Abstract: A shackle apparatus including a generally U-shaped shackle body having an arcuate end, a pair of parallel arms, and a retaining member spanning a gap defined between the shackle arms. The retaining member cooperates with the shackle body to define a closed loop which can be permanently attached to a sling or lifting cable. The retaining member prevents the shackle apparatus from being removed and installed on another sling or lifting cable without substantially destroying the shackle apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: Chain link comprising two side limbs at both ends joint by curved end portions. The chain Link comprises at least one endless band of fiber material wound along the perimeter of the chain link. The fiber material follows the longitudinal direction of the limbs and the curvature of the end-portions. In a chain made of interlocking chain links of this type, all tensile loads are absorbed by the fiber material, whereas the bearing load due to interlink contact, plus the link shear and bonding stresses near the contact points are absorbed by the end portions.

Abstract: A bush is pressed into a link plate in a turning link rank that turns relatively with a pin. The bush is molded into a seamless cylindrical shape by cold-forging and is coated with a metal carbide layer formed by cementation of chrome, vanadium and other metals and having Vickers hardness of 1300 Hv or more similarly to the pin. Afterwards, the bush is treated by a quenching, tempering or isothermal transformation process. Thereby, wear resistance of the pins and the link plates of a silent (link) chain is improved, productivity is improved and associated costs are reduced.

Abstract: The oil-free chain is obtained by connecting a pair of inner link plates which are connected by oil-impregnated bushings and a pair of outer link plates, which are connected by pins inserted into adjacent oil-impregnated bushings of adjacent inner link plates alternately. The oil-impregnated bushing is obtained by impregnating a bushing made of a metal sintered body with perfluoropolyether having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. equal to or higher than 350 mm2/s. The bushing is impregnated with perfluoropolyether having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the operating temperature of the oil-free chain.

Abstract: A link made from a D-profile steel length, that can be used to form a hoist chain including a substantially planar outer circumferential area and two side flanks opening into the same, each flank comprises a first planar flank section which is substantially perpendicular to the outer circumferential area. The flank section is connected on each side flank with the outer circumferential area via an adjacent planar bevel area which is inclined under a bevel angle obliquely in relation to the same in the direction towards the other side flank.

Abstract: A self coiling apparatus includes an article having a length and capable of being wound or coiled. At least one filament is formed of shape changing material and is wound about the article along its length. An actuation source is connected to the at least one filament and the at least one filament changes shape upon actuation. The at least one filament applies a force to the article and self-coils the article to a desired pattern.

Abstract: A link chain comprises a chain link including two shank portions and two arc portions connecting the two shank portions. The two shank portions and the two arc portions define an interior space of the first chain link; and a dividing element extends inwardly from an inside surface of one of the two shank portions and extends inwardly from the inside surface of the other shank portion. The dividing element divides the interior space into two movement spaces, and the dividing element has a centerline, and the centerline is not a straight line perpendicular to the shank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chain connecting link, which has two link brackets (4, 5) coupled via their limbs (6, 9), and a bar (14a-14c) that is inserted transversely between the limbs (6, 9) of the link brackets (4, 5). One limb (6) of each link bracket (4, 5) comprises a neck section (7) and a pin (8) thicker than the neck section, and a neck recess (10) and a pin recess (11) are provided in a matching fashion at the other limb (9) of the link bracket (4, 5). According to the invention, conically configured flank surfaces (12) with respect to the vertical central longitudinal plane (MLE) are provided at each pin (8) and at each pin recess (11).

Abstract: A link for a chain, which is used in a linear actuator, comprises a base member and a plate pivotably mounted on the base member. An arm extends from the plate. A first connecting means is disposed on a distal end of the arm to connect the link with a first adjacent link. The plate has a protrusion for releasably engaging a second adjacent link. A second connecting means is disposed on the base member to connect the link with the second adjacent link.

Abstract: A shackle apparatus including a generally U-shaped shackle body having an arcuate end, a pair of parallel arms, and a retaining member spanning a gap defined between the shackle arms. The retaining member cooperates with the shackle body to define a closed loop which can be permanently attached to a sling or lifting cable. The retaining member prevents the shackle apparatus from being removed and installed on another sling or lifting cable without substantially destroying the shackle apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A motion transmitting drive chain (drive chain) is prevented from buckling by applying a relatively small compressive bias force to one side of the pins around which the chain links rotate. The bias force is applied on the locking projection side of the pins axes of rotation such that the links are urged to rotate in the direction required to lock them against each other.

