Chain connector

Abstract

A chain connector (100) is disclosed. The chain connector comprises a chain connector body (105) comprising an opening (110) for enabling the chain connector to be coupled to a chain link (205) of a first chain (200). The chain connector comprises a bridge member (115) pivotably coupled to the chain connector body and configured to selectively bridge the opening. The chain connector comprises a locking member (120) moveably coupled to the chain connector body and configured to engage with the bridge member to lock the bridge member in a closed position bridging the opening.

Description

[0001] CHAIN CONNECTOR

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure is in the field of chain connectors, such as releasable chain connectors for use with chains in offshore / subsea operations, and in particular relates to chain connectors suitable for use by remote operating vehicles to connect and / or separate subsea chains.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

[0005] Chains are commonly used in offshore operations, such as mooring operations and the like. Chains are commonly known to comprise a series assembly of connected links.

[0006] Releasable chain connectors may be implemented for a variety of offshore applications. Such releasable chain connectors may enable a chain to be separated into two or more chains, and / or may enable two or more chains to be coupled together to form a single chain.

[0007] However, such releasable chain connectors may not be optimally suitable for use with existing chain-handling equipment, such as chain wheel and winches.

[0008] Similarly, such releasable chain connectors may be complex and difficult to operate, or prone to failure, e.g. effectively forming the weak link in a chain.

[0009] Furthermore, it may be necessary to perform operations such as coupling chains together in subsea / underwater environments. Thus, a simplicity of operation and accessibility for performing such operations is highly desirable.

[0010] In some instances, a Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) may be employed for purposes of subsea / underwater separating and / or coupling of chains. ROV operations may be expensive, and require high level of operator skill. As such, minimizing an amount of such ROV operations or at least simplifying such operations is highly desirable.

[0011] It is therefore desirable to provide a low complexity, low-cost, easily-operable and highly reliable means for selectively separating and / or coupling together chains, wherein the means is particularly suited to subsea / underwater operations. It is therefore an aim of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present disclosure to obviate or at least mitigate at least one of the above identified shortcomings of the prior art.

[0012] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0013] The present disclosure is the field of chain connectors, such as releasable chain connectors for use with chains in offshore / subsea operations, and in particular relates to chain connectors suitable for use by remote operating vehicles to connect and / or separate subsea chains. According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a chain connector, e.g. a releasable chain connector, comprising: a chain connector body comprising an opening for enabling the chain connector to be coupled to a chain link of a first chain; a bridge member pivotably coupled to the chain connector body and configured to selectively bridge the opening; and a locking member moveably coupled to the chain connector body and configured to engage with the bridge member to lock the bridge member in a closed position bridging the opening. That is, the closed position is a position in which the bridge member bridges the opening.

[0014] Advantageously, the disclosed chain connector provides a low complexity, low- cost, easily-operable and highly reliable means for selectively separating and / or coupling together chains, wherein the means is particularly suited to subsea / underwater operations. That is, by operating the locking member by a line, as described in more detail below, wherein the line may be capable of lifting and supporting the chain connector together with an attached chain (second chain described below), only a single operation of pivoting the bridge member and manoeuvring the chain connector relative to the first chain may be required.

[0015] The locking member being moveably coupled to the chain connector body may comprise the locking member being pivotably, rotatably or slideably coupled to the chain connector body.

[0016] The chain connector may comprise a biasing element. The biasing element may be configured to bias the locking member towards a locking position. The locking position may be for locking the bridge member in the closed position.

[0017] Advantageously, such a biasing element may ensure the locking member remains in a locking position when a tension is removed from a line supporting the locking member, as described in more detail below. The biasing element may comprise a spring, such as a coil spring, volute spring, torsion spring, leaf spring or the like. The biasing element may comprise a pin, rod, or piston that is biased by such a spring. The biasing element may be configured to act upon the pin, rod, or piston, which in turn may act upon the locking member.

[0018] The locking member may comprises a protrusion, trunnion or pin. The bridge member may comprise a seat or hook for receiving the protrusion, trunnion or pin when the bridge member is in the closed position.

[0019] In embodiments, the locking member may comprises a pair of protrusions, trunnions or pins, such as a pair of protrusions, trunnions or pins collinearly arranged along an axis. The bridge member may comprise corresponding pair of seats or hooks for receiving the pair of protrusions, trunnions or pins when the bridge member is in the closed position. The pair of seats or hooks may be collinearly arranged along an axis.

[0020] As the bridge member transitions from an open position to the closed position, the protrusion, trunnion or pin may interact with a cam or curved or sloping surface of the bridge member to pivot the locking member away from the locking position.

[0021] In use, as the bridge member is pivoted towards the closed position, the protrusion, trunnion or pin on the locking member interacts with the cam or curved or sloping surface of the bridge member to move the locking member until the trunnions, the protrusion, trunnion or pin is exposed to the seat or hook.

[0022] The cam or curved surface may extend to the seat or hook, such that as the bridge member transitions to the closed position, the protrusion, trunnion or pin transitions from the cam or curved surface to the seat or hook.

[0023] The locking member may be configured to retain a chain link of a second chain between the chain connector body and an opposing surface of the locking member.

[0024] In some examples, the chain connector may be attached to the second chain above the surface of the water, e.g. on deck.

[0025] The locking member may be removably coupled to the chain connector body, e.g. configured to be removed / detached from the chain connector body

[0026] In some non-limiting examples, the locking member may be pivotably coupled to the chain connector body. In other examples, the locking member may be slidably or rotatably coupled to the chain connector body.

[0027] For example, a pin, coupling or fastener may moveably, e.g. pivotably, couple the locking member to the chain connector body. The locking member may comprise a receiving portion for receiving a line. Optionally, the receiving portion may comprise: an aperture; pad-eye; lifting-eye; a hook; and / or a coupling.

[0028] The chain connector may be configured such that, in use, a pulling force applied to the receiving portion by the line disengages the locking member from the bridge member.

[0029] The line may be a synthetic line, a nylon line, or the like. In one example, the line may comprise spliced eyes for connecting to each side of a ramshorn hook.

[0030] The receiving portion may be disposed and / or shaped such that, when the chain connector is suspended from the line received by the receiving portion, a first portion of the chain connector body defining an upper portion of the opening may be further from a vertical axis defined by the line than a second portion of the chain connector body defining a lower portion of the opening.

[0031] When the chain connector is suspended from the line received by the receiving portion, the upper portion of the opening may be sufficiently far from the vertical axis that the opening may be configured to receive the chain link of the (free-hanging) first chain by manoeuvring the line relative to the first chain.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a chain comprising a plurality of chain links, wherein at least one chain link comprises a chain connector according to the first aspect.

[0033] The chain may be a mooring chain.

[0034] The chain may be provided in combination with a chain wheel. The chain wheel may comprise a plurality of pockets. Each pocket of the chain wheel may be suitable for receiving the chain connector.

[0035] The chain wheel may be mounted on, or a component of, a mooring apparatus, a (mooring) chain tensioner, or the like.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of use of the chain connector of any preceding claim, the method comprising: lifting the chain connector by a lifting force applied to a line coupled to the locking member; manoeuvring the opening to receive the further link of the first chain; pivoting the bridge member to bridge the opening; and reducing the lifting force to engage with the locking member with the bridge member.

[0037] Advantageously, minimal operations by an ROV are required to carry out the disclosed method in a subsea / underwater environment, namely pivoting the bridge member. The method may be a subsea / underwater method, e.g. carried out below a surface of a body of water. In some examples, a remote operated vehicle (ROV) may pivot the bridge member.

[0038] The method may comprise preceding steps of: decoupling the locking member from the chain connector body; coupling a chain link of a second chain to the chain connector body; and moveably coupling the locking member to the chain connector body such that the locking member retains the chain link of a second chain.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of use of the chain connector of any preceding claim. The method comprises: applying a lifting force to a line coupled to the locking member to disengage the locking member from the bridge member; pivoting the bridge member to an open position; manoeuvring the opening to receive the further link of the first chain.

[0040] Pivoting the bridge member to an open position may comprise allowing the bridge member to pivot due to gravity and / or due to motivation by an ROV or the like.

[0041] Advantageously, minimal operations by an ROV are required to carry out the disclosed method in a subsea / underwater environment, namely pivoting the bridge member.

[0042] The method may be a subsea / underwater method, e.g. carried out below a surface of a body of water. In some examples, a remote operated vehicle (ROV) may pivot the bridge member.

[0043] The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting. The disclosure includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. It should be understood that features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present disclosure or below relating to any specific embodiment of the disclosure may be utilized, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment of the disclosure.

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0046] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a chain connector, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figures 2 and 3 depicts steps in a method of coupling the chain connector of Figure 1 to a free-hanging chain, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0047] Figure 4 depicts a further step in the method, wherein a lifting force in a lifting line is reduced, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0048] Figures 5a-5c depicts a further step in the method, wherein the bridge member is pivoted to a closed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0049] Figures 6a-6c depicts a series of steps in a method of disconnecting the chain connector of Figure 1 from the free-hanging chain, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0050] Figures 7-12 depicts, in cross-section and in front view, a series of steps in a method of disconnecting the chain connector of Figure 1 from the free-hanging chain, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0051] Figures 13-19 depicts, in cross-section and in front view, a series of steps in a method of (re)connecting the chain connector of Figure 1 to the free-hanging chain, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a chain connector 100, e.g. a releasable chain connector, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0054] The example chain connector 100 comprises a chain connector body 105. The chain connector body 105 may be formed, cast, moulded or otherwise manufactured from a metal material, such as a steel or the like.

[0055] The chain connector body 105 comprises an opening 110. The opening 110 is for enabling the chain connector 100 to be coupled to a chain link 205 of a first chain 200, as described in more detail below with reference to Figure 2.

[0056] The example chain connector 100 comprises a bridge member 115. The bridge member 115 is pivotably coupled to the chain connector body 105. The bridge member 115 is configured to selectively bridge the opening 110. The example chain connector 100 also comprises a locking member 120. The locking member 120 is pivotably coupled to the chain connector body 105. The locking member 120 is configured to engage with the bridge member 115 to lock the bridge member 115 in a closed position bridging the opening.

[0057] Advantageously, the disclosed chain connector 100 provides a low complexity, low-cost, easily-operable and highly reliable means for selectively separating and / or coupling together chains 200, 300, wherein the means is particularly suited to subsea / underwater operations as described in more detail below.

[0058] The example chain connector 100 comprises a biasing element 125 (more clearly visible in Figure 4). The biasing element 125 may be configured to bias the locking member 120 towards a locking position (biased as such in Figure 4). The locking position may be suitable for locking the bridge member 115 in the closed position. Advantageously, such a biasing element 125 may ensure the locking member 120 remains in the locking position when a tension is removed from a line 130 supporting the locking member 120, as described in more detail below.

[0059] The biasing element 125 may comprise a spring, such as a coil spring, volute spring, torsion spring, leaf spring or the like. In the example more clearly depicted in Figure 4, the biasing element 125 comprises a pin which is biased by a further element (not shown), e.g. a spring.

[0060] In the example embodiment of Figure 1 , the locking member 120 comprises a pair of trunnions 135. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments as few as a single trunnion may be implemented. Furthermore, pins or other protruding forms may be implemented as alternatives to, or in addition to, one or more trunnions. In the described example embodiment, the pair of trunnions 135 are arranged collinearly along a first axis A1 (see Figure 4). The bridge member 115 comprise a corresponding pair of seats 140 for receiving the pair of trunnions 135, as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5a to 5c.

[0061] The locking member 120 is configured to retain a chain link 305 of the second chain 300 between the chain connector body 105 and an opposing surface 145 of the locking member 120. In some example use cases, the chain connector 100 may be coupled to the second chain 300 above a surface of the water, e.g. on a deck of a floating structure or vessel.

[0062] To achieve this, in some example embodiments the locking member 120 is removably coupled to the chain connector body 105. For example, as depicted in Figure 1 a removable pin pivotably couples the locking member 120 to the chain connector body 105. in other non-depicted examples, the locking member 120 may alternatively be configured to be moved, e.g. rotated, folded or otherwise manoeuvred to enable the chain connector body to receive the chain link 305 of the second chain 300.

[0063] The locking member 120 comprises a receiving portion 150 for receiving the line 130. In the depicted example embodiments, the receiving portion 150 comprises an aperture. In other example embodiments, the receiving portion 150 may comprise any of a pad-eye, a lifting-eye, a hook, a coupling, or the like.

[0064] A method of connecting first and second chains 200, 300 using the chain connector 100 is now described.

[0065] Figure 1 depicts a deployment of the chain connector 100. In the example, the chain connector 100 is coupled to the second chain 300, and suspended from the line 130. The line 130 may be a synthetic line, a nylon line, or the like. The line 130 may comprise spliced eyes (not shown) for connecting to each side of a ramshorn hook (not shown).

[0066] That is, the locking member 120 is configured to retain a chain link 305 of the second chain 300 between the chain connector body 105 and an opposing surface 145 of the locking member 120. In use, the chain connector 100 may be attached to the second chain 300 above the surface of the water, e.g. on a deck of a floating structure or vessel.

[0067] The example locking member 120 is removably coupled to the chain connector body 105. In the example, a pin 155 enables the locking member 120 to be selectively pivotably coupled to the chain connector body 105.

[0068] That is, the pin 155 may be at least partly removed, enabling the locking member 120 to be removed from the chain connector body 105, and then the chain link 305 may be coupled to the chain connector body 105, e.g. by insertion through the opening 110, after which the locking member 120 may be reinserted in the chain connector body 105 to retain the chain link 305.

[0069] Furthermore, because the chain connector 100 in Figure 1, e.g. in a state ready for deployment, is suspended from the line 130, the locking member 120 is held pivoted in an unlocking position (acting against the biasing element) due to a weight of the chain connector 100 and the second chain 300.

[0070] Figures 2 and 3 depict subsequent steps in a method of coupling the chain connector 100 of Figure 1 to a first, free-hanging chain 200, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the example shown in Figure 2, the receiving portion 150 is disposed and / or shaped such that, when the chain connector 100 is suspended from the line 130 received by the receiving portion 150, a first portion 155 of the chain connector body 105 defining an upper portion of the opening 100 is further from a vertical axis A2 defined by the line 130 (e.g. extending along a path defined by the line 130) than a second portion 160 of the chain connector body 105 defining a lower portion of the opening 110.

[0071] In the example, when the chain connector 100 is suspended from the line 130 received by the receiving portion 150, the upper portion 155 of the opening 110 may be sufficiently far from the vertical axis A2 that the opening 110 may be configured to receive the chain link 205 of the (free-hanging) first chain 200 by manoeuvring the line 130 relative to the first chain 200, as shown in Figure 3 where the chain connector body 105 is coupled to the chain link 205.

[0072] The first portion 155 of the chain connector body 105 may be a portion at, or defining, a top of the opening 110 during deployment of the chain connector 100 as depicted in Figure 1.

[0073] The second portion 160 of the chain connector body 105 may be a portion at, or defining, a bottom of the opening 110 during deployment of the chain connector 100 as depicted in Figure 1.

[0074] Figure 4 depicts a further step in the method, wherein a lifting force applied to the (lifting) line 130 is reduced or removed. In doing so, at least a portion of a weight of the chain connector 100 and at least a portion of the second chain 300 is borne by the chain link 205 of the first chain 200. Furthermore, the biasing element 125 (and in some embodiments to at least some extent gravity) acts to bias the locking member towards a position suitable for locking the bridge member 115 when the bridge member 115 is in the correct disposition, as described below.

[0075] Figures 5a to 5c depict a further step in the method, wherein the bridge member 115 is pivoted to a closed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A remote operated vehicle (ROV) may pivot the bridge member 115 to the closed position.

