Chain
AssigneeRenold PLC
InventorsMichael Charles Christmas, Torquil Edmund Pyper
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A chain has inner and outer links pivotally interconnected by transverse pins. In a straight configuration the links are substantially aligned in a linear direction. At least one resilient elongate flexible member is threaded along at least part of the length of the chain between the pins in alternate directions so as to force adjacent links of the chain to articulate out of the straight configuration. A chain in this form may be proof loaded before service by applying a tensile load and the elongate flexible member may be removed. A chain assembly comprises a plurality of said chains running between first and second connection brackets.
Claims23
A chain having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of links pivotally interconnected by transverse articulation elements, the chain having a straight configuration in which the links are substantially aligned in a linear direction and at least one resilient elongate flexible member threaded along at least part of the length of the chain between the articulation elements in alternate directions so as to force adjacent links of the chain to articulate out of the straight configuration, wherein the at least one resilient elongate flexible member comprises substantially planar upper and lower surfaces.
A method for proof loading a chain, the chain having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of links pivotally interconnected by transverse articulation elements, the chain having a straight configuration in which the links are substantially aligned in a linear direction, the method comprising threading a resilient elongate flexible member along at least part of the length of the chain between the articulation elements in alternate directions so as to force adjacent links of the chain to articulate out of the straight configuration, the resilient elongate flexible member having substantially planar upper and lower surfaces, and then applying a tensile load to the chain so as to move the chain towards the straight configuration and to deflect the elongate flexible member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.