Rope with adjustable elasticity, a system, and a method of using same

Abstract

A rope with adjustable elasticity, a system and a method for use thereof in a mooring system for a floating object, The rope includes a braided sleeve extending between a first end portion and a second end portion of the rope, the braided sleeve being extensible between a retracted first position and an extended second position; and at least one elastomeric fiber configured for urging the braided sleeve towards the retracted first position, wherein at least one of the at least one elastomeric fiber is configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve, so that the elastic properties of the rope can be adjusted.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is the U.S. national stage application of International Application No. PCT / NO 2023 / 060128, filed Dec. 18, 2023, which international application was published on Jun. 27, 2024, as WO 2024 / 136669 in the English language. The International Application claims priority to Norwegian Ser. No. 20 / 221,364 , filed on Dec. 20, 2022. The international application and Norwegian application are both incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present invention is related to a rope with adjustable elasticity. More specifically, the invention is related to a rope with adjustable elasticity for use in a mooring system for a floating object, such as for example a leisure boat.BACKGROUND

[0003] A purpose of the invention is to prevent the floating object in abutting against for example a shore when being in a moored position. The shore may typically be a bare rock-face, boulders at the seaside, a wharf, etc., that may damage a hull or any other parts of the floating object if it abuts against the shore when being moored to seabed by means of a weight element such as a grapnel or anchor, and secured to the shore.

[0004] In the following, the floating object will for simplicity be denoted a boat.

[0005] Some boats are provided with a remotely operated winch system operatively connected to an anchor. By activating such a winch system, such boats may be pulled to a safe distance away from the shore after being unloaded while being close to the shore. By close to the shore is meant a distance wherein for example a person may leave the boat and move onto for example the shore or wharf.

[0006] However, a majority of small leisure boats is not provided with remotely operated winch systems. A challenge is therefore to pull a boat that is secured to the shore by means of a rope to a safe distance away from the shore after being unloaded. Hereinafter, a boat being in such a safe distance is denoted as being in its active mooring position. Similarly, a boat being close the shore will hereinafter be denoted as being in a passive mooring position.

[0007] Several ways of achieving an active mooring position, is known. One way is to utilize a gravity of an anchor chain arranged between a grapnel (or anchor) and an end of a mooring rope. In an opposite end, the mooring rope is secured to the boat. In the passive mooring position, a mooring line comprising an assembly of mooring rope and anchor chain may be substantially rectilinear, while said assembly is non-rectilinear while being in its active mooring position. Alternatively, if the grapnel is operatively connected to the boat by means of a mooring line comprising the rope only, one or more weight elements may be secured to the rope. Such at least one weight element may also be used in connection with an assembly comprising an anchor chain and a rope.

[0008] Utilizing gravity of the mooring line to bring the boat from its passive mooring position to its active mooring position, may function satisfactorily in a calm sea and / or in weather conditions substantially without wind. However, when a boat being in its active position is subject to forces urging the boat towards the shore, the mooring line may be tensioned to a rectilinear position, with the risk of the boat abutting against the shore. A further disadvantage of using weight elements is that the mooring line may be cumbersome to handle.

[0009] Publication US 2013 / 0340665 A1 discloses a rope with adjustable elasticity for use in a mooring system for a floating object, the rope comprising a braided sleeve extending between a first end portion and the second end portion of the rope, the braided sleeve being extensible between a retracted first position and an extended second position and at least one elastomeric fibre configured for urging the braided sleeve towards the retracted first position.

[0010] Publication U.S. Pat. No. 8,495,964 B1 discloses a braided anchor rope having an elastic core occupying a major portion of the rope. The rope comprises two cord segments respectively attached to each of two ends of the core, each cord segment having a respective first portion attached to a respective end of the elastic core and a respective second portion extending outwardly through the braided rope and encircling an external surface thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 8,495,964 B1 may be easy to handle but the boat may still be urged against the shore when being subject to forces. To avoid the risk of the boat hitting the shore, a perfect placement of the anchor on the seabed is required.

[0011] Publications U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,483,911 and 4,258,608 disclose anchor ropes having some of the features as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,495,964 B1.

[0012] The prior art anchor ropes disclosed in the above publications have a constant elasticity, meaning that they may be suitable for keeping the boat at a safe distance from the shore as long as the rope is subject to certain forces being below an opposing opposite force from the boat. However, forces from the boat depends on i.a. a size of the boat (area of the boat subject to forces from wind), mass of the boat, etc.SUMMARY

[0013] The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art.

[0014] The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.

[0015] The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0016] In a first aspect of the inventio, there is provided a rope with adjustable elasticity for use in a mooring system for a floating object, the rope comprising:

[0017] a braided sleeve extending between a first end portion and a second end portion of the rope, the braided sleeve being extensible between a retracted first position and an extended second position; and

[0018] at least one elastomeric fibre configured for urging the braided sleeve towards the retracted first position. At least one of the at least one elastomeric fibre is configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve, so that the elastic properties of the rope can be adjusted.

[0019] An operator may tension the elastomeric fibre. Typically, the elastomeric fibre is tensioned to adjust the elastic property of the rope while the braided sleeve is in its retracted first position.

[0020] In one embodiment, the elastomeric fibre comprises at least two elastomeric fibres; at least one first elastomeric fibre; and at least one second elastomeric fibre extending at least along a portion of the braided sleeve, wherein at least the second elastomeric fibre is configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve.

[0021] The at least one first elastomeric fibre may extend along the braided sleeve between said first end portion and the second end portion thereof. The first elastomeric fibre may be configured for urging the braided sleeve towards the retracted first position independently of the second elastomeric fibre.

[0022] One effect of adjusting the elasticity of the rope, is that the rope can be adapted to changing environmental conditions such as waves, current and / or wind providing forces acting towards the shore. For example, when the sea is calm, and there is substantially no wind or current tending to urge the boat towards the shore or in any other unfavourable direction that will otherwise bring the boat away from a desired position, the elastomeric fibre configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve may be in a most slackened position, i.e. in a non-tensioned position. However, if mooring of the boat takes place in for example harsh water, or harsh weather is forecasted, the elastomeric fibre configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve may be tensioned so that the rope is capable of absorbing higher forces. The fibre configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve is in one embodiment the second elastomeric fibre.

[0023] Another effect of an embodiment wherein the rope with adjustable elasticity comprises at least one first elastomeric fibre and at least one second elastomeric fibre, is that the second elastomeric fibre can be adapted to type of boat to be moored by a mooring system comprising the rope. For example, a rope with adjustable elasticity for use in a mooring system for a boat (or any other floating object) having a weight of for example 300-400 kg may have a second elastomeric fibre being relatively slack, or even non-tensioned, as compared to a rope for use (for the same environmental condition) in a mooring system for a boat having a weight of for example a tonne or more. This adjustability of the rope has the effect that the rope has a great flexibility with respect to range of use.

[0024] In one embodiment, a length of the rope with adjustable elasticity being in a retracted first position is about half of the length of the rope with adjustable elasticity being in the extended second position. In another embodiment, a length of the rope with adjustable elasticity being in a retracted first position is about one third of the length of the rope with adjustable elasticity being in the extended second position.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second elastomeric fibre extends to an outside of the braided sleeve at least at one of the first end portion and the second end portion of the rope. A second elastomeric fibre extending to an outside of the braided sleeve at least at one of a first end portion and a second end portion of the braided sleeve has the effect that the second elastomeric fibre itself may be secured to a gripping device being arranged at the end portion of the braided sleeve. A portion of the second elastomeric fibre may therefore be provided with indicators for stating a degree of tensioning of the second elastomeric fibre, as will be discussed below.

[0026] The second elastomeric fibre may in an un-tensioned condition be shorter than the rope being in the retracted first position. By un-tensioned is meant that the second elastomeric fibre is at its shortest axial extent.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the second elastomeric fibre, independently of the rope being in the retracted first position or in the extended second position, is housed within the first end portion and the second end portion of the rope. In such an alternative embodiment, at least one of a first end portion and a second end portion of the second elastomeric fibre is operatively connected to a tension line extending to an outside of the braided sleeve at the first end portion or the second end portion of the rope. The tension line is used for adjusting the tensioning of the second elastomeric fibre and thus the elasticity of the rope.

