Preloaded joining link
US5873232A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16G15/02
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A chain joining link (1) having an assemblage of disaassemblable parts enabling the link (1) to be fitted on two adjacent chain sections, the assemblage having U-shaped end members (2) to retain said chain sections, the U-shaped members (2) including recesses (7) receiving flanges (4) whereby the members (2) are joined for assembly of the link. Each recess (7) has a width greater than that of the corresponding flange (4), and the width difference (gap) is accommodated by a wedge (8). The wedge (8) is fitted into the gap so as to preload the link by a predetermined amount and to this end the wedge (8) is first placed in the gap to a first position with no force fitting, and thereafter the wedge (8) is forced a predetermined distance from said first position to a second position so causing a compressive preload in the flange (4) and a tensile preload in the material surrounding the recess (7). Assembly is completed by the fitting of a columnar stud (15). A special tool is provided for the movement of the wedge (8) to the second position. Also a hole (13) is provided to facilitate release of the wedge (8) to the first position for link disassembly. The arrangement enables the required…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.