CA2272168A1 - Reinforced chain link element - Google Patents
Reinforced chain link element Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2272168A1 CA2272168A1 CA 2272168 CA2272168A CA2272168A1 CA 2272168 A1 CA2272168 A1 CA 2272168A1 CA 2272168 CA2272168 CA 2272168 CA 2272168 A CA2272168 A CA 2272168A CA 2272168 A1 CA2272168 A1 CA 2272168A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- chain link
- legs
- recited
- chain
- section
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60C27/00—Non-skid devices temporarily attachable to resilient tyres or resiliently-tyred wheels
- B60C27/06—Non-skid devices temporarily attachable to resilient tyres or resiliently-tyred wheels extending over the complete circumference of the tread, e.g. made of chains or cables
- B60C27/08—Non-skid devices temporarily attachable to resilient tyres or resiliently-tyred wheels extending over the complete circumference of the tread, e.g. made of chains or cables involving lugs or rings taking up wear, e.g. chain links, chain connectors
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G13/00—Chains
- F16G13/12—Hauling- or hoisting-chains so called ornamental chains
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G15/00—Chain couplings, Shackles; Chain joints; Chain links; Chain bushes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G15/00—Chain couplings, Shackles; Chain joints; Chain links; Chain bushes
- F16G15/12—Chain links
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Tires In General (AREA)
Abstract
A generally U-shaped reinforced chain link element is disclosed herein. The chain link element comprises a central supporting portion and two connecting legs symmetrically mounted to the supporting portion. The central portion has a cross-section greater than the cross-sections of the legs. Such reinforced chain link elements and chain links can be used, for example, in multi-ring assemblies of chain for tires and in endless chain belts. Reinforced chain link can also be formed by connecting the legs from to reinforced chain link element.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
REINFORCED CHAIN LINK ELEMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to chains. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a reinforced chain link element.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The links that form a chain are conventionally made of a rod having a constant section and that is cut and bent to form a ring.
In the manufacturing process of such links, each ring is usually closed by welding.
Although, the use of a chain provided with such links is usually efficient in applications where the chain is strained generally in a longitudinal direction, there are other applications where a chain has a non linear configuration. When this is the case, some of the links of the chain sustain greater lateral stress than usual, causing these links to break.
A chain that can be mounted to a tire is a good example of a chain that is subjected to a non linear traction.
REINFORCED CHAIN LINK ELEMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to chains. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a reinforced chain link element.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The links that form a chain are conventionally made of a rod having a constant section and that is cut and bent to form a ring.
In the manufacturing process of such links, each ring is usually closed by welding.
Although, the use of a chain provided with such links is usually efficient in applications where the chain is strained generally in a longitudinal direction, there are other applications where a chain has a non linear configuration. When this is the case, some of the links of the chain sustain greater lateral stress than usual, causing these links to break.