[0076] As the bridge member 115 transitions from an open position to the closed position, the trunnions 135 interact with a cam 165 or curved surface of the bridge member 115 to pivot the locking member 120 away from the locking position. The closed position is a position in which the bridge member 115 bridges the opening 110. The open position is a position in which the bridge member 115 does not bridge the opening 110.

[0077] In use, as the bridge member 115 is pivoted towards the closed position, the trunnion 135 on the locking member 12 interact with the cam 165 or sloping surface of the bridge member 115 to move the locking member 120 until the trunnions 135 are exposed to pair of seats 140.

[0078] In the example of Figures 5a to 5c, it can be seen that the cam 165 or curved surface extends to the pair of seats 140, such that as the bridge member transitions 115 to the closed position (e.g. movie from an open position depicted in Figure 5a, through an intermediate position depicted in Figure 5b, to the closed position depicted in Figure 5c), the pair of trunnions 135 transition from the cam 165 or curved surface to the pair of seats 140.

[0079] In Figure 5c, the bridge member 115 is depicted in the closed position and the locking member is in the locking position, wherein the pair of seats 140 hold the pair of trunnions 135 to prevent the bridge member 115 from transitioning back to an open position.

[0080] In an example use, the chain connector 100 may be used to connect a chain 300 to a portion of a mooring chain 200. For example, a mooring line tensioner as known in the art, such as a mid-line tensioner which may be disposed below a surface of a body of water when installed, may in use have a free-hanging portion of a chain extending from the tensioner. The free-hanging portion of the chain may have been previously used for tensioning the mooring line, and in some instances a portion of the free-hanging chain may have been cut-away or removed. It may be desirable to attach a chain 300 to the free-hanging portion of the chain 200, such as to subsequently operate the tensioner to increase or reduce a tension in the mooring line.

[0081] In this example, tensioner may comprise a chain wheel, wherein the chain wheel comprises a plurality of pockets, and wherein each pocket of the chain wheel is suitable for receiving each chain link of the chain, including the (releasable) chain connector 100. That is, chain connector 100 preferably has an external / peripheral geometry that enables the chain connector 100 to fit in the pocket of the chain wheel, e.g. substantially the same external / peripheral geometry as the chain links forming the chain. The above-described (releasable) chain connector 100 may be used to connect the chains 200, 300, wherein the line 130 may be operated from a vessel of floating structure, and the bridge member 115 may be pivoted by an ROV.

[0082] Figures 6a to 6c depict a series of steps in a method of disconnecting the chain connector 100 of Figure 1 from the free-hanging chain 300, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0083] In Figure 6a a / the line 130 is inserted into the receiving portion 150 of the locking member 120. As described above, the line 130 may be a synthetic line, a nylon line, or the like. In one example, the line 130 may comprise spliced eyes for connecting to each side of a ramshorn hook (not shown).

[0084] As depicted in Figure 6b, a lifting force is applied to the line 130. The lifting force causes the locking member 120 to pivot from the locking position to an unlocking position, e.g. disengaging the pair of trunnions 135 from the pair of seats 140. As such, the bridge member 115 is effectively unlocked and therefore able to be pivoted from the closed position to the open position.

[0085] In a final step depicted in Figure 6c, the chain connector 100 is lifted out of the last free hanging chain link 305 by a / the lifting force applied to the line 130. To achieve this, the unlocked bridge member 115 may swing downwards towards the depicted open position depicted in Figure 6c. In some examples, the unlocked bridge member 115 may swing downwards towards the depicted open position solely due to gravity. In some examples, the unlocked bridge member 115 may swing downwards towards the depicted open position due, at least in part, by motivation from an ROV or the like.

[0086] For completeness, Figures 7 to 12 provide a more detailed series of drawings depicting, in cross-section and in front view, a series of steps in a method of disconnecting the chain connector 100 of Figure 1 from the free-hanging chain 200, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0087] Figure 7 depicts the chain connector 100 in an initial state wherein the chain connector 100 connects the chain link 205, e.g. the upper chain link in the drawing, of the first chain 200 to the chain link 305, e.g. the lower chain link in the drawing, of the second chain 300.

