Patent Description:
In greater detail, the present invention relates to a joining element also known as "false link", to be employed when the chain is to be cut and then closed again to modify the overall length thereof.

The present invention is applied in various fields and in particular in all those fields where chains, and in greater detail, Genovese chains, are employed.

An example of use of the Genovese chain is for the transmission of movement of a geared motor. In particular, the geared motor may be used to automate sectional doors. This application may be at the residential, condominium or industrial level.

It is known in the art to use joining links (or joining elements) to modify and adapt the length of chains.

In particular, joints and joining links are available on the market, which are adapted to join the two ends of the chain after the cut to adjust the length of the chain or to replace damaged links.

<FIG> show different joining links or quick joints for various types of chains on the market.

For example, <FIG> shows a false link for calibrated chains, <FIG> shows joining rings for plastic chains, while <FIG> show various embodiments of joints for chains.

Due to the shape thereof, some of these joining elements make the chains to which they are applied unusable for transmitting motion to a pulley.

Patent document <CIT> discloses an example of chain ring including an S-shaped section; patent document <CIT> discloses another example of split links for joining pieces of a chain, and patent document <CIT> discloses another example of split chain link.

It is the object of the present invention to make a joining element for chains to be used when the chain is to be cut to modify the length thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to make a joining element which is easy to use, and which allows using chains without limitations, for example for transmitting the motion to a pulley.

During the installation or repair of movement systems, for example of doors or rolling shutters, there may be a need to replace or modify the length of the transmission chains to adapt them to the specific installation. Here, there is a need to be able to rejoin the two free ends in a simple and quick manner with an element which may be used without limitations, for example with pulleys or gear wheels.

The present invention relates to a joining element for chain in the shape of a brise ring shaped to match the shape and sizes of a link of the chain.

In particular, in a first embodiment, the joining element is made with a rectangular section bar wound in helical manner to form two overlapping oval half-rings placed side-by-side.

In an alternative embodiment, the joining element is made with a circular section rod wound in helical manner to form two overlapping oval half-rings placed side-by-side.

Therefore, in the preferred embodiments, the joining element comprises two overlapping oval half-rings made of rigid metal placed side-by-side which are joined to each other by a connecting portion. In greater detail, the oval half-rings are each formed by a first semicircular portion and a second semicircular portion joined to each other at an end by a linear middle portion, and in which said joining element provides a connecting portion which joins the free ends of the two opposite semicircular portions of the two oval half-rings.

The joining element in various embodiments comprises a first semicircular portion connected to a first linear middle portion connected at the other end to a second semicircular portion which in turn is connected to a connecting portion, in which the connecting portion is connected at the other end to a third semicircular portion which is spaced apart from and faces the first semicircular portion, and the third semicircular portion is connected to a second linear middle portion facing the first linear middle portion and in turn is connected to a fourth semicircular portion which is spaced apart from and faces the second semicircular portion.

In various embodiments, the connecting portion comprises a first linear portion, an S-shaped middle portion and a second linear portion, wherein the S-shaped middle portion connects and joins the linear portions and to each other.

In alternative embodiments, the connecting portion is linear and interposed between the second semicircular portion and the third semicircular portion, and is parallel to and spaced apart from the linear middle portions.

In various embodiments, the connecting portion has a curved S-shaped outline and is directly interposed between the second semicircular portion and the third semicircular portion.

In further embodiments, the connecting portion has an oblique outline with respect to the middle linear portions and is interposed transversely between the second semicircular portion and the third semicircular portion.

In various embodiments, the joining element also comprises a first linear end portion connected to the first semicircular portion and a second linear end portion connected to the fourth semicircular portion.

Preferably, the first linear end portion and the second linear end portion terminate with a joined portion. In various embodiments, the joined portion is slightly tapered and rounded to facilitate the insertion of the link of the chain into the joining element.

In certain embodiments, the joining element is made starting from a single piece which is bent and shaped to obtain the desired shape. In a different manner, in other embodiments, the joining element is made of several components welded to one another.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description provided by way of a non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The parts according to the present description have been depicted in the drawings, where appropriate, with conventional symbols, showing only those specific details which are pertinent to the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, so as not to highlight details which will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art, with reference to the description provided below.

