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Concept
Chain
Summary
A chain is a serial assembly of connected pieces, called links, typically made of metal, with an overall character similar to that of a rope in that it is flexible and curved in compression but linear, rigid, and load-bearing in tension. A chain may consist of two or more links. Chains can be classified by their design, which can be dictated by their use:
Those designed for lifting, such as when used with a hoist; for pulling; or for securing, such as with a bicycle lock, have links that are torus shaped, which make the chain flexible in two dimensions (the fixed third dimension being a chain's length). Small chains serving as jewellery are a mostly decorative analogue of such types.
Those designed for transferring power in machines have links designed to mesh with the teeth of the sprockets of the machine, and are flexible in only one dimension. They are known as roller chains, though there are also non-roller chains such as block chains.
Two distinct chains can be connected using a quick link, carabiner, shackle, or clevis.
The load can be transferred from a chain to another object by a chain stopper.
Uses for chain include:
Belly chain, type of body jewelry worn around the waist
Jewelry chain, many necklaces and bracelets are made out of small chains of gold and silver
Chain of office, collar or heavy gold chain worn as insignia of office or a mark of fealty in medieval Europe and the United Kingdom
Decorating clothing, some people wear wallets with chains connected to their belts, or pants decorated with chains
Omega chain, a pseudo-chain where the 'links' are mounted on a backing rather than being interlinked
Tie chain, used to hold in place a tie to the underlying shirt front
Bicycle chain, transfers power from the pedals to the drive-wheel of a bicycle, thus propelling it. An application of roller chain.
Official source
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Related concepts (1)
Anchor
An anchor is a device, normally made of metal, used to secure a vessel to the bed of a body of water to prevent the craft from drifting due to wind or current. The word derives from Latin ancora, which itself comes from the Greek ἄγκυρα (ankȳra). Anchors can either be temporary or permanent. Permanent anchors are used in the creation of a mooring, and are rarely moved; a specialist service is normally needed to move or maintain them. Vessels carry one or more temporary anchors, which may be of different designs and weights.