# US 2009/0260291 A1 · Noise Reduction Device

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 2009/0260291 A1
- Document ID: US20090260291A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 12/106,142
- Filed: 2008-04-18
- Published: 2009-10-22
- Earliest claimed: 2008-04-18
- Assignees: Automatic Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd
- Inventors: Ray Russell Hawkins; Toan Quac Dang
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20090260291A1

## CPC

- F16G 13/18: Chains having special overall characteristics
- E05F 15/684: by chains
- F16G: BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- E05F: DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING

## Abstract

The invention relates to a noise reduction device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device that is suitable for use with a drive chain, for reducing noise and vibration resulting from the chain contacting its surrounding environment (rattle noise). The present invention has particular but not exclusive application in reducing noise in chains installed as part of powered door assemblies. In one form, the invention provides a noise reduction device suitable for use with a chain comprising a plurality of connected links, the device adapted for attachment to a link, such that when attached, the member is fixed to and movable with the link and presents one or more surfaces to an environment surrounding the chain, the or each surface provided with damping means to reduce noise associated with the chain contacting the surrounding environment.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A noise reduction device suitable for use with a chain comprising a plurality of connected links, the device adapted for attachment to a link, such that when attached, the member is fixed to and movable with the link and presents one or more surfaces to an environment surrounding the chain, the or each surface provided with damping means to reduce noise associated with the chain contacting the surrounding environment.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1 for use with a chain comprising a plurality of pivotally connected links connected by link pins, the device including means to cooperate with at least one link pin for attachment of the device to the link.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The device of claim 2 wherein the cooperation means are located at or adjacent each end of the device, positioned and configured to cooperate with the two pins connecting the link to its two neighbouring links.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The device of claim 2, for use with a chain comprising links made up of link plates connected by the link pins, comprising:
a web; and
first and second flanges, substantially parallel to one another and extending from opposed ends of the web, shaped and configured such that the device can be clipped over a chain link, the flanges locating against or adjacent the link plates, the resilience of the web acting to hold the device in place.

### Claim 5 (depends on 3)

The device of claim 3, for use with a chain comprising links made up of link plates connected by the link pins, comprising:
a web; and
first and second flanges, substantially parallel to one another and extending from opposed ends of the web, shaped and configured such that the device can be clipped over a chain link, the flanges locating against or adjacent the link plates, the resilience of the web acting to hold the device in place.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, including a portion of sound-damping material providing a facing to at least one of the surfaces of the device.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The device of claim 6 for use with a chain arranged to run in an orientation in which the link pins are substantially vertical, wherein the sound-damping material is arranged to provide a facing to at least one side of the chain and to the top and/or bottom of the chain.

### Claim 8 (depends on 4)

The device of claim 4 for use with a chain arranged to run in an orientation in which the link pins are substantially vertical, including a strip of sound-damping material extending around at least a part of the web and the flanges of the device to provide a facing to at least one side of the chain and to the top and/or bottom of the chain.

### Claim 9 (depends on 5)

The device of claim 5 for use with a chain arranged to run in an orientation in which the link pins are substantially vertical, including a strip of sound-damping material extending around at least a part of the web and the flanges of the device to provide a facing to at least one side of the chain and to the top and/or bottom of the chain.

### Claim 10

A powered door or gate assembly comprising:
a rail or track;
a chain loop comprising a plurality of connected links, mountable to run along or within the track or rail; and
means for driving the chain to move a door operatively connected to the chain between an open and a closed position, the chain provided with one or more of the devices of any preceding claim, in order to reduce noise which may result from the chain contacting the rail or track.