Mechanical chain locker

Abstract

A system includes a connector body having a bore therethrough, a chain locker disposed at an end of the connector body, and one or more components removably attached to the connector body that guide a chain that moves in tension through the system. The chain locker is integrated with the connector body. Further, the chain locker is fully mechanical and is able to move between a use position, a lock position, and an unlock position with respect to the chain.

Description

DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCTMECHANICAL CHAIN LOCKERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 695,547, entitled “MECHANICAL CHAIN LOCKER,” filed September 17, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Offshore floating structures, such as offshore rig equipment and offshore wind turbines, may be adversely affected by waves, currents, weather, and other conditions while at sea. Accordingly, mooring systems are used to secure offshore floating structures to the seabed.

[0003] A mooring system may include a mooring line, an anchor, and a tension assembly disposed on the mooring line between the offshore floating structure and the anchor. The mooring line may include a chain, and the tension assembly may include a “chain stopper” or “chain locker,” for adjustably securing the mooring line to a body of the tension assembly. A separate connector may be used to connect the mooring line to the body of the tension assembly. In operation, the chain stopper maintains the mooring line in position relative to the body of the tension assembly to facilitate securing the offshore floating structure to the sea floor.

[0004] Conventionally, a hydraulic actuator is used to move the chain stopper between an open (unlocked) position and a closed (locked) position, and vice versa. Such a hydraulic powered system is quite complex and must be supplied by hydraulic control units. Maintenance of such a hydraulic system is also complex, especially if the system is used in a splash zone or near water, to avoid any leaks and preserve key components of the system.DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCTSUMMARY

[0005] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a system includes: a connector body including a bore therethrough; and a chain locker disposed at an end of the connector body, wherein the chain locker is integrated with the connector body.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method includes: pivotably attaching a tension assembly to a floating structure, wherein the tension assembly includes: a connector body including a bore therethrough; and a chain locker disposed at an end of the connector body, wherein the chain locker is integrated with the connector body, and wherein the chain locker is fully mechanical and is able to move between a use position, a lock position, and an unlock position with respect to a chain and without any hydraulic components.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method includes: dropping a mooring line through a tension assembly pivotably attached to a floating structure, wherein the mooring line includes a chain, wherein the tension assembly includes: a connector body including a bore therethrough; and a chain locker disposed at an end of the connector body, wherein the chain locker is integrated with the connector body, and wherein the chain locker is fully mechanical and is configured to move between a use position, a lock position, and an unlock position with respect to the chain.

[0008] However, many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Certain embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood, however, that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein, and:DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a mooring line hooked up to a floating structure;

[0011] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a chain locker according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2B shows a front view of a chain locker according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a chain passing through a chain locker in a use position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of a chain passing through a chain locker in a use position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a chain passing through a chain locker in a lock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a chain passing through a chain locker in a lock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a chain passing through a chain locker in an unlock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of a chain passing through a chain locker in an unlock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 shows a chain locker according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure integrated with a connector body of a removable chain wheel;

[0020] FIG. 7 shows a chain locker according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure integrated with a connector body of a removable chain slider;

[0021] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a chain locker according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT

[0022] FIG. 8B shows a front view of a chain locker according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 9A shows a side view of a chain locker integrated with a connector body via an actuator installed on the connector body, the chain locker being in a locked position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the side view shown in FIG. 9A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 9C shows an alternative cross-section view of the chain locker integrated with the connector body via the actuator installed on the connector body, the chain locker being in the locked position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 10A shows a side view of a chain locker integrated with a connector body via an actuator installed on the connector body, the chain locker being in an unlock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the side view shown in FIG. 10A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 10C shows an alternative cross-section view of the chain locker integrated with the connector body via the actuator installed on the connector body, the chain locker being in the unlock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. HA shows a side view of a chain locker integrated with a connector body via an actuator installed on the connector body, the chain locker being in a use or chain sliding position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of the side view shown in FIG. 11 A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0031] FIG. 11C shows an alternative cross-section view of the chain locker integrated with the connector body via the actuator installed on the connector body, the chain lockerDOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT being in a use or chain sliding position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system and / or methodology may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible.

