Chain stopper

Abstract

A device for connecting a chain or line, such as a portion of a chain or line, to a structure, the device comprising a first portion comprising a first axis, the first portion being configured to connect or be connectable to a structure so as to be movable relative to the structure; a first guide element, the first guide element being arranged on or relative to the first portion to be movable around or about the first axis of the first portion; and a second guide element, the second guide element being configured to align at least a portion of a chain relative to the first guide element.

Claims

1. A device for connecting a chain or line, the device comprising: a first portion comprising a first axis, the first portion being configured to connect or be connectable to a structure so as to be movable relative to the structure; a first guide element, the first guide element being arranged on or relative to the first portion to be movable around or about the first axis of the first portion; a second guide element, the second guide element being arranged in proximity to the first guide element and configured to align at least a portion of a chain relative to the first guide element; and a chain engaging arrangement comprising a third guide element.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second guide element is selected from at least one of being: arranged in proximity to the first guide element; arranged on the first portion; configured to guide and/or align at least a portion of a chain or line relative to a central or longitudinal axis of the first guide element; configured to guide, move, or bring a chain or line into axial alignment with a/the longitudinal axis of the first guide element; configured to substantially align a longitudinal axis of at least a portion of a chain or line with a tangential portion of the first guide element; configured to guide at least a portion of a chain or line towards the first guide element; configured to align at least a portion of a chain or line relative to the first guide element prior to engagement of that portion of a chain or line with the first guide element; a shape, which is configured to be compatible and/or complementary with a shape of a chain.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second guide element defines or comprises a passage, a chain or line being passable or threadable through the passage.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the passage is selected from at least one of being: configured to co-operate or engage with a chain to align at least a portion of a chain or line relative to a/the central or longitudinal axis of the first guide element; comprising or defining a cross section adapted or configured to substantially match or correspond to at least part of a cross-section of a chain; comprising a first opening and/or a second opening, the first and second openings of the passage being provided at either end of the passage; comprising or defining at least a first passage portion, which extends in a first direction of the second guide element, and a second passage portion, which extends in a second direction of the guide element.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a second portion, the second portion being configured to connect or be connectable to the first portion so as to be movable relative to the first portion, and wherein the second guide element is arranged on the second portion.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the device comprises a further passage for receiving at least a portion of a chain or line, the further passage being part of the second portion.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein the device comprises a second axis, the second axis being part of the second portion and being arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the first axis, when the first and second portions are connected to each other.

8. The device according to claim 5, wherein the chain engaging arrangement is connectable or connected to the second portion so as to be movable relative to the second portion, wherein the chain engaging arrangement is configured to allow movement of a chain relative to the device in a first direction and to inhibit movement of a chain relative to the device in a second direction.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the third guide element is configured to guide a chain to or into the chain engaging arrangement.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprise a first connection element, the first connection element being configured to connect the device to a structure.

11. An assembly comprising a device for connecting a chain to a structure according to claim 1; and a structure.

12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the structure comprises an offshore structure, marine structure, subsea structure, floating structure, floating platform, buoy and/or vessel.

13. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the assembly comprises: a connection arrangement, the connection arrangement being configured to connect the device to the structure; a chain connecting portion, the chain connecting portion being connected or connectable to the structure; a chain or line, the chain or line being or comprising a mooring, tethering and/or anchoring chain or line.

14. A method for connecting a chain to a structure, the method comprising: providing a device according to claim 1; connecting the device to the structure.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising connecting a work wire or line to an end portion of the chain.

16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising running, threading and/or passing the work wire or line into and/or through the device.

17. A method for adjusting tension and/or a length of a chain, the method comprising: connecting the chain to the structure using the device according to claim 1; moving at least a portion of the chain in the first direction to adjust the tension and/or length of the chain.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the step of moving the chain in the first direction comprises applying tension to at least a portion of the chain.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the method comprises releasing or letting out of a portion of the chain to adjust tension and/or length of the chain.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) 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:

(2) FIG. 1 an isometric view of an assembly including six chain stoppers according to one or more described examples;

(3) FIG. 2 an isometric view of a chain stopper according to one or more described examples;

(4) FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) perspective views of the chain stopper of FIG. 2 including a chain;

(5) FIG. 4(a) a perspective view of a chain stopper without a second guide element connected to a structure and showing the extension of the chain relative to the chain stopper;

(6) FIG. 4(b) a schematic view of the chain stopper of FIG. 4(a);

(7) FIG. 4(c) a schematic view of the chain stopper of FIG. 2 including the second guide element;