The present invention relates to a joining element for chains, in particular Genovese chains, to be used when the chains are to be cut and then closed again to adjust the length thereof.

The solution herein proposed provides using a modified brise ring as joining element.

The brise rings shown in <FIG> are known in the art and are usually used as key rings or as joining elements for necklaces or bracelets in a jeweler's craft.

<FIG> show some examples of joining elements <NUM> shaped as a link of the chain, to be used as joining element for Genovese chains.

In particular, the joining element <NUM> has an oval shape which matches the shape of a link of the Genovese chain and has sizes comparable to the link of chain C to be closed after the excess links have been cut.

In particular, in a first embodiment (<FIG>), the joining element is made with a rectangular section bar wound in helical manner to form two overlapping oval half-rings placed side-by-side.

In an alternative embodiment (<FIG>), the joining element is made with a circular section rod wound in helical manner to form two overlapping oval half-rings placed side-by-side.

Therefore, in the preferred embodiments, the joining element <NUM> comprises two overlapping oval half-rings 10a and 10b made of rigid metal placed side-by-side which are joined to each other by a connecting portion <NUM>. In greater detail, the oval half-rings 10a and 10b are each formed by a first semicircular portion <NUM> and <NUM> and a second semicircular portion <NUM> and <NUM> joined to each other at an end by a linear middle portion <NUM> and <NUM>, and in which the joining element <NUM> provides a connecting portion <NUM> which joins the free ends of the two opposite semicircular portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the two oval half-rings 10a, 10b.

The joining element in various embodiments comprises a first semicircular portion <NUM> connected to a first linear middle portion <NUM> connected at the other end to a second semicircular portion <NUM> which in turn is connected to the connecting portion <NUM>, in which the connecting portion <NUM> is connected at the other end to a third semicircular portion <NUM> which is spaced apart from and faces the first semicircular portion <NUM>, and the third semicircular portion <NUM> is connected to a second linear middle portion <NUM> facing the first linear middle portion <NUM> and in turn is connected to a fourth semicircular portion <NUM> which is spaced apart from and faces the second semicircular portion <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the connecting portion <NUM> comprises a first linear portion 110a, an S-shaped middle portion 110b and a second linear portion 110c, in which the S-shaped middle portion 110b connects and joins the linear portions 110a and 110b to each other.

In alternative embodiments, the connecting portion <NUM> is linear and is interposed between the second semicircular portion <NUM> and the third semicircular portion <NUM>, and is parallel to and spaced apart from the linear middle portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the connecting portion <NUM> has a curved S-shaped outline and is directly interposed between the second semicircular portion <NUM> and the third semicircular portion <NUM>.

In further embodiments, the connecting portion <NUM> has an oblique outline with respect to the middle linear portions <NUM> and <NUM> and is interposed transversely between the second semicircular portion <NUM> and the third semicircular portion <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the joining element <NUM> also comprises a first linear end portion <NUM> connected to the first semicircular portion <NUM> and a second linear end portion <NUM> connected to the fourth semicircular portion <NUM>.

Preferably, the first linear end portion <NUM> and the second linear end portion <NUM> terminate with a joined portion 102a and 118a. In various embodiments, the connecting portions 102a and 118a are slightly tapered and rounded to facilitate the insertion of the link of the chain into the joining element.

In certain embodiments, the joining element <NUM> is made starting from a single piece which is bent and shaped to obtain the desired shape. In a different manner, in other embodiments, the joining element <NUM> is made of several components welded to one another.

<FIG> shows a first embodiment of the shaped brise ring <NUM> made with a rectangular section bar, which gives ring <NUM> a flattened outline.

In particular, the joining element <NUM> is a double oval half-ring made of rigid metal in the shape of a spring. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the spring is formed by a rectangular section bar wound in helical manner to form two overlapping oval half-rings <NUM> and 10b placed side-by-side.

The joining element <NUM> comprises a first linear end portion <NUM>, followed by a first semicircular portion <NUM>, which connects the first linear end portion <NUM> to a first linear middle portion <NUM>. The first linear middle portion <NUM> is followed by a second semicircular portion <NUM> which in turn is connected to a connecting portion <NUM> between the two oval half-rings 10a, 10b.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the connecting portion <NUM> comprises a first linear portion 110a, an S-shaped middle portion 110b and a second linear portion 110c. The S-shaped middle portion 110b connects and joins the linear portions 110a and 110c to each other.

The connecting portion <NUM> is followed by a third semicircular portion <NUM> which is spaced apart from, and faces the first semicircular portion <NUM>, in which the third semicircular portion <NUM> is connected at the free end thereof to a second linear middle portion <NUM> facing the first linear middle portion <NUM>. Finally, there is a fourth semicircular portion <NUM> which is spaced apart from and faces the second semicircular portion <NUM> to which a second linear end portion <NUM> is connected.

The joining element <NUM> may be made starting from a single piece which is bent and shaped to obtain the shape shown in <FIG>, or may be made of several components welded to one another. Alternatively, the joining element <NUM> may be molded.

In particular, in the embodiment in <FIG>, there are two oval half-rings 10a and 10b, each formed by two semi-circular portions, the first <NUM> and the third <NUM> and the second <NUM> and the fourth <NUM>, joined to one another by a first <NUM> and second linear middle portion <NUM>, respectively. The connecting portion <NUM> joins the free ends of the two opposite semicircular portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the two oval half-rings 10a and 10b.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, there is a joining element <NUM> with a circular section. In particular, the joining element <NUM> is a double oval half-ring made of rigid metal in the shape of a spring. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the spring is formed by a circular section rod wound in helical manner to form two overlapping oval half-rings 10a and 10b placed side-by-side.

In this embodiment, the connecting portion <NUM> is linear and is interposed directly between the free ends of the second semicircular portion <NUM> and the third semicircular portion <NUM>.

In particular, the connecting portion <NUM> is parallel to the linear middle portions <NUM> and <NUM> and is partially interposed between the first linear end portion <NUM> and the second linear end portion <NUM>.

In the embodiment in <FIG>, the first linear end portion <NUM> and the second linear end portion <NUM> terminate with a slightly tapered and rounded portion 102a and 118a to facilitate the insertion of the link of chain C into the joining element <NUM>.

In the embodiment in <FIG>, the spring is formed by a circular section rod wound in helical manner to form two overlapping oval half-rings 10a and 10b placed side-by-side. In this embodiment, the connecting portion <NUM> has a curved S-shaped outline and is directly interposed between the free ends of the second semicircular portion <NUM> and the third semicircular portion <NUM>.

In particular, in the embodiment in <FIG>, there are two oval half-rings 10a and 10b, each formed by two semi-circular portions joined to each other by a linear middle portion. The connecting portion <NUM> joins the two opposite semicircular portions of the two oval half-rings 10a and 10b.

Finally, in the embodiment in <FIG>, the joining element <NUM> is formed by a circular section rod wound in helical manner to form two overlapping oval half-rings 10a and 10b placed side-by-side. In this embodiment, the connecting portion <NUM> has an oblique outline with respect to the linear portions and is directly interposed transversely between the second semicircular portion <NUM> and the third semicircular portion <NUM>.

In all embodiments, the joining element <NUM> is shaped so as to reflect the same sizes of a link of chain C.

<FIG> shows an example of use of the joining element <NUM> with a return pulley <NUM>. In the example, the joining element <NUM> joins two regular links 15a and 15b of a chain. The joining element <NUM> acts as any link <NUM> of the chain and interacts with pulley <NUM> without any type of interference. The pulley has wedges <NUM> which are dragged by the chain. The guide wedges <NUM> are usually spaced apart so as to engage every second link.

As shown in <FIG>, the joining element <NUM> replicates a regular link <NUM> and engages with the guide wedge 22a exactly as any other link <NUM> of the chain. In particular, the guide wedge is engaged in the through hole of the joining element <NUM>.

In particular, in addition to having the advantage of being easy to use, the use of the joining element <NUM> to join the ends of a chain C allows moderate forces to be transmitted on return pulleys without hindering and affecting the operation.

<FIG> shows a stretch of chain C with the joining element <NUM> which joins the two links 15a and 15b to each other. As shown, by virtue of the shape and size thereof, the joining element <NUM> adapts quite well to chain C and matches a regular link <NUM>. In particular, once positioned, the joining element <NUM> takes on the same position and function as a regular link <NUM>.

When using the joining element <NUM>, it is coupled to the first of the two free ends, e.g. end 15a. To insert link 15a into the joining element <NUM>, the first linear end portion <NUM> is moved away from the connecting portion <NUM> and link 15a is inserted and slid along the two oval rings until link 15a leaves the second linear end portion <NUM>. At this point, link 15a is in the joining element <NUM>. Then the same procedure just performed is repeated with the free end 15b. At the end of the operation, both links 15a and 15b are coupled in the joining element <NUM> to form a single chain.

<FIG> shows an example of employment of the joining element <NUM> according to the present invention.

During the installation of a winch <NUM> with chain movement, it becomes necessary to adjust the length of chain C. In particular, a link 15x of chain C is cut using a pincer P and the joining element <NUM> is used to join the two free ends 15a and 15b of chain C.

With reference to <FIG>, it shows the sequence of adapting the length of chain C. In particular, <FIG> shows chain C, highlighting link 15x which is cut to open chain C. <FIG> shows the two free ends 15a and 15b of chain C after the removal of link 15x. Link 15b of the chain is to be eliminated to shorten chain C. Then link 15b is also cut and <FIG> shows the new free end which becomes the next link 15c. At this point, the two free ends 15a and 15c of chain C are rejoined with the joining element <NUM>, thus obtaining a reduction in length of chain C.

<FIG> shows an example of use of the joining element <NUM> according to the present invention.

In particular, a winch comprises a return pulley <NUM> on which a chain C is engaged.

<FIG> shows pulley <NUM> and <FIG> shows pulley <NUM> with chain C engaged. As shown, the joining element <NUM> is perfectly adapted and engages without problem with the guide wedges <NUM> of pulley <NUM>.

The joints usually sold (shown in <FIG>) cannot be implemented for transmitting motion to a pulley (with the exception of those shown in <FIG> AND <NUM>) due to the shape thereof.

With the solution of the joining element <NUM> suitably sized, shaped pulleys matching the outline of the chain may be moved, such as for example implemented in the application of the winch shown in <FIG>.

Joining elements <NUM> having various shapes and sizes may be provided so that the joining element <NUM> simulates the shape and sizes of a link of the chain which is to be cut and rejoined.

Claim 1:
A joining element (<NUM>) for a chain (C), in the shape of a brise ring (<NUM>) shaped to match the shape and sizes of a link of said chain (C) wherein said joining element (<NUM>):
comprises two overlapping oval half-rings (10a, 10b) made of rigid metal placed side-by-side which are joined to each other by a connecting portion (<NUM>) and are each formed by two semicircular portions joined to each other at an end by a linear middle portion,
comprises a connecting portion (<NUM>) which joins the free ends of the two opposite semicircular portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the two oval half-rings (10a, 10b), wherein a first semicircular portion (<NUM>) is connected to a first linear middle portion (<NUM>), said first linear middle portion (<NUM>) is connected at the other end to a second semicircular portion (<NUM>) which in turn is connected to a connecting portion (<NUM>), wherein said connecting portion (<NUM>) is connected at the other end to a third semicircular portion (<NUM>) which is spaced apart from and faces the first semicircular portion (<NUM>), said third semicircular portion (<NUM>) is connected to a second linear middle portion (<NUM>) facing the first linear middle portion (<NUM>), said second linear middle portion (<NUM>) is connected to a fourth semicircular portion (<NUM>) which is spaced apart from, and faces the second semicircular portion (<NUM>), characterized in that
- the connecting portion (<NUM>) is linear and is directly interposed between the second semicircular portion (<NUM>) and the third semicircular portion (<NUM>), and is parallel to and spaced apart from the linear middle portions (<NUM>, <NUM>), or
- the connecting portion (<NUM>) has a curved S-shaped outline and is directly interposed between the second semicircular portion (<NUM>) and the third semicircular portion (<NUM>), or
- the connecting portion (<NUM>) has an oblique outline with respect to the middle linear portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) and is interposed transversely between the second semicircular portion (<NUM>) and the third semicircular portion (<NUM>).