Patent Publication Number: US-2023160456-A1

Title: Chain braces and processes for using same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/282,010, filed on Nov. 22, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described generally relate to chain braces and processes for using same to restrict relative movement between adjacent links of a chain. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the offshore energy and maritime industries, for example the oil, gas, and renewable energy industry, and the shipping industry, chains of various sizes and types including studlink chains and studless chains are employed for various purposes including providing a mooring link between a floating vessel and a seabed. Chains of various types can also be used in other, industries, for example in the mining industry. In these industries, it is sometimes desirable to restrict movement between adjacent chain links, either for a temporary period, for example during an installation phase, or permanently, for example to restrict or limit out of plane bending of chain mooring legs of a floating vessel. The out of plane bending can occur when the individual links of chain are subject to bending forces. The bending force can occur when a tension force being applied to a chain is not directly in line with the orientation of a connection point of the end of the chain. Out of plane bending of a chain can lead to pre-mature failure of the chain legs due to cyclical fatigue bending loading on the chain link(s). Mooring systems can be designed to limit out of plane bending by providing a chain support assembly to provide an articulated connection between the chain and the vessel. The chain support assembly can include a trunnion assembly that includes a trunnion. With the introduction of a chain support assembly, the rotation of the chain relative to the vessel is accommodated by the trunnion assembly thus reducing out of plane bending on the chain. 
     Bending of the links in the chain, however, can still occur due to rotational friction in the trunnion assembly. In some instances, whether due to inadequate initial design, inadequate assessment of the meteorology and physical oceanography (metocean) and/or environmental conditions, changes to the metocean and/or environmental conditions, unexpected accelerated corrosion of the chain, unexpected degradation of the friction performance of the trunnion, or a desire to extend the life of the facility, it can be desirable to lengthen the lever arm of the chain support assembly to overcome the friction in the trunnion assembly, thereby further limiting the out of plane bending of the chain. This can be a costly and potentially hazardous operation. 
     There is a need, therefore, for improved chain braces and processes for using same to restrict relative movement between adjacent links of a chain. 
     SUMMARY 
     Chain braces and processes for using same to restrict relative movement between first, second, and third serially connected links of a chain is provided. In some embodiments, the chain brace can include a wedge block, a first outer block, a second outer block, a capture frame, and a tension member. The wedge block can have a first end and a second end. The wedge block can define a bore at least partially therethrough that can be oriented along an axis of the wedge block extending from the first end toward or through the second end thereof. A width of the wedge block between a set of opposing sides extending from the second end to the first end can taper toward the first end thereof. Each outer block can have a first end, a second end, and a side having a concave surface disposed between the first and second ends thereof. The capture frame can include a reaction plate that defines a bore therethrough. The capture frame can be configured to position the first outer block, the wedge block and the second outer block within the second link of the chain. The wedge block can be configured to be positioned between the first outer block and the second outer block. The first ends of the first outer block, the second outer block, and the wedge block can each be orientated toward the reaction plate. The concave surface of the first outer block can be configured to engage with and partially receive an outer surface of an end of the first link of chain. The concave outer surface of the second outer block can be configured to engage with and partially receive an outer surface of an end of the third link of chain. The tension member can be configured to be positioned through the bore defined by the reaction plate and at least partially into the bore defined by the wedge block at the first end thereof and to apply a force on the wedge block to move the wedge block in a direction toward the reaction plate such that the wedge block displaces the first and second outer blocks into contact with the ends of the first and third links of chain, respectively, to restrict relative movement between the first, second, and third links of the chain. 
     In some embodiments, a process for restricting relative movement between first, second, and third serially connected links of a chain can include installing a chain brace about and within the second link of chain. The chain brace can include a wedge block, a first outer block, a second outer block, a capture frame, and a tension member. The wedge block can have a first end and a second end. The wedge block can define a bore at least partially therethrough that can be oriented along an axis of the wedge block extending from the first end toward or through the second end thereof. A width of the wedge block between a set of opposing sides extending from the second end to the first end can taper toward the first end thereof. The first outer block and the second outer block can each include a first end, a second end, and a side that can include a concave surface disposed between the first and second ends thereof. The capture frame can include a reaction plate that can define a bore therethrough. The capture frame can position the first outer block, the wedge block, and the second outer block within the second link of the chain. The wedge block can be positioned between the first outer block and the second outer block. The first ends of the first outer block, the second outer block, and the wedge block can be orientated toward the reaction plate. The concave surface of the first outer block can be configured to engage with and partially receive an outer surface of an end of the first link of chain. The concave outer surface of the second outer block can be configured to engage with and partially receive an outer surface of an end of the third link of chain. The tension member can be positioned through the bore defined by the reaction plate and at least partially into the bore defined by the wedge block at the first end thereof. The process can also include applying a force on the wedge block with the tension member to move the wedge block in a direction toward the reaction plate such that the wedge block displaces the first and second outer blocks to cause the concave surface of the first outer block and the concave surface of the second outer block to engage with and partially receive the outer surfaces of the ends of the first and third links of chain, respectively, to restrict relative movement between the first, second, and third links of the chain. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various aspects and advantages of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon an understanding of the following detailed description of the invention, read in light of the accompanying drawings which are made a part of this specification. 
         FIG.  1    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative chain brace installed on first, second, and third serially connected links of chain, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  2    depicts a chain installed and supported by a chain support assembly, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  3    depicts a perspective view of the chain brace, shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    depicts a close-up cross-sectional view of the chain brace shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative first outer block of the chain brace shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . 
         FIG.  6    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative second outer block of the chain brace shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . 
         FIG.  7    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative first or second outer block of the chain brace having a protrusion disposed on a first end thereof, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  8    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative wedge block of the chain brace shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . 
         FIG.  9    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative capture frame of the chain brace shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . 
         FIG.  10    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative retainer frame of the chain brace shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . 
         FIG.  11    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative cushion of the chain brace shown in  FIG.  3    that can optionally be disposed between a bracket of the capture frame or the retainer frame and a link of chain, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  12    depicts a close-up partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative chain brace, according to one or more embodiments described. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references to the “invention”, in some cases, refer to certain specific or preferred embodiments only. In other cases, references to the “invention” refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows includes embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact and also includes embodiments in which additional features are formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features are not in direct contact. The exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures can be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and/or conciseness. 
     Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Also, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Furthermore, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” 
     All numerical values in this disclosure are exact or approximate values (“about”) unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. 
     Further, the term “or” is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., “A or B” is intended to be synonymous with “at least one of A and B,” unless otherwise expressly specified herein. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” refer to both singular forms (i.e., “one”) and plural referents (i.e., one or more) unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “up” and “down”; “upward” and “downward”; “upper” and “lower”; “upwardly” and “downwardly”; “above” and “below”; and other like terms used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular spatial orientation since the apparatus and methods of using the same may be equally effective at various angles or orientations. 
     It should also be understood that the phrases “disposed therein”, “disposed within” and other similar phrases, when describing a component, e.g., a wedge or pin, describe the component as being partially disposed therein/within or completely disposed therein/within. For example, if the component is a tension member that can be disposed within a bore, the phrase “the tension member can be disposed within the bore” means the tension member can be disposed partially within the bore or completely within the bore. 
       FIG.  1    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative chain brace  100  installed on a second link L 2  of a chain located between a first link L 1  and a third link L 3  of the chain, according to an embodiment. The chain brace  100  can reduce, restrict, or prevent relative movement between the first link of chain L 1  and the second link of chain L 2  and/or between the second link of chain L 2  and the third link of chain L 3  by forcing or otherwise urging the ends of the adjacent and interconnected links of chain together with a contact or bearing force that is additive with the contact force attributable to or arising from the tension in the chain. This additional normal contact force can increase the rotational break-out friction between adjacent, interconnected links of chain and thus reduce, restrict, or prevent movement between adjacent interconnected links of chain. 
       FIG.  2    depicts a chain  210  installed and supported by a chain support assembly  200 , according to one or more embodiments. The chain support assembly  200  can be used to limit or reduce out of plane bending of the chain  210 . The chain support assembly  200  can provide an articulated link between a vessel and the chain  200 . In some embodiments, the chain support assembly  200  can have a single axis of rotation  220  or two axes of rotation, with a single axis of rotation being shown. The chain support assembly  200  can include a trunnion assembly  230 . The trunnion assembly  230  can include a fixed bearing block part  231  and a rotating part  232 , a chain stopper assembly  240 , and a tube assembly  250  through which the chain  210  can pass. The chain stopper assembly  240  can be mounted on or connected to a first side  233  of the rotating part  232  of the trunnion assembly  230 . The tube assembly  250  can have a first end  251  that can be mounted on or connected to a second side  234  of the rotating part  232  of the trunnion assembly  230  that opposes the side that the chain stopper  240  is disposed on. 
     The chain  210  can enter the tube assembly  250  at a second end  252  of the tube assembly  250  and can be supported by or locked off above the rotating part of the trunnion assembly  232  by the chain stopper assembly  240 . The trunnion assembly  230  can include a pair of cylindrical protrusions  235 . The cylindrical protrusions  235  can be mounted to the rotating part  232  of the trunnion assembly  230  and can be supported by the fixed bearing block part  231  that can be mounted on the vessel and allow the rotating part  232  of the trunnion assembly  230  to rotate relative to the vessel about the axis of rotation  220 . The trunnion assembly  230  can allow the chain stopper assembly  240 , the tube assembly  250  and the chain  210  to rotate about the axis of rotation  220  in an angle relative to a vertical axis, i.e. a declination angle. A bushing, sleeve or other shim material, hereafter referred to as a bushing  260 , can be disposed between an inner surface of the bearing block assembly  231  and an outer surface of the cylindrical protrusions  235 . The bushing  260  can be manufactured from a low friction material such as bronze, or a composite, laminate material to reduce rotational friction between the cylindrical protrusion and the bearing block. 
     The following equations describe the mechanics governing the out of plane bending of the chain  210  relative to the chain support assembly  200 . While this formulation pertains to a single axis chain support assembly, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art this formulation can also be adapted to a dual axis chain support assembly: M 1 =T*μB*R, M 2 =T*sinΘ*L and M 3 =T* sinΘ*μC*D/2, M 4 =T*sinΘ*(Lc), where: M 1  is the break-out torque of the trunnion assembly  230  at an applied tension T due to friction between the cylindrical protrusion  235  or bushings  260  and the bearing blocks  231 , M 2  is the torque applied to the trunnion assembly  230  by the chain at the second end  252  of the tube assembly  250  due to the misalignment of the tension T relative to the chain support assembly  200 , M 3  is the break-out torque of a chain link relative to an adjacent chain link at an applied tension due to friction between two adjacent chain links, M 4  is the out of plane bending moment on a link of chain due to the misalignment of the tension relative to the chain support assembly, T is the Tension force of the chain acting on the chain support assembly  200 , μ B  is the friction coefficient of the bushing material  260  at the trunnion, μ C  is the friction coefficient between two adjacent links of chain, R is the radius of the cylindrical protrusion of the trunnion assembly  230 , Θ is the misalignment angle of the tension T applied to the chain at the point of breakout of either the chain support trunnion assembly or the chain link, L is the lever arm which is the distance from the center of rotation of the chain support assembly to the point of application of the lateral force from the chain acting on the tube assembly  250  of the chain support assembly  200 , L C  is the lever arm associated with out of plane bending of a chain link that is approximately the length of a single link of chain, and D is the diameter of the links of chain. 
     The rotating part of the trunnion assembly  232  begins to rotate relative to the fixed bearing block part  231  when M 2  is equal to M 1 , thus: sinΘ=(μ B *R)/L. Accordingly, L and μ B  can be selected by the designer of the chain support assembly  200  to minimize Θ and thus the out of plane bending on the chain to acceptable limits for a given application. For example, if L is relatively large and μB is relatively low, then according to the above formulae, the angle Θ is thus small and the out of plane bending moment on the chain is low. As can be seen, once the angle Θ is determined from the configuration of the chain support, i.e. from the above formulation and the specific values of μ B , R and L then the out of plane bending loading and the out of plane bending fatigue on the chain can be calculated. Typically,  i .t 13 , R and L are selected for a given service application, for example considering the metocean conditions, environmental conditions, motions of the vessel, service life of the mooring installation, and other relevant parameters that are understood by those skilled in the art. In certain circumstances, it can be desirable to extend the lever arm L. This can be achieved by replacing the tube assembly  250  with a longer tube assembly or extending the tube assembly  250 , but this can be a complex, costly and potentially hazardous operation. As a less complex, cost effective and safer alternative, at least one chain brace  100  can be installed on the chain  210  at or near the second end  252  of the chain tube assembly  250 . This increases the length L of the lever arm and thus reduces the out of plane bending M 4  acting on a link of the chain  210 . 
       FIG.  3    depicts a perspective view of the chain brace  100  shown in  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  4    depicts a close-up cross-sectional view of the chain brace  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the chain brace  100  can include a first outer block  110 , a second outer block  130  and a wedge block  120 . Referring to  FIG.  5   , the first outer block  110  can have a first end  111 , a second end  112 , a first side  113  that can include a concave surface  115 , and a second side  116  opposite the first side  113 . Referring to  FIG.  6   , the second outer block  130  can have a first end  131 , a second end  132 , a first side  133  that can include a concave surface  135 , and a second side  136  opposite the first side  133 . In some embodiments, the concave surfaces  115 ,  135  of the first and second outer blocks  110 ,  130  can be configured to conform with, match with, matingly engage with, or otherwise receive the external shape of an end of a link of chain L 1 , L 3 , respectively. In some embodiments, the first sides  113 ,  133  or at least the concave surfaces  115 ,  135  of the first and second outer blocks  110 ,  130 , respectively, can be coated with an insulating material, for example a polymer or ceramic material to electrically isolate the chain brace  110  from the chain. In some embodiments, the second sides,  116 ,  136  of the first and second outer block  110 ,  130  can include a low friction coating disposed thereon. In some embodiments, the first ends  111 ,  131  of the first and second outer blocks  110 ,  130 , respectively, can have a width that is greater than a width of the second ends  112 ,  132  of the first and second outer blocks  110 ,  130 , respectively. 
     In some embodiments, the first and/or second outer blocks can define a bore  114 ,  134  at the first ends  111 ,  131  of one or both of the outer blocks  110 ,  130 . Each bore  114 ,  134 , if present, can be at least partially disposed therethrough. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the bores  114 ,  134 , if present, can each be configured with a helical thread. 
     In some embodiments, the first ends  111 ,  131  of one or both of the first and second outer blocks  110 ,  130  can include a protrusion  710  extending therefrom as depicted in  FIG.  7   . In some embodiments, if the first ends  111 ,  131  of the first and second outer blocks  110 ,  130  include the protrusion  710 , the protrusion can include a helical thread  711  about an outer surface thereof and/or can define one or more bores  712  radially therethrough that can be configured to receive a fastener. In some embodiments, a nut  713  can be configured to be disposed on the protrusion  710  and/or a fastener, e.g., a cotter pin, rod, bolt/nut, or the other fastener, configured to be disposed at least partially through the bore  712 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , the wedge block  120  can include a first end  121 , a second end  122 , a first side  123 , and a second side  125 . The first side  123  of the wedge block  120  can be configured to interface with the second side  116  of the first outer block  110 . The second side  123  of the wedge block  120  can be configured to interface with the second side  136  of the second outer block  130 . In some embodiments, the first and/or second sides  123 ,  125  of the wedge block  120  can have a low friction coating disposed thereon. In other embodiments, a low friction material can be disposed between the first side  123  of the wedge block  120  and a second side  116  of the first outer block  120  and/or a low friction material can be disposed between the second side  125  of the wedge block  120  and a second side  136  of the second outer block  130 . The low friction coating or material can be or can include, but is not limited to, a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, a tungsten disulfide coating, a molybdenum disulfide coating, or other similar low friction material. Suitable commercially available low friction materials can include those sold under the tradenames TEFLON® and XYLAN®. 
     The wedge block  120  can define a bore  124 . The bore  124  defined by the wedge block  120  can be at least partially therethrough and can be oriented along an axis of the wedge block  120  that can extend from the first end  121  toward or through the second end  122  thereof. Said another way, the bore  124  defined by the wedge block  120  can be partially disposed through the wedge block  120  (not shown) or fully disposed though the wedge block  120 . In some embodiments, an inner surface of the bore  124  can be configured with helical threads (not shown) or can be a smooth bore, as shown in  FIG.  4   . In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the bore  124  can be circular or any other desired shape such as a polygon, e.g., a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or a combination thereof. For example, the bore  124  can have a circular cross-sectional shape at or toward the first end  121  and a polygonal cross-sectional shape at or toward the second end  122 . The first end  121  of the wedge block  120  can have a width that is less than the width of the second end  122  of the wedge block  120 . In some embodiments, the bore  124  can be configured with at least one longitudinal groove. 