[0033] In the specification and appended claims, the terms “connect,” “connection,” “connected,” “in connection with,” and “connecting,” are used to mean “in direct connection with,” in connection with via one or more elements.” The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “coupled with,” “coupled together,” and “coupling” are used to mean “directly coupled together,” or “coupled together via one or more elements.” The term “set” is used to mean setting “one element” or “more than one element.” As used herein, the terms “up” and “down,” “upper” and “lower,” “upwardly” and “downwardly,” “upstream” and “downstream,” “uphole” and “downhole,” “above” and “below,” “top” and “bottom,” and other like terms indicating relative positions above or below a given point or element are used in this description to more clearly describe some embodiments of the disclosure. Commonly, these terms relate to a reference point at the surface from which drilling operations are initiated as being the top point and the total depth being the lowest point, wherein the well (e.g., wellbore, borehole) is vertical, horizontal, or slanted relative to the surface.

[0034] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to offshore floating structures. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to mooring systems for offshore floating structures.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic representation of a mooring line 12 hooked up to a floating structure 20 is shown. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a mooring system 10 including a mooring line 12 and a tension assembly 14. As shown in FIG. 1, a first end 12a of the mooring line 12 is secured to a seabed 16 via an anchor 18 located on the seabed 16, and aDOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT second end 12b of the mooring line 12 is connected to a floating structure 20 at sea level 21 . According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the mooring line 12 includes a chain having a plurality of links that is made of a metal, such as steel, for example. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the mooring line 12 includes a wire, rope, polyester, synthetic material, or any other material that is able to operate under tension in a subsea or offshore embodiment. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the floating structure 20 may include a rig, an offshore wind turbine, a platform, a vessel, a submersible buoy, or a subsea structure, for example.

[0036] Still referring to FIG. 1, the mooring line 12 / chain may be connected to a tension assembly 14, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The tension assembly 14 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a connector body having a bore therethrough and a chain locker integrated with the connector body, as further described below. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the chain may pass through the chain locker and through the bore of the connector body, for example. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the chain locker of the tension assembly 14 is fully mechanical without any hydraulic components, and is used to adjustably secure the mooring line 12 / chain to the connector body during operation of the mooring system 10.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, perspective and front views of a chain locker 26 are shown, respectively, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The chain locker 26 is configured to move between a use (or chain sliding) position, a lock position, and an unlock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and as further described below. As shown in FIG. 2A, the chain locker 26 includes a body 32 having a side face 33, an axis of rotation 34 disposed on the side face 33, and a first hole 36 and a second hole 38 proximate to the axis of rotation 34 on the side face 33 of the body 32. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first hole 36 and the second hole 38 is configured to accommodate a removable locking pin, as further described below.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the chain locker 26 also includes two arms 42 extending out of a top 31 of the body 32, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The arms 42 of the chain locker 26 are parallel to each other, according to one orDOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT more embodiments of the present disclosure. At a distal end of the arms 42, a counterweight 44 connects the arms 42 to each other. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the counterweight 44 effectively moves the center of gravity of the chain locker 26 to the axis of rotation 34. The chain locker 26 works due to gravity as the chain locker 26 moves between the use position and the lock position. For example, when a chain 25 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B, for example) is tensioned, the chain locker 26 moves in an upward direction, slides along a link of the chain 25, and then automatically moves in a downward direction to the lock position once the link of the chain 25 passes through the chain locker 26. The automatic downward movement of the chain locker 26 is facilitated by gravity. During this automatic downward movement, the counterweight 44 is able to dampen the weight and limit the impact of the chain locker 26 before the chain locker 26 contacts the connector body 24. As such, the counterweight 44 allows the chain locker 26 to avoid “hammer shock,” and to move smoothly between the use position and the lock position as the chain 25 moves in tension through the tension assembly 14.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the chain locker 26 also includes a chain locking area 40 formed in the body 32. The chain locking area 40 is configured to accommodate a horizontal link of the chain 25 to stop movement of the chain 25 when the chain locker 26 is in the lock position. As further shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the chain locking area 40 is also configured to limit upward movement of a vertical link of the chain 25, which may occur if there is slack in the chain 25. That is, the chain locking area 40 of the chain locker 26 facilitates chain locking on both sides, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. A removable locking pin is disposed in the first hole 36 of the body 32 of the chain locker 26 when the chain locker 26 is in the lock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. When the removable locking pin is disposed in the first hole 36 of the body 32 of the chain locker 26, the removable locking pin locks the chain locker 26 to the connector body 24 of the tension assembly 14. The configuration of the chain locking area 40, which facilitates chain locking on both sides, and the removable locking pin disposed in the first hole 36 of the body 32 of the chain locker 26 allow the chain locker 26 to avoid movement of the chain 25, even if slack appears in the chain 25 when the chain locker 26 is in the lock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT

[0040] As previously described, the chain locker 26 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is configured to move between a use position, a lock position, and an unlock position. FIG. 3 A shows a cross-sectional view of a chain 25 passing through a chain locker 26 in a use position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the same. FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a chain 25 passing through a chain locker 26 in a lock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the same. When the chain 25 is tensioned during a mooring operation, the chain locker 26 moves in the upward direction, and then slides along a link 27 of the chain 25, as best shown in FIG. 3A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Once the link 27 of the chain25 passes through the chain locker 26, gravity causes the chain locker 26 to automatically move in the downward direction to the lock position, as best shown in FIG. 4A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously described, the chain locking area 40 is configured to accommodate a horizontal link of the chain 25 to stop movement of the chain 25 when the chain locker 26 is in the lock position. As shown in FIG. 4A, the chain locking area 40 is able to accommodate a horizontal link of the chain 25 and stop movement of the chain 25 in this way due to a curved recess 46 included in the chain locking area 40. As best shown in FIG. 4B, when the chain locker 26 is in the lock position, the removable locking pin is disposed in the first hole 36 of the body 32 of the chain locker 26 to lock the chain locker26 to the connector body 24 of the tension assembly 14, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously described, the counterweight 44 of the chain locker 26 facilitates movement of the chain locker 26 from the use position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B to the lock position shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a chain 25 passing through a chain locker 26 in an unlock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the same. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the removable pin may be removed from the first hole 36 of the body 32 of the chain locker 26 (as shown in FIG. 4B), and thereafter, the chain 25 may be tensioned until the chain locker 26 moves in the upward direction, and slides along the next link 27 in the chain 25. Next, a load may be applied onto the counterweight 44 of the chain locker 26, whichDOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT causes the chain locker 26 to continue moving in the upward direction until the chain locker 26 is in the unlock position shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the load may be directly applied to the counterweight 44. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the counterweight 44 may be attached to a ring screw, and a chain or rope fed through the ring of the ring screw may be pulled in a downward direction to apply the load to the counterweight 44. As most clearly shown in FIG. 5A, the chain 25 passes freely through the bore 28 of the connector body 24, and the chain locker 26 no longer makes contact with the next link 27 of the chain 25 when the chain locker 26 is in the unlock position, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. To maintain the chain locker 26 in the unlock position, the removable pin is inserted into the second hole 38 of the body 32 of the chain locker 26 (as shown in FIG. 5B). Finally, in this configuration of the chain locker 26, the chain 25 may be disconnected from the connector body 24 of the tension assembly 14, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] As previously described, a chain locker 26 integrated with a connector body 24 is operable to lock and unlock a chain 25 of a mooring line 12, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As additional examples, the chain locker 26 may be integrated with a connector body 24 that has a chain wheel 22, a chain slider 30, or other means for guiding and tensioning a chain 25, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The chain wheel 22, the chain slider 30, or other means for guiding and tensioning a chain 25 may be fixed to the connector body 24 or removably attached to the connector body 24, in these additional examples according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. These additional examples according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are further described below in view of FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 6, a chain locker 26 integrated with a connector body 24 of a removable chain wheel 22 is shown, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 695,498 is directed to a removable chain wheel, and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The tension assembly 14 of FIG. 1 may include a connector body 24 and a chain wheel 22 removably installed on the connector body 24, as shown in FIG. 6, for example. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the chain locker 26 is disposed at an end of the connector body 24.DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCTAs previously described, at least a portion of the mooring line 12 of the mooring system 10 includes a chain having a plurality of links. The chain wheel 22 of the tension assembly 14 may receive the chain 25 of the mooring line 22 to guide and tension the chain 25 during operation of the mooring system 10. Further, the chain 25 may pass through the chain locker 26 and through a bore 28 of the connector body 24, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and as further described below.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 7, a chain locker 26 integrated with a connector body 24 of a removable chain slider 30 is shown, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 695,479 is directed to a removable chain slider, and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The tension assembly 14 of FIG. 1 may include a connector body 24 and a chain slider 30 removably installed on the connector body 24, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the chain locker 26 is disposed at an end of the connector body 24. The chain 25 of the mooring line 22 may slide along a translation path of the chain slider 30 of the tension assembly 14. In this way, the chain slider 30 may guide and tension the chain25 during operation of the mooring system 10. Further, the chain 25 may pass through the chain locker 26 and through the bore 28 of the connector body 24, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and as further described below.

