Chain design

Abstract

A three-way laced chain (40) has a plurality of links (32, 43, 45) that are rranged in rows (A, B and C) that extend across the width of the chain (40) where similarly located end regions of the links (42, 43, 45) are offset. The links (42, 43, 45) that extends along the longitudinal center of the chain (40). A plurality of first (43), second (42) and third (45) links are positioned in substantially parallel relationship with respect to each other. The second links (42) have a thickness less than the first links (43) and the third links (45) have a thickness greater than the thickness of the first links (43). An aperture (49) is located at each end of the first (43), second (42) and third (45) links. A plurality of connecting elements (51) extend through the apertures (49) and connect together adjacent first (43), second (42) and third (45) links. The second links (42) and third links (45) are positioned in the chain (40) to vary the spacing between adjacent links (42, 43, 45) and to vary distribution of the loads on the links (42, 43, 45) whereby the loads on the links (42, 43, 45) are substantially balanced across the width of the chain (40) and bending of the connecting elements (51) is substantially reduced.