Pin for rivetless chain

Abstract

A T-headed pin for use in rivetless chain, generally of the trolley conveyor type, is disclosed. The pin can entirely replace the conventional forged pin of any ordinary size and has superior design matching abilities. It is unique in that it is constructed entirely from a flat piece of sheet metal. Rectangular metal blanks with paired oppositely projecting tabs are provided. The blank is first curled to form the body of the pin with the tabs projecting endwise therefrom. In automated manufacture of chain of the type mentioned in selected lengths, the links may be readily assembled with curled pins having tabs projecting axially from both ends. The tabs may then be bent as required to complete the chain length. Alternatively, the tabs at one end only may be bent and lengths of chain may be readily assembled by inserting the other end of each pin into place and then bending the tabs at said other end. In the manufacture of the pins separately of chain assembly, the curled pin with projecting tabs is supported between two members of the exact width required between the T-heads of the finished pin. Opposite curling tools then move toward the tabs and form them in a sequence of steps which prevents or reduces tearing of the metal of the edges of the tabs where they merge into a curled portion forming the pin. Alternatively, the tabs may be bent prior to curling or partially bent prior to curling followed by a complete bending.