[0028] The rope with adjustable elasticity may be provided with an indicator for stating degree of tensioning of the elastomeric fibre configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve. Depending on the embodiment of the rope, the indicator may be presented by means of colours, printed information, or other visual or physical indicators.

[0029] Preferably, the indicator is configured to indicate a degree of tensioning of said independently adjustable elastomeric fibre when the braided sleeve is in the retracted first position.

[0030] Preferably, the end portions of the rope are provided with connection means for facilitating connection of the rope to a mooring line. The connection means may typically be selected from the group consisting of an eye and a hook, with or without a swivel.

[0031] In one embodiment, the connection means forms part of an end cap secured to at least one end portion of the rope. An end cap may be provided with means for securing the elastomeric fibre configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve, when the independently adjustable fibre is in a desired tension. In one embodiment is each end portion for the rope provided with an end cap.

[0032] In one embodiment, at least one of the at least one elastomeric fibre extends to an outside of the braided sleeve at a first end portion and a second end portion of the braided sleeve, and releasably secured thereto. For example, in an embodiment wherein the elastomeric fibre comprises at least one first elastomeric fibre and at least one second elastomeric fibre configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve, a tension of the at least one first elastomeric fiber can be adjusted to desired needs. Thus, in such an embodiment, the elasticity of the rope can be adjusted by both the at least one first elastomeric fibre and the second elastomeric fibre.

[0033] In one embodiment wherein the elastomeric fibre comprises at least one first elastomeric fibre and at least one second elastomeric fibre configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve, the at least one first elastomeric fibre is arranged slidable within the braided sleeve. One effect of this is that the at least one first elastomeric fibre may be replaced if deteriorated. Another effect is that the elasticity of the rope may be adapted to desired needs by using a first elastomeric fibre providing a certain elasticity adapted to for example a weight of the boat or any other floating object, as discussed above.

[0034] The rope with adjustable elasticity may be provided with an axially slidable sleeve configured for protecting at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion of the rope. The slidable sleeve may be axially slidable between an active position and a passive position. In the active position, the slidable sleeve may be configured for protecting at least a portion of any elastomeric fibre or fibres extending to an outside of the braided sleeve at least at one of the first end portion and a second end portion of the braided sleeve. In the passive portion, the slidable sleeve is configured for uncovering any portion of the elastomeric fibre or fibers extending to an outside of the braided sleeve at least at one of the first end portion and a second end portion of the braided sleeve.

[0035] In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising the rope with adjustable elasticity according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the system further comprising a mooring line secured to at least a first end portion of the rope with adjustable elasticity. Preferably, a length of the rope with adjustable elasticity is shorter than a length of the mooring line. In one embodiment a length of the rope with adjustable elasticity in its extended second position is one half of the length of the mooring line, preferably one third of the length of the mooring line, or even shorter.

[0036] The mooring line of the system may comprise a first mooring line and a second mooring line, wherein the first mooring line has a first end portion secured to the first end portion of the rope with adjustable elasticity, and a second mooring line having a first end portion secured to the second end portion of the rope with adjustable elasticity. The second mooring line of the system may be a rope or preferably a chain, the second mooring line having a second end portion configured for connecting to a weight element. The weight element may typically be one of a grapnel and an anchor for temporary mooring system, or the weight element may be for example a concrete weight or similar, for a more permanent mooring system. In such a permanent mooring system, a second end portion of the first mooring line may be operatively connected to the shore when the system is not in use, i.e., when for example a boat is not connected to the system.

[0037] In a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for securing a floating object by means of the system according the second aspect of the invention. The method comprising:

[0038] a) securing a weight element to the second end portion of the second mooring line, and placing the weight element on a bottom of a sea;

[0039] b) securing by means of a land line the floating object at a desired distance from a shore to allow unloading the floating object;

[0040] c) pulling the first mooring line to bring the braided sleeve of the rope with adjustable elasticity to its extended second position, and securing the first mooring line to the floating object while the braided sleeve is in the extended second position;

[0041] d) slackening the land line to allow the mooring system to pull the floating object away from the shore; and

[0042] e) securing the land line at shore.

[0043] The method may, further comprise, prior to step c), adjusting the elastic property of the rope to desired needs. The desired need may typically be based on prevailing or forecasted waves and or wind, and sea currents, and also a weight of the floating object such as a boat.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a view of a rope with adjustable elasticity according to the invention;

[0046] FIG. 2a shows a cut through A-A in FIG. 1;

[0047] FIG. 2b shows a cut through B-B in FIG. 1;

[0048] FIGS. 3a-3c show embodiments of a second elastomeric fibre provided with a tension line;

[0049] FIG. 4a shows a first embodiment of an end portion of the rope;

[0050] FIG. 4b shows a second embodiment of an end portion of the rope; and

[0051] FIGS. 5a and 5b show in smaller scale a boat being secured to a shore by means of a mooring system according to the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Any positional indications refer to the position shown in the figures.

[0053] In the figures, same or corresponding elements are indicated by same reference numerals. For clarity reasons, some elements may in some of the figures be without reference numerals.

[0054] A person skilled in the art will understand that the figures are just principal drawings. The relative proportions of individual elements may also be distorted.

[0055] In the figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a rope with adjustable elasticity according to an embodiment of the invention. The rope 1 with adjustable elasticity is suitable for use in a mooring system 120 for a floating object, such as for example a leisure boat B as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. For simplicity, rope 1 with adjustable elasticity will hereinafter also be denoted rope 1.

[0056] The rope 1 comprises a braided sleeve 3 extending between a first end portion 11 and a second end portion 12 of the rope. The braided sleeve 3 is extensible between a retracted first position and an extended second position as known for example from a bungee line or towing rope. The retracted first position and the extended second position define a minimum and a maximum operating length, respectively, of the braided sleeve 3 and thus the rope 1.

[0057] In FIG. 1, the rope 1 is in the extended second position, wherein a portion is shown cut-away (indicated by dash-dot lines beneath the section line A-A).

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the rope 1 comprises first elastomeric fibres 20 extending along the braided sleeve 3 between said first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12. The number of first elastomeric fibres 20 is three, as indication in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The first elastomeric fibres 20 are configured for urging the braided sleeve 3 towards the retracted first position. The first elastomeric fibres 20 extend through apertures 110 at each end portions 11, 12 of the braided sleeve 3, and secured to a connection means, here in the form of a hook 40 via a ring 22 indicated by dotted lines at the first end portion 11 of the braided sleeve 3. The dotted portion of the first elastomeric fibre 20 and the ring 22, illustrates the elastomeric fibre prior to moving the ring 22 in the direction of the arrow and onto the hook 40.

[0059] The rope 1 shown in FIG. 1 further comprises one second elastomeric fibre 30 which is arranged substantially at an axial centre portion of the braided sleeve 3. A tension line 32 is operatively connected to the second elastomeric fibre 30 by means of a connector 34 known per se. The tension line 32 extends to an outside of the braided sleeve 3 via aperture 110′ in the first end portion 11 of the braided sleeve 3. In the second end portion 12 of the braided sleeve 3 the second elastomeric fibre 30 extends through an aperture 110″ and is operatively secured to the hook 40 by means of a ring 35 as best seen in FIGS. 3a and 3c.

[0060] In FIG. 1, the second elastomeric fibre 30 is in an un-tensioned condition, while the braided sleeve 3 is in its extended second position. In such an un-tensioned condition, the second elastomeric fibre 30 is within the braided sleeve 3 which thus protects the second elastomeric fibre 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second elastomeric fibre 30 is within the braided sleeve 3 also when the braided sleeve 3 is in its retracted first position (not shown).

[0061] It should be noted that a tension line 32 of the type indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 1, and shown for example in FIG. 3a, in an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3b, is arranged at both ends of the second elastomeric fibre 30.

