Patent ID: 7955206
Filing Date: 2011-06-07
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A tensioner for tensioning a chain wrapped around at least two sprockets comprising: a blade shoe having a length with an arcuately curved chain sliding face, an underside surface, opposite the arcuately curved chain sliding face, a proximal end pivotally attached to ground, and a distal end; at least one blade spring biasing the arcuately curved chain sliding face towards the chain; a ramp mounted to ground and having a ramp surface for contacting the arcuately curved chain sliding face or the underside of the blade shoe; a self-energizing brake pivotally mounted to ground for restricting movement of the distal end of the blade shoe in one direction and allowing movement in the opposite direction having a brake contacting surface; and wherein when a chain strand with a radius between the two sprockets in contact with the blade shoe increases, the blade shoe compresses and the distal end of the blade shoe translates further away from the proximal end of the blade shoe and the chain strand, sliding further between the ramp fixed to ground and the self-energizing brake, such that the brake contacting surface of the brake contacting the distal end portion of the arcuately curved chain sliding face, the underside surface of the blade shoe, or the at least one blade spring, restricts movement of the distal end of the blade shoe away from the chain and allowing movement in an opposite direction.