Chain having tapered pin and variations thereof

Abstract

A chain assembly system includes an inner chain link defining an inner bore, an outer sidebar defining an outer bore, a pin having a body tapering proximate to the thread end to define an angled surface relative to a central axis of the pin, and a nut configured to engage a thread end of the pin. In some forms, the outer bore may be tapered and the tightening of the nut on the pin can create an interference fit between the outer bore and the angled surface of the pin. In other forms, there can be a sleeve interposed between the outer sidebar and an angled surface of the pin that establishes an interference fit between the outer sidebar, the sleeve, and the pin.

Description

CHAIN HAVING TAPERED PIN AND VARIATIONS THEREOFCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 739,175 filed on December 27, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Industrial chains are used in a variety of industries including conveyor (or elevator) systems for mines, processing plants, agricultural plants, recycling plants, refineries, foundries, and so forth. While certain chains may last longer than others, all chains in continual use eventually require repair (for example, by failing) as components wear on one another during operation. Rather than replacing the entire chain, which would be quite costly, chain links or pins are frequently repaired in the field to bring the conveyor system back into operation.

[0003] However, repairing chains in the field still can be laborious, difficult, cumbersome, and slow. In many instances, the site of repair may be cramped or difficult for the repairperson to access. Still further, tools are often required as part of the repair process and, either based on the size of the tools (given the space and conditions of the working space for repair) or the availability of the power systems to run the tools, it can be physically and logistically difficult to execute a repair. Downtime can be very costly if a repair cannot be quickly implemented and so there remains a high demand for a robust and efficient system for repairing chains.

[0004] Some solutions have been proposed for repair of chain assemblies including U.S. Patent No. 11,958,102 which issued on April 16, 2024 to Rexnord Industries, LLC and U.S. Patent No. 12,181,019 which issued December 31, 2024 to Rexnord Industries, LLC, both of which are incorporated herein for all purposes. U.S. Patent No. 11,958, 102 proposes a design in which a multi -jack bolt tensioner is be utilized to pull a pin through a sidebar of a chain to create an interference or press fit between the pin and outer sidebar. While this multi -jackbolt design can be used to create great forces with hand tools or low-power tools, such a repair assembly includes more components and the pin may need to have additional length to permit the attachment of the multi -jack bolt tensioner, which additional length may need to be removed. U.S. Patent No. 12,181,019 also proposes the creation of an interference fit duringQB\99783719.1 1 790063.02532pin insertion, but the interference fit can be formed by the tightening of a single nut. Therein, an axial stop is used to limit the movement of the pin which may prevent overtightening.SUMMARY

[0005] Such earlier chain repair and chain assembly concepts primarily focused on the assembly and / or repair of a chain. However, they did not address how an already-installed pin could be removed from a sidebar. In particular, once locked together by an interference or press fit, a sizable amount of torque would then be necessary to remove such a press-fit pin. So, while such earlier work focused on assembly and repair, little to no consideration was made as to how to accommodate disassembly of a pin in place. Accordingly, there could be significant benefits resulting from improved assemblies and methods that take into consideration not only the assembly or repair of the chain, but also contemplate improved disassembly. Disclosed herein are chain structures and related methods that can better accommodate installation and repair. While such structures and methods can be utilized as described herein, it is also contemplated that individualized aspects of these structures and methods could be implemented to improve existing chain structures and repair methods.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a chain assembly system is disclosed. The chain assembly system includes an inner chain link, an outer sidebar (which is one of a pair of outer sidebars), a pin, and a nut. The inner chain link defines an inner bore. The outer sidebar defines an outer bore. The pin includes a body, a head end, and a thread end opposite to the head end and having threads. The body of the pin tapers proximate to the thread end to define a first angled surface relative to a central axis of the pin. The nut is configured to threadingly engage the threads of the thread end of the pin. The outer bore of the outer sidebar includes a first opening on a first side of the outer sidebar in which the first opening has a first area (or more particularly or alternatively, a first perimeter or first circumference or first other shape). The outer bore further includes a second opening on a second side of the outer sidebar opposite to the first side in which the second opening has a second area (or more particularly or alternatively, a second perimeter or second circumference or second other shape). The first area is greater than the second area such that the outer bore defines a second angled surface (although in some more particular forms, it could alternatively be that the first perimeter or circumference is greater than the second perimeter or circumference). During an assembly ofQB\99783719.1 2 790063.02532the chain assembly system, the thread end of the pin is configured to be inserted through the inner bore of the inner chain link and then through the outer bore of the outer sidebar when the inner bore and the outer bore are aligned. The thread end of the pin is configured to be threadingly engaged with the nut that is configured to be externally positioned relative to the outer sidebar. When the thread end of the pin is inserted and the nut is threadingly engaged with the thread end of the pin, the nut is configured to be tightened to engage the first angled surface of the pin with the second angled surface of the outer bore to create an interference fit between the pin and the outer sidebar.

[0007] In some forms, a first angle of the first angled surface may be equal to a second angle of the second angled surface. Put differently, the angled surface may nest into one another during the formation of the interference fit.

[0008] In some forms, the pin may be a first pin and the chain assembly system may further include an axial extension beyond the thread end of the pin and a locking pin. The axial extension may include an opening perpendicular to the central axis of the pin. The locking pin may be configured to be inserted through the opening of the axial extension. The locking pin can have an axis that is perpendicular to the central axis of the pin. This locking pin may block the nut from backing off the thread end of the pin. In some more particular forms, the locking pin may be a cotter pin.

[0009] In some forms, the pin may be configured to be removed from the outer bore by providing force to the thread end of the pin.

[0010] In some forms, the nut may include a shape memory alloy. In such forms, there may be a ring configured to be externally positioned relative to the nut. The ring may be configured to shrink when heat is applied to the ring.

[0011] In some forms, the chain assembly system may further include a washer having a hole configured to receive the thread end of the pin therethrough. The washer may be positioned for placement between the outer sidebar and the nut.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, another chain assembly system is provided. The chain assembly system again includes an inner chain link, an outer sidebar (which can be one of two outer sidebars), a pin, a nut, and a sleeve. The inner chain link defines an inner bore. The outer sidebar defines an outer bore. The pin includes a body, a head end, and a thread end opposite to the head end and having threads. The body tapersQB\99783719.1 3 790063.02532proximate to the thread end to define an angled surface. A nut is configured to threadingly engage the threads of the thread end of the pin. The sleeve is configured to be received around the pin near the angled surface of the pin. The sleeve has a complementary angled surface to the angled surface of the body of the pin. The thread end of the pin is configured to be inserted through the inner bore and the outer bore that are aligned, and threadingly engaged with the nut that is configured to be externally positioned relative to the outer chain link. When the thread end of the pin is inserted and the nut is threadingly engaged with the thread end of the pin, the nut is configured to be tightened to move the pin along a central axis of the pin and engage the sleeve with a surface of the outer bore while the complementary angled surface of the sleeve is wedged between the angled surface of the pin to create an interference fit between the sleeve, the outer sidebar, and the pin.

[0013] In some forms, the sleeve may fill a gap between the angled surface of the pin and the outer bore of the outer sidebar.

[0014] In some forms, the sleeve may be composed of a shape memory alloy.

[0015] In some forms, the sleeve may be tapered.

[0016] In some forms, the sleeve may include a flap that extends perpendicular to the first central axis of the pin. The flap may contact an exterior surface of the outer sidebar to position the sleeve relative to the outer sidebar.

[0017] In some forms, the chain assembly system may further include a washer having a hole configured to receive the thread end of the pin therethrough. The washer may be positioned for placement between the outer sidebar and the nut.

[0018] According to yet another aspect, a method for assembling the chain assembly system of the first type described above is provided. The pin is inserted through the inner bore of the inner chain link and through the outer bore of the outer sidebar. The nut is then tightened on the threaded end of the pin to apply a force to the outer side bar to create the interference fit between the angled surface of the pin and the outer bore of the outer sidebar.

[0019] In some instances, a locking pin may be further inserted in an extension of the threaded end of the pin once the nut has been attached. This locking pin can help to prevent a nut from loosening and coming off.

[0020] According to yet another aspect, a method for disassembling the chain assembly system of the type described above is provided. The nut is removed from the threaded end ofQB\99783719.1 4 790063.02532the pin. A force is applied to the threaded end of the pin to dislodge the pin from the outer bore of the outer sidebar.

[0021] According to yet another aspect, a method for assembling the chain assembly system of the second type described above is provided. The pin is inserted through the inner bore of the inner chain link and through the outer bore of the outer sidebar. The sleeve (which may potentially be made of a shape memory material) is inserted between the angled surface of the pin and the outer bore. The nut is tightened on the threaded end of the pin to apply a force to the outer side bar to create an interference fit between the angled surface of the pin and the corresponding angled surface of the sleeve and between the sleeve and the outer bore of the outer sidebar to secure the pin relative to the outer sidebar.According to yet another aspect, a method for disassembling the chain assembly system of the second type described above is provided. The nut is removed from the threaded end of the pin. Heat is applied to the sleeve, such that the sleeve contracts. Then, the heated sleeve is removed from the chain assembly system. At this stage, force is applied to the threaded end of the pin to dislodge the pin from the outer bore of the outer sidebar (although little force may actually be required once the sleeve is removed).

[0022] The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration one or more exemplary versions. These versions do not necessarily represent the full scope of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The following drawings are provided to help illustrate various features of nonlimiting examples of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or exclude alternative implementations.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a top, front, and left isometric view of a chain assembly according to a first embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a top, back, and left isometric view of the chain assembly of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a top, front, and left isometric view of inner links that are to be assembled in the chain assembly of FIG. 1.QB\99783719.1 5 790063.02532

[0027] FIG. 4 is a top, front, and left isometric view of sidebars of an outer link that are to be assembled in the chain assembly of FIG. 1, without depicting the pins or inner chain links.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional top view of one of the sidebars of an outer link of the chain assembly of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, without depicting the pins or inner chain links.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a top, front, and left isometric view of a pin of the chain assembly of FIG.1.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the pin of FIG. 6.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a front view of the pin of FIG. 6.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a detailed enlarged cross-sectional top view of the chain assembly of FIG.1 taken through a central axis of one of the pins according to a first embodiment which is a modified form of the first embodiment in which a locking pin has been added to secure the nut on the threads.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a top, front, and right isometric view of a locking pin being received through an end of a pin.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional top view of the pin of FIG. 10 in the chain assembly of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a top, front, and right isometric view of a nut and ring which can be employed in a third embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a top view of the nut and ring of FIG. 12.

[0037] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a pin and the nut and ring of FIG. 12.

[0038] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional top view of the nut and ring of FIG. 12 in the chain assembly of FIG. 1, showing how the first embodiment can be modified to the third embodiment with a revised nut structure.

[0039] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional top view of a chain assembly assembled according to a fourth embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional top view of the chain assembly of FIG. 16 during disassembly.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] As described above, repairing chains can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Typically, repairing chains, regardless of how the failure occurs, requires replacing one orQB\99783719.1 6 790063.02532more pins to rejoin the disconnected ends of the chain. For example, a replacement pin is inserted through a pair of bores, each through opposing ends of the chain to couple the chain links together. However, conventional repair methods have significant downsides.

[0042] For example, in one conventional approach, a welding torch can be used to physically join the end of the replacement pin to one of the chain links. However, welding often requires a combustible fluid to drive melting of the welding rod that deposits material to join the two components together. And because industrial chains often operate in enclosed spaces without ventilation, the welding approach cannot be used in this scenario (for example, due to fear of leaking of the combustible fluid into the enclosed space). So, in many instances, if welding is to be used, the chain must be taken offsite for repairs. Additionally, the welding approach - assuming it is possible in a given situation - requires extensive operator skill. Not every operator, and certainly not many, if at all present at the location the chain is being used at, are even capable (or available) to repair the chain. Still further, because the replacement pin has to be entirely inserted through both ends of each bore before welding, an interference fit is not formed at the coupling location between the chain link and the pin. This can be undesirable at least because each chain link is joined to its adjacent chain link with an interference fit, which is typically a stronger interface than the welded joint. And, because the welded joint is weaker, this is more likely to cause a subsequent failure at this weaker location rather than at different locations, which can be a hindrance for the site location that is using the chain (for example, because this repaired chain is weaker than a new chain).

[0043] As another example, in a second conventional approach, a grinder can be used to physically join the end of the replacement pin to one of the chain links. However, a grinded joint has similar issues as the welded joint. For example, grinding the joint also requires the replacement pin to be entirely inserted through both ends of each bore before welding, and so an interference fit is also not formed at the coupling location between the chain link and the pin. While the grinder does not usually use combustible fluid and thus it can be used in enclosed spaces, it does require a battery that must be charged to power the grinder. And so, the operator must remember to charge the battery prior to repair, and to remember to bring the charged battery to the repair location (along with the grinder). As with the welding approach, the grinding approach also requires a skilled operator to join the components together, which may be difficult to locate someone with this skill set at the repair site. Thus, the chain mayQB\99783719.1 7 790063.02532need to be brought to an offsite location for repairs, which increases downtime for the conveyor system (for example, the time that the conveyor system cannot be used while the chain is being repaired).

[0044] As yet another example, in a third conventional approach, a hand powered pneumatic actuator, such as the Rexnord® Linkmaster and Rexnord® Drivemaster, can be used to create an interference fit between one end of the replacement pin and one of the chain links to physically join these components together. In this approach, the replacement pin is inserted through both bores as far as possible, and a drive assembly is placed around and in contact with both ends of the replacement pin. Then, an operator continuously drives the manual hand powered pump to force the replacement pin through the bore of the chain link thereby generating an interference fit between these components. While this approach does create an interference fit, multiple operators (for example, three) are required to steady (or align) opposing sides of drive assembly (for example, to ensure proper contact with the pin), and to operate the pneumatic pump to force to the drive assembly together to create the interference fit. Additionally, because this approach utilizes a hand-powered pneumatic actuator, it can take a significant amount of time and considerable manual effort to drive the pump and create the interference fit.

[0045] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide solutions to these issues (and others) by providing improved systems and methods for assembling, repairing, and disassembling chains. For example, some embodiments of the disclosure provide a chain assembly system that includes a pin having a tapered / angled surface that corresponds with a tapered / angled surface of bores of an outer sidebar. As the pin is inserted through bores of the chain assembly system, a nut can threadingly engage the pin, and, when the nut is advanced along the pin, the pin is pulled through the bore of the outer sidebar. The angled surface of the pin contacts the angled surface of the bore of the outer sidebar to create an interference fit between the pin and the outer sidebar. Since the pin and the bore of the outer sidebar contact each other at their respective angled surfaces, the pin requires less force from a user to dislodge the pin and the outer sidebar from the interference fit when the user desires to disassemble the chain assembly. That is, the angled surface of the pin and the angled surface of the bore of the outer sidebar allow the interference fit between the pin and the outer sidebar to be more easily broken than when the surfaces are both cylindrical, and can even, in some cases, allow for hand disassemblyQB\99783719.1 8 790063.02532rather than requiring the use of heavy tools. Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a sleeve that surrounds the pin to wedge between the pin and the outer sidebar when the pin and the outer sidebar create the interference fit. The sleeve also allows for simplified disassembly of the chain assembly because the sleeve can be released from its wedged position and can allow a user to apply a force to the pin to dislodge the pin from the outer sidebar. Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a stop for the nut that threadingly engages the pin. As such, the stop can prevent the nut from backing off the end of the pin when the nut becomes loose from the pin. Because the nut cannot back off of the pin, the interference fit between the pin and the outer sidebar remains intact throughout the operational life of the chain assembly to maintain proper tension and alignment of the chain assembly and prevent accidental disassembly.

[0046] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an isometric view of a chain assembly 100 that has inner links 102, 104, which are coupled together by outer sidebars 174, 176, as part of an outer link which includes outer link parts 170, 172 to form the chain assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner link 102 includes inner sidebars 106, 108 separated from each other. The inner sidebars 106, 108 are coupled together by bushings 110, 112 to form the inner link 102. Although the inner sidebars 106, 108 are illustrated as being planar and rectangular with rounded edges, the inner sidebars 106, 108 can be implemented to have different shapes or geometries.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, each inner sidebar 106, 108 has openings that can at least partially define a respective bore. For example, the inner sidebar 106 has openings 120, 122, 124 that are directed entirely through the inner sidebar 106, and the inner sidebar 108 has openings 126, 128, 130 that are directed entirely through the inner sidebar 108. Although the inner sidebars 106, 108 are illustrated as having three openings, the inner sidebars 106, 108 can include any number of openings. In some examples, the openings of the inner sidebars 106, 108 can provide a coupling location for the bushings 110, 112. For example, the bushing 110 can be coupled to the inner sidebars 106, 108 by inserting a first end of the bushing 110 through the opening 120 of the inner sidebar 106 and by inserting a second end of the bushing 110 through the opening 126 of the inner sidebar 108. As such, the bushing 110 is coupled to the inner sidebars 106, 108 at the openings 120, 126 (e.g., by an interference fit). Similarly, the bushing 112 can be inserted through a different one of the openings of the inner sidebarsQB\99783719.1 9 790063.02532106, 108. For example, as illustrated, the bushing 112 is inserted through the opening 124 of the inner sidebar 106 and through the opening 130 of the inner sidebar 108 to couple the bushing 112 to the inner sidebars 106, 108.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, the bushings 110, 112 define bores 114, 116, which can each provide an access channel through and between the inner sidebars 106, 108. As such, each bore 114, 116 is configured to receive a pin, such as from an adjacent link and / or sidebars, or a portion thereof, to support the formation or repair of a chain. In some examples, such as illustrated in FIG. 1, the bushings 110, 112 can each entirely define their respective bore 114, 116, with the bores 114, 116 being coaxially positioned relative to the openings of the plates 106, 108. For example, the bore 114 is coaxially positioned relative to the openings 120, 126, and the bore 116 is coaxially positioned relative to the openings 124, 130. In other examples, such as described below, bores of other links or sidebars can be defined by their openings of their sidebars.

[0049] In some examples, the bushings 110, 112 can include respective rollers coaxially received around the bushings 110, 112. In other examples, the bushings 110, 112 can be bushed rollers (such as steel bushed rollers). Regardless of the particular implementation, an interior surface of each bushing 110, 112 can provide a bearing surface that is configured to receive a pin through one of the bushings 110, 112 to easily roll over its interior surface. In some examples, the interior surface may be lubricated, however, in alternative configurations, the interior surface of the bushings 110, 112 may not be lubricated.

[0050] With additional reference being made to FIG. 3, the inner link 104 is structured in a similar manner as the inner link 102, and thus, includes similar features as the inner link 102. For example, the inner link 104 also includes inner sidebars 136, 138, bushings 140, 142, and bores 144, 146. The bushings 140, 142 are each coupled to both inner sidebars 136, 138, and each inner sidebar 136, 138 also includes openings directed entirely therethrough. For example, the inner sidebar 136 includes openings 150, 152, 154, while the inner sidebar 138 includes openings 156, 158, 160. Similarly to the inner link 102, the bushing 140 is inserted through the openings 150, 156 to couple the bushing 140 to the inner sidebars 136, 138 at these openings 150, 156, while the bushing 142 is inserted through the openings 154, 160 to couple the bushing 142 to the inner sidebars 136, 138 at openings holes 154, 160. As also similar toQB\99783719.1 10 790063.02532the inner link 102, each of the bushings 140, 142 can have an interior surface that can define a bearing surface that can allow a surface of a pin to roll along.

[0051] Although the chain assembly 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 as only having inner links 102, 104, it is to be appreciated that the chain assembly 100 has other links that are coupled to and extend from the inner links 102, 104 in both directions in addition to the outer link centrally connecting the two. In other words, while the inner links 102, 104 each have only a single link as illustrated, the chain links 102, 104 can have other numbers of links such as, for example, a series of chain links so as to form a longer chain that, in most instances, will loop onto itself.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the chain assembly 100 also includes the outer link parts 170, 172 as part of the outer link, which are coupled to the inner links 102, 104 and can be implemented in a similar way as the inner links 102, 104. For example, and as illustrated, the outer links parts 170, 172 can collectively define aligned bores. In particular, the outer link 170 has bores 182, 184 and the outer link 172 has bores 186, 188, where the bores 182, 186 can collectively define a set of aligned bores and where the bores 184, 188 can collectively define another set of aligned bores. The bores 186, 188 can be substantially larger than the bores 182, 184 so that, for example, a pin inserted through the set of aligned bores can fit through the bores 186, 188 with relative ease, while forming an interference fit with the bores 182, 184. In some examples, the outer link parts 170, 172 can be structured similarly to each other (e.g., both having the same shape, such as being rectangular with rounded edges). In other examples, the outer link parts 170, 172 can be structured differently. In some examples, the outer link parts 170, 172 can be structured similarly to the inner links 102, 104, while in other cases, each of the outer link parts 170, 172 can be structured in a different manner as the inner links 102, 104. For example, the outer link part 170 can have a flange 190 that extends away from an outer sidebar 174 of the outer link part 170, which includes the bores 182, 184. Similarly, the outer link part 172 can have a flange 192 that extends away from an outer sidebar 176 of the outer link part 172, which includes the bores 186, 188. In some examples, the flanges 190, 192 can extend away from each other in opposing directions, and each flange 190, 192 can include one or more openings directed therethrough for providing a coupling location (for example, a fastening location) for components to be coupled to the chain assembly 100. For example, each flange 190, 192 can include one or more openings that canQB\99783719.1 11 790063.02532facilitate the attachment of conveyor components (such as buckets, trays, and so forth) by inserting fasteners (such as, for example, bolts) of the conveyor component through the one or more respective holes to couple the conveyor component to the chain assembly 100. Although FIG. 2 illustrates that the flanges 190, 192 extend from the respective outer sidebars 174, 176 at an angle that is substantially (that is, deviating by less than 10 percent from) 90 degrees, in other examples, the flanges 190, 192 can be angled relative to the respective outer sidebar 174, 176 at a different angle.

[0053] In some examples, each of the set of aligned bores are configured to receive a pin. For example, a pin or pins can be first inserted through the bores 186, 188 of the outer sidebar 176 until a head end 204 of each pin 200 that has a larger cross-section than the bore 186 contacts the outer sidebar 176. These pins and first outer sidebar may be pre-fit together as a subassembly. As described in more detail below, with the pins 200 inserted through the outer sidebar 176, each pin 200 can be further inserted through the inner links 102, 104. For example, the pin 200 is configured to extend entirely through the bore 116 of the inner link 102 and is configured to then extend through the bore 182 of the opposing outer sidebar 174 (that is, a portion of a threaded end 206 of the pin 200 that is opposite the head end 204 of the pin 200 being inserted through the bore 182).

[0054] With the pin 200 extended through the outer sidebar 176, the inner links 102, 104, and the other outer sidebar 174, a nut 208 can be engaged with the pin 200. As the nut 208 is tightened and advanced along the threaded end 206 of the pin 200 towards the head end 204 of the pin 200, the nut 208 forces the pin 200 through the bore 182 of the outer sidebar 174 to create an interference fit between the pin 200 and the outer sidebar 174 at the bore 182, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as in the one depicted in FIGS. 1 through 9, as the nut 208 is further tightened, which can include after an interference fit has been created (which may be unbeknownst to the operator tightening the nut 208), a washer 210 can contact the pin 200. The washer 210 can block further relative movement between the nut 208 and the pin 200, thereby blocking further advancement of the nut 208 along the pin 200 past the washer 210 towards the head end 204 of the pin 200. In this way, the washer 210 can prevent overtightening of the nut 208, which can lead to undesirable locking of the chain joint defined by the inner links 102, 104, the outer link parts 170, 172, and the pin 200 such as from theQB\99783719.1 12 790063.02532outer sidebar 174 being forced against the inner sidebars 106, 136, thus preventing rotation of the inner links 102, 104 about the pin 200.

[0056] In some examples, the washer 210 can include a hole that can have a cross-section that is larger than the threaded end 206 of the pin 200 (for example, so that the threaded end 206 can be inserted through the hole of the washer 210), but which is smaller than a body 202 of the pin 200. The washer 210 can block the outer sidebar 174 from moving in a direction towards the head end 204 of the pin 200. In this way, a gap can be maintained between the outer sidebar 174 and the inner sidebar 106 even when the pin 200 contacts the washer 210, which can prevent undesirable locking of the chain links together.

[0057] While the washer 210 has been described as being a discrete component that is separate from the nut 208, in other configurations, the washer 210 can be coupled to the nut 208. In some examples, the nut 208 can be integrally formed with the washer 210. For example, the nut 208 and the washer 210 can be a single monolithic component (that is, formed from a single piece of material).

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 5 through FIG. 9, the bores 182, 184 of the outer sidebar 174 can be shaped to promote easier disassembly of the chain assembly 100. In the illustrated example, the bores 182, 184 of the outer sidebar 174 are shaped to receive the pin 200. Each bore 182, 184 and set of aligned bores can be structured in a similar manner, and thus, the following description of the bore 182 and its alignment with bore 186 also pertains to the bore 184 and its alignment with bore 188 in a corresponding fashion. The bore 182 can include an angled surface 198 that extends between an end opening 194 of the bore 182 proximate the inner links 102, 104 and an end opening 196 of the bore 182 opposite the end opening 194. A cross-sectional area Cl of the end opening 194 can be larger than a cross-sectional area C2 of the end opening 196. The bore 182 connects the end openings 194, 196, and a surface of the bore 182 defines the angled surface 198. In some examples, the angled surface 198 extends circumferentially around the entire bore 182 and extends at an angle 199 relative to an inner surface of the outer sidebar 174 facing the inner links 102, 104 when assembled. In some examples, the angle 199 is between about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees.

[0059] With reference being had to FIG. 6, the pin 200 includes the body 202, the threaded end 206 at one end of the body 202, and the head end 204 on the other end of the body 202 opposite the threaded end 206. The head end 204 can have a larger cross-sectional area thanQB\99783719.1 13 790063.02532the body 202 and the bores 186, 188. In this way, the head end 204 is blocked from advancing through the bores 186, 188 and past the outer sidebar 176, such as, for example, when the nut 208 is being tightened to create the interference fit, as will be described in greater detail below. Correspondingly, the cross-sectional area of the body 202 can be less than the cross-sectional area of the bores 116, 144 and the bores 186, 188, while the cross-sectional area of the threaded end 206 can be smaller than the bores 116, 144, and the bores 182, 184, 186, 188.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 9, the pin 200 can include a shoulder 212, which can be defined at the interface or transition between the body 202 and the threaded end 206. In some examples, the shoulder 212 can extend circumferentially around the entire pin 200 and can define a radial step for the pin 200. However, other shoulder geometries are also contemplated.

[0061] The pin 200 can be shaped to correspond to different parts of the chain assembly 100 to allow easier disassembly of the chain assembly 100. For example, the pin 200 can have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the bores of the inner links 102, 104 and / or the pin 200 (or sections thereof) can have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the corresponding bores of outer sidebars 174, 176 of the chain assembly 100. In the illustrated example, the pin 200 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the openings and bores of the outer sidebar 174. For example, the pin 200 can include an angled surface 214 between the body 202 and the shoulder 212. The angled surface 214 extends between an end 216 proximal the body 202 and an end 218 proximal to the shoulder 212. The angled surface 214 can correspond to the angled surface 198 of the bores 182, 184 and be complimentary therewith. A cross-sectional area C3 of the end 216, which can be the same as the cross-sectional area of the body 202, can be larger than a cross-sectional area C4 of the end 218 proximal to the shoulder 212. The pin 200 extends between the two ends 216, 218 to define the angled surface 214. The angled surface 214 can extend circumferentially around the entire pin 200 and at an angle 220 relative to the body 202 of the pin 200. In some examples, the cross-sectional area C3 of the end 216 of the angled surface 214 can be substantially the same as the cross-sectional area Cl of the end opening 194 of the bores 182, 184, and the cross-sectional area C4 of the end 218 of the angled surface 214 can be substantially the same as the cross-sectional area C2 of the end 196 of the bores 182, 184. That is, the angle 220 of the angled surface 214 can be equal to the angle 199 of the angled surface 198 of the bore 178. While the pin 200 includes the angledQB\99783719.1 14 790063.02532surface 214 that corresponds to the angled surface 198 of the bores 178, 180, it is also contemplated that the pin 200 has a different shape that corresponds to a different shape of the bores (for example, there could be corresponding grooves, holes, etc. about the periphery).

[0062] A user can assemble the chain assembly 100 by inserting the pin 200 when the rest of the chain assembly 100 is properly aligned. The outer link parts 170, 172 and the inner links 102, 104 can be aligned such that their bores are aligned and the threaded end 206 of the pin 200 can be inserted through those aligned bores. For example, the threaded end 206 of the pin 200 can be inserted through the bore 186, through the bore 116, through the end opening 194 of the bore 182, and through the end opening 196 of the bore 182 until a portion of the threaded end 206 is positioned outside of the bore 182 and external to the outer sidebar 174. In some examples, when the portion of the threaded end 206 is positioned outside of the bore 182, the head end 204 of the pin 200 can contact the outer sidebar 176 to block further advancement of the pin 200 in a direction towards the outer sidebar 174. Then, the threaded end 206 of the pin 200 can be inserted through the hole of the washer 210, and the washer 210 can contact the outer sidebar 174. After this, the nut 208 can threadingly engage the threaded end 206 of the pin 200 (by the engagement between threads of the nut 208 with corresponding threads of the threaded end 206 of the pin 200) to position the washer 210 between the nut 208 and the outer sidebar 174. In some examples, the nut 208 can be loosely tightened using the operator's fingers (that is, “finger-tight”) until the nut 208 contacts the washer 210. Then, a power tool (not shown) such as an impact driver can engage the exterior surface of the nut 208 (such as by engaging a tool adapter with the nut 208), and the power tool can rotate the nut 208 to advance the nut 208 along the threaded end 206 of the pin 200 towards the head end 204 of the pin 200. As the nut 208 is tightened, the nut 208 forces the body 202 of the pin 200 and the angled surface 214 of the pin 200 through the bore 182 of the outer sidebar 174 thereby creating an interference fit between the pin 200 and the outer sidebar 174 at the bore 182 by wedging the two tapered or angled sections together of the pin 200 and outer sidebar 174. In other words, as the nut 208 is tightened, the nut 208 pushes an interior surface of the outer sidebar 174 at the end opening 194 of the bore 182 onto the exterior surface of the body 202 of the pin 200 and an exterior surface of the outer sidebar 174 at the end opening 196 of the bore 182 onto the angled surface 214 of the pin 200, thereby pulling the angled surface 214 of the pin 200 through the bore 182 to create the interference fit.QB\99783719.1 15 790063.02532

[0063] A user can disassemble the chain assembly 100 by removing the nut 208 and the washer 210 from the pin 200. Then, the pin 200 is removed from the chain assembly 100 by applying a force to the threaded end 206 of the pin 200. Because of the corresponding angled surfaces 198, 214, the pin 200 is able to be dislodged from the interference fit formed between the pin 200 and the outer sidebar 174 by applying much less force than if there was not corresponding angled surfaces 198, 214. As such, the corresponding angled surfaces 198, 214 allow for easier disassembly of the chain assembly 100.

[0064] In a second embodiment, and as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, the chain assembly 100 may in some forms include a locking pin configured to be received in a transverse opening 322 of the pin 300 to prevent the nut from backing off of the threading. For example, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate a pin 300 and a nut 308 that are configured to be used in a chain assembly otherwise similar to the chain assembly 100. Unless indicated otherwise, the components, functionality, and advantages of the pin 200 and the nut 208 illustrated in FIG. 1 through FIG.9 apply similarly to the illustrated example of the pin 300 and the nut 308 in FIG. 10 and FIG.11.

[0065] The pin 300 includes a body 302, a head end 304, a threaded end 306, a shoulder 312, an angled surface 314 having an end 316 proximal to the body 302 and an end 318 proximal to the shoulder 312. The pin 300 can include a stop in the form of an inserted transverse locking pin 324 with one or more axial extending ends that prevent the nut 308 from moving towards the threaded end 306 of the pin 300. Thus, the stop can prevent the nut 308 from uncoupling from the pin 300 if the nut 308 were loosened during the operational life of the chain. Here, the stop is configured as an axial extension 320 beyond the threaded end 306 of the pin 300 external to the nut 308. In some examples, the axial extension 320 can be integrally formed with the pin 300 (that is, the axial extension 320 and the pin 300 can be a single monolithic component). In other examples, the axial extension 320 can be coupled to the threaded end 206 of the pin 300 as a separate piece, such as by threading, press-fitting, or welding to enable replacement and / or customization of the axial extensions 320 without altering the pin 300. The extension 320 has an opening 322 that protrudes through a diameter of the axial extension 320 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the pin 300. In some examples, the opening 322 may also extend through the extension 320 perpendicular to the outer surface of the body 302 of the pin 300. The opening 322 is configured to receive theQB\99783719.1 16 790063.02532locking pin 324 that can block the nut 308 from moving off of the threaded end 306 and uncoupling from the pin 300. In some examples, the opening 322 is smooth and the locking pin 324 can be slid through the opening 322 (e.g., the locking pin 324 can be a cotter pin or a split pin). In other examples, the opening 322 includes threads and the pin 324 can be threadingly engaged with the threads of the opening 322 to be received through the opening 322. While the stop is illustrated as the extension 320 with the opening 322 for receiving the pin 324, it is also contemplated that the opening 322 is included on the pin 300 proximate to the threaded end 306 of the pin 300. The pin 300 and nut 308 can be used in the chain assembly 100 similarly to the pin 200 and the nut 208, as described above except for the addition of the extension 320 with the received locking pin 324. Thus, the discussion above with regard to the pin 200 and the nut 208 applies to the pin 300 and the nut 308 unless noted otherwise.

[0066] In a third embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12-15, the chain assembly 100 may additionally, or alternatively, include a ring that prevents a nut from backing off a threaded end of a pin. For example, FIGS. 12-15 illustrate a ring 400 that can be used to block a nut 408 from moving towards the threaded end 206 of the pin 200. Unless indicated otherwise, the components, functionality, and advantages of the nut 208 illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 apply similarly to the illustrated example of the nut 408 in FIGS. 12-15. The nut 408 further includes a shape memory alloy (such as, for example, a NiTi alloy) that acts as a stop to prevent the nut 408 from moving towards the threaded end 206 of the pin 200. The ring 400 can threadingly engage the threaded end 206 of the pin 200 (by the engagement between threads of the ring 400 with corresponding threads of the threaded end 206 of the pin 200). In some examples, the ring 400 can act as a stop to prevent the nut 408 from moving towards the threaded end of the pin 200. The ring 400 can be a heat shrink ring that locks the nut 408 in place, while not interfering with a torque / tension relationship during tightening of the nut 408 on the pin 200.

[0067] In some forms, the size or shape of a pin may not correspond to the size and / or shape of an opening of an outer sidebar. For example, this could be due to the pin being angled / tapered and the opening being perpendicular to the outer sidebar, or, as another example, this could be due to the opening of the outer sidebar being angled / tapered with a smaller opening on an interior side of the outer sidebar facing the inner links and a larger opening on an exterior side of the outer sidebar. These are listed as examples, and it isQB\99783719.1 17 790063.02532contemplated that the pin and the outer sidebar may not correspond in size and / or shape for a variety of reasons.

[0068] In such cases and with further reference to a fourth embodiment depicted in FIGS.16 and 17, to secure a pin in place when the pin and opening of the sidebar do not correspond with each other, the chain assembly 100 can include a sleeve 500 that wraps around the pin 200 or is at least inserted between the pin and the bore of the outer sidebar. When in place, the sleeve 500 surrounds the pin 200 circumferentially such that the circumference of the portion of the pin 200 surrounded by the sleeve 500 increases due to the sleeve 500. As such, the sleeve 500 can fill a gap 510 between the pin 200 and the outer sidebar 174. In some examples, the sleeve 500 is tapered so that the sleeve 500 corresponds to the gap 510. By the sleeve 500 filling the gap 510, the sleeve 500 secures the pin 200 in place and is compressively wedged into place during tightening of the nut. In some examples, the sleeve 500 can include a flanged stop 502 that contacts the washer 210. The flanged stop 502 extends away from the pin 200 such that it contacts an exterior surface of the outer sidebar 174.

[0069] In some examples, the sleeve 500 can simplify disassembly of the chain assembly 100. For example, the sleeve 500 can include a shape memory alloy that obtains an original shape, can be changed in shape, and then return to the original shape when heated or cooled to a temperature. Thus, during disassembly, a user can remove the nut 208 and the washer 210 from the pin 200. Then, the sleeve 500 can be heated and / or cooled to cause contraction of the sleeve 500. When the sleeve 500 contracts, the sleeve 500 is no longer pressed between the pin 200 and the outer sidebar 174 destroying the interference or press-fit, and thus, the sleeve 500 can be removed from the gap 510. When the sleeve 500 is removed from the gap 510, a light force (if any is needed at all) can be applied to the threaded end 206 of the pin 200 to force the pin 200 through the outer sidebar 174 towards the outer sidebar 176 and free from the chain assembly 100. The force required to dislodge the pin 200 from the outer sidebar 174 is able to be achieved by a hand of the user. Thus, disassembly of the chain assembly 100 does not require use of a power tool. However, the user may use a power tool or any other known method to disassemble the chain assembly 100.

[0070] The present disclosure has described one or more preferred embodiments, and it should be appreciated that many equivalents, alternatives, variations, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the invention.QB\99783719.1 18 790063.02532

[0071] It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0072] As used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, discussion of particular directions is provided by example only, with regard to particular embodiments or relevant illustrations. For example, discussion of “top,” “front,” or “back” features is generally intended as a description only of the orientation of such features relative to a reference frame of a particular example or illustration. Correspondingly, for example, a “top” feature may sometimes be disposed below a “bottom” feature (and so on), in some arrangements or embodiments. Further, references to particular rotational or other movements (e.g., counterclockwise rotation) is generally intended as a description only of movement relative a reference frame of a particular example of illustration.

[0073] Certain operations of methods according to the disclosure, or of systems executing those methods, may be represented schematically in the figures or otherwise discussed herein. Unless otherwise specified or limited, representation in the figures of particular operations in particular spatial order may not necessarily require those operations to be executed in a particular sequence corresponding to the particular spatial order. Correspondingly, certain operations represented in the figures, or otherwise disclosed herein, can be executed in different orders than are expressly illustrated or described, as appropriate for particular embodiments of the disclosure. Further, in some embodiments, certain operations can be executed in parallel, including by dedicated parallel processing devices, or separate computing devices configured to interoperate as part of a large system.QB\99783719.1 19 790063.02532

[0074] In some implementations, devices or systems disclosed herein can be utilized or installed using methods embodying aspects of the disclosure. Correspondingly, description herein of particular features, capabilities, or intended purposes of a device or system is generally intended to inherently include disclosure of a method of using such features for the intended purposes, a method of implementing such capabilities, and a method of installing disclosed (or otherwise known) components to support these purposes or capabilities. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated or limited, discussion herein of any method of manufacturing or using a particular device or system, including installing the device or system, is intended to inherently include disclosure, as embodiments of the disclosure, of the utilized features and implemented capabilities of such device or system.

[0075] As used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, ordinal numbers are used herein for convenience of reference based generally on the order in which particular components are presented for the relevant part of the disclosure. In this regard, for example, designations such as “first,” “second,” etc., generally indicate only the order in which the relevant component is introduced for discussion and generally do not indicate or require a particular spatial arrangement, functional or structural primacy or order.

[0076] As used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, directional terms are used for convenience of reference for discussion of particular figures or examples. For example, references to downward (or other) directions or top (or other) positions may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or figure, but do not necessarily require similar orientation or geometry in all installations or configurations.

[0077] This discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the principles disclosed herein. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein and the claims below. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected examples and are not intended to limit theQB\99783719.1 20 790063.02532scope of the disclosure. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0078] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.QB\99783719.1 21 790063.02532

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A chain assembly system comprising:an inner chain link defining an inner bore;an outer sidebar defining an outer bore,a pin comprising a body, a head end, and a thread end opposite to the head end and having threads, the body of the pin tapering proximate to the thread end to define a first angled surface relative to a central axis of the pin; anda nut configured to threadingly engage the threads of the thread end of the pin; wherein the outer bore of the outer sidebar includes a first opening on a first side of the outer sidebar, the first opening having a first area, and further includes a second opening on a second side of the outer sidebar opposite to the first side, the second opening having a second area, wherein the first area is greater than the second area such that the outer bore defines a second angled surface,wherein, during an assembly of the chain assembly system, the thread end of the pin is configured to be inserted through the inner bore of the inner chain link and then through the outer bore of the outer sidebar when the inner bore and the outer bore are aligned, and the thread end of the pin is configured to be threadingly engaged with the nut that is configured to be externally positioned relative to the outer sidebar;wherein when the thread end of the pin is inserted and the nut is threadingly engaged with the thread end of the pin, the nut is configured to be tightened to engage the first angled surface of the pin with the second angled surface of the outer bore to create an interference fit between the pin and the outer sidebar.

2. The chain assembly system of claim 1, wherein a first angle of the first angled surface is equal to a second angle of the second angled surface.QB\99783719.1 22 790063.025323. The chain assembly system of claim 1, wherein the pin is a first pin and the chain assembly system further comprises:an axial extension beyond the thread end of the pin, the axial extension including an opening perpendicular to the central axis of the pin; anda locking pin configured to be inserted through the opening of the axial extension, the locking pin having an axis that is perpendicular to the central axis of the pin.

4. The chain assembly of claim 3, wherein the locking pin blocks the nut from backing off the thread end of the pin.

5. The chain assembly system of claim 3, wherein the locking pin is a cotter pin.

6. The chain assembly system of claim 1, wherein the pin is configured to be removed from the outer bore by providing force to the thread end of the pin.

7. The chain assembly system of claim 1, wherein the nut comprises a shape memory alloy.

8. The chain assembly system of claim 7, further comprising a ring configured to be externally positioned relative to the nut.

9. The chain assembly system of claim 8, wherein the ring is configured to shrink when heat is applied to the ring.

10. The chain assembly system of claim 1, wherein the chain assembly system further comprises a washer having a hole configured to receive the thread end of the pin therethrough, the washer being positioned for placement between the outer sidebar and the nut.QB\99783719.1 23 790063.0253211. A chain assembly system comprising:an inner chain link defining an inner bore;an outer sidebar defining an outer bore;a pin comprising a body, a head end, and a thread end opposite to the head end and having threads, the body tapering proximate to the thread end to define an angled surface; a nut configured to threadingly engage the threads of the thread end of the pin; and a sleeve configured to be received around the pin near the angled surface of the pin, the sleeve having a complementary angled surface to the angled surface of the body of the pin;wherein the thread end of the pin is configured to be inserted through the inner bore and the outer bore that are aligned, and threadingly engaged with the nut that is configured to be externally positioned relative to the outer chain link;wherein when the thread end of the pin is inserted and the nut is threadingly engaged with the thread end of the pin, the nut is configured to be tightened to move the pin along a central axis of the pin and engage the sleeve with a surface of the outer bore while the complementary angled surface of the sleeve is wedged between the angled surface of the pin to create an interference fit between the sleeve, the outer sidebar, and the pin.

12. The chain assembly system of claim 11, wherein the sleeve fills a gap between the angled surface of the pin and the outer bore of the outer sidebar.

13. The chain assembly system of claim 12, wherein the sleeve is composed of a shape memory alloy.

14. The chain assembly system of claim 13, wherein the sleeve is tapered.

15. The chain assembly system of claim 13, wherein the sleeve includes a flap that extends perpendicular to the first central axis of the pin, the flap contacting an exterior surface of the outer sidebar to position the sleeve relative to the outer sidebar.QB\99783719.1 24 790063.0253216. The chain assembly system of claim 11, wherein the chain assembly system further comprises a washer having a hole configured to receive the thread end of the pin therethrough, the washer being positioned for placement between the outer sidebar and the nut.

17. A method for assembling the chain assembly system of claim 1, the method comprising:inserting the pin through the inner bore of the inner chain link and through the outer bore of the outer sidebar;tightening the nut on the threaded end of the pin to apply a force to the outer side bar to create the interference fit between the angled surface of the pin and the outer bore of the outer sidebar.

18. A method for disassembling the chain assembly system of claim 1, the method comprising:removing the nut from the threaded end of the pin; andapplying force to the threaded end of the pin to dislodge the pin from the outer bore of the outer sidebar.

19. A method for assembling the chain assembly system of claim 11, the method comprising:inserting the pin through the inner bore of the inner chain link and through the outer bore of the outer sidebar;inserting the sleeve between the angled surface of the pin and the outer bore; and tightening the nut on the threaded end of the pin to apply a force to the outer side bar to create an interference fit between the angled surface of the pin and the corresponding angled surface of the sleeve and between the sleeve and the outer bore of the outer sidebar to secure the pin relative to the outer sidebar.QB\99783719.1 25 790063.0253220. A method for disassembling the chain assembly system of claim 11, the method comprising:removing the nut from the threaded end of the pin;applying heat to the sleeve, such that the sleeve contracts;removing the sleeve from the chain assembly system; andapplying force to the threaded end of the pin to dislodge the pin from the outer bore of the outer sidebar.QB\99783719.1 26 790063.02532

Images