Bi-directional tensioner
US7883436B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2007/081
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An assembly for maintaining tension in a drive belt features a housing mounted on a base. The housing contains a biasing element that exerts torque on the housing to bias the housing in a radial direction. A lever arm is connected to the housing and rotates with the housing in response to the bias of the biasing element. A pulley is connected to the lever arm and engages a drive belt in response to the bias force of the biasing element on the lever arm. The pulley deflects the shape of the belt to provide tension in the belt. In one embodiment, the apparatus allows the user to switch the position of the biasing element and alter the direction of torque on the lever arm. In another embodiment, the lever arm and pulley are removable from the housing and replaceable with other arms and pulleys having different configurations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.