Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Coupling system for use in a tie-in system
Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a tie-in system and a method for
establishing such systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a
coupling
device for use in a tie-in system that may be subjected to pulling forces or
tension in
any and all directions. The system comprises a U-shaped tube thimble to be
connected with a closed loop body, such as a link, eye or a ring, and where
the
thimble is connected with a mooring line. The invention also relates to a
method and
.. use of such coupling element for mooring lines in a tie-in system that may
be
subjected to pulling forces in any and all directions.
Background of the Invention
A typical floating aqueous fish farm plant consists of a number of cages
interconnected with neighbouring cages and arranged in a predefined array of
floating cages. The farm plant is moored to anchoring points on the seabed
and/or
shore by means of a number of mooring lines, extending from the farm plant to
the
anchoring points.
A cage system in a floating aqueous fish farm plant and/or other type of
floating plants required to be moored to the seabed and/or shore require a
mooring
system comprising a large number of mooring lines pointing in horizontal
and/or
vertical direction and/or arranged in a sideways and/or downwards inclined or
slanted direction. Such systems are often configured in such way that nodes of
mooring lines are required, forming a number of local forces for the ends of
the
different types of lines or cables.
A typical cage comprises one or more floating collars, a net suspended from
the collar(s), a mooring points for mooring the cage to one or more of the
neighbouring cages and/or to anchor points on the seabed/shore.
For quite some time the aquaculture fish farm industry has expressed a desire
to reduce use of steel components in the upper part of the water known as the
splash zone, which is the first 15 meters downwards from the surface. The
splash
zone is the area where corrosion is most extreme and where the effect of waves
and
wind are largest. Strict regulations requires periodical inspection, such
inspection
requiring visual control. If tendency to severe corrosion, detrimental wear
and tear, or
the like is discovered, for example during such inspection, the affected
component or
components must be replaced. Commonly such visual inspections are preformed
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
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below sea level by divers or by remotely operated cameras. Replacement or
repair is
always performed by lifting the defect part out of the sea.
The purpose of the mooring system is to keep the floating structure in a fixed
position, as well as to secure that the individual floating cages are retained
in a
spaced relation. The mooring system is dimensioned to secure the installation
and
consists of mooring lines in all four directions. Mooring lines are selected
to match
the type of environment they are to be used in, where weather, water current,
and
other properties of the surroundings are taken into consideration.
Previously, mooring systems consist of mooring lines attached to a large
metal collar suspended with buoys in one end and to the anchors on the other
end,
said elements representing a risk for collision or interference between collar
and nets
when subjected to waves and heavy sea.
ON 2 488 289 Y describes a seawater aquiculture net cage assembly with a
fixed frame structure, comprising a net cage and a mooring anchors with small
floats
and anchor ropes. Each net cage in the system includes a square framework
which
is arranged around each net cage, and four connecting rings or nodes used for
fixing
are respectively arranged at four angles of the framework. Dead wires and
floats
used for fastening the net cage and taking a certain angle are arranged at
connecting ring; thereby, eight connecting points are arranged at the net cage
whose
four sides are opposite, capable of balancing the impact from the waves,
greatly
increasing the stabilization of the net cage in the ocean wave, changing ocean
wave
resistance stress structure of the net cage, hereby achieving the aim of
protecting
the net cage and extending the service time of the net cage. The fixing ring
is also
connected with mooring lines to the cage, to buoys, and to a fixing anchor
connected
to a small buoy. The connecting ring is provided with angled tie bolt cages of
the
securing wire.
Several of these coupling elements are used in a mooring system. The
introduction of a coupling element adds balance to the mooring system,
ensuring
that the float collars are on a somewhat fixed distance from each other, yet
still
safely secured. Various alternatives to the steel ring are used in current
mooring
systems. Most widely used is a mooring plate, which is a round galvanized
steel
plate with holes.
In a typical mooring system, every float collar is attached to a mooring plate
on all four sides using a fibre rope in a type of crowfoot configuration where
three
ropes are connected to the float collar and the other end of these three ropes
are
connected at the mooring plate. The mooring plates in the middle of the farm
will
thusly be surrounded with float collars and will have four collars attached to
every
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plate. The mooring plates on the edges of the farm will have float collars on
one side
and will always have two collars attached to every plate. The mooring plates
on the
corners of the farm, will always only have one collar attached to it.