Abstract: A device for fastening emergency equipment to a vessel includes a hydrostatic release mechanism, a tether, and a float-free link. The tether is attached to the hydrostatic release mechanism and provides an attachment point for lashing the emergency equipment to the vessel. The tether may also be threaded through openings in the curved partially tubular body of the float-free link. A breakable bridge is integrally coupled to the body of the float-free link to form a closed loop. The breakable bridge is designed to be the break point when the emergency equipment needs to be freed from a vessel that has sunk below a predetermined depth. When the vessel sinks below the predetermined depth, the hydrostatic release mechanism severs the tether thus freeing the emergency equipment from one point of attachment to the vessel. The bridge is designed to break when the strain on the fastening line, e.g., the painter line, is between a predetermined minimum force and maximum force.

Abstract: A link member (e.g. a chain link or an elevator link) having a body, the body having two spaced-apart ends, wave-energizable apparatus (one or more) on the link body, and, in one aspect, a wrap or wraps securing the wave-energizable apparatus to the link. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A chain member assembly for a tire chain has a link having at least one receiving opening delimited by a wall and a ring member engaging the receiving opening. The wall of the receiving opening has at least in the contact area with the ring member at least two contact surfaces spaced apart from one another and a recessed wall section positioned between the at least two contact surfaces. The ring member has an inner side that rests areally against the at least two contact surfaces.

Abstract: The invention proposes a chain for a machine drive, transport of material in a machine or the like, and also a packaging machine comprising one such chain, this chain being better than known link chains at meeting requirements in respect of hygiene conditions during operation and cleaning. This is achieved according to the invention in that flexible chain links (4) are provided between rigid chain links (2), the flexible chain links (4) being fixed to the rigid chain links (2).

Abstract: A bicycle chain connecting link basically has a first link plate, a second link plate, a first link pin and a second link pin. The first link plate has a longitudinal slot. The second link plate has a pair of pin attachment openings. The first and second link pins each have a first pin end retained to the first link plate and a second pin end releasably coupled in the pin attachment openings of the second link plate to be separated from the second link plate and reattached to the second link plate. At least one of the first pin ends of the first and second link pins is slidable within the longitudinal slot of the first link plate in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal slot of the first link plate.

Abstract: A seal chain in which a sealing member having a shape of a “plus” in section is steadily twisted (turned) and deformed into a shape of an “X” and whose abrasion resistance and flexing torque are improved. The sealing member is formed such that inner diametric side end faces of third and fourth lip portions extending in a transverse direction from a center base portion extend in a direction orthogonal to a radial direction and outer diametric side end faces thereof are formed as tapered faces such that width of the lip portion is widened from an edge face toward the base portion. A diagonal distance of the center base portion is within a range of 0.8 to 1.0 of a clearance between inner and outer link plates.

Abstract: A master link for a chain assembly is provided. The master link includes a body member with a first side, a second side positioned opposite the first side, a shoe surface configured to receive a track shoe, and a rail surface positioned opposite the shoe surface. The master link also includes first and second apertures extending through the body member from the first side to the second side and third and fourth apertures located between the first and second apertures. The master link also includes a strut member dividing the third and fourth apertures. The master link also includes a first gap located in the body member and extending from the first aperture to the third aperture and a second gap located in the body member and extending from the fourth aperture to the second aperture. The master link further includes a third gap located in the strut member and extending from the third aperture to the fourth aperture.

Abstract: The invention concerns a non-extending hinged bracelet including a plurality of links (6, 6?) hinged one after the other, each of the links including on one side a male hinge element and on the other side a female hinge element, the male hinge element of one link (6) being inserted in the female hinge element of the next link (6?) to form a hinge (1), said hinge elements being traversed by a pin forming the articulation of the hinge (1), a U-shaped part (14) which covers said hinge (1) including branches (16) which are engaged on either side of the hinge (1) and which have holes (18) in which the ends of the pin are engaged, said bracelet being characterized in that a cover (12) extending between two adjacent links (6, 6?) is arranged between the hinge (1) and the U-shaped part (14).

Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links, a plurality of pins, and a plurality of interpieces. By pressing upper and lower edges of the pin into upper and lower edges of a through hole, the pin is connected to the link. The end of the pin which is located at a front end side when the pin is pressed is formed in a shape into which the upper and lower edges of the pin are pressed at the same time.

Abstract: A bed 14 has a base frame 32, an elevateable frame 34 and a telescopable column 36 having a base segment 36a connected to the base frame 32 and a terminal segment 36e connected to the elevateable frame 34. Each column circumscribes a lift chain assembly 100 which includes a magazine 102 and a lift chain 160 with a terminal link 240. The magazine 102 is connected to either the base frame 32 or the elevateable frame 34 and the terminal link 240 is connected to the other of the base frame 32 and the elevateable frame 34. The magazine 102 comprises left and right magazine covers 104, 106 each having an outer face and an inner face 112, 114 with grooves 120. The lift chain 160 has left and right rollers 238 that project into the grooves. The lift chain assembly 100 also includes a gear train 320 extending from a gear train drive shaft 334 to a gear train output shaft 338 and a motor 278 having an output shaft 314 connected to the gear train drive shaft 334.

Abstract: A device for fastening emergency equipment to a vessel includes a hydrostatic release mechanism, a tether, and a float-free link. The tether is attached to the hydrostatic release mechanism and provides an attachment point for lashing the emergency equipment to the vessel. The tether may also be threaded through openings in the curved partially tubular body of the float-free link. A breakable bridge is integrally coupled to the body of the float-free link to form a closed loop. The breakable bridge is designed to be the break point when the emergency equipment needs to be freed from a vessel that has sunk below a predetermined depth. When the vessel sinks below the predetermined depth, the hydrostatic release mechanism severs the tether thus freeing the emergency equipment from one point of attachment to the vessel. The bridge is designed to break when the strain on the fastening line, e.g., the painter line, is between a predetermined minimum force and maximum force.

Abstract: Said strap with articulated links, in particular for a watch, comprises at least three adjacent rows of links offset from one adjacent row to another, in which at least one friction surface (3, 13, 23-163) of each joint is made of a material of which the hardness is >800 HV. Said bearing surface (3, 13, 23-163) is in contact with at least one joint element (5, 15, 25-165) having at least one friction surface made of a second material selected from the following materials: ceramic, ceramic-metal composite, amorphous carbon, stainless steel without nickel, cobalt alloy, gold or gold alloy, platinum or platinum alloy, platinoid or platinoid alloy, titanium or titanium alloy, capable of reducing the frictional wear with the friction surface (3, 13, 23-163).

Abstract: A closing link for a bicycle chain that includes a first outer link plate having a first elongated hole and a first chain pin extending therefrom and a second outer link plate having a second elongated hole and a second chain pin extending therefrom. The first chain pin is received in the second elongated hole and the second chain pin is received in the first elongated hole Each chain pin has a head at one end, a foot at the other end and a groove therebetween. Each elongated hole has a larger diameter end, a smaller diameter end and a displacement region therebetween. The larger diameter end has a diameter larger than a diameter of the pin head. The smaller diameter end receives the groove of the chain pin and includes a countersink to receive the pin head. The displacement region includes sides having recessed and unrecessed portions. The recessed portions have a smaller depth than a depth of the countersink at least in the region of the countersink.

Abstract: A cable chain includes clockwise sections and counter-clockwise sections alternatively arranged and connected in series. Each clockwise section has concatenated clockwise chain monomers, wherein an included angle between each two clockwise chain monomers is limited from 0 degree to 180 degrees. Each counter-clockwise section has concatenated counter-clockwise chain monomers, wherein the included angle between each two counter-clockwise chain monomers is limited from 180 degrees to 360 degrees. Therefore, the cable chain may be bent back and forth like a letter W.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing a chain composed of chain links and of connecting elements. According to the invention, the chain can be produced in an essentially continuous manner whereby largely eliminating the need to make separating cuts and enabling the production of loadable and durable articulated connections of chain links. To this end, the invention provides that: connecting elements each having two holes are used; the connecting elements are inserted in cavities in first tools, and; chain links are produced with contact at least to partial areas of connecting elements. Inside the holes, joint pins are produced that are a part of the chain links. The invention also relates to a method and device for producing a chain, which is composed of chain links and of connecting elements, made of shapeable materials, particularly plastic.

