Infinitely variable chain-engaged gearing

Claim 2

An infinitely variable chain transmission comprising, in combination, first and second pairs of discs mounted upon first and second shafts, respectively, said discs each having a concentric beveled surface having radially extending teeth defined thereon and the beveled surface and teeth of each pair of discs being in spaced opposed relation, a link chain comprising a plurality of interconnected links engaging and drivingly interconnecting said pairs of discs, a first bore defined in said links transversely disposed to the length of said chain, a second bore defined in said links transversely disposed to the length of said chain and in alignment with said first bore, an elongated bolt within each of said bores transversely extending from said links and closely axially slidably received within said first bore and loosely received within said second bore, and a tooth defined at each end of said bolts whereby initial engagement of said bolts'' toothed ends with the teeth of a pair of said discs axially displaces said bolts to align the bolts between said pair of discs and subsequent bending forces imposed on the end of said bolts adjacent said second bore binds and lock said bolts within said first bores against axial displacement within said bores.

Claim 3

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 1 wherein the innermost portions of said first and second bores with respect to the closed chain configuration are in alignment wherein forces exerted on said bolts inwardly toward said innermost portions are prevented from bending and binding said bolts.

Claim 4

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 1 wherein a pair of first bores and a pair of second bores are defined in each chain link defining first and second sets of bores, a bolt received within each set of first and second bores, said first bore of said first set being adjacent to and offset from said second bore of said second set.

Claim 5

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 3 wherein said bores and bolts are of a cylindrical transverse cross section and the surfaces of adjacent bores of said sets intersect each other, said bolts mounted in a common link each having a flattened side, said flattened sides being in spaced, opposed relation to each other limiting rotation of said bolts about their axes and permitting sufficient bolt rotation to permit alignment of the bolt toothed ends with the teeth defined on said discs.

Claim 6

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 1, a recess defined in each of said bolts intermediate the ends thereof, a guide rail mounted intermediate said pairs of discs received within said bolt recesses axially positioning said bolts prior to engagement of said bolts with said discs, and adjustable support means supporting said guide rail.

Claim 7

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 1, spring means biasing said bolts in the axial direction toward said first bore, and stop means limiting axial movement of said bolts under the influence of said spring means.

Claim 8

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 4, longitudinal semi-bores defined in the flattened side of each of said bolts within a common link, a compression spring mounted within said semi-bores biasing the associated bolts in the axial direction of its associated first bore, and stop means limiting axial movement of said bolts under the influence of said spring.

Claim 9

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 1 wherein at least one of said discs of each pair of discs is axially adjustable upon its associated sHaft.

Claim 10

An infinitely variable chain transmission comprising, in combination, first and second pairs of discs mounted upon first and second shafts, respectively, said discs each having a concentric beveled surface having radially extending teeth defined thereon and the beveled surface and teeth of each pair of discs being in spaced opposed relation, a link chain comprising a plurality of interconnected links engaging and drivingly interconnecting said pairs of discs, said chain links being of a U configuration having first and second legs, first and second sets of cylindrical bores defined in each of said links, said first set of bores including a first bore defined in said first leg and a second bore defined in said second leg, said second set of bores including a first bore defined in said second leg and a second bore defined in said first leg, said bores being transversely disposed to the length of said chain, said second bores having a larger diameter than said first bores and being in alignment with said first bore of the same set, an elongated cylindrical bolt within each set of bores transversely extending from the associated link and closely axially slidably received within its associated first bore and loosely received within its associated second bore, and a tooth defined at each end of said bolts whereby initial engagement of said bolts'' toothed ends with the teeth of a pair of said discs axially displaces said bolts to align the bolts between said pair of discs and subsequent bending forces imposed on the end of said bolts adjacent said second bore binds and lock said bolts within said first bores against axial displacement within said bores.

Claim 11

An infinitely variable chain transmission comprising, in combination, first and second pairs of discs mounted upon first and second shafts, respectively, said discs each having a concentric beveled surface having radially extending teeth defined thereon and the beveled surface and teeth of each pair of discs being in spaced opposed relation, a link chain comprising a plurality of interconnected links engaging and drivingly interconnecting said pairs of discs, said chain links being of a U configuration having first and second legs, first and second sets of cylindrical bores defined in each of said links, said first set of bores including a first bore defined in said first leg and a second bore defined in said second leg, said second set of bores including a first bore defined in said second leg and a second bore defined in said first leg, said bores being transversely disposed to the length of said chain, said second bores having a larger diameter than said first bores and being in alignment with said first bore of the same set, an elongated cylindrical bolt within each set of bores transversely extending from the associated link and closely axially slidably received within its associated first bore and loosely received within its associated second bore, and a tooth defined at each end of said bolts whereby initial engagement of said bolts'' toothed ends with the teeth of a pair of said discs axially displaces said bolts to align the bolts between said pair of discs and subsequent bending forces imposed on the end of said bolts adjacent said second bore binds and lock said bolts within said first bores against axial displacement within said bores.

Claim 12

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 9 wherein the innermost portions of said first and second bores with respect to the closed chain configuration are in alignment wherein forces exerted on said bolts inwardly toward said innermost portions are prevented from bending and binding said bolts.

Claim 13

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 9 wherein the surfaces of said first and second bores defined in a common leg intersect each other, said bolts mounted in a common link each having a flattened side, said flattened sides being in spaced, opposed relation to each other limiting rotation of said bolts about their axes and permitting sufficient bolt rotation to permit alignment of the bolt toothed ends with the teeth defined on said discs.

Claim 14

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 9, a recess defined in each of said bolts intermediate the ends thereof, a guide rail mounted intermediate said pairs of discs received within said bolt recesses axially positioning said bolts prior to engagement of said bolts with said discs, and adjustable support means supporting said guide rail.

Claim 15

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 11, longitudinal semi-bores defined in the flattened side of each of said bolts within a common link, a compression spring mounted within said semi-bores biasing the associated bolts in the axial direction of its associated first bore, and stop means limiting axial movement of said bolts under the influence of said spring.

Claim 16

In an infinitely variable transmission as in claim 9 wherein at least one of said discs of each pair of discs is axially adjustable upon its associated shaft.