     The first outer block  110 , the wedge block  120 , and the second outer block  130  can be manufactured, fabricated, cast, forged, machined or otherwise formed or produced from a steel, stainless steel, aluminum, a composite polymer, carbon fiber, bronze or other suitable materials based, at least in part, on the expected loads and particular application being considered that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     The chain brace  100  can also include a capture frame  160 . Referring to  FIG.  9   , the capture frame  160  can include a first side plate  162  and a second side plate  163 . The first and second side plates  162 ,  163  can be affixed, joined, welded, bolted, or otherwise attached to a reaction plate  161 . The first and second side plates  162 ,  163  together with the reaction plate  161  can be arranged and configured to capture the first and second outer blocks  110 ,  130 , and the wedge block  120  within the capture frame  160 . In some embodiments, the capture frame  160  can include a first and a second bracket  167 ,  168 . The first and second brackets  167 ,  168  of the capture frame  160  can each be configured to engage with the sides of a link of chain, for example the sides of the second link of chain L 2 . The first and second brackets  167 ,  168  of the capture frame  160  can be formed, shaped, molded, bent, rolled or otherwise formed to at least partially conform with the shape of the sides of the link of chain. The first and second brackets  167 ,  168  of the capture frame  160  can be manufactured from plate steel, a composite material, stainless steel, or other suitable material. 
     The capture frame  160  can be configured to position the first and second outer blocks  110 ,  130  and the wedge block  120  at least partially within the second link of chain L 2 . The reaction plate  161  of the capture frame  160  can define a bore  164  therethrough. The first ends  111 ,  131 ,  121  of the first and second outer blocks  110 ,  130  and the wedge block  120 , respectively, can be orientated toward the reaction plate  161 . The bore  164  defined by the reaction plate  161  and the bore  124  defined by the wedge block  124  can be aligned along a common longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the reaction plate  161  can also define a first slot  165  and/or a second slot  166 . In some embodiments, the first and second slots  165 ,  166  can be configured as elongated rectangular bores with rounded corners disposed through the reaction plate  161 . In some embodiments, the first and/or second slots  165 ,  166  can align with the first and/or second bores  114 ,  134  of the first and/or second outer blocks  110 ,  130  respectively. In other embodiments, the first and/or second slots  165 ,  166  can align with and receive the protrusion  710  that can optionally be disposed on the first end  111  of the first outer block  110  and/or the first end  131  of the second outer block  130 . 
     Returning to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , in some embodiments, the chain brace  100  can include a first fastener  170  and/or a second fastener  171 . In some embodiments, the first and second fasteners  170 ,  171  can each be a screw, a cap screw, a bolt, a combination of a bolt and washer, or other similar fastener and can be disposed through the first slot  165  of the reaction plate  161  and into the bore  114  defined by the first outer block  110 . In some embodiments, the first fastener  170  can be configured to be threadingly engaged with helical threads of the bore  114  defined by the first outer block  110  such that the first outer block  110  can translate in a longitudinal direction toward or away from the first chain link L 3 , but not in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second fastener  171  can be configured to be threadingly engaged with the helical threads of the bore  134  defined by the second outer block  130  such that the second outer block  130  can translate in a longitudinal direction toward or away from the third chain link L 1 , but not in a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second fasteners  170 ,  171  can be configured to retain the first outer block and the second outer block  110 ,  130  respectively within the capture frame  160 . 
     In other embodiments, the first fastener  170  and/or the second fastener  171  can be a cotter pin, a nut  713 , or other fastener configured to engage with a helical thread  711  about the outer surface thereof and/or configured to be at least partially disposed within a radial bore  712  defined by the protrusion  710  such that the first and/or second outer blocks  110 ,  130  can translate in a longitudinal direction toward or away from the first chain link L 3  and/or the third chain link L 1 , but not in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. 
     In some embodiments, the chain brace  100  can include an optional retainer frame  150 . Referring to  FIG.  10   , the retainer frame  150  can be configured to retain the first outer block  110 , second outer block  130  and the wedge block  120  within the capture frame  160 . The retainer frame  150  can include a first and second bracket  157 ,  158 . The first and second brackets  157 ,  158  of the retainer frame  150  can each be configured to engage with the sides of a link of chain, for example the sides of the second link of chain L 2 . The first and second brackets  157 ,  158  of the retainer frame can be formed, shaped, molded, bent, rolled or otherwise formed to at least partially conform with the shape of the sides of a link of chain. The first and second brackets  157 ,  158  of the capture frame  150  can be manufactured from plate steel, a composite material, stainless steel, other suitable material 
     The retainer frame  150  can matingly engage with the capture frame  160  and be configured to retain the first outer block  110 , the second outer block  130  and the wedge block  120  within the capture frame  160 . The retainer frame  150  can include a secondary reaction plate  151  that can define a bore  154  therethrough. The bore  154  defined by the secondary reaction plate  151  can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bore  124  of the wedge block  120  and bore  164  defined by the reaction plate  161 . The bore  154  defined by the secondary reaction plate  151  can be circular or any polygonal shape, e.g., rectangular. 
