Patent ID: 6244032
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: F16G

Abstract:
A chain comprising a plurality of chain links interconnected by pins so as to permit articulation of the links relative to one another, the links comprising inner links and outer links, the pins having ends that project laterally from the inner links, the outer links having apertures which receive said pin ends, at least one of said pin ends having a retention portion that defines at least one orientation element and a bearing portion disposed between the retention portion and the inner link and defining a bearing surface for the outer link, at least one of said outer link apertures being defined partially by at least one orientation surface corresponding to said orientation element on the retention portion, the bearing surface having a first portion that provides a rotational sliding fit with the outer link and a second portion that is undercut with respect to the first portion, the inner and outer links being rotatable relative to one another between a first position in which the orientation surface and element are aligned and outer link is separable from or connectable to the inner link by relative lateral movement and a second position in which inner and outer links are approximately longitudinally aligned and the orientation surface is disposed over the undercut of the bearing surface, the retention portion adjacent the undercut serving to prevent lateral separation of the inner and outer links.