Patent · US Expired

Guide chain

US4769985A · kind A · utility

24Cited by
5References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 1, 1986
Grant dateSep 13, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 1, 2006

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16G13/16
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A guide chain for carrying transmission lines, feed lines, and other energy lines, especially cables and hoses, from a fixed connection to a movable consuming device. The guide chain includes a plurality of chain links that include a U-shaped receiving member, the legs of which form outer side pieces, and that also include a closure member that can be connected to the free edges or sides of the side pieces. With minimum play and friction, the guide chain carries energy lines of various dimensions with negligible wear. When the closure member is opened, a complementarily shaped insert can be placed in the receiving member. When the closure member is closed, the periphery of the insert is supported on all sides. The insert is positively connected with the chain link when the closure member is closed via guide ribs and guide grooves. The insert is provided with openings which, when the insert is positively connected, are oriented along the longitudinal axis of the guide chain when the latter is in the extended state. These openings accommodate energy lines.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.