(8) FIG. 5(a) a perspective view of the second portion of the chain stopper of FIG. 2;

(9) FIG. 5(b) a perspective view of the proximal end of the second portion of FIG. 5(a);

(10) FIG. 5 (c) a perspective view of the underside of the second portion of FIG. 2;

(11) FIG. 5(d) a part-cutaway view of the underside of the second portion of FIG. 2;

(12) FIG. 6(a) a sectional view of the chain stopper of FIG. 2 connected to parts of a structure;

(13) FIG. 6(b) a side view of the chain stopper of FIG. 6(a);

(14) FIG. 6(c) a perspective view of chain stopper of FIG. 2 disconnected from a structure;

(15) FIG. 7(a) a underneath view of the chain stopper of FIG. 2 connected to parts of a structure;

(16) FIG. 7(b) a plan view of the chain stopper of FIG. 7(a); and

(17) FIG. 7(c) a perspective view of the chain stopper of FIG. 7(a) when viewed from a distal end of the chain stopper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(18) FIG. 1 shows an example an assembly 5 including a device for connecting a chain to a structure. Here, the device is in the form of a chain stopper 10. It will be appreciated that in some examples the chain stopper 10 may include or be provided with a fairlead 11, while in other examples the chain stopper may be provided with other guiding means, e.g. a bending shoe or the like.

(19) In the example of FIG. 1, six chain stoppers 10 are shown connected to a chain table 15. It will be appreciated that the assembly 10 may include more or less than six chain stoppers 10. The chain table 15 may be part of a structure (not shown), such as a vessel. The chain table 15 can be connected to the vessel to allow the rotational or pivotal movement of the chain table 15 relative to the vessel.

(20) In the example shown in FIG. 1, each chain stopper 10 connects a chain 20, e.g. a proximal portion 25 of the chain 20, to the chain table 15. The chain 20 may be a mooring, tethering and/or anchoring chain. Another portion of the chain 20, e.g. a distal portion 30, is connected to the seabed (not shown).

(21) FIGS. 2 to 3(b) and 6(a) to 7(c) show an example of a chain stopper 10. The chain stopper 10 may be structurally similar and/or include any of the features of the chain stopper described in WO 2015/150770 (in the name of the present Applicant), which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(22) The examples of FIGS. 2 and 6(a) to 7(c) show the chain stopper 10 without the chain 20 being run through the device. FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) show examples of the chain stopper 10 in use with the chain 20.

(23) As shown in FIGS. 2 to 3(b) and 6(a) to 7(c), the chain stopper 10 includes a first portion 35, which has a first axis A. The first axis A defines a transverse and/or rotational axis of the first portion 35. Here, the first portion is configured to connect to the chain table 15 so as to be movable, such as pivotal or rotatable around the first axis, relative to the chain table 15. The first portion 35 may define at least part of the fairlead 11.

(24) The chain stopper 10 includes a first elongate member, which may be in the form of a first pin or bolt 12, for connecting the chain stopper 10 to the chain table 15. The first pin or bolt 12 defines the first axis A.

(25) The chain stopper 10 includes a first guide element 40. The first guide element 40 may define at least another part of the fairlead 11. For example, the first guide element 40 may be provided in the form of a guide wheel, fairlead wheel, sheave, pulley wheel, cog wheel or the like. Here, the guide wheel 40 is arranged relative to the first portion 35 so as to be movable, such as rotatable or pivotable, about the first axis A of the first portion 35. For example, the guide wheel 40 and the first portion 35 may be coaxially arranged. The guide wheel 40 guides a portion of the chain 20 around the first axis A. By arranging the guide wheel 40 to be movable around the first axis A of the first portion 35, tensioning or pulling-in of the chain 20 may be facilitated and/or loads and moments acting on the chain stopper 10 during tensioning or pulling-in of the chain 20 may be reduced.

(26) The chain stopper 10 includes a second portion 45. Here, the second portion 45 is shown as being connected to the first portion 35. The second portion 45 is configured to connect to the first portion 35 so as to be movable, e.g. rotatable or pivotable, relative to the first portion 35. For example, the first and second portion 35, 45 may be connected together by a second elongate member, which may be in the form of a second pin or bolt 14. The second pin 14 may extend through apertures provided in the first and second portions 35, 45 to connect the first and second portions 35, 45. The second portion 45 has a second axis B, which defines a transverse and/or rotational axis of the second portion 45. The second pin or bolt 14 defines the second axis B.

(27) The second portion 45 is connected to the first portion 35 so to be movable, e.g. rotatable or pivotable, relative to the first portion 35 about the second axis B. The first and second axes A, B are arranged relative to each other to be substantially perpendicular, when the first and second portions 35, 45 are connected to together, as shown in the example of FIG. 2.

(28) The chain stopper 10 includes a chain engaging arrangement 50, which in this example is connected to the second portion 45 so as to be movable relative to the second portion 45. For example, the chain engaging arrangement 50 can be arranged on a distal end portion 45a of the second portion to be slideable and pivotal relative to the second portion 45, as for example, shown in FIGS. 2, 3(a) and 3(b). For example, an end portion 50a of chain engaging arrangement 50 can be pivotably connected to the distal end portion 45a of the second portion by a pair of third elongate member 16a, 16b, which may be in the form of a pair of pin or bolts 16a, 16b. It will be appreciated that in other example more or less than two third elongate members may be used to connect the chain engaging arrangement 50 to the second portion 45. In this example, another end portion 50b of the chain engaging arrangement 50 is slidable connected to the second portion 45. The second portion 45 includes a channel or slot 18 in which a fourth elongate member, which may be in the form of a fourth pin or bolt 22, is slidably arranged.

(29) The chain engaging arrangement 50 may be operable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In use, when no tension is applied to the proximal portion 25 of the chain 20, the chain engaging arrangement 50 can be in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the fourth pin is located at or in proximity to a first end 18a of the channel 18.

(30) When tension is applied to the proximal portion 25 of the chain 20 or the chain 20 is pulled towards the vessel, in use, the chain engaging arrangement 50 can move from the first configuration to the second configuration, e.g. by pivoting around third pins 16a, 16b and/or sliding the fourth pin 22 towards a second end 18b of the channel 18. The second end 18b of the channel 18 may include a notch or groove to retrain the fourth pin 22 at the second end 18b of the channel 18, e.g. when tension is applied to the proximal portion 25 of the chain 20. In the second configuration of the chain engaging arrangement 50, the chain engaging arrangement is configured to align the distal portion 30 of the chain 20 so as to be in line or coaxial with a central axis (not shown) of the chain stopper 10. By aligning the distal portion 30 of the chain 20 to be in line or coaxial with the central axis of the chain stopper 10, out of plane bending of the chain and/or chain stopper 10 and/or out of plane strain acting on the chain 20 and/or the chain stopper 10 may be reduced. Such coaxial arrangement of the distal portion 30 of the chain 20 with the chain stopper 10 may allow the use of higher forces during tensioning, e.g. pulling-in, of the chain 20.

(31) The chain engaging arrangement 50 is configured to allow movement of the chain 20 in a first direction relative to the chain stopper 10. For example, movement of the chain 20 in the first direction may include movement of the chain towards a vessel. The chain engaging arrangement 50 is configured to inhibit movement of the chain 20 in a second direction. For example, movement of the chain 20 in the second direction may include movement of the chain 20 towards the seabed. The chain engaging arrangement 50 has an engaged and/or a disengaged or non-engaging configuration or position. In the engaged configuration, the chain engaging arrangement 50 inhibits movement of the chain 20 in the second direction, e.g. towards a seabed. For example, in the engaged configuration the chain engaging arrangement 50 may restrain, prevent and/or lock movement of the chain in the second direction relative to the chain stopper 10.

(32) In the disengaged or non-engaging configuration, which is shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the chain engaging arrangement 50 allows movement of the chain 20 in one or more directions. For example, in the disengaged or non-engaging configuration movement of the chain 20 is permitted in the first and/or second direction(s), e.g. towards the vessel and/or seabed. This may allow releasing of the chain 20, e.g. letting out of some of the chain 20, to adjust a length of the chain and/or tension.

(33) The chain engaging arrangement 50 includes a stopper member 55 that is configured to engage the chain 20 in the engaged configuration and/or to prevent movement of the chain 20 in the second direction. In the example of FIG. 2, the stopper member 55 is shown in the engaged configuration whereas in the examples of FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the stopper member 55 is shown in the disengaged or non-engaging configuration. The chain engaging arrangement 50 is operable or switchable between the engaged and/or the disengaged or non-engaging configuration or position, for example, by applying tension to the chain 20. In other words, in use, when tension is applied to the proximal portion 25 of the chain 20, the chain engaging arrangement is operated from the engaged configuration, shown in FIG. 2, to the disengaged or non-engaging configuration, shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). This allows movement of the chain 20 towards the chain table 15 and/or the vessel. In use, when the tension acting on the proximal portion 25 of the chain 20 is reduced, e.g. after pulling-in of the chain 20, the chain engaging arrangement 50 moves into the engage position, thereby preventing movement of the chain 20 towards the seabed.

(34) Alternatively or additionally, the chain engaging arrangement 50 may be operated from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration, for example, by external means, such as an Remotely Operated Vehicle, or other actuation means, such a cylinder and piston arrangement.

(35) In some examples, the chain engaging arrangement 50 includes a guide element 60, which is configured to guide chain 20 into the chain engaging arrangement 50 and to align the chain 20 relative to the chain engaging arrangement 50. The guide element 60 is configured to co-operate with the chain 20. The guide element 60 has a cross-section and/or shape that substantially matches or corresponds to a cross-section and/or shape of the chain 20, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7(c). Here, the cross-section of the guide element 60 defines a substantially cruciform and/or clover leaf like shape. It will be appreciated in other examples the guide element 60 may have any other shape and/or cross-section that is suitable for guiding and/or aligning the chain 20.

(36) The chain stopper 10 includes a second guide element 65, which in this example is arranged in proximity to the guide wheel 40, as shown in the example of FIG. 3(b). The second guide element 65 is configured to align the chain 20, e.g. at least a portion of the chain 20, relative to the guide wheel 40. By providing the chain stopper 10 with the second guide element 65, misalignment of the chain 20 relative to the guide wheel 40 and/or the chain table 15 may be reduced and/or prevented.

(37) In this example, the second guide element 65 is arranged on the second portion 45. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the second guide element 65 may be arranged on the first portion 35 instead of being arranged on the second portion 45 or may be arranged on the first portion 35 in addition to being arranged on the second portion 45. For example, the second guide element 65 may include a first guide portion and a second guide portion (not shown). The first guide portion may be arranged on the first portion 45 of the chain stopper 10 and the second guide portion may be arranged on the second portion 45 of the chain stopper 10. Here, the second guide element 65 is arranged on an underside of the second portion 45.

(38) The example of FIG. 4(a) shows the chain stopper 10 attached to the chain table 15. In use, the distal portion 30 of the chain 20 may be moored to the seabed. Movement of the vessel can cause the second portion 45 and a portion of the chain 20 to extend at an angle, e.g. an azimuthal angle, relative to the guide wheel 40, as shown in the example of FIG. 4(a). When this angle becomes large, e.g. about 15 to 20 degrees, the chain 20 may become misaligned relative to at least the guide wheel 40, the first portion 35 and/or the chain table 15. An example of the misalignment between a portion of the chain 20 and the guide wheel 40 and/or the chain table 15 is shown in FIG. 4(b). It will be appreciated that in use, such misalignment of the chain 20 may lead to damage of the chain stopper 10 and/or the chain 20, for example, when tension is applied to the proximal part 25 of the chain 20.

(39) FIG. 4(c) shows an example of chain stopper 10 including the second guide element 65. As can be seen in FIG. 4(c), the second guide element 65 is configured to guide and/or align the chain 20, e.g. at least a portion of the chain 20, relative to a central or longitudinal axis of the guide wheel 40. The second guide element 65 guides and/or aligns the chain 20, e.g. a portion of the chain 20, irrespectively and/or independently of the angle at which the chain 20 extends relative to the guide wheel 40. For example, the second guide element 65 is configured to move the chain 20 into axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the guide wheel 40. In other words, the second guide element 65 is configured to guide the chain 20 such that a longitudinal axis of the chain 20 is substantially aligned or coincident with the longitudinal axis of the guide wheel 40.

(40) As shown in the examples of FIGS. 3(a) and 3 (b), the second guide element 65 can be configured to substantially align the chain 20 with a tangential portion 40a of the guide wheel 40. In other words, the tangential portion 40a of the guide wheel 40 may be a portion and/or axis 40a that extends tangentially from the guide wheel 40.

(41) It will be appreciated that the second guide element 65 can be configured to guide the chain 20 towards the guide wheel 40, in use. For example, the second guide 65 element is be configured to align at least a portion of the chain 20 relative to the guide wheel 40 prior to engagement of that portion of the chain 20 with the guide wheel 40 and to maintain the alignment of the chain 20 relative to guide wheel 40, in use.

(42) The shape or profile of the second guide element 65 is shown in FIGS. 5(b) to 6(a). The second guide element 65 has a shape or profile that is compatible and/or complementary with a shape of the chain 20, e.g. a cross-section of the chain 20. The chain 20 includes a plurality of chain links 20a, which alternately extend in a first direction and a second direction, whereby the first and second directions can be substantially perpendicular to each other. In other words, each chain link 20a has an orientation that differs from the orientation of preceding and subsequent chain links 20a, whereby the preceding and subsequent chain links 20a have substantially the same orientation. The second guide element 65 is configured to guide and/or align the chain 20, e.g. each chain link of the plurality of chain links.

(43) As shown in the examples of FIGS. 5(b) to 6(a), the second guide element 65 includes a passage 70, through which the chain 20 is run, in use. The passage 70 is configured to co-operate with the chain 20 so as to align the chain 20 relative to the central axis of the guide wheel 40 and to guide the chain 20 towards the guide wheel 40. For example, the passage 70 defines a cross-section configured to substantially match or correspond to at least part of a cross-section of the chain 20. As shown in the example of FIG. 5(a), the cross-section of the passage 70 is similar to part of a cruciform, clover leaf shape or the like. It will be appreciated that the cross-section of the passage 70 may have or resemble other shapes, which complement or match a cross-section of the chain 20.

(44) As shown in the example of FIG. 6(a), the passage 70 includes a first opening 70a and a second opening 70b, which are provided at either end of the passage 70. In the example of FIG. 6(a), the passage 70 is configured to taper from the first and second openings 70a, 70b of the passage towards an inner part 70c of the passage 70. By configuring the passage 70 to taper towards the inner part 70c of the passage 70, entry of the chain 20 into the second guide element 65, e.g. the passage 70, may be facilitated.

(45) Referring to the examples shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c), the passage 70 defines a first passage portion 70d, which may extend in a first direction of the second guide element 65, and a second passage portion 70e, which may extend in a second direction of the second guide element 65. In this example, the first and/or second directions are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second guide element 65. For example, chain links 20a that extend in the first directions may extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the second portion 45, e.g. a width of the second portion 45, and chain links 20a that extend in the second direction may extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second portion 45, e.g. the width of the second portion 45. The first and second passage portions 70d, 70e are arranged relative to each other such that the first and second directions are substantially perpendicular to each another. The first passage portion 70d is configured to guide and/or align chain links 20a of the chain 20, which extend in the first direction, and the second passage portion 70e is configured to guide and/or align chain links 20a of the chain 20, which extend in the second direction.

(46) In the examples shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c), the second passage portion 70e has a slot or recess 75. The slot 75 is configured to guide and/or align chain links 20a of the chain 20, which extend in the second direction. Here, the slot 75 is arranged on the second guide element 65 to extend along or in a substantially longitudinal direction of the second guide element 65.

(47) Referring to the examples shown in FIGS. 2 to 3(b) and 5(a) to 6(a), the second portion 45 defines a further passage 80 through which, in use, the chain 20 is run or threaded. The further passage 80 includes a first opening 80a and a second opening 80b. The first opening 80a of the further passage 80 is arranged on a first end portion 45a of the second portion 45, which is proximal to the first portion 35, e.g. when the second portion 45 is connected to the first portion 35. The second opening 80b of the further passage 80 is arranged on a second end region 45b of the second portion 45, which is distal to the first portion 35, e.g. when the second portion 45 is connected to the first portion 35. The first opening 80a of the further passage 80 is arranged to receive and/or provide an exit for the proximal portion 25 of the chain 20, in use. The second opening 80b of the further passage 80 is arranged to receive and/or provide an exit for the distal portion 30 of the chain 20.

(48) In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 to 3(b) and 5(a) to 6(a), the second guide element 65 is arranged on the first end region 45a of the second portion 45, e.g. the first opening 80a of the further passage 80. By arranging the second guide element 65 at the first end region 45a of the second portion, the second guide element 65 may retain a portion of the chain 20 that may be slack, in use, e.g. when no tension is applied to the proximal portion 25 of the chain 20.

(49) As shown in the examples of FIG. 6(b) to FIG. 7(c), the chain stopper 10 includes a first connection element 85a configured to connect the chain stopper 10 to the chain table 15 such that the chain stopper 10 movable, e.g. pivotal or rotatable, relative to the chain table 15 and/or the vessel. The first connection element 85a is configured to co-operate and/or engage with a second connection element 85b that may be provided on the chain table 15. The first and second connection elements may be part of a connection arrangement 85 for connecting the chain stopper 10 to the vessel.

(50) The first connection element 85a is arranged on the first pin 12 of the chain stopper 10, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 6(b) and 6(c). The first connection element 85a can configured to secure, lock and/or fix the chain stopper to the chain table 15, for example, by connecting, e.g. releasably connecting, the first pin 12 of the chain stopper 10 to the chain table 15.

(51) As shown in the example of FIG. 6(c), the chain stopper 10 includes a pair of first connection elements 85a for connection to a respective pair of second connection elements 85b of the chain table 15. Here, the first connection elements 85a of the chain stopper 10 are arranged on either side of the guide wheel 40. The second connection elements 85b may be in the form of plates for cheek plates, which may extend from the chain table 15.

(52) There may be provided a plurality of second connection elements 85b on the chain table 15. Each second connection element 85b is configured to co-operate and/or engage with a respective first connection element 85a of the chain stopper 10. Here, the second connection element has a slot 90 for receiving the first pin 12 of the chain stopper 10. Here, each first connection element 85a includes a pair of substantially parallel plates 95 that are connected together by a pair of pins 100. It will be appreciated that in other examples more or less than two pins 100 may be used to connect the plates 95 together or that other means may be used ro couple the plates to each other. The pair of the plates 100 are arranged and/or spaced from each other so as to be able to receive at least part of the respective second connection element 85b in the space. This permit securing of the first connection element 85a to the second connection element 85b. The first and second connection elements 85a, 85b allow the chain stopper 10 to be releasably connected to the chain table 15. This facilitates installation, replacement and/or maintenance of the chain stopper 10.

(53) In use, the chain 20 is connected to chain table 15 by connecting the chain stopper 10 to the chain table 15, for example, as described above. Subsequently, a chain 20 may be provided, for example by retrieving a chain 20 from the seabed or from the deck of the vessel. An end of a chain 20 may be connected to a work line or wire, which is threaded or run through a chain stopper 10, in use. By threading the work wire through a chain stopper, a chain 20 is brought into engagement with a chain stopper 10 and threaded or run into a chain stopper 10. In use, when a chain 20 has been run through a chain stopper 10, the chain engaging arrangement 50 may engage with the chain 20, as described above, to prevent movement of the chain 20 relative to the chain stopper 10, e.g. toward the seabed.

(54) In use, the tension acting of the chain and/or a length of the chain may be adjusted using the chain stopper 10. This may include moving a portion of the chain 20 towards the vessel to adjust the tension and/or length of the chain 20. For example, a portion of the chain may be moved towards the vessel by applying a tension to the chain, e.g. pulling-in of the chain and/or applying a force to the chain, e.g. by using a winch, motor or the like. It will be appreciated that in other examples, other means for pulling-in of the chain may be used.

(55) In use, tension acting on the chain 20 and/or a length of the chain 20 may be adjusted or changed by releasing some of the chain 20, e.g. letting some of the chain 20 move towards the seabed.

(56) It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

(57) Although the device is described as the chain stopper above, it will be appreciated that in other examples, the device may be a connector or may be a so-called fair lead or provided in combination with a/the fairlead.

(58) For example, the structure may be an offshore structure, marine structure, subsea structure, floating structure, floating platform, vessel or the like. One or more chain stopper(s) 10 may be connected the structure, e.g. directly connected to the structure, instead of or in addition to being connected to the chain table 15.

(59) For example, a line, such as a wire, rope, synthetic line or the like, may be used instead of or in addition to a chain.

(60) It will be appreciated that the chain stopper 10 may include more than one chain engaging arrangements.

(61) Although the second guide element 65 has been described in the examples above as being arranged on the second portion 45, it will be appreciated that in other examples, the second guide element 65 may be provided on the first portion 35, e.g. on an end of the first portion proximal to the first guide element. Alternatively or additionally a part of the second guide element may be provided on the first portion 35 and a second part of the second guide element may be provided on the second portion 45.

(62) In the examples described above, the first connection element 85a includes a pair of plates for connecting the first connection element 85a to the second connection element 85b. It will be appreciated that in other examples other connection means, such as a nut and/or bolt arrangement or a flange arrangement or the like may be used.

(63) Although each/the second connection element 85b has been described above as including a slot or recess, it will be appreciated that in other examples, each/the second connection element may include an aperture for receiving and/or connecting the first axis of the chain stopper 10 to the chain table 15, as shown in the example of FIG. 1.

(64) For example, the first guide element 40 may be or define guide elements suitable for guiding a chain, e.g. a bending shoe or the like.