Patent ID: 7392757
Filing Date: 2008-07-01
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
1. A method for guiding and securing an anchor chain extending from a fairlead mounted on an offshore structure to an anchor, the method comprising: providing a sheave rotatably mounted on a sheave axle supported by a fairlead frame pivotably coupled to the offshore structure; providing a chain latch supported on the sheave axle, said chain latch having on one end a latch head for engaging the anchor chain and another end connected to pivot on the sheave axle; in-hauling the anchor chain about the sheave so the anchor chain wraps on a portion of the circumference of the sheave and the tension force in the anchor chain below the sheave and connected to the anchor is applied through the sheave to the sheave axle; and pivoting the chain latch about the sheave axle to cause the latch head to engage the anchor chain, whereby the tension force in the anchor chain below the sheave and connected to the anchor is applied through the chain latch to the sheave axle.