A chain

摘要

A chain comprises inner and outer links that articulate relative to one another on pins (3). The outer links having apertures (14) which receive said pin ends in such a way that the links are easily assembled or dismantled. The pin ends have a retention portion (6) that defines a flat (9) and a bearing portion (7) disposed between the retention portion (6) 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 (15) corresponding to that on the retention portion (6). The bearing surface has an arcuate portion (10) that provides a rotational sliding fit with the arcuate edge of the outer link aperture (14) and a reduced portion (12) 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 (9,15) 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 (15) of the outer link aperture is disposed over the undercut (12) 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. <IMAGE> <IMAGE>