[0088] In the depicted initial state, the bridge member 115 is in the closed position in which the bridge member 115 bridges the opening 110. In the depicted initial state, the locking member 120 is in the locking position for locking the bridge member 110 in the closed position. In the locking position, the pair of seats 140 hold the pair of trunnions 135 to prevent the bridge member 115 from transitioning back to the open position. For purposes of illustration, a spring or the like, e.g. the above-described biasing element is not depicted in Figures 7 to 19. However, it will be understood that such a biasing element 125 may be disposed in the channel 170 or void to bias the depicted pin 185 to act against the locking member 120.

[0089] Figure 8 depicts the line 130 being coupled to the locking member 120. In the example, the locking member 120 comprises a receiving portion 150 which is an aperture through which the line 130 may be fed.

[0090] Figure 9 depicts an application of an upwards lifting / pulling force being applied to the line. This causes the locking member 120 to pivot to the unlocking position (acting against the biasing element) wherein the pair of trunnions 135 are disengaged from the pair of seats 140.

[0091] Furthermore, the pulling / lifting force cause the chain connector 100 to rotate, since a lifting point of the receiving portion 150 (a point where the line 130 engages with the receiving portion 150) is offset from a vertical centre-line A3 extending through the chain connector. That is, the receiving portion 150 is disposed / shaped such that, when the chain connector 100 is suspended from the line 130 received by the receiving portion 150, a first portion 155 of the chain connector body 105 defining an upper portion of the opening 110 may be further from a vertical axis defined by the line 130 than a second portion 160 of the chain connector body 105 defining a lower portion of the opening 110.

[0092] In Figure 10, the bridge member 115 is pivoted to the open position. In use, an ROV may pivot the bridge member 115 to the open position.

[0093] In Figures 11 and 12, a / the lifting force on the line 130 lifts the chain connector 100 away from the chain link 205, such that the chain link 205 exits the opening 110 of the chain link body 105.

[0094] For completeness, Figures 13 to 19 provide a more detailed series of drawings depicting, in cross-section and in front view, a series of steps in a method of connecting the chain connector 100 of Figure 1 to the free-hanging chain 200, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0095] In Figures 13 and 14, a / the lifting force on the line 130 lifts the chain connector 100 towards and onto the chain link 205, such that the chain link 205 enters the opening 110 of the chain link body 105. This is effectively a reverse of the method depicted in Figures 12 and 11. In Figure 15, the lifting force on the line 130 is reduced or removed, enabling the biasing element 125 to bias the locking member 120 towards a locking position. That is, the trunnions 135 of the locking member engage with the cam 165.

[0096] In Figure 16, the line 130 is removed. As such, a weight of the chain connector 100 and of the second chain 300 is borne by the first chain 200.

[0097] In Figures 17 to 19, the bridge member 115 is pivoted to the closed position. In use, an ROV may pivot the bridge member 115 to the closed position. It can be seen in Figures 17 and 18 that as the bridge member 115 transitions from the open position to the closed position, the trunnions 135 interact with the cam 165 or curved surface of the bridge member 115 to pivot the locking member 120 away from the locking position, until the trunnions 135 are exposed to the pair of seats 140 as depicted in Figure 19.

[0098] Although the disclosure has been described in terms of particular embodiments as set forth above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and that the claims are not limited to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and alternatives in view of the disclosure, which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the appended claims. Each feature disclosed or illustrated in the present specification may be incorporated in any embodiments, whether alone or in any appropriate combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein.