[0062] In FIG. 1, only end portions of the first elastomeric fibres 20 are shown, but all of the second elastomeric fibre 30 is shown by dotted lines.

[0063] The embodiment of the rope 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with an axially slidable sleeve 4 arranged at each of the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 of the rope 1. The slidable sleeves 4 are axially slidable between an active position and a passive position, as indicated by arrow S at the first end portion 11.

[0064] In the active position, each slidable sleeve 4 is configured for protecting at least a portion of the elastomeric fibres 20, 30 (or tension lines connected thereto) extending to an outside of the braided sleeve 3. In FIG. 1, the second end portion 12 of the rope 1 is provided with a sleeve 4 being in its active position. In its passive position, the slidable sleeve 4 is configured for uncovering the portion of the elastomeric fibers 20, 30, as shown at the first end portion 11 of the rope 1.

[0065] The slidable sleeves 4 may typically be made from an elastic material, such as for example rubber, and configured for tight fit against the braided sleeve 3.

[0066] Turning now to FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrating a cross-section taken through A-A and B-B, respectively, in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown, each of the three first elastomeric fibres 20 is housed in a sleeve 24. Preferably, the sleeves 24 are flexible. One purpose of the sleeve 24 is to reduce abrasion of the elastomeric fibres 20 that may abut against an inner wall of the braided sleeve. Another purpose of the sleeve 24 is to facilitate replacement of the first elastomeric fibres 20. Replacement of the first elastomeric fibres 20 is relevant under substantially two different circumstances. In FIGS. 2a and 2b, the sleeves 24 are arranged on an inside of a wall of the braided sleeve 3. However, the sleeves 24 may also be arranged within the wall of the braided sleeve 3.

[0067] A first circumstance is when the first elastomeric fibre 20 has been deteriorated, for example due to ageing, or damaged in any other ways.

[0068] A second circumstance is in a situation wherein there is a need or desire for adjusting a basic elastic property of the rope 1 by means of the first elastomeric fibres 20. By providing first elastomeric fibres 20 having a certain elasticity, the rope 1 may be adapted to for example a weight of the boat or any other floating object, independently of environmental condition. The second elastomeric fibre 30 may be used for adapting the elasticity of the rope 1 to certain environmental conditions, such as waves, wind, and sea currents.

[0069] The second elastomeric fibre 30 may thus be in a passive, non-tensioned position when there are substantially no environmental forces that may urge the boat B towards shore, and in an active, tensioned position when the boat B may be subject to such unfavourable environmental forces.

[0070] It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the rope 1 does not comprise the sleeves 24. In such an embodiment, any first elastomeric fibre or fibres 20 is / are arranged within or on an inside of wall within the braided sleeve 3, preferably on an inside of the wall to facilitate any replacement of the elastomeric fibres 20.

[0071] Adjusting the elastic properties of the rope 1 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is carried out by pulling the ring 36 in the end of the tension line 32, and connect one of a first tension ring 37, a second tension ring 37′, or a third tension ring 37″ to the hook 40. It should be noted that the number of tension rings may be more than or less than the three shown. The higher number of tension rings, the finer adjustment of the elastic properties of the rope 1 is possible.

[0072] FIG. 3b shows a configuration wherein a tension line 32 with tension rings 37, 37′, and 37″, is operatively to either ends of the second elastomeric fibre 30 by means of connectors 34.

[0073] Instead of the tension rings 37, 37′ and 37″ shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the tension line 32 may be provided with protrusions 38, 38′, 38″ as shown in FIG. 3c, and configured for being gripped by for example a key-lock 52 arranged in a cap 50 as shown in FIG. 4b. In one embodiment (not shown), the protrusions 38, 38′, 38″ are each provided with an opening so that the protrusions can be connected to the hook 40. Thus, the protrusions 38, 38′, 38″ may in such an embodiment be used for both the key-lock 52 shown in FIG. 4b, and the hook 40 shown in for example in FIG. 1.

