Insertable and detachable deck anchor

Abstract

A tie-down anchor for securing an object to a plank deck structure having first and second members spaced apart by a gap. The tie-down anchor includes a shaft assembly and a spring assembly. The shaft assembly includes (a) a longitudinally extending rod, (b) an anchor portion located at a first end of the longitudinally extending rod, and (c) an attachment portion at a second end of the longitudinally extending rod. The anchor portion may include a bar portion sized and shaped for engaging a lower side of the first or second member, or both. The spring assembly includes a compression spring, an upper spring retainer, and a lower spring retainer. The spring assembly is adjustable along the longitudinally extending rod, between the anchor portion and the attachment portion. By engaging the lower spring retainer with the upper side of the first member or the second member, or both, and compressing the compression spring, the bar portion of the anchor portion is pushed below the plank deck structure. Then, the shaft assembly is rotated and subsequently released. Upon installation, the tie-down anchor securely engages the plank deck, by and between the bar portion and the lower spring retainer.