Universal drive belt
OwnerAlvin E. Schleappeinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A universal drive belt includes a hollow flexible tubing which may be cut to proper length and a fastener for joining together the ends thereof. The fastener includes a medial portion in the shape of a helically wound coiled spring with a hooked head formed at each end thereof. The hooked heads are slightly larger than the internal diameter of the tubing and have a pointed tip which digs into the side-wall for anchoring the fastener and preventing its removal. The coiled spring medial portion allows twisting and flexing of the ends of the hollow tubing during use without damage or loosening of the fastener. The universal drive belt may be rapidly and easily installed without the use of tools.
Claims4
A kit for assembling an endless drive belt of adjustable length comprising:
- a length of flexible reinforced tubing, said tubing having a sidewall defining a hollow core extending along at least part of the interior thereof, and
- a fastener including a length of coiled spring, a semi-circular head formed in each end thereof, the diameter of said heads being larger than the diameter of said hollow core, said heads having means to resist removal from said hollow core after being inserted thereinto including a pointed tip formed into the end of said head, said pointed tip being oriented to slide freely into the hollow core but dig into the sidewall in response to a force tending to remove said head from said tubing, said pointed tips cooperating with said coiled spring to resiliently resist rotation of one end of tubing with respect to said spring and the other end of tubing.
An endless drive belt for use as a fan belt or the like comprising:
- a length of flexible reinforced tubing, said tubing having a sidewall defining a hollow core extending along at least part of the interior thereof, said tubing having its ends fastened together with a fastener, said fastener including a length of coiled spring, a semicircular head formed in each end thereof, the diameter of said heads being larger than the diameter of said hollow core, said heads having means to resist removal from said hollow core including a pointed tip formed into the end of said head, said pointed tip being oriented to slide freely into the hollow core but dig into the sidewall in response to a force tending to remove said head from said tubing, said pointed tips cooperating with said coiled spring to resiliently resist rotation of one end of tubing with respect to said spring and the other end of tubing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.