Patent US3885445A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3885445A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Master link assembly
Assignee: Dresser Industries Inc
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Filing: 1972-11-27
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Granted: 1975-05-27
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Expires: 1992-11-27
Abstract
Abstract A master link assembly for releasably coupling the opposing ends of a series of articulated links to form a chain wherein the opposing ends are defined by a pair of roller link assemblies each having a pair of opposing link plates with pitch holes extending between the opposing faces thereof and a pair of tubular bushings press fitted thereinto comprising first and second link plates each including a pair of pitch holes extending between the opposing faces thereof, a pair of connecting pins selectively configured for slidable insertion into a tubular bushing and for insertion into the pitch holes of the first and second link plates, means for limiting the separation of the first and second link plates to a predetermined maximum separation, the limiting means including a bifurcated clip spring selectively configured for placement about the connecting pins adjacent the outer face of one of the first and second link plates, the one master link plate including a pair of fastener receiving bores extending downwardly from the outer face thereof, fastener means selectively insertable into the fastener receiving bores for engaging the opposing arms of the bifurcated spring clip to prevent the transverse displacement and thereby the separation thereof and adapted to be maintained in the fastener receiving bores, and means for maintaining the fastener means at a position remote from the coupled roller link assemblies whereby the fastener means will not interfere with the free articulation thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph V Montano
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 21:52
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16G; F16G13/00; F16G13/02; F16G13/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
254 words
A master link assembly for releasably coupling the opposing ends of a series of articulated links to form a chain wherein the opposing ends are defined by a pair of roller link assemblies each having a pair of opposing link plates with pitch holes extending between the opposing faces thereof and a pair of tubular bushings press fitted thereinto comprising first and second link plates each including a pair of pitch holes extending between the opposing faces thereof, a pair of connecting pins selectively configured for slidable insertion into a tubular bushing and for insertion into the pitch holes of said first and second link plates, means for limiting the separation of said first and second link plates to a predetermined maximum separation, said limiting means including a bifurcated clip spring selectively configured for placement about said connecting pins adjacent the outer face of one of said first and second link plates comprising the master link plate, said one master link plate including a pair of fastenEr receiving bores extending downwardly from the outer surface therof, fastener means selectively insertable into said fastener receiving bores for extending about and against the opposing arms of said bifurcated spring clip to secure said arms against said pins and prevent the transverse displacement and thereby the separation thereof, means for maintaining said fastener means in said fastener receiving bores and for maintaining said fastener means at a position remote from the coupled roller link assemblies whereby said fastener means will not interfere with the free articulation thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
254 words
A master link assembly for releasably coupling the opposing ends of a series of articulated links to form a chain wherein the opposing ends are defined by a pair of roller link assemblies each having a pair of opposing link plates with pitch holes extending between the opposing faces thereof and a pair of tubular bushings press fitted thereinto comprising first and second link plates each including a pair of pitch holes extending between the opposing faces thereof, a pair of connecting pins selectively configured for slidable insertion into a tubular bushing and for insertion into the pitch holes of said first and second link plates, means for limiting the separation of said first and second link plates to a predetermined maximum separation, said limiting means including a bifurcated clip spring selectively configured for placement about said connecting pins adjacent the outer face of one of said first and second link plates comprising the master link plate, said one master link plate including a pair of fastenEr receiving bores extending downwardly from the outer surface therof, fastener means selectively insertable into said fastener receiving bores for extending about and against the opposing arms of said bifurcated spring clip to secure said arms against said pins and prevent the transverse displacement and thereby the separation thereof, means for maintaining said fastener means in said fastener receiving bores and for maintaining said fastener means at a position remote from the coupled roller link assemblies whereby said fastener means will not interfere with the free articulation thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
103 words
A master link assembly according to claim 1, wherein said fastener receiving bores extend between the opposing faces of said one master link plate and said fastener means comprises a lockwire having a selected length so that a portion of each of the legs thereof will project beyond one face of said one master link plate when said lockwire is inserted into said fastener receiving bores, said projecting portions comprising said maintaining means and being selectively bendable into engagement with the other face thereof so that said lockwire will engage said spring clip and will be remote from the coupled roller link assemblies.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A master link assembly according to claim 1 wherein said fastener receiving bores are tapped and said fastener means comprises a pair of screws.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
61 words
A master link assembly according to claim 1, wherein said spring clip includes a pair of bores selectively sized to slidably receive said fastener means and selectively located to be coaxial with the fastener receiving bores in said one master link plate whereby the lateral displacement of said spring clip across the face of said one master link will be prevented.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
74 words
A master link assembly according to claim 1 wherein said spring clip includes a pair of notches defined in the outer sides of the spring clip arms, said notches being selectively sized to slidably receive said fastener means and selectively located to be coaxial with the fastener receiving bores in said one master link plate whereby the lateral displacement of said spring clip across the face of said one master link will be prevented.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
A master link assembly according to claim 2, wherein said fastener receiving bores are selectively located adjacent to the opposing sides of said bifurcated clip spring whereby the transverse displacement of said clip spring will be prevented and said fastener receiving bores are selectively located intermediate said connecting pins whereby said lockwire can be bent into engagement with said one master link plate with said lockwire remote from the coupled roller assemblies.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A master link assembly according to claim 1, wherein said master link includes a second bifurcated clip spring selectively configured for placement about said connecting pins adjacent the outer face of the other one of said first and second link plates.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
A master link assembly according to claim 7, comprising two integral half-link assemblies, each including a. one of said master link plates b. one of said clip springs and c. one of said connecting pins.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-26 | 1978-11-25 | 1979-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-26 | 1982-11-25 | 1983-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-26 | 1986-11-25 | 1987-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |