Shock absorbing mooring chain - has axially contracted length housed by rubber tube and tube ends are fixed to adjacent links

摘要

The shock absorbing mooring or towing chain is of a composite construction, using a conventional metal chain (2) of which a length is housed in a rubber tube (1). The housed chain length is in an axially contracted condition when the tube is in the unstressed state, and the axial tube extremities are fixed (5) to the adjacent chain links (4). The tube, thus, extends and absorbs an initial tensile force which is applied to the mooring, at which stage the housed chain length is extended and itself acts in tension. The tube recoils to the unstressed state when the force on the mooring is relaxed, and may be fixed by oval retaining rings (5) between links (3,6). Alternatively the fixing (5) may use a through bolt and nut with domed washers, may use a hook link in a tube section of reduced dia., or may use half round plugs which combine to house in a tube end.