Patent US3590854A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3590854A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Rolling conductor support
Assignee: Cooper Industries LLC
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Filing: 1968-10-09
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Granted: 1971-07-06
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Expires: 1988-10-09
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure relates to a rolling conductor support useful in supporting, guiding and protecting electrical, hydraulic, coolant and the like conductors extending between parts of machines which move relative to one another on guides or tracks. The conductor support comprises a plurality of parallel chains connected in laterally spaced relation by conductor-supporting bridges to which the conductors are fastened by clips or retainer loops. The chains are composed of links pivotally connected at overlapping contiguous ends, with an arcuate slot in one end of each link receiving a stop pin in the overlapping contiguous end of the next link, with the length of the slots determining the bending radius of the chains. The disclosure also encompasses two or more conductor supports arranged in stacked relation with means for supporting one on top of the other in spaced-apart relation. Also disclosed is a flexible, sheetlike member extending between the chains to form a protective covering for the conductors, with retention bars overlying the cover and releasably engaged with the chain links. There is further disclosed a support including cross members extending between the chains forming a platform on which an operator may stand, with the chain links formed with laterally extending flanges to which the cross members are connected.
Inventors
- 👤 Gordon H Cork
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:09
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02G; H02G11/00; H02G11/006; F; F16; F16G; F16G13/00; F16G13/12; F16G13/16; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/6851; Y10T137/6918
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A rolling conductor support comprising: a plurality of chains connected together in laterally spaced-apart relation by conductor carrying means extending therebetween, each chain including a succession of links having contiguous overlapping pivotally connected end portions, characterized in that the pivotal connection includes a pair of spaced pivot parts extending laterally between and connecting together the overlapping end portions, at least one of said pivot parts providing a fulcrum for pivotal movement between the links, at least one of the overlapping end portions having a slot of determined arcuate length measured in relation to said fulcrum, and the other pivot part interfitting in said slot and fixed to the other overlapping end portion and movable in the slot through the arcuate length thereof to limit pivotal movement between the links.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A rolling conductor support comprising: a plurality of chains connected together in laterally spaced-apart relation by conductor carrying means extending therebetween, each chain including a succession of links having contiguous overlapping pivotally connected end portions, characterized in that the pivotal connection includes a pair of spaced pivot parts extending laterally between and connecting together the overlapping end portions, at least one of said pivot parts providing a fulcrum for pivotal movement between the links, at least one of the overlapping end portions having a slot of determined arcuate length measured in relation to said fulcrum, and the other pivot part interfitting in said slot and fixed to the other overlapping end portion and movable in the slot through the arcuate length thereof to limit pivotal movement between the links.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
81 words
The invention defined in claim 1 further characterized in that a second slot is provided in one of said overlapping end portions of determined arcuate length measured in relation to said other pivot part, and said pivot part providing the fulcrum is fixed in relation to one of the overlapping ends and interfits in the last-mentioned slot for movement through the arcuate length thereof, whereby successive links fulcrum about both pivot parts and are limited in pivotal movement by said slots.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention defined in claim 1 characterized in that opposite ends of each link are laterally offset in opposite directions by substantially the thickness of the link.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention defined by claim 1 wherein the links of each chain are identical and the plurality of chains are identical.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention defined by claim 1 characterized in that said slot is arcuately shaped on a radius whose center coincides with the pivot part comprising said fulcrum, and said slot is spaced longitudinally along the link from such pivot part.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 characterized in that said pivot part which interfits in said slot is provided with a radially extending retaining portion overlying and completely covering and concealing the slot.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention defined in claim 1 characterized in that laterally projecting chain-supporting roller means are provided coaxially aligned with and secured to the pivotal connection between successive links for riding supporting tracks along which the conductor support is rolled out.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention defined in claim 1 further characterized in that said pivot part providing the fulcrum is fixed in relation to both overlapping end portions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention defined by claim 8 wherein the links of one chain are allochiral with the links of another chain.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention defined in claim 1 characterized in that said conductor-carrying means comprises a plurality of conductor-supporting bridges connected at opposite ends to said pivot parts of the chains.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention defined in claim 10 characterized in that opposite ends of each conductor supporting bridge includes an upstanding flange floatingly connected to said pivot parts allowing relative displacement of the bridges and chains.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
