Chain marker, chain marker kit, and chain

Abstract

A chain marker comprising: a first body portion having a bore, a first end and an opposite second end, wherein each of the first and second ends has a recess for receiving at least a portion of a first link of a chain; a second body portion having a bore and first and second ends, wherein each of the first and second ends has a recess for receiving at least a portion of the first link, wherein the chain marker is adapted, in use, such that the first and second body portions can be brought together so that the bores of the first and second body portions are aligned for receiving a fastener and the recesses of the first and second ends are aligned so that the first and second body portions encircle a circumference of at least a portion of a straight side portion of the first link so that the chain marker is held in position within a bore of the first link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to markers that can be attached to tension members such as chains and ropes. In particular, but not exclusively, this invention relates to chain markers, chain marker kits, and chains. Background Technology

[0002] A chain consists of a series of interconnected links and is used as a tension member in many applications. One such application is as an anchor for launching small boats or ships. Each link of the chain is typically stadium-shaped, with two semicircular portions and two straight edges inserted between them. The semicircular portions and the straight edges together define a hole.

[0003] Knowing the length of the unfolded chain is generally desirable. Chain markers are commercially available, and these markers are typically made of rubber that can be pressed into holes in specific links located at the distance to be indicated. For example, chain markers can be attached to each link placed every 1 meter along its length. However, it is known that chain markers are often pushed out by adjacent links when the chain is unfolded or retracted. Utility Model Content

[0004] It is desirable to provide an improved chain marker that is more likely to remain in place and last longer during use.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, a chain marker is provided, comprising: a first body portion having a hole, a first end, and an opposing second end, wherein each of the first end and the second end has a recess for receiving at least a portion of a first link of a chain; and a second body portion having a hole, a first end, and a second end, wherein each of the first end and the second end has a recess for receiving at least a portion of the first link, wherein the chain marker is adapted, in use, such that the first body portion and the second body portion can be joined together such that the holes of the first body portion and the second body portion are aligned for receiving a fastener, and the recesses of the first end and the second end are aligned such that the first body portion and the second body portion surround at least a portion of the circumference of a straight edge portion of the first link, thereby holding the chain marker in a position within the hole of the first link.

[0006] According to another aspect, a chain marker is provided, comprising: a first body portion having a hole, a first end, and an opposing second end, wherein each of the first end and the second end has a recess for receiving a link of a chain; and a second body portion having a hole, a first end, and a second end, wherein each of the first end and the second end has a recess for receiving at least a portion of a first link, wherein the chain marker is adapted, in use, such that the first body portion and the second body portion can be joined together such that the holes of the first body portion and the second body portion are aligned to receive a fastener, and the recesses of the first end and the second end are aligned such that the first body portion and the second body portion surround a portion of the link, thereby holding the chain marker in a position within the hole of the link.

[0007] Optionally, each of the first end and the second end of the first body portion has a recess for receiving at least a portion of the straight edge portion of the first chain link.

[0008] Optionally, each of the first and second ends of the second body portion has a recess for receiving at least a portion of the straight edge portion of the first link. Optionally, each of the first and second ends is concave to form the recess. Optionally, each of the first and second ends is concave in a manner corresponding to the outer circumference of the first link.

[0009] Optionally, when the first body portion and the second body portion are joined together, the first end and the second end surround a circumferential arc around the straight edge portion.

[0010] Optionally, when the first body portion and the second body portion are joined together, the first end and the second end surround a 90-degree arc with a circumference less than or equal to that of the straight edge portion.

[0011] Optionally, each of the first body portion and the second body portion includes a third end and a fourth opposing end. Optionally, each of the third and fourth ends has a recess for receiving a portion of a semi-circular portion of an adjacent link of the chain present in a hole in the first link.

[0012] Optionally, each of the third and fourth ends is concave to form the recess. Optionally, each of the third and fourth ends is concave in a manner corresponding to the outer circumference of the adjacent link.

[0013] Optionally, one of the first body portion and the second body portion includes a protrusion disposed around the hole.

[0014] Optionally, the other of the first and second body portions includes a recess disposed around the hole.

[0015] Optionally, the chain marker is adapted so that the protrusion mates with the recess when the first and second body portions are joined together. Optionally, each of the first and second body portions is formed of a rigid material.

[0016] Optionally, the holes in the first and second body portions are adapted to accommodate a fastener such as a screw.

