US 5,452,572 A · Hollow rope chain with close fitted links

Abstract

A rope chain is made from hollow rectangular links having a trapezoidal cross section. The wider parallel surface of the trapezoid is the outer periphery of the shaped link and is the primary surface of the finished rope chain. The narrower parallel surface of the trapezoidal shape, having a channel which forms a longitudinal seam running around the inside of the link, is an inside surface of the finished rope chain and is not visible in a finished chain. The other two sides of the trapezoid converge in symmetrical relationship to the parallel surfaces, and include an angle that approximately equals 360.degree. divided by the number of links required to form a single cycle of links in a double helix, as viewed in an end view of the rope chain. Adjacent links abut, planar surface to planar surface, and form a close fitting circle with a smooth external surface for the rope chain.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A rope chain, comprising:

a plurality of links, each link being shaped with an open center portion and opposed ends spaced from each other, said links being intertwined to form the appearance of a double helix, each said link having a trapezoidal cross section including a first side parallel to and spaced from a second side, and a pair of convergent sides connecting together ends of said first and second sides, said first side being longer than said second side and forming an outermost peripheral surface of said link and of said rope chain when said links are intertwined, respective convergent sides of adjacent links in said rope chain being in generally planar abutment.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Hollow rope chain with close fitted links

Life of this patent

Hollow rope chain with close fitted links

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11