Chain connector

A vertical block chain connector configured for linking between two closed chain links of a mining chain, the connector defining a body and comprising a first element and a second element configured to engage with the first element at an interface to form the vertical block chain connector in an assembled condition, in use, the interface being defined between the first and second elements in a connected state, the body being symmetrical about a horizontal plane of symmetry which bisects the vertical block chain connector in a horizontal plane when assembled in use,

• wherein the first element defines a base defining a longitudinal axis extending from a first end wall to a second end wall, the first and second end walls extending up from opposed ends of the base, and further defines a central pillar extending up from the base between the end walls with a recess for receiving a chain link being defined on each side of the central pillar,
• wherein first engaging formations are defined above and on the top of the end walls and complementary engaging formations for engaging the first engaging formations are defined on the second element,
• wherein the end walls are about the same height measured from the base as the height of the links of the chain, or higher, when the links received in the recesses are oriented horizontally in use,
• wherein the interface between the first and second elements is defined at the top of the end walls,
• wherein the second element is a sliding connection with the first element,
• wherein the direction of the sliding connection is a substantially straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector and in a plane (Y-Y) which is parallel to the base, the arrangement being such that the second element is configured to be slidably removed from the first element while the chain links received in the recesses are disposed in a horizontal orientation, and
• wherein when the connector is assembled in use, the interface is offset from the horizontal plane of symmetry.

A mining chain comprising a plurality of links and a chain connector body connecting at least two links wherein the chain connector is a vertical block chain connector for linking between two closed chain links comprising a first element and a second element configured to engage with the first element at an interface to form the chain connector in an assembled condition,

• wherein the first element defines a base defining a longitudinal axis extending from a first end wall to a second end wall, the first and second end walls extending up from opposed ends of the base, and further defines a central pillar extending up from the base between the end walls with a recess for receiving a chain link being defined on each side of the central pillar,
• wherein first engaging formations are defined on a top of the end walls and complementary engaging formations for engaging the first engaging formations are defined on the second element,
• wherein the end walls are about the same height measured from the base as the height of the links of the chain, or higher, when the links received in the recesses are oriented horizontally in use,
• wherein the interface between the first and second elements is defined at the top of the end walls,
• wherein the second element is a sliding connection with the first element, and
• wherein the direction of the sliding connection is a substantially straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector and in a plane (Y-Y) which is parallel to the base, the arrangement being such that the second element is configured to be slidably removed from the first element while the chain links received in the recesses are disposed in a horizontal orientation.