Abstract: Implementations of an expandable link are provided. In some implementations, the expandable link comprises a first piece and a second piece moveably connected in an adjustable length configuration. In some implementations, a method of using the expandable link comprises adjusting the expandable link to increase or reduce the length of the expandable link. In some implementations, a method of using the expandable link comprises connecting one or more of the expandable links to form an adjustable portion of a piece of jewelry or to form a piece of adjustable jewelry.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a decorative connector for forming a jewelry item, said decorative connector comprising: a decorative member having oppositely located sections, said decorative member comprising a loop at one of said oppositely located sections, said decorative member comprising a decorative body, said loop having a first end fixedly attached to the body of said decorative member, a second end of said loop removably connected to the body of said decorative member to open said loop, the connections between said loop and said body of said decorative member being substantially hidden from view, a passageway through the other of said oppositely located sections of said decorative member, said passageway enabling connecting said decorative connector to a jewelry item.

Abstract: A V-sling (100) for use in winching a vehicle includes a master linking device (150) and at least two longitudinally extending flaccid leg members (114) coupled on a first end to the master linking device (150). The opposing second end of the flaccid leg members (114) are respectively coupled to a plurality of hooks (116, 116a). The master linking device (150) includes having a load coupling linkage (152) and a hook positioning adapter (154). The load coupling linkage (152) defines a first plane and the hook positioning adapter (154) is disposed in a second plane. The second plane is transverse to the first plane for positioning a winch hook (62) engaged therewith in a plane corresponding to the first plane.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a chain or chain link comprises inspecting the chain or chain link for signs of wear without using tools and changing the orientation of the chain or chain link or replacing the chain or chain link if signs of wear are detected.

Abstract: An improved D-ring apparatus is provided that comprises a first arm and a second arm, a first arcuate member and a second arcuate member, and a connecting member. The first arm and second arm are substantially parallel to each other. The first arcuate member and the second arcuate member are attached to the first and second arms so that the first and second members are located at opposite ends of the first and second arms and form a continuous apparatus. A connecting member is attached to the first and second arm approximately mid-way between the first and second arcuate members, thereby forming a first aperture and a second aperture.

Abstract: A rope structure has a plurality of link structures each defining first and second ends and at least one organizer member. Each first end comprises at least first and second bend portions, and each second end comprises at least third and fourth bend portions. The first end of a first one of the plurality of link structures and the second end of a second one of the plurality of link structures engages the at least one organizer member such that the first and second bend portions of the first end of the first one of the plurality of link structures are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth bend portions of the second end of the second one of the plurality of link structures.

Abstract: A chain has alternating vertical and horizontal chain links and with each link having an oval profile. The vertical links having an end web supporting surface formed on its inside that engages with a complementary bearing surface on the end web of adjacent horizontal link. The supporting surfaces and the bearing surfaces of all end webs are widened beyond two lateral surfaces of the respective end web, and supporting surfaces and bearing surfaces associated with one another are formed in each case as complementary cylindrical surfaces extending between longitudinal limbs. A method for producing such, closed profile chain links are hooked into open profile chain links and then the latter are closed by welding. And wherein, all supporting surfaces and bearing surfaces associated with one another are formed in each case as cylindrical surfaces that complement one another.

Abstract: A round steel chain has chain links articulated to one another, wherein the individual chain links each have opposite chain bends, which are connected to one another by chain legs. At least every second chain link is designed as a flat link, wherein the chain legs of the flat link are flattened at the edges in the cross-section of the chain legs and have a leg width greater than the diameter of the chain bends, such that the areas of the chain legs extending beyond the diameter to the leg width form lateral bulges, which extend up to the chain bends or into the chain bends, and chain bends have thickened sections arranged on the longitudinal outer surfaces of the chain bends.

Abstract: A rope structure comprises a plurality of link structures each defining first and second ends. Each link structure is formed of synthetic fibers. Each first end comprises at least first and second bend portions. Each second end comprises at least third and fourth bend portions. The first end of a first one of the plurality of link structures engages the second end of a second one of the plurality of link structures such that the first and second bend portions of the first end of the first one of the plurality of link structures are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth bend portions of the second end of the second one of the plurality of link structures.

Abstract: A device for transmitting a force, in particular for carrying a load, including two curved arch segments which lie opposite each other and which are connected to each other by two straight limbs that are equally long is provided. The curved arch segments and the straight limbs are produced continuously from one material at the transition points of the arch segments and limbs. A force application and exertion occurs via two bolt-like structural elements which have an outer contour that is adapted to the corresponding curved arch segments and which are to be arranged within the two arch segments in order to transmit the force. The transition of the curvature at the transition points from the limbs to the arch segments and along the respective arch segments is constant.

Abstract: A fashion accessory featuring a plurality of units connected together to form a continuous chain having a first end and a second end. The first end and second end are connected together via a locking means. Each unit is a loop. The units each occupy a folded configuration. In the folded configuration, the unit is folded in half to form a first top arc and a second top arc that are positioned next to each other, and a first bottom hook and a second bottom hook that are positioned across from each other. Adjacent units are fed through both bottom hooks and subsequently moved to occupy the folded configuration.

Abstract: A link for debarking trees comprising at least two linear sides, each linear side having an outer surface, an inner surface and a diameter; and at least two opposing deformed sides, each deformed side having an outer surface, an inner surface, an undeformed diameter, and a deformation having a diameter different than the undeformed diameter; the at least two opposing deformed sides connected to the at least two linear sides through convex corner sections, such that the inner surfaces of the at least two opposing deformed sides and the inner surfaces of the at least two linear sides together form an interior space. Multiple links may be arranged into a chain and the chain may be used in a flailing apparatus.

Abstract: A link belt for use as a conveyor belt or power transmission belt is provided. The belt is formed of a plurality of links forming a series in successive overlapping relation. The upper surface of each belt link includes an electrically conductive layer. Additionally, the lower surface of each belt link may have an electrically conductive layer. The conductive layer or layers provide an electrical path along the belt to impede the build-up of static electricity as the belt is run during use. A method for producing the conveyor assembly is also provided. A plurality of layers of reinforcing material are arranged in overlapping relation. A binding material such as thermoset urethane is deposited on the reinforcing material to bind the reinforcing materials together, thereby forming a composite material. An electrically conductive layer is deposited on the composite material, forming a conductive layer.

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 side wall segment for a line guiding device consisting of links connected to each other in pivoting fashion, each of which displays two opposite side parts that are connected to the immediately adjacent side parts in a manner permitting pivoting in a pivoting plane, and display stops for limiting the pivoting angle, where multiple side parts connected to each other form the side wall segment. The invention furthermore relates to a line guiding device with a side wall segment, and a method for manufacturing the side wall segment.

Abstract: A method for producing welded round and profile chains of chain links that are connected to each other. The chain links for round and profile chains produced by this method include two chain link partial pieces that are connected to each other by friction welding.

Abstract: Chain link (1) comprising two side limbs (3,4) at both ends joint by curved end portions (5,6). The chain Link comprises at least one endless band (7) 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 linkage element for a flail chain comprising more than two shank portions and more than two angled portions connecting the shank portions. The shank portions and angled portions define an interior space of the linkage element. A flail chain comprising at least one such linkage element forms a part of a flailing apparatus used to debark trees.

Abstract: A link belt for use as a conveyor belt or power transmission belt is provided. The belt is formed of a plurality of links forming a series in successive overlapping relation. The upper surface of each belt link includes an electrically conductive layer. Additionally, the lower surface of each belt link may have an electrically conductive layer. The conductive layer or layers provide an electrical path along the belt to impede the build-up of static electricity as the belt is run during use. Further a method for producing the conveyor is provided. A plurality of layers of reinforcing material is arranged in overlapping relation. A binding material such as a thermoset urethane is deposited on the composite material, forming a conductive layer. The combined conductive layer and composite material are cured so that the conductive layer permanently bonds to the composite material.

