Abstract:
A device for termination of synthetic rope, with an eye socket substantially free of sharp edges, a bale at the top of the eye socket with an eye for attachment of connecting links, a groove for receiving synthetic rope. In addition, the device includes a bale with extended sides at the top of the eye socket, a thimble within a synthetic rope eye contained within the extended sides and restrained from translation by pin. A shroud is also provided for protection at the bottom of the eye socket at the synthetic rope splice. The device is intended to aid in the efficient and safe connections to other objects such as other synthetic mooring lines, steel wire rope, and anchor chains.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/077,119 (“the &#39;119 application”) filed Jun. 30, 2008, and U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/203,134 (“the &#39;134 application”). The &#39;119 and &#39;134 applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a device for terminating synthetic mooring line ends currently used in the mooring of permanent and temporary offshore drilling and production facilities. More particularly, the present invention relates to a grooved, preferably metal socket used on the ends of synthetic mooring lines which enhances the protection of the mooring line, decreases installation time and costs, and preferably utilizes industry standard wire rope or chain connectors. 
         [0004]    2. General Background of the Invention 
         [0005]    The oilfield, due to increased pressures from the marketplace, has steadily looked to drilling in deeper waters. While the current floating drilling fleets have been undergoing significant upgrades to handle the increased weights put on them by the longer steel mooring lines, an alternative had to be developed to reduce said weights. On the production side of the equation, if an oil discovery is found in deepwater, a floating production unit is needed and faces the same design challenges as the drilling rigs. As an alternative to steel, synthetic lines have begun to emerge around the world. While the synthetic ropes have been undergoing significant changes in design, they have also been requiring cumbersome connections requiring specialized fabrication, longer installation times, and significantly longer man hours. The synthetic rope socket of the present invention solves these many problems. 
         [0006]    Vessels around the world are configured with many automated operations for securing wire rope sections for connecting and disconnecting which has been an industry standard for many years. Since the synthetic rope socket has the same outside configuration, installers will have the ability to use such devices on synthetic lines with little or no modifications, something not afforded to them now. Securing a synthetic line on deck for connection or disconnection on many occasions requires elaborate braiding of smaller lines around the large line to prevent slipping and falling to the sea floor, a very time-consuming process. 
         [0007]    Another benefit to the synthetic rope socket is that it has no sharp edges. This will allow the synthetic rope to be rolled on the winch drums, which again will save time and offer the synthetic rope some protection. Today, installation crews have to remove all connectors, such as shackles and pins, before loading the winches, because all of these have sharp edges and can destroy the integrity of the synthetic mooring lines, another time-consuming process. 
         [0008]    Previous rope end termination devices are depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,628, incorporated herein by reference. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The apparatus of the present invention includes a synthetic eye socket used to terminate the ends of synthetic rope lines offering protection, strength, and ease of connections. 
         [0010]    The apparatus also allows the field installation of synthetic ropes already possessing an eye due to the incorporation of a removable thimble that facilitates both the addition of an existing line or the separation of an installed line without separating the rope eye. This feature offers both increased safety and time savings while offshore in suddenly changing and severe environmental conditions. 
         [0011]    The apparatus also allows for the interconnection of synthetic ropes without the use of other intermediate hardware. The apparatus also has built in provisions to secure the synthetic rope eyes to prevent fouling during operations. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, synthetic eye socket  3 . The drawing shows a groove  1  cast or forged into the sides of the synthetic eye socket  3  for which the rope will set into for protection. Another feature is a bale  2  that will allow for the attachment of connecting links commonly found in the industry eliminating many of the specialty connectors currently needed. The synthetic eye socket  3  will preferably have a conical shape overall. The rope groove  1  will preferably run up the one side, through the eye  4  of the bale  2 , and down the opposite side. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. As seen in the top view the synthetic eye socket  3  will have bale  2  across the top that will allow for the use of common connecting links. This top view also shows the conical shape of the synthetic eye socket  3 , and the grooves  1  for the synthetic rope. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. The side view depicted in  FIG. 3  shows the synthetic rope  12  with synthetic rope eye  11  entering and exiting the grooves  1  at the bottom of the synthetic eye socket  3  and making the turn at the top of the synthetic eye socket  3 , while staying below the bale  2 . This side view also shows the conical shape of the synthetic eye socket  3  that allows for the use of “sharks jaws” and other like items that are currently being safely used for steel wire rope, thus reducing installation times and costs. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a synthetic rope eye  11  of a synthetic rope  12  (preferably polyester when it is a mooring line, for example) running up groove  1 , under bale  2 , and down the opposite side. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, synthetic eye socket  3 , having a synthetic rope eye  11  of a synthetic rope  12  received therein. The synthetic rope  12  is spliced just below the synthetic eye socket  3  with a splice. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the synthetic eye socket  3 . The synthetic rope  12  containing a synthetic rope eye  11  is restrained by a thimble  20 . The thimble  20  is restrained in the synthetic eye socket  3  incorporating extended sides  15 . A pin  30  secures the thimble  20  to the extended sides  15 . A nut  25  restrains the pin  30 . A keeper  40  is provided within one of the spanner holes  27  which prevents the nut  25  from loosening from the pin  30 . Lashing  70  passes through the thimble  20  to secure each synthetic rope eye  11  and the synthetic rope  12 . A second pin  50  is shown with a nut  55  and retainer  60  through the spanner hole  27 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an end view showing that the bale  2  of the synthetic eye socket  3  and the extended sides  15  which are generally circular in shape to facilitate offshore rollers, winches and spooling without damaging synthetic rope and other components. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side view showing the extended sides  15  which provide protection of the edge of the thimble  20  and a portion of the synthetic rope eye  11  from damage.  FIG. 8  also shows pin  30  and pin  50 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a front view showing the pin  30  and a second pin  50 . The second pin  50  prevents rotation of the thimble with the synthetic eye socket  3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a side view showing the use of a shroud  80  that would generally be attached in the field and prevents damage by use of deck restraint equipment. The shroud  80  is shown with a hinge  82  with handling padeyes  85  to provide ease of field attachment and handling of the synthetic eye connector once attached. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the profile of a synthetic eye socket  3 . The preferably solid cast or forged socket will preferably have a groove  1  running from bottom to top on both sides as shown in  FIG. 1 . Preferably, synthetic rope  12  containing a synthetic rope eye  11  will enter and exit the synthetic eye socket  3  with a splice performed just below the synthetic eye socket  3 .  FIG. 1  shows the bale  2  that is the attaching point for connections. These connections can be various other items in the system, such as anchor chain, wire rope, another synthetic line with socket, etc. The bale  2  will allow the use of connecting links, much like the steel wire rope sockets that have been in use for years. These connecting links can be received in the eye  4  of the bale  2 . For this reason the commonly used connecting links will now work with synthetic rope lines reducing installation times and cost. The figures show the conical shape of the synthetic eye socket  3 , which preferably has no sharp edges that could damage the synthetic lines. This design would allow the installation crew to load the synthetic lines and connectors onto the winch. Currently the crews are using shackles and H-links that cannot be spooled on the winch. As the rope comes off the winch during installation, the crew must stop the operation, tie off the rope because they are unable to use the shark&#39;s jaws built into the deck, and install the shackles or H-links. This is a time-consuming, dangerous process that could be eliminated by using the synthetic eye socket  3  as it can be spooled onto the winches without damaging the synthetic rope.  FIG. 1  shows the top  5  of the groove  1  that is rounded to smoothly transition the synthetic rope from one side of the synthetic eye socket  3  to the other. Typically and preferably, the type of rope being used would determine the diameter of the bend, as the different synthetic lines have their own required minimum-bending diameter (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective of the synthetic eye socket  3 .  FIG. 2  shows the bale  2  from the top that would allow the use of common connecting links.  FIG. 2  also shows the groove  1  and the solid center core of the synthetic eye socket  3 , unlike steel wire rope sockets that have a hollow core.  FIG. 2  shows the rounded edges of the synthetic eye socket  3  that eliminates sharp protruding edges found on the shackles currently being used to connect synthetic line today. It is those sharp or squared off edges that prevent shackles from being used on the winch drums. This synthetic eye socket eliminates that problem. 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a side view showing a cross section of the synthetic rope  12  containing a synthetic rope eye  11  entering the synthetic eye socket  3  from the bottom, crossing over just below the bale  2 , and exiting at the bottom on the opposite side of entry. The synthetic eye socket  3  will preferably have a conical shape, much like the steel wire rope sockets commonly found in the industry for the past 30 years. The similar shape will allow the use of the same deck enhancements found on the installation vessels around the world. This would allow for a more safe installation and a decrease in installation times and costs. 
