A block lock for connecting two chain ends is disclosed including two opposing block lock halves extending in the longitudinal direction when the block lock is in the locked state, which interlockingly engage in each other, and which lock to form at least one receiving opening for receiving a chain link. The block lock halves are pivotably coupled together in the region of a pivoting end such that the block lock halves can be shifted into an open position or locked position by performing the pivoting movement. In the locked position, the block lock halves integrally engage in one another at an opposite locking end and can be locked.

A breakaway chain having a breakaway connector and first and second chain portions is provided. The breakaway connector includes a first opening is defined between a first wall portion and a second wall portion spaced away from the first wall portion. A first flexible gripping member extends from the first wall portion towards the second wall portion. A second opening is defined between a third wall portion and a fourth wall portion spaced away from the third wall portion. A second flexible gripping member extends from the third wall portion towards the fourth wall portion. The first chain portion has a first chain link. The first chain link inserts into the first opening and engages the first flexible gripping member. The second chain portion has a second chain link. The second chain link inserts into the first opening and engages the second flexible gripping member.

A breakaway chain having a breakaway connector and first and second chain portions is provided. The breakaway connector includes a first opening is defined between a first wall portion and a second wall portion spaced away from the first wall portion. A first flexible gripping member extends from the first wall portion towards the second wall portion. A second opening is defined between a third wall portion and a fourth wall portion spaced away from the third wall portion. A second flexible gripping member extends from the third wall portion towards the fourth wall portion. The first chain portion has a first chain link. The first chain link inserts into the first opening and engages the first flexible gripping member. The second chain portion has a second chain link. The second chain link inserts into the first opening and engages the second flexible gripping member.

The invention relates to a securing pin (16) which, in order to secure two chain connector shackles (12, 14) of a chain connector (10) against becoming disengaged, can be inserted into an opening (28) formed by the two chain connector shackles (12, 14), comprising a base body (30) with a through-hole (32), at least one spring ring (34), at least two balls (36), and a securing member (38) inserted into the through-hole (32), wherein an annular groove (54) in which the spring ring is inserted (34) is provided in a lateral surface (59) of the base body (30), wherein the annular groove (54) is provided with two bore holes (66) which are aligned with the through-hole (32) and in which the balls (36) rest, and wherein the spring ring (34) has at least one leg (64) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the base body (30) and which bends out of shape if the securing pin (16) is inserted into the opening (28) incorrectly. The invention further relates to a chain connector (10) for connecting two chains formed from links and to a method for connecting two chains by means of a chain connector (10) and for securing the chain connector shackles (12, 14) of the chain connector (10) against becoming disengaged by means of a securing pin (16).

The invention relates to a securing pin (16) which, in order to secure two chain connector shackles (12, 14) of a chain connector (10) against becoming disengaged, can be inserted into an opening (28) formed by the two chain connector shackles (12, 14), comprising a base body (30) with a through-hole (32), at least one spring ring (34), at least two balls (36), and a securing member (38) inserted into the through-hole (32), wherein an annular groove (54) in which the spring ring is inserted (34) is provided in a lateral surface (59) of the base body (30), wherein the annular groove (54) is provided with two bore holes (66) which are aligned with the through-hole (32) and in which the balls (36) rest, and wherein the spring ring (34) has at least one leg (64) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the base body (30) and which bends out of shape if the securing pin (16) is inserted into the opening (28) incorrectly. The invention further relates to a chain connector (10) for connecting two chains formed from links and to a method for connecting two chains by means of a chain connector (10) and for securing the chain connector shackles (12, 14) of the chain connector (10) against becoming disengaged by means of a securing pin (16).

The invention relates to the field of anchor chains, and more particularly an anchor chain (1) comprising a first plurality of links (3) and, at the end of the chain, a second plurality of links (4) comprising at least three successive links (4) in each of which at least one property selected from its bar diameter and the elastic limit of its material is substantially greater than in each of the links (3) of the first plurality, in order to improve the ability of the chain to withstand fatigue by bending of the links (4) in the second plurality.

The invention relates to the field of anchor chains, and more particularly an anchor chain (1) comprising a first plurality of links (3) and, at the end of the chain, a second plurality of links (4) comprising at least three successive links (4) in each of which at least one property selected from its bar diameter and the elastic limit of its material is substantially greater than in each of the links (3) of the first plurality, in order to improve the ability of the chain to withstand fatigue by bending of the links (4) in the second plurality.

A method of forming a chain having a plurality of links that are formed from separate link members is provided that includes press fitting one link member into another link member. The method may further comprise cooling or heating one link member before completing the pressing operation.

A chain including chain-link units pivotally connected with each other. Each chain-link unit includes two lateral plates, a first link plate and a second link plate. Two ends of the lateral plates are defined as a first end and a second end. Two first pin-joint parts are configured near the first ends of the lateral plates respectively, and two second pin-joint parts are configured near the second ends of the lateral plates respectively. The chain-link units are pivotally connected with each other via the first pin-joint part and the second pin-joint part. Thus, the chain-link units are common, and each can be the starting chain-link unit, the middle chain-link unit or the ending chain-link unit. They can be easily assembled without screws, which further reduce the time consumption. Moreover, the noise made as the chain works can be reduced, and a buffering function can also be provided.

A chain including chain-link units pivotally connected with each other. Each chain-link unit includes two lateral plates, a first link plate and a second link plate. Two ends of the lateral plates are defined as a first end and a second end. Two first pin-joint parts are configured near the first ends of the lateral plates respectively, and two second pin-joint parts are configured near the second ends of the lateral plates respectively. The chain-link units are pivotally connected with each other via the first pin-joint part and the second pin-joint part. Thus, the chain-link units are common, and each can be the starting chain-link unit, the middle chain-link unit or the ending chain-link unit. They can be easily assembled without screws, which further reduce the time consumption. Moreover, the noise made as the chain works can be reduced, and a buffering function can also be provided.