A chain that can be mounted to a tire is a good example of a chain that is subjected to a non linear traction.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a reinforced chain link element free of the above described drawbacks of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a generally U-shaped chain link element comprising first and second legs interconnected by a supporting portion;
the first and second legs having respective cross-sections; wherein the supporting portion has a cross-section greater than at least one of the cross-sections of the first and second legs.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a chain link made of two generally U-shaped chain link elements as described hereinabove.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a generally U-shaped chain link element symmetrical about a symmetry axis comprising:
a first leg having a first end defining a circular cross-section and a second end defining a generally oblong cross-section; the first leg having a generally J-shape; and a second leg having a first end defining a circular cross-section and a second end defining a generally oblong cross-section; the second leg having a generally inverted J-shape;
An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a reinforced chain link element free of the above described drawbacks of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a generally U-shaped chain link element comprising first and second legs interconnected by a supporting portion;
the first and second legs having respective cross-sections; wherein the supporting portion has a cross-section greater than at least one of the cross-sections of the first and second legs.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a chain link made of two generally U-shaped chain link elements as described hereinabove.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a generally U-shaped chain link element symmetrical about a symmetry axis comprising:
a first leg having a first end defining a circular cross-section and a second end defining a generally oblong cross-section; the first leg having a generally J-shape; and a second leg having a first end defining a circular cross-section and a second end defining a generally oblong cross-section; the second leg having a generally inverted J-shape;
wherein the second ends of the first and second legs are interconnected along the symmetry axis.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chain link element comprising:
a supporting portion having first and second ends and a first section;
first and second connecting legs being mounted respectively to the first and second ends; the first and second connecting legs having respectively a second and a third section; at least one of the second and third sections being less than the first section of the supporting portion.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-ring assembly comprising:
an annular ring having a peripheral surface;
a plurality of chain link elements as described hereinabove mounted to the annular ring by securing their connecting legs to the peripheral surface of the annular ring.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chain for tire comprising:
a plurality of multi-ring assemblies as described hereinabove;
a plurality of chains interconnecting the plurality of multi-ring assemblies via their chain link elements; the plurality of multi-ring assemblies and the plurality of chains being so configured as to define a net around the tire.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chain link element comprising:
a supporting portion having first and second ends and a first section;
first and second connecting legs being mounted respectively to the first and second ends; the first and second connecting legs having respectively a second and a third section; at least one of the second and third sections being less than the first section of the supporting portion.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-ring assembly comprising:
an annular ring having a peripheral surface;
a plurality of chain link elements as described hereinabove mounted to the annular ring by securing their connecting legs to the peripheral surface of the annular ring.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chain for tire comprising:
a plurality of multi-ring assemblies as described hereinabove;
a plurality of chains interconnecting the plurality of multi-ring assemblies via their chain link elements; the plurality of multi-ring assemblies and the plurality of chains being so configured as to define a net around the tire.
In a final aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chain link assembly for an endless chain belt comprising:
an open chain link including two chain link elements as described hereinabove; each of the two chain link elements has one of their two legs longer than the other; the two chain link elements being secured to each other by interconnecting their respective longer legs so as to provide a gap between each their non connected legs; the two chain link elements extending in a direction perpendicular to their connecting legs so as to provide an outward surface; and a ground engaging element so mounted to the open chain link as to extend outwardly from the outward surface.
Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a reinforced chain link element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the intertwining of chain link elements of Figure 1 to form a chain;
Figure 4 is top plan view of a multi-ring assembly, illustrating a second use of the chain link elements of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the multi-ring assembly 5 of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the multi-ring of Figure 4 mounted on a tire using conventional chains and having projecting cleats mounted thereto;
Figure 7 is a side elevational view of an endless track, incorporating a second embodiment of the reinforced chain link element according to the present invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of two chain link elements according to the second embodiment of the present invention, connected to form a first embodiment of an open reinforced chain link; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an open reinforced chain link; and Figure 10 is an elevational view of a chain for tires made of chain link element of Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning to Figures 1 to 3 of the appended drawings, a chain link element 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
an open chain link including two chain link elements as described hereinabove; each of the two chain link elements has one of their two legs longer than the other; the two chain link elements being secured to each other by interconnecting their respective longer legs so as to provide a gap between each their non connected legs; the two chain link elements extending in a direction perpendicular to their connecting legs so as to provide an outward surface; and a ground engaging element so mounted to the open chain link as to extend outwardly from the outward surface.
Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a reinforced chain link element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the intertwining of chain link elements of Figure 1 to form a chain;
Figure 4 is top plan view of a multi-ring assembly, illustrating a second use of the chain link elements of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the multi-ring assembly 5 of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the multi-ring of Figure 4 mounted on a tire using conventional chains and having projecting cleats mounted thereto;
Figure 7 is a side elevational view of an endless track, incorporating a second embodiment of the reinforced chain link element according to the present invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of two chain link elements according to the second embodiment of the present invention, connected to form a first embodiment of an open reinforced chain link; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an open reinforced chain link; and Figure 10 is an elevational view of a chain for tires made of chain link element of Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning to Figures 1 to 3 of the appended drawings, a chain link element 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The chain link element 10 is generally U-shaped and comprises a crescent shaped supporting portion 12 and two parallel connecting legs 14 and 15, integrally mounted to the supporting portion 12. The chain link element 10 is symmetrical about the symmetry axis 13.
As can be better seen from Fig 2, the supporting portion 12 has a generally oblong cross section 16 defined by a constant width 18 and a length gradually decreasing from a maximum 20 at the center of the supporting portion 12, thus at the symmetry axis 13, to a minimum corresponding to the width 18 of the central portion 12.
The legs 14 have a circular cross section 24 defined by a diameter equal to the width 18 (see Figure 3) of the central portion 12.
As can be seen in Figure 3, a reinforced chain can be formed by intertwining several chain link element 10 (see, for example, elements 26 and 30) and by connecting their respective legs (see, for example, elements 26 and 32). Welding can be used to make the connection between the two chain link element 26 and 32, to yield a reinforced chain link, if the two chain link elements 26 and 32 are made of metal. On the other hand, cement or other adhesive may be used if the elements 26 and 32 are made of plastic material.
The increase in length of the supporting portion's cross section 16 creates a reinforcement of the link. The chain link element 10 can thus sustain a greater stress in some directions than a conventional chain link element.
As can be better seen from Fig 2, the supporting portion 12 has a generally oblong cross section 16 defined by a constant width 18 and a length gradually decreasing from a maximum 20 at the center of the supporting portion 12, thus at the symmetry axis 13, to a minimum corresponding to the width 18 of the central portion 12.
The legs 14 have a circular cross section 24 defined by a diameter equal to the width 18 (see Figure 3) of the central portion 12.
As can be seen in Figure 3, a reinforced chain can be formed by intertwining several chain link element 10 (see, for example, elements 26 and 30) and by connecting their respective legs (see, for example, elements 26 and 32). Welding can be used to make the connection between the two chain link element 26 and 32, to yield a reinforced chain link, if the two chain link elements 26 and 32 are made of metal. On the other hand, cement or other adhesive may be used if the elements 26 and 32 are made of plastic material.
The increase in length of the supporting portion's cross section 16 creates a reinforcement of the link. The chain link element 10 can thus sustain a greater stress in some directions than a conventional chain link element.
Although the chain link element 10 has been described with connecting legs having a circular section and where the supporting portion has a gradually decreasing section, a person well versed in the art could easily design other configuration and shape for the chain link element 10 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Since there are applications where a chain is not stressed linearly while in traction, the maximum section of the supporting portion can be located anywhere between the two connecting legs 14, not just in the center as illustrated herein. The reinforcement is advantageously located generally near the contacting point between a chain link element and an intertwining chain link elements to provide a better resistance to mechanical stress.
Alternatively, a reinforced chain link element can simply be a conventional chain link element provided with an added protuberance to the supporting portion, between the connecting legs.
Turning now briefly to Figures 4 and 5 of the appended drawings, a multi-ring assembly 40 having reinforced chain link elements 42, similar to the reinforced chain link element 10 of Figure 1, will be described.
The multi-ring assembly 40 comprises an annular ring 44 having a peripheral surface 45 to which are secured, for example by welding, four reinforced chain link elements 42. As will be described hereinafter, the chain link elements 42 are used to tie the multi-ring assembly using lengths of chain. Of course, the number of chain link elements 42 used is not critical and may be modified according to the intended use of the multi-ring.
The chain link elements 42 can either be formed by molding one generally C-shaped integral piece or by cutting in half a closed generally elongated O-shaped piece.
Figure 6 illustrates two reinforced multi-ring assemblies 46, similar to the multi-ring assembly 40 of Figures 4 and 5, provided with cleats 48 mounted to an annular ring 50 and reinforced chain link elements 52 mounted thereto. The two multi-ring assemblies 46 are shown mounted to a tire 51 (in dash line in Figure 6) to improve the traction of a vehicle on some surfaces such as, for example, slurry, snow or ice.
The annular ring 50 of the multi-ring assemblies 46 act as a support for the cleats 48, while the reinforced chain link elements 52 allows the multi-ring assemblies 46 to define, with conventional chains 54, reinforced chain links 56 and rings 58, a chain for tire configured and sized to be mounted to the tire 51. The chain links 56 of the chains 54 that are connected directly to the reinforced chain link elements 52 are advantageously reinforced according to the present invention to avoid being the weak link between the reinforced chain links 52 and rings 58.
Figures 7 and 8 of the appended drawings illustrate a first cleated endless chain belt 60 according to another aspect of the present invention. The endless chain belt 60 is shown mounted to wheels 62 and comprises a plurality of chain link assemblies 64 interconnected by reinforced chain links 66, comprising two chain link elements 10 of Figure 1.
Each chain link assembly 64 comprises a reinforced open chain link 68, configured and sized to be intertwined with two reinforced chain links 66, a ground engaging element 70 mounted to the reinforced chain link 68 above an opening 72 thereof and a tire engaging element 74 mounted to the reinforced open chain link 68 opposite the ground engaging element 70. The general configuration of the chain link assemblies 64 is believed well known by a person skilled in the art and will not be described in further details herein.
Figure 8 of the appended drawings illustrates a first embodiment of the reinforced open chain link 68 of the chain link assembly 64 in greater details. The open chain link 68 includes a one piece oval shape metal plate 76 having an opening 72 on one side and two opposite recesses 80, similar in function as the support portions. The open chain link 68 further includes two small metal rods 82 inserted in the two opposite recesses 80 to reinforce the open chain link 68. The rods 82 are secured to the metal plate 76 by welding and include a semi-circular groove 83 to increase the contact surface between the reinforced open chain link 68 and the reinforced chain links 66.
The reinforced chain links 66 are configured and sized to be intertwined between chain link assemblies 64. The reinforced chain links 66 includes two chain link elements similar to chain link elements 10 of Figure 1, connected by their connecting legs. Since such reinforced chain links have been described hereinabove, they will not be discussed further.
The reinforced open chain links 68 and the reinforced chain links 66 must also be so configured and sized as to provide sufficient space between their respective connective legs so as to prevent any leverage effect on the connective legs.
Figure 8 of the appended drawings illustrates a first embodiment of the reinforced open chain link 68 of the chain link assembly 64 in greater details. The open chain link 68 includes a one piece oval shape metal plate 76 having an opening 72 on one side and 10 two opposite recesses 80, similar in function as the support portions. The open chain link 68 further includes two small metal rods 82 inserted in the two opposite recesses 80 to reinforce the open chain link 68. The rods 82 are secured to the metal plate 76 by welding and include a semi-circular groove 83 to increase the contact surface between the reinforced open chain link 68 and the reinforced chain links 66.
Figure 9 of the appended drawings illustrates a second embodiment 68' of the reinforced open chain link. For comparison purposes and since the reinforced open chain link 68' is similar to the reinforced open chain link 68, only the differences between these links will be described hereinbelow.
The reinforcement 82' is made integral to the oval shape metal plate 76'. The reinforcement 82' is positionned at an intermediate radial position between the center of the recess 80' and the side of the metal plate 76' opposite the opening 72'. The reason for this positionning of the reinforcement 82' is to provide reinforcement near the region where wearing is most likely to occur.
Since there are applications where a chain is not stressed linearly while in traction, the maximum section of the supporting portion can be located anywhere between the two connecting legs 14, not just in the center as illustrated herein. The reinforcement is advantageously located generally near the contacting point between a chain link element and an intertwining chain link elements to provide a better resistance to mechanical stress.
Alternatively, a reinforced chain link element can simply be a conventional chain link element provided with an added protuberance to the supporting portion, between the connecting legs.
Turning now briefly to Figures 4 and 5 of the appended drawings, a multi-ring assembly 40 having reinforced chain link elements 42, similar to the reinforced chain link element 10 of Figure 1, will be described.
The multi-ring assembly 40 comprises an annular ring 44 having a peripheral surface 45 to which are secured, for example by welding, four reinforced chain link elements 42. As will be described hereinafter, the chain link elements 42 are used to tie the multi-ring assembly using lengths of chain. Of course, the number of chain link elements 42 used is not critical and may be modified according to the intended use of the multi-ring.
The chain link elements 42 can either be formed by molding one generally C-shaped integral piece or by cutting in half a closed generally elongated O-shaped piece.
Figure 6 illustrates two reinforced multi-ring assemblies 46, similar to the multi-ring assembly 40 of Figures 4 and 5, provided with cleats 48 mounted to an annular ring 50 and reinforced chain link elements 52 mounted thereto. The two multi-ring assemblies 46 are shown mounted to a tire 51 (in dash line in Figure 6) to improve the traction of a vehicle on some surfaces such as, for example, slurry, snow or ice.
The annular ring 50 of the multi-ring assemblies 46 act as a support for the cleats 48, while the reinforced chain link elements 52 allows the multi-ring assemblies 46 to define, with conventional chains 54, reinforced chain links 56 and rings 58, a chain for tire configured and sized to be mounted to the tire 51. The chain links 56 of the chains 54 that are connected directly to the reinforced chain link elements 52 are advantageously reinforced according to the present invention to avoid being the weak link between the reinforced chain links 52 and rings 58.
Figures 7 and 8 of the appended drawings illustrate a first cleated endless chain belt 60 according to another aspect of the present invention. The endless chain belt 60 is shown mounted to wheels 62 and comprises a plurality of chain link assemblies 64 interconnected by reinforced chain links 66, comprising two chain link elements 10 of Figure 1.
Each chain link assembly 64 comprises a reinforced open chain link 68, configured and sized to be intertwined with two reinforced chain links 66, a ground engaging element 70 mounted to the reinforced chain link 68 above an opening 72 thereof and a tire engaging element 74 mounted to the reinforced open chain link 68 opposite the ground engaging element 70. The general configuration of the chain link assemblies 64 is believed well known by a person skilled in the art and will not be described in further details herein.
Figure 8 of the appended drawings illustrates a first embodiment of the reinforced open chain link 68 of the chain link assembly 64 in greater details. The open chain link 68 includes a one piece oval shape metal plate 76 having an opening 72 on one side and two opposite recesses 80, similar in function as the support portions. The open chain link 68 further includes two small metal rods 82 inserted in the two opposite recesses 80 to reinforce the open chain link 68. The rods 82 are secured to the metal plate 76 by welding and include a semi-circular groove 83 to increase the contact surface between the reinforced open chain link 68 and the reinforced chain links 66.
The reinforced chain links 66 are configured and sized to be intertwined between chain link assemblies 64. The reinforced chain links 66 includes two chain link elements similar to chain link elements 10 of Figure 1, connected by their connecting legs. Since such reinforced chain links have been described hereinabove, they will not be discussed further.
The reinforced open chain links 68 and the reinforced chain links 66 must also be so configured and sized as to provide sufficient space between their respective connective legs so as to prevent any leverage effect on the connective legs.
Figure 8 of the appended drawings illustrates a first embodiment of the reinforced open chain link 68 of the chain link assembly 64 in greater details. The open chain link 68 includes a one piece oval shape metal plate 76 having an opening 72 on one side and 10 two opposite recesses 80, similar in function as the support portions. The open chain link 68 further includes two small metal rods 82 inserted in the two opposite recesses 80 to reinforce the open chain link 68. The rods 82 are secured to the metal plate 76 by welding and include a semi-circular groove 83 to increase the contact surface between the reinforced open chain link 68 and the reinforced chain links 66.
Figure 9 of the appended drawings illustrates a second embodiment 68' of the reinforced open chain link. For comparison purposes and since the reinforced open chain link 68' is similar to the reinforced open chain link 68, only the differences between these links will be described hereinbelow.
The reinforcement 82' is made integral to the oval shape metal plate 76'. The reinforcement 82' is positionned at an intermediate radial position between the center of the recess 80' and the side of the metal plate 76' opposite the opening 72'. The reason for this positionning of the reinforcement 82' is to provide reinforcement near the region where wearing is most likely to occur.
Of course, one skilled in the art could design another interconnecting element to adequately interconnect the chain links assemblies 64, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Figure 10 of the appended drawings shows a second cleated endless chain belt 92, mounted on a single tire 94. Since the cleated endless chain belt 92 is similar to the chain belt 60 from Figure 7, only the differences between these chain belts will be described hereinbelow.
The cleated chain belt 92 includes several angled chain link assemblies 96 each having an angled open chain link 98. The difference between this open chain link 98 and the open chain link 68 of Figure 7 is that the oval shape metal plate 100 of the open chain link 98 is bend outwardly to provide a concave surface 102 between the two recesses 104. As will be apparent to a person versed in the art, the cavity 102 allows the cleated chain belt 92 to be adequately secured to the tire 94.
As might appear evident to one skill in the art, the open chain links 68 and 98 could also be assembled by securing two identical reinforced chain link elements having one of their legs longer than the other.
It is to be noted that other reinforced chain link elements or chain links having different configuration could be designed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Figure 10 of the appended drawings shows a second cleated endless chain belt 92, mounted on a single tire 94. Since the cleated endless chain belt 92 is similar to the chain belt 60 from Figure 7, only the differences between these chain belts will be described hereinbelow.
The cleated chain belt 92 includes several angled chain link assemblies 96 each having an angled open chain link 98. The difference between this open chain link 98 and the open chain link 68 of Figure 7 is that the oval shape metal plate 100 of the open chain link 98 is bend outwardly to provide a concave surface 102 between the two recesses 104. As will be apparent to a person versed in the art, the cavity 102 allows the cleated chain belt 92 to be adequately secured to the tire 94.
As might appear evident to one skill in the art, the open chain links 68 and 98 could also be assembled by securing two identical reinforced chain link elements having one of their legs longer than the other.
It is to be noted that other reinforced chain link elements or chain links having different configuration could be designed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (19)
1. A generally U-shaped chain link element comprising first and second legs interconnected by a supporting portion; said first and second legs having respective cross-sections; wherein said supporting portion has a cross-section greater than at least one of said cross-sections of said first and second legs.
2. A chain link element as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second legs have a circular cross-section.
3. A chain link element as recited in claim 2, wherein said supporting portion has a generally oblong cross-section.
4. A chain link element as recited in claim 3, wherein said oblong cross-section of said supporting portion has a generally constant width equal to said cross-section of said first and second legs and a gradually decreasing length.
5. A chain link element as recited in claim 4, wherein said supporting portion is symmetrical about a symmetry axis and said length is maximum near the symmetrical axis.
6. A chain link comprising at least one chain link element as recited in claim 1.
7. A chain link comprising two chain link elements from claim 1 integrally connected by their legs.
8. A chain link as recited in claim 7, wherein said two chain link elements are made of metal.
9. A chain link as recited in claim 8, wherein said two chain links are secured by welding.
10. A chain link as recited in claim 7, wherein said two chain link elements are made of plastic.
11. A generally U-shaped chain link element symmetrical about a symmetry axis comprising:
a first leg having a first end defining a circular cross-section and a second end defining a generally oblong cross-section; said first leg having a generally J-shape; and a second leg having a first end defining a circular cross-section and a second end defining a generally oblong cross-section; said second leg having a generally inverted J-shape;
wherein said second ends of said first and second legs are interconnected along said symmetry axis.
a first leg having a first end defining a circular cross-section and a second end defining a generally oblong cross-section; said first leg having a generally J-shape; and a second leg having a first end defining a circular cross-section and a second end defining a generally oblong cross-section; said second leg having a generally inverted J-shape;
wherein said second ends of said first and second legs are interconnected along said symmetry axis.