Abstract: An articulated driving mechanism (2) is composed of several inflexible links (1, 1?, 1?, 79, 84) in succession, the links of each pair of adjacent links being interconnected by means of a link pin (16, 16?, 16?), arranged in both the adjacent links in such a manner that the links are pivotal in relation to one another about the axis of the pin. The links of each pair of adjacent links are mutually displaceable in the transverse direction of the link pin between a first position, in which the adjacent links are pivotal in relation to one another about the axis of the link pin, and a second position, in which corresponding meshing surfaces of each adjacent link abut one another and lock against mutual pivoting of the adjacent links. The link pin is displaceable in an elongated hole (23, 82, 89) in at least one of the links.

Abstract: A chain link overlay and method of improving chain link aesthetics. The chain link overlay is designed to be permanently attached to a chain link. The overlay has an overlay front side with adornment, coloration, art work, or embossment, and also an overlay rear side which is intended to be attached to a chain link. The overlay rear side includes a pin head bore corresponding to each pin head extending from the chain link. When the overlay is attached to the chain link, each pin head extending from the chain link is disposed within a pin head bore. The overlay may be attached to the chain link with adhesive, solder, welding, or any other appropriate means of attachment. The overlay front side may feature artwork, coloration, decoration, and/or embossments, to increase the aesthetic appeal of a chain link to which the chain link overlay has been attached.

Abstract: A pin is relatively rotatably fitted into a pin hole formed in an outer link plate of a chain. A plurality of helical grooves are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the pin. A pitch P between adjacent helical grooves in the axial direction is equal to or less than a width in the axial direction of the pin hole of the outer link plate. At least one helical groove is arranged to oppose an arbitrary generatrix on an inner circumferential surface of the pin hole. Also, when a radius of the pin is R and a relative rotation angle with the mating member is ?, a pitch P? in the circumferential direction between adjacent helical grooves is R? or less. Thus, at least one helical groove is arranged to always pass each position in a sliding range between the pin and the pin hole.

Abstract: A ball chain including metal balls with a small wall thickness and can withstand a large tensile load are provided. A method of manufacturing the same includes rounding a piece of metal to form rotation-axis symmetric bodies 22 and connecting the rotation-axis symmetric bodies 22 in a chain-like manner with connecting shafts. Each of the connecting shafts has connecting heads on both end portions. Each of the rotation-axis symmetric bodies 22 has a butt seam 24 in a direction of a rotation axis of the rotation-axis symmetric body and a weld part 25 at at least one part of the butt seam 24.

Abstract: A link for a toy ammunition chain made up of a plurality of links hinged together side-by-side in articulated fashion includes a cylindrical body adapted to receive a soft projectile. A first hinge component extends laterally from the body and has a pair of hinge pins. A second hinge component extends laterally from the body at a position opposite the first hinge component and has a pair of recesses each for pivotally receiving a hinge pin of an adjacent link in the chain.

Abstract: A chain includes a chain unit. The chain unit includes a pair of first and second plate units, a link pin extending in an inner-to-outer direction, and a protective member. Each of the first and second plate units includes two chain plates adjacent to and arranged in the inner-to-outer direction and having an inner side surface. The inner side surfaces of the first and second plate units face each other. The link pin interconnects the plate units to define a between-plate space between the inner side surfaces of the first and second plate units. The protective member extends integrally from the topside of at least one of the chain plates of the first chain plate, is spaced apart from the second chain plate, and has a shielding portion for covering at least a portion of an upper end of the between-plate space.

Abstract: Link plates of a silent chain are produced by first shaving the inner surfaces of the connecting pin holes, the sprocket tooth-engaging surfaces, and the backs of the link plates, and then forming dimples on those surfaces by shot-peening.

Abstract: A method or producing rollers and sleeves for chains, particularly for roller chains or sleeve-type chains. The rollers and sleeves are of cylindrical form and they are deep-drawn from a sheet metal material. The drawn components can remain attached to the sheet metal for convenience in transporting them and later separated from the sheet as they are needed. Alternatively, the drawn components can be separated from the sheet metal material and can be pressed into the openings that remain in the sheet metal, again for convenient transportation.

Abstract: In a seal chain, a seal mechanism disposed between opposed surfaces of inner and outer link plates comprises an elastic ring, a seal ring adhered to the outer link plate, an annular resin seal having a base adhered to the inner link plate, a tongue on the annular resin seal in abutting relationship with the outer link plate, and a ring-shaped plate adhered to the outer link plate. The elastic ring is held between an inclined surface formed on an end of a bushing that protrudes past the inner link plate, and an inclined inner surface of the seal ring. The inner circumferential surface of base of the annular resin seal slides on the outer circumferential surface of the seal ring.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a plurality of linked members configured to inter-operate with a cord member. The plurality of link members are interconnected such that the body of one link member passes through the inner surface defining a void of the other link member. In this way, each link member is connected to its adjacent neighbor. A load-bearing flexible cord member is configured to interoperate with the plurality of link members in such a way that a portion of the cord member passes through the inner surface defining a void of a least one of the link members. This provides an improved attachment method over existing chains, and individual cords.

Abstract: A cylindrical roller-incorporated roller chain, which can reduce wear of the side plates and also can reduce radial wear. A roller chain for a conveyor in which a plurality of cylindrical rollers are composed of either a casehardened steel cylindrical roller 4 or an oil-impregnated sintered alloy cylindrical roller 5. The casehardened steel cylindrical rollers 4 and the oil-impregnated sintered alloy cylindrical rollers 5 are alternately disposed in a circumferential direction. A pair of side plates 6, 6 are each composed of an oil-impregnated sintered alloy having a collar portion 6a and a cylindrical portion 6b. One axial end surface of each collar portion 6a abuts on an end surface of the hollow roller 3 (having no collar), and each cylindrical portion 6b is fitted between the inner circumferential surface of the roller 3 and the outer circumferential surface of the bushing 2.

Abstract: A transmission chain comprises has a data collection device mounted on at least one of the links. A strain gauge sensor is mounted on the inwardly facing surface of an outer link plate symmetrically about a centre link thereof and measures the strain on the link plate. The measurements are compared to a threshold and a visual indicator mounted on the chain is activated if the threshold is exceeded. The data collection device can be controlled by a first controller device that simply switches it between a quiescent state to an overload detecting state or a second controller type can be used for data-logging and analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the amount of metal used in a chain as compared to a chain formed of a round wire, the method including the steps of forming a wire having a non-round shape, wrapping the wire around a mandrel to form a spiral of the wire, the mandrel formed such that it supports the non-round shape of the wire with a longer dimension of the wire extending radially from an axis of the mandrel, cutting the spiral of wire to form individual links of wire, and forming a chain from said links.

Abstract: A chin chain for bits/bridles for use on a horse (for example, curb bit), includes a first chain element turning out to the left and a second chain element turning out to the right, the chain elements connected by a connecting element. In one example, the connecting element is formed from one piece and engages at least two links of the first chain element turning out to the left and at least two links of the second chain element turning out to the right.

Abstract: A chain comprising at least two links (15) having a generally oval or rounded shaped side profile, each of the links having a longitudinal axis (x-x) and linked together such that a force (16) is applied to each of the links when the chain is in tension, the force generally orientated along the longitudinal axis, each of the links having a cross-sectional profile (18) at the longitudinal axis and the cross-sectional profile having an outer width (19) generally along the longitudinal axis and an outer thickness (20) substantial transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the outer width is greater than the outer thickness. The cross-sectional profile may further comprise an inner thickness (30) substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis that is less than the outer thickness (29). The cross-sectional profile (26) may be substantially uniform around the link.

Abstract: Device configured for modifying the length of snow chains or guard chains. For this purpose, two recesses are disposed on a shaped disk and are interlinked by a sliding slot. The distance of the adjacent chain links is modified by slipping the chain links through the sliding slot into a different recess.

Abstract: A chain link for a conveying chain of a machine of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular a storage device for a rod-shaped tobacco product, includes holding means for a hinge pin and a hinge pin bearing for connecting the chain link to adjacent chain links, and a carrying surface for carrying a tobacco product, which carrying surface is arranged substantially parallel to the hinge plane defined by the hinge axes. The chain link is designed laterally for cooperation with a deflection plate of the machine which rotates about a substantially vertical axis. During cooperation with the deflection plate the chain link is designed to pivot about a longitudinal pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. The chain link has a guide element which cooperates with the deflection plate and which is designed in such a way that a pivot movement of the chain link about the longitudinal pivot axis is counteracted by a frictional force exerted by the deflection plate on the guide element.

Abstract: A device for securing a dispensing nozzle to a fill tank includes a securing mechanism and a means for connecting the securing mechanism to fill tank's cap chain. After connected to a fuel tank cap chain and upon subsequent attachment to a dispensing nozzle, the device prevents the nozzle from dislodging from the fuel tank.

Abstract: An investment cast, stainless steel chain link is provided for chains used in water and wastewater treatment. The chain link comprises a pair of spaced apart, elongated sidebars having forward ends and rearward ends. The forward ends are spread apart and are provided with outwardly and laterally extending bosses having transverse boss pin bores coaxially aligned with each other. The rearward ends are interconnected by a cylindrical barrel having a barrel pin bore extending through each of the sidebars. The sidebars are formed with outwardly and laterally projecting reinforcing ribs-extending between the bosses and the barrel pin bore along a substantial length of the sidebars. A freely rotatable chain pin is inserted through aligned boss and barrel pin bores from either end thereof for interconnecting first and second pairs of sidebars. An arrangement is provided for preventing the lateral dislodgement of the chain pin from the sidebars.

Abstract: A bicycle chain has an outer link with two outer link plates, an inner link formed with two inner link plates and a link pin connecting adjacent ones of the together. The link plates are configured to aid in smoothly shifting a chain moves between sprockets. The outer link plates have the outer link peripheral edges that are shaped differently. One of the outer link plates has an exteriorly facing surface with a first chamfered outer edge portion extending along a section of its outer link peripheral edge at a first end portion and a first reduced area part having a reduced radial dimension with respect to a radial dimension of the first end portion lying along a longitudinal axis. The inner link plates have center connecting portions with different minimum widths.

Abstract: One-way chain for an aircraft tie-down, as well as a method of making one-way chain. The method preferably includes the steps of providing an unmodified welded chain having a plurality of welded links; feeding the unmodified chain into an automated shaping machine constructed and arranged to shape the welded links in separate shaping events; and individually shaping the welded links to form shaped links in a series of separate shaping events that shape the respective welded links so that a first width of a forward end of the respective shaped link is narrower than a second width of the greatest planar width of a rearward end of the respective shaped link; such that the forward end is sized to fit into a link receiving receptacle of a screw-type binder mechanism and the rearward end will not fit into the link receiving receptacle.

Abstract: The hinging device (1) for pivotably attaching the links of a bracelet includes a bar (5) comprising at at least one of its ends (8) a hole (9) provided with an inner thread (10), and a screw (11) whose thread is engaged in said inner thread. The bar and the screw are provided with means (14 to 17) allowing an end portion (18) of the bar (5) to rest radially on a portion (19) of the head (13) of the screw (11) to tighten said screw in said bar.

Abstract: A chain has chain links (110) having basically spherical geometry (116) and four flattened surfaces (118) equally distributed in the circumferential direction. A chamber (120) is formed in the chain links (110) in which a connecting member (112) is retained. A back side of the chain links (110) is furnished with a spherical joint surface (124). The connecting member (112) has on its side remote from the said joint surface (124) a head (150) which is furnished with a concave joint surface (162) which runs spaced apart from the outer surface of the chain link (110) and interacts with a complementarily convex joint surface (143) which is carried by the adjacent chain link (110) in the interior of the chamber (120).

Abstract: A chain link plate includes an elliptical plate body having opposite first and second surfaces, and two mounting holes spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the plate body and extending from the first surface to the second surface. The plate body has a central longitudinal line that passes through centers of the mounting holes, and two transverse lines that pass respectively through the centers of the mounting holes and that are perpendicular to the central longitudinal line. The plate body has an intermediate juncture portion defined between the transverse lines, and opposite end portions integrally and respectively connected to opposite ends of the intermediate juncture portion. The intermediate juncture portion has a largest width greater than that of each of the end portions.