With Particular Structure Facilitating Disassembly Of Adjacent Links Patents (Class 474/227)
  • Patent number: 10881521
    Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to vertebral implants and implant trials for use with vertebral implant assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants and implant trials may be used in conjunction with corpectomy procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: George Howard, James Himmelberger, Jason Gray, Colm McLaughlin, Noah Hansell, Mark Weiman
  • Patent number: 10487915
    Abstract: A bicycle chain includes a plurality of link units in series connection, and each of the link units includes two outer link plates, two inner link plates, and a pin. Each outer link plate includes two outer plate end portions and an outer plate connecting portion between to the outer plate end portions, and each outer plate end portion has a bore. Each outer plate end portion of the outer link plate has two cut portions on an edge thereof. The cut portions of the outer link plates provides a space, which is helpful to derailing the chain onto another sprocket in a low interference and a fast and smooth way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Jui-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 9890830
    Abstract: A link unit includes two first chain plates and an assembling pin. Each of the first chain plates has a first inner end section, a first outer end section misaligned from the first inner end section, and opposite inner and outer side surfaces. The first outer end section of each of the first chain plates is formed with a connecting hole that has a first hole portion, a second hole portion, and a neck portion located between the first and second hole portions. The assembling pin is inserted through the connecting hole of each of the first chain plates, and is prevented from moving past the neck portions of the first chain plates so as to be positioned in the second hole portions of the first chain plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: KMC CHAIN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daniel Wu
  • Patent number: 9879756
    Abstract: A link unit includes two outer chain plates and an assembling pin. Each of the outer chain plates has a first end section, and a second end section spaced apart from the first end section. The first end section of each of the outer chain plates has a through hole. The second end section of each of the outer chain plates has a connecting hole that has a first hole portion, a second hole portion, and a neck portion located between the first and second hole portions. The assembling pin is inserted removably through the connecting hole of each of the outer chain plates, and is capable of being prevented from moving past the neck portion of each of the outer chain plates so as to be positioned in the second hole portion of each of the outer chain plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: KMC CHAIN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daniel Wu
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110028255
    Abstract: A link plate for a bicycle chain includes an installation hole defined within a circumferential edge thereof The link plate further includes a ridge extending inwardly from a peripheral wall thereof and having a depth smaller than a depth thereof The installation hole defines first and second apertures. The second aperture extends immediately from the first aperture. Furthermore, the first aperture has a diameter “D1”, and the second aperture includes an upper portion having a diameter “D2” and a lower portion having a diameter “D3”. The diameter “D3” is smaller than the diameters “D1” and “D2”. Additionally, the ridge defines two peak portions disposed between the first and second apertures and spaced from each other by a first distance “d1”. The distance “d1” is smaller than the diameters “D1” and “D3”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Chih-Chung Chin
  • Patent number: 7837584
    Abstract: A chain includes a connecting unit including two chain plates, and a link unit having first and second link plates parallel to the chain plates and a link pin. The first link plate is formed with a stop block and a retaining hole having an insert hole portion and a retaining hole portion. The link pin has an engaging end portion extending through the chain plates and the retaining hole portion. The connecting unit is pivotable about the link pin between a first position, where the link pin is allowed to move entirely from the retaining hole portion into the insert hole portion to thereby allow removal of the link pin from the first link plate, and a second position, where the link pin is not allowed to move entirely from the retaining hole portion into the insert hole portion due to contact of an edge of one of the chain plates with the stop block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: KMC Chain Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Wu
  • Patent number: 7749119
    Abstract: A device for inserting an articulation pin (28) to pivotally connect the outer plates (12) and the inner plates (14) of a chain, particularly a bicycle chain. The device comprises an articulation pin (28) and a guide element (30) which is to be separated from the pin (28) after the insertion of the pin (28) within aligned holes (16, 18) of the plates (12, 14). The pin (28) is provided at one end thereof with a snap engaging portion (38) shaped so as to expand the holes (16) of the outer plates (12) in a radial direction during the insertion of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • 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: 7686722
    Abstract: A plate-link chain for a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. The chain has a large number of link plates that are articulatingly connected with each other by rocker members, which link plates are positioned one behind the other and are offset from each other transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain, and also partially overlap each other. The chain has a plurality of link plates of two different lengths in the longitudinal direction of the chain, with openings to receive the rocker members. The arrangement of the link plates in the longitudinal direction of the chain is such that a long link plate is followed by a short link plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Markus Baumann, Michael Pichura
  • Patent number: 7600633
    Abstract: A pin assembly for a chain of a material handling system includes a pin element and an attachment element. The pin element includes a shaft portion, a head portion at an end of the shaft portion, and an attachment portion at an end of the shaft portion opposite the head portion. The attachment element is configured to attach to the attachment portion of the pin element, and is positionable at the attachment portion and is retainable thereto. The attachment element may comprise a second head portion to define an I-type pin assembly or may comprise a side link and pusher member construction or other element or member. A mounting extension may extend from the attachment portion for mounting an object to the pin assembly after the attachment is attached to the pin element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Frost Links, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rathbun, Wayne E. Schmidt, Charles C. Frost
  • Publication number: 20080280717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chain link of a power transmission unit for guiding cables, tubes, or similar. Said chain link comprises two side plates (1, 2) which are interconnected by means of at least one transversal web (3, 4). Each side plate (1, 2) is provided with one respective zone that is used for hingedly connecting the same to another side plate (1, 2). The distances (a, b) between the swivel pins (7, 8) and the longitudinal edges of the sideplates (1, 2) are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Herbert Wehler
  • Publication number: 20080081720
    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: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshinari Oishi, Kenji Kamada
  • Publication number: 20070197333
    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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: SRAM Corporation
    Inventor: Pedro Santos
  • Publication number: 20030022748
    Abstract: Device for closing a chain, particularly a bicycle chain, comprising a first and a second pair of end outer plates connected by at least one pair of inner plates, a pair of rivets so engaging a pair of end holes of the first and the second pair of outer plates and the corresponding holes of a pair of, inner plates arranged at the ends of the chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Campagnolo Srl
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Publication number: 20030022747
    Abstract: A device for inserting an articulation pin (28) to pivotally connect the outer plates (12) and the inner plates (14) of a chain, particularly a bicycle chain. The device comprises an articulation pin (28) and a guide element (30) which is to be separated from the pin (28) after the insertion of the pin (28) within aligned holes (16, 18) of said plates (12, 14). The pin (28) is provided at one end thereof with a snap engaging portion (38) shaped so as to expand the holes (16) of the outer plates (12) in a radial direction during the insertion of the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Campagnolo Srl
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 6364799
    Abstract: A quick-connection link for a bicycle chain, comprises a pair of plates, a pair of tubular articulating pins secured to one of the aforementioned plates, and a pair of quick-coupling pegs that are received in tubular pins and are gripped inside them to prevent separation of the other plate from the tubular articulating pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Campagnolo SRL
    Inventor: Valentino Campagnolo
  • Patent number: 5966923
    Abstract: A conventional chain capable of reserving lubricating oil is complex in shape and expensive since each chain plate is formed with countersunk recesses and through-openings. Since the recesses are formed in an overlap region, the chain tends to rattle, producing noise. In the present invention according to which lubricating oil is fed toward a connecting pin, the lubricating oil is transferred to the connecting pin to effect intended lubrication. Part of the lubricating oil thus fed adheres to the recessed surfaces of the recesses and is prevented from immediately flowing down by viscous friction resistance and surface tension in the recessed surfaces. Thus, the oil is held in its adhering state. The lubricating oil gradually flows down to be used for lubrication as the chain moves. Thereby, after the chain has passed by an oil feeder, the connecting pin of the chain stays in such a state that oil is fed continuously for a long time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5711733
    Abstract: It is envisaged in the case of a power transmission chain (1) for guiding cables, hoses and the like in a cavity surrounded by the chain links, with several chain straps (2, 3) which can be connected in detachable fashion by upper and lower cross-members, which are assembled to form two parallel strands, overlap each other and can be angled in relation to each other, and which interlock positively in the area of the mutual overlap, that each of the parallel chain strands includes inner straps (2) and outer straps (3). Each outer strap (3) overlaps two inner straps (2). The areas of the chain straps (2, 3) which are intended to overlap the adjacent chain straps (2, 3) are arranged in a common plane which roughly forms the mid-length plane of the chain straps (2, 3). (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile Fur Die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Gunter Blase
  • Patent number: 5445569
    Abstract: In a power transmission chain, each link of which displays two side walls and a stabilizing element joining these at their lower longitudinal edges, as well as a cover which can be snapped onto the upper longitudinal edges, where consecutive links are joined in pivoting fashion and the covers can be fixed on the upper longitudinal edges of the side walls in a detachable fashion, the covers are connected via flat, flexible connecting straps located in sliding fashion in corresponding sliding chambers in the covers. A power transmission chain of this kind can be manufactured with very small dimensions, has adequate assembly strength and can be handled conveniently and safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile fur die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Gunter Blase
  • Patent number: 5009630
    Abstract: A chain includes a plurality of identical link elements each including a main body part with a cantilevered connecting part integrally formed at one end thereof. The connecting part includes an enlarged rounded head portion and a narrower neck portion extending between the head portion and the main body part. The main body part has a rounded recess and a narrow slot formed in a first surface thereof. The slot adjoins an end of the recess opposite the connecting element. The slot extends from the recess to adjoin a side surface of the main body. Confining sections extend from the surface of the main body adjacent the slot so as to overlie opposite sides of the recess. The recess, slot and confining sections together define an opening in the first surface which has substantially the same shape as the connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Makoto Kanehira, Takerou Nakagawa, Yasumasa Tsubakimoto, Kouji Tanaka, Toshio Takahashi, Masaaki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 4960403
    Abstract: A drive chain for use in a bicycle having a change-speed apparatus for example. In order to improve the engageability of the chain both in the chain running direction and in the chain deflecting direction for a change speed operation, the chain is constructed generally as a offset type having a series of alternately interconnected first plates and second plates. The improvement in the engageability in the two directions is provided by forming a middle portion of each first plate to be flush with or extend outwardly relative to a wide first connecting portion and also by forming a middle portion of each second plate to extend outwardly relative to the first connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Shimano Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Nagano
  • Patent number: 4932927
    Abstract: A link assembly for a lightweight, non-metallic, conveyor or load transmission chain having significantly greater strength and other performance improvements compared to previous non-metallic chain links is disclosed. Each link assembly includes: a pair of identical sidebars each comprised of high-strength filamentary material wound in an elongated loop configuration and fixed in a matrix of hardened resin; a connecting pin having a stiff reinforced composite core and a skin-tight sleee of non-abrasive material; low friction bushing means between the sidebars and connecting pin; and retaining means for holding the assembly together.Methods of making the unique sidebar and connecting pin components are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Envirex Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Fillar
  • Patent number: 4597747
    Abstract: A transmission or conveyor chain composed of a plurality of interconnected identical links which are attachable and detachable without need for pivot pins or other separate connecting hardware. Each link is preferably molded as a unitary structure of plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4545098
    Abstract: Pin or clip chain for web tensioning machines, including a pin or clip chain link, a connection chain link, a connection pin holding the links together, the pin or clip chain link having a C-shaped box section with a side disposed in a given plane having an opening formed therein and longitudinal ends, and a bearing half shell being disposed in each of the longitudinal ends of the C-shaped box section, the bearing half shells having axes extended perpendicular to the plane of the side of the C-shaped box section, the connection pin being insertable in the opening formed in the C-shaped box section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: A. Monforts GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Schroer
  • Patent number: 4306753
    Abstract: An improved articulate chain (10) including pivotally interconnected sections (12,14,16) of spaced, coacting links (18,20,22) having the chain driving members (54) intermediate the pivot connections (58,60) to reduce the chain loads thereon. The links (18,20,22) are locked together in a common plane (56) by integral externally splined projections (82) extending therefrom into the internally splined drive bushing (96) to resist torque loads and increase the structural integrity of the chain (10). The links (18,20,22) are releasably coupled together to permit expeditious disassembly and reassembly thereof for servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Richard E. Livesay, Paul L. Wright
  • Patent number: 4267691
    Abstract: The center link of a trolley conveyor chain of thermoplastic construction is provided with a bushing insert for the pin which is pivotable on oppositely projecting studs of the center link. The studs also prevent the free movement of the pin in the slot and serve as detents to prevent the unintended disassembly of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph R. Schoenick
  • Patent number: 4266435
    Abstract: The chain has laminated, laterally flexible link members interconnected by pairs of rocker-joint bearing members. The laminated links freely engage and are retained by transversely spaced notches in the bearing members, which also engage drive sprocket teeth. The chain is manually separable and is designed to operate on the industrially standardized roller chain type drive sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Inventor: Wilfrid H. Bendall
  • Patent number: 4263779
    Abstract: A T-headed pin for use in rivetless chain, generally of the trolley conveyor type, is disclosed. The pin can entirely replace the conventional forged pin of any ordinary size and has superior design matching abilities. It is unique in that it is constructed entirely from a flat piece of sheet metal. Rectangular metal blanks with paired oppositely projecting tabs are provided. The blank is first curled to form the body of the pin with the tabs projecting endwise therefrom. In automated manufacture of chain of the type mentioned in selected lengths, the links may be readily assembled with curled pins having tabs projecting axially from both ends. The tabs may then be bent as required to complete the chain length. Alternatively, the tabs at one end only may be bent and lengths of chain may be readily assembled by inserting the other end of each pin into place and then bending the tabs at said other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Assignee: Rexnord Inc.
    Inventor: Victor D. Petershack
  • Patent number: 4250764
    Abstract: A sprocket chain for use in a normally corrosive environment is made up of identical, clevis-type links of synthetic resin composition pivotally connected by quick detachable, twist-locking pivot pins also of synthetic resin composition. The links are each formed at one end thereof with relatively spaced apart, transversely aligned eyes which may be resiliently flexed inwardly toward one another to permit a locking lug on the pivot pin to move into snap-locking engagement with a notch or dwell formed in a cam-like locking surface on one of the eyes of the link. The pivot pins are quickly removable from the links by simply rotating the pin about 90 degrees in either direction and thereafter withdrawing the pin axially from the eyes of the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Inventor: Glenn G. Grant