Chain comprising links
The present invention relates to a chain comprising a plurality of first links ( 100 ) interconnected with a plurality of adjacent links, the first links comprising polymeric multifilament yarns ( 110 ) and having a thickness (Formula (I)), at least at the portion where they interconnect with the adjacent links wherein said adjacent links have a thickness (Formula (II)) at least at the portion where they interconnect with the first links and wherein the ratio (Formula (II)/Formula (I)) is at least 1.2. The invention further relates to the use of the chain for storing, securing, and handling cargo, e.g. in lifting, hauling and rigging.
1. A chain comprising a plurality of first links and a plurality of adjacent links interconnected with the first links, wherein the first links comprise polymeric multifilament yarns and have a thickness at least at a portion thereof where the first links interconnect with the adjacent links when the chain is under load, and wherein the adjacent links have a thickness at least at a portion thereof where the adjacent links interconnect with the first links and wherein the ratio is at least 1.2.
2. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the first links are loops of multifilament yarns or of a rope comprising multifilament yarns or of a strap comprising multifilament yarns.
3. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the adjacent links are loops of multifilament yarns, of a rope or of a strap.
4. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the adjacent links are manufactured from a material chosen from the group consisting of light metals, thermosetting composition and thermoplastic composition.
5. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the multifilament yarns are UHMWPE multifilament yarns.
6. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the ratio is at least 2.0.
7. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein every two first links are connected to each other via an adjacent link.
8. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the chain has an efficiency of at least 0.65 cN·m/g.
9. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the chain has a breaking strength of at least 1 kN.
10. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the first links have a total weight per unit length of at least 1 g/m.
11. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the polymeric multifilament yarns are gel-spun yarns of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
12. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the adjacent links consist of a metal, chosen from the group consisting of steel, nickel, copper, aluminum, titanium, scandium, magnesium, zinc and alloys thereof.
13. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the first links are loops of a strap or of a rope and the adjacent links consist of a material chosen from the group consisting of thermoplastic resin composition, thermosetting resin composition and metal.
14. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the first and adjacent links are sheathed with a protective cover.