Improvements in and in connection with Driving Chains.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 1st June, 1896
Complete Specification Left, 15th Feb., 1897-Accepted, 1st May, 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and in connection with Driving Chains.
A communication from abroad by EVERETT FLEET MORSE, of Trumansburg,
Tomkins County, State of New York, United States of America, Mechanical
Engineer.
I, WILLIAM LLOYD WISE of No. 46 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of
London, Consulting Engineer and Chartered Patent Agent do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to drive chains for sprocket gearing and is especially
intended for use on bicycles. It comprises an improvement in details upon the
chain shown in the Specification of former Letters Patent granted to Everett
Fleet Morse, under No. 20,052, dated October 24, 1893.
The objects of the invention are to improve the bearing surfaces between the
parts of the pintles, so as to insure against a change of pitch in the chain as it
is passing over a sprocket wheel, to provide a sure and easy means for securing
the side links to the pintles, to improve upon the manner of forming the ends
of the pintles, and to provide a coupling for the chain which can be readily
manipulated.
Referring to the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1 is a side view of the chain with one of the side links broken away to show
the construction of the two part pintle.
Fig. 2 is an edge view of the same section of chain.
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal central section on the line 3, 3, of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a perspective of the two parts constituting the pintle or joint of the
chain.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a section of chain showing the improved coupler.
Fig. 6, shows in perspective the several parts of the coupler separated.
Fig. 7 is a modified form of coupler.
Referring to the drawings A, A¹, are side links and B, central links of the drive
chain arranged as usual and providing an opening between the side links to receive
the teeth of the sprocket wheels. The central links are provided with two
cylindrical holes, one near each end of the link. Through each of these holes, two
pins D and E, of unequal length are passed. While the longer of these pins D,
extends through both the central and side links, the other pin E, is a little shorter
than the width of the central link within which it is wholly contained and held by
the side links against longitudinal displacement. Apertures are also provided in
the ends of the side links, which correspond in shape and size with the cross
sections of the ends of pins D, so as to hold said pins from turning during the act
of securing the side links thereto as well as afterwards.
The rolling pin E, contained within the hole H, may be of any suitable form for
making rocking or rolling engagement with the seat pin but the best form for this
purpose is that shown, wherein it has a segmental circular cross section one side of
which is preferably of the same curvature as the surface of hole H, against which
it rests as shown.
The seat pin D, has also a segmental circular cross section, being somewhat
larger than a semi-circle. The radius of curvature however of this pin is
somewhat smaller than the radius cf hole H, to allow for its free rolling motion
within said hole. The principal feature of the seat pin is the convex curved

page_text: rolling base K, facing the forces of the joint and arranged parallel to and near the
axis of hole H. for the pin E, to roll upon. With the object of providing ample
transverse strength, the portions N, N, reinforcing the otherwise semi-circular
form of pin E, are provided.
The principal feature of the rolling pin is the curved hearing surface P, whose
centre of curvature is located off the surface K, against which pin E, rolls. From
this curved surface, the sides of the rolling pin curve outward, thus providing a
large base to bear against the walls of hole H. The spaces between the rolling
and seat pins are adjusted in amount to permit the desired angular motion of the
joint. The angular motion of any two adjoining links relatively to each other is
oscillatory, turning one way as the links meet the sprocket wheels and the opposite
way as they leave the wheels. In providing for this motion, the seat pin which is
restrained to turn with the side links rolls on the pin E, which turrs with the
central links.
In the former specification referred to above, the seat pin was provided with a
plane, or substantially plane bearing surface and, as the rolling pin rocks to either
side of its central position, the centre of hole H, follows a trochoidal path rising
higher above the rolling surface K, as the rolling is increased to either side of the
central position shown. This causes a shortening of the chain as it is beat around
a small sprocket wheel and, therefore, a reduction of its pitch. The convex curved
rolling base K, compensates for this shortening of the pitch approximately in
proportion to the sharpness of its curvature.
It a tangent plane is drawn to the rolling base K, at its central point, it will
represent the rolling surface shown in the patent referred to. As the rolling pin E,
rolls to either side of the central position, the distance between its point of contact
with the seat pin, and this tangent plane, equals the lengthening of the chain in
this joint by virtue of the curved rolling base K, being used instead of the plane
base represented by the tangent plane.
It is this lengthening in each joint which is effected by the curvature in the
rolling base K, that compensates for the shortening resulting from the use of the
plane rolling base.
The seat pin being hardened so as to resist the rolling pressure of the joint
within the elastic limit, it cannot be readily riveted to hold the side links in place.
With the object of accurately fastening the side links to the seat pins, the
reinforcing portions N, have been milled off the ends of the seat pins, thus leaving
shoulders y. The distance between these shoulders is such as to allow the side
links to be forced close to the central links and at the same time to prevent them
from crowding the same and causing friction in the working of the joint.
With the object of firmly securing the side links in position, nicks O, are milled
across the ends of the seat pins at the same time the shoulders are formed thereon.
When the side links are in position on the seat pin, the metal of the side links is
forced, preferably in the form of a burr or projection, into the nicks O, by
pressing or punching as indicated at Q. These burrs may be formed over each
shoulder or between them as indicated in Fig. 1.
The coupling for the roller joint chain is formed by prolonging two of the seat
pins D, which are connected by a side link A, so that they shall protrude beyond
the associate side links A', and then nicking the facing sides of said pins as at 2,
close up to the link A. This link A', is not to be permanently secured to its
seat pins as is the opposite side link A, but is held securely thereon by means of a
spring key or clincher sprung in between the pins D, and resting in said nicks .
This key or clincher may be of any form and construction which will enable it
to hold its seat and perform the function of retaining the link A', in place and yet
be readily and casily disengaged from the pins D. Such a key is shown as
consisting of a thin plate G, of spring metal of the thickness of the nicks x.
This plate is provided with suitable stops for retaining it in place, such as the
projections y, at the corners of one side which, in the illustrated position of the
chain, rest upon the pins D, and prevent it from dropping any lower, while to

page_text: prevent said plate from dropping out when the chain is inverted, it is provided
near the opposite edge with a slight projection z, which, when the plate is pushed
to place will spring over the edge of the side link A'.
To facilitate the removal of the key or clincher, a lug as t, may be formed
thereon to protrude below the edge of the link A', to provide inetal from which
the projection z, may be struck and to afford a surface against which may be
applied the pressure necessary to unseat the key. Obviously the retaining
projection may be dispensed with and the lug v, made to perform the function
thereof by bending or curving it slightly inward so that it will spring over the
edge of link A', when the clincher is shoved to place.
In applying the coupler to the ordinary sprocket chain it is only necessary to
replace a couple of the pins C, by longer ones provided with nicks x, fit one of the
side links removably to the pins, and assemble the parts and retain them in place
by inserting the key G, or any other form of key or clincher which will hold the
coupling in place in the chain and yet be readily removable for uncoupling the
chain.
As already stated the clincher may be of various forms and applied in various
ways and while the forms above described are the ones preferred, other simple
forms are illustrated in Fig. 7. In this form the key consists of a spring plate
forked at each end to straddle the ends of pins C, and in this form the forks or
the plane space between the prongs thereof may be made to enter nicks in said
pins, the latter construction being the one shown. In this for.n, the key is bowel
and sprung into place and requires no projection 2, to retain it. Obviously, instead
of forking the ends of the key they may be made narrower than the diameter of
the pins C, (as indicated in dotted lines) and be sprung into depressions of corre-
sponding dimensions in the pins C, in the place of the nicks .
These changes and many others may be made in the construction and arrange-
ment of parts without departing from the invention.
To uncouple or open a chain supplied with iny coupler the key or clincher is
simply pressed or forced out of its seat, the link A', removed from its pins and said
pins with their attached links A, withdrawn from the middle links as shown in
Fig. 6. The coupling operation is performed by simply reversing the steps above
enumerated.
This simple form of coupler which can be easily manipulated by any bicyclist
will enable him to readily remove his chain for cleaning or for sen ling it away for
repairs and enable him to as readily replace said chain or to substitute a new one
therefor.
Dated this 1st day of June 1896.
W. LLOYD WISE,
46 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Chartered Patent Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and in connection with Driving Chains.
A communication from abroad by EVERETT FLEET MORSE, of Trumansburg,
Tomkins County, State of New York, United States of America, Mechanical
Engineer.
I, WILLIAM LLOYD WISE of 46 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of
London, Consulting Engineer and Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to drive chains for sprocket gearing and is especially

page_text: intended for use on bicycles. It comprises an improvement in details upon the
chain described in the Specification of British Patent to Everett F. Morse, under
No. 20,052, dated October 24, 1893.
The objects of the invention are to improve the bearing surfaces between the
parts of the pintles so as to insure against a change of pitch in the chain as it is
passing over a sprocket wheel, to provide a sure and easy means for securing the
side links to the pintles, to improve upon the manner of forming the ends of the
pintles, and to provide a coupling for the chain which can be readily manipulated.
With these objects in view the invention consists in the construction, combination
and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described and set forth in the claims.
In the drawings filed with my Provisional Specification;
Fig. 1, is a side view of the chain with one of the side links broken away to
show the construction of the two part pintle.
Fig. 2, is an edge view of the same section of chain.
Fig. 3, is a longitudinal central section on the line 3, 3, of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4, is a perspective of the two parts constituting the pintle or joint of the
chain.
Fig. 5, is a perspective view of a section of chain showing the improved
coupler.
Fig. 6, shows in perspective the several parts of the coupler separated.
Fig. 7, is a modified form of coupler.
Referring to the drawings A, A', are side links and B, central links of the drive
chain arranged as usual and providing an opening between the side links to receive
the teeth of the sprocket wheels. The central links are provided with two
cylindrical holes, one near each end of the link. Through each of these holes,
two pins D and E, of unequal length are passed. While the longer of these
pins D, extends through both the central and side links, the other pin E, is a
little shorter than the width of the central link within which it is wholly contained
and held by the side links against longitudinal displacement. Apertures are also
provided in the ends of the side links, which correspond in shape and size with the
cross sections of the ends of pins D, so as to hold said pins from turning during
the act of securing the side links thereto as well as afterwards.
The rolling pin E, contained within the hole H, may be of any suitable form for
making rocking or rolling engagement with the seat pin but the best form for this
purpose is that shown, wherein it has a segmental circular cross section one side of
which is preferably of the same curvature as the surface of hole II, against which
it rests as shown.
The seat pin D, has also a segmental circular cross section, being somewhat
larger than a semi-circle. The radius of curvature however of this pin is somewhat
smaller than the radius of the hole H, to allow for its free ralling motion within
said hole. The principal feature of the seat pin is the convex curved rollin
base K, facing the forces of the joint and arranged parallel to and near the axis
of hole H, for the pin E, to roll upon. With the object of providing ample
transverse strength, the portions N, N, reinforcing the otherwise semi-circular form
of pin D, are provided.
From
The principal feature of the rolling pin is the curved bearing surface P, whose
center of curvature is located off the surface K, against which pin E, rolls.
this curved surface, the sides of the rolling pin curve outward, thus providing a
large base to bear against the walls of hole H. The spaces between the rolling
and seat pins are adjusted in amount to permit the desired angular motion of the
joint. The angular motion of any two adjoining links relatively to each other is
oscillatory, turning one way as the links meet the sprocket wheels and the opposite
way as they leave the wheels. In providing for this motion, the seat pin which is
restrained to turn with the side links rolls on the pin E, which turns with the
central links.
In the patent referred to above, the seat pin was provided with a plane, or
substantially plane bearing surface and, as the rolling pin rocks to either side of

page_text: its central position, the center of hole H, follows a trochoidal path rising higher
above the rolling surface K, as the rolling is increased to either side of the central
position shown. This causes a shortening of the chain as it is bent around a
small sprocket wheel and, therefore, a reduction of its pitch. The convex curved
rolling base K, compensates for this shortening of the pitch approximately in
proportion to the sharpness of its curvature.
If a tangent plane is drawn to the rolling base K, at its central point, it will
represent the rolling surface shown in my patent referred to. As the rolling pin E,
rolls to either side of the central position, the distance between its point of contact
with the seat pin, and this tangent plane, equals the lengthening of the chain in
this joint by virtue of the curved rolling base K, being used instead of the plane
base represented by the tangent plane.
It is this lengthening in each joint which is effected by the curvature in the
rolling base K, that compensates for the shortening resulting from the use of the
plane rolling base.
The seat pin being hardened so as to resist the rolling pressure of the joint
within the elastic limit, it cannot be readily riveted to hold the side links in place.
With the object of accurately fastening the side links to the seat pins, the
reinforcing portions N, have been milled off the ends of the seat pins, thus leaving
shoulders g. The distance between these shoulders is such as to allow the side
links to be forced close to the central links and at the same time to prevent them
from crowding the same and causing friction in the working of the joint.
With the object of firmly securing the side links in position, nicks O, are
milled across the ends of the seat pins at the same time the shoulders are formed
thereon. When the side links are in position on the seat pin, the metal of the side
licks is forced, preferably in the form of a burr or projection, into the nicks O, by
pressing or punching as indicated at Q. These burrs may be formed over each
shoulder or between them as indicated in Fig. 1.
The coupling for the roller joint chain is formed by prolonging two of the seat
pins D, which are connected by a side link A, so that they shall protrude beyond
the associate side links A', and then nicking the facing sides of said pins as at x,
close up to the link A. This link A', is not to be permanently secured to its
seat pins as is the opposite side link A, but is held securely thereon by means of a
spring key or clincher sprung in between the pins D, and resting in said nicks .