12. A chain link element comprising:
a supporting portion having first and second ends and a first section;
first and second connecting legs being mounted respectively to said first and second ends; said first and second connecting legs having respectively a second and a third section; at least one of said second and third sections being less than said first section of said supporting portion.
a supporting portion having first and second ends and a first section;
first and second connecting legs being mounted respectively to said first and second ends; said first and second connecting legs having respectively a second and a third section; at least one of said second and third sections being less than said first section of said supporting portion.
13. A chain link element as recited in claim 12, wherein said supporting portion has a crescent shape.
14. A multi-ring assembly comprising:
an annular ring having a peripheral surface;
a plurality of chain link elements according to claim 1 mounted to said annular ring by securing their connecting legs to said peripheral surface of said annular ring.
an annular ring having a peripheral surface;
a plurality of chain link elements according to claim 1 mounted to said annular ring by securing their connecting legs to said peripheral surface of said annular ring.
15. A multi-ring assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein said annular ring and said plurality of chain link elements are made of metal.
16. A multi-ring assembly as recited in claim 15, wherein said plurality of said chain link elements are secured by welding to said peripheral surface of said annular ring.
17. A chain for tire comprising:
a plurality of multi-ring assemblies as recited in claim 14;
a plurality of chains interconnecting said plurality of multi-ring assemblies via their chain link elements; said plurality of multi-ring assemblies and said plurality of chains being so configured as to define a net around the tire.
a plurality of multi-ring assemblies as recited in claim 14;
a plurality of chains interconnecting said plurality of multi-ring assemblies via their chain link elements; said plurality of multi-ring assemblies and said plurality of chains being so configured as to define a net around the tire.
18. A chain for tire as recited in claim 17, wherein said annular ring of each said multi-ring assemblies includes cleats secured to a surface of said annular ring and projecting outwardly from the tire.
19. A chain link assembly for an endless chain belt comprising:
an open chain link including two chain link elements as recited in claim 1; each of said two chain link elements has one of their two legs longer than the other; said two chain link elements being secured to each other by interconnecting their respective longer legs so as to provide a gap between each their non connected legs; said two chain link elements extending in a direction perpendicular to their connecting legs so as to provide an outward surface; and a ground engaging element so mounted to said open chain link as to extend outwardly from said outward surface.
an open chain link including two chain link elements as recited in claim 1; each of said two chain link elements has one of their two legs longer than the other; said two chain link elements being secured to each other by interconnecting their respective longer legs so as to provide a gap between each their non connected legs; said two chain link elements extending in a direction perpendicular to their connecting legs so as to provide an outward surface; and a ground engaging element so mounted to said open chain link as to extend outwardly from said outward surface.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2272168 CA2272168A1 (en) | 1999-05-17 | 1999-05-17 | Reinforced chain link element |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2272168 CA2272168A1 (en) | 1999-05-17 | 1999-05-17 | Reinforced chain link element |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2272168A1 true CA2272168A1 (en) | 2000-11-17 |
Family
ID=29589011
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2272168 Abandoned CA2272168A1 (en) | 1999-05-17 | 1999-05-17 | Reinforced chain link element |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2272168A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1747915A2 (en) * | 2005-07-28 | 2007-01-31 | Eisen- und Drahtwerk Erlau AG | Horizontal ring-shaped link for connecting vertical links of a tyre chain together and method of producing a tyre chain |
-
1999
- 1999-05-17 CA CA 2272168 patent/CA2272168A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1747915A2 (en) * | 2005-07-28 | 2007-01-31 | Eisen- und Drahtwerk Erlau AG | Horizontal ring-shaped link for connecting vertical links of a tyre chain together and method of producing a tyre chain |
| EP1747915A3 (en) * | 2005-07-28 | 2008-10-08 | Eisen- und Drahtwerk Erlau AG | Horizontal ring-shaped link for connecting vertical links of a tyre chain together and method of producing a tyre chain |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |