Mooring line connector assembly and tensioner

Abstract

A locking mechanism for a connector assembly 1 is described. The locking mechanism comprising complementary male 2 and female 3 portions. The female portion comprising an inclined surface (36, Fig 2) and engaging members (20, Fig 2) arranged thereon. The male and female portions comprising grooved surfaces (9, Fig 2), wherein the grooves may be asymmetric. The male portion extends through the female portion, and the grooved engaging members are arranged radially inward of the inclined surface, between the male portion and an outer sleeve (30, Fig 2); the load being transferred from the male portion to the grooved engaging members and from the grooved engaging members to the outer sleeve, wherein the load is transferred from the grooved engaging members to the outer sleeve only at the interface of the inclined surfaces of the grooved engaging members and outer sleeve.

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