Chain comprising a plurality of interconnected links
The invention relates to a chain suitable to moor or anchor boats, to lash cargo in road, rail, water and air transportation or for conveying, hoisting, suspending or lifting applications, said chain comprising a plurality of interconnected links. More in particular the invention relates to a chain suitable for the above stated uses comprising a plurality of interconnected links, at least part of the links comprising polyolefin fibers and in particular ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. The invention also relates to a method for enhancing the strength of such a chain.
1. A chain suitable to moor or anchor boats, to lash cargo in road, rail, water and air transportation and for conveying, hoisting, suspending and lifting applications, said chain comprising a plurality of interconnected links, wherein at least part of the links comprise polyolefin fibers having a tenacity of at least 1.9 N/tex.
2. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein it has a static strength of at least 1 kN.
3. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the polyolefin is ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.
4. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein at least part of the chain links comprise a cover.
5. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein at least part of the links comprise glass fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, aromatic polyamide fibers, poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers, M5 fibers, and/or poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) fibers.
6. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the links comprise at least partly fused polyolefin filaments and/or staple fibers.
7. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the links comprise straps of polyolefin fibers.
8. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the interconnected links of the chain comprise interconnected endless loops.
9. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the interconnected endless loops are interconnected by knots.
10. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the interconnected endless loops are interconnected by tubular connecting means.
11. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the chain comprises a ladder structure.
12. The chain according to claim 1 , wherein the links are interconnected by ring shaped connecting means.