Abstract: A chain constructed of adjacent modules connected in end to end succeeding relationship serves many chain and drive belt uses, including for use as a chain drive, a cog belt drive, and as a fan belt with V-groove pulleys. The modules are of one or more parts, each part being of plastic, metal, or plastic encased metal. Various means of constructing and joining the modules are disclosed; some of these emphasize ease of assembly and disassembly. Each assembled module is without moving parts. To facilitate transmission of torque in drive applications, the module is shaped generally in one or more of the following ways: (1) with a cavity between its front and rear ends for receiving a tooth of a sprocket wheel; (2) with a body portion fitted in transverse cross section to the surfaces of one or more V-belt pulleys; or (3) with a body portion fitted in longitudinal cross section to a cavity of a cog wheel.

Abstract: The chain is constructed of plastic modules connected in end to end relationship. It is claimed for all chain uses, including but not limited to use as a drive chain. Each individual module is without moving parts and, in most drive chain applications, has a cavity between its front and rear ends for receiving a tooth of a sprocket wheel. Each pair of adjacent modules has a transverse pin or pins extending from one module into a transverse pin-receiving socket or sockets of the other module so as to form a rotatable joint between the modules. Various means of constructing and joining the modules are disclosed. The plastic bicycle sprocket ring cluster which the plastic chain permits consists of stair-stepped multiple concentric rings of teeth which can be wider than a conventional bicycle chain now allows and which together can support each other by means of a common plastic infrastructure. The chain and cluster are light-weight and non-rusting; they can be also self-lubricating and colorful.