Saw chain link with one or more oversized rivet holes
AssigneeOregon Tool, Inc.
InventorsMichael D. Harfst, Christopher D. Seigneur
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments herein provide apparatuses, systems, and methods associated with a saw chain link having one or more oversized rivet holes. A rivet may be disposed in the oversized rivet hole and provide a clearance between the rivet and the edge of the oversized rivet hole that is about 0.010 inches or more. The clearance may permit the saw chain to move between two or more stable positions. The saw chain link may be a drive link, such as a cutter drive link or a bumper drive link. In some embodiments, the saw chain link may be a bi-directional saw chain link. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
Claims19
A saw chain for a chain saw, the saw chain comprising:
- a drive link including:
- a body;
- a first rivet hole through the body;
- and
- a second rivet hole through the body;
- a tie strap adjacent the drive link;
- and
- a rivet coupled to the tie strap, the rivet including a flange disposed in the first rivet hole, wherein a clearance between the flange and the first rivet hole is 0.010 inches or more, wherein the drive link is a bi-directional cutter drive link that includes:
- a first cutting element extending upward from the body, the first cutting element configured to perform cuts when the drive link travels in a first direction with the first rivet hole in front of the second rivet hole;
- and
- a second cutting element extending upward from the body, the second cutting element configured to perform cuts when the drive link travels in a second direction with the first rivet hole behind the second rivet hole.
A bi-directional cutter drive link for use with a chain saw, comprising:
- a body including a first rivet hole through the body and a second rivet hole through the body;
- a first cutting element extending upward from the body, the first cutting element to perform cuts when the drive link travels in a first direction with the first rivet hole in front of the second rivet hole;
- and
- a second cutting element extending upward from the body, the second cutting element to perform cuts when the drive link travels in a second direction with the first rivet hole behind the second rivet hole;
- wherein the first rivet hole and second rivet hole have elongated shapes enabling rivet translation within the first rivet hole and the second rivet hole such that:
- the first cutting element extends above the second cutting element when the drive link travels in the first direction;
- and
- the second cutting element extends above the first cutting element when the drive link travels in the second direction.
A saw chain, comprising:
- a bi-directional cutter drive link, comprising:
- a body including a first rivet hole through the body and a second rivet hole through the body;
- a first cutting element extending upward from the body, the first cutting element adapted to perform cuts when the drive link travels in a first direction with, in relation to the first direction, the first rivet hole being positioned in front of the second rivet hole;
- and
- a second cutting element extending upward from the body, the second cutting element adapted to perform cuts when the drive link travels in a second direction with, in relation to the second direction, the first rivet hole being positioned behind the second rivet hole;
- a tie strap;
- and
- a rivet coupled to the tie strap, the rivet including a flange disposed in the first rivet hole;
- wherein the flange is shaped differently than the first rivet hole such that:
- the first cutting element extends above the second cutting element when the drive link travels in the first direction;
- and
- the second cutting element extends above the first cutting element when the drive link travels in the second direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.