beginning of boating. Whether it was a basket of rocks, bags of sand, or a rudimentary log tied to vines, the anchor has evolved in appearance but always kept the same function – keep a floating vessel in place. 

How Does an Anchor Work?

Boat cleat with an anchor tied to it

An anchor works by either weight or shape. Contemporary anchors are made of metal and are made to catch the ocean floor or the floor of the body of water the craft is floating on. The shape is important as anchors must resist wind, tide, and the up-and-down movement of waves.

The anchor is attached to a ship or boat by a cable or chain and lowered to the seabed to hold the boat in a particular place using a fluke or pointed design that digs into the sea bottom. Modern designs include lighter cable or rope closer to the boat with a heavier chain attached to the anchor. The chain closer to the anchor gives added weight to help it settle.

Anchor Designs

  • Hook
  • Plow (plough)
  • Fluke (plate)

The hook design uses small flukes with heavy, narrow fluke arms to go deeply into rough seabeds. This design is the traditional view of the shape of the anchor. The older design consists of two hooks with a middle shank, making a double “J”-type design. The crossbar on this design is critical for stopping the anchor from lying flat, making it easier for the flukes to bite into the seabed.

The plow design buries itself into the seabed as force is applied. Much like the farmer’s plow, as it is dragged along, it grips deeper into the bottom surface. This shape doesn’t hold as well as modern anchors and relies on the anchor receiving enough force to dig in, making it not ideal in all situations.

The fluke design features a rotating stock, which makes all the difference. The stock rotates, which allows the flukes to move towards the bottom. It holds very well but has difficulty setting in a variety of situations, including kelp, weed seabeds, and hard sand or clay. The anchor needs to penetrate the surface of the seabed, which creates suction, which in turn generates the needed resistance to let the weight of the anchor dig in deeper and settle in. 

Why is Patent Art Important?

Anchor Patent Art

Patent applications require the submission of patent drawings to illustrate the invention. These detailed drawings show the specific embodiments of the invention, methods of carrying out the invention, and sometimes prior art to show differences between this invention and previous ones. Patent art is important because it establishes that your invention is an original concept and specifically how it is different from previous inventions, if any were available.

Does Anchor Patent Art Make a Good Gift?

For the anchor enthusiast, understanding the history of the anchor and seeing the development of the design through intricate etching is the ultimate gift. Anchor patent art also makes an ideal gift for someone who enjoys all things water-related and keeps a nautical vibe alive and well in their home décor. Perfect for a home office or in a place of prominence as a conversation starter, anchor patent art is the gift that keeps on giving through tales of times on the sea (or maybe just a story about that last cruise you took).

High-quality wood wall art is always a well-received gift. It adds elegance and class to any home décor. The intricate etching reveals new details every time it is explored. There are few gifts that are prized as highly as wood art, whether it is the first piece given or gifted with the intent to join a collection.

What Do I Look for in Wall art?

The best wall art is replicated in detailed laser-cuts in high-quality Baltic birch, recreating the drawings of the inventor in exquisite detail. In patent art, dramatic relief and highlights of the invention are seen in the stained etchings and draw the eye to the refinement and artistry of the device. Framed and ready-to-hang, wall art makes the perfect addition to any home, and the quality of the piece will be evident in the details.

Where Can I Find Quality Patent Art?

Wood Chart is a quality maker of detailed patent art etched into Baltic birch. The figures in the wall art are etched with precision and exactly replicate the drawings of the creator. The wood art arrives in a custom frame and is ready to hang, making an immediate impact on the home.


Older Post Newer Post