Common Locking Member Retains Longitudinally Spaced Connectors Patents (Class 474/220)
  • Patent number: 10406715
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a tie rivet with a body that is configured to ride on a rail of a guide bar, and an integrated rivet extending from an inner surface of the body. The integrated rivet may include a draft angle that varies over a circumference of the integrated rivet. Additionally, or alternatively, the tie rivet may include an undercut portion around at least a portion of the integrated rivet. The undercut portion may be recessed from the inner surface of the body. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Harfst, Christopher D. Seigneur
  • Patent number: 9506537
    Abstract: A chain transmission is provided which is capable of reducing friction loss in the transmission of power without the risk of compromising the durability of a chain guide mechanism and the chain. The chain transmission includes a chain and a chain guide mechanism. The chain guide mechanism includes a first guide and a second guide having a smaller radius of curvature than that of the first guide. The plurality of plates include a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a backside height set such that the first plate does not contact the first guide when the first plate is guided by the first guide and such that the first plate contacts the second guide when the first plate is guided by the second guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Yuji Kurematsu, Masanori Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8002658
    Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links and a bending-restraining mechanism. The bending-restraining mechanism includes a wire extending in a lengthwise direction along the chain and engaging at least three adjacent joints of the chain. The wire is formed such that it elastically deforms when an inside link rotates around the inner joint in a first direction from a linearly extending state, the wire thereby applying a bending resistance to the inside link during articulation of the chain. In one embodiment, the wire includes at least one curved section clipped around at least a majority of a circumference of at least one joint. In another embodiment, the wire is formed such that a predetermined bias due to a bending deformation of the wire is applied to the inside link when the chain is extended linearly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Kouji Morishige, Timothy J. Ledvina
  • Patent number: 7966798
    Abstract: Device for stretching a transmission chain closed in itself and comprising pairs of elongated rocker elements mutually coupled by links, said rocker elements being destined for a torque transferring cooperation with the pulley sheaves of a pulley sheave transmission, and comprising a first and a second supporting surface which support a chain to be treated over an angle of an arc and having an adjustable mutual distance to generate tensile stresses in the chain supported thereby, in which the first supporting surface is freely rotatable accommodated between the first ends of two distant frame parts, the second supporting surface is freely rotatable accommodated on an auxiliary carrier between the two frame parts, said carrier being provided with two opposite stubby shafts, protruding there from and of which the axis lies at a distance from the axis of rotation of the second supporting surface which is rotatably supported by said auxiliary carrier and lies near the second end of the frame parts while of said s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Gear Chain Industrial B.V.
    Inventor: Jacobus Hubertus Maria Van Rooij
  • Patent number: 7914410
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshinari Oishi, Kenji Kamada
  • Patent number: 7722492
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Pedro Santos
  • Patent number: 7712298
    Abstract: A chain plate structure includes a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate, and each of which includes a first/second through hole, a first/second connection hole, a first/second trough and a first/second engaging trough at two sides of the first/second connection hole. A first/second rib extends from an inner periphery of the first/second engaging trough and at least one first/second protrusion extends from the first/second rib. When the first and second outer link plates are connected to each other, the gap between two adjacent inner link plates of a chain is less than 2.3 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 7543437
    Abstract: A link plate assembly includes two first plate, two second plate, and two pins. The first plate includes a first aperture, a second aperture and a receiving aperture. Four convex portions facing the second plate are formed on the first plate. The second plate includes a first aperture and a second aperture. Two concave portions facing the first plate are formed on the second plate. One end of each pin is secured to the first aperture of the first plate. The other end of each pin includes a head portion and a groove portion. The head portion passes through the first aperture of the second plates and the receiving aperture of the other first plate. The groove portion passes through the second aperture of the first plate. The convex portions of the first plates contact with a non-concave part of the second plates when assembling. The convex portions coincide with the concave portions to disassemble the link plate assembly as the second plate is rotated relative to the first plate in a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chih-Chung Chin
  • Patent number: 7320656
    Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle, the transmission having two pairs of spaced drive members about which the chain passes to transfer torque from one drive member to the other. The chain includes a plurality of link elements that include spaced, side-by-side plate links. The plate links include openings in which pairs of parallel rocker members are disposed for relative rocking movement of at least one rocker member about its longitudinal axis. A method for stretching the chain is also disclosed, in which areas of some of the plate links are plastically deformed by stretching the chain before the chain is put to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: André Linnenbrügger, Oswald Kroninger, Klaus Scheufele, André Teubert