The mooring plates are also interconnected with straight fibre rope mooring
lines in order to add the stability needed. These lines make up a square for
every
float collar in the system. The mooring plates on the edges as well as the
mooring
plates on the corners will also have mooring lines that stretch to the bottom
of the
water body where they are bolted, attached to an anchor, or fastened in
another
suitable way. These same plates are also attached to a buoy which holds the
frame
at a given depth, normally between seven and ten meters below the sea level.
This
system allows a build-up of a farm with as many float collars as needed, in
any
direction. Any line attached to any mooring plate will be fastened using
several more
steel components, such as shackles, thimbles, links and chains.
Thimbles are used to increase the contact surface between the rope/mooring
line and the coupling element and to protect the lines, in order to reduce
strain and
gnaw on the rope. This can be used in one end or in both ends of the mooring
line,
whereupon the other end of the thimble usually is connected to a link or a
ring. In
prior art, there are known steel and plastic thimbles.
Traditionally, steel thimbles are used to form a closed loop or an eye. It is
also
known to use tube thimbles made of plastic material. Here the tube thimble is
given a
general U-shape with straight and parallel legs and a curved bottom region,
and
where the outer bottom surface of the U-shaped thimble is removed, enabling a
rope
or a wire more easily to be thread in through one of the legs at the bottom to
the top
and to be bent and threaded in through the other leg from the opposite end
from the
top to the bottom of the leg, following the U shape of the thimble, whereupon
the
rope or wire end is spliced to form a closed loop or thimble eye. When a rope
or wire
with such tube thimble of plastic material, fixed to for example a ring, is
tensioned,
the thimble legs tend to be bent inward towards each other, whereby the legs
of the
thimble and the U-shaped bottom tend to be pressed towards each other,
deformed
to a more or less V-shape around the rig at the thimble bottom, thus forming
an
abrupt and weakened point shaped transfer zone. A detrimental effect of this
behaviour is that the loop end of the rope or wire may be more pointed,
reducing the
thimble effect and exposing the wire or rope to an increased wear and tear,
thus
creating a possible weak link in the system rather than enhancing the mooring
system.
A possible drawback with thimbles made of steel or plastic material is that
they are not form stable if subjected to high tension in the lines. Contrary
to thimbles
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of plastic material, which regain the original shape when the tension in the
line is
relieved, steel thimbles tend to retain the deformed shape. This may have a
detrimental effect on the wire or rope reducing the protecting property of the
thimble.
Since prior art technology requires high maintenance costs and frequent
quality assurance, as well as higher risk of component failure that may lead
to
escaping of fish. It is a need for an improved system for establishing
multiple
connections in a mooring system with several mooring lines interconnected and
jointed in a mooring node, avoiding the drawbacks of the prior art solution.
FR2415598 (Al) describes a ring for fitting to load sling. The ring comprises
an annular body to the base of which is welded a plane bearing in the form of
a
circular washer. An eye reinforced by a horseshoe shoe shaped stay has a
similar
circular washer plane bearing which rests on washer. The eye is assembled to
the
body and the stay is then closed by an iron bar to prevent separation of the
eye from
the body. The gap between bar and body is pref. at least equal to the
thickness of
the washer.
Summary of the present Invention
The present invention is based on the principle of using rotation between
complimentary curved surfaces to reduce wear and tear. Another principle used
is to
increase the radii of curvature of the complimentary surfaces to reduce wear
and
tear and to provide as smooth and frictionless relative rotation as possible.
A major object of the present invention is to provide connecting points or
nodes between a structure and one or more lines, able to withstand large
tension in
the line(s) and in the nodes without having any deforming impact on the
connection
or nodes between the structure and the at least one line or wire and without
to any
degree affecting possible intended spread in various directions of the lines
or wires
from the nodes.
Another major object of the invention is to configure and design a thimble
device system and choosing a thimble material having properties allowing the
thimble device system to regain its initial shape and configuration when the
tension
in the line ceases or is released.
Another major object of the invention is to provide a thimble device allowing
connection to a structure, where the thimble device allows for several lines
or wires
to be connected substantially at one single contact point on the structure and
also
configured to withstand large tension in the line(s) without any substantial
degree of
being deformed and also maintaining a line or wire configuration.
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An object of the present invention is to reduce or remove the disadvantages
of the prior art solutions by eliminating or at least substantially remove the
need for
using the metal parts or elements in the mooring system, thereby also
eliminating
failure caused by corrosion, and sharp edges associated with the mooring
system in
5 .. the splash zone.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mooring system where
use of steel elements in the mooring system is eliminated, or at least
substantially
reduced and where the risk of deformation of the thimbles is eliminated, or at
least
substantially reduced, removing the risk for corrosion and failure of mooring
elements at least in the splash zone.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a thimble configuration
retaining its intended shape even when subjected to maximum design tension in
the
lines.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a system that has longer
.. intervals between necessary or required maintenance than for prior art
technology.
There is also an object of the present invention to provide a system that has
no sharp edges that can cause consequential rupture in a fish net or other
embodiments connected to the floating installation, even when the mooring
lines are
subjected to large tension. Yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a
coupling element in a mooring system that can withstand strain from forces in
any
and all directions.
Further, there is an object of the present invention is to provide a coupling
device that can withstand strain from mooring lines in all four wind
directions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling element that
reinforces the connection between the thimble and the link, or ring,
preventing
deformation and damage of the tube thimble when exposed to strain and/or
tension.
There is also an objection of the present invention is to provide a coupling
element that reduces gnaw on the rope by allowing the inner surface of the
thimble
to be rotatably arranged on the outer single curved surface of the coupling
element.
A further object of the invention is to provide as smooth and frictionless
rotation between complimentary surfaces as possible.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a singular fastening
point on the coupling element for a mooring line having a spread out at
different
angle and direction.
There is an objective of the invention to provide a system where said thimbles
can be made out of a plastic material, such as polyurethane.
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Another objective of the invention is to provide a method for fastening the
thimbles to the coupling element where a thimble is threaded onto the coupling
element before a mooring line or a rope is inserted and then spliced together
to
create a loop.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a method for fastening the
thimble onto the coupling element by bending the thimble legs outwards and
then
threading the thimble onto the coupling element before a mooring line or a
rope is
inserted and then spliced together to create a loop.
Further, an objective of the fastening method is that when the pull force
bending the legs outward have been released the thimble will enfold around the
coupling element and have a tight secured grip.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method where the
system can be used in a fish farm to keep floating installations in a more or
less fixed
position and where the connecting system can be connected to several different
elements such as anchors, buoys, floating collars etc.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a coupling element
that
can be used for all type of environment, where weather, water current, or
other
properties of the surroundings.
The objects are achieved by a mooring and thimble system as further defied
by the independent claims, while embodiments, alterative and variants are
defied by
the dependent claims.
According to the invention it is provided a coupling device used in a mooring
tie-in system for connecting floating and/or stationary structures together,
subjected
to pulling forces or tension in any and all directions, comprising a U-shaped
coupling
element with double flanges on the sides and a transversally running slot,
preferably,
but not restricted to, fit a link, or a ring, and where a unit in the form of
a U-shaped
tube thimble is threaded onto the coupling element connected with a link in
the slot,
and where the thimble is connected with a mooring line. The inner surface of
the
tube thimble is arranged to be rotatably on the curved outer surface of the
coupling
element. The double flanges are adjacent to the outer side of the tube
thimble,
locking the tube thimble in a sideways grip. Preferably, the invention forms a
double
point of attachment, wherein the device creates two pairs of cooperating
rotational
surfaces; between the inner surface if the tube thimble and the outer surface
of the
coupling element, and secondly between the inner surface of the slot in the
coupling
element and the link.
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According to an embodiment of the invention the body of the coupling element
has a U-shaped form, with an outer cross-sectional curvature r perpendicular
to an
axial notch, and a parallel cross-sectional curvature R.
According to an embodiment the convex outer surface of the U-shaped
coupling element corresponds to the concave inner surface at the centre hole
of the
U-shaped tube thimble.
In one embodiment, the legs of the thimbles points slightly towards each other
in the direction of the free end of the legs.
Preferably, the legs of the thimble points towards each other in the direction
of
the free end of the legs until the legs touch or almost touch each other,
creating an
eye in the thimble.
According to another embodiment, the inside of the thimble legs may have
grooves to ease the operation of threading the thimble legs onto a structure
such as
a coupling element.
Also, in one embodiment of the invention, there may be a tap on each side of
the entrance into the centre hole of the thimble, creating a better grip of
the coupling
element.
The thimble may for example be made from a plastic material, such as
polyurethane.
Also, the coupling element may for example be made from a plastic material,
such as polyurethane.
According to the invention a method for connecting the coupling device is
described. By bending the legs of the thimble outwards and inserting the
coupling
element into the center hole of the thimble, with the slot facing towards the
end of the
legs, a tight grip is created around the coupling element when the legs are
released.
The slot is threaded onto a link or a ring, whereupon the link or ring can be
connected to a shackle, which in turn can be connected to a chain, a rope, or
directly to another body such as an anchor. Then inserting a rope or a wire in
through one of the legs of the thimble from the bottom opening to the top, to
be bent
and threaded in through the top of the other leg from the opposite end and
down to
the bottom end of the leg, whereupon the rope or wire end is spliced to form a
closed
loop or thimble eye.
According to one embodiment of the invention it is provided a coupling device
used in a mooring system for a floating structure, subjected to pulling forces
or
tension in any and all directions, comprising of a coupling element
constructed as a
circumferentially closed structure, such as a ring, where one or more units in
the
form of U-shaped tube thimbles, linked with a line, wire or rope, are threaded
onto
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the coupling element. The system comprises at least one of said one or more
units
of U-shaped tube thimbles being in the form of two or more U-shaped tube
thimbles,
arranged substantially in parallel and fixed together along the U-shape end of
the
thimbles, and where a bushing plate, forming an integrated and unitary part of
the
thimble, is formed and positioned on an inner surface of the U-shaped tube
thimbles,
intended to face towards and to be in movable contact with a corresponding
surface
on the closed structure when fixed on the closed structure, preferably forming
a
single point of attachment in respect of the closed structure.
According to an embodiment a width of the bushing plate correspond to
a width of the U-shaped tube thimbles at their closed bottom end and that a
length of
the bushing plates corresponds to the corresponding width of the assembled U-
shaped tube thimbles.
The bushing plate may preferably, but not necessary, be curved both
lengthwise and crosswise, both crosswise and lengthwise curvature being
adapted
to corresponding contact surface of the closed structure.
Moreover, according to an embodiment, a pair of legs of one of the in the
assembled U-shaped tube thimbles form an angle with the legs of the
neighbouring
U-shaped tube thimbles, the angle being configured to match an ideal angle for
a
mooring line, when assembled.
The closed structure is in the form of a ring with an outer curvature R, and a
cross-sectional curvature r. The crosswise and lengthwise curves of the
bushing
being adapted to correspondingly curved surfaces of the ring.
The coupling device may for example be made from a plastic material, such
as polyurethane.
According to one embodiment, the invention described is a system where two
or more thimbles can be fixed to unitary body together forming an integrated,
each
arranged in a parallel relation to create a singular fastening point and where
the
inside of the U-shape of the thimbles are made of a bushing that matches the
diameter of the coupling element, and where the angle between the thimbles are
fixed to match the ideal angle for mooring lines in different directions.
Preferably, the legs of the thimbles narrow inward until the legs touch or
almost touch each other, creating an eye or a loop of the thimble, for example
obtained by splicing..
The node system according to the present invention does not need as
frequent maintenance and replacement of part of the nodes and mooring system.
Moreover, the system is robust and not prone to corrosion. A further advantage
is
that the system is stable and allow a single contact point for a spread of
lines in
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different directions, still avoiding collapse of the thimble when subjected to
high
tension.
A major advantage of the invention is that the thimble configuration due to
the
properties of the thimble material or combination of materials used; and the
configuration, dimensions and shape of the thimble units may withstand large
tensional forces in the lines and regain its original shape and configuration
once the
tension in the lines ceases, thus avoiding more or less permanent deformation,
all
due to its flexible properties.
Yet another advantage is that the system reduces the risk for failure of the
node and thus eliminated or at least substantially reduced risk for causing
damage to
the cage itself.
The present invention relates in general to a system used for mooring tie-in
floating and/or stationary structures together and a method for establishing
such
systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a coupling device for use
in a
mooring tie-in system for floating and/or stationary structures together,
where the
system may be subjected to pulling forces or tension in any and all
directions. The
system comprises a coupling element with double flanges on the sides and a
transversally running slot configured to fit a link or a ring, and where a
unit in the
form of a U-shaped tube thimble is threaded onto the coupling element,
connected
with a link in the slot and where the thimble is connected with a mooring
line. The
link or the ring can be connected to a shackle, which in turn can be connected
to a
chain or a rope or directly to a stationary or floating body, such as an
anchor. The
invention also relates to a method and use of such coupling element for
mooring
lines in a mooring system that may be subjected to pulling forces in any and
all
directions.
The invention relates to a coupling device for a tie-in system, subjected to
pulling
forces or tension in any and all directions, comprising a unit in the form of
a U-
shaped tube thimble to be connected with a closed loop body, such as a link,
eye or
a ring, and where the thimble is connected with a line. The tube thimble is
rotatably
arranged on the curved outer surface of a U-shaped coupling element.
The outer surface of the U-shaped coupling element can have a body with a
cross-
sectional curvature r and a perpendicular cross-sectional curvature R.
The U-shaped coupling element can have a transversally running slot configured
to
fit a link, eye or a ring.
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The curved outer surface of the U-shaped coupling element can correspond to
the
curved inner surface at the centre hole of the U-shaped tube thimble.
5 The legs of the thimble can point slightly towards each other in the
direction of the
free end of the legs.
The legs of the thimble can point towards each other in the direction of the
free end
of the legs until the legs touch or almost touch each other, creating an eye
in the
10 thimble.
The inside of the thimble legs can have grooves to ease the insertion of the
coupling
element into the centre hole of the tube thimble.
There can be a tap on each side of the entrance into the thimble centre hole.
The thimble and or the U-shaped coupling element can be made from a plastic
material, such as polyurethane.
The inner surface of the coupling element can be double curved, allowing the
element to be threaded on a ring.
The device can create two pairs of cooperating rotational surfaces; between
the
inner surface if the tube thimble and the outer surface of the coupling
element, and
secondly between the inner surface of the coupling element and the link.
The ends of the curved outer surface of the coupling element can be provided
with a
flange shaped end for preventing the thimble to move in axial direction on the
coupling element, locking the tube thimble (22) in a sideways grip.
The invention also relates to a method for connecting the coupling device, by
- bending the legs of the thimble outwards and inserting the coupling
element into the center hole of the thimble, the slot facing towards the end
of the legs, creating a tight grip when the legs are released, and
- threading the slot onto a link or a ring , and
- inserting a rope or a wire in through one of the of the legs of the
thimble
from the bottom opening to the top, to be bent and threaded in through the
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top of the other leg from the opposite end and down to the bottom end of
the leg, whereupon the rope or wire end is spliced to form a closed loop or
thimble eye.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the following drawings wherein:
Figure 1 shows schematically an overview of an aquaculture fish farming
plant, comprising a number of interconnected cages, moored in a mooring
system;
Figure 2 shows schematically a typical coupling element in the form of a ring
shaped node peripherally arranged at one side of the plant and with a
configuration
of connected mooring line, an anchor line and three interconnecting lines
provided
with different types of thimbles and closed end loops or eyes
Figure 3 shows schematically one embodiment of a intertying body, intended
to be used in a node system according to the present invention;
Figure 4 shows schematically an embodiment with an integrated three tube
thimble configuration according to the present invention, connected in
parallel to
each other, forming an integrated multi-thimble unit, all in according to the
present
invention; and
Figure 5 shows schematically a perspective of the intertying body with an
assembled integrated multi-thimble unit configuration, consisting of three
tube
thimbles attached on the coupling element; and
Figure 6 shows schematically and in perspective a U-shaped coupling
element with a slot according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 shows schematically and in perspective a front view of the U-shaped
coupling element with a slot according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 shows schematically and in perspective another embodiment of the
U-shaped coupling element with a slot;
Figure 9 shows schematically and in perspective, seen from the side the U-
shaped coupling element according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10 shows schematically and in perspective a coupling device according
to an embodiment of the invention with a coupling element inside a tube
thimble
connected with a link.
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Detailed Description of the Invention
In the following, embodiments of the invention shall be described in further
detail, used in connection with mooring of an aquaculture cage assembly 10 in
a
marine environment. The assembly or plant 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises six
cages 11, arranged in two interconnected rows 12, each of the two rows 12
containing three cages 11. The cages 11 are interconnected by an array of
connection lines 13, 14, forming a rectangular framework for mooring of the
cages
11. The interconnecting lines 13, 14 are interconnected at nodes 15, the nodes
15
also functioning as attachment points for mooring lines 18 for mooring the
cages 11
and as attachment points for anchor lines 16 extending between the nodes 15
and
anchors 17 on the seabed. According to the embodiment shown, the anchor lines
16
extend from the nodes 15 positioned along the outer periphery of the plant 10.
For
clarity, only one cage 11 is shown, while the position of the other cages is
indicated
by rings, the cages being of a type having a circular shape and may comprise
one or
more hollow floating rings (not shown), forming suspension for the net.
As further indicated in Figure 1, the cage 11 shown is connected to the four
nodes 15 by means of three mooring lines 18 at each point. The configuration
of the
nodes 15 shall be described in further details below in connection with
Figures 2 and
4.
As shown in Figure 1, every cage 11 is attached to a node 15 by means of
mooring lines 18. The mooring lines 18 extend between nodes at each of the
four
corners of the framework formed by the interconnecting lines 13, 14, and the
cage
11. The lines 18 may for example a fibre rope attachment of a crowfoot type
configuration where three ropes or lines 18 are connected to attachment points
(not
shown) on the float collar (not shown) from which the net of the cage 11 is
suspended and the other end of these three ropes are fixed at a corresponding
node 15. The nodes 15 in the middle of the farm plant, i.e. between the two
rows of
cages 11 shown will thusly be surrounded with float collars and will have four
floating
collars attached to them in addition to the four interconnecting lines 13,14.
The
nodes 15 along the peripheral sides of the farm 10 will have float collars on
one side
and will have two cages 11 attached to every node 15. The nodes 15 at the
corners
of the farm, will only have one float cage 11 attached to it together with two
interconnecting lines 13,14 and two anchor lines 16. The nodes 15 are also
interconnected with straight fibre rope interconnecting mooring lines 13, 14
in order
to add the stability needed. These lines13, 14 make up a square for every cage
11 in
the system. The nodes 15 along the periphery as well as the nodes 15 at the
corners
will also have anchoring lines 16 extending to the seabed, fixed to an anchor
17, or
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fastened in another suitable way. Each of the nodes 15 is also each attached
to a
buoy 20 (only one buoy is shown). The buoys like the rest of the mooring
system are
configured to have the necessary strength for the intended use and purpose.
This
system is flexible and may be assembled with a large number of cages,
expanding
the size of the plant lengthwise and/or crosswise, achieved merely by adding
numbers of interconnecting lines 13,14, nodes 15, cages 11 and anchor lines 16
with
corresponding anchors 17.
One end of each of the interconnecting lines 13, 14, mooring lines 18 and
anchor lines 16 are as shown in more detail, moveably attached together at the
nodes 15. Referring to Figure 2, one embodiment of a node 15 shall now be
discussed in further details.
According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, two different looped groups
of line ends are shown. One of the groups are single thimble loops or eyes 22,
such
line ends being the ends of either the interconnected lines 13, 14 and/or the
anchor
lines 16, while the other group comprises a plurality of interconnected
thimble loops
or eyes for connecting the cage 11 with the frame of interconnected lines
13,14 at
the joint between two interconnecting lines 13.14. The configuration of an
embodiment of the second group of thimbles shall be described below in
relation to
Figures 3 and 4.
Reference is made to Figures 3 and 4, where one embodiment of the thimble
group according to the present invention will be described in more details. As
indicated above, the present invention is configured to replace the prior art
steel,
mooring plates and steel thimbles, used in connection nodes 15 in a mooring
system
of an aquaculture farming plant 10, for example configured as shown in Figure
1.
According to one embodiment of the invention, such system comprises an
intertying
body 21 shown here in the form of a closed ring shaped structure, for example
formed as a closed ring with circular or oval shape, ref. Figure 3. The
intertying body
has a cross-sectional curvature r perpendicular to the curvature R. The
purpose of
the ring shaped body 21 is to interconnect the various lines 13,14,16,18 in a
secure
way, thus serving as a connection point for one or more lines. Figure 4 shows
schematically a view of an embodiment of a multi-thimble solution 25 according
to
the invention. According to the embodiment shown, the multi-thimble solution
25
comprises three separate U-shaped tube thimbles 26, arranged side by side and
rigidly fixed together. The thimbles 25, 26 are preferably made of a plastic
material,
such as polyurethane, known to withstand the aggressive sea conditions in the
splash zone. The system according to the present application has no sharp
edges
that could cause damage to the net or to the fibre ropes. Due to this
construction, the
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14
interval for periodic inspections is much longer than for the prior art
mooring plates
and other products used in this part or mooring systems.
Each of the thimbles 25, 26 comprises a general U-shape hollow tube 27,
where a part of the material of the tube 27 at the bottom of the U-shaped
thimble
25,26 is cut-off, providing access to the outer bottom surface of the U-shaped
tube
thimble 25, 26, making it easier to thread a rope or wire through the thimble
25,26 for
forming a loop or a closed eye at the end of the respective line.
According to one embodiment of the present invention two or more U-shaped
thimbles 26 may be arranged side by side, rigidly fixed together at the lower
region
of the U-shaped thimbles 25, 26, forming a one unitary, integrated body. This
may be
achieved as part of the moulding process of the multiple thimble unit 25, or
by
welding or gluing individual units together. According to the present
invention a
bushing 29 may be arranged across the inner curved bottom of the U-shaped tube
thimble/the multiple U-shaped tube thimbles 25. The purpose and configuration
of
the bushing 29 is to prevent the bottom part of the U-shaped tube thimble unit
25, 26
from becoming deformed when subjected to large tension on the associate
line(s).
The bushing 29 forms an integrated part of the thimble 25,26 and is\given a
shape and configuration adapted to the shape and form of the inner curved part
of
the thimble(s) 25,26 on the one side and the form and shape of the intertying
body
21 on the opposite side. According to one embodiment the bushing 29 is formed
in
the moulding process of the thimble variant in question, thus forming an
integrated,
homogeneous part of the thimble 25, 26.
According to the multiple U-shaped tube thimble 25 shown in Figure 4, the
bushing has a convex surface corresponding to the concave inner surface at the
bottom of the multiple U-shaped tube thimble 25. The opposite surface of the
bushing 29 has a concave surface, the curvature being adapted to fit around
the
corresponding inner curvature of the intertying body 21. The thickness of the
bushing
is chosen so as to give the sufficient rigidity of the thimble 25, 26. The
convex
surface of the bushing 29 is completely matched to the undulated concave
surface of
the multiple U-shaped thimble 25, enhancing the rigidity of the thimble 25.
The length of the bushing 29 is longer than the total length along the concave
surface of the multiple U-shaped tube thimble 26, extending outside of each
side of
the multiple U-shaped tube thimble 25. The bushing 29 is also curved in
lengthwise
direction to adapt to the corresponding curvature of a ring shaped intertying
body 21.
According to another embodiment the invention the intertying body 21 is
replaced by a coupling element 30, with reference to Figure 10. The purpose of
the
coupling element 30 is to serve as a reinforcement for a single connection
point for
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either one of the various lines 13,14,16,18, through a single tube thimble 22,
creating
a single point of attachment. Alternatively the connecting element or coupling
elements 30 can be used in a multiple thimble solution in a double, triple 25,
26 or
otherwise multiple thimble (not shown in the figures).
5 According to this embodiment, the thimble 22 is threaded onto a coupling
element 30, as shown in Figure 10. The U-shaped coupling element 30 is formed
as
a body with a cross-sectional curvature r perpendicular to an axial notch 38,
and a
parallel cross-sectional curvature R, as seen in Figure 8.
The coupling element 30 has a single curved, convex outer surface
10 corresponding to the concave inner surface at the centre hole of the U-
shaped tube
thimble 22. The inner surface of the tube thimble is rotatably on the single
curved
outer surface of the coupling element, when the thimble is threaded onto the
coupling element. Outer flanges 32 of the coupling element 30 will lock the
thimble
22 in a sideways manner, as the flanges 32 lay adjacent to the outer surface
of the
15 thimble while in the position where the thimble is threaded onto the
coupling
element, as seen in Figure 10. In one embodiment the thimble can be locked in
a
sideways manner by adding one ore more notches and corresponding taps on each
side of the inner surface of the tube thimble and the outer surface of the
coupling
element in the direction of the rotary movement where the taps are locked in
the
notches, (not shown). This can be added to the device or replace the flanges.
The slot 38 in the U-shaped coupling element 30 is adapted to fit around the
curvature of a link 34 or a ring. The dimension of the coupling element 30 is
chosen
so as to give the sufficient rigidity of the thimble 22, 25, 26. The convex
surface of
the coupling element 30 is completely matched to the undulated concave surface
of
the U-shaped thimble 22, enhancing the rigidity of the thimble 22.
At the sides of the coupling element 30, flanges 32 are extending
perpendicular to the slot 38, as shown in Figure 6, 8 and 9. The flanges lock
the
component sideways only, thus allowing rotation of the U-shaped tube thimble
22
around the coupling element 30. This will allow for dynamic movement of the
connection together with the water current without any friction between the
rope and
the U-shaped tube thimble, preventing gnawing.
With reference to Figure 10, an embodiment is shown where a link 34 is
coupled in the slot 38 of the coupling element 30 with a tube thimble 22
threaded
onto, slot facing towards the legs 28 of the thimble. A rope or a wire would
be
threaded into the one of the bottom legs 28 of the thimble 22, to then be bent
at the
top and threaded into the opposite leg from the top to the bottom, following
the U-
shape of the thimble, and then being spliced in a loop or an eye, locking the
coupling
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element and the link (not shown). This configuration creates two pairs of
cooperative
sliding surfaces complementary arranged. The convex outer surface of the
coupling
element operates with the inner concave surface of the tube thimble, and the
inner
surface of the coupling element operates with the outer surface of the link
The slot in Figure 6, 7 and 8 is shown as a deep notch starting at the surface
of the coupling element 30, but it could also be formed as a narrow notch. The
slot is
shown as U- shape, but it could also be flat or have other forms created to
match the
surface of a link 34 or a ring. In an embodiment of the invention the body of
the
coupling element 30 has a U-shaped form, with an outer cross-sectional
curvature r
perpendicular to an axial slot 38, and a parallel cross-sectional curvature R.
The coupling element 30 is not restricted to have a U shaped form. In one
embodiment it can be shaped as a closed structure, where the slot is going
straight
through the element, placed in an arbitrary position.
According to an embodiment, the legs 28 of the U-shaped thimbles 25,26, 22
may point slightly towards each other in a direction towards the free end of
the legs
28, thus allowing the thimbles 25,26,22 to be snapped onto the closed ring
shaped
body 21 or onto the coupling element 30 prior to threading and splicing the
rope or
wire, thus avoiding the thimbles 26 to drop unintentionally off the closed
ring shape
body 21, ref. Figure 4.
As seen in Figure 10, an embodiment of the coupling device 36 is shown,
where the legs of the thimble have grooves 40 on the inside, creating an
easier
positioning insertion of the coupling element 30 into the thimble centre hole.
This
embodiment also shows a version of the thimble where the entrance into the
centre
hole has two taps 42, one on each side, to ensure a more secure grip of the
coupling
element.
As further indicated in Figure 4, the multi-thimble solution 25 is provided
with
a reinforcement and stiffening plate with a shape complimentary to the
curvature of
the inner bottom of the U-shaped individual thimbles 26.
Although a U-shaped tube formed thimble solution with a downwards and
outwards open end is shown, it should be appreciated that a closed solution
may be
used. Moreover dimensions and angles of the thimbles and shape, curvature and
dimensions of the bushing and coupling element 30 will be adapted to the
forces
appearing at the site of use and of the type of plant to be moored, allowing
the same,
possible standardized intertying body to be used.
It should also be appreciated that the intertying body may be configured to be
split for entering completed eyes or loops of a line onto the intertying body
21 without
having to mount the lines in situ at the plant of use.
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It should also be noted that the construction, configuration or shape of or
material used in the intertying body 21 or ring or in the coupling element 30
may be
stainless steel, a polymer coated steel ring or other suitable, corrosion
resisting
material. The coupling element 30 could also be made of a plastic material
such as
polyurethane.
Aquafarming plant
11 Cages
12 Rows of cages
13 Interconnecting lines
14 Interconnecting lines
Nodes
16 Anchor lines
17 Anchors
18 Mooring lines for cages
Buoy
21 lntertying body
22 Single thimble loop or eye
23 Single thimble loop or eyes
Multi-thimble solution
26 Thimble in a multiple thimble
27 Tube
28 Legs
29 Bushing or plate
Coupling element
32 Flanges
34 Link
36 Coupling device
38 Slot
Groove
42 Taps
