MOORING APPARATUS

Abstract

A mooring apparatus (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) comprising a socket (15a; 15b; 15c; 15d), a connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d), and an arrangement (25a; 25b; 25c; 25d) for positioning and/or controlling the disposition of the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) relative to the socket (15a; 15b; 15c; 15d), the connection member (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) being receivable and/or retainable in the socket (15a; 15b; 15c; 15d). A method of configuring a mooring apparatus (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d), wherein the method comprises providing the mooring apparatus (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d), the method further comprising connecting a first portion of a line (35) to a line engaging apparatus (30a) and positioning or extending the line (35) around the positioning arrangement (25a; 25b; 25c; 25d).

Claims

1. A mooring apparatus comprising: a socket, a connection member, and an arrangement for positioning and/or controlling a disposition of the connection member relative to the socket, the connection member being receivable and/or retainable in the socket.

2. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection member is removably receivable and/or retainable in the socket.

3. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the socket comprises at least one and/or a pair of seats, and/or the connection member comprises at least one and/or a pair of projections, such as trunnions, which is/are receivable/retainable on the at least one and/or pair of seats.

4. (canceled)

5. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of: the connection member is adapted to rotate/be rotatable on the at least one seat around a first axis defined by a/the at least one projection; the connection member comprises a joint defining a second axis about which at least a portion of the connection member is adapted to rotate; at least a portion of the connection member is adapted to rotate around the first axis and the second axis.

6-7. (canceled)

8. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a positioning arrangement, wherein the positioning arrangement comprises at least one of: a guide such as a sheave or a chain wheel, and optionally which a line extends around; and/or a line engaging apparatus disposed on, connected to, and/or associated with, the connection member, and optionally wherein, in use, the line extends from the connection member and/or the line engaging apparatus around the guide.

9-10. (canceled)

11. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the at least one seat, or a base of the at least one seat, or receiving portion or weight-bearing portion of the at least one seat, at least partially or substantially faces toward, or is oriented in the direction of, the guide; and/or at least a portion of the at least one seat is substantially U-shaped, hook-shaped or J-shaped.

12. (canceled)

13. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection member is provided with an arrangement for connecting, such as disconnectably connecting, the apparatus to a mooring line.

14-15. (canceled)

16. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a distal end of the connection member is adapted for connecting the apparatus to a mooring line.

17-18. (canceled)

19. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein in use, a pulling force on a second portion of the line, the pulling force being in a direction away from the guide, pulls the first portion of the line towards the guide.

20. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of: the pulling force pulls the connection member towards and/or into the socket and/or onto the at least one guide portion; a reduction in the pulling force on the second portion of the line can move or drop the connection member into the seat; the pulling force pulls the connection member towards and/or out of the socket and/or towards or away from the seat along a guide portion and/or away from a guide portion; and/or a reduction in the pulling force on a second portion of the line coupled with a further pulling force applied to the connection member, moves the connection member out of the socket and/or in a direction away from the socket.

21-23. (canceled)

24. The mooring apparatus as claimed in of claim 1, wherein the further pulling force is applied by a support line, a lifting wire, a lifting line, a bridle.

25. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection member comprises a lever arm.

26. The mooring apparatus as claimed in of claim 1, further comprising a retaining pin adapted to restrict movement of the connection member when the connection member is positioned on the at least one seat.

27. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each connection member comprises at least one retaining member, and wherein the connection member and/or the retaining member comprises at least one shoulder or wing.

28. (canceled)

29. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: at least one shoulder or wing is adapted to move around and/or rotate around or about an outer surface of the seat; and/or the connection member is adapted to be located in a retained position within and/or by the or each socket, wherein in the retained position, the seat is located between the at least one cylindrical projection and the at least one shoulder or wing.

30. (canceled)

31. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted for connection to, or mounting on or in a structure, such as a floating structure, a vessel, an anchor, a pile.

32. The mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein in use, such as during installation and/or stowage and/or removal, replacement or maintenance of the apparatus, the at least a portion of the connection member is at least partially submerged.