     The capture frame  160  and the retainer frame  150  can be manufactured, fabricated, cast, forged, machined, welded or otherwise formed or produced from a steel, stainless steel, aluminum, a composite polymer, bronze or other suitable materials based on, at least in part, on the expected loads and particular application being considered. 
     The chain brace  100  can include a tension member  140 . In some embodiments, the tension member  140  can be configured as an elongated structural member. In some embodiments, the tension member  140  can be configured as a cylinder, a rod, a threaded bar stock, a cylinder with at least one longitudinal protrusion extending at least partially along an exterior surface thereof, a threaded fastener, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the tension member  140  can be a threaded rod or a threaded bolt. In some embodiments, the tension member  140  can be a rod that can have a portion of the outer surface that can be threaded and a portion of the outer surface can be smooth or non-threaded. For example, the ends of the tension member  140 , when in the form of a rod, can be threaded and a middle section between the threaded ends can be smooth, e.g., the same as or similar to a double-end stud bolt. In other embodiments, the tension member  140  can be a bolt having a threaded end with a smooth section between the bolt head. In still other embodiments, the tension member  140  can be similar to a carriage bolt and the square or other polygonal cross-sectional shape below the head of the carriable bolt can configured to matingly engage with the bore  124  of the wedge block  120  or, if the retainer frame  150  is present, the bore  154  defined by the secondary reaction plate  151 . 
     The tension member  140  can be positioned through the bore  164  defined by the reaction plate  161  and at least partially within or through the bore  124  defined by the wedge block  120 . The tension member  140  can be configured to apply a force on the wedge block  120  to displace the wedge block in a direction toward the reaction plate  161  such that the wedge block  120  displaces the first and second outer blocks  110 ,  130  in a direction toward the first and third links of chain L 1 , L 3 , respectively, thereby placing the concave surface  115  of the first outer block  110  in abutting contact with the first link of chain L 1  and placing the concave surface  135  of the second outer block  130  in abutting contact with the third link of chain L 3 . The force can be generated by any number of methods that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     In some embodiments, the tension member  140  can be configured as a screw jack with a first nut  143  disposed toward a first end  141  of the tension member  140  and the reaction plate  160 . A second nut  144  can be disposed toward a second end  142  of the tension member  140  and toward the second end  122  of the wedge block  120 . The force can then be generated by turning the nut  143  and reacting the nut  143  against the reaction plate  161  while keeping the second nut  144  fixed relative to the tension member  140  and the secondary reaction plate  151 . In some embodiments, the tension member  140  can threadingly engage directly with the wedge block  120  and thus the second nut  144  can be eliminated. In some embodiments, as noted above, the tension member  140  can optionally include a longitudinal protrusion or profile, not shown, that can extend at least partially along the exterior surface thereof that can matingly engage with a corresponding optional groove defined by an inner surface of the bore  124  of the wedge block  120 , thus restricting relative rotation between the wedge block  120  and the tension member  140 . The force can then be generated by turning nut  143  and reacting the nut  143  against the reaction plate  161  while keeping the tension member  140  rotationally static relative to the wedge block  120 . Alternatively, the force can be generated by rotating the tension member  140  relative the wedge block  120  while keeping the nut  143  static relative to the tension member  140 . In some embodiments, a hydraulic jack or hydraulic cylinder can be affixed to the first end  141  of the tension member  140  and the force can be applied to the tension member  140  by the hydraulic jack or hydraulic cylinder reacting against the reaction plate  161 . As such, in some embodiments, the tension member  140  can include a hydraulic jack or hydraulic cylinder that can be configured to apply the force to the tension member. In some embodiments, a third nut  145  can be disposed on and threadingly engaged with the tension member  140  on the exterior of the secondary reaction plate  151  to secure the tension member  140  to the secondary reaction plate  151  and to restrict movement of or rotation of the tension member  140  relative to the reaction plate  161 . The third nut  145  can be tightened or installed after the tensioning operation of the tension member  140  is performed. The tension member  140  can be a steel, stainless steel, alloy steel or other suitable material. 
