Patent ID: 8715122
Filing Date: 2014-05-06
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A chain tensioner blade assembly comprising: a 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; said first end of said shoe comprising a first spring-receiving slot and said second end of said shoe comprising a second 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: (i) a first lower wall that is spaced from and faces the inner surface of said shoe central portion; (ii) a first outer wall located adjacent a front face of the shoe and connected to said first lower wall; (iii) a first locking tab located adjacent a rear face of the shoe and connected to said first lower wall, said first locking tab extending only partially toward and spaced from said inner surface of said shoe central portion; said second spring-receiving slot comprising: (i) a second lower wall that is spaced from and faces the inner surface of said shoe central portion; (ii) a second outer wall located adjacent said front face of the shoe and connected to said second lower wall; (iii) a second locking tab located adjacent said rear face of the shoe and connected to said second lower wall, said second locking tab extending only partially toward and spaced from said inner surface of said shoe central portion; a spring located in the spring-receiving region, said spring comprising: (i) a first end located in the first spring-receiving slot between the first outer wall and the first locking tab; (ii) a second end located in the second spring-receiving slot between the second outer wall and the second locking tab; (iii) a central portion in contact with said inner surface of said shoe central portion; (iv) inner and outer lateral edges; and, (v) first and second end edges; said outer lateral edge of said spring captured in said spring-receiving region by both said first and second outer walls; and said inner lateral edge of said spring captured in said spring-receiving region by both said first and second locking tabs, wherein said inner lateral edge of said spring is located adjacent said first and second locking tabs such that said first and second locking tabs maintain a stand-off distance (D) between said inner lateral edge of said spring and said rear face of said shoe.