54 words
The invention defined in claim 1 further characterized in that a pair of thin flexible protective sheet members extend in spaced substantially parallel relation between said chains with the conductors and conductor-carrying means interposed therebetween, and sheet-retaining means coupled to the chain links for maintaining the sheets in place with respect to said support.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention defined in claim 12 further characterized in that said support exhibits portions for abutting said sheet members along opposite marginal edges thereof to maintain said sheets in spaced relation with respect to the conductors carried by said carrying means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
53 words
The invention defined in claim 12 further characterized in that at least some of said links have apertures adjacent the longitudinally extending marginal edges thereof, and strap means extending laterally across said sheets secured at opposite ends within said apertures to maintain the sheets within the said marginal edges of the chain links.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
55 words
The invention defined in claim 1 characterized in that said conductor-carrying means comprises a plurality of conductor-supporting bridges spaced apart along the chains and connected at opposite ends to said chains and upon which conductors extending along between the chains are supported, and conductor-retaining means are provided overlying the conductors and coupled to said support.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
52 words
The invention defined in claim 15 characterized in at each bridge exhibits a plurality of closely spaced apertures extending therethrough to bracket each cOnductor on the bridge, and said conductor-retaining means comprises a retainer loop embracing each conductor and having end portions extending through and anchored in the apertures bracketing the conductor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention defined in claim 16 characterized in that the apertures are arranged in a plurality of staggered rows extending longitudinally across each bridge.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
70 words
The invention defined in claim 16 characterized in that said retainer loop comprises a strap having resilient catch means allowing adjustable retention in a bridge aperture through which received comprising a plurality of tabs extending angularly of the strap in longitudinally spaced relation throughout at least one end portion of the strap and facing in a direction to resist withdrawal of the end portion from an aperture in the bridge.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
42 words
The invention defined in claim 18 characterized by the tabs being located in longitudinally spaced relation at opposite end portions of the strap, with the tabs in one end portion being more closely spaced than the tabs of the opposite end portion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention defined in claim 18 characterized in that said tabs extend from opposite longitudinal marginal edges of the strap and within the plane of the strap for engagement with opposite marginal edge portions of the bridge apertures.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
112 words
A rolling conductor support adapted to be secured between relatively horizontally moving machine elements with one span of the support moving relative to and spaced vertically from another span and rolling around a bend connecting the spans, characterized by the provision of means for supporting the upper span upon the lower span while spaced vertically above the lower span comprising a vertically extending spacer connected to and carried by the support and projecting from one span thereof toward the opposite span and movable with the support around the bend connecting the spans, said spacer provided with a part at its distal end for riding the opposite span and transmitting the load therebetween.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
112 words
A rolling conductor support adapted to be secured between relatively horizontally moving machine elements with one span of the support moving relative to and spaced vertically from another span and rolling around a bend connecting the spans, characterized by the provision of means for supporting the upper span upon the lower span while spaced vertically above the lower span comprising a vertically extending spacer connected to and carried by the support and projecting from one span thereof toward the opposite span and movable with the support around the bend connecting the spans, said spacer provided with a part at its distal end for riding the opposite span and transmitting the load therebetween.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
70 words
The invention as defined in claim 21 characterized in that said spacer comprises a V-shaped bracket connected at the ends of the V-arms to opposite edges of the support in one span thereof with the apex of the V-arms to opposite edges of the support in one span thereof with the apex of the V provided with a roller for engaging and riding the support in the opposite span thereof.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
159 words
A rolling conductor support system, comprising, in combination: a plurality of chains connected together in laterally spaced-apart parallel relation by a plurality of laterally extending bridges spaced apart along the length of the chains, each chain including a succession of identical links having contiguous end portions arranged in overlapping relation, a pivot pin pivotally connecting together the overlapping contiguous ends of successive links, each link having at one end an arcuate slot spaced from the pivot pin, the end of the next successive link overlapping said one end having a part projecting into the slot for limiting relative pivoting between the links, each bridge having opposite end portions secured to the pivot pin and to said projecting part of confronting links of the chains, at least one conductor extending along the length of the chains and lying on the bridges, and means embracing the conductor at each bridge and secured to each bridge retaining the conductor on the bridges.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
159 words
A rolling conductor support system, comprising, in combination: a plurality of chains connected together in laterally spaced-apart parallel relation by a plurality of laterally extending bridges spaced apart along the length of the chains, each chain including a succession of identical links having contiguous end portions arranged in overlapping relation, a pivot pin pivotally connecting together the overlapping contiguous ends of successive links, each link having at one end an arcuate slot spaced from the pivot pin, the end of the next successive link overlapping said one end having a part projecting into the slot for limiting relative pivoting between the links, each bridge having opposite end portions secured to the pivot pin and to said projecting part of confronting links of the chains, at least one conductor extending along the length of the chains and lying on the bridges, and means embracing the conductor at each bridge and secured to each bridge retaining the conductor on the bridges.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
113 words
A rolling conductor support system comprising, in combination: at least two conductor supports stacked in parallel spaced-apart relation, each support including a plurality of chains connected together in laterally spaced relation by conductor-carrying means extending laterally therebetween, each chain having a succession of links with overlapping end portions pivotally connected together for pivotal movement, one of said supports having means for maintaining the supports in stacked parallel spaced-apart relation including spacers connected to said chain links at intervals therealoNg, each spacer having a first portion adapted to abut an adjacent chain for maintaining the supports spaced apart and second portion overlying the adjacent chain for maintaining the supports in laterally aligned parallel relation.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
113 words
A rolling conductor support system comprising, in combination: at least two conductor supports stacked in parallel spaced-apart relation, each support including a plurality of chains connected together in laterally spaced relation by conductor-carrying means extending laterally therebetween, each chain having a succession of links with overlapping end portions pivotally connected together for pivotal movement, one of said supports having means for maintaining the supports in stacked parallel spaced-apart relation including spacers connected to said chain links at intervals therealoNg, each spacer having a first portion adapted to abut an adjacent chain for maintaining the supports spaced apart and second portion overlying the adjacent chain for maintaining the supports in laterally aligned parallel relation.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
92 words
The invention defined in claim 24 characterized in that each spacer member comprises opposite end portions offset from each other and joined together by a transverse intermediate portion, one end portion secured to the inner surface of a chain link on one support and the other end portion overlying the outer surface of a chain link on another support, for maintaining the supports in laterally parallel alignment, and said intermediate portion adapted to abut the marginal edge of a chain link of the other support to maintain the supports in spaced-apart relation.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
124 words
A rolling support system, comprising a plurality of chains extending in laterally spaced-apart parallel relation, each chain including a succession of links having contiguous end portions arranged in overlapping relation, a pivot pin pivotally connecting together the overlapping ends of adjacent links, each link having adjacent one end an arcuate slot spaced from the pivot pin with the end of the next adjacent link overlapping the said one end having a part projecting into the slot for limiting relative pivotal movement of the links, at least some of said links having integral marginal flange means extending perpendicular to the plane of the link, and a plurality of platform members extending laterally across the chains and having opposite end portions connected to said flange means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
124 words
A rolling support system, comprising a plurality of chains extending in laterally spaced-apart parallel relation, each chain including a succession of links having contiguous end portions arranged in overlapping relation, a pivot pin pivotally connecting together the overlapping ends of adjacent links, each link having adjacent one end an arcuate slot spaced from the pivot pin with the end of the next adjacent link overlapping the said one end having a part projecting into the slot for limiting relative pivotal movement of the links, at least some of said links having integral marginal flange means extending perpendicular to the plane of the link, and a plurality of platform members extending laterally across the chains and having opposite end portions connected to said flange means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention as defined in claim 26 characterized in that said platform members are each of a width less than the length of said links and each member extends between and is connected at its opposite ends to links of said chains in laterally aligned confronting relation.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
72 words
The invention as defined in claim 26 characterized in that a plurality of bridge members extend between said chains in spaced apart relation and substantially parallel to and spaced from said platform members, each bridge member coupled at its opposite ends to said pivot pins and said projecting part respectively on said links, and retainer loops having end portions releasably engageable in the bridge members for retaining a conductor on the members.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-05 | 1975-01-04 | 1975-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-05 | 1979-01-04 | 1979-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-05 | 1983-01-04 | 1983-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |