Abstract The invention relates to a device for and a method of testing whether the safe working load of the links of a chain, whether it be a lashing and/or a belaying chain, is being exceeded. The invention provides that an overload testing device is detachably connected in parallel with a portion of the chain length to two links of the chain to be tested so that the normal distance between said two links is reduced by the testing device and so that the links intervening between said two links are completely relieved of load. Advantageously the testing device includes at least one intermediate member which is visibly deformed when the safe working load of the links of the chain to be tested is exceeded. The invention also embraces a chain in combination with such an overload testing device. Advantageously, the intermediate member consists of two U-shaped elements which are detachably connected by locking means and that an abutment member is so interposed with clearance between the limbs of the interconnected U-shaped elements that the limbs pull into contact with said abutment member when the safe working load of the chain links is exceeded.
An overload indicating device for round link chains for lashing and belaying comprising an indicating chain coupler, said coupler including two spaced elements attachable to two links of said chain, said elements being connected together, and means interposed between said spaced elements and engageable therewith when the safe working load of said chain links is exceeded.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
56 words
An overload indicating device for round link chains for lashing and belaying comprising an indicating chain coupler, said coupler including two spaced elements attachable to two links of said chain, said elements being connected together, and means interposed between said spaced elements and engageable therewith when the safe working load of said chain links is exceeded.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the chain coupler consists of two U-shaped elements detachably connected by locking means, said means between said elements comprising an abutment member so interposed with clearance between the limbs of the interconnected U-shaped elements that the latter pull into contact with said abutment member when the safe working load of the chain links is exceeded.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
126 words
A device according to claim 2, characterised in that one limb of a first element of the coupler has a socket at its end for the reception of the end of one limb of the other element of the coupler, the second limb of the first element of the coupler fitting into a corresponding socket in the end of the second limb of the other element of the coupler, said sockets being intersected by at least two transverse bores for the reception of the locking means which are in the form of pins and the ends of the limbs fitting into the cooperating sockets on opposite sides being formed with relatively staggered transverse grooves for the reception of part of the peripheries of the locking elements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A chain in combination with an overload testing device as defined in claim 2, wherein the overload testing device is connected to two links of a portion of the chain length, there being further links intervening between said two links which are relieved of load by the testing device which is connected in parallel with said intervening links.