[0074] In still another embodiment, the tension line 32 may be substantially smooth without and rings as shown in FIGS. 3a, 3b, or protrusion as shown and 3c. Such a smooth tension line may be secured in a desired position for example by means of a device known as clam cleat that is commonly used for securing ropes for example on sailing boats.

[0075] In one embodiment (not shown), the first elastomeric fibres 20 may have a similar configuration as the second elastomeric fibre 30 shown in FIGS. 3a-3c and discussed above. It should be noted that the second elastomeric fibre 30 in an alternative embodiment (not shown) may be without the tension line 32, but provided with tension rings 37 or protrusions 38 mutually spaced by elastomeric fibre 30 instead of tension line 32.

[0076] In still another embodiment (not shown) the rope 1 does not comprise the second elastomeric fibre 30. In such an embodiment, the elastic properties of the rope 1 is controlled by tensioning at least one of the at least one first elastomeric fibre 20.

[0077] A tension of the second elastomeric fibre 30 may in one embodiment be regulated by means of a spooling device 60 secured to an end cap 50 as shown in FIG. 4a. The end cap 50 is secured to the braided sleeve 3, for example by means of a clamping device in the form of rivets 53 as shown in FIG. 4b.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a, an end portion of the second elastomeric fibre 30 itself is operatively connected to a spool 62 of the spooling device 60. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tension line 32 is operatively connected to the spool 62.

[0079] The spool 62 is operatively connected to an arm 64 for rotating the spool 62 to spool the second elastomeric fibre 30 (or the tension line 32) onto the spool 62 and thereby tensioning the second elastomeric fibre 30. The arm 64 is provided with a biasing means, such as a spring (not shown), for urging the arm 64 towards the body of the cap 50. When a longitudinal axis of the arm 64 is substantially in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the spool 62, the biasing means has no effect on the arm 64. The arm 64 is provide with a protrusion 67 configured for engaging recesses 66 in a portion of the spooling device 60, so that when the protrusion 67 on the arm 64 is urged by the biasing means to engage one of the recesses 66, the spool 62 is prevented from rotating. Other types of spooling devices of a type known per se, that can be locked in a desired position and released may also be used in the rope 1.

[0080] When the protrusion 67 of the arm 64 is not engaging a recess, i.e., in an unlocked mode, the arm 64 and thus spool 62 may be rotated by an operator in a first direction to tension the second elastomeric fibre 30, or in an opposite second direction to release or slacken the second elastomeric fibre 30. When the spooling device is in the unlocked mode, the second elastomeric fibre 30 may be fully slackened by means of the energy stored in the second elastomeric fibre 30, or partly slackened by an operator controlling the rotation of the arm 64. In a preferred embodiment, the spooling device 60 comprises a spool spring (not shown) configured for spooling the elastic fibre 20 onto the spool 62 when the spooling device 60 is in the unlocked mode.

[0081] FIGS. 5a and 5b shows a system 120 according to the invention in operation for mooring a boat B to shore, here shown as a quay Q. The system 120 comprises the rope 1 with adjustable elasticity, a mooring line 122, 124, and a weight element here shown as a grapnel 126. The mooring line comprises a first mooring line 122 and a second mooring line 124. The first mooring line has a first end portion secured to the first end portion 11 of the rope 1. A portion of the first mooring line 122 is secured to the boat B. The second mooring line 124 has a first end portion secured to the second end portion 12 of the rope 1, and a second end portion connected to the grapnel 126.

[0082] The second mooring line 124 is for example a chain, and the first mooring line 122 is typically a standard mooring rope.

[0083] In FIG. 5a the grapnel 126 has been thrown into the sea for example while the boat B was moving towards the quay Q. At the quay Q, a land line L has been connected to a bow of the boat B and a bollard on the quay Q. A distance between the quay and the boat may typically be in the range of about 0.5 to 1 meter. After securing the boat B by means of the land line L, the system 120 is tensioned by pulling the first mooring line 122 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 a maximum length. While the braided sleeve 3 is kept substantially in its extended second position, the first mooring line 122 is secured to the aft of the boat B. In this position, the land line L, boat B and the system 120 is in maximum tension.