         [0026]    The synthetic eye socket  3  preferably consists of a one-piece cast or forged metal socket. Depending on the application, a wide range of metals could be utilized during the manufacturing process, usually dictated by the conditions predicted at the offshore location. The socket would preferably also be sized to fit any of the various sizes of synthetic lines currently being used in the industry today and any custom lines developed for future projects. It is intended that the synthetic eye socket be adaptable to very large synthetic rope with diameters in the range of 7½ inches and greater. 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the synthetic eye socket  3  showing a synthetic rope eye  11  of a synthetic rope  12  (preferably polyester when it is a mooring line, for example) running up groove  1 , under bale  2 , and down the opposite side. Among the materials used for synthetic rope would also be “high strength” materials such as Kevlar®, Amsteel Blue® and SpectraFiber®. 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the synthetic eye socket  3 , having a synthetic rope eye  11  of a synthetic rope  12  received therein. The synthetic rope  12  is spliced just below the synthetic eye socket  3 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the synthetic eye socket  3  incorporating a bale  2 , extended sides  15 , and a thimble  20  around which the synthetic rope eye  11  is restrained within the extended sides  15  of the synthetic socket  3 . The thimble  20  restraint is provided by a pin  30  which is further retained by a nut  25 . The nut  25  is provided with spanner holes to allow all sharp edges to be recessed thereby preventing damage to the synthetic rope eye  11 . The nut  25  is restrained from loosening following assembly by a keeper  40 . The keeper shown is a screw that is located within the spanner holes  27  and threaded into the thimble  20 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 6  also shows that the thimble  20  provides for lashing  70  to restrain the synthetic rope eye  11 . Since the thimble  20  is removable from the synthetic eye socket  3  extended sides  15 , the synthetic rope  12  can be braided to form the synthetic rope eyes  11  in advance of attaching the synthetic eye socket. The synthetic rope eye  11  is placed around the thimble  20  and restrained by lashing  70 . The thimble  20 , with the synthetic rope  12  attached, is secured within the extended sides  15  of the synthetic eye socket by the pin  30 . The pin is restrained by the nut  25  and the nut is prevented from loosening by the keeper  40 . Since no torsional loads are provided to the keeper  40  due to its position, it does not require further restraint. 
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is the view from the thimble  20  end indicating that the configuration of the extended sides  15  are of a round configuration and fully protect the thimble  20  edges. It is also evident that even if the sizes of the extended sides  15  allow the synthetic rope eyes  11  to extend outward, there are no sharp edges on which the synthetic rope can be damaged. 
         [0032]      FIG. 8  shows the extended sides  15  and the protection that they provide to the thimble  20  and the synthetic rope eye  11 . A section of the synthetic rope eye  11  is cut away to show the thimble  20 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 9  is a side view showing use of a second pin  50  optionally preventing rotation. The second pin  50  also includes a nut  55  with spanner holes  57 . A keeper  60  located within the spanner holes  27 . The nut  25  is shown attached to the threaded end of the pin  30 . Also shown are the spanner holes  27  on the nut  25 . Similar spanner holes  27  are provided on the other end of pin  30 . The second pin  50  is shown with a nut  55 , spanner holes  27  and a keeper  60  within one of the spanner holes  27 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is a side view showing use of a shroud  80  to allow use of shark jaws and other deck equipment that can potentially damage synthetic rope  12  or the synthetic rope eye  11 . The shroud  80  contains a hinge  82  to facilitate rapid field utilization along with a longitudinal pin  84  to trap the shroud  80  around the synthetic rope  12 . Handling implements are provided as padeyes  85  on the shroud. The padeyes  85  may be attached to other portions of the shroud  80  or to the hinge  82 . The shroud  80  contains rounded surfaces and is generally conical in shape to provide a means for restraint of the synthetic eye socket  3  safely under high loads. The shroud is generally intended to be used as a temporary field tool to restrain the synthetic eye socket in the event a component in the bale  2  is to be removed. 
         [0035]    Evident in  FIG. 10  is that the dimension of the bale  2  and extended sides  15  of the synthetic eye socket  3  allow for the interconnection of pairs of synthetic eye sockets  3 . 
         [0036]    The synthetic eye socket will most likely replace the current industry standard wide-body shackles or the combination D-shackle and spool inserts. An advantage to using the synthetic eye socket is that the socket utilizes connecting links that have been used to successfully connect steel wire rope and steel anchor chains for many years. This will significantly reduce the installation time and costs due to the smaller sizes of the connectors over the larger shackles. Another advantage is the lack of sharp edges that could damage the synthetic lines allowing the rope to be spooled directly on the vessel winches without stopping to change connections. Also, the synthetic rope socket will utilize the equipment on the back deck of most installation vessels that have been used for years on steel wire rope installations. These devices have been proven to increase the safety of the installation crews while decreasing installation times and the associated costs.