Abstract: The present invention relates to a snow chain for vehicle wheels, whereby the snow chain comprises two chain members adapted to extend along the peripheral tread surface of the vehicle wheel when the snow chain is mounted on said wheel. The snow chain comprises tie bars connecting the chain members to each other and adapted to extend transversely to the tread surface when the snow chain is mounted on the vehicle wheel. The snow chain preferably is mounted on arms which are foldable relative to each other and retractable to a position adjacent an end side of the vehicle wheel by means of a retraction device.

Abstract: A fusible link has a tubular housing having a recess in one side thereof in communication with a bore at one end of which one end of a thermally sensitive strut is seated. A yoke has at one end thereof an arm against which the opposite end of the strut seats. The strut resists relative movement of the housing and the yoke until such time as the strut collapses whereupon the arm is cammed out of the recess enabling separation of the housing and the yoke.

Abstract: A shackle safety keeper for keeping the threaded eye bolt of closing a U-shaped shackle from rotation of the eye bolt and ultimate disengagement of the shackle. The shackle safety keeper is a single wire continuously bent to form the disclosed keeper. This wire is bent intermediate its two ends at a bowed spring portion. This bowed spring portion has two depending shackle engagement sections extending downwardly and at right angles from the bowed spring portion. These sections are for clamping to the side edges of the U-shaped shackle adjacent the protruding eye on the shackle bolt. The lower end of each shackle engagement section has protruding angularly outward therefrom two eye reaching legs. These eye reaching legs extend from the bottom of each shackle engaging section out into registry with the eye on the protruding bolt when it has closed the shackle. The two eye reaching legs end the all wire constructed keeper with two opposed and overlapping eye piercing lugs.

Abstract: The invention is a channel-shaped quick release anchor and chain locking device comprising a channel with shouldered sides and a quick-release pin.

Abstract: A load transmitting chain (1) comprises a series of links each formed by a number of link plates (2) arranged side by side and meshing with the link plates of the adjacent link to which they are pivotally connected by link pins (4). The chain is intended for use in transmitting force from a hydraulic cylinder having a piston rod, for example in a fork-lift truck. To avoid damage to the piston rod by contact of the links (2), which are of steel, with it, the chain is provided with a row of additional protective link plates (5) which are sandwiched between the link plates (2) and have projecting portions (11). The protective link plates (5) are made of plastics material and the projecting portions (11) act as buffers so that they come into contact with the piston rod without causing damage and prevent direct contact between the steel link plates (2) and the piston rod.

Abstract: In an ornamental chain, a multiplicity of teeth are arranged in two juxtaposed rows. Each of said teeth has a tooth portion directed toward the other row and arranged to extend between and to interengage with two adjacent teeth of the other row so as to interconnect the rows. Each of said teeth has an end portion on that side of the tooth portion which is remote from the other row. The end portion of each of said teeth of each row comprises two crosspieces, which are spaced apart along the row and extend transversely to a plane containing the chain when it lies on a flat support. A plurality of rings are provided, each of which surrounds two adjacent ones of said crosspieces of adjacent teeth of the same row. The crosspieces and the rings constitute the interconnecting means. Each of the rings connecting the teeth of each row is adapted to interengage with the tooth portion of a tooth of the other row to restrict the movement of the tooth portion transversely to the plane.

Abstract: A chain for attachment to a vertical blind. A longitudinally extending continuous length of thread has a plurality of plastic clips fixedly secured thereto at spaced intervals. Each of the plastic clips has means for engaging a portion of a vertical blind, and each of the plastic clips has a portion completely circumscribing a portion of the thread. A plurality of plastic objects are fixedly secured to the length of thread at a plurality of locations spaced between the clips, with each of the plastic objects completely circumscribing a portion of the thread. The thread is preferably a braided polyester material, and the plastic clips and the plastic objects are preferably molded to the length of thread.

Abstract: A rub link assembly for replacement of a link or links of the lower hoist chain on a dragline bucket including a rotating collar affixed to a plastic bushing which allows rolling as contrasted to scraping action against the bucket sides.

Abstract: A hook line includes a hook portion and a link portion contained in two different planes substantially perpendicular to one another. A projection tip is provided on a distal end of the hook portion to provide secure locking action between adjacent hook links; the normal clearance between the tip and the connected link portion being insufficient to allow coupling/uncoupling action. A tip receiving groove extends substantially laterally across the elongated ring forming the link portion. The ring defines a longitudinal slot for receipt of said hook portion. The groove of one hook link receives the projection tip of an adjacent hook link to allow coupling/uncoupling action. In the preferred embodiment, the groove extends along an arc between a transverse midline of said longitudinal slot and an end of said longitudinal slot opposite said hook portion. The groove and tip structure substantially eliminates uncoupling during normal conveyor operation even when subjected to incidental slackening.

Abstract: A wire chain connector for an anchor line has a swivel coupled to a rope socket via a link, and a ball adapter mounted on the outer periphery of the link. A wire rope groove is formed in the inner surface of a peripheral groove in a sheave to allow a wire rope to pass along it. A chain pocket is formed in the central portion of the peripheral groove in the sheave to allow a chain to pass along it. A connector groove is formed in the outer surface of the peripheral groove in the sheave to allow the anchor line to pass along it. The body of the swivel and the ball adapter are so sized that they can be seated in the connector groove.

Abstract: A connector (10) interposed in a support element (L) by attachment to first and second displaced ends (L.sub.1, L.sub.2) thereof to selectively permit an object to pass transversely through the longitudinal axis of the support element while employed to brace a structure including a first linkage (12, 113) connected to the first end (L.sub.1) of the support element, a second linkage (11, 114) connected to the second end (L.sub.2) of the support element, and means for coupling the first and second linkages (14; 111, 112) being attached to said first linkage and the second linkage and having a receiver (16; 111, 112) selectively opening to either side of the support element to permit an object to pass transversely through the longitudinal axis of the support element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pendant control arrangement for overhead electric hoists featuring a helically wound elastically memorized insulative cord enclosing a plurality of electrical conductors for attachments at their opposite ends to terminals in the hoist motor and in the pendant control switches. This coiled cord encloses a straight line strain relief cable or the like which is of a length equal to the anticipated length required to support the pendant switch control panel at proper elevation below the electric hoist, and simply mechanically connects at its opposite ends to said motor and said control panel. Thus, changes in the distance required between the hoist motor and the control panel are more readily accommodated by reason of the mechanical connections of the relief cable, while leaving the electrical connections of the control cord conductors undisturbed.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a plurality of jewelry neck chains, arm or wrist chains and the like in a predetermined relationship in order to retain the jewelry chains in generally parallel, side-by-side relation thereby reducing the tendency of adjacent jewelry chains from becoming entangled with each other when being worn. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is in the form of an elongated flat bar having a plurality of apertures therein with each aperture adapted to receive a split ring clasp used to secure the ends of jewelry chains together in order to maintain the clasp and thus the ends of the jewelry chain in spaced relation to each other with the jewelry chains being maintained generally in parallel relation to each other.

Abstract: A chain sling assembly (FIG. 13) includes a main link 2 provided with two separable connector links 14 each carrying two shackles 50 and shortening clutches 66. Each connector link 14 has a first portion 16 profiled to co-act with the main link 2 and a second portion 18 profiled to co-act with the shackles 50, hubs 42 of the first portion 16 extending externally of hubs 44 of the second portion 18 and being connected with a pin 20. The shortening clutches permit adjustment of the free length of a fall portion of chain 83 by engaging a link 81 in a jaw portion 76.

Abstract: A connector, particularly for a suspended load, consists of a roundsling including a fibre bundle surrounded by a sleeve and at least one coupling member associated therewith, which comprises a substantially U-shaped U-bolt, into which the roundsling is in-hung, and a releasable bridge member which extends crosswise with respect to the in-hung roundsling and by means of which the shanks of the U-bolt are connected with each other. To harmonize the lifting capability of the connector and that of the roundsling and to obviate overloading of those fibres of the roundsling which are subjected to the greatest tension when the roundsling is loaded the cross section of at least that part of the circumferential area or peripheral surface of the coupling member which is engaged by the roundsling at normal load (the contact surface) has a radius r.sub.b of curvature which satisfies at least one of the conditions(1) r.sub.b .gtoreq.5+0.3 d.sub.r or(2) r.sub.b .gtoreq.5+0.05 u.sub.r,in which d.sub.

Abstract: Simplified means for connecting skidder rings to the tag chains that hold the skidder rings in spaced positions around a tractor wheel. Each skidder ring has four hooks spaced approximately 90.degree. apart, two at each side, of novel construction. Each hook is so shaped as to permit easy attachment thereto of the end link of a tag chain but which will positively preclude disconnection of the link from the hook when the parts are in operating position on the wheel.

Abstract: An improved connector for coupling a chain to a wire rope or cable such that the resulting connection can be passed over a sheave, pulley, wheel or windlass without applying a bending stress to the wire rope. The connector comprises a hemispherical housing having an opening therethrough that is axially symmetric about the radius that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the hemispherical housing. The opening is adapted to accept and retain a wire rope having a terminal fitting by holding the terminal fitting within the hemispherical housing. A semi-circular member of common radius to the hemispherical housing and adapted to accept and retain a chain is attached to the planar portion of the hemispherical housing. A pair of retaining pins pass through the co-axial openings in the hemispherical housing and the end of the semi-circular member terminating on flat surfaces on opposite sides of the terminal fitting of the wire rope.

Abstract: A cathodically protected, studded chain link of theta configuration is provided with at least one anode member (13) provided with a connector (21) for fastening it to the stud (12) of the link to facilitate subsequent renewal of the anode member.

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: An antiskid tire chain comprises a plurality of cross chains which are systematically arranged in groups of three along the tire chain, one end link of each cross chain in a group being joined in a junction member.

Abstract: A suspension chain head for mechanically assembled sling chain systems is proposed. The suspension head has a U-shaped suspension member with two legs and a web provided with a central portion and two lateral fork portions. A connecting member is pivotally mounted on the web of the suspension member and has two legs received in slots of the web and a bracket connecting the legs with one another, wherein the connecting member has a receiving opening with a width corresponding to the thickness of the chains to be suspended. The central portion of the web of the suspension member has a thickness at most equal to the thickness of the chains to be suspended, and the forked portions of the web of the suspension member have at least the thickness of the central portion of the web.

Abstract: A jewelry clasp for a jewelry band having chain-link terminals comprises releasably interlockable male and female clasp members. Slip-on connection means are rigidly secured to the distal ends of the male and female members to provide a solderless arrangement for attaching the chain-link terminals of the clasp. Each slip-on connection means is formed from a helix having approximately 11/2 coiled turns so as to form an entrance opening into which the chain-link terminal can be inserted into linking engagement and secured without soldering or special tools. A rectangular blank for making the male clasp member includes an end notch for receiving the helix to be rigidly secured and a laterally projecting leg adjacent thereto adapted to become bulbous when heated and thus form the pin portion of a safety latch.

Abstract: An improved connector for coupling a chain to a wire rope or cable such that the resulting connection can be passed over a sheave, pulley, wheel or windlass without excessive stress applied to the wire rope. A housing is provided having an axially symmetric opening through the housing with an exterior surface adapted to rest upon the outer peripherial portion of the windlass (or the like) as the connection traverses the windlass and wherein a retaining pin perpendicular to the axis of the opening at essentially the center of the housing holds a pair of rotatable U-shaped members within the housing for connecting the chain to the wire rope. Such a connection is particularly useful in coupling an anchor chain to a wire rope in anchoring systems.

Abstract: There is disclosed in a chain hoist system or the like, an improved chain travel stop device which is readily attachable to and positionally adjustable on either the load carrying chain or the "slack chain" depending from the load hoisting or pulling machine. The device is positionable with improved facility at any preferred location along the length of any such chains, so as to limit the chain travel relative to the hoist/puller machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clevis structure having transverse pins for a universal coupling effect. The structure is an assembly of mechanically interlocking components which can be individually fabricated and releasably joined without load carrying fasteners, welding, or the like. The components are readily fabricated even in relatively large sizes.

