Patent ID: 7958989

Claim:
A lug chain apparatus comprising an endless chain, chain-driving means for rotating the chain, lugs releasably engageable with the chain and positioning means for engaging the lugs and moving the lugs respectively to predetermined locations along the chain, wherein each of said lugs comprises a moveable locking means to hold said each lug in a respective one of said predetermined locations when said moveable locking means of said each lug is in a locking state and to allow movement of that lug along and in sliding contact with said chain when the moveable locking means is in a releasing state and wherein said lugs maintain a friction fit with the chain so that the lugs are driven by the chain when the moveable locking means is in said releasing state, and wherein the friction fit is overcome if the lugs become impeded, so that the chain may slip beneath the lugs and wherein each lug comprises a pivotal friction pad that hinges relative to the lug and which is urged against the chain, when that lug is positioned on the chain, by a resilient biasing member.