ENDLESS BELT AND A LINK CONSTRUCTION THEREFOR

Abstract: A readily adjustable belt and a link construction wherein a plurality of links (11) of similar construction are detachably connected in end to end relationship to define an endless torque transmitting belt (10). Each link (11) is formed of an injection molded plastic part having a female end portion (14) and a male end portion (13) arranged such that the male portion (13) of one link (11) can be readily snap-fitted to the female portion (14) of the next adjacent link (11). The respective links (11) are identical in structure and are provided in complementary interlocking structure to facilitate attachment and to insure positive interlocking engagement of adjacent links (11), and yet render the links (11) readily detachably connected so as to facilitate rendering a belt (10) readily adjustable.

Description: ENDLESS BELT AND A LINK CONSTRUCTION THEREFOR Field of Invention This invention is directed to an endless belt adapted to be threaded over pulleys for transmitting power and to a specific link construction of which such belt is formed. Related Subject Matter This invention comprises an improvement in torque transmitting adjustable belt described in my U.S. Patent 4,979,929 granted December 25, 1990. Background of the Invention Belts are common means to transmit torque between rotating devices. An example of a widespread use of a torque transmitting belt is the belt used in an automobile engine to rotate various accessories, customarily known as the fan belt. Most belts are a continuous loop of fixed length. As a result, there are many different size belts for many different applications. For example, each make and model of automobile is likely to require a different size fan belt. This necessitates the availability of a large inventory of belts varying in size to quickly accommodate the replacement of a worn or broken belt. In order to avoid costly idle or down SUBSTITUTESHEET time of machinery, it is important that a worn or broken belt be replaced quickly. The replacement of a broken or worn endless belt frequently constitutes a time consuming and tedious task. To replace such endless belts, e.g. in a vehicle, tools are required. This is because some part of the vehicle to which the belt is connected has to be loosened to provide the play necessary to effect the removal of such endless belt. Frequently, the part which must be moved to allow the play is difficult to get to. Thus, considerable effort and time is involved in replacing an endless type belt. Heretofore, belts with adjustments have been made to compensate for wear, or for use in more than one application within a predetermined relatively small range. One such belt is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,264,193 issued to H.W. Leonard on April 30, 1918 and entitled "Elastic Belt." Therein disclosed is a belt made up of a number of links or sections. This section can be either elastic or non-elastic, provided there is a sufficient length of elastic portion to give advantageous results. The elastic sections comprise a coiled spring as a core enveloped by a plurality of washers loosely movable over the spring core. Each section is connected to the adjacent section by a threaded hub connector. U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,022 to Pickburn on Nov. 15, 1977, entitled "Mobius Drive Belt Fastener" discloses a belt twisted to form a Mobius strip and a fastener to connect the ends together. The twist in the belt doubles the surface area of the belt contacting the pulleys, thereby extending the life of the belt. U.S. Pat. No. 3,631,732 to E. Kleban entitled "Adjustable Belt Assembly" discloses a belt having coupling elements for adjusting the length of the belt that are either wholly confined within the cross-sectional area of the belt material or extend from the belt surface and receive a bolt for closing the ends of the belt. Each of these belts are difficult to install and require tools for their installation. This complicates their quick and easy replacement, especially in emergency situations where assistance and the necessary tools are unavailable. Also known are link type conveyor belts such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,766,635; 1,896,407 and 1,861,642. However, such link type conveyor belts are not suitable for use in vehicles or other machine applications for coupling rotating machines for transmitting torque. My prior patent 4,979,929 was an effort to overcome the foregoing noted structure. While the structure disclosed in U.S. patent 4,979,929 proved satisfactory, it was noted that the structure thereof could be further enhanced by additional improvement to facilitate the connection and disconnection of the adjacent links, to enhance the driving characteristic of the belt, to increase the flexibility of the belt and the individual links, and to render the connection between adjacent links stronger, simpler and more positive. Objects An object of this invention is to provide an improved belt construction formed of a plurality of similarly constructed links to facilitate the coupling and uncoupling thereof. Another object is to provide an endless belt formed of a plurality of similarly constructed links having enhanced flexibility. Another object is to provide an endless belt having improved link construction arranged to provide for a stronger and more positive interconnection between adjacent links. Summary of the Invention The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained by a flexible endless belt comprised of a plurality of similarly constructed links that are arranged to be connected in end to end relationship by complementary interlocking members in a manner to facilitate the coupling and uncoupling thereof and to impart greater strength to the connection therebetween. The respective links are preferably injection molded of a suitable plastic material. Each link includes a male end portion and a female end portion. The male portion is provided with opposed laterally extending projections extending longitudinally along the opposed sides of the male end portion. The female end portion is bifurcated to define a clevis having opposed clevis arms for receiving the male end portion of the next adjacent link. The clevis arms are provided with aligned slotted openings for receiving the opposed projections extending laterally of the male end portion of the next adjacent link. To facilitate the connection of adjacent links, the lateral projections of the male end portion are formed with a leading edge which tapers or inclines outwardly and rearwardly toward the female end portion of the link. The trailing edge of the lateral projections are similarly tapered or inclined. The trailing edge taper facilitates secure locking into a female end portion of another adjacent link. The inner surfaces of the clevis arms are provided with a longitudinal groove or channel to receive and guide the projections on the male end portion as one link is being connected to the female portion of the next adjacent link. The arrangement is such that the male end portion is readily assembled to an adjacent link by snap- fitting the male end portion of one link between the clevis arms of the female portion of the next adjacent link. To enhance the flexibility of the link and belt comprised of such links, each link is provided with a transverse indentation formed in the upper and lower surfaces thereof at a location between the male and female end portions. The opposed side surfaces of the respective links are textured or roughened with a consistent textured spacing and depth to provide for a non-slip surface. In the Drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an endless belt composed of similarly constructed links embodying the invention. Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view of a link construction utilized in the belt construction of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the manner of connecting and disconnecting adjacent links. Fig. 4 is a left end view of the link of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a right end view of the link of Fig. 1. Detail Description Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates an endless belt 10 constructed of a plurality of links 11. Each link 11 is similarly constructed, and are preferably formed as an injection molded part of any suitable moldable plastic material. Polyurethane Elastoner has been noted as being a suitable plastic from which the respective links may be molded. However, it is understood that other plastics may be suitable depending upon the use to which the belt construction 10 is to be put. As best seen in Fig. 2, each link 11 includes a body 12 defining male end portion 13 and a female end portion 14. The male end portion 13 has integrally formed thereon opposed laterally extending projections 15A and 15B. Projection 15A, 15B extends longitudinally to define an elongated connecting member which is adapted to be received in a complementary opening formed in the female end portion of a similarly constructed link as will be hereinafter described. The female end portion 14 is bifurcated to define a clevis end having opposed clevis arms 14A, 14B. The respective clevis arms 14A, 14B are provided with aligned slotted openings 16, 16. As shown, the respective slotted opening 16 extends along a longitudinal axis of the link. Interconnected between the clevis arms 14A, 14B defining the female end portion 14 is a web 17 defining a bottom wall. The web 17 terminates inwardly from the free end of the link. The arrangement is such that the opposed free ends of the clevis arms can be flexed outward as shown in Fig. 3. The lower end of the male end portion is cur away at 18 so that in the assembled position of the links, the lower or cut away portion 18 sits upon the web 17. To facilitate the connection of the male end portion 13 to the female end portion 14 of an adjacent link, the leading edges 15C, 15D of projection 15A, 15B respectively are tapered or inclined outwardly and rearwardly as best seen in Figs. 1 and 2. The trailing edges of projections 15A, 15B are similarly tapered. The taper of the trailing edges facilitate locking with the female portion of another adjacent link. To guide projections 15A, 15B of the male end portion 13 to seat the same between the clevis arms 14A, 14B of the next adjacent link, each clevis arm along the inner surface thereof is provided with a longitudinal groove 20 to define a guide way for the projections 15A, 15B as the male end portion of one link is being inserted into the female end portion of the next adjacent link. It will be noted that the tapered or inclined leading edges 15C, 15D of projection 15A, 15B will function to cause a slight spreading of the free end of the clevis arms to facilitate making the connection of adjacent links. The arrangement is such that the male end portion 13 of one link can be readily snap-fitted to the female portion of the next adjacent link to make the connection. Disconnection can be readily achieved by spreading the free end of the clevis arms 14A, 14B outwardly sufficient to effect the release of the male end portion. To render the interconnection of the projections 15A, 15B within the complementary elongated slotted openings 16 more positive, the projections are formed with an indentation 21 extending transversely thereof in the upper and lower surface thereof. The respective slotted opening of the clevis arms are provided with a complementary transverse bead 22. In the assembled position, the bead 22 of the slotted openings engage the complementary indentation 21 of the projection 15A, 15B. To enhance the flexibility of the links 11, and in turn an endless belt formed of such links and for minimizing the end radius of turn to thread over a pulley about which the endless belt 10 is rotated or driven, each link is provided intermediate the ends thereof with a transverse groove or indentation 23 formed in the upper and lower plane surfaces thereof 24, 25 respectively. As shown, the groove or indentation 23 is disposed between the male end portion and the female end portion and provides the link with the ability to be slightly flexed thereabout. This ability to flex enhances the flexibility of the assembled belt, and is particularly advantageous for permitting the assembled belt to flex about small diameter pulleys. As best seen in Figs. 4 and 5, the opposed side surfaces 26, 27 of the links taper inwardly toward the bottom surface 25. To enhance the driving effect of the belt 10, the opposed side surface 26, 27 of each link is textured or roughened with a consistent textured spacing and depth to provide for a non- slip side surface. As the belt is in the form of a V type belt, the non-slip side surfaces 26, 27 will frictionally engage the sides of a pulley and thus prevent any slippage therebetween. In operation, it will be apparent that the complementary male and female portions of adjacent links can be readily snap-fitted together in a simple and positive manner to form an endless belt of any desired length depending upon the number of links used. Each link is similarly constructed. The arrangement is such that all links being similar, the endless belt so formed can be separated at any link in the event that any adjustment and/or repair is needed. The links provide for assembly and disassembly without the need of any tools. Other than the respective links, no other components are required to make the endless belt. While the invention has been described with respect to SUBSTITUTESHEET several embodiments, it should be understood and appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. An improved link construction for use in a continuous belt formed by a plurality of similarly constructed links comprising a body having opposed ends, one of said opposed ends defining a male portion and the other end of said opposed ends defining a female portion, said female portion being bifurcated to form clevis having opposed clevis arms for receiving a male portion of a similar link, said male portion having connected thereto opposed laterally extending projections that extend transversely of said male portion, and longitudinally along the length of said male portion, said clevis arms having opposed openings therein, said opposed openings conforming in shape to the shape of said laterally extending projections, the projections being adapted to be received in the openings of said female portion of a similar link, said projections having a leading end and a trailing end, said leading end and trailing end being inclined rearwardly and outwardly toward said female portion to facilitate inserting the male portion of one link into the female portion of similar next adjacent link. 2. An improved link construction as defined in Claim 1 wherein said clevis arms include opposed complementary grooves extending longitudinally between the arms of said clevis portion, said grooves being disposed for receiving therebetween the lateral projections to facilitate the insertion of said projection of said male portion into the opposed openings of a female portion of a next adjacent link. 3. An improved link construction as defined in Claim 1 wherein said lateral projections of said male portion and said opposed openings of said female portion having an opposed complementary lateral bead and notch formed intermediate the length thereof, whereby the notch on said lateral projection complements the bead of the opposed openings of said female portion when two such similar links are detachably connected to one another. 4. An improved link construction as defined in Claim 1 and including a web interconnected between said clevis arms of said female portion to define a bottom wall between said clevis arms, said bottom wall terminating inwardly of said end of said female portion. 5. An improved link construction as defined in Claim 4 wherein said male portion includes a cut away portion extending toward said female portion along the bottom edge thereof for complementing said web. 6. An improved link construction as defined in Claim 5 wherein said body has inclined side surfaces tapering inwardly toward the bottom thereof to define a trapezoidal shape in cross section. 7. An improved link construction as defined in Claim 6 wherein said tapering side surfaces are provided with a non-slip textured surface. 8. An improved link construction as defined in Claim 6 and including a transversely extending indentation formed in the opposed upper and lower plane surfaces of said link between said male and female portions to impart flexibility of said link longitudinally thereof. 9. An improved link construction of Claim 1 wherein said link is injection molded of a plastic material. 10. An improved link construction of Claim 9 wherein said material is polyurethane. 11. An endless, readily adjustable flexible belt comprising a plurality of similarly constructed links detachably connected in end to end relationship to form an endless closed loop; each of said links having a body having a male end portion and a connected female end portion, and said body having an upper plane surface, a lower plane surface, and opposed side plane surfaces, said side plane surfaces tapering inwardly toward said lower plane surface, said female end portion being bifurcated to form a clevis, said clevis having opposed clevis arms, said clevis arms being formed with a longitudinally extending slotted opening formed therein, said male portion including opposed longitudinally extending projections extending laterally to either side thereof, said projections having a leading and trailing edge, said leading and trailing edges of said projections being tapered outwardly and rearwardly toward said female portion, whereby said lateral projections being adapted to be received in the slotted opening of a female portion of a next adjacent link, laterally extending complementary interlocking means formed on said projections and slotted opening to secure said projections within said slotted openings, and a transversely extending indentation formed in the upper and lower surfaces of each link located between said female and male end portions for imparting flexibility to said belt. 12. An endless, readily adjustable flexible belt as defined in Claim 11 wherein each of said links includes a groove extending longitudinally along the inner surface of said clevis arms to facilitate the insertion of said male portion into the clevis defined by the female portion of a next adjacent link for snap-fitting said male portion to said female portion of the next adjacent link. 13. An endless, readily adjustable flexible belt as defined in Claim 12 wherein said links are formed of molded plastic.

Inventors: HYNES ROBERT, HYNES, ROBERT
Applicants: HYNES ROBERT, HYNES, ROBERT
Application year: 1993
Main classification: F16G5
IPC codes: F16G5, F16G7, F16G13