[0045] FIGS. 8A through 11C describe the design and use of a chain locker 26 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, the chain locker 26 depicted in FIGS. 8A through 11C includes first and second slots on the body 32 of the chain locker 26, as further described below, while the chain locker 26 depicted in FIGS. 2A through 5B includes first and second holes 36, 38 in the body 32 of the chain locker 26, as previously described. The following description of FIGS. 8A through 11C highlights the differences between embodiments of the present disclosure as described in view of FIGS. 2A through 5B. However, insofar as like reference numerals amongst FIGS. 8A through 11C were previously described in view of FIBS. 2A through 5B, the description of such like reference numerals may not be repeated here.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 8 A and 8B, perspective and front views of a chain locker26 are shown, respectively, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8A, the chain locker 26 includes a body 32 having a side face 33, an axis ofDOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT rotation 34 disposed on the side face 33, and a first slot 37 and a second slot 39 at least partially disposed on the side face 33 of the body 32, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As further shown in FIG. 8A, the first slot 37 and the second slot 39 are disposed on the side face 33 of the body 32 of the chain locker 26 proximate to the axis of rotation 34. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first slot 37 and the second slot 39 is configured to accommodate a shaft of an actuator installed on the connector body, as further described below. The shape and configuration of the first slot 37 and the second slot 39 are not limiting, and as long as the first slot 37 and the second slot 39 are configured to accommodate the shaft of the actuator, as further described below, various shapes and configurations of the first slot 37 and the second slot 39 are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, various views of the chain locker 26 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the lock position. Specifically, FIG. 9A shows a side view of the chain locker 26 in the lock position the chain locker 26 being integrated with the connector body 24 via an actuator 48 installed on the connector body 24, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the side view shown in FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9C shows an alternative cross-section view of the chain locker 26 in the lock position, the chain locker 26 being integrated with the connector body 24 via the actuator 48 installed on the connector body 24, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the actuator 48 may be a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a spring actuator, a cylinder actuator, other type of actuator, or any combination thereof configured to actuate the chain locker 26 between lock, unlock, and use (or chain sliding) positions. As best shown in FIG. 9C, the actuator 48 may include a shaft 50 and a spring 52 that is cooperative with the shaft 50, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Still referring to FIGS. 9A through 9C, when the chain locker 26 is in the lock position, the first slot 37 of the chain locker 26 accommodates the shaft 50 of the actuator 48, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In this way, the actuator 48 secures the chain locker 26 to the connector body 24, ensuring that the chain locker 26 does not move even if there is slack in the chain 25, or insufficient torque while the chain 25 is inDOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT tension. Also when the chain locker 26 is in the lock position, the chain 25 is in contact with the chain locking area 40 of the chain locker 26 on an entire link of the chain 25, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C, various views of the chain locker 26 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the unlock position. Specifically, FIG. 10A shows a side view of the chain locker 26 in the unlock position, the chain locker 26 being integrated with the connector body 24 via the actuator 48 installed on the connector body 24, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the side view shown in FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10C shows an alternative cross-section view of the chain locker 26 in the unlock position, the chain locker 26 being integrated with the connector body 24 via the actuator 48 installed on the connector body 24, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Still referring to FIGS. 10A through 10C, when the chain locker 26 is in the unlock position, the second slot 39 of the chain locker 26 accommodates the shaft 50 of the actuator 48, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In operation, the chain locker 26 transitions from the lock position to the unlock position by retracting the shaft 50 of the actuator 48 from the first slot 37 of the chain locker 26. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the shaft 50 of the actuator 48 is retracted from the first slot 37 of the chain locker 26 by applying pressure (e.g., air pressure, hydraulic pressure, mechanical pressure, etc.) to the actuator 48. Once the shaft 50 of the actuator 48 is retracted from the first slot 37 of the chain locker 26, the chain locker 26 may be moved in an upward direction until the chain locking area 40 of the chain locker 26 no longer contacts at least one link of the chain 25, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Thereafter, the shaft 50 of the actuator 48 is extended into the second slot 39 of the chain locker 26 to hold the chain locker 26 in this upward, unlock position, as best shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, for example. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the shaft 50 of the actuator 48 is completely extended into and completely engaged with the second slot 39 of the chain locker 26 when the chain locker 26 is in the unlock position.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 11A, 1 IB, and 11C, various views of the chain locker 26 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the use or chain sliding position. Specifically, FIG. 11 A shows a side view of the chain locker 26 in the use orDOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT chain sliding position, the chain locker 26 being integrated with the connector body 24 via the actuator 48 installed on the connector body 24, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 IB shows a cross-sectional view of the side view shown in FIG. 11 A, and FIG. 11C shows an alternative cross-section view of the chain locker 26 in the use or chain sliding position, the chain locker 26 being integrated with the connector body 24 via the actuator 48 installed on the connector body 24, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Still referring to FIGS. 11A through 11C, in operation, the chain locker 26 transitions from the unlock position to the use or chain sliding position by retracting the shaft 50 of the actuator 48 from the second slot 39 of the chain locker 26. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the shaft 50 of the actuator 48 is retracted from the second slot 39 of the chain locker 26 by applying pressure (e.g., air pressure, hydraulic pressure, mechanical pressure, etc.) to the actuator 48. Once the shaft 50 of the actuator 48 is retracted from being completely extended into and completely engaged with the second slot 29 of the chain locker 26, the chain locker 26 is able to contact a horizontal link of the chain 25 without fully engaging the horizontal link of the chain 25. With the shaft 50 of the actuator 48 in the retracted position, the chain locker 26 is able to move in upward and downward directions as the chain locker 26 slides along a link of the chain 25 as the chain 25 moves in tension through the tension assembly. More specifically, when the chain locker 26 is in the use or chain sliding position, as the chain 25 moves in tension through the tension assembly, the chain 25 translates from left to right by sliding on the chain locker 26, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As best shown in FIGS. 1 IB and 11C, when the chain locker 26 is in the use or chain sliding position, the shaft 50 of the actuator 48 contacts the side face 33 of the body 32 of the chain locker 26, and the shaft 50 of the actuator 48 only partially engages the second slot 39 of the chain locker 26, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] As previously described, and according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIGS. 2A through 5B describe the design and use of a chain locker 26 including first and second holes 36, 38 in the body 32 of the chain locker 26, and FIGS. 8A through 11C describe the design and use of a chain locker 26 including first and second slots 37, 39 in the body 32 of the chain locker 26. As also described, FIG. 6 shows a chain locker 26 integratedDOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT with a connector body 24 of a removable chain wheel 22, and FIG. 7 shows a chain locker 26 integrated with a connector body 24 of a removable chain slider 30, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. While FIGS. 6 and 7 specifically show a chain locker 26 including first and second holes 36, 38 in the body 32, as that described in view of FIGS. 2A through 5B, it is understood that a chain locker 26 including first and second slots 37, 39 in the body 32, as that described in view of FIGS. 8 A through 11C may be integrated with a connector body 24 of a removable chain wheel 22 or a removable chain slider 30 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] Advantageously, the chain locker 26 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is integrated with the connector body 24 of the tension assembly 14, and is fully mechanical without any hydraulic components. As such, the tension assembly 14 having the chain locker 26 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure provides a simplified and flexible design that is less complex to maintain than conventional hydraulically powered chain lockers.

[0056] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and / or within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” or “generally perpendicular” and “substantially perpendicular” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel or perpendicular, respectively, by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

[0057] Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.

Claims

DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCTCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system, comprising: a connector body comprising a bore therethrough; and a chain locker disposed at an end of the connector body, wherein the chain locker is integrated with the connector body.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: means for guiding and tensioning a chain attached to the connector body, wherein the guiding and tensioning means is removably attached to the connector body.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the guiding and tensioning means comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: a chain wheel; and a chain slider.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the chain locker is fully mechanical without any hydraulic components.

5. The system of claim 2 wherein the chain locker comprises: a body comprising: at least one side face; and an axis of rotation disposed on the at least one side face; a chain locking area formed in the body; a first arm and a second arm extending out of a top of the body, wherein the first arm and the second arm are parallel to each other; and a counterweight connecting the first arm and the second arm.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the chain locker is fully mechanical without any hydraulic components.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the chain locker is configured to move between a use position, a lock position, and an unlock position with respect to the chain.DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT8. The system of claim 5, wherein the chain comprises a plurality of links, and wherein the chain locking area is configured to limit upward movement of a link of the plurality of links, even if slack appears in the chain.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the body of the chain locker comprises: a first hole; and a second hole, wherein the first hole and the second hole are proximate to the axis of rotation on the at least one side face of the body of the chain locker, and wherein each of the first hole and the second hole is configured to accommodate a removable locking pin.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the removable locking pin is disposed in the first hole when the chain locker is in the lock position, and wherein the removable locking pin is disposed in the second hole when the chain locker is in the unlock position.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the body of the chain locker further comprises: a first slot; and a second slot, the first slot and the second slot being configured to accommodate a shaft of an actuator installed on the connector body, wherein the first slot and the second slot are at least partially disposed on the at least one side face of the body of the chain locker, and wherein the first slot and the second slot are proximate to the axis of rotation.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first slot is configured to accommodate the shaft of the actuator when the chain locker is in the lock position, and wherein the second slot is configured to accommodate the shaft of the actuator when the chain locker is in the unlock position.DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT13. The system of claim 11 , wherein, when the chain locker is in the use position, the at least one side face of the body of the chain locker is configured to contact the shaft of the actuator, and the second slot is configured to partially engage the shaft of the actuator.

14. The system of claim 7, wherein the chain comprises a plurality of links, wherein, in the use position, the chain locker is configured to slide along a link of the plurality of links as the chain moves through the system.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein, in the use position, the chain locker is further configured to move in an upward and downward direction as the chain moves through the system.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein, in the lock position, the chain locking area is configured to accommodate the link of the plurality of links, thereby stopping movement of the chain through the system.

17. The system of claim 7, wherein the chain comprises a plurality of links, wherein, in the use position, the chain locker is configured to slide along a link of the plurality of links as the chain moves through the system, and wherein, in the unlock position, the chain locker does not contact the link of the plurality of links.

18. A method, comprising: pivotably attaching a tension assembly to a floating structure, wherein the tension assembly comprises: a connector body comprising a bore therethrough; and a chain locker disposed at an end of the connector body, wherein the chain locker is integrated with the connector body, andDOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT wherein the chain locker is fully mechanical and is able to move between a use position, a lock position, and an unlock position with respect to a chain and without any hydraulic components.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the chain locker comprises: a body having an axis of rotation; a chain locking area formed in the body; a first arm and a second arm extending out of a top of the body, wherein the first arm and the second arm are parallel to each other; and a counterweight connecting the first arm and the second arm.

20. A method, comprising: dropping a mooring line through a tension assembly pivotably attached to a floating structure, wherein the mooring line comprises a chain, wherein the tension assembly comprises: a connector body comprising a bore therethrough; and a chain locker disposed at an end of the connector body, wherein the chain locker is integrated with the connector body, and wherein the chain locker is fully mechanical and is configured to move between a use position, a lock position, and an unlock position with respect to the chain.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the chain locker comprises: a body comprising: at least one side face; and an axis of rotation disposed on the at least one side face; a chain locking area formed in the body; a first arm and a second arm extending out of a top of the body, wherein the first arm and the second arm are parallel to each other; and a counterweight connecting the first arm and the second arm.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT pulling the mooring line in tension away from the floating structure so that the mooring line moves up through the bore of the connector body, and through the chain locker; and moving the chain in tension through the tension assembly, wherein the chain comprises a plurality of links.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, during the moving step: the chain locker moves in an upward direction, which is the use position, as the chain locker slides along a link of the plurality of links of the chain as the chain moves in tension through the tension assembly; and the chain locker automatically moves in a downward direction to the lock position once the link of the plurality of links passes through the chain locker.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the body of the chain locker further comprises: a first hole and a second hole, each disposed on the at least one side face of the body of the chain locker proximate to the axis of rotation, wherein each of the first hole and the second hole is configured to accommodate a removable locking pin, and wherein the removable locking pin is disposed in the first hole when the chain locker is in the lock position.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: removing the removable pin from the first hole of the body of the chain locker; tensioning the chain until the chain locker moves in the upward direction, and slides along a next link of the plurality of links of the chain; applying a load onto the counterweight of the chain locker;DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT continuing to move the chain locker in the upward direction until the chain locker is in the unlock position, wherein, in the unlock position, the chain locker no longer makes contact with the next link of the plurality of links of the chain; inserting the removable pin into the second hole of the body of the chain locker to maintain the chain locker in the unlock position; and disconnecting the chain from the connector body of the tension assembly.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the body of the chain locker further comprises: a first slot; and a second slot, wherein the first slot and the second slot are at least partially disposed on the at least one side face of the body of the chain locker, and wherein the first slot and the second slot are proximate the axis of rotation, the method further comprising: securing the chain locker in the lock position via an actuator installed on the connector body, wherein, in the lock position, a shaft of the actuator extends into the first slot of the chain locker, and at least one link of the plurality of links of the chain is in contact with the chain locker.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: applying pressure to the actuator to retract the shaft of the actuator from the first slot of the chain locker; moving the chain locker in an upward direction until the chain locker no longer contacts the at least one link of the plurality of links of the chain; and extending the shaft of the actuator into the second slot of the chain locker to hold the chain locker in the unlock position.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising: applying pressure to the actuator to retract the shaft of the actuator from the second slot of the chain locker;DOCKET NO.: IS24.1036-WO-PCT wherein, during the step of moving the chain: the shaft of the actuator contacts the at least one side face of the body of the chain locker, and the shaft of the actuator partially engages the second slot of the chain locker; and the chain locker moves in upward and downward directions in the use position as the chain locker slides along a link of the plurality of links of the chain as the chain moves in tension through the tension assembly.

29. The method of claim 20, wherein the chain locker is configured to move between the use position, the lock position, and the unlock position with respect to the chain without any hydraulic components.

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