Chain marker

Abstract

A stud link chain marker comprising a generally annular body, the body comprises a longitudinal split, whereby the body can be separated at the split and fitted around a stud link bar.

Description

[0001] P12760PC01

[0002] CHAIN MARKER

[0003] The present invention relates to markers which can be attached to chains. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to chain markers for stud link chains.

[0004] This application claims priority from UK patent application number 2416808.0 and UK patent application number 2505500.5, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[0005] A coil chain is a type of chain that is made of metal ovals that are linked together to form long chains.

[0006] A variant of the coil chain is the stud-link chain, each of whose links has a bar or stud across its inside width (as shown in Figure 1). These studs add weight, keep the chain from fouling or kinking, and help prevent deformation; stud-link chains are often used as anchor and cable chains on ships, for example.

[0007] It is often desirable to know what length of chain has been deployed. Chain markers for standard coil chains are commercially available and these are typically made from a rubber material which can be push fit into the aperture of a particular link which is at the distance to be indicated. For example, a chain marker may be connected to each link which is 1 m apart along its length. However, the bar in a stud link chain prevents conventional chain makers from being used.

[0008] The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to chain markers.

[0009] An aspect of the present invention provides a stud link chain marker comprising a plurality of arcuate parts that can be secured together to form a complete annulus around a stud link bar.

[0010] An aspect of the present invention provides a stud link chain marker comprising two or more parts that can be secured together around a stud link bar. P12760PC01

[0011] An aspect of the present invention provides a stud link chain marker comprising a pair of generally half annular parts that can be secured together to form a complete annulus around a stud link bar.

[0012] The (e.g. half annular) parts may comprise cooperating joint portions at either or both ends thereof.

[0013] Joint portions may comprise a projection and / or a recess.

[0014] An annular part may, for example, comprise a projection at both ends, or a recess at both ends; or a projection and one end and a recess at the other.

[0015] The projection may comprise a hook.

[0016] The recess may comprise a rebate or a slot.

[0017] The recess may comprise a hook / clip portion for engaging a projection.

[0018] The circumferential extent of two half annular parts may be substantially the same.

[0019] The (e.g. two) parts may be substantially the same.

[0020] Each part may comprise one or more holes for receiving fixings (such as bolts).

[0021] In some embodiments the marker is provided in two halves which are then combined together, for example with glue and / or a clip joint, potentially with small bolts, around the stud link.

[0022] Markers could be made of many different materials including plastics material or metal.

[0023] The outer part of the stud link may be coloured. P12760PC01

[0024] A further aspect provides a stud link chain marker comprising a generally annular body, the body comprises a longitudinal split, whereby the body can be separated at the split and fitted around a stud link bar.

[0025] The split may be formed by two overlapping thinner portions / flaps at the free ends of the body defined by the split.

[0026] The body may comprise a circumferential notch.

[0027] A reflective strip may be provided on or by the body.

[0028] In embodiments with a notch, the reflective strip may be positioned in the notch.

[0029] The body may be formed from a rubber or rubber-like material.

[0030] The body may be formed from a plastics material.

[0031] Reflective strip

[0032] This may, for example, be a marine safety grade SOLAS reflective strip laminated with a military / aviation-grade protective film (3M 8672 tape) and then applied by hand.

[0033] Securing the marker

[0034] The flap may, for example, be held shut using tape and / or adhesive.

[0035] The flap may, for example, be held shut using a double-sided bonding tape e.g. 3M VHB5925.

[0036] The flap may, for example, be held shut using glue.

[0037] The body may, for example, have a generally cylindrical hollow form e.g. with a generally circular section. P12760PC01

[0038] A further aspect provides a one-piece wraparound stud link chain marker.

[0039] The present invention also provides a set of chain markers comprising a plurality of chain markers as described herein.

[0040] The present invention also provides a chain having one or more markers or sets as described herein.

[0041] Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

[0042] The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0044] Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

[0045] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” P12760PC01

[0046] “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0048] Figure 1 shows two links 5a, 5b of a stud link chain 1. Each link comprises a generally oval body 6a, 6b with a bar 7a, 7b across its inside width.

[0049] Figures 2 and 3 show a chain marker generally indicated 110 and comprising two generally half ring-shape body parts 115, 120.

[0050] At one end of each part 115, 120 a hook-type joint part 116, 121 is provided; and at the other end a corresponding recess 117, 122 is provided.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 and 5 then parts 115, 120 can be placed together to form a complete annulus, with the hook parts 116, 121 engaged with the recesses 117, 122.

[0052] Figure 6 shows the parts 115, 120 clipped / joined together around the bar 107 of a stud link 105. The parts may be secured together using an adhesive.

[0053] Figures 7 and 8 show a chain 201 comprising a plurality of links 205a, 205b, 205c. Each of the links is fitted with a marker 210.

[0054] Figures 9 to 11 show one half 315 of a marker formed according to a further embodiment.

[0055] Figure 12 shows two halves 315, 320 ready to form a marker. P12760PC01

[0056] Figures 13 to 16 show a marker 310 formed by two halves 315, 320. The halves are identical and fitted together in opposite orientation so that the joint parts mate.

[0057] Figures 17 and 18 show the marker 310 fitted to a chain link 305.

[0058] Figures 19 and 20 show a marker 410 formed according to a further embodiment.

[0059] Referring also to Figures 21 to 29, in this embodiment the two halves 415, 420 are different (unlike the marker 315 with a male and a female clip fitting on each part), with the half 415 having two recesses 418a, 418b and the half 420 having two hooks 423a, 423b i.e. each part is either a male or a female fitting. The hooks 418a, 418b engage in the corresponding recesses 423a, 423b to hold the halves together; glue may additionally be used.

[0060] Figure 30 shows the marker 410 fitted to a chain link.

[0061] Figures 31 and 32 show a marker 510 formed according to a further embodiment.

[0062] The marker 510 comprises two generally semi-annular parts 515, 520.

[0063] At one end of each part 515, 520 two (in this embodiment) through holes 540a, 540b, 540c, 540d are provided. At the other end of each part 515, 520 two blind-ended holes 545a, 545b, 545c, 545d are provided. A bolt 550a, 550b, 550c, 550d passes through respective, corresponding through holes and blind-ended holes when the parts are fitted together.

[0064] In addition, the end face at one end of each part is provided with a frusto-conical-shape boss 555a, 555b; and the end face at the other end of each part is provided with a corresponding recess 560a, 560b. The bosses engage in the recesses when the parts are fitted together.

[0065] These markers could, for example, be used for larger chains. P12760PC01

[0066] The marker is held together with the bolts; glue may also be used.

[0067] Referring now to Figures 39 to 44 there is shown an anchor chain marker 670 formed according to a further aspect of the invention. The marker is also configured to go around a chain link.

[0068] The marker 670 is formed as a single piece, in this embodiment from a rubber or rubber-like material.

[0069] The marker 670 comprises a generally cylindrical body 675 longitudinally split by a chicane formed by two overlapping, thinner (i.e. thinner than the rest of the body) arcuate portions or flaps 671 , 672.

[0070] The exterior of the marker has a generally central, circumferential notch 673.

[0071] Figures 45 to 46 show a marker 770 formed in accordance with a further embodiment.

[0072] The marker 770 is similar to the marker 670.

[0073] In this embodiment a reflective strip 774 is positioned in the notch 773.

[0074] Use of a marker formed in accordance with this aspect of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 48 and 49.

[0075] The user opens the chain marker 870 out as shown in Figure 48 (it’s made of rubber), places it over the stud (Figure 49) and then optionally glues the flat to keep it closed.

[0076] Figures 50 to 57 show various views of a wraparound stud link chain marker 970 formed according to the present invention. The hollow cylindrical body 975 has a circumferential notch P12760PC01

[0077] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

P12760PC01CLAIMS1. A stud link chain marker comprising a generally annular body, the body comprises a longitudinal split, whereby the body can be separated at the split and fitted around a stud link bar.

2. A marker as claimed in claim 1, in which the split is formed by two overlapping thinner portions at the free ends of the body defined by the split.

3. A marker as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a circumferential notch.

4. A marker as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which a reflective strip is provided on or by the body.

5. A marker as claimed in claim 4 when dependant on claim 3, in which the strip is positioned in the notch.

6. A marker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body is formed from a rubber or rubber-like material.

7. A marker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body has a generally cylindrical hollow form.

8. A marker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body is generally cylindrical and longitudinally split by a chicane formed by two overlapping, thinned arcuate portions.

9. A marker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body has a generally circular section.

10. A one-piece wraparound stud link chain marker.P12760PC0111. A stud link chain marker comprising a pair of generally half annular parts that can be secured together to form a complete annulus around a stud link bar.

12. A marker as claimed in claim 11, in which the half annular parts comprise cooperating joint portions at either end thereof.

13. A marker as claimed in claim 12, in which joint portions comprise a projection and / or a recess.

14. A marker as claimed in claim 13, in which an annular part comprises a projection at both ends, or a recess at both ends.

15. A marker as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, in which the projection comprises a hook.

16. A marker as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15, in which the circumferential extent of the two half annular parts is substantially the same.

17. A marker as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16, in which the two parts are substantially the same.

18. A marker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each part comprises one or more holes for receiving fixings.

19. A set of a plurality of markers as claimed in any preceding claim.

20. A chain fitted with one or more markers or a set as claimed in any preceding claim.

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