33. A method of configuring a mooring apparatus, wherein the method comprises: providing the mooring apparatus as claimed in claim 1; connecting a first portion of a line to a line engaging apparatus; and positioning or extending the line around the positioning arrangement.

34-38. (canceled)

39. A mooring system comprising at least one of: a plurality of mooring apparatuses as claimed in claim 1; a mooring line and/or a support line, and optionally wherein at least a portion of the mooring line and/or the support line comprises a chain; and/or a structure, such as a subsea structure, an anchor, a pile, or the like.

40-43. (canceled)

44. The mooring system as claimed in claim 39, wherein the structure comprises at least one socket and/or wherein the mooring line and/or the support line is connected to the connection member.

45. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are:

[0064] FIG. 1 a perspective view of a plurality of mooring apparatuses according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 2 a perspective view of a mooring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 3a a perspective view of a portion of the mooring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 3b a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the mooring system of FIG. 3a;

[0068] FIG. 4 a side view of the mooring system of FIG. 3a;

[0069] FIG. 5a a further side view of the mooring system of FIG. 3a, with the connection member in the retained position;

[0070] FIG. 5b a further perspective view of a portion of the mooring system of FIG. 5a;

[0071] FIG. 6 a side view of the mooring system of FIG. 3a, with the connection member in a lowered position;

[0072] FIG. 7 a side view of the mooring system of FIG. 6, with the connection member in a retained position;

[0073] FIG. 8 a perspective view of the mooring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] FIG. 9 a further perspective view of the mooring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] FIG. 10 a perspective view of a mooring system according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0076] FIG. 11 a side view of a further embodiment of a mooring apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0077] Referring firstly to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a plurality of mooring apparatuses, generally denoted 5, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment shown there is shown four mooring apparatuses 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d. One will appreciate that such an arrangement is for illustrative purposes and that there may, in use, be fewer mooring apparatuses, such as one, two or three mooring apparatuses, or a greater number of mooring apparatuses, such as five or more, without deviating from the inventive concept disclosed herein.

[0078] Each mooring apparatus 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d comprises a socket 15a; 15b; 15c; 15d, a connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d, and an arrangement 25a; 25b; 25c; 25d for positioning the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d relative to the socket 15a; 15b; 15c; 15d, the connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d being retainable in the socket 15a; 15b; 15c; 15d. The connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d is removably retainable in the socket 15a; 15b; 15c; 15d. The connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d is removably receivable in the socket 15a; 15b; 15c; 15d.

[0079] The connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d comprises a line engaging apparatus 30a; 30b; 30c; 30d. Each connection member 20a; 20b; 20c; 20d comprises a lever arm.

[0080] FIG. 2 shows a further perspective view of a portion generally denoted 50, according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprising the plurality of mooring apparatuses. FIG. 2 shows four complete apparatuses 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d, wherein one of the apparatuses 10a is arranged as part of the system 50. One will appreciate that such a specific arrangement is for illustrative purposes only and that there may, in use, be fewer mooring apparatuses, such as one, two or three mooring apparatuses, or a greater quantity of mooring apparatuses, such as five or more, and that any or all of the mooring apparatuses may be arranged as part of one or more mooring systems 50, without deviating from the inventive concept disclosed herein.

[0081] A first portion of a line 35 is connected to the line engaging apparatus 30a. The positioning arrangement 25a comprises a guide 25a. The guide 25a is a sheave. In other embodiments encompassing the inventive concept of the present invention, the guide 25a can be a wheel, such as a chain wheel or the like, or the guide 25a can be a pulley, or a component of a pulley mechanism.

[0082] Each socket 15a comprises a pair of seats 40a, 40b. Each seat 40a, 40b is substantially hook-shaped. One will appreciate that in variations of a design that encompass the inventive concept of the present invention, each seat 40a, 40b can be substantially J-shaped, or reverse-J shaped, or cup-shaped. Each seat 40a, 40b is a boss or protuberance.

[0083] A distal end 55a of the connection member 20a is adapted for connecting the apparatus 10a to a mooring line 60, or the like. In use, the mooring line 60 can be under tension, such as a mooring tension. Typically, at least a portion of the mooring line 60 comprises a chain.

[0084] A distal end 55a of the connection member 20a is adapted for connecting the apparatus 10a to a support line 80, or the like. In use, the support line 80 can position the connection member 20a, as will be described below. At least a portion of the support line 60 can comprise a chain.

[0085] The line engaging apparatus 30a is positioned at a proximal end 56a of the connection member 20a. The line 35, 35 can be a wire, a rope, a chain, or the like. In use, the line 35, 35 extends around and/or about and/or through the positioning arrangement 25a.

[0086] The socket 15a comprises a guide portion 65. The guide portion 65 extends to a limiting portion 70. The limiting portion 70 limits a degree of movement of the connection member 20a within the socket 15a. The limiting portion 70 stops the connection member 20a interfering with the guide 25a during removal and/or installation of the connection member 20a within the socket 15a. The guide portion 65 is a boss or protuberance.

[0087] The connection member 20a comprises a pair of trunnions 90a, 90b. The pair of trunnions 90a, 90b are adapted to fit and/or sit in the pair of seats 40a, 40b. The pair of trunnions 90a, 90b are adapted to retained by the pair of seats 40a, 40b. Referring now to FIG. 3a, there is shown a perspective view of a portion of a mooring system 50, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3a shows the arrangement of FIG. 2, with the connection member 20a pulled in towards the socket 15a. In use, a pulling force is applied to a second portion 35 of the line 35, 35, the pulling force being in a direction away from the guide 25a. The pulling force pulls the first portion of the line 35 towards the guide 25a.

[0088] In use, the pulling force pulls the connection member 20a towards and into the socket 15a and onto the guide portion 65. FIG. 3b shows a representation of a cross-sectional view of the mooring system 50 of FIG. 3a, wherein the connection member 20a is shown positioned in the socket 15a.

[0089] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a side view of the mooring system of FIG. 3a. FIG. 4, where compared with FIG. 3a, shows that, in use, a reduction in the pulling force on the second portion 35 of the line 35, 35, the pulling force being in a direction away from the guide 25a, the connection member 20a moves towards the seat 40a. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the tension of the mooring line 60 is substantially taken by a support line 80. As such, the proximal end 56a of the connection member 20a can be lowered from the position shown in FIG. 3a, to the position shown in FIG. 4, and subsequently to the position shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b.

[0090] Referring now to FIG. 5a, there is shown a further side view of the mooring system 50 of FIG. 3a, with the connection member 20a in a retained position. Due to the reduction in the pulling force on the second portion 35 of the line 35, 35, the pulling force being in a direction away from the guide 25a, the connection member 20a has moved into the pair of seats 40a, 40b. The connection member 20a can move towards the pair of seats 40a, 40b at least partly under the force of gravity and/or under a force induced by a tension, such as a mooring tension in the mooring line. The connection member 20a moves towards the pair of seats 40a, 40b, from the position shown in FIG. 3a to the position shown in FIG. 5a, along the guide portion 65.

[0091] The apparatus 10a; 10b; 10c; 10d can optionally comprises a retaining pin 95. The retaining pin 95 is adapted to restrict movement of the connection member 20a when the connection member 20a is positioned on the pair of seats 40a, 40b.

[0092] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a side view of the mooring system 50 of FIG. 3a, with the connection member 20a in a lowered position. FIG. 6 shows an alternative method of installation to that of FIGS. 4 and 5a. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the support line 80 has been lowered. The connection member 20a is substantially oriented in line with a straight portion of the guide portion 65. FIG. 7 shows a subsequent position of the connection member 20a relative to the socket 15a following a reduction in the pulling force on the second portion 35 of the line 35, 35. In FIG. 7, the connection member 20a is in a retained position.

[0093] In order to remove a connection member 20a from a socket 15a, the installation process is essentially reversed. That is, a pulling force is applied to the second portion 35 of line 35, 35. The pulling force pulls the connection member 20a towards and/or out of the socket 15a and/or along the guide portion 65 and/or away from the guide portion 65. Next, a reduction in the pulling force on a second portion 35 of the line, the pulling force being in a direction away from the guide 25a, coupled with a further pulling force applied to the connection member 20a, moves the connection member 20a out of the socket 15a and/or in a direction away from the socket 15a. The further pulling force is applied to the support line 80. The support line 80 comprises a bridle 85 to maintain the orientation of the connection member 20a during installation and/or removal.

[0094] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a mooring system 50, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the connection member 20a has been lowered to a mooring angle. That is, the connection member 20a is aligned with the mooring line 60, such that a mooring tension is taken by the socket 15a, and in particular by the pair of seats 40a, 40b.

[0095] FIG. 9 shows a final stage in the installation process, wherein the support line 80 is removed.

[0096] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a mooring system, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Each connection member 120a; 120b; 120c; 120d comprises a retaining member 130a; 130b; 130c; 130d.

[0097] Each retaining member 130a; 130b; 130c; 130d comprises a pair of shoulders or wings 140a; 140b; 140c; 140d. The pair of shoulders or wings 140a; 140b; 140c; 140d is adapted to move around and/or rotate around or about an outer surface of each pair of seats 150a; 150b; 150c; 150d. Each connection member 120a; 120b; 120c; 120d is adapted to be located in a retained position by each pair of shoulders or wings 140a; 140b; 140c; 140d. In the retained position, each pair of seats 150a; 150b; 150c; 150d is located between each pair of trunnions 90a, 90b and each pair of shoulders or wings 140a; 140b; 140c; 140d.

[0098] Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a further embodiment of a mooring apparatus, generally denoted 300. The mooring apparatus 300 comprises the same socket 15a as the socket of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, there is a single mooring apparatus 300. One would appreciate that, in use, there may be more mooring apparatuses, such as two, three, four or even more mooring apparatuses, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1a.

[0099] The mooring apparatus 300 comprises a connection member 320a. The connection member 320a is receivable within socket 15a.

[0100] The connection member 320a comprises a tensioner apparatus 330. The tensioner apparatus 330 comprises a frame 335 and a guide portion 340 for guiding a portion of a chain 345. The guide portion 340 is a chain wheel. The tensioner apparatus 330 comprises a locking means 350. The locking means 350 is a chain stopper. The guide portion 340 is moveably connected to the frame 335. The locking means 350 is pivotably connected to the frame 335.

[0101] In an engaged position, as shown in FIG. 11, the locking means 350 restrains the guide portion 340 and/or the chain 345. The locking means 350 can be adapted to be locked in a disengaged position wherein the locking means 350 does not restrain the guide portion 340 and/or the chain 345. The tensioner apparatus 300 comprises a hole 355. A locking pin 360 can be inserted in the hole 355, such that the locking pin 360 engages with the locking means 350, thus retaining the locking means 350 in the disengaged position.

[0102] It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention herebefore described are given by way of example only and are not meant to limit the scope of thereof. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention provide benefits over the prior art.

[0103] In the embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the apparatus comprises a universal joint. That is, the apparatus shown is a Dual Axis device. Specifically, the connection member 20a is rotatable on the pair of trunnions 90a, 90b, about a first axis defined by the trunnions 90a, 90b. The connection member 20a is also rotatable about a second axis, the second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the second axis being centred on joint 160a. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments encompassing the inventive concept of the present invention, the connection member may be a Single Axis device, and may not comprise joint 160a. Such an arrangement would, for example, be adapted for use on a structure, wherein the structure has a rotatable portion, such as a turret mooring.

[0104] Advantageously, the apparatus, system and method described herein may permit the mooring line to be pre-cut to size and installed without a tensioning device on such, since the mooring line can be pulled in at a tension above the nominal/design tension of the mooring line to a pulled in position and then lowered down to the seat to achieve a design tension.