A LOCKING MEANS FOR JOINING TWO OR MORE MEMBERS, SUCH AS FOR INSTANCE A CHAIN END AND LINKS OF AN ENDLESS CHAIN

摘要

A mechanism for joining a chain end to a chain link utilizes a sliding link connected to a first link of the chain. The sliding link can be disengaged only by displacing it onto the straight portion of the first link and moving it forwardly to a second position. For connection, the sliding link is moved about the straight portion to a third position and is then moved upon engagement of a second chain link by an opposite displacement back to the locking position. Thus locking and unlocking is achieved only by two specific movements of the sliding link. Inadvertent unlocking is prevented by the shape and position of the sliding link.