This key or clincher may be of any form and construction which will enable it
to hold its seat and perform the function of retaining the link A, in place and yet
be readily and easily disengaged from the pins D. Such a key is shown as
cousisting of a thin plate G, of spring metal of the thickness of the nicks x. This
plate is provided with suitable stops for retaining it in place, such as the
projections y, at the corners of one side which, in the illustrated position of the
chain, rest upon the pins D, and prevent it from dropping any lower, while to
prevent said plate from dropping out when the chain is inverted, it is provided
near the opposite edge with a slight projection z, which, when the plate is pushed
to place will spring over the edge of the side link A¹.
To facilitate the removal of the key or clincher, a lug as v, may be formed
thereon to protrude below the edge of the link A', to provide metal from which the
projection 2, may be struck and to afford a surface against which may be applied
the pressure necessary to unseat the key. Obviously the retaining projection z,
may be dispensed with and the lug v, made to perform the function thereof by
bending or curving it slightly inward so that it will spring over the edge of
link A, when the clincher is shoved to place.
In applying the coupler to the ordinary sprocket chain it is only necessary to
replace a couple of the pins by louger ones C provided with nicks x, fit one of the
side links removably to the pins, and assemble the parts and retain them in place
by inserting the key G, or any other form of key or clincher which will hold the
coupling in place in the chain and yet be readily removable for uncoupling the
chain.

page_text: As already stated the clincher may be of various forms and applied in various
ways and while the forms above described are the ones preferred, other simple
forms are illustrated in Fig. 7. In this form the key consists of a spring plate
forked at each end to straddle the ends of pins C, and in this form the forks or the
plane space between the prongs thereof may be made to enter nicks in said pins,
the latter construction being the one shown. In this form, the key is bowed and
sprung into place and requires no projection z, to retain it. Obviously, instead of
forking the ends of the key they may be made narrower than the diameter of the
pins C, (as indicated in dotted lines) and be sprung into depressions of corresponding
dimensions in the pins C, in the place of the nicks c.
These changes and many others may be made in the construction and arrangement
of parts without departing from the invention.
To uncouple or open a chain supplied with my coupler the key or clincher is
simply pressed or forced out of its seat, the link A', removed from its pins and
said pins with their attached links A, withdrawn from the middle links as shown
in Fig. 6. The coupling operation is performed by simply reversing the steps
above enumerated.
This simple form of coupler which can be easily manipulated by any bicyclist
will enable him to readily remove his chain for cleaning or for sending it away for
repairs and enable him to as readily replace said chain or to substitute a new one
therefor.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a drive chain composed of alternate central and side links, a seat pin
having its ends held firmly in the side links and extending through the central
links, said seat pin having a convex curved bearing surface facing the force
of the joint, a rolling pin arranged within the central link, at one side of the
seat pin and bearing against the walls of the hole containing it, substantially as
described.
2. In a drive chain composed of alternate central and side links, a seat pin
having its ends held firmly in the side links and extending through the central
links, said seat pin having a convex curved bearing surface facing the force of the
joint, a rolling pin arranged within the central link, at one side of the seat pin and
having a curved rolling surface pressing against the bearing surface of the seat
pin, and a suitable base opposite said curved surface bearing against the walls of
the hole containing it, substantially as described.
3. In a drive chain composed of alternate central and side links, said central
links having cylindrical holes in each of their ends, two pins arranged within each
of said holes, side by side one of said pins being longer than the other and
extending through the side links, said pins being provided with convex curved
bearing surfaces arranged to roll one on the other, substantially as described.
4. In a drive chain composed of alternate central and side links, a hardened seat
pin extending through both central and side links and having a longitudinal
bearing surface within the central link and raised reinforcing portions along the
sides of said surfaces, the ends of said reinforcing portions forming shoulders for
the support of the side links and said pins being provided between said shoulders
and their ends with transverse nicks into which metal from the side links is forced
to secure them to the pins, and hardened rocking or rolling pins located within the
central links and co-operating with the seat pins, substantially as shown and
described.
5. In a drive chain composed of alternate central and side links, a coupling
consisting of a side link having hardened seat pins secured in its ends and passing
through openings in the ends of adjacent central links in co-operation with the
rocking or rolling pins and extending through the ends of a side link removably
fitted thereto, said protruding ends of the seat pins being provided with niches or

page_text: nicks on their facing sides at the surface of the removable side link, and a key or
clincher removably fitted in said niches or nicks and resting against the removable
side link to hold it in place, substantially as shown and described.
6. In a drive chain composed of alternate central and side links, a coupling
consisting of the combination with a side link A, and the nicked transverse pins
connected thereto, of the removable side link A¹, and the key or clincher G,.
provided with the stops y, and the projection for engaging with the edge of the side
link A, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
7. The improved chain and coupler, substantially as herein shown and described.
Dated this 15th day of February 1897.
W. LLOYD WISE,
46 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Chartered Patent Agent.