Abstract: A chain grab hook (10) which engages the cross-over link (30) in a generally flat lay or generally horizontal position is disclosed. The free-end portion (14) of the grab hook (10) includes a support surface (40) which supports the flat face of the cross-over link (30) over a substantial length of the link and over a substantial surface area. The tip (48) of the free-end portion (14) of the hook (10) projects inwardly to provide an obstruction which tends to prevent accidental chain slide-out. The support surface (40) may be slightly angled relative to the horizontal to cause the side links (32, 36) to rotate toward the neutral fiber center (26) of the hook (10) to reduce the moment arm applied by the loaded chain on the hook.

Abstract: Chain with toggle fastener, in which the toggle is developed as a hollow rail in which the end of the chain is pivotally connected and the free cross section of which corresponds essentially to the cross sectional area of the chain.

Abstract: An anti-skid tire chain comprising a pair of parallel side chains, a series of traction rings extending medially between the side chains, and a network of connector chains interconnecting the traction rings with the side chains and with one another is characterized in that the connector chains are interconnected in threes by triradial connector plates. Each triradial connector plate consists of three plate elements welded together, each plate element providing a pair of opposite end portions, subtending an angle of 120.degree. to one another and an arcuate mid-portion defining a convex cylindrical surface, the plate elements being mutually welded together at the convex surfaces thereby defining a symmetrical triradial configuration providing three radially extending pairs of parallel arms, each pair of arms defining a clevis for receiving an end link of a respective connector chain, and including a removable clevis pin for retaining the end link.

Abstract: In a tire protection chain with plate-shaped components (1) which cover the tread of the tire to be protected, and with at least one chain network (4) located on one side of the tire, the chain network is provided with overload safeguards (7, 8, 9, 14, 18, 22) which form a parting position when the chain network is subjected to extremely high loadings. The overload safeguards are here designed in such a way that no parts can be released and thrown off when the chain network is overloaded.

Abstract: A fusible link having two body members separably coupled to one another and normally prevented from separating by a collapsible strut. One body member has an opening in which the other body member is slideably accommodated, such other body member having an abutment which bears against the body at one marginal edge of the opening. The strut is accommodated within the opening and reacts between the two body members to preclude movement of the slideable body to a position in which the abutment can pass through the opening in the other body. The strut includes a eutectic alloy which melts when its temperature rises to a predetermined level. Melting of the eutectic alloy permits the overall length of the strut to shorten by an amount sufficient to permit the abutment on the slideable body to pass through the opening in the other body and effect separation of the bodies.

Abstract: A tensioning device, especially for lashing chains. The device is provided with two link members, movable with respect to each other and having a releasable latch for receiving chain members. At least one link member has a fork-shape, including two legs or arms projecting to extend freely and parallel to each other while being connected by a transverse piece. The link members are held under tension in the closure position, and at least one link member is movable into a releasing position under the force of the connected tension chain. Two spindles are journalled in a double nut, with each having self-binding left and right threads for movement of the link members. A yoke or bracket bridging a suspension opening formed by a hook can be provided, with the hook being pivotable to serve as a link member. The hook is releasably connected with its free end on the yoke or bracket. The hook may be extended beyond the pivot axis thereof.

Abstract: An improved means is disclosed for detachably retaining the link of a chain to be temporarily engaged by a chain-grappling "claw" type hook. The retaining means comprises a resilient member at least partially over-reaching the "pocket" portion of the hook into which the link of the engaged chain is temporarily captured; and is so constructed and arranged as to release the engaged chain link only when intended by the user, and with improved facility and ease of operation by the user.

Abstract: In an arrangement for fastening a structural part (1) to a round steel chain by means of two webs (3,6) which overlap the long sides (19,20) of a chain link (9) and bridge the gap between said long sides (19,20) a centering member (5) is used which centering member is provided with a bore (12) and parallel side faces (10,11) having a spacing from one another which is approximately equal to the width of the gap between the long sides (19,20) of the chain link (9) partially overlapped by the webs (3,6). At least one web (3) being provided with a guide (4) which holds the centering member (5) in a prescribed position.

Abstract: A chain shackle has a U-shaped body with flat parallel limbs interconnected by a bight portion with a longitudinal slit accommodating an end link of a chain which is engaged inside the shackle by a half-link resting against the inner surface of the bight portion. The half-link has an integral lug which is traversed by a pin laterally offset from the slit serving to hold that half-link in a chain-retaining position.

Abstract: A jewelry clasp having a male member adapted to be inserted into an opening in a female member, and the female member including a releasable locking mechanism clasping the male and female members together, wherein a retaining guard is releasably placed onto the male member for preventing jewelry from sliding off the male member. The thickness of both the female member and the retaining guard being greater than the diameter of the opening of the jewelry which receives a chain therethrough. The male member can be used to thread beads, or other jewelry onto the chain with the retaining guard then being placed on the male member so that the beads or other jewelry will not slip off the chain.

Abstract: A clevis type connection device has one leg thereof formed with a "blind" bore opening and another leg thereof formed with a through-bore opening, which is arranged in axial alignment with the "blind" bore opening; the bore openings thereof being sized to rotatably support opposite ends of a load engaging pin. The load pin is either removably retained or permanently installed within the bore openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly-type tire protector comprising a plurality of annular members disposed substantially parallel to the tire surface and a plurality of link members disposed substantially perpendicular to the tire surface, said annular members being connected together by said link members to form a net, each of said link members comprising a body which is provided at both of its ends with opposing hook-like arm means for interconnecting said annular members, said opposing hook-like arm means defining an opening, a pin disposed upright in said body, said pin having a head portion and a base portion, said head portion substantially occupying said opening, said body of the link member containing a blind hole for receiving said base portion of the pin, and means disposed in said hole for expanding said base portion of the pin within said hole for locking said pin in position in said hole.

Abstract: A double ended chain engaging device useful as a chain-to-chain connector or as a chain shortener used to engage different parts of the same interconnected link type chain. A first chain grappling hook member formed with an eye end is articulately joined to the clevis end of a second chain grappling member by a load bearing pin.

Abstract: A suspension chain head for mechanically assembled strand-oriented sling chain systems has an annular suspension member, at least one forked member arranged for carrying a further member of the chain head and having a recess and a holding pin, and an intermediate member for connecting the forked member with the suspension member. The intermediate member has a first portion by which it is hung on the suspension member, and a second portion arranged to enter the recess of the forked member and provided with at least one hole arranged for receiving therein the holding pin of the forked member so as to connect the forked member to the intermediate member. The intermediate member may be provided with lateral spacing projections which have flattened, substantially spherically curved faces.

Abstract: A clevis type hook has one leg formed with a partially closed bore opening and another leg formed with a through bore opening arranged in axial alignment with the partially closed bore opening; the bore openings being sized to loosely rotatably support opposite ends of an oval load pin whose width diameter permits non-rotative slip-fitting within a load chain link. The load pin is removably retained within the bore openings by a retaining device fixed to the other clevis leg.

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening damaged automobile frames or bodies utilizing a rigid structural ramp capable of supporting a vehicle. A preferably hydraulic power source capable of imparting alternatively a compressive or a tensile force to the damaged frame or body is adjustably mounted on a wheeled post which slidably travels a continuous track circumventing the ramp. The ramp is provided with improved chain anchoring openings. A chain can be used for a applying tensile force to the frame directly or indirectly to the frame by connecting a chain first to the anchoring opening, then to the damaged frame, and then to the hydraulic power source.Using two wheeled posts on the continuous track, a rotatable, pivotal, cross bar can be attached at its respective end portions to the wheeled posts. With the power source mounted on the cross bar, repairs can be made to the roof, or interior portions of an automobile (see FIG. 10).

Abstract: Means for improving the traction of wheeled equipment used in the logging industry comprising an improved skidder ring with clevises to which the connecting tag chains are fastened by a pin preferably secured in place by a spot of welding material. When a tag chain breaks and must be replaced, the pin is severed by a torch permitting the remaining two pin parts to be removed from the clevis. The end link of the replacement or repaired tag chain is secured by a new pin placed in the clevis. A spot of welding material is applied to the pin to hold it in place.

Abstract: A chain saddle assembly is disclosed which permits a chain used as a sling to be supported at any point between its opposite ends. The supported link is placed in a groove so that the link is lying sideways with one leg of the link above the other. Ledges are provided which engage the two links of the chain adajacent to the link which is being supported. The assembly thus prevents possible slipage of the chain through the assembly while providing proper support without imposing undo stress concentrations on the supported link or the links adjacent to it.

Abstract: A tightener for securing tire chains about industrial tires. The tightener includes a pair of block members that are threadably engaged by a draw bolt. The draw bolt includes a tool engaging surface that facilitates attachment of a tool to turn the draw bolt about its central axis and correspondingly move the block members axially toward or away from one another. A pair of non-extensible lengths of chain are connected to each block and extend outwardly to free ends that are adapted for connection to the side rail chain of an industrial tire chain. Therefore, the tightener may be mounted with the length of chain connected to the side rail chain and the blocks and draw bolt substantially centered on the tire axis. The draw bolt may then be rotated to bring the block members axially together, pulling inwardly on the side rail chains to tighten the tire chain about the tire periphery.

Abstract: An end stop for a link chain hoist (10) in which a ring (28) is received through the opening (22a) of the next-to-last load chain link (20a) on one side of the third last link (20c), with the last load chain link (20b) received in the opening (22a) on the other side of the third last link to force the next to the last link sideways relative to the remainder of the load chain to define an end stop engageable with the chain guide (16) of the hoist.

Abstract: Flail members are mounted on a rotatable drum by providing a plurality of angularly spaced rows of longitudinally spaced openings in the drum. A tube rectangular in cross section extends through each opening and is secured rigidly to the drum for receiving a clevis with a sliding fit with the inner end of a flail member being attached to the clevis. Transverse openings through the walls of the tube and the legs of the clevis are aligned with each other in a direction longitudinally of the drum for receiving a rod which extends inwardly of the drum and longitudinally thereof. Detachable means locks the rod in place.

Abstract: A connector fitting for securing vehicles on transporters is provided by the present invention, including outwardly extending projections or ears which receive a bolt for carrying the end links of a pair of tensioning chains in a manner greatly reducing the wear and stress on both the fitting and chains, caused by movement of the vehicles during transit.

Abstract: This shackle consists primarily of a pair of "U"-shaped members, a leg of each threading into each other, so as to form a pivotal joint, which enables the shackle to be easily applied to a chain, even under adverse conditions. The shackle further includes a tapered clincher head pin, and the opening in a mating clincher head is tapered at the bottom and countersunk at the top, so as to allow swedging of the pin therein.

Abstract: A connecting element for connecting two link chain strands comprises a central oval chain member, and two coupling links each having an axis and two axial ends and connected to the chain member and one of the link chain strands. Each coupling link is composed of a U-shaped suspension part and a W-shaped base part whose legs and projections interdigitate with one another in a comb-like manner. A coupling bolt extends through the legs and projections so as to connect the base part with the suspension part of each coupling link. Grooves of the base part which are bounded by the projections, extend from a front end face of the base part through the region of the coupling bolt and further up to an axis of a through bore through which latter the chain member extends. Side walls bounding these grooves and located adjacent to a longitudinal axis of the chain link diverge outwardly in the transverse direction in the region outside of the coupling bolt and near the through bore.

Abstract: A lifting ring for a chain sling comprises two generally L-shaped lugs, located on opposite sides of the central plane of the ring body. The upright limbs of the lugs extend partly along the respective sides of the ring body and the lower limbs of the lugs extend partly along the lower side of the ring body towards the central plane. Each lug is provided with an opening of such size and configuration that a chain link can pass through the opening, the width of the opening being less than the width of a chain link whereby withdrawal of the link from the opening when the chain is under tension is prevented by the adjacent link at right angles thereto.