US3948114A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Drive chain with slack take-up springs
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-04-29
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Granted: 1976-04-06
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Expires: 1995-04-29
Abstract
Abstract A roller link chain for driving connection between a pair of sprocket wheels is provided and adjacent connecting link pivot shafts, spaced apart by one or more pivot shafts spaced therebetween, utilized to pivotally interconnect adjacent links of the chain include corresponding end portions which project outwardly of the same side of the chain. A slightly stretched expansion spring extends between and has its opposite end portions anchored to the outwardly projecting ends of the adjacent pivot shafts, whereby the spring will buckle the portion of the chain extending between the pivot shafts to which the spring is attached when the spring is moving along a "slack" reach of the chain. In this manner, excessive slack of the chain normally associated with the slack reach thereof will be taken up so as to reduce the running noise of the chain and the tendency of an otherwise excessively loose chain to jump one of the sprockets with which it is associated.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter J. Koinzan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:51
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16G; F16G13/00; F16G13/02; F16G13/06; F16H; F16H7/00; F16H7/08; F16H19/00; F16H19/02; F16H19/06; F16H19/0672; F16H2007/0802; F16H2007/0808; F16H2007/0889; F16H2007/0893
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
In combination with a sprocket chain of the type including longitudinally spaced pairs of longitudinal links with corresponding ends of each pair of link straps interconnected by means of transverse members extending therebetween and with each pair of adjacent links connected at their adjacent ends by opposite side connecting straps extending therebetween and overlapped therewith and pivot shafts secured through overlapped ends of said link and connecting straps, one pair of corresponding ends of adjacent pivot shafts having at least one pivot shaft disposed therebetween projecting outwardly of the corresponding side of said chain, and an elongated at least slightly stretched expansion spring having its opposite ends anchored relative to said corresponding pivot shaft ends.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
In combination with a sprocket chain of the type including longitudinally spaced pairs of longitudinal links with corresponding ends of each pair of link straps interconnected by means of transverse members extending therebetween and with each pair of adjacent links connected at their adjacent ends by opposite side connecting straps extending therebetween and overlapped therewith and pivot shafts secured through overlapped ends of said link and connecting straps, one pair of corresponding ends of adjacent pivot shafts having at least one pivot shaft disposed therebetween projecting outwardly of the corresponding side of said chain, and an elongated at least slightly stretched expansion spring having its opposite ends anchored relative to said corresponding pivot shaft ends.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein the other pair of corresponding ends of said adjacent pivot shafts are rigidly attached to the corresponding connecting links.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said transverse members comprise rollers journaled on the mid-portions of the corresponding pivot shafts.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein the opposite ends of said expansion spring include endwise outwardly projecting integral stems disposed on the side of said spring adjacent said chain, the free ends of said stems being anchored to said two corresponding ends of said adjacent pivot shafts with said spring at least slightly spaced laterally outwardly of the adjacent side of said chain.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein the other pair of corresponding ends of adjacent pivot shafts also project outwardly of the corresponding side of said chain, and a second at least slightly stretched expansion spring extending between and having its opposite ends anchored relative to said other pair of corresponding pivot shaft ends.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The combination of claim 5 wherein the opposite ends of said expansion spring include endwise outwardly projecting integral stems disposed on the side of said spring adjacent said chain, the free ends of said stems being anchored to the corresponding ends of said adjacent pivot shafts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said adjacent pivot shafts have at least two pivot shafts spaced therebetween.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3379005A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-04-06 | 1979-10-06 | 1980-04-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-04-06 | 1983-10-06 | 1984-04-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-04-06 | 1987-10-06 | 1988-04-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |