US4437849A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Replacement drive belt
Assignee: WM Berg Inc
•
Filing: 1979-06-12
•
Granted: 1984-03-20
•
Expires: 1999-06-12
Abstract
Abstract A belt is described for use as an emergency replacement for a regular drive or timing belt. The belt comprises an elongated flexible member which has an integral ratchet type connecting means provided on its opposite ends. The flexible member is cut to form a loop of the desired size and the opposite ends are then connected using the ratchet connecting means without requiring any special additional connecting members or tools. The belt is useful, for example, in automobiles as an emergency replacement for the conventional fan belt or other engine belts where a belt fails in use and where the replacement belt permits the motorist to drive a sufficient distance to reach a garage for a regular belt replacement.
Inventors
- 👤 Winfred M. Berg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 03:04
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16G; F16G3/00; F16G7/00; F16G7/06; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T24/00; Y10T24/16; Y10T24/1692
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A replacement drive belt comprising an elongated belt portion of indeterminate length adapted for being cut adjacent to one end for forming loops of varying sizes and having coupling means for connecting its opposite ends, said coupling means comprising a first elongated ratchet tie having immediately adjacent ratchet teeth and extending from the belt end opposite to said cut end and adapted to adjustably engage and to form a connection with second ratchet teeth positioned immediately adjacent to each other and extending along said belt from the cut end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
A replacement drive belt comprising an elongated belt portion of indeterminate length adapted for being cut adjacent to one end for forming loops of varying sizes and having coupling means for connecting its opposite ends, said coupling means comprising a first elongated ratchet tie having immediately adjacent ratchet teeth and extending from the belt end opposite to said cut end and adapted to adjustably engage and to form a connection with second ratchet teeth positioned immediately adjacent to each other and extending along said belt from the cut end.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 1 in which a channel extends along the entire upper portion of the elongated belt portion and said second ratchet teeth are positioned in said channel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 2 in which said ratchet tie has one end positioned in said channel with the first ratchet teeth on said ratchet tie engaging the second ratchet teeth in said channel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 3 in which said ratchet tie has fastening means in addition to said ratchet teeth connecting the ratchet tie to the belt portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 2 in which said channel has an inverted T-shaped cross section and said ratchet tie has a complimentary T-shaped cross section of similar size whereby said ratchet tie tightly fits within said channel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 1 in which said belt portion further comprises one or more embedded cables extending longitudinally of the belt portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 1 in which said ratchet tie further comprises one or more embedded cables extending longitudinally of said ratchet tie.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 1 in which said belt portion comprises polyurethane.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 1 in which said ratchet tie comprises polyurethane.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 6 in which said cable comprises plastic.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 6 in which said cable comprises steel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 7 in which said cable comprises steel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 1 in which said belt portion includes lateral cable centering apertures.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 7 in which said belt portion includes lateral cable centering apertures.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The drive belt as claimed in claim 1 in which said belt portion and ratchet tie each includes longitudinally spaced apertures.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
US4031766A
Cited
US4183120A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-03-20 | 1987-09-19 | 1988-03-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-03-20 | 1991-09-19 | 1992-03-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-03-20 | 1995-09-19 | 1996-03-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |