Underwater self-aligning fairlead latch device for mooring a structure at sea
AssigneeBardex Engineering, Inc.
InventorFrank W. Groves
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An underwater self-aligning fairlead latch device is provided for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead device includes a latch housing pivotally mounted to a fairlead housing. The latch housing includes one or more latches for securing the anchor chain in place. The fairlead housing includes a bending shoe which guides the anchor chain from its orientation within the bending shoe up the platform column to the deck. The fairlead housing is pivotally mounted to the offshore structure.
Claims26
A fairlead latch mechanism for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor, the fairlead latch mechanism comprising:
- a fairlead housing pivotally mounted to the offshore structure, wherein said fairlead housing includes a fixed bending shoe;
- a latch housing pivotally mounted to said fairlead housing, wherein said latch housing extends toward the anchor;
- a latch mechanism mounted to said latch housing, wherein said latch mechanism includes a ratchet assembly;
- and
- an actuator for operating said ratchet assembly.
A fairlead latch mechanism for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor, the fairlead latch mechanism comprising:
- a fairlead housing pivotally mounted to the offshore structure, wherein said fairlead housing includes a rotatable sheave;
- a latch housing pivotally mounted to said fairlead housing, wherein said latch housing extends toward the anchor;
- a latch mechanism mounted to said latch housing, wherein said latch mechanism includes a ratchet assembly;
- and
- an actuator for operating said ratchet assembly.
A fairlead latch mechanism for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor, the fairlead latch mechanism comprising:
- a fairlead housing pivotally mounted to the offshore structure, wherein said fairlead housing includes a rotatable sheave;
- a latch mechanism pivotally mounted to said fairlead housing, wherein said latch mechanism extends toward the anchor and includes an arm slidably mounted within an actuator;
- and
- a pair of hooks attached to said arm for engaging the anchor chain.
A fairlead latch mechanism for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor, the fairlead latch mechanism comprising:
- a fairlead housing pivotally mounted to the offshore structure, wherein said fairlead housing includes a rotatable sheave;
- a latch mechanism pivotally mounted to said fairlead housing, wherein said latch mechanism extends toward the anchor and includes an arm slidably mounted within a first actuator;
- and
- a second actuator mounted to said arm, wherein said second actuator includes a pair of extendable pins for engaging the anchor chain.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.