Patent ID: 7597640
Filing Date: 2009-10-06
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A tensioner for imparting tension to a chain comprising: a body having a first end and a second end with a surface facing the chain, a pivot hole located approximately equidistant between the first and second ends and at least one groove located longitudinally along a portion of a length of the surface, the groove having containment means at each end; a support member located on the surface of the body; a resilient chain guide element covering the support member, having a chain contact surface with a first end wrapped around the first end of the body and with a second end wrapped around the second end of the body, the resilient chain guide element being longer than a length of the surface of the body, such that the chain contact surface is movable in a the direction of the chain without disengaging from the body; and at least one blade spring having a length shorter than a length of the support member said at least one blade spring tending to curl in a free state to contact a portion of the support member and positioned in the at least one groove of the body, each end of said blade spring securely located within one of the containment means of the groove, the containment means consisting of recessed pockets in the body to permit the at least one blade spring to curl toward its free state and return to contact with the surface of the body, wherein a ratio of a length the lengths of the at least one blade spring to the support member is from about 1:2 to about 1:6.