[0099] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0100] A1 first axis

[0101] A2 vertical axis

[0102] A3 vertical centre-line

[0103] 100 chain connector

[0104] 105 chain connector body

[0105] 110 opening

[0106] 115 bridge member

[0107] 120 locking member

[0108] 125 biasing element

[0109] 130 line

[0110] 135 trunnions

[0111] 140 seats

[0112] 145 opposing surface

[0113] 150 receiving portion

[0114] 155 first portion

[0115] 160 second portion

[0116] 165 cam

[0117] 170 channel

[0118] 180 lifting point

[0119] 185 pin

[0120] 200 first chain

[0121] 205 chain link

[0122] 300 second chain

[0123] 305 chain link

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A chain connector (100) comprising: a chain connector body (105) comprising an opening (110) for enabling the chain connector to be coupled to a chain link (205) of a first chain (200); a bridge member (115) pivotably coupled to the chain connector body and configured to selectively bridge the opening; and a locking member (120) moveably coupled to the chain connector body and configured to engage with the bridge member to lock the bridge member in a closed position bridging the opening.

2. The chain connector (100) of claim 1 , comprising a biasing element (125) configured to bias the locking member (120) towards a locking position for locking the bridge member (115) in the closed position.

3. The chain connector (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking member (120) comprises a protrusion, trunnion (135) or pin and the bridge member (115) comprises a seat (140) or hook for receiving the protrusion, trunnion or pin when the bridge member is in the closed position.

4. The chain connector (100) of claim 3, when dependent on claim 2, wherein as the bridge member (115) transitions from an open position to the closed position, the protrusion, trunnion (135) or pin interacts with a cam (165) or curved surface of the bridge member to move the locking member (120) away from the locking position.

5. The chain connector (100) of claim 4, wherein the cam (165) or curved surface extends to the seat (140) or hook, such that as the bridge member (115) transitions to the closed position, the protrusion, trunnion (135) or pin transitions from the cam or curved surface to the seat or hook.

6. The chain connector (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the locking member (120) is configured to retain a chain link (305) of a second chain (300) between the chain connector body (105) and an opposing surface of the locking member.

7. The chain connector (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the locking member (120) is removably coupled to the chain connector body (105).

8. The chain connector (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the locking member (120) comprises a receiving portion (150) for receiving a line, and optionally wherein the receiving portion comprises: an aperture; pad-eye; lifting-eye; a hook; and / or a coupling.

9. The chain connector (100) of claim 8 configured such that, in use, a pulling force applied to the receiving portion (150) by the line disengages the locking member (120) from the bridge member (115).

10. The chain connector (100) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the receiving portion (150) is disposed such that, when the chain connector is suspended from the line received by the receiving portion, a first portion of the chain connector body (105) defining an upper portion of the opening (110) is further from a vertical axis defined by the line than a second portion of the chain connector body defining a lower portion of the opening.

11. The chain connector (100) of claim 10 wherein, when the chain connector is suspended from the line received by the receiving portion (150), the upper portion of the opening (110) is sufficiently far from the vertical axis that the opening is configured to receive the chain link of the (free-hanging) first chain by manoeuvring the line relative to the first chain.

12. A chain (200, 300) comprising a plurality of chain links, wherein at least one chain link comprises a chain connector (100) according to any preceding claim.

13. The chain (200, 300) of claim 12 in combination with a chain wheel comprising a plurality of pockets, wherein each pocket of the chain wheel is suitable for receiving the chain connector.

14. A method of use of the chain connector (100) of any preceding claim, the method comprising:lifting the chain connector by a lifting force applied to a line coupled to the locking member (120); manoeuvring the opening to receive the further link of the first chain; pivoting the bridge member (115) to bridge the opening; and reducing the lifting force to engage with the locking member with the bridge member.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising preceding steps of: decoupling the locking member (120) from the chain connector body (105); coupling a chain link of a second chain to the chain connector body; and moveably coupling the locking member to the chain connector body such that the locking member retains the chain link of a second chain.

16. A method of use of the chain connector of any preceding claim, the method comprising: applying a lifting force to a line coupled to the locking member (120) to disengage the locking member from the bridge member (115); pivoting the bridge member to an open position; manoeuvring the opening to receive the further link of the first chain.

17. The method of claim 14 or 16, wherein: the method is a subsea / underwater method; and a remote operated vehicle (ROV) pivots the bridge member (115).

Images