[0084] In FIG. 5b, the land line L has been slackened, and the boat B has been pulled away from the quay Q by means of the tension form the rope 1 of the system 120. In the figure, the land line Lis in tension, which indicate that the boat B has been secured to the quay Q while the rope 1 with adjustable elasticity was not in its fully retracted position.

[0085] Due to a limited length of the rope 1 with respect to the mooring line 122, 124 of the system 120, the boat B is prevented from hitting the quay Q. Further, the elastic property of the rope 1 can easily be adjusted to adapt the elasticity to weight of the boat B and or actual or expected weather conditions. A further great advantage of the system 120 is that a “perfect” placement of the grapnel 126 on the seabed (or any other weight element) with respect to the shore, is not required. In a prior art mooring system wherein a bungee-line is connected directly or via a chain to for example a grapnel, the grapnel must be positioned on the seabed so that the bungee-line allows bringing the boat sufficiently close to the shore to allow loading and unloading the boat, but also so that the bungee-line is fully expanded in this position. Without knowing the depth and type of seabed, placing the grapnel at a perfect position on the seabed may be cumbersome.

[0086] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that 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. Use of the verb “comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

Claims

1. A rope with adjustable elasticity for use in a mooring system for a floating object, the rope comprising:a braided sleeve extending between a first end portion and a second end portion of the rope, the braided sleeve being extensible between a retracted first position and an extended second position; andat least one elastomeric fiber configured for urging the braided sleeve towards the retracted first position, wherein at least one of the at least one elastomeric fiber is configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve, so that the elastic properties of the rope can be adjusted.

2. The rope according to claim 1, wherein the elastomeric fiber comprises at least two elastomeric fibers;at least one first elastomeric fiber; and 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 for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve.

3. The rope according to claim 2, wherein the second elastomeric fiber extends to an outside of the braided sleeve at least at one of the first end portion and the second end portion of the rope.

4. The rope according to claim 3, wherein the second elastomeric fiber in an un-tensioned condition is shorter than the rope being in the first retracted position.

5. The rope according to claim 2, wherein the second elastomeric fiber independently of the rope being in the retracted first position or in the extended second position, is housed within the first end portion and the second end portion of the rope and wherein at least one of a first end portion and a second end portion of the second elastomeric fiber is operatively connected to a tension line extending to an outside of the braided sleeve at the first end portion or the second end portion of the rope.

6. The rope according claim 1, wherein the rope is provided with an indicator for stating degree of tensioning of the elastomeric fiber configured for being tensioned independently of the braided sleeve7. The rope according to claim 1, wherein the first and second end portions of the rope are provided with connection means for facilitating connection of the rope to a mooring line.

8. The rope according to claim 7, wherein the connection means forms part of an end cap secured to an end portion of the rope.

9. The rope according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one elastomeric fiber extends to an outside of the braided sleeve at a first end portion and the second end portion of the braided sleeve, and releasably secured thereto.

10. The rope according to claim 9, wherein the at least one first elastomeric fiber is arranged slidable with respect to the braided sleeve.

11. A system comprising the rope with adjustable elasticity according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprising a mooring line secured to at least the first end portion of the rope with adjustable elasticity.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the mooring line comprises a first mooring line and a second mooring line, wherein the first mooring line has a first end portion secured to the first end portion of the rope, and the second mooring line having a first end portion secured to the second end portion of the rope.

13. A method for securing a floating object with the system according to claim 12, wherein the method comprises the steps of:a) securing a weight element to a second end portion of the second mooring line, and placing the weight element on a bottom of a sea;b) securing the floating object with a land line at a desired distance from a shore to allow unloading the floating object;c) pulling the first mooring line to bring the braided sleeve of the rope with adjustable elasticity to its extended second position, and securing the first mooring line to the floating object while the braided sleeve is in the extended second position;d) slackening the land line to allow the mooring system to pull the floating object away from the shore; ande) securing the land line at shore.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising prior to step c): adjusting the elastic property of the rope to desired needs.

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