[0017] Optionally, at least one of the holes in the first body portion and the second body portion may be internally threaded.

[0018] Alternatively, the holes in the first and second body portions are adapted to accommodate a screw or bolt fastener.

[0019] Alternatively, the chain marker is adapted to be positioned within a volume defined by a hole in a chain link.

[0020] Alternatively, the first body portion and / or the second body portion may include an airfoil extending beyond the volume defined by the hole in a chain link. Optionally, each of the first body portion and the second body portion may include an airfoil. Optionally, the airfoil may be disposed at a first end and a second end.

[0021] Optionally, the first main body and the second main body are separate units before being combined.

[0022] Optionally, the chain marker may include a tether connecting the first body portion and the second body portion. The connection of the two halves may be for convenience and may not be part of the chain marker's function. This may not be the case, for example, if the marker is made of metal. In some embodiments, a chain marker is provided for embedding and locking within chain holes of a series of chain links. The marker includes two portions (male and female portions) connected to each other by a fastening lug and a fastening lug recess, and held together by a fastener such as a screw or bolt. The marker may have a body made of (hard) plastic or metal and may, for example, be painted in different colors. The connection direction may be such that the male and female portions come together from either side of the chain hole. With the fastening lug positioned in the fastening lug recess, a fastening screw or bolt can be inserted through a fastener hole and positioned in a fastener receiver.

[0023] Some embodiments include one or more of the following features:

[0024] • Made of rigid (non-compliant) materials such as plastics.

[0025] • It is made of two halves positioned relative to each other from either side of the chain link.

[0026] • One half has a notch, and a protrusion of the second half is positioned in the notch.

[0027] • For larger chain markers, the two halves are mechanically held together by fasteners / fixtures such as screws or bolts.

[0028] • Markers can be made in a variety of different colors to indicate specific locations on the chain.

[0029] In some embodiments, an important part of the design is a protrusion extending from one half to position a lug in the second half. Without this, the fastener would have far less material to engage, and the two halves might not hold together well.

[0030] The present invention also provides a chain marker kit comprising a plurality of chain markers as described herein. The present invention also provides a chain having one or more markers or kits as described herein.

[0031] Different aspects and embodiments of the present invention may be used separately or together. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a top view of a chain marker installed on a first link of a chain according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 It is installed on the first link. Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a chain marker;

[0035] Figure 3 It is in a state of decomposition. Figure 1 A perspective view of a chain marker;

[0036] Figure 4 shows the assembly state. Figure 4A ) and insertion state ( Figure 4B )of Figure 1 A perspective view of a chain marker;

[0037] Figure 5 shows a chain marker according to another embodiment of the present invention during decomposition (…). Figure 5A Assembly Figure 5B ) and insertion ( Figure 5C Perspective view in (state);

[0038] Figure 6A A chain marker component formed according to another embodiment is shown;

[0039] Figure 6B The installation together is shown Figure 6B Components; and Figure 7 A chain marker formed according to another embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to emulate and implement the systems and processes described herein. It is important to understand that embodiments may be provided in various alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0041] Therefore, while embodiments may be modified in various ways and present various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intention to limit oneself to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Where appropriate, elements of the exemplary embodiments are consistently designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description.

[0042] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular forms because they have a single referent; however, the use of the singular forms in this document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, an element referred to in the singular form may be one or more. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used herein specify the presence of the stated feature, item, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall be interpreted in accordance with the conventions of the art. It will be further understood that commonly used terms shall also be interpreted in accordance with the conventions of the relevant field, and not in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined herein.

[0044] First refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows a chain marker 10 installed in a hole 102 of a first link 100a of a chain. The chain marker 10 includes a first body portion 20 and a second body portion 30. Each of the first and second body portions has a hole 22, 32 for receiving a fastener (not shown).

[0045] The first and second main parts can be combined together. For example, in Figure 3In this configuration, the first main body portion 20 can be rotated 180 degrees and positioned on top of the second main body portion 30, as shown in Figure 4. The two portions will mate, as described below, and when mated, the holes 22, 32 of the first and second main body portions will align. A fastener can be applied to the holes 22, 32 to connect the first and second main body portions together. If this is in the case where the chain marker 10 is positioned within the hole 102 of the first link 100a and the chain is inserted between the first and second main body portions (as shown in Figure 4), the first main body portion 20 can be rotated 180 degrees and positioned on top of the second main body portion 30, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 1 and Figure 2 If the chain marker 10 is attached to the chain in a secure manner, as shown in the diagram, the chain marker 10 will be attached to the chain in a secure manner.

[0046] Typically, chains are supplied in standard sizes. Chain marker 10 is configured for chains of a specific size (and other versions may be available for other sizes).

[0047] Each of the first and second main body portions also has a first end 24, 34 and a second opposing end 26, 36. Each of the first and second ends has a recess 28, 38 for receiving a portion of the first link 100a. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ends are concave to form the recess. Specifically, the first ends 24, 34 of each of the first and second main body portions are concave in a plane such that the end faces of each of the first and second main body portions define an arc with a radius equal to the radius of the first link 100a. For each of the first and second main body portions, the arc is less than 90 degrees, such that when the first and second main body portions are joined together, the total arc is approximately 180 degrees.

[0048] If the first and second body portions are joined together (and fastened) when they are located on either side inside the hole 102 of the first link 100a, a portion of the straight edge portion 104 of the first link 100a will be received in a tight fit within each of the two total recesses formed by the first and second body portions. Therefore, the chain marker 10 will be positioned in a lateral direction relative to the first link 100a. Figure 1 It is fixed in the vertical direction.

[0049] Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the first and second main body portions will extend beyond the minimum distance between the two straight edges of the first link 100a. Therefore, the chain marker 10 will be positioned relative to the first link 100a in a second orthogonal lateral direction ( Figure 2 It is fixed in the vertical direction.

[0050] Each of the first and second main body portions also includes a third end 25, 35 and a fourth opposing end 27, 37. Each of the third and fourth ends has a recess for receiving a portion of a semi-circular portion of an adjacent link 100b, 100c of the chain present in the hole 102 of the first link 100a.

[0051] Each of the third and fourth ends is concave to form the concave portion. The third and fourth ends are concave in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The end face of each of the third and fourth ends defines an arc with a radius equal to the radius of the first link 100a. This arc is less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0052] When the first and second main body parts are joined together, a portion of the semicircular portion of the adjacent link 100b will be accommodated in a tight fit within each recess at the third and fourth ends. Therefore, the chain marker 10 will be positioned relative to the first link 100a in a third orthogonal lateral direction ( Figure 1 It is fixed in the left and right directions.

[0053] Fastener 5 (see) Figure 4B This can be a screw or a bolt. A screw is preferred so that no part of the fastener extends beyond the volume of the chain marker 10. The hole in the second body portion 30 can be internally threaded. It is also closed at the bottom (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown). In other embodiments, the hole may be open to allow a bolt to pass through in order to apply a nut.

[0054] The second body portion 30 includes a protrusion 39 disposed around the hole 32. This provides more material for the fastener to engage. Additionally, the first body portion 20 includes a recess 29 disposed around the hole 22. When the first and second body portions are joined together, the protrusion 39 mates with the recess 29. This helps to properly position the hole.

[0055] The first and second body parts are formed of rigid materials such as metal or tough plastic. Therefore, the first and second body parts will resist deformation, unlike the elastic materials used in traditional chain markers.

[0056] Due to the geometry of the chain marker 10, it can be positioned within a volume defined by a hole 102 in a chain link. This means that it is unlikely to get caught on any equipment, such as rollers and winches, during deployment or retraction. However, in other embodiments, the chain marker 10 can be configured to extend beyond this volume. This could be done, for example, to improve the visibility of the chain marker 10.

[0057] Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention. This chain marker 210 is similar to the first embodiment, except that it includes an airfoil 240 extending beyond the volume defined by a hole in a chain link. Each of the first and second body portions includes airfoils 240a-d disposed at each of the first and second ends. This airfoil can be used to increase the visibility of the marker within the chain link.

[0058] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A chain marker 310 formed according to another embodiment is shown. In this embodiment (with...) Figures 5A to 5C Compared to the previous embodiment, the opposite ends of the chain marker have been shortened; there are no wing-shaped parts.

[0059] Figure 7 A marker 410 formed according to another embodiment is shown.

[0060] In this embodiment, the assembled first and second main body parts 420, 430 are held together by a fully through bolt 450 and secured with, for example, a nut 455 or a metal insert.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second body parts are separate units before being joined together. In other embodiments (not shown), the chain marker 10 may include a tether connecting the first and second body parts. This helps to keep the two parts together and prevents one from being lost during initial supply. The tether can be sacrificial: it can be removed before using the chain marker 10. This avoids the possibility of the tether getting caught on the equipment.

[0062] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown, and that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A chain marker, comprising: The first body portion has a hole, a first end and an opposing second end, wherein each of the first end and the second end has a recess for receiving at least a portion of a first link of the chain. The second main body portion has a hole and a first end and a second end, wherein each of the first end and the second end has a recess for receiving at least a portion of the first chain link. The chain marker is adapted to, in use, allow the first body portion and the second body portion to be joined together such that the holes in the first body portion and the second body portion are aligned to accommodate a fastener, and the recesses at the first end and the second end are aligned such that the first body portion and the second body portion surround at least a portion of the circumference of the straight edge portion of the first chain link, thereby holding the chain marker in a position within the hole of the first chain link. One or both of the first body portion and the second body portion include an airfoil extending beyond the volume defined by a hole in a chain link.

2. The chain marker according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first end and the second end of the first main body portion has a recess for receiving at least a portion of the straight edge portion of the first chain link.

3. The chain marker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the first end and the second end of the second main body portion has a recess for receiving at least a portion of the straight edge portion of the first chain link.

4. The chain marker according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first end and the second end is concave to form the recess.

5. The chain marker according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the first end and the second end is concave in a manner corresponding to the outer circumference of the first chain link.

6. The chain marker according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, When the first main body portion and the second main body portion are joined together, the first end and the second end surround a circumferential arc around the straight edge portion.

7. The chain marker according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the first main body portion and the second main body portion are joined together, the first end and the second end surround a 90-degree arc that is less than or equal to the circumference of the straight edge portion.

8. The chain marker according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first body portion and the second body portion includes a third end and an opposing fourth end.

9. The chain marker according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the third and fourth ends has a recess for receiving a portion of a semi-circular portion of an adjacent link of the chain present in the hole of the first link.

10. The chain marker according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the third and fourth ends is concave to form the recess.

11. The chain marker according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each of the third and fourth ends is concave in a manner corresponding to the outer circumference of the adjacent chain link.

12. The chain marker according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the first body portion and the second body portion includes a protrusion disposed around the hole.

13. The chain marker according to claim 12, characterized in that, The other of the first and second main body portions includes a recess disposed around the hole.

14. The chain marker according to claim 13, characterized in that, The chain marker is adapted such that the protrusion mates with the recess when the first body portion and the second body portion are joined together.

15. The chain marker according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first main body portion and the second main body portion is formed of a rigid material.

16. The chain marker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The holes in the first and second body portions are adapted to accommodate a fastener.

17. The chain marker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chain marker is adapted to be positioned within a volume defined by a hole in a chain link.

18. The chain marker according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first body portion and the second body portion includes an airfoil.

19. The chain marker according to claim 18, characterized in that, The airfoil is disposed at the first end and the second end.

20. The chain marker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first main body portion and the second main body portion are separate units before being assembled together.

21. The chain marker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chain marker includes a tether connecting the first body portion and the second body portion.

22. A chain marker for embedding and locking within the holes of a series of chain links, characterized in that, The chain marker includes an interconnectable male and female portion, the chain marker includes a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion includes a hole and the male portion disposed around the hole, the second body portion includes a hole and the female portion disposed around the hole, and one or both of the first body portion and the second body portion include an airfoil extending beyond the volume defined by the hole of a chain link.

23. The chain marker according to claim 22, characterized in that, The connection direction is such that the male portion and the female portion join together from either side of the chain hole.

24. The chain marker according to claim 22 or claim 23, characterized in that, A fastening lug is positioned in a fastening lug recess, and a fastener can be inserted through a fastener hole and positioned in a fastener receiver.

25. The chain marker according to claim 22, characterized in that, It is configured to be connected by joining together from either side of the chain hole through the male portion and the female portion.

26. The chain marker according to claim 22 or claim 25, characterized in that, It includes a fastening lug and a fastening lug recess, which are held together by fasteners such as screws or bolts.

27. A chain marker kit, characterized in that, Includes multiple chain markers according to any of the preceding claims.

28. A chain, characterized in that, It has one or more chain markers or chain marker kits according to any of the preceding claims.

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