US4123947A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Non-metallic transmission chain
Assignee: Zurn LLC
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Filing: 1977-08-26
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Granted: 1978-11-07
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Expires: 1997-08-26
Abstract
Abstract The present invention pertains to a non-metallic transmission chain for high loads which comprises a plurality of non-metallic links of a material having a tensile strength of at least 8500 psi and a plurality of associated glass fiber reinforced pins with a tensile strength of at least 1800 psi and flexure modulus of not less than 1,000,000 psi. The superior strength and qualities of the pin provide significant reduction in the undesired side arm flexing of the links.
Inventors
- 👤 Larry C. Smith
- 👤 Robert J. Webers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:33
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16G; F16G13/00; F16G13/02; F16G13/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
186 words
A non-metallic chain for loads comprising: (a) a plurality of links each having a barrel with an axially extending bore, said barrel connected to a pair of spaced side arms extending outward from said bore and having openings coaxially aligned with the bore of the barrel of the next adjacent link, said links being comprised of a material having a tensile strength of at least 8500 psi and creep value of less than 2.0% in 10 years at a stress of 2000 psi, (b) a plurality of pins each of which is adapted to extend through said barrel and said openings, said pin being made of a glass fiber reinforced polymeric material having a tensile strength of at least 18,000 psi, a flexure modulus of not less than 1,000,000 psi, a creep value of less than 0.5% in 1 year at 2000 psi, and a dimensional change from moisture absorption, essentially the same as the link material, and (c) means existing as cooperating structure on both said links and pins for releasably locking said pin against longitudinal movement while housed in the bore of said barrel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
186 words
A non-metallic chain for loads comprising: (a) a plurality of links each having a barrel with an axially extending bore, said barrel connected to a pair of spaced side arms extending outward from said bore and having openings coaxially aligned with the bore of the barrel of the next adjacent link, said links being comprised of a material having a tensile strength of at least 8500 psi and creep value of less than 2.0% in 10 years at a stress of 2000 psi, (b) a plurality of pins each of which is adapted to extend through said barrel and said openings, said pin being made of a glass fiber reinforced polymeric material having a tensile strength of at least 18,000 psi, a flexure modulus of not less than 1,000,000 psi, a creep value of less than 0.5% in 1 year at 2000 psi, and a dimensional change from moisture absorption, essentially the same as the link material, and (c) means existing as cooperating structure on both said links and pins for releasably locking said pin against longitudinal movement while housed in the bore of said barrel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The drive chain of claim 1 in which said pin is made from a glass-filled polymeric material comprising a group consisting of 612 nylon and acetal copolymer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The drive chain of claim 1 in which said pin is injection molded with an axial extending bore and a wall thickness not exceeding about 0.25 inch, said glass fibers being essentially axially oriented.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The chain of claim 1 in which said locking means includes a circumferential channel about the periphery of the leading edge of said pin and a chamfered wedge about the surface of one bore of said side arms.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
The chain of claim 4 in which said side bars have bosses on the outside surface thereof about the bore, said bosses being of substantial equal dimensions and having annular flat surfaces adapted to receive an annular surface, whereby said flat surfaces provide a mounting surface for the surface of a tool to remove or insert the pin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The chain of claim 1 including means for constraining the movement of the side arms relative to the longitudinal axis thereof when under load.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The chain of claim 6 in which said means includes a interference fit between said side bars and said pin.
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) | 1981-11-06 | 1982-05-08 | 1982-11-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-11-06 | 1986-05-08 | 1986-11-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-11-06 | 1990-05-08 | 1990-11-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |