Patent ID: 9206886
Filing Date: 2015-12-08
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A chain tensioner blade assembly comprising: a polymeric shoe comprising a first end, a second end, and a central portion that extends between the first end and the second end, said central portion comprising: (i) an outer surface adapted for being slidably engaged by an associated chain; and, (ii) an inner surface located on an opposite side of said central portion relative to said outer surface; a pivot bore defined in the first end of the shoe; a first spring-receiving slot located in said first end of said shoe and a second spring-receiving slot located in said second end of said shoe, said first spring-receiving slot including an open mouth oriented toward the second spring-receiving slot, and said second spring-receiving slot including an open mouth oriented toward the first spring-receiving slot; said first spring-receiving slot, said second spring-receiving slot, and said inner surface of said shoe providing a spring-receiving region; said first spring-receiving slot comprising: said second spring-receiving slot comprising: a spring stack comprising at least a first leaf spring located in the spring-receiving region of said shoe, said spring stack comprising: (i) a first end located in the first spring-receiving slot between the first side wall and the first installation tab; (ii) a second end located in the second spring-receiving slot between the second side wall and the second installation tab; (iii) a central portion located between and connecting said first and second ends of said spring stack, said central portion of said spring stack comprising an outer surface in contact with said inner surface of said shoe central portion; wherein said first and second installation tabs are located in an outboard position relative to said first and second side walls such that said first and second installation tabs are spaced farther apart from each other as compared to said first and second side walls and farther from a midpoint of said shoe located between said first and second ends of said shoe as compared to said first and second side walls; each of said first and second side walls and each of said first and second installation tabs extending toward said inner surface of said shoe central portion sufficiently such that at least part of each of said first and second side walls and at least part of each of said first and second installation tabs is flush with or extends beyond said outer surface of said spring stack.