Controlled breaking point of a cable or mooring loop and method of use thereof

Abstract

Disclosed is a mooring loop operable to secure a movable device, such as a ship connected with a mooring bitt or other fixed structure. An exemplary mooring loop includes a continuous length of rope that includes at least one loop or a plurality of loops. The length of rope defining the mooring loop includes an inner core surrounded by an outer sheath. A plurality of controlled break points are included in the length of rope, the break points enabling the length of rope to permanently elongate in response to a tension applied horizontally above a working range, the elongation being visible to the naked eye. The controlled break points are defined between split ends of the severed inner core, such that only the outer sheath is located at the controlled break points.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary arrangements relate to means for securing mooring lines to mooring posts or other fixed structures. Exemplary embodiments include a joint for manufacturing a mooring ring that elongates in a controlled manner in response to an applied force exceeding the yield strength, providing a visual indication that replacement or reinforcement is needed before separation failure. More specifically, the visual indication may appear at one or more dedicated or controlled break points. Background Technology

[0002] Mooring rings are used to attach mooring lines to fixed structures, such as mooring bollards, for vessels or other movable objects. If a mooring line is overloaded, it may break and potentially damage the vessel or other secured object. A breakage of the mooring line can also cause personal injury to people near the mooring line.

[0003] The inventors of this application previously developed mooring rings that reduce the risk of catastrophic breakage by elongating and providing a visual indication that the mooring ring has already withstood forces above its yield strength before separation. This type of mooring ring is illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 9,052,656, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0004] Mooring rings and similar fastening structures made of partially or fully unstretched fibers may benefit from improvements in splicing techniques, especially when the splicing technique is related to the ultimate breaking strength of the mooring ring. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The exemplary arrangement relates to a mooring ring that can be selectively configured to provide controlled elongation when subjected to tensile forces above the yield strength. The exemplary mooring ring also provides a selectively variable amount of elongation based on the level of applied force above the yield strength and the degree of prior elongation. The exemplary arrangement also provides a visual indication of excessive force applied before the mooring ring separates and breaks. The exemplary cable structure provides a selectively variable mooring ring breaking force at the controlled break point, based on the ratio of fiber volume to core volume in the cable sheath.

[0006] On one hand, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a mooring ring operably securing a movable device, such as a ship, to a mooring bollard or other fixed structure. An exemplary mooring ring includes a continuous cable segment comprising at least one or more loops. The cable segment defining the mooring ring includes an inner core around which an outer sheath surrounds. The cable segment includes a plurality of controlled break points. The break points allow the cable segment to permanently elongate in response to tension applied at a level above the operating range, the elongation being visible to the naked eye. The controlled break points are defined between the split ends of a severed inner core, such that only the outer sheath is located at the controlled break points.

[0007] On the other hand, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a mooring ring comprising: an outer sheath and an inner core defining a cable; a first controlled break point in the cable defined by a segmented end of the inner core within the outer sheath, wherein at the first controlled break point, the cable contains only the outer sheath and no inner core. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may also provide a ratio of outer sheath material volume to inner core material volume in the range of 1:1 to 8:1. In a particular example, this ratio is 4:1 (i.e., 80%-20%). This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may also provide a joint connecting a first end and a second end of the cable to form a continuous ring. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may also provide a location of the first controlled break point at a distance from the joint, wherein the distance of the first controlled break point from the joint is greater than 25% of the length of the continuous ring. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may also provide a plurality of loops defined by the continuous ring, wherein the plurality of loops define a first end and a second end of the mooring ring; wherein the first controlled break point is located between the first end and the second end of one of the plurality of loops. In one example, the joint is located at one of the first end and the second end of the mooring ring. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may also provide a yield strength at the first controlled rupture point, which is in the range of 50% to 90% of the yield strength of the portion of the cable surrounding the inner core along the outer sheath of the cable. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may also provide a contraction zone at the first controlled rupture point, the diameter of which decreases relative to a portion of the outer sheath surrounding the inner core when the cable is under tension. In one example, a contraction angle is present at a first segmented end of the inner core, wherein when the cable is under tension, the contraction angle engages the outer sheath with the first segmented end of the inner core.

[0008] In another embodiment, an exemplary embodiment may provide a method comprising: attaching a mooring ring having at least one loop to a fixed structure, wherein the mooring ring includes an inner core and an outer sheath; attaching a mooring line to the mooring ring; applying tension to the mooring ring via the mooring line; and stretching a controlled rupture point in the mooring ring, wherein the controlled rupture point consists only of the outer sheath, and at the controlled rupture point, the inner core is cut between the split ends such that there is no inner core at the controlled rupture point, wherein stretching the controlled rupture point is adapted to provide a visual indication of a mooring ring rupture. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may also provide: defining a first end and a second end in the mooring ring; engaging one of the first end and the second end of the mooring ring to the fixed structure; and positioning the controlled rupture point at a distance from the fixed structure between the first end and the second end such that the controlled rupture point does not contact the fixed structure. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide: contracting the controlled rupture point to create a contraction zone at the controlled rupture point when the mooring ring is under tension; defining a contraction angle of the contraction zone relative to the longitudinal axis of the ring, the controlled rupture point being located within the ring; contacting the outer sheath with a first segmented end of the severed inner core; and contacting the outer sheath with a second segmented end of the severed inner core. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide: making the yield strength of the controlled rupture point less than the yield strength of the mooring ring at a location including both the outer sheath and the inner core. In one example, this ratio is in the range of 1:1 (i.e., 50%-50%) to 8:1 (87.5%-12.5%). In a particular example, this ratio is about 4:1 (80%-20%). This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide: making the yield strength at the controlled rupture point less than the yield strength of the mooring line, the yield strength being suitable for causing the controlled rupture point to rupture prior to catastrophic rupture of the mooring line. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may also provide: stretching a second controlled rupture point in the mooring ring, wherein the second controlled rupture point is located on the side of the mooring ring opposite to the first controlled rupture point. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may also provide: setting the mooring ring after stretching the controlled rupture point indicating that the mooring ring has ruptured; and removing the mooring ring and selectively mounting a second mooring ring to a fixed structure to replace the ruptured mooring ring and coupling the second mooring ring to the mooring cable.

[0009] In another aspect, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a mooring system comprising: a mooring bollard fixedly connected to a pier; a mooring cable connected to a vessel floating near the pier; and a mooring ring defining at least one loop that couples the mooring cable to the mooring bollard, wherein the mooring ring is formed of a cable including an inner core and an outer sheath; wherein the mooring ring includes at least one controlled break point defined at a portion of the cable without an inner core but only an outer sheath, and the at least one controlled break point is located at a distance from the mooring bollard along at least one loop such that the at least one controlled break point does not contact the mooring bollard.

[0010] Various arrangements and configurations of mooring rings can be manufactured to suit specific load-bearing requirements, ultimate fracture forces, and requirements based on the principles described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the following description, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and specifically pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an exemplary mooring ring connected to a mooring bollard and mooring line of a ship or other movable vessel or equipment;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a top-left perspective view of a mooring ring system that includes multiple rings;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an exemplary cable segment used in an exemplary mooring ring section, unfolded to show the layers therein and indicate their weaving angles;

[0015] Figure 4 An exemplary joint is shown, formed in a cable segment to provide a continuous mooring loop, wherein a controlled break point is included on each lateral side of the joint;

[0016] Figure 5 This is an operational side sectional view of a portion of the mooring ring, including the controlled rupture point, when the outer sheath has elongated due to load exceeding the yield point.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a graph depicting the stress / strain curve of a cable with a balanced 1:1 (50%-50%) ratio of outer sheath material volume to inner core material volume, where the vertical axis represents exemplary pounds-force (lbf) and the horizontal axis represents elongation.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a description Figure 6 A graph of the stress / strain curves of the outer sheath or inner core at a 1:1 scale.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a graph depicting the stress / strain curve of a cable with an unbalanced 4:1 (80%-20%) ratio of outer sheath material volume to inner core material volume and at least one controlled rupture point, where the vertical axis represents exemplary pounds of force (lbf) and the horizontal axis represents elongation.

[0020] Figure 9 It is a graph depicting the stress / strain curve of a cable having a balanced 1:1 (50%-50%) ratio of outer sheath material volume to inner core material volume and at least one controlled rupture point, where the vertical axis represents exemplary pounds-force (lbf) and the horizontal axis represents elongation.

[0021] Similar reference numerals throughout the figure indicate similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1 An exemplary mooring ring, typically 10, is depicted. The exemplary mooring ring 10 consists of a continuous length of cable 26 comprising multiple loops 12. The long ends of the cable 26 are joined together at a joint 14 in a manner similar to that discussed later to form a continuous length of cable defining the ring 10. One end 20 of the exemplary mooring ring 10 is shown engaged with a mooring post 16. The mooring post 16 is fixedly connected to a dock 18 or other fixed structure. The opposite end 22 of the mooring ring 10 is shown engaged with a mooring line 24. The mooring line 24 is attached to a vessel or other ship, or other movable object. The mooring line 24 is subjected to a tension denoted as F, which keeps the mooring ring 10 taut.

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown, the exemplary mooring ring 10 comprises a continuous length of cable 26, which may be alternatively referred to herein as a cable segment. The length of the cable 26 is configured to provide sufficient length to form multiple loops 12, which may also be referred to herein as twists 12. The length of the cable 26 is connected back to itself via a joint 14. The exemplary arrangement may have a cable segment length providing a single loop 12, while other arrangements may have multiple loops 12. The number of loops 12 included in the mooring ring 10 may be determined by the yield and elongation characteristics required for the specific application in which the mooring ring will be used. Furthermore, it should be understood that mooring rings comprising one or more loops may be used in combination. In some cases, mooring rings may be used in parallel, such that multiple mooring rings extend between a mooring post or other fixed support and a single mooring line. However, in other arrangements, mooring rings may be used in series to provide the required yield and elongation characteristics.

[0024] Figure 3 A cable 26 of example length is shown, selectively radially cut at different locations to reveal the different internal components constituting the cable segment. The exemplary cable consists of multiple center yarns 28. In the exemplary arrangement, each center yarn is composed of polypropylene fibers. The fibers of the exemplary center yarn 28 provide approximately 700% elongation without separation. As used herein, the term "approximately" should be considered to include the indicated value plus or minus 500%, provided the core is equal to or greater than the outer sheath. The exemplary center yarn fibers also elongate and exhibit permanent deformation in response to tension above their yield point. In the exemplary arrangement, each center yarn comprises approximately 144 strands of 4000 denier fibers. In the exemplary arrangement, the center yarn consists of 3, 4, or 5 center yarns, each including 11 ends exposed in the transverse section, resulting in a total yarn denier of 44000 in the exemplary arrangement. Significantly, Figure 3 An example with three center yarns 28 is depicted, but it should be understood that four or five center yarns or more are possible. Each center yarn 28 in the exemplary arrangement has an S-direction twist.

[0025] Each center yarn 28 is twisted along the yarn axis in a range between 0.5 twists per inch and 1.25 twists per inch. In an exemplary arrangement, each center yarn is twisted at approximately 1 twist per inch in the S direction. In some exemplary arrangements, the center yarn may consist of TI62-1626 type 4000 denier / 144 filament polypropylene fibers available from Fiber Innovation Technologies. It should be understood, of course, that this material and configuration are exemplary and that other materials and configurations may be used in other arrangements.

[0026] The exemplary length of the cable also includes a braided core or inner core 30. The core 30 extends in a radially outward overlapping relationship with a central yarn 28 or central fiber. The exemplary inner core 30 is composed of polyester fibers with approximately 150% elongation. The exemplary braided core 30 consists of 24 700-denier yarns with a total yarn denier of 16,800. In some exemplary arrangements, the 150% elongated polyester fiber may be a 1KE45-132C type, 700-denier / 144 filament polyester fiber material, which is available from Providence Yarn Company. Of course, the use of this material is exemplary and other materials may be used in other arrangements.

[0027] In the exemplary arrangement, each yarn included in core 30 is twisted in the S direction. Each yarn in core 30 is twisted in the range of 0.25 twists per inch to 1.25 twists per inch. In the exemplary arrangement, each yarn in the core is twisted in the S direction at approximately 0.75 twists per inch. It should be understood, of course, that this configuration is exemplary and other twisting configurations may be used in other arrangements.

[0028] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The exemplary core 30 is composed of 150% elongated polyester yarn having a braid angle C relative to the central longitudinal axis 32 of the cable segment. Angle C ranges from 30° to 60°. In the exemplary arrangement shown, angle C is approximately 45°. As discussed later, other exemplary arrangements may include multiple braided core structures composed of different materials and braid angles, depending on the specific desired characteristics of a particular mooring ring.

[0029] In an exemplary arrangement, the mooring ring includes a cable segment comprising an outer sheath 34. In this exemplary arrangement, the outer sheath is composed of 150% elongated fibers braided in the same manner as the braided core 30. An exemplary yarn of the outer sheath 34 consists of 96 700-denier polyester yarns with a total yarn denier of 67,200. It should be understood that this material is exemplary and other materials may be used in other arrangements.

[0030] Furthermore, in the exemplary arrangement, each yarn of the outer sheath has an S-direction twist. The S-direction twist ranges from approximately 0.15 twists per inch to approximately 1.0 twists per inch. An exemplary embodiment includes an S-direction twist of approximately 0.5 twists per inch per yarn. It should be understood, of course, that this arrangement is exemplary.

[0031] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The outer sheath 34 has a braid angle J ranging from about 15° to about 45° relative to the cable segment axis 32. In the exemplary arrangement, the braid angle of the sheath 34 is about 30°. It should be understood, of course, that this arrangement is exemplary and other arrangements may be used in other arrangements. In a particular example, it is advantageous for the braid angle J of the outer sheath 34 to be smaller than the braid angle C of the inner core 30. For example, when the braid angle C of the inner core 30 is about 45 degrees, the braid angle J of the outer sheath 34 is about 30 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 32.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the cable segment used in the mooring ring 10, the outer sheath 34 is configured to provide approximately 80% of the cable's total load-bearing strength. The core 30 is configured to provide approximately 20% of the cable's total load-bearing strength. Additionally, as previously described, in the exemplary arrangement, all yarns, including those in the braided core and braided sheath, are twisted in the same twisting direction. Therefore, as the braid of each of the core 30 and sheath 34 is formed on the braiding machine, half of the yarns become tightly twisted due to the braiding process, while the other half are either untwisted or loosely twisted. The untwisted or loosely twisted yarns are more parallel to the axis 32 during the braiding process and will begin to elongate earlier with increasing load, starting to elongate under forces above the yield point of the multiple parallel fibers. While a force at a level that permanently elongates the lower-twist fibers is applied, the higher-twist fibers do not begin to elongate. In the exemplary arrangement, this results in the lower-twist fibers elongating and then breaking earlier, and the total load force being lower than that of the higher-twist fibers. Therefore, the fibers in the sheath 34 and core 30 reach maximum elongation and break at different times under loads exceeding the yield strength, which, together with the center yarn that provides greater elongation before separation, avoids breakage that would lead to cable segment separation.

[0033] Furthermore, it should be understood that in the exemplary arrangement, the braid angle J of the yarn in the outer sheath 34 is smaller than the braid angle C of the yarn contained in the core 30. Therefore, the yarn contained in the sheath 34 is closer to the direction parallel to axis 32 and begins to yield and elongate earlier than the fibers in the yarn containing the core. This is because the larger braid angle C in the core 30 does not unravel and become parallel to axis 32 as quickly as the applied tension increases. Due to the smaller braid angle J in the sheath 34, the fibers in the sheath elongate first and break through the braided fibers in the core 30 earlier by separation. In the exemplary arrangement, the fibers of the core 30 remain intact to stretch and dissipate tension during loading of a load above the initial yield point.

[0034] Of course, it should be understood that these configurations providing the load resistance and elongation capacity of the exemplary cable arrangement are just one of many arrangements that can be provided in the cable segment used to form the mooring ring 10, and in other arrangements, other configurations can be used to provide different resistance and elongation characteristics.

[0035] Figure 4 The formation and configuration of an exemplary joint 14 for forming a continuous cable length 26 of a mooring loop 10 in an exemplary arrangement are depicted. In the exemplary arrangement, the ends 36 and 38 of the cable are arranged in a contiguous adjacent relationship. An outer sheath 34 on each end is tucked back into itself. During the formation of the joint 14, the sheath 34 of end 36 is inserted into the sheath 34 of end 38. The sheath 34 of end 38 is inserted into the sheath 34 of end 36. This insertion is used to form a cross-shaped end-to-end tuck joint 14. The tuck joint connects the sheaths of ends 36 and 38. However, in the exemplary arrangement, the braided core portion 30 located below the spliced ​​sheath portion remains separated. The separation or gap in the core 30 located below the joint 14 provides a potential controlled break point in the exemplary arrangement, which can be used in conjunction with other controlled break points 40 discussed later.

[0036] In the exemplary arrangement, the joint 14 of the mooring ring is preferably positioned at the end, engaging abutting the mooring post 16 during operation. This arrangement facilitates the application of substantially uniform tension on the sheath 34 on each axial side of the joint. It should be understood, of course, that this configuration is exemplary during the use of the mooring ring 10, and other configurations and orientations may be used during use for other mooring ring arrangements.

[0037] like Figure 4 and Figure 5The cable 26, an exemplary length included in the mooring ring 10, as depicted herein, includes at least one controlled break point 40. In the exemplary arrangement, the break point 40 is formed by cutting the core 30 and the central yarn 28 within the cable segment 26. In this exemplary arrangement, the braided yarns included in the outer sheath 34 remain continuous and are not cut. The exemplary controlled break point 40 provides a region along the length of the cable 26 where the core 30 initially does not provide resistance to the tensile forces applied to the cable. Instead, in the region of the controlled break point 40, the forces applied to the length of the cable in the mooring ring are entirely resisted and borne by the braided outer sheath 34. Thus, when forces above the level at which the sheath begins to yield are applied to the length of the cable 26, the sheath will initially elongate and the core 30 will not function to resist such elongation. Due to this exemplary configuration, the length of the cable will begin to yield and elongate at forces below those that would cause the cable to yield and elongate if both the core 30 and the outer sheath 34 were continuous.

[0038] In an exemplary arrangement, a pair of controlled break points 40 are located within a loop 12 of the cable including the connector 14. In this exemplary arrangement, the break points 40 are located equidistant from the connector 14 and on opposite sides of the connector 14. In this exemplary arrangement, each break point 40 is located at a distance from the central axis of the cable, so that when the connector 14 at the end 20 of the loop engages with the mooring post 16 and the opposite end 22 of the loop engages with the mooring cable 24 or other load, the break point 40 will typically be located within a portion of the cable extending in a roughly parallel relationship. This is due to… Figure 1 The break point 40 is indicated by the dashed line.

[0039] When multiple loops of ring 10 are arranged, the total length of ring 10 is defined by the straight-line distance from end 20 to end 22. To provide sufficient clearance with the mooring post 16, an exemplary embodiment positions the controlled break point at a distance from the end engaging with the mooring post 16. For example, if... Figure 1 If the first end 20 is engaged with the mooring post, the controlled break point 40 can be located at a distance from the first end 20 greater than 25% of the loop length (measured between end 20 and end 22). Figure 1 As shown, this ensures that the controlled break point 40 is spaced apart from the bollard 16 when under tension. This allows the operator to perform proper visual inspection and ensure that frictional interference with the bollard does not interfere with the function of the controlled break point. In the exemplary arrangement, positioning the break point at a sufficient distance from the joint 14 helps ensure that the outer sheath 34, which covers the corresponding break point 40, will not be in a compressive engagement with the outer surface of the bollard. When the cable in the loop is subjected to tension exceeding the sheath's yield strength level, this helps ensure that the outer sheath covering at least one break point 40 will begin to elongate. Of course, this method is exemplary, and other methods, as discussed later, can be used in other arrangements.

[0040] Figure 5 An exemplary arrangement is depicted in which the elongation of the outer sheath 34, which overlaps with the break point 40, is operable to result in the formation of a contraction zone 42 between the cut core ends 44. In this exemplary arrangement, the contraction zone 4 in the outer sheath 34 created by the elongation is operable to apply a radially inward contraction force, denoted as T, to each cut core end 44 and the portion of the core 30 immediately adjacent to it at the lateral end defining the contraction zone 42. This results in the braided outer sheath in the contraction zone having a smaller inner diameter and tightening to and securely engaging the core 30 adjacent to the cut core end. The tightening and secure engagement of the cut end of the adjacent core 30 with the core 30, which occurs after the elongation of the outer sheath 34 in the contraction zone 42, results in the core 30 being securely engaged with the sheath on each lateral side of the contraction zone 42. Therefore, further elongation of the cable segment beyond the length of the core 30 securely engaged by the contracted sheath beyond the adjacent cut core end 44 is limited by the strength of the core. Therefore, based on the characteristics of the sheath at the elongated contraction level and the characteristics of the braided core 30, further elongation in the region of the break point in response to increased force is prevented in a controlled manner. It is also understood that, in the exemplary arrangement, the initial gap length between the cut ends of the core can be used to control the degree of elongation and the level of applied force resisted before the sheath tightens in the contracted region and re-engages with the core ends. Thus, selective elongation and resistance characteristics can be selectively controlled.

[0041] In the exemplary arrangement, when the mooring ring 10 is in use and the ring comprises more than one loop, the tension F will initially taut the loop. An applied force increased above the normal operating range reaches a level at which the sheath 34 will begin to elongate in the region of the controlled break point 40, which will then cause the fibers of the sheath 34 to permanently elongate. Elongation will cause the loop to begin to unfold until the sheath contracts, causing the core to re-engage in the controlled break point region; otherwise, elongation resistance begins to rise. This will result in elongation initiating at another controlled break point. The characteristic in the exemplary arrangement that the applied force causing the fibers of the sheath including the ring to elongate is lower than the force that would cause the ring to break and separate prevents a single, instantaneous breakage when the ring is pulled to its final separation point.

[0042] In the exemplary arrangement, the central yarn has a much higher elongation capacity before breakage and is also capable of dissipating forces, which reduces the risk of instantaneous separation breakage. The construction, including numerous controlled breakage points and elongation capacity, also allows the exemplary mooring ring to visually indicate when it has experienced the level of force at which yielding occurs. The indication that the mooring ring has elongated allows the user to take steps to strengthen the engagement between the vessel or other movable equipment and the mooring bollard or other fixed structure by using another mooring ring, additional cable, or other securing methods, while the mooring ring remains within a safe elongation range and before any separation breakage occurs. In some exemplary arrangements, suitable coloring, marking, applied visible markings, additional signs, sensors, or other methods can be used to give a visual indication or other type of indication that the mooring ring has experienced or has been elongated due to the application of forces above a set level. Furthermore, it should be understood that the area adjacent to the cable segments at ends 20, 22 may have a covered sheath, protective layer, or other covering to minimize wear due to moving contact with the mooring bollard, mooring cable, or other engagement structure. Many different methods can be employed for these purposes.

[0043] The various characteristics of the mooring ring 10 or cable segment have already been described, and additional advantages are mentioned herein. Traditionally, double-braided ropes are made by weaving one fiber with another. Double-braided ropes are typical high-performance cables used for mooring and other purposes. To obtain maximum strength from the cable, cable engineers or designers typically attempt to balance the strength of the core 30 with the strength of the sheath 34. Typically, each component has approximately 50% of the strength. In other words, approximately 50% of the cable strength comes from the sheath 34, and approximately 50% of the cable strength comes from the core 30. For example, if the cable will break at 4 tons, 2 tons of strength is provided by the core strength, and 2 tons of strength is provided by the sheath. This 50-50 distribution of sheath and core strength is common in cables to maximize strength and is a common design. This disclosure departs from this common design.

[0044] This disclosure intentionally creates weaker sections of a cable using controlled break points. It utilizes a different volume ratio between the sheath and the core to intentionally create weak sections or break points 40, which serve as indicators to identify the breakage of a mooring ring or cable segment before catastrophic failure. This disclosure discloses cable segments that break at points weaker than their normal fracture point. This disclosure uses unbalanced volume ratios (i.e., not 50-50). Specifically, the ratio of the volume of fibers in the cable sheath to the volume of fibers in the core is greater than 50-50 (i.e., 1:1). In a particular example, the ratio of the volume of fibers in the cable sheath to the volume of fibers in the core is approximately 80% to 20% (i.e., 4:1). Other ratios providing a larger fiber volume in the cable sheath relative to the volume of fibers in the core are possible. For example, the ratio could be 55% to 45% (11:9), or 60% to 40% (i.e., 3:2), or 65% to 35% (i.e., 13:7), or 70% to 30% (i.e., 7:3), or 75% to 25% (3:1), or 85% to 15% (i.e., 17:3), or 90% to 10% (i.e., 9:1). When the ratio of fiber volume in the cable sheath 34 to fiber volume in the core is 80% to 20% (i.e., 4:1), the conventional assumption would be that the strength of the cable segment would be only 80% compared to the strength of a cable excluding the strength of a deliberately cut or segmented core defined by the cut core end 44. However, an exemplary and unique aspect of this disclosure is that the outer sheath 34 material is made of stretched fibers with unique properties and is distinctly different from unstretched conventional cable fibers, which are initially strong but subsequently yield to breakage (i.e., snapping and fracture) relatively quickly. Conversely, the sheath 34 is made of fibers with linear elongation or stretch, which allows the outer sheath material, which has a larger volume ratio than the inner core, to stretch and contract onto the cut end 44 to create a contraction zone 42 to effectively clamp and secure the cut end 44, thereby forming the contraction portion of the cable 42, which has a strength equal to 80% of that of a standard cable.

[0045] If the core 30 is cut or severed to define a cut end 44, the sheath 34, based on a structure with linearly elongated fibers, is able to tighten onto the core under tension F to grip the cut end 44 of the core 30 and hold the core 30, providing sufficient strength or contraction force T through the remainder of the cable until the point where the sheath will break or fracture. In one example, when the material volume of the core 30 is 20% and the material volume of the sheath 34 is 80%, the cable will have only about 80% of its strength at the contraction zone 42 defining the intended controlled break point 40. At any other location of the cable not defined by the contraction zone 42, as long as no other controlled break point is observed at that location, the cable will have 100% of its strength. While conventional wisdom would consider this detrimental because the cable is intentionally weakened, the advantages of this disclosure overcome this conventional notion of weakening the cable to inadequacy. In particular, the sheath 34 is made of a tensile or, conversely, linearly elongated material, which allows cable manufacturers to benefit from and purposefully design cable properties that can be developed and utilized in new ways. That is, because the fibers of the outer sheath 34 are stretched or linearly elongated under tension F, the cable attempts to achieve the elongated portion under constant tension. Figures 8 to 9 (The flat portion of the curve shown). The fibers are used in a manner based on their denier. The cables disclosed herein are intended to stretch the outer sheath 34 of the cable at the yield point a and then elongate linearly under a constant tension F.

[0046] Take a cable with a denier of one million as an example. A one million denier cable will stretch when subjected to a load or tensile force, such as one ton. The magnitude of the force borne by the sheath 34 or core 30 is unknown or irrelevant in the exemplary cable. While this is important in conventional cables, it is irrelevant to the cable of this invention, as long as the force remains within the flat portion of the yield and stretch response curve of all yarns (…). Figures 8 to 9 The cable will still be stretched under a force of one ton. This is because this is the area where the cable of this disclosure is supposed to work, giving the cable manufacturer a significant advantage. Therefore, in this example, as long as the cable manufacturer has 1 million denier at full tension, the cable will work as required. However, problems arise when the cable of this disclosure, embodied as mooring ring 10, is stretched beyond its available length, which defines the alternative length, for example, three meters, because of the flat portion of the curve ( Figures 8 to 9 The mooring ring 10 has been stretched to the point where it can no longer be stretched. In this case, the mooring ring 10 must be replaced with a second mooring ring that has not yet exceeded its service life.

[0047] More specifically, Figure 6A graph depicting the stress / strain profile of a conventional cable having a 1:1 (50%-50%) balance between the volume of material in the outer sheath and the material in the inner core, and wherein the inner core is continuous (i.e., uncut), differs from this disclosure. The vertical axis represents exemplary pounds-force (lbf), and the horizontal axis represents elongation. Figure 6 As shown in the curve, when the cable is subjected to a force of approximately 1 lbf, the cable will elongate linearly. Thereafter, as the force (lbf) increases, the elongation does not increase rapidly, causing the curve to rise with increasing force (lbf), but the elongation does not increase dramatically. In this exemplary instance, the breaking point, or final yield point, is at 4 lbf, where the curve drops after yielding, indicating that the cable has broken.

[0048] Figure 7 Depicting Figure 6 The stress / strain curves of the outer sheath or inner core in a conventional cable, because the ratio is 1:1. Regarding Figure 6 The exemplary curve shown indicates that the breaking point or final yield point of a balanced double-woven fabric with a continuous core (i.e., without controlled break points) is equal to the maximum breaking force, which is shown as 4 lbf in this example. Figure 7 It is only about Figure 6 The curve of the outer sheath or inner core of the cable shown. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the outer sheath or inner core begins to elongate at 0.5 lbf because the ratio of the outer sheath to the inner core is 1:1 (50%-50%). The final yield or breaking point of the outer sheath or inner core is 2 lbf, because the total cable strength is 4 lbf when the ratio of the outer sheath to the inner core is 1:1 (50%-50%). In other words, each ratio of the outer sheath to the inner core is responsible for half of the overall cable strength.

[0049] Figures 8 to 9 Various performance response curves of an exemplary cable 26 forming a mooring ring 10 according to the present disclosure are depicted. Figure 8 It is a graph depicting the stress / strain curve of the cable 26 formed as a mooring ring 10, having an unbalanced 4:1 (80%-20%) ratio of outer sheath material volume to inner core material volume and at least one controlled rupture point 40, where the vertical axis represents exemplary pounds-force (lbf) and the horizontal axis represents elongation. About Figure 8 An exemplary curve, if the ratio is 20% core and 80% sheath, and if the yield strength is 1 lbf, then the increase beyond the yield fracture strength is an additional 1.5 lbf for the total expected fracture or final yield point of 2.5 lbf.

[0050] Figure 9Stress / strain curves were plotted for a cable 26 forming a mooring loop 10, the cable 26 having a 1:1 (50%-50%) ratio of material volume in the outer sheath to material volume in the inner core, and at least one controlled break point 40, where the vertical axis represents exemplary pounds-force (lbf) and the horizontal axis represents elongation. Since this ratio is 50% core and 50% sheath, the maximum breakage is expected to be no higher than […]. Figure 7 The breakage of the sheath alone was 2 lbf in this case.

[0051] Returning to the previous example, suppose the cable is 1 million denier. If the tensile force is 1000 pounds, the cable will become stronger when pulled or under tension because the molecular structure aligns. In effect, the cable is strengthened in a manner similar to that used in cable manufacturing. In practice, the actual operation and application of the cable of this disclosure achieves similar advantages as when yarn is manufactured in a fiber factory. The polymer affects the total strength of the cable and whether the molecules are fully aligned or oriented when fully pulled out. For example, suppose the yield strength of unstretched ordinary polyester is 0.5 g / denier. Before it is fully pulled out, the total tensile strength might be 3 g / denier. However, this disclosure has found it advantageous to provide greater strength when the cable segment embodied as a mooring ring begins to stretch. This disclosure utilizes this unique advantage to obtain fibers that begin to stretch at 0.5 g / denier and eventually yield or break at 3 g / denier, fibers that are partially stretched in their already stretched and oriented fiber factory, will begin to stretch at 1 g / denier, and will begin to break at 3 g / denier. Depending on the polymer used, one example being polyester, if it is stretched at 1 g / denier and breaks at 3 g / denier, and then fully pulled out, the breaking point will be three times that amount. Therefore, in this example, if the mooring ring is rated for 20 tons, the breaking point when fully pulled out will be three times that, or 60 tons. A mooring line used for approximately one year may only have 75 tons of strength remaining after one year of use since overloading. Therefore, as the mooring line becomes weaker over time, the purpose of the mooring ring is to act as a fuse to ensure that the tension on the mooring line never exceeds a certain point or tension that ultimately causes the mooring ring to break before the mooring line breaks.

[0052] When manifested as a mooring ring, the cable becomes stronger under tension, which provides a safety advantage. This is advantageous because if the operator is in a critical situation where they cannot let go or become weak, the mooring line may break before the mooring ring, which acts as a safety fuse, breaks. Therefore, there is a technical advantage if the break point of the mooring ring is smaller than the break point of the mooring line. In other words, there is a technical advantage when the operator can design the break point of the mooring ring to be lower and closer to the tensile point of the material. Thus, the combination and arrangement of the intended or dedicated controlled failure points 40 can be achieved. In fact, the cut or severed core 30 defined by the cut or split end 44 has a larger sheath material to core material ratio, allowing the break point of the mooring ring to be closer to the tensile point rather than ultimately breaking. For example, when 80% of the strength is in the outer sheath 34 and only 20% of the strength is in the core 30, the outer sheath will contract at the cut end 44 to the end of the core 30 to define a contraction zone 42 defined by a contraction angle A relative to the axis 32 of the cable. In one particular embodiment, the contraction angle A is less than or equal to 45 degrees. This allows designers or engineers to design or manufacture mooring rings that allow the sheath 34 to contract onto the core 30, which will provide a cable that will begin to stretch at a force of 2 psi and break at a force of 8 psi. When the core is cut, the outer sheath 34 will continue to stretch because it is under a tension of 1 psi until that force reaches 2 psi. Once the force reaches 2 psi, the point where the core and sheath are equal, the core will begin to tighten and contract onto the core at a contraction angle A. The outer sheath 34 grips / tightens the core 30 until it reaches the break point or yield point, which will be defined by the ratio of the fiber volume of the outer sheath to the fiber volume of the core. Thus, when the ratio is 80% to 20% (i.e., 4:1), the break point will be at 6.5 psi, which is 80% of the 8 psi break point of a cable formed entirely from the core and sheath of a cut portion without any defined, purposeful, controlled break point 40.

[0053] Therefore, the idea of ​​cutting the core 30 is an advantageous aspect of this disclosure, unlike aspects previously developed. Furthermore, this ratio can be any ratio that allows the designer to intentionally design a lower break point than the break point of the mooring line connected to the mooring ring. As long as the strength of the sheath is higher than the tensile point of the core, there is sufficient external force to grip the core, causing the core and sheath to come together at the contraction zone 42 to control the load. Exemplary calculations show that the volume ratio of the material constituting the outer sheath to the material constituting the inner core can be as low as 20% to 80% (1:4). Any value below this ratio may not allow the outer sheath to sufficiently impact or contract to grip / tighten the core 30. However, in practice, the volume ratio of the sheath fibers to the core fibers may be greater than or equal to 50-50 and may be less than about 95%-5% (19:1). This allows operators or designers to intentionally design a break point to match other requirements, such as the vessel's winch pull or other safety breaks in the cable, so that the mooring ring doesn't break too low to achieve another safety feature or requirement, but still breaks low enough that it doesn't have as much energy as it would have without a designated break point 40 in the mooring ring 10. Therefore, the controlled break point 40 allows for the design of the final break point without compromising or affecting the tensile properties of the entire cable segment coiled into the mooring ring 10 based on the ratio of fiber volume in the sheath to fiber volume in the core. This disclosure deviates from conventional thinking, which typically attempts to make cables as strong as possible rather than intentionally weakening them at designated points and using that weakness as an advantage or a new or useful method or instance.

[0054] For the examples of this disclosure, an exemplary advantage lies in utilizing the ability to achieve 100% yield strength and elongation, allowing for adjustment of the final breakage point while still ensuring 100% yield strength. The designer or manufacturer of the mooring ring can then create a safer mooring ring or "fuse" because the entire fuse or mooring ring will separate at a lower tension point. To further extend this advantage, the mooring ring may be coiled around the mooring post 16 and have multiple dedicated or intentional breakage points 40, with at least one breakage point 40 present in each loop of the ring 10 or at least every other loop, so that the ring 10 will first break at the dedicated breakage point 40. This allows the mooring ring to break and attempt to unfold itself relative to the mooring post 16. This effectively prevents it from simply falling off the mooring post 16 and avoids significant damage or injury risk to individuals standing nearby, effectively reducing or even eliminating rapid recovery.

[0055] Other advantages of the cable disclosed herein include unbalanced twisting in the cable. The unbalanced twisting assembly of the cable creates additional micro-break points. So when there are two twists, one clockwise and one counterclockwise, as they are woven together, they reinforce each other, and the entire rope is balanced, thus it has no twist or torque. Therefore, when the cable is woven, it tightens in one direction and loosens in the other. Thus, in each layer of the sheath, there are parallel and non-parallel fibers. This requires that portions of the cable be straightened to become parallel to the cable's straight axis before the material begins to stretch. Therefore, if some fibers tighten and some loosen during weaving, some fibers are more parallel and some are less parallel, thus creating two different levels of breakage in each layer of the manufactured cable.

[0056] Many alternative structures and arrangements can also be used to produce mooring rings that provide the ability to yield and elongate under tension at a set level. This ability can be achieved in twisted, single-strand braided, double-strand braided, or other forms of cable segments. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, a fixing arrangement comprising multiple individual mooring rings, each with a single loop or a varying number of loops, can be used in parallel or in series to provide the required fixing characteristics and safety control for forces above a set level.

[0057] In other exemplary arrangements, large variations in yarn twist can increase the number of breakage points as part of a cascading breakage mechanism and reduce the need for additional controlled breakage points. Similarly, variations in the center and core yarns can be used to create mooring loops where fibers separate to the desired level of elongation in response to a set level of applied force. For example, instead of a single core, an alternative arrangement can have multiple braided cores in an adjacent relationship, over-braided by an outer sheath. Each core can have a different braid angle ranging from approximately 10° to 50°. In exemplary arrangements, due to different braid angles and tension levels (at which the fibers become parallel to the direction of the force, elongate, and eventually break), different levels of applied force can result in different areas of breakage, leading to varying amounts of elongation in different regions of the cable segment.

[0058] In other exemplary arrangements, the controlled break point can be incorporated into a component of the mooring ring instead of by cutting the core and center yarns. For example, in some arrangements, break points can be incorporated by periodically merging break points along the length of the cable segment, cutting some, but not all, of the yarns in the braided core. In other exemplary arrangements, a controlled break point can be incorporated by cutting one or more yarns in the braided outer sheath. In some arrangements, the yarns can be periodically cut at regular intervals along the length of the cable. Furthermore, in some exemplary arrangements, subsets of the yarns in the core and subsets of the yarns in the sheath can be cut at regular periodic intervals at different longitudinal and / or circumferential locations. Such a large number of different controlled break points can be used to create multiple sets of break points to reduce the risk that the ring will completely separate and break in the event of a break. Alternatively or additionally, in such arrangements, the joint used to form the continuous ring structure may include a connection of the core component in addition to the sheath at the ends, such that the joint does not serve as a controlled break point.

[0059] In other exemplary arrangements, fibers with different elongation properties can be incorporated into a common cable segment component. For example, the core or sheath may comprise different types of yarn materials, some of which tolerate high elongation before separation, while others tolerate relatively low elongation. Incorporating such yarns with different elongation and separation properties further facilitates the establishment of multiple break points in the mooring ring, thereby avoiding the risk of the ring suffering a single break during separation.

[0060] Therefore, as can be understood, the methods described herein enable mooring rings to have a desired range of safe operating loads within which the ring resists forces exerted by mooring lines or other attachment devices without undergoing permanent elongation. Furthermore, the mooring ring can be configured to elongate in a controlled manner in response to forces exceeding the safe operating load range, within which components of the mooring ring elongate without complete breakage due to ring separation. Additionally, in exemplary arrangements, the mooring ring can provide a visual indication that it is bearing or has been bearing a load exceeding the safe operating load range, allowing the user to recognize the need to replace the mooring ring and / or take additional measures to secure the vessel or other objects if the ring is currently in use.

[0061] Additionally, the cable segment embodied in the mooring ring 10 may include or be operatively connected to sensor logic for providing another breakage indication at the controlled breakage point 40. This logic is operable to sense an impending breakage of the cable segment. The sensor logic may also provide an alarm notification of a breakage or impending breakage to an operator, depending on application-specific design requirements. The notification of a breakage or impending breakage may be transmitted by the sensor logic or other logic. The sensor logic or other logic may include a transceiver to transmit signals to a remote device that monitors the cable, particularly at the controlled breakage point 40, but also at other locations. In one embodiment, the sensor logic may be operatively communicating with or in the form of piezoelectric fibers within the cable 26. In a particular example, the piezoelectric fibers are within an outer sheath and extend across a contraction zone 42, which spans the distance between the split ends of the inner core 30 that are severed at the controlled breakage point 40. Exemplary embodiments may use piezoelectric fibers, which may or can eliminate the need for an external power source. As used herein, “logic” includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof, for performing functions or actions and / or eliciting functions or actions from another logic, method, and / or system. For example, depending on the desired application or need, logic may include software-controlled microprocessors, discrete logic similar to processors (e.g., microprocessors), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices, memory devices containing instructions, electronic devices with memory, etc. Logic may include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit elements. Logic may also be entirely embodied in software. In the case of describing multiple logics, multiple logics may be combined into a single physical logic. Similarly, in the case of describing a single logic, that single logic may be distributed among multiple physical logics. Furthermore, the logic of the various methods presented herein for implementing the system may be adapted to improvements on existing computer-centric or internet-centric technologies for monitoring and controlling cables or mooring rings for which there may be no prior analog versions. Logic may provide specific functions directly related to the structure that attempts to address and resolve some of the problems identified herein, namely, providing an indication of potential breakage of a mooring ring or mooring cable. By providing exemplary inventive concepts as specific logical structures and consistent functions of methods and systems, logic can also offer significantly more advantages in solving these problems. Furthermore, logic can provide specific computer implementation rules to improve prior art processes. The logic provided herein is not merely about collecting data, analyzing information, and displaying results. Moreover, part or all of this disclosure may rely on fundamental equations derived from specific arrangements of devices or components as described herein. Therefore, the portions of this disclosure relating to specific arrangements of components are not directed at abstract ideas. Furthermore, the teachings of this disclosure and the appended claims are not limited to the performance of well-known, routine, and conventional activities previously known in the industry.In some methods or processes of this disclosure that can incorporate certain aspects of natural phenomena, the process or method steps are new and useful additional features.

[0062] Various inventive concepts can be embodied in one or more methods, examples of which have been provided. Actions performed as part of a method can be ordered in any suitable manner. Therefore, embodiments in which actions are performed in an order different from that shown in the illustrations can be constructed, which may include performing several actions simultaneously, even if they are shown as sequential actions in the exemplary embodiments.

[0063] While various embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various other means and / or structures for performing functions and / or achieving results and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is considered within the scope of the embodiments of the invention described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary, and actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific application or the application for which the teachings of the invention are intended. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalents of the specific embodiments of the invention described herein using only conventional experimentation. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only, and that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced in ways different from those specifically described and claimed within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The embodiments of the invention disclosed herein relate to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of the invention disclosed herein, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not contradictory.

[0064] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood as control dictionary definitions, definitions incorporated by reference in other files, and / or the general meaning of the defined terms.

[0065] The articles “a” and “an” used in the specification and claims, unless expressly indicated to the contrary, shall be understood as “at least one”. The phrase “and / or” (if any) used herein in the specification and claims shall be understood to mean “any one or both” of the elements so combined, i.e., elements that exist jointly in some cases and individually in others. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” shall be interpreted in the same way, i.e., “one or more” elements so combined. Other elements may optionally be present, whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified by the “and / or” clause. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising,” a reference to “A and / or B” may in one embodiment refer only to A (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, only to B (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, both A and B (optionally including other elements), and so on. As used herein in the specification and claims, “or” shall be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” should be interpreted as inclusive, meaning it includes at least one, but also includes more than one of the listed elements, as well as optional other unlisted items. Only when the opposite term is explicitly indicated, such as “only one” or “exactly one”, or when used in the claims, “consisting of” will refer to including more than one of the listed elements. In general, when preceded by an exclusive term, the term “or” as used herein should only be interpreted as indicating an exclusive alternative (i.e., “one or the other, but not both”), such as “any,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of,” “consisting mainly of,” and when used in the claims, should have the usual meaning used in the field of patent law.

[0066] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" referring to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list referred to by the phrase "at least one," regardless of their relevance to those specifically identified elements. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently "at least one of A or B," or equivalently "at least one of A and / or B") in one embodiment may mean: at least one A, optionally including more than one A, with no B (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, it may mean: at least one B, optionally including more than one B, with no A (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, it may mean: at least one A, optionally including more than one A, and at least one B, optionally including more than one B (and optionally including other elements), etc.

[0067] When a feature or element is referred to herein as being “on” another feature or element, it may be directly on the other feature or element, or there may be intermediate features and / or elements present. Conversely, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements present. It should also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected,” “attached,” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element, or there may be intermediate features or elements present. Conversely, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly attached,” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown are applicable to other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also understand that a structure or feature referring to being “adjacent” to another feature may have overlapping portions or be located below adjacent features.

[0068] For ease of description, this document uses spatially related terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “above,” “over,” “beyond,” “back,” and “front” to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientations shown in the figures, spatially related terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, then an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both upward and downward orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatially related descriptors used herein shall be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upward,” “downward,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “transverse,” “longitudinal,” etc., are used for explanatory purposes only unless otherwise specified.

[0069] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features / elements, these features / elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context otherwise requires. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Thus, the first feature / element discussed herein may be referred to as the second feature / element, and similarly, the second feature / element discussed herein may be referred to as the first feature / element without departing from the teachings of the invention.

[0070] Examples of embodiments are implementations or examples of this disclosure. References to "an embodiment," "an example," "some embodiments," "a specific embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," or "other embodiments," etc., in the specification refer to a specific feature, structure, feature, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment, which is included at least in some embodiments of the invention, but not necessarily in all embodiments. Various occurrences of "an embodiment," "an example," "some embodiments," "a specific embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," or "other embodiments," etc., do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0071] If this specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may," "may," or "can" be included, then inclusion of that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required. If the specification or claims refer to an element "a" or "an," it does not mean that there is only one element. If the specification or claims refer to an element "another," it does not exclude the existence of more than one additional element.

[0072] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as in the examples, unless otherwise expressly stated, all figures shall be understood to begin with the word “about” or “approximately”, even if the term is not explicitly stated. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing size and / or location to indicate that the described value and / or location is within a reasonably expected range of value and / or location. For example, a numerical value may be + / - 0.1% of a specified value (or range), + / - 1% of a specified value (or range), + / - 2% of a specified value (or range), + / - 5% of a specified value (or range), + / - 10% of a specified value (or range), etc. Any numerical range described herein is intended to include all subranges contained herein.

[0073] Furthermore, the methods of this disclosure may be performed in a different order than that described herein. Therefore, the order of the methods should not be construed as a limitation unless explicitly stated otherwise. It will be appreciated that performing some steps of the method in a different order can yield similar results.

[0074] In the claims and the foregoing description, all transitional phrases, such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “consisting of,” etc., shall be understood as open-ended, meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “essentially constituting of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0075] Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described herein achieve improved operation, eliminate the difficulties encountered when using existing devices and systems, and obtain the useful results described herein.

[0076] In the preceding description, certain terms have been used for the sake of brevity, clarity, and understanding. However, this should not be interpreted as an implication of unnecessary limitations, as these terms are for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly understood. Furthermore, the descriptions and illustrations herein are provided by way of example, and new and useful arrangements and features are not limited to the exact features shown and described.

[0077] It should also be understood that features and / or relationships associated with one arrangement can be combined with features and / or relationships from another arrangement. That is, various features and / or relationships from various arrangements can be combined to produce other arrangements. The new and useful features described in this disclosure are not limited to the specific arrangements already shown and / or described.

[0078] Features, findings and principles of exemplary arrangements, their construction and operation, and the advantages and useful results obtained are described; new and useful features, devices, elements, arrangements, components, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.

[0079] Furthermore, the descriptions and illustrations of various embodiments of this disclosure are exemplary and this disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. Mooring rings, including: Define the outer sheath and inner core of the cable; A first controlled break point in the cable defined by a slit end of the inner core cut from the outer sheath, wherein at the first controlled break point, only the outer sheath exists in the cable, and the inner core is absent; and The yield strength of the first controlled rupture point is in the range of 50% to 90% of the yield strength of the cable in the portion of the cable that surrounds the inner core along the outer sheath.

2. The mooring ring as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: The ratio of the material volume of the outer sheath to the material volume of the inner core is in the range of 1:1 to 8:

1.

3. The mooring ring as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ratio is 4:

1.

4. The mooring ring as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A joint that connects the first and second ends of the cable to form a continuous loop.

5. The mooring ring as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: The location of the first controlled rupture point at a certain distance from the joint, wherein the first controlled rupture point is located between the first end and the second end of the mooring ring.

6. The mooring ring as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: A plurality of loops defined by the continuous rings, wherein the plurality of loops define a first end and a second end of the mooring ring. The first controlled rupture point is located along one of the plurality of rings between the first and second ends of the mooring ring.

7. The mooring ring as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The joint is located at the first end of the mooring ring and is adapted to contact the mooring post to ensure uniform stretching of each section of the cable extending laterally from the joint.

8. The mooring ring as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: The contraction zone at the first controlled rupture point has a reduced diameter relative to a portion of the outer sheath surrounding the inner core when the cable is under tension.

9. The mooring ring as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: The contraction angle at the first segmented end of the inner core, wherein when the cable is under tension, the contraction angle causes the outer sheath to engage with the first segmented end of the inner core.

10. The mooring ring of claim 1, further comprising: At least one central fiber, wherein the inner core covers the at least one central fiber.

11. Mooring rings, including: Define the outer sheath and inner core of the cable; A first controlled break point in the cable is defined by cutting the split end of the inner core in the outer sheath, wherein at the first controlled break point, only the outer sheath exists in the cable and the inner core is not present; and wherein the inner core is made of polyester fiber with 150% elongation.

12. Mooring rings, including: Define the outer sheath and inner core of the cable; A first controlled break point in the cable is defined by cutting the split end of the inner core in the outer sheath, wherein at the first controlled break point, only the outer sheath exists in the cable and the inner core does not exist; and the inner core consists of 24 700 denier yarns.

13. Mooring rings, including: Define the outer sheath and inner core of the cable; A first controlled break point in the cable is defined by cutting the split end of the inner core in the outer sheath, wherein at the first controlled break point, only the outer sheath exists in the cable and the inner core is not present; and the inner core comprises yarns, each yarn being twisted in the S direction at 0.25 to 1.25 twists per inch and having a braiding angle relative to the central axis in the range of 30° to 60°.

14. Mooring rings, including: Define the outer sheath and inner core of the cable; A first controlled break point in the cable is defined by cutting the split end of the inner core in the outer sheath, wherein at the first controlled break point, only the outer sheath exists in the cable and the inner core does not exist; Multiple twisted yarns forming the inner core; The multiple twisted yarns forming the outer sheath; and The multiple twisted yarns forming the inner core are twisted in the same twisting direction as the multiple yarns forming the outer sheath.

15. Mooring rings, including: Define the outer sheath and inner core of the cable; A first controlled break point in the cable is defined by cutting the split end of the inner core in the outer sheath, wherein at the first controlled break point, only the outer sheath exists in the cable and the inner core does not exist; Multiple twisted yarns forming the inner core, with a first weaving angle relative to the central axis ranging from 30° to 60°; and The second weaving angle is smaller than the first weaving angle, which is formed by multiple twisted yarns of the outer sheath.

16. The mooring ring of claim 15, wherein the multiple twisted yarns forming the outer sheath, whose second braiding angle is smaller than the first braiding angle, are adapted to break by separation earlier than the multiple twisted yarns forming the inner core.

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