A chain comprises inner and outer links that articulate relative to one another on pins. The outer link having apertures which receive said pin ends in such a way that the links are easily assembled or dismantled. The pin ends have a retention portion that defines a flat and a bearing portion disposed between the retention portion and the inner link and defining a bearing surface for the outer link. The aperture in the outer link has an arcuate edge and a flat corresponding to that on the retention portion. The bearing surface has an arcuate portion that provides a rotational sliding fit with the arcuate edge of the outer link aperture and a reduced portion that is undercut with respect to the retention portion. The inner and outer links are rotatable relative to one another between a first position in which the flats are aligned and outer link is separable from or connectable to the inner link by relative lateral movement and a second position in which inner and outer links are approximately longitudinally aligned and the flat edge of the outer link aperture is disposed over the undercut of the bearing surface. In this second position the retention portion adjacent the undercut serves to prevent lateral separation of the inner and outer links.
A link plate assembly includes two first plate, two second plate, and two pins. The first plate includes a first aperture, a second aperture and a receiving aperture. Four convex portions facing the second plate are formed on the first plate. The second plate includes a first aperture and a second aperture. Two concave portions facing the first plate are formed on the second plate. One end of each pin is secured to the first aperture of the first plate. The other end of each pin includes a head portion and a groove portion. The head portion passes through the first aperture of the second plates and the receiving aperture of the other first plate. The groove portion passes through the second aperture of the first plate. The convex portions of the first plates contact with a non-concave part of the second plates when assembling. The convex portions coincide with the concave portions to disassemble the link plate assembly as the second plate is rotated relative to the first plate in a predetermined angle.
A chain is provided for use with a pair or a series of sprockets which is generally of the roller variety. In one embodiment, inner and outer links are rotatably mounted to spaced apart pins having a large diameter and held in position on the pins by press fit inner and outer washers. The inner and outer links are interleaved to create the endless chain. One aspect of the invention is the elimination of conventional bushings and rollers. Instead, the pins of the chain have an exposed portion maintained by the washers to contact the teeth of the sprocket directly.
