Chain and coupling links
AssigneeESCO Corporation
InventorsTerry L. Briscoe, Christopher M. Carpenter, Michael Rose, Sean T. Hirtle, Charles G. Ollinger, IV
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A coupling link for connecting two parts together includes link components (which each form a partial link) that are joined together with a removable support. The support and link components are coupled together to withstand high loads and/or adverse wear conditions. The inventive construction is strong, durable, efficient, cost effective and easy to use. Wear caps are provided to facilitate extended usable chain life.
Claims59
A coupling link comprising:
- a pair of link components, each link component having a pair of ends such that the ends of one link component complements and engages the ends of the other link component to define an enclosed link, and opposing surfaces of the engaged ends each defining an inwardly directed post;
- and
- a link support having a pair of opposite ends, each said end having an opening with an inlet to receive the post, the link support being rotatable about the post between a secured condition where the link support prevents disengagement of the engaged pair of link components and a release condition where the link support can be installed and removed from the engaged pair of link components.
A coupling link comprising:
- a pair of link components, each link component having a locking station, and a pair of ends such that the ends of one link component complements and engages the ends of the other link component to define an enclosed link;
- and
- a link support insertable into the link and connecting to the engaged ends of the link components so that each end of the link support is inserted and seated in one of the locking stations without a hammer and the locking station resists unwanted movement of the link support without a subsequently installed retainer to prevent disengagement of the link components during use.
A coupling link comprising:
- a pair of link components, each link component having a pair of ends such that the ends of one link component complements and engages the ends of the other link component to define an enclosed link, opposing surfaces of the engaged ends each defining a locking station;
- and
- a link support having a pair of opposite ends through which a first axis extends, the opposite ends being engaged with the locking stations by successively rotating the link support about a second axis transverse to the first axis and then about the first axis.
A coupling link comprising a pair of link components, each link component having a pair of ends such that the ends of one link component complements and engages the ends of the other link component to define an enclosed link, one end of each pair having a hooked connecting element bisected by a ridge, and the other end of each pair having a hooked connecting element bisected by a slot to receive the ridge.
A coupling link comprising a pair of link components, each link component having body defining a partial link and a pair of connectors such that the connectors of one link component complements and engages the connectors of the other link component to define an enclosed link, each said connector including a hooked bearing element, a recess associated with the hooked bearing element, and at least one axial support across the recess to connect the body and the hooked bearing element.
A chain link comprising opposite curved ends and opposite sides interconnecting the curved ends to generally define an enclosed loop, the enclosed loop having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and at least one removable wear cap mechanically attached to the chain link to substantially cover a span of the exterior surface of the chain link to extend the wear life of the chain link and accommodate replacement of the wear cap when worn.
A wear cap for a chain link comprising a generally U-shaped body having a channel open on opposite ends to receive the chain link, the wear cap having a length that extends from one open end to the other open, end an exterior wear surface defining an outer portion of the U-shaped body, the wear surface having a convex shape in a direction generally along the length of the wear cap, and a mounting structure within the channel to couple to a complementary mounting structure on the chain link to hold the wear cap to the chain link.
A method of assembling a coupling link including a pair of link components each having a pair of legs, and a connector on an end of each leg, the method comprising securing the connectors of the two link components together to form an enclosed link, inserting a link support within the enclosed link such that opposite ends of the link support contact the engaged connectors of the link, and rotating the link support about the longitudinal axis of the link support to secure the link support within the enclosed link and prevent release of the link components.
A method of assembling a coupling link including a pair of link components each having a pair of legs, an end to interconnect the legs, and a connector on the end of each leg, the method comprising securing the connectors of the two link components together to form an enclosed link, inserting a link support within the enclosed link such that opposite ends of the link support contact the engaged connectors of the link, and rotating the link support about a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the link support to bring the ends of the link support into contact with the engaged ends of the link components and rotating the link support about the longitudinal axis of the link support to secure the link support within the enclosed link.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.