US3813478A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible electrically conductive chain and method of making the same
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-10-30
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Granted: 1974-05-28
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Expires: 1992-10-30
Abstract
Abstract An improved flexible electrically conductive chain is provided which comprises a plurality of spaced conductor links, each of which includes an external shell defining an enclosed internal passageway, apertures extending through the shell in communication with the passageway adjacent opposite ends of the link, and a plurality of support links. The links preferably are in the configuration of a peripheral shell with central opening, with individual support links disposed between and interconnecting adjacent conductor links through said openings. A flexible conductor is disposed within said passageways, through said apertures and external of said support links. The support links space the conductor links a distance apart which permits free flexing and bending of the conductor and chain without loadbearing or strain on the conductor. The improved chain can be made of a number of methods, including a novel procedure wherein the conductor links are simultaneously molded around the conductor, with joining studs which maintain conductor link spacing. Such studs can be later removed. The support links are then attached to form the finished chain.
Inventors
- 👤 G Ervin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 10:48
CPC Classifications
B; B21; B21L; B21L99/00; F; F16; F16G; F16G13/00; F16G13/12; F16G13/16; F21; F21V; F21V21/00; F21V21/10; F21V21/104; F21V27/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
An electrically conductive chain formed of separate conductor links connected together by support links and a pair of electrical conductors, wherein the conductor links comprise a series of molded shell portions formed of electrically insulative material within which the pair of conductors are disposed to extend the length of the chain, wherein the conductors are integrally molded within the conductor links, said conductor links enclosing the pair of conductors, and said conductors of said pair being insulated from each other along the entire length of said chain.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
An electrically conductive chain formed of separate conductor links connected together by support links and a pair of electrical conductors, wherein the conductor links comprise a series of molded shell portions formed of electrically insulative material within which the pair of conductors are disposed to extend the length of the chain, wherein the conductors are integrally molded within the conductor links, said conductor links enclosing the pair of conductors, and said conductors of said pair being insulated from each other along the entire length of said chain.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improved chain of claim 1 wherein said chain includes a conductor link having an electrical switch in contact with one of said conductors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improved chain of claim 1 wherein said chain includes a conductor link comprising a mateable pair of detachable male and female electrically conductive plugs.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
A chain as in claim 1 wherein the support links comprise mating halves, each being generally C-shaped and having a full segment situated between a pair of half-segments, the half-segments of one mating half being adapted to join to and overlap the respective half-segments of a corresponding mating half, whereby the support link may be formed in closed configuration after coupling to a pair of adjacent conductor links.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of making an improved electrically conductive chain, said method comprising: disposing a flexible electrical conductor within a mold cavity; supporting said conductor within said cavity in a serpentine path out of direct contact with the walls defining said cavity; molding a plurality of spaced conductor links around said conductor in said cavity; removing the resulting molded product from said cavity; and interconnecting adjacent conductor links by coupling support links thereto.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of making an improved electrically conductive chain, said method comprising: disposing a flexible electrical conductor within a mold cavity; supporting said conductor within said cavity in a serpentine path out of direct contact with the walls defining said cavity; molding a plurality of spaced conductor links around said conductor in said cavity; removing the resulting molded product from said cavity; and interconnecting adjacent conductor links by coupling support links thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the molding step comprises forming a series of half-links containing the conductor therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the conductor is a bare wire and further comprising the step of insulating exposed segments of said conductor between adjacent link halves.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of joining together a pair of molded halves prior to the interconnecting step.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the supporting step comprises applying a series of collars to the conductor to keep it away from the walls of the cavity.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the supporting step comprises maintaining the conductor fixed in position along a predetermined path against the flat side of a generally half-round cavity.
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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) | 1977-05-27 | 1977-11-26 | 1978-05-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-27 | 1981-11-26 | 1982-05-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-27 | 1985-11-26 | 1986-05-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |