Rope with adjustable elasticity, system and method of using same

Abstract

A rope (1) with adjustable elasticity, a system and a method of using the rope in a mooring system (120) for a floating object (B), the rope (1) comprising: a braided sleeve (3) extending between a first end (11) and a second end (12) of the rope (1), the braided sleeve (3) being retractable between a retracted first position and an extended second position; and at least one elastomeric fiber (20, 30) configured for urging the braided sleeve (3) towards the retracted first position wherein at least one of the at least one elastomeric fiber (20, 30) is configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve (3) such that an elastic property of the rope (1) can be adjusted.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rope with adjustable elasticity. More specifically, the present invention relates to a rope with adjustable elasticity used in a mooring system for floating objects (such as leisure boats).

[0002] The object of the present invention is to prevent a floating object from hitting, for example, the shore when in a moored position. The shore can typically be a bare rock face, a boulder by the sea, a dock, etc. If the floating object hits the shore when moored to the seabed via a counterweight element such as a grapnel anchor or an anchor and fixed to the shore, it may damage the hull or any other part of the floating object.

[0003] Hereinafter, for simplicity, the floating object will be represented as a boat.

[0004] Some boats are provided with a remotely operated winch system operably connected to an anchor. By activating such a winch system, such a boat can be pulled away from the shore to a safe distance after unloading near the shore. Being near the shore means, for example, a distance at which a person can leave the boat and move to, for example, the shore or a dock.

[0005] However, most small leisure boats are not provided with a remotely operated winch system. Therefore, a challenge is to pull a boat fixed to the shore by a rope to a safe distance away from the shore after unloading. Hereinafter, a boat at such a safe distance is represented as being in its active mooring position. Similarly, a boat near the shore will be represented hereinafter as being in its passive mooring position.

[0006] Several ways to achieve the active mooring position are known. One way is to utilize the gravity of an anchor chain arranged between the grapnel anchor (or anchor) and the end of the mooring rope. At the opposite end, the mooring rope is fixed to the boat. In the passive mooring position, the mooring cable of the assembly including the mooring rope and the anchor chain can be substantially straight, while the assembly is non - straight when in its active mooring position. Alternatively, if the grapnel anchor is operably connected to the boat by a mooring cable including only a rope, one or more counterweight elements can be fixed to the rope. Such at least one counterweight element can also be used in combination with an assembly including an anchor chain and a rope.

[0007] Utilizing the gravity of the mooring cable to bring the boat from its passive mooring position to its active mooring position can work satisfactorily in calm seas and / or in weather conditions with substantially no wind. However, when the boat in its active position is subjected to a force pushing the boat towards the shore, the mooring cable may be tensioned to a straight position, with the risk of the boat hitting the shore. Another disadvantage of using counterweight elements is that the operation of the mooring cable can be cumbersome.

[0008] Publication US2013 / 0340665 A1 discloses a cord with adjustable elasticity for use in a mooring system for floating objects. The cord includes a braided sleeve extending between a first end and a second end of the cord, the braided sleeve being telescopic between a retracted first position and an extended second position, and at least one elastomeric fiber configured to urge the braided sleeve towards the retracted first position.

[0009] Publication US 8,495,964 B1 discloses a braided anchor cord having an elastic core that occupies a major portion of the cord. The cord includes two cord segments respectively attached to each of the two ends of the core, each cord segment having a respective first portion attached to a corresponding end of the elastic core and a respective second portion extending outwardly through the braided cord and around its outer surface. US 8,495,964 B1 can be easily operated, but the boat may still be pushed against the shore when subjected to forces. To avoid the risk of the boat hitting the shore, the anchor needs to be perfectly placed on the seabed.

[0010] Publications US 5,483,911 and US 4,258,608 disclose anchor cords having some of the features disclosed in US 8,495,964 B1.

[0011] The prior art mooring cables disclosed in the above publications have a constant elasticity, which means that as long as the mooring cable is subjected to certain forces lower than the opposing forces from the boat, the mooring cable is suitable for keeping the boat at a safe distance from the shore. However, the forces from the boat depend particularly on the size of the boat (the area of the boat exposed to the wind), the mass of the boat, etc.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to remedy or reduce at least one drawback of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

[0013] This object is achieved by the features specified in the following description and the appended claims.

[0014] The present invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cord with adjustable elasticity for use in a mooring system for floating objects, the cord comprising:

[0016] a braided sleeve extending between a first end and a second end of the cord, the braided sleeve being telescopic between a retracted first position and an extended second position; and

[0017] At least one elastomeric fiber configured to urge the braided sleeve toward the retracted first position. At least one of the at least one elastomeric fibers is configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve such that the elastic properties of the rope can be adjusted.

[0018] An operator can tension the elastomeric fiber. Generally, when the braided sleeve is in its retracted first position, the elastomeric fiber is tensioned to adjust the elastic properties of the rope.

[0019] In one embodiment, the elastomeric fiber includes at least two elastomeric fibers; at least one first elastomeric fiber; and at least one second elastomeric fiber, the at least one second elastomeric fiber extending at least along a portion of the braided sleeve, wherein at least the second elastomeric fiber is configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve.

[0020] At least one first elastomeric fiber can extend along the braided sleeve between its first end and its second end. The first elastomeric fiber can be configured to urge the braided sleeve toward the retracted first position independently of the second elastomeric fiber.

[0021] One effect of adjusting the elasticity of the rope is that the rope can adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as waves, currents, and / or wind that provide a force acting toward the shore. For example, when the sea is calm and there is substantially no wind or current tending to push the boat toward the shore or in any other adverse direction (which would otherwise move the boat away from the desired position), the elastomeric fiber configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve can be in its most relaxed position, i.e., in an untensioned position. However, if the boat is moored in, for example, rough water, or inclement weather is predicted, the elastomeric fiber configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve can be tensioned such that the rope can absorb a greater force. In one embodiment, the fiber configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve is the second elastomeric fiber.

[0022] Another effect of an embodiment of a rope having adjustable elasticity that includes at least one first elastomeric fiber and at least one second elastomeric fiber is that the second elastomeric fiber can be adapted to the type of boat moored by the mooring system that includes the rope. For example, compared to a rope in a mooring system for a boat having a weight, for example, of 1 ton or greater (under the same environmental conditions), a rope having adjustable elasticity in a mooring system for a boat (or any other floating object) having a weight, for example, of 300 - 400 kg can have a relatively relaxed or even untensioned second elastomeric fiber. This adjustability of the rope gives the rope great flexibility in its range of use.

[0023] In one embodiment, the length of the cord with adjustable elasticity in the first retracted position is approximately half the length of the cord with adjustable elasticity in the second extended position. In another embodiment, the length of the cord with adjustable elasticity in the first retracted position is approximately one-third the length of the cord with adjustable elasticity in the second extended position.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second elastomeric fiber extends outside the braided sleeve at at least one of the first and second ends of the cord. The second elastomeric fiber extending outside the braided sleeve at at least one of the first and second ends of the braided sleeve has the effect that the second elastomeric fiber itself can be fixed to a clamping device arranged at the end of the braided sleeve. Thus, a part of the second elastomeric fiber can be provided with an indicator for indicating the tension degree of the second elastomeric fiber, as will be discussed below.

[0025] The second elastomeric fiber can be shorter than the cord in the first retracted position in an untensioned state. Untensioned means that the second elastomeric fiber is in its shortest axial range.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, independent of the cord in the first retracted position or in the second extended position, the second elastomeric fiber is received within the first and second ends of the cord. In such an alternative embodiment, at least one of the first and second ends of the second elastomeric fiber is operatively connected to a tension line that extends outside the braided sleeve at the first or second end of the cord. The tension line is used to adjust the tension of the second elastomeric fiber and thus the elasticity of the cord.

[0027] The cord with adjustable elasticity can be provided with an indicator for indicating the tension degree of the elastomeric fiber, which is configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve. According to an embodiment of the cord, the indicator can be presented by color, printed information, or other visual or physical indicators. Preferably, the indicator is configured to indicate the tension degree of the independently adjustable elastomeric fiber when the braided sleeve is in the first retracted position.

[0028] Preferably, the ends of the cord are provided with connecting means to facilitate connecting the cord to a mooring cable. The connecting means can generally be selected from the group consisting of an eyelet with or without a swivel and a hook.

[0029] In one embodiment, the connecting device forms part of an end cap that is fixed to at least one end of the rope. The end cap may be provided with means for fixing an elastomeric fiber, which is configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve when the independently adjustable fiber is at a desired tension. In one embodiment, each end of the rope is provided with an end cap.

[0030] In one embodiment, at least one of the at least one elastomeric fiber extends outside the braided sleeve at a first end and a second end of the braided sleeve and is releasably fixed to the braided sleeve. For example, in an embodiment where the elastomeric fiber includes at least one first elastomeric fiber and at least one second elastomeric fiber, the at least one first elastomeric fiber and the at least one second elastomeric fiber are configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve, and the tension of the at least one first elastomeric fiber can be adjusted to a desired requirement. Thus, in such an embodiment, the elasticity of the rope can be adjusted by both the at least one first elastomeric fiber and the second elastomeric fiber.

[0031] In one embodiment, where the elastomeric fiber includes at least one first elastomeric fiber and at least one second elastomeric fiber, the at least one first elastomeric fiber and the at least one second elastomeric fiber are configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve, and the at least one first elastomeric fiber is arranged to be slidable within the braided sleeve. One effect of this is that if deteriorated, the at least one first elastomeric fiber can be replaced. Another effect is that the elasticity of the rope can be adapted to the desired requirement by using a first elastomeric fiber that provides a certain elasticity suitable for the weight of, for example, a boat or any other floating object, as described above.

[0032] The rope having adjustable elasticity may be provided with an axially slidable sleeve configured to protect at least one of the first end and the second end of the rope. The slidable sleeve can slide axially between an active position and a passive position. In the active position, the slidable sleeve may be configured to protect at least a portion of any one or more elastomeric fibers that extend outside the braided sleeve at at least one of the first end and the second end of the braided sleeve. In the passive portion, the slidable sleeve is configured to expose any portion of one or more elastomeric fibers that extend outside the braided sleeve at at least one of the first end and the second end of the braided sleeve.

[0033] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a cord having adjustable elasticity according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the system further comprises a mooring cable fixed to at least a first end of the cord having adjustable elasticity. Preferably, the length of the cord having adjustable elasticity is shorter than the length of the mooring cable. In one embodiment, the length of the cord having adjustable elasticity in its extended second position is half the length of the mooring cable, preferably one third of the length of the mooring cable, or even shorter.

[0034] The mooring cable of the system may include a first mooring cable and a second mooring cable, wherein the first mooring cable has a first end fixed to the first end of the cord with adjustable elasticity, and the second mooring cable has a first end fixed to the second end of the cord with adjustable elasticity. The second mooring cable of the system may be a cord or preferably a chain, and the second mooring cable has a second end configured to be connected to a counterweight element. The counterweight element may generally be one of a hook anchor and an anchor for a temporary mooring system, or the counterweight element may be, for example, a concrete counterweight or the like for a more permanent mooring system. In such a permanent mooring system, when the system is not in use, i.e., when, for example, a ship is not connected to the system, the second end of the first mooring cable may be operably connected to the shore.

[0035] In a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of fixing a floating object by a system according to the second aspect of the present invention. The method includes:

[0036] a) Fixing a counterweight element to the second end of the second mooring cable and placing the counterweight element on the seabed;

[0037] b) Fixing the floating object at a desired distance from the shore by a land cable to allow unloading of the floating object;

[0038] c) Pulling the first mooring cable to bring the braided sleeve of the cord having adjustable elasticity to its extended second position, and when the braided sleeve is in the extended second position, fixing the first mooring cable to the floating object;

[0039] d) Slackening the land cable to allow the mooring system to pull the floating object to the shore; and

[0040] e) Fixing the land cable to the shore.

[0041] The method may further include, before step c), adjusting the elastic properties of the cord to a desired requirement. The desired requirement may generally be based on the dominant or predicted waves and / or wind, and ocean currents, as well as the weight of the floating object such as a ship.

[0042] Examples of preferred embodiments shown in the drawings are described below, where:

[0043] Figure 1 A view of a cord with adjustable elasticity according to the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 2a A cross-sectional view taken along A-A in Figure 1 is shown;

[0045] Figure 2b A cross-sectional view taken along B-B in Figure 1 is shown;

[0046] Figures 3a - 3c An embodiment of a second elastomeric fiber provided with a tension line is shown;

[0047] Figure 4a A first embodiment of the end of the cord is shown;

[0048] Figure 4b A second embodiment of the end of the cord is shown; and

[0049] Figure 5a and 5b A boat fixed to the shore by a mooring system according to the present invention is shown in a smaller scale.

[0050] Any position indication refers to the position shown in the figure.

[0051] In the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. For the sake of clarity, in some of the drawings, some elements may not have reference numerals.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are only the main drawings. The relative proportions of the individual elements may also be distorted.

[0053] In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a cord with adjustable elasticity according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cord 1 is suitable for a mooring system 120 of a floating object, such as Figure 5a and 5b the leisure boat B shown. For simplicity, the cord 1 with adjustable elasticity will also be denoted as cord 1 hereinafter.

[0054] The cord 1 includes a braided sleeve 3 extending between a first end 11 and a second end 12 of the cord. The braided sleeve 3 is telescopic between a retracted first position and an extended second position, as known for example from an elastic cord or a tow rope. The retracted first position and the extended second position respectively define the minimum operating length and the maximum operating length of the braided sleeve 3, and thus the minimum operating length and the maximum operating length of the cord 1.

[0055] In Figure 1 , the cord 1 is in an extended second position, with a portion shown as being cut away (indicated by the dash-dotted line below the section line A-A).

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the cord 1 includes a first elastomeric fiber 20 extending along the braided sleeve 3 between the first end 11 and the second end 12. The number of the first elastomeric fibers 20 is three, as Figure 2a and 2b shown. The first elastomeric fiber 20 is configured to push the braided sleeve 3 towards the retracted first position. The first elastomeric fiber 20 extends through holes 110 at each of the ends 11, 12 of the braided sleeve 3 and is fixed to a connecting device, which is in the form of a hook 40 here, via a loop 22 represented by a dotted line at the first end 11 of the braided sleeve 3. The dotted line portions of the first elastomeric fiber 20 and the loop 22 show the elastomeric fiber before moving the loop 22 onto the hook 40 in the direction of the arrow.

[0057] Figure 1 The cord 1 shown also includes a second elastomeric fiber 30, which is generally arranged at the axial central portion of the braided sleeve 3. The tension line 32 is operably connected to the second elastomeric fiber 30 by a connector 34 known per se. The tension line 32 extends to the outside of the braided sleeve 3 through a hole 110' in the first end 11 of the braided sleeve 3. At the second end 12 of the braided sleeve 3, the second elastomeric fiber 30 extends through the hole 110” and is operably fixed to the hook 40 by a loop 35, as Figure 3a and 3c best shown in.

[0058] In Figure 1 , the second elastomeric fiber 30 is in a non-tensioned state while the braided sleeve 3 is in its extended second position. In this non-tensioned state, the second elastomeric fiber 30 is within the braided sleeve 3, and the braided sleeve 3 thus protects the second elastomeric fiber 30. In Figure 1 the illustrated embodiment, when the braided sleeve 3 is in its retracted first position (not shown), the second elastomeric fiber 30 is also within the braided sleeve 3.

[0059] It should be noted that in Figure 3b the alternative embodiment shown, tension lines 32 of the type shown by the dotted line in Figure 1 are arranged at both ends of the second elastomeric fiber 30, and are shown, for example, in Figure 3a .

[0060] In Figure 1 , only the ends of the first elastomeric fiber 20 are shown, but all of the second elastomeric fibers 30 are shown by dotted lines.

[0061] Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment of the rope 1, an axially slidable sleeve 4 is provided at each of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of the rope 1. The slidable sleeve 4 can axially slide between an active position and a passive position, as indicated by the arrow S at the first end 11.

[0062] In the active position, each slidable sleeve 4 is configured to protect at least a portion of the elastomeric fibers 20, 30 (or the tension lines connected thereto) that extend outside the braided sleeve 3. In Figure 1 FIG., the second end 12 of the rope 1 is provided with a sleeve 4 in its active position. In its passive position, the slidable sleeve 4 is configured to expose a portion of the elastomeric fibers 20, 30, as shown at the first end 11 of the rope 1.

[0063] The slidable sleeve 4 can generally be made of an elastic material, such as rubber, and is configured to fit tightly with the braided sleeve 3.

[0064] Now turning to Figure 2a and 2b FIGS., which respectively show cross-sections taken along A-A and B-B in Figure 1 FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the three first elastomeric fibers 20 is received in a sleeve 24. Preferably, the sleeve 24 is flexible. One purpose of the sleeve 24 is to reduce the wear of the elastomeric fiber 20 that may abut against the inner wall of the braided sleeve. Another purpose of the sleeve 24 is to facilitate the replacement of the first elastomeric fiber 20. The replacement of the first elastomeric fiber 20 is relevant in basically two different situations. In Figure 2a and 2b FIG., the sleeve 24 is disposed inside the wall of the braided sleeve 3. However, the sleeve 24 can also be disposed within the wall of the braided sleeve 3.

[0065] The first situation is when the first elastomeric fiber 20 deteriorates, for example, due to aging or being damaged in any other way.

[0066] The second situation is when it is necessary or desirable to adjust the basic elastic properties of the rope 1 through the first elastomeric fiber 20. By providing the first elastomeric fiber 20 with a certain elasticity, the rope 1 can adapt to the weight of, for example, a boat or any other floating object, regardless of environmental conditions. The second elastomeric fiber 30 can be used to adapt the elasticity of the rope 1 to certain environmental conditions, such as waves, wind, and ocean currents. Thus, when there are basically no environmental forces that can push the boat B towards the shore, the second elastomeric fiber 30 can be in a passive non-tensioned position, and when the boat B may be subjected to such adverse environmental forces, the second elastomeric fiber 30 can be in an active tensioned position.

[0067] It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cord 1 does not include the sleeve 24. In such an embodiment, any one or more of the first elastomeric fibers 20 are disposed within or on the inner side of the wall of the braided sleeve 3, preferably on the inner side of the wall, to facilitate replacement of any of the elastomeric fibers 20.

[0068] In Figure 1 the illustrated embodiment, adjustment of the elastic properties of the cord 1 is performed by pulling the loop 36 at the end of the tension line 32 and connecting one of the first tension loop 37, the second tension loop 37', or the third tension loop 37'' to the hook 40. It should be noted that the number of tension loops can be greater than or less than the three shown. The greater the number of tensioning loops, the finer the adjustment of the elastic properties of the cord 1 is possible.

[0069] Figure 3b A configuration is shown in which a tension line 32 having tension loops 37, 37' and 37'' is operatively connected to either end of a second elastomeric fiber 30 by a connector 34.

[0070] Instead of Figure 3a and 3b the tensioning loops 37, 37' and 37'' shown in Figure 3c the tensioning line 32 may be provided with protrusions 38, 38', 38'' as shown in Figure 4b and configured to be clamped by a key lock 52 arranged, for example, in a cover 50, as shown in Figure 4b In one embodiment (not shown), each of the protrusions 38, 38', 38'' is provided with an opening such that the protrusion can be connected to the hook 40. Thus, in such an embodiment, the protrusions 38, 38', 38'' can be used for Figure 1 both the key lock 52 shown in

[0071] In yet another embodiment, the tension line 32 may be substantially smooth, without loops as shown in Figure 3a or Figure 3b protrusions as shown in Figure 3c This smooth tension line can be fixed in place, for example, by a device called a clam cleat, which is commonly used to secure cords on, for example, sailboats.

[0072] In one embodiment (not shown), the first elastomeric fiber 20 may have a construction similar to that of the second elastomeric fiber 30 shown in Figures 3a - 3c and discussed above.

[0073] It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second elastomeric fiber 30 may not have the tension line 32, but is provided with tension loops 37 or protrusions 38 spaced apart from each other by the elastomeric fiber 30 in place of the tension line 32.

[0074] In yet another embodiment (not shown), the cord 1 does not include the second elastomeric fiber 30. In such an embodiment, the elastic properties of the cord 1 are controlled by tensioning at least one of the at least one first elastomeric fiber 20.

[0075] In one embodiment, the tension of the second elastomeric fiber 30 can be adjusted by a winding device 60 fixed to the end cap 50, as Figure 4a shown. The end cap 50 is fixed to the braided sleeve 3 by a clamping device in the form of a rivet 53, as Figure 4b shown.

[0076] In Figure 4a the embodiment shown, the end of the second elastomeric fiber 30 itself is operatively connected to the reel 62 of the winding device 60. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tension line 32 is operatively connected to the reel 62. The reel 62 is operatively connected to an arm 64 for rotating the reel 62 to wind the second elastomeric fiber 30 (or the tension line 32) onto the reel 62, thereby tensioning the second elastomeric fiber 30. The arm 64 is provided with a biasing device, such as a spring (not shown), for pushing the arm 64 towards the body of the cap 50. When the longitudinal axis of the arm 64 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reel 62, the biasing device has no effect on the arm 64. The arm 64 is provided with a protrusion 67 configured to engage a recess 66 in a part of the winding device 60 such that when the protrusion 67 on the arm 64 is pushed by the biasing device to engage one of the recesses 66, rotation of the reel 62 is prevented. Other types of winding devices known per se that can be locked in a desired position and released can also be used in the cord 1.

[0077] When the protrusion 67 of the arm 64 is not engaged with the recess, i.e., in the unlocked mode, the arm 64 and thus the reel 62 can be rotated by the operator in a first direction to tension the second elastomeric fiber 30, or in the opposite second direction to release or slacken the second elastomeric fiber 30. When the winding device is in the unlocked mode, the second elastomeric fiber 30 can be completely slackened by the energy stored in the second elastomeric fiber 30, or partially slackened by the operator controlling the rotation of the arm 64. In a preferred embodiment, the winding device 60 includes a reel spring (not shown) configured to wind the elastomeric fiber 20 onto the reel 62 when the winding device 60 is in the unlocked mode.

[0078] Figure 5a and 5bFig. 0 shows a system 120 according to the present invention for mooring a vessel B to the shore, shown here as a quay Q. The system 120 includes a rope 1 with adjustable elasticity, mooring cables 122, 124, and a counterweight element, shown here as a grapnel anchor 126. The mooring cables include a first mooring cable 122 and a second mooring cable 124. The first mooring cable has a first end 11 fixed to the rope 1. A portion of the first mooring cable 122 is fixed to the vessel B. The second mooring cable 124 has a first end fixed to the second end 12 of the rope 1 and a second end connected to the grapnel anchor 126.

[0079] The second mooring cable 124 is, for example, a chain, and the first mooring cable 122 is typically a standard mooring rope.

[0080] In Figure 5a Fig. 8, the grapnel anchor 126 has been cast into the sea, for example when the vessel B is moving towards the quay Q. At the quay Q, the shore cable L has been connected to the bow of the vessel B and a bollard on the quay Q. The distance between the quay and the vessel can typically be in the range of about 0.5 - 1 meter. After securing the vessel B by means of the shore cable L, the system 120 is tensioned by pulling on the first mooring cable until the rope 1 of the system 120 is in its extended second position, i.e., the braided sleeve 3 and thus the rope 1 has its maximum length. When the braided sleeve 3 is substantially maintained in its extended second position, the first mooring cable 122 is fixed to the stern of the vessel B. In this position, the shore cable L, the vessel B, and the system 120 are at maximum tension.

[0081] In Figure 5b Fig. 13, the shore cable L has become slack, and the vessel B has been pulled away from the quay Q by the tension of the rope 1 from the system 120. In the figure, the shore cable L is shown in a tensioned state, indicating that the vessel B has been secured to the quay Q, while the rope 1 with adjustable elasticity is not in its fully retracted position.

[0082] Due to the limited length of the rope 1 relative to the mooring cables 122, 124 of the system 120, the vessel B is prevented from hitting the quay Q. Additionally, the elastic properties of the rope 1 can be easily adjusted to adapt the elasticity to the weight of the vessel B and / or the actual or expected weather conditions. Another significant advantage of the system 120 is that it is not necessary to place the grapnel anchor 126 "perfectly" on the seabed (or any other counterweight element) relative to the shore. In prior art mooring systems, where a bungee cord is directly or via a chain connected to, for example, a grapnel anchor, the grapnel anchor has to be positioned on the seabed such that the bungee cord allows the vessel to be brought close enough to the shore to allow loading and unloading of the vessel and such that the bungee cord is fully extended in that position. Placing the grapnel anchor in the perfect position on the seabed can be troublesome without knowing the depth and type of the seabed.

[0083] It should be noted that the above embodiments illustrate rather than limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those recited in the claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

Claims

1. A rope (1) with adjustable elasticity, used in a mooring system (120) for a floating object (B), the rope (1) comprising: A braided sleeve (3), extending between a first end (11) and a second end (12) of the rope (1), the braided sleeve (3) being telescopic between a retracted first position and an extended second position; And At least one elastomeric fiber (20, 30), configured to urge the braided sleeve (3) towards the retracted first position, characterized in that at least one of the at least one elastomeric fiber (20, 30) is configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve (3), such that the elastic properties of the rope (1) can be adjusted.

2. The rope (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The elastomeric fiber comprises at least two elastomeric fibers; -- At least one first elastomeric fiber (20); and -- At least one second elastomeric fiber (30), extending at least along a part of the braided sleeve (3); Wherein at least the second elastomeric fiber (30) is configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve (3).

3. The rope (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The second elastomeric fiber (30) extends to the outside of the braided sleeve (3) at at least one of the first end (11) and the second end (12) of the rope (1).

4. The rope (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The second elastomeric fiber (30) in the untensioned state is shorter than the rope (1) in the first retracted position.

5. The cord (1) according to claim 2, wherein, Independently of the rope (1) being in the retracted first position or in the extended second position, the second elastomeric fiber (30) is received within the first end (11) and the second end (12) of the rope (1), and wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the second elastomeric fiber (30) is operatively connected to a tension line (32), the tension line (32) extending to the outside of the braided sleeve (3) at the first end (11) or the second end (12) of the rope (1).

6. The rope (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rope (1) is provided with an indicator for indicating the degree of tension of the elastomeric fibers (20, 30), the elastomeric fibers being configured to be tensioned independently of the braided sleeve (3).

7. The rope (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The ends (11, 12) of the rope (1) are provided with connecting means (40) to facilitate connecting the rope to a mooring cable.

8. The cord (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The connecting means (40) forms part of an end cap (50) fixed to the end of the rope (1).

9. The rope (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the at least one elastomeric fiber (20, 30) extends to the outside of the braided sleeve (3) at the first end and the second end of the braided sleeve, and is releasably fixed to the braided sleeve (3).

10. The rope (1) according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 2, wherein, The at least one first elastomeric fiber (20) is arranged to be able to slide relative to the braided sleeve (3).

11. A system (120) comprising a cord (1) having adjustable elasticity according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system (120) further comprises at least a mooring cable (122, 124) fixed to the first end (11) of the rope (1) with adjustable elasticity.

12. The system (120) according to claim 11, wherein, The mooring cable includes a first mooring cable (122) and a second mooring cable (124), wherein the first mooring cable (122) has a first end fixed to the first end (11) of the rope (1), and the second mooring cable (124) has a first end fixed to the second end (12) of the rope (1).

13. A method for fixing a floating object (B) by means of the system (120) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: a) Fixing a weight element (126) to the second end of the second mooring cable (124) and placing the weight element (126) on the seabed; b) Fixing the floating object (B) at a desired distance from the shore through a land cable (L) to allow unloading of the floating object; c) Pulling the first mooring cable (122) to bring the braided sleeve (3) of the rope (1) having adjustable elasticity to its extended second position, and fixing the first mooring cable (122) to the floating object (B) when the braided sleeve (3) is in the extended second position; d) Slackening the land cable (L) to allow the mooring system (120) to pull the floating object (B) away from the shore; and e) Fixing the land cable (L) to the shore.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising, before step c): Adjusting the elastic properties of the rope (1) to a desired requirement.

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