     In some embodiments, the chain brace  100  can include at least one cushion  190 . Referring to  FIG.  11   , the cushion  190  can be a formed from a polymer, a rubber material, or any similar and suitable cushion material. The cushion  190  can be disposed between the sides of the second link of chain L 2  and the first and second brackets  167 ,  168  of the capture frame  160  and, if present, the first and second brackets  157 ,  158  of the retainer frame  150 . The cushion  190  can provide a flexible connection between the chain brace  100  and the second link of chain L 2 . The cushion can also electrically isolate the chain brace  100  from the second link of chain L 2 . 
       FIG.  12    depicts a close-up partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative chain brace  1200 , according to one or more embodiments. The components of the chain brace  1200  can be similar to the components of the chain brace  100  shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2 - 11   . One main difference is that the chain brace  1200  can include, at least during installation and/or uninstallation thereof, a hydraulic actuator  1201  that can be configured to apply the force to the tension member  140  and/or remove the force from the tension member  140 . In some embodiments, the hydraulic actuator  1201  can be at least partially disposed about the first nut  143 . The hydraulic actuator  1201  can include a gripping sleeve  1203  that can be configured to rotate the nut  143  such that the first end  141  of the tension member  140  can be moved toward the hydraulic actuator  1201  into a receiving sleeve  1205  when the hydraulic actuator  1201  is actuated in a first direction and away from the hydraulic actuator  1201  and the receiving sleeve  1205  when the hydraulic actuator  1201  is actuated in a second direction. As such the hydraulic actuator  1201  can be used during the installation and/or uninstallation of the chain brace  1200  between the links of chain L 1  and L 3  (the middle chain link connecting lings L 1  and L 3  is not visible in  FIG.  12   ) to apply the force and/or to remove the force on the wedge block  120  when the hydraulic actuator  1201  is actuated in the first direction or the second direction, respectively. 
     A second main difference between the chain brace  1200  and the chain brace  100  is that a low friction material  1210  can be disposed between the first outer block  110  and the wedge block  120  and/or a low friction material  1215  can be disposed between the second outer block  130  and the wedge block  120 . In some embodiments, the low friction material  1210  and/or  1215  can be bronze, a composite, laminate material, a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, a tungsten disulfide coating, a molybdenum disulfide coating, or other low friction material having suitable properties. Suitable commercially available low friction materials can include those sold under the tradenames TEFLON® and XYLAN®. 
     The present disclosure further relates to any one or more of the following numbered embodiments: 
     1. A chain brace for restricting relative movement between first, second, and third serially connected links of a chain, comprising: a wedge block having a first end and a second end wherein the wedge block defines a bore at least partially therethrough that is oriented along an axis of the wedge block extending from the first end toward or through the second end thereof, and wherein a width of the wedge block between a set of opposing sides extending from the second end to the first end tapers toward the first end thereof; a first outer block and a second outer block, each outer block comprising a first end, a second end, and a side comprising a concave surface disposed between the first and second ends thereof; a capture frame comprising a reaction plate that defines a bore therethrough, wherein the capture frame is configured to position the first outer block, the wedge block and the second outer block within the second link of the chain, the wedge block is configured to be positioned between the first outer block and the second outer block, the first ends of the first outer block, the second outer block, and the wedge block are each configured to be orientated toward the reaction plate, the concave surface of the first outer block is configured to engage with and partially receive an outer surface of an end of the first link of chain, the concave outer surface of the second outer block is configured to engage with and partially receive an outer surface of an end of the third link of chain; and a tension member configured to be positioned through the bore defined by the reaction plate and at least partially into the bore defined by the wedge block at the first end thereof and to apply a force on the wedge block to move the wedge block in a direction toward the reaction plate such that the wedge block displaces the first and second outer block into contact with the ends of the first and third links of chain, respectively, to restrict relative movement between the first, second, and third links of the chain. 
     2. A process for restricting relative movement between first, second, and third serially connected links of a chain, comprising: installing a chain brace about and within the second link of chain, wherein the chain brace comprises: a wedge block having a first end and a second end, wherein the wedge block defines a bore at least partially therethrough that is oriented along an axis of the wedge block extending from the first end toward or through the second end thereof, and wherein a width of the wedge block between a set of opposing sides extending from the second end to the first end tapers toward the first end thereof; a first outer block and a second outer block, each outer block comprising a first end, a second end, and a side comprising a concave surface disposed between the first and second ends thereof, a capture frame comprising a reaction plate that defines a bore therethrough, wherein: the capture frame positions the first outer block, the wedge block, and the second outer block within the second link of the chain, the wedge block is positioned between the first outer block and the second outer block, the first ends of the first outer block, the second outer block, and the wedge block are orientated toward the reaction plate, the concave surface of the first outer block is configured to engage with and partially receive an outer surface of an end of the first link of chain, the concave outer surface of the second outer block is configured to engage with and partially receive an outer surface of an end of the third link of chain; and a tension member positioned through the bore defined by the reaction plate and at least partially into the bore defined by the wedge block at the first end thereof; and applying a force on the wedge block with the tension member to move the wedge block in a direction toward the reaction plate such that the wedge block displaces the first and second outer blocks to cause the concave surface of the first outer block and the concave surface of the second outer block to engage with and partially receive the outer surfaces of the ends of the first and third links of chain, respectively, to restrict relative movement between the first, second, and third links of the chain. 
     3. The chain brace or process of paragraph 1 or 2, wherein a width of the first end of the first outer block is greater than a width of the second end of the first outer block. 
     4. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein a width of the first end of the second outer block is greater than a width of the second end of the second outer block. 
     5. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the force applied on the wedge block is sufficient to prevent movement between the first chain link and the second chain link and to prevent movement between the second chain link and the third chain link. 
     6. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein a side of the first outer block opposite the side comprising the concave surface is configured to interface with a first side of the wedge block, and wherein the side of the first outer block opposite the side comprising the concave surface and the first side of the wedge block are each flat. 
     7. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein a side of the second outer block opposite the side comprising the concave surface is configured to interface with a second side of the wedge block that is opposite the first side of the wedge block, and wherein the side of the second outer block opposite the side comprising the concave surface and the second side of the wedge block are each flat. 
     8. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, further comprising a retainer frame configured to retain the first outer block, the wedge block, and the second outer block within the capture frame comprising a secondary reaction plate that defines a bore therethrough, wherein the bore defined by the wedge block extends from the first end through the second end thereof, and wherein the tension member is configured to be positioned through the bore defined by the reaction plate, the bore defined by the wedge, and the bore defined by the secondary reaction plate. 
     9. The chain brace or process of paragraph 8, wherein the tension member is a threaded cylindrical rod comprising a first end and a second end, and wherein the tension member is configured to be secured within the bore defined by the reaction plate, the bore defined by the wedge, and the bore defined by the secondary reaction plate via a nut disposed on each end of the threaded cylindrical rod. 
     10. The chain brace or process of paragraphs 8 or paragraph 9, wherein the retainer frame comprises a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first and second brackets of the retainer frame are configured to engage with the second link of the chain, and wherein the retainer frame is configured to matingly engage with the capture frame. 
     11. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein an inner surface of the bore defined by the wedge block comprises a threaded inner surface, and wherein the tension member is a threaded bolt configured to be threadingly engageable with the inner surface of the bore defined by the wedge block. 
     12. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, wherein the tension member comprises a hydraulic actuator configured to apply the force to the tension member. 
     13. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein at least one of an interface between the first outer block and the wedge block and an interface between the second outer block and the wedge block comprises a low friction material disposed therebetween. 
     14. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, wherein the capture frame comprises a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first and second brackets of the capture frame are configured to engage with the second link of the chain. 
     15. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, wherein the reaction plate further defines a first slot, and wherein the first end of the first outer block defines a threaded cylindrical bore that is configured to align with the first slot, the chain brace further comprising a first threaded fastener configured to be disposed though the first slot and threadingly engageable with the threaded bore of the first outer block. 
     16. The chain brace or process of paragraph 15, wherein the reaction plate further defines a second slot, and wherein the first end of the second outer block defines a threaded cylindrical bore that is configured to align with the second slot, the chain brace further comprising a second threaded fastener configured to be disposed though the second slot and threadingly engageable with the threaded bore of the second outer block. 
     17. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 16, wherein the reaction plate further defines a first slot therethrough, and wherein the first end of the first outer block further comprises a first protrusion that is configured to be positioned within the first slot. 
     18. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 17, wherein the reaction plate further defines a second slot therethrough, and wherein the first end of the second outer block further comprises a second protrusion that is configured to be positioned within the first slot. 
     19. The chain brace or process of any one of paragraphs 1 to 18, wherein the bore defined by the wedge block is substantially normal to the first end and the second end of the wedge block. 
     Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges including the combination of any two values, e.g., the combination of any lower value with any upper value, the combination of any two lower values, and/or the combination of any two upper values are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted. 
     While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail above, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations thereof will occur to those having ordinary skill in the art. It should be, therefore, expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof can be determined by the claims that follow.