A chain is about as simple as it gets! :D Sounds like I should make one.

It's as simply as selecting the bone tool and then, in the front or side view, clicking the bones in the order of their connection. Once done, select the object and bones and then go to the pull-down menu Animation > Attach Skeleton. the last bone can be selected and designated as an IK terminator in the properties tab.

I'll see if I can put together a quick tutorial and post it.