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: The present invention discloses a chain where, upon the stressing of the chain, the links automatically arrange themselves with respect to one another in terms of their position in the chain, preventing any undesired link. A link can be developed in the form, in top view, of a drop or in the form of a keyhole. The described chain is not only suitable for application in lashing loads, but also for use with the manipulation of all accessory chain parts, in which the placement of a link is required, for example shortening hooks, shortening straps or the like.

Abstract: A string of beads with deformable connecting pieces which extend between each pair of adjacent beads and which are secured to the beads, wherein the connecting pieces are plastics threads or flexible wires.

Abstract: A chain comprises links formed from bar stock having a specific cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, which is a chain of 16 mm size, the cross-section comprises four convex arcuate sides (10a), (10b), (10c) and (10d), each of which has a radius of curvature at least 10% greater than the chain size (i.e. at least 10% greater than 8 mm) and preferably at least 15% greater than the chain size. In this way, a chain is produced which has the profile which is similar to the profile attained by the chain after a significant period of wear, involving a significant increase in the surface-to-surface contact between adjacent links, reducing the effective wear rate, and reducing the rate of effective lengthening of the chain due to wear.

Abstract: According to the invention, the resistance of the links of a D-profile chain may be increased, whereby the transitions between the flanks (2, 3) and the outer planar bearing surfaces of the links comprise roundings of radius r, which is 0.2 to 0.4 times the value of the separation (A) between the flanks of the chain links.

Abstract: A coupling link (1) comprises a unitary body having a first main limb (2), a second main limb (3), and a third limb (4) which forms an open loop (6), one end of which extends between the first and second main limbs. Loading of ropes, slings or protection onto the coupling limnk (1) is simply a matter of temporarily deforming the rope or device and looping it over the third limb (4). The required unloading action is too complex for it to happen accidently. The three dimensional topology of the coupling link (1) eliminates the requirement for a spring biased gate and is therefore inherently safer than a conventional karabiner. In a preferred example, the first and second main limbs are joined to form a closed loop (5).

Abstract: An elongated chain link comprising a pair of opposing U-shaped end portions connected by a pair of parallel leg portions. The leg portions are connected to each other by a pair of crosswise tie-bars situated toward the end portions approximately equally offset from the cross-axial centerline of the link. Additional crosswise tie-bars may be added to prevent the legs of the link from collapsing together when a large side-load is applied to the link. The leg portions are substantially square in cross section, while the end portions comprise an inner portion having an arcuate inner surface and an outer portion being substantially rectangular in cross-section. The chain link is preferably made of a high-strength cast alloy steel and is especially well-suited for use in dragline drag and hoist chains.

Abstract: Flail apparatus for debarking/delimbing wood products traveling through a debarking station wherein at least one of the flails comprises an axially extending member having axially rotatable chain supporting elements with an array of flexible flailing chains. At least one of the flailing chains incorporates a first, radially extending link, received on one of the elements, which is not radially removable from the element. The flailing chain further incorporates a link structure configured to be radially non-removably attached to the first link. The first link and link structure are configured to permit the link structure to be removable from the first link and a replacement to be received thereon when the link structure is positioned angularly to the said radial direction of extent of the first link.

Abstract: A flail chain connector is provided which may be applied to an existing wood debarking apparatus or machinery for cutting vegetation. The connector is provided with integral fasteners for removable attachment of a length of flail chain to a powered rotary shaft, The connector may be removably engaged with the flail chain by moving a rink in the flail chain and one integral fastener to a first relative position and thereafter moving the link and fastener into a second relative position. The connector may be disengaged from the flail chain by relative movement of the link and fastener from the second position to the first position, and finally to the disengaged position. The connector may be removably engaged to the shaft by a second fastener through relative movements to a first and second relative positions.

Abstract: An interlocking link chain for use in jewelry and other decorative items. The interlocking links can be assembled and disassembled by the wearer without special tools and without an unusual degree of dexterity. The wearer can assemble a chain of any length for use as a bracelet, a necklace, a belt, or other decorative items. Each link has a tab portion and a slot portion. Each link may also have a body portion which expresses an artistic or decorative motif. In some embodiments, the tab and the slot may be made an integral part of the decorative motif. The links are arranged in a linear chain so that the tab portion of each link interlocks with the slot portion of the adjacent link. The links are made in a generally planar configuration that lends itself to low cost manufacturing methods, such as sheet metal forming techniques or injection molding.

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.

Abstract: An improved geometry for links used in a tiedown chain adapted for attachment to a widely used style of a chain tensioning and securing device. The links are nonreversible, and are longitudinally nonuniform to prevent inadvertent reversed insertion of the chain in the anchoring device.

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.

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.

Abstract: A plastic watchband made of individual links, having greater variety in design and secureness of fit is provided. The plastic watch band is joined of a plurality of separate links, each link having an engagement projection on one platform for engaging an enjoining link through an engagement opening on another platform of an adjacent link. A flexible intermediate member is provided between the platforms. The intermediate region is angled relative to the platforms so that the engagement opening is offset relative to the engagement projection.

Abstract: A bracelet comprises a plurality of interengaging pivotally-connected flat links. Each link has an elliptical contour and a central diamond-shaped opening, a first channel in the upper face and a second channel in the lower face, the channels crossing each other so that the sides of the channels coincide with the pairs of opposed edges of the opening. One end of the first channel has a slot extending from the edge to the opening for the passage of another link during assembly. This other link is turned through 90.degree. to lie in the same plane after passing through the slot and the links are pivotally connected by pivot pins which pass through apexes of the diamond-shaped opening lying on the center line of the bracelet and are received in holes extending within the thickness of the links.

Abstract: In a chain with chain links of round material, the chain links have, in the region of their contact points, supporting arcs (7,8) with a supporting arc angle .alpha. of 180.degree. and a radius of curvature R.sub.s of 0.5 to 0.52 d, d being the diameter of the round material. On the side of the unwelded leg (3) of the chain link, the supporting arcs (7,8) are connected by a boundary line (9) of the clear inner space (6) of the chain link, which boundary line has an arcuate indentation (11), while the supporting arcs on the side of the welded leg (4) of the chain link are connected by a substantially straight boundary line. The greatest inner width b.sub.1max of the chain link is at most equal to 1.15 times the diameter d of the round material.

Abstract: An elongate main link 2 for a chain or cable sling shaped as a pair of generally semi-circular crown portions 4 connected by parallel-extending side portions 6 has the crown portions 4 formed with inner and outer circumferentially extending flanges 8 and 10 connected by webs 12 and the side portions 6 formed with inner flanges 14 joined to outwardly extending webs 16.

Abstract: A tire chain comprising two-spaced parallel side chains, a plurality of cross chains joining the side chains at spaced intervals, a plurality of spaced junction links in each side chain, wherein each junction link has areas of reduced thickness and a hook element on each end of each cross chain for connecting to one of the junction links. Each hook element consists of a bight and two-spaced hooks which are transverse to the plane of the bight having free ends which overlie the bight and which are spaced from the bight a distance which is less than the thickness of the junction link and greater than the thickness of the areas of reduced thickness to permit the entry of the junction link into the hooks of the hook element.

Abstract: A chain link, comprising a rod of substantially circular cross-section formed into a generally Omega shape. The link includes a transverse bight portion, a pair of side portions offset below the bight portion, a pair of curved leg portions, and a pair of foot portions splaying transversely outward from the ends of the leg portions.

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.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a link band, in particular a watch wrist band, a bracelet or the like which includes a plurality of links defined by opposite longitudinal edges, opposite transverse edges, and opposite upper and lower surfaces; adjacent links being articulately interconnected by projections received in recesses, the connection between an end of a projection and an associated recess having an axis of rotation located contiguous adjacent longitudinal edges and upper surfaces of adjacent links, and the articulating connections being such as to absorb longitudinal forces imparted to the link band when in use and to also lock adjacent links together against unlocking movement of the links perpendicular to a longitudinal plane of the link band.

Abstract: A quick-coupling link to be utilized in conjunction with an identical link has a slot in one of the longitudinal side portions of the link. A tab extends from the opposite longitudinal side portion to adjacent the slot. The tab spans the width of the slot. When a pair of identical links are joined, the tabs prevent the links from accidentally being uncoupled as the slots cannot be brought into disengaging alignment without bending the flexible tab away from the entry to the slot.

Abstract: A chain of the trolley conveyor type has T-headed pins and links with slots at each chain joint for assembly and disassembly wherever desired. The slots of the center link are slightly restricted to prevent disassembly when not desired, as in handling the chain. Also, U-shaped center link bushings in which the pins are turnable and with which the pins may pivot for chain side-flexing provide a restriction to assembly and disassembly and particularly the latter so that unintended disassembly is prevented.

Abstract: A chain particularly useful for draglines in various type strip mining operations is disclosed. The chain is made up of individual, separately assembled links of generally a U-shape having spaced pin lugs at one end. The lugs have aligned pin eyes for holding a pin between them, which is received generally flush with the outside surfaces of the lugs. To prevent pin rotation and to prevent oblong wear in the pin eyes, the pin and the eyes have a flat surface on the side toward the open end of the U-shaped link. With the pin installed in the eyes, a roll pin is press fit through one lug and through that end of the pin to retain the link pin in place. Openings in the lug are oblong shaped, so that some forward and backward movement of the link pin is permitted and the roll pin is never put in a shear situation. The link units are assembled at 90.degree. to one another, with a pin of one link passing through the next link.

Abstract: A link chain, particularly for use as an anchor chain, comprises a plurality of links joined together in sequence, each link including a closed member comprising a pair of facing U-shaped portions, the base of the U at each end of the member having a portion of its inside surface of part cylindrical form, the cylindrical axes of said portions being arranged substantially transversely with one convex and the other concave so that the part cylindrical convex surface of one end of one link mates with one part cylindrical concave surface at the other end of a preceding link when the chain is straight under tension, and enables the chain to withstand greater loads, the U-ends being shaped to permit relative pivoting of the links about an axis substantially transverse to the plane of the link.

Abstract: A chain particularly useful for draglines in various type strip mining operations is disclosed. The chain is made up of individual, separately assembled links of generally a U-shape having spaced pin lugs at one end. The lugs have aligned pin eyes for holding a pin between them, which is received generally flush with the outside surfaces of the lugs. To prevent pin rotation and to prevent oblong wear in the pin eyes, the pin and the eyes have a flat surface on the side toward the open end of the U-shaped link. With the pin installed in the eyes, a keeper is welded onto the flat surface of the pin, extending between the two lugs to retain the pin in place. The units are assembled at 90.degree. to one another, with a pin of one link passing through the next link. The body of the link may be of a more wear-resistant material than the pin so that the easily replaceable pin wears out first.

Abstract: An ever open link-chain, i.e. a link-chain having links which are readily to be mounted or dismounted manually without deformation but cannot get detached of themselves without manual intervention.

Abstract: Industrial conveyor chains of pintle-connected types featuring stub journals removably interengageable with socket bearings through access leads which provide increased bearing surface area and shear strength in the pivoted connections relieving the connecting pins of all or a major role in the bearing and load carrying functions of the link couplings.

Abstract: An articulated bracelet comprises a chain of visible tubular links of oval section, adjacent pairs of which are connected by joining links hookably engaging in rectangular openings in the tubular links. Each adjacent pair of joining links are retained by mutual coaction of complementary hook-like end parts in a hollow element, whereby links can be added or removed by hand.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a chain or chain link comprises inspecting the chain or chain link for signs of wear without using tools and changing the orientation of the chain or chain link or replacing the chain or chain link if signs of wear are detected.