  • Patent number: 6655258
    Abstract: A rodless cylinder using a round stick type chain can be applied to a carrier for transportation of materials. The rodless cylinder uses a round stick type chain having the round stick type chain and the chain sprocket, which serve to guide the round stick type chain in a caterpillar form. The chain sprocket is axially formed on either side of the frame consisting of the rodless cylinder to install the round stick type chain in a caterpillar form. Both sides of the round stick type chain are connected to a piston within the cylinder on the frame and to a tension adjustment nut on the connector, respectively. The connector is guided to the guide bar formed between the frame vertically and selectively linked to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fine Tech Corporation
    Inventor: Oe Sook Park
  • Patent number: 6558281
    Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle, the transmission having two pairs of spaced drive members about which the chain passes to transfer torque from one drive member to the other. The chain includes a plurality of link elements that include spaced, side-by-side plate links. The plate links include openings in which pairs of parallel rocker members are disposed for relative rocking movement of at least one rocker member about its longitudinal axis. The rocker members extend outwardly beyond the plate links and are retained in position by retaining members that engage particular rocker members. A method for stretching the chain is also disclosed in which areas of some of the plate links are plastically deformed before the chain is put to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligunes KG
    Inventor: Ivo Greiter
  • Publication number: 20030032512
    Abstract: This invention relates to a chain driving means of round shaped stick comprising a chain of round shaped stick and a chain sprocket which is mutually geared to chain driving means of round shaped stick for its driving force, thus ensuring better durability and tensile strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: FINE TECH CORPORATION of Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
    Inventor: Oe Sook Park
  • Patent number: 6390943
    Abstract: A retainer subassembly for a master link of a chain includes a cover plate, a pair of snap rings and a strap plate. The cover plate includes a pair of stepped recesses terminating in openings adjacent the outer face of the cover plate for receiving the spaced pins of a master link. Snap rings having radially inwardly extending and axially outwardly inclined tangs are disposed in the recesses. A strap plate overlies the inside face of the cover plate. To apply the retainer subassembly to the master link, the holes through the retainer subassembly are aligned with the pins and the retainer subassembly is pushed onto the pins. Once the flanges of the snap rings pass the ends of the pins, the flanges resiliently snap into the annular grooves of the pins retaining the retainer subassembly on the master link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Kurt W. Dreger, John W. Dreger, Lornell Grayson
  • Patent number: 6311469
    Abstract: A drive chain has opposed pairs of inner link plated that are interconnected by cast outer links. Pins pass through aligned apertures in overlapping end portions of the inner and outer links. Each pin is fixed relative to the inner link. The outer link has open or blind bores that receive end portions of the pins in a pivotal relationship. A bearing area is defined between the outer surface of the pin and an inner surface of the outer link bore. The provision of a bearing area in the outer link makes maintenance and sealing easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventor: Michael Charles Christmas
  • Patent number: 6244032
    Abstract: A chain comprises inner and outer links that articulate relative to one another on pins. The outer link having apertures which receive said pin ends in such a way that the links are easily assembled or dismantled. The pin ends have a retention portion that defines a flat and a bearing portion disposed between the retention portion and the inner link and defining a bearing surface for the outer link. The aperture in the outer link has an arcuate edge and a flat corresponding to that on the retention portion. The bearing surface has an arcuate portion that provides a rotational sliding fit with the arcuate edge of the outer link aperture and a reduced portion that is undercut with respect to the retention portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventors: Michael Charles Christmas, Michael David Barlow
  • Patent number: 5921881
    Abstract: A derailleur bicycle chain includes a plurality of intermediate links, a plurality of pairs of outer links, and a plurality of fasteners. Each fastener connects an end of one of the plurality of intermediate links between a corresponding pair of outer links so that the plurality of intermediate links alternate with the plurality of pairs of outer links. Each intermediate link defines a recess between each end thereof for receiving a sprocket tooth therein, and each end of each intermediate link forms drive faces facing toward and away from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Yasushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5445571
    Abstract: In a chain lock for link chains with a plurality of lock parts (1,2) the lock parts (1,2) are connected with each other by projections. For increasing the load-bearing capacity of the chain lock the projections (5-10) in the area of the transition of their feet into the lock parts (1,2) are provided with impressions effected by depressions (17) which impressions lead to compressive stresses which influence positively the stress conditions in the loaded lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: RUD-Kettenfabrik Rieger & Dietz GmbH u Co.
    Inventors: Dieter Maute, Hans-Jurgen Scherle
  • Patent number: 5400585
    Abstract: A chain structure is provided which includes a base plate having a pair of integral cylinders extending from one side. A connecting plate has a pair of elliptically contoured apertures at respective ends adapted to receive the corresponding cylinders. Each of the cylinders has an annular groove formed in a top portion with tapered surfaces. Each of the apertures has a pair of tapered walls at respective sides adapted to matingly engage with the tapered side walls of the connecting plate when the connecting plate is inserted into the base plate and the apertures are aligned in the annular grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Yaban Chain Ind'l Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen B. Wang
  • Patent number: 5376055
    Abstract: An elongated transmission chain is formed by roller assemblies and pairs of link plates extending in parallel spaced relationship outwardly of the roller assemblies to provide a pivotable connection therebetween. A master link pivotably connects the ends of the elongated chain and includes a pair of link plates overlapping the side plates of the roller assemblies at the ends of the chain. These master link plates have a pair of spaced apertures therein which are coaxially aligned with the apertures in the adjacent rollers of the roller assemblies at the ends of the chain. A pair of threaded fasteners seat in these apertures and extend between the master link plates and through the side plates and rollers. These fasteners are threadably engaged in assembly with the master link plates and are of length not greater than the spacing between the outer surfaces of the master link plates so that they do not extend outwardly thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Robert C. Bauman
  • Patent number: 5362282
    Abstract: A reusable master chain link for a derailler chain comprises first and second parallel pins extending between first and second parallel plates. The first pin includes first and second heads at opposite ends thereof and the second pin also includes first and second heads at opposite ends thereof. The first and second plates have respective first and second apertures formed therein. The first and second apertures have respective narrow circular portions narrower than the respective first heads of the first and second pins. The narrow circular portions further include respective countersinks formed therein for receiving and substantially concealing the respective first heads of the first and second pins and substantially concealing the first heads within the respective narrow circular portions. The first and second apertures further include respective wide circular portions wider than the respective first heads of the first and second pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: R.L.L. Limited
    Inventor: Robert J. Lickton
  • Patent number: 5305594
    Abstract: A chain structure is provided which includes a base plate having a pair of integral cylinders extending from one side. A connecting plate has a pair of elliptically contoured apertures at respective ends adapted to receive the corresponding cylinders. Each of the cylinders has an annular groove formed in a top portion with tapered surfaces. Each of the apertures has a pair of tapered walls at respective sides adapted to matingly engage with the tapered side walls of the connecting plate when the connecting plate is inserted into the base plate and the apertures are aligned in the annular grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Yaban Chain Ind'l Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen B. Wang
  • Patent number: 5291730
    Abstract: A knuckle connector is used to connect spacedly end knuckles of a chain strand to form a chain loop. The knuckle connector includes a pair of link units, each of which has a link pin and an oval-shaped link plate formed with a circular through-hole on one end and a retaining hole on an opposite end. The link pin has a head secured in the through hole and a tail end formed with a peripheral channel. The link pin of one of the link units extends through a pin hole formed in a corresponding one of the end knuckles such that the peripheral channel initially extends into a large insert part of the retaining hole in the link plate of a remaining one of the link units. The peripheral channel of the link pin of one of the link units engages the link plate of the remaining one of the link units in a diameter-reduced retaining part of the retaining hole when the end knuckles are pulled apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: KMC Chain Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nick Wu
  • Patent number: 5224904
    Abstract: A chain joint for a power transmission chain comprises a joint pin and a projecting bush having brims swelling outwardly both its ends with at least one a slit extending longitudinally through the bush. The projecting bush is inserted into a pin hole and a bush hole of the chain, and the joint pin is pressed in an inner hole of the projecting bush. Then, the projecting bush is spread outwardly due to the slit and fits in the pin hole perfectly. Furthermore, the brims engage with the outer link plates on their outsides to prevent the projecting bush from coming off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuma Ono, Akiyoshi Komeya
  • Patent number: 5186569
    Abstract: A chain connector includes a second chain plate being integrated with a chain pin in each lateral portion thereof, each chain pin having an annular groove adjacent to an end distal to the second chain plate to form a neck portion. A first chain plate has a biased hole in each lateral portion thereof corresponding to chain pins respectively, the biased hole having an inward flange along a lower portion of a periphery thereof to engage with the neck portion of the pin inserted through an end link of a chain to connect the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Chia L. Wu
  • Patent number: 5114384
    Abstract: In a power transmission chain comprising multiple rows of link plates, leaf spring links, interposed between adjacent link plates, provide the chain with a degree of resistance to bending and thereby reduce vibration noise. The leaf spring links are provided with sprocket tooth-contacting surfaces which extend a short distance beyond the opposite sprocket tooth-contacting surfaces of the adjacent link plates. Consequently, the leaf spring links, perform two functions. They not only reduce vibration of the chain, but also cushion the impact of the sprocket teeth with the tooth-contacting surfaces of the link plates of the chain, thereby reducing impact noise. The leaf spring links can be arranged in two rows in overlapping, longitudinally offset relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Hideo Tsuyama
  • Patent number: 4626046
    Abstract: A tank tread assembly having adjacent tank tread segments joined by a link bearing tapered pins retained by clips inserted through the tread shells perpendicular to the axes of the pins and having highway pads attached by a release rod bearing tapered, grooved cams which interlockingly engage tabs inserted into the tread shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Earl R. Collins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4572588
    Abstract: Connecting elements for crawler track vehicle chains constructed pursuant to the dually-hinged pin principle, wherein the connector is arranged interiorly of the chain members. The connectors consists of two clamps each having arms which can be inserted offset into each other, and which are fastenable by means of screw connection to the link pins of adjacent chain link members, each clamp encompassing respectively one link pin and form-fittingly fixed thereto, the link pin having a cross-section in at least the region of the connectors deviating from a circular cross-section, and wherein the clamps lockingly interengage in each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hagen-Heinz Wiesner, Heinz E. Mattern
  • Patent number: 4458807
    Abstract: A conveyor chain has longitudinally elongated coupling links having transverse throughgoing bores and longitudinally elongated entrainment links each formed with a transversely throughgoing window having a relatively wide central section and a pair of opposite relatively narrow end sections centered on respective parallel and transverse axes. Respective coupling pins have central regions of a cross-sectional size that can fit axially through the central section but not through the end section of the respective entrainment link and ends formed with axially limited regions of reduced cross-sectional size interfittable with the ends of the windows. These limited regions have end faces axially flanking the respective entrainment link. Thus the pins pivotally connect the links together into an annular succession with the entrainment and coupling links normally alternating with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventor: Lothar Teske
  • Patent number: 4345904
    Abstract: There are provided means for pressing link plates constituting a chain drive assembly in the axial direction of pins, whereby a clearance between the link plates arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction of the chain assembly is eliminated, and in turn, a frictional resistance between the link plates is increased. Oscillation of the chain stringer is thus suppressed, and hence a noise due to such oscillation is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akio Numazawa, Yutaka Taga, Masayoshi Funato