US009394987B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 9,394.987 B2

Pfeiffer (45) Date of Patent: Jul.19, 2016
(54) SPROCKET (56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(71) Applicant: Wolf Tooth Components, LLC, Savage,
MN (US) 257.445 A * 5/1882 Lechner .................... F16H 7.06
474,152
495,584 A 4, 1893 Guthrie
(72) Inventor: Michael W. Pfeiffer, Savage, MN (US) 536,813 A * 4, 1895 MacPhail et al. ....... F16H 55.30
474,152
586,991 A * 7/1897 Curley .................... F16H 55.30
(73) Assignee: Wolf Tooth Components, LLC, Savage, 474,156
MN (US) 590,649 A * 9/1897 Ribyn, Jr. ................ F16H 55.30
474,156
591.270 A * 10/1897 Gauthier ................. F16H 55.30
c -r 474,156
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 619,537 A 2, 1899 Bufford
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 1,482,896 A 2, 1924 Huntington et al.
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. 1,835,406 A 12/1931 Kirsten
2,602,343 A * 7/1952 Barrett ................... B62D 55.08
299,831
(21) Appl. No.: 14/596.799 3,391,863 A 7/1968 Huffman et al.
3,654,814. A 4, 1972 Richmond
(22) Filed: Jan. 14, 2015 (Continued)
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(65) Prior Publication Data
DE 1086957 B 8, 1960
US 2015/02263O8A1 Aug. 13, 2015 DE 2816137 A1 10, 1979
(Continued)
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Related U.S. Application Data
(60) Provisional application No. 61/937,742, filed on Feb. Third-Party Submission submitted in related U.S. Appl. No.
10, 2014. 14/596,761 on Dec. 17, 2015.
Primary Examiner — Henry Liu
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Dicke, Billig & Czaja,
(51) Int. Cl.
FI6H 7/06 (2006.01) PLLC
FI6H 5.5/30 (2006.01) (57) ABSTRACT
B62M 9/10 (2006.01) A sprocket includes first teeth having a first maximum width,
(52) U.S. Cl. and second teeth having a second maximum width greater
CPC FI6H55/30 (2013.01); B62M 9/10 than the first maximum width alternately arranged with the
- ------ --- ------- (2013.01); B62M 9Vio5 (2013.01) first teeth. The second teeth have a leading surface relative to
• u. fs a drive direction of the sprocket, a lateral surface at the second
(58) Field of Classification Search maximum width, and a relief between the leading Surface and
CPC ....... F16H55/30; F16H 7/06; F16H 57/0006; the lateral surface, with a midline of the lateral surface being
B62M 9/10; B62M 9/105 offset relative to a plane extended radially through a center of
USPC .................................................. 474/152, 156 a respective tooth.
See application file for complete search history. 40 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
 US 9,394.987 B2
Page 2

(56) References Cited D716, 191 S 10, 2014 Reiter

8,882,619 B2 * 1 1/2014 Braedt ..................... B62M 9/10
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 474,156
8,888,631 B2 11/2014 Morita
3,730,009 5, 1973 Mead et al. 2002fOO86753 A1 T/2002 Yahata
3,745,851 7, 1973 Zeldman et al. 2003/0083166 A1 5/2003 Oertley
3,956,943 5, 1976 Yamasaki ............... F16H 55.30 2005, 007994.0 A1 4, 2005 Reiter
474,148 2005/0272546 A1 12, 2005 Reiter
3.969,947 7, 1976 Martin .................... F16H 55.30 2005/0282672 A1 12, 2005 Nonoshita
474,152 2006, OO73927 A1 4, 2006 Haesloop
3,990, 136 11, 1976 Hishida 2006.01285.11 A1 6, 2006 Oishi et al.
4,144,773 3, 1979 Addicks 2006/0258498 A1 11, 2006 Tabe et al.
4, 174,642 ck 11, 1979 Martin .................... F16H 55.30 2007/0054768 A1* 3, 2007 Miyazawa .............. F16H 55.30
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4,240,303 12, 1980 Mosley 2009 OO82147 A1 3, 2009 Braedt
4,261,214 4, 1981 Watanabe et al. 2010.0075791 A1 3, 2010 Braedt
4,330,286 5, 1982 Nagano 2010/0227720 A1* 9, 2010 Mehta ..................... F16H 55.30
4,348,199 9, 1982 Oonuma et al. 474,155
4.433,963 2, 1984 Shimano 2011/0092327 A1 4, 2011 Oishi
4472, 164 9, 1984 Pusch et al. 2011/0105.263 A1 5, 2011 Braedt
4,501,575 2, 1985 Lapeyre 2012fO2257.45 A1 9, 2012 Oishi et al.
4,586,914 5, 1986 Nagano 2013,0072334 A1* 3, 2013 Braedt ...................... F16H 7.06
4,589,860 5, 1986 Brandenstein et al. 474,156
4,867,733 9, 1989 Yamanoi et al. 2013,0109519 A1 5, 2013 Morita
5,098,346 3, 1992 Redmond 2013/O139642 A1* 6, 2013 Reiter .................... B62M 9/105
5,318,483 6, 1994 Reid et al. T4,594.2
5,362,278 11, 1994 Bergles et al. 2013, O143704 A1 6, 2013 Blank et al.
5,503,598 4, 1996 Neuer et al. 2013/O18411.0 A1* 7, 2013 Reiter ................... F16H 55,303
5,545,096 8, 1996 Su 474,152
5,921,878 7, 1999 Young ..................... F16G 13,06 2014/O100.069 A1* 4, 2014 Reiter .................... B62M 9/105
474,156 474,156
5,921,879 7, 1999 Young ....................... F16H 7.06 2014/0162821 A1 6, 2014 Braedt et al.
474,156 2014/0335983 A1 11/2014 Iwai et al.
6,013,001 ck 1, 2000 Miyoshi ................... B62M 9/10 2014/0335987 A1 11/2014 Iwai et al.
474,156 2014/0338494 A1 11/2014 Sugimoto et al.
6,090,003 ck T/2000 Young ....................... F16H 7.06 2014/0364259 A1* 12, 2014 Reiter ..................... F16H 55.30
474,152 474,155
D435.492 S 12, 2000 Shy 2015, 0198231 A1 7/2015 Emura
6, 190,275 B1 2, 2001 Ciancio et al. 2015,0203173 A1 7/2015 Nishimoto et al.
6,203462 B1 3, 2001 Takamori 2015,0239528 A1 8, 2015 Barefoot et al.
6,220,970 B1 4, 2001 Berger et al. 2015,0291255 A1 10, 2015 Nishimoto et al.
6,325,734 12, 2001 Young ....................... F16H 7.06 2015,0337943 A1 11/2015 Sugimoto
474,156 2015,0362057 A1 12, 2015 Wesling et al.
6,340,338 B1 1, 2002 Kamada
6,468,173 B1 10, 2002 Jeong FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
6,500,084 B2 12, 2002 Wigsten
6,540,630 B1 4, 2003 Oertley DE 102012.109931 A1 5, 2013
D478,849 S 8, 2003 Griffin et al. EP 1764296 A1 3, 2007
6,666,786 B2 12, 2003 Yahata FR 2545.902 A1 11, 1984
6,761,657 B2* T/2004 Young ....................... F16H 7.06 FR 2657134 A1 7, 1991
474,152 GB 2005363 A 4f1979
6,899,651 B2 5/2005 Oertley JP 5642489 4f1981
7,094,170 B2 8, 2006 Young JP S5642489 4f1981
D540,718 S 4, 2007 Wickliffe JP 60104.866 A 6, 1985
7,416,500 B2 * 8, 2008 Young ....................... F16H 7.06 JP H1171795 12/1989
474,152 JP 2000355295 12/2000
7,491, 143 B2 2, 2009 Valle JP 2001187957 A T 2001
D599,255 S 9, 2009 Wickliffe et al. JP 2002243020 A 8, 2002
D599,716 S 9, 2009 Wickliffe et al. JP 20070713O2 3, 2007
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D599,718 S 9, 2009 Wickliffe et al. JP 201236982 2, 2012
D599,719 S 9, 2009 Wickliffe et al. JP 201324307 2, 2013
D607,784 S 1, 2010 Gisbert JP 201379698 5, 2013
7,686,721 B2 3, 2010 Tabe et al. TW I316490 11, 2009
7,824,287 11, 2010 Nonoshita ................ B62M 9/10 TW 3.38655 10, 2010
474,152 WO 9806962 2, 1998
7,967,709 B2 6, 2011 Emura et al. WO O3O95867 A1 11, 2003
8,365,881 B2 2, 2013 Iwai et al.
D715,699 S 10, 2014 Reiter et al. * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 1 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2

F.G. 1
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 2 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2

F.G. 2
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 3 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2

F.G. 3
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 4 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 5 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2

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F.G. 5
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 6 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2

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U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 7 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 8 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 9 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 10 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 11 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2

F.G. 13
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 12 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2

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F.G. 14
U.S. Patent Jul. 19, 2016 Sheet 13 of 13 US 9,394.987 B2

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 US 9,394.987 B2
1. 2
SPROCKET that other examples may be utilized and structural or logical
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED present disclosure. The following detailed description, there
APPLICATIONS fore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the Scope of the
present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. S 119(e) to FIGS. 1 and 2 are left-front and right-front perspective
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/937,742 filed views, respectively, of one example of a sprocket 10 for use as
on Feb. 10, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference. a chainring on a bicycle (not shown). In addition, FIGS. 3 and
This application is related to U.S. Non-Provisional patent 4 are front and rear views, respectively, of sprocket 10. Fur
application Ser. No. 14/596.761 filed on even date herewith, 10 thermore, FIG. 5 is a side view of sprocket 10, where the side
U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/596,765 view of FIG. 5 represents left, right, top, and bottom views of
filed on even date herewith, and U.S. Non-Provisional patent sprocket 10, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the area within
application Ser. No. 14/596,797 filed on even date herewith. the broken line circle of FIG. 5.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, sprocket 10 includes a body 12
BACKGROUND 15 and a plurality of teeth 14 radially, outwardly extending,
projecting from body 12. In one example, body 12 includes
The present disclosure relates generally to sprockets and, one or more mounting holes 16 for mounting or securing
more specifically, relates to a sprocket having alternating sprocket 10 to a crank assembly (not shown) of a bicycle. It is
wide and narrow teeth for use as a chainring on a bicycle. understood that the number, size, form, configuration, and/or
arrangement of mounting holes 16 may vary. In addition,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS sprocket 10 may include one or more other features (in addi
tion to and/or in place of mounting holes 16) to mount or
FIG. 1 is a left-front perspective view of one example of a secure sprocket 10 to a crank assembly.
sprocket in accordance with the present disclosure. In one example, sprocket 10 has a rotational axis R and a
FIG. 2 is a right-front perspective view of the sprocket of 25 centerline C normal to rotational axis R such that sprocket 10
FIG 1. rotates about rotational axis R in a plane coinciding with
FIG.3 is a front view of the sprocket of FIG. 1. centerline C normal to rotational axis R. In the example
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the sprocket of FIG. 1. illustrated, sprocket 10 rotates in a drive direction D about
FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views from the per rotational axis R such that teeth 14 each have a drive side 18
spective of lines A-A and B-B, respectively, of FIG. 4. 30 and a non-drive side 20 relative to drive direction D. In addi
FIG. 5 is a side view of the sprocket of FIG. 1. tion, teeth 14 each have opposite lateral sides 22 relative to
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the area within the broken line centerline C and drive direction D. Although illustrated as
circle of FIG. 5. being circular in shape, sprocket 10 may be non-circular, for
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the area within the broken line example, elliptical, pseudo-elliptical, oval, ovoid, parabolic,
circle of FIG. 1. 35 etc.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the area within the broken line The front view of FIG.3 represents an outboard side 24 of
circle of FIG. 2. sprocket 10 and the rear view of FIG. 4 represents an inboard
FIG.9 is an enlarged view of the area within the broken line side 26 of sprocket 10 when sprocket 10 is mounted or
circle of FIG. 3. secured to a crank assembly of a bicycle and rotated (driven)
FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views from the per 40 in drive direction D. In one example, teeth 14 of sprocket 10
spective of lines A-A and B-B, respectively, of FIG. 9. are Substantially symmetrical about centerline C Such that a
FIG. 10 is a left-front perspective view of one example of a shape or profile of teeth 14 on outboard side 24 and inboard
sprocket in accordance with the present disclosure engaged side 26 substantially mirror each other. In one example, as
with a section of a roller chain. described below, teeth 14 of sprocket 10 engage a roller chain
FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the area within the broken 45 such that rotation of sprocket 10 in drive direction D imparts
line circle of FIG. 10. movement to the roller chain.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 11 with an outer In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, teeth 14 include
link plate removed from the roller chain on an outboard side alternating teeth of different width or thickness. More spe
of the sprocket. cifically, in one example, and with reference to FIGS. 4A and
FIG. 13 is a front view of the sprocket of FIG. 10 engaged 50 4B, teeth 14 include a plurality of first teeth 100 each having
with a section of a roller chain. a first width W1 (defined as or formed by a maximum width
FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the area within the broken between opposite lateral sides 22) and a plurality of second
line circle of FIG. 13. teeth 200 each having a second width W2 (defined as or
FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view from the perspective of formed by a maximum width between opposite lateral sides
line A-A of FIG. 14. 55 22) such that second width W2 is greater than first width W1.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 14 with an outer In one example, first teeth 100 and second teeth 200 are
link plate removed from the roller chain on an outboard side alternately arranged with one second tooth 200 positioned
of the sprocket. between two first teeth 100 (or one first tooth 100 positioned
FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view from the perspective of between two second teeth 200). As such, first teeth 100 and
line A-A of FIG. 15. 60 second teeth 200 form a sequence or series of alternating wide
and narrow teeth about a periphery of sprocket 10. In one
DETAILED DESCRIPTION example, first teeth 100 and second teeth 200 each include an
even number of teeth and, more specifically, each include the
In the following detailed description, reference is made to same number of teeth.
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in 65 In one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, first teeth
which is shown by way of illustration specific examples in 100 and second teeth 200 are aligned along centerline C. In
which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood addition, in one example, first teeth 100 and second teeth 200
 US 9,394.987 B2
3 4
are substantially symmetrical about centerline C. As such, the teeth 200 each include a front (leading) or drive-side surface
shapes and/or profiles of first teeth 100 and second teeth 200 210 and a rear (trailing) or non-drive-side surface 220.
are substantially symmetrical about centerline C. In one example, drive-side surface 210 of second teeth 200
FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are enlarged views of the areas within the includes and/or is formed or defined by a drive-side face 212
broken line circles of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, respectively. More and a drive-side flank 214, and non-drive-side surface 220 of
specifically, FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate the shapes and/or second teeth 200 includes and/or is formed or defined by a
profiles of first teeth 100 and second teeth 200 from the non-drive-side face 222 and a non-drive-side flank 224. In one
perspective of outboard side 24 of sprocket 10. As teeth 14 of example, drive-side face 212 extends between a top land 230
sprocket 10 are substantially symmetrical about centerline C, of tip portion 202 and drive-side flank 214, and drive-side
the illustrations and associated descriptions of the shapes 10 flank 214 extends between drive-side face 212 and bottom
and/or profiles offirst teeth 100 and second teeth 200 from the land 150 formed and/or defined between adjacent teeth. In
perspective of outboard side 24 of sprocket 10 are also appli addition, non-drive-side face 222 extends between top land
cable to the shapes and/or profiles of first teeth 100 and 230 of tip portion 202 and non-drive-side flank 224, and
second teeth 200 from the perspective of inboard side 26 of non-drive-side flank 224 extends between non-drive-side
sprocket 10. 15 face 222 and bottom land 150 formed and/or defined between
In one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, first teeth adjacent teeth.
100 each terminate with a tip portion 102, and include a base In one example, tooth tip radii 232 and 234 provide a
or root portion 104 extended from body 12 of sprocket 10 and transition between top land 230 and drive-side face 212 of
an intermediate portion 106 formed or defined between root drive-side surface 210 and non-drive-side face 222 of non
portion 104 and tip portion 102. Intermediate portion 106 drive-side surface 220, respectively. In addition, in one
provides a lateral surface 108 of first teeth 100 such that first example, a width W21 (FIG. 6) oftop land 230 is substantially
width W1 (FIG.9A) is formed by or defined as a maximum uniform and coincides with and/or is Substantially the same as
width between lateral surface 108 as provided on opposite a width oftooth tip radii 232 and 234 at the transition between
sides 22 of first teeth 100. In addition, first teeth 100 each top land 230 and drive-side face 212 of drive-side surface 210
include a front (leading) or drive-side surface 110 and a rear 25 and non-drive-side face 222 of non-drive-side surface 220.
(trailing) or non-drive-side surface 120. In one example, second teeth 200 each include a lateral
In one example, drive-side surface 110 of first teeth 100 tooth tip chamfer 236 formed and/or defined between inter
includes and/or is formed or defined by a drive-side face 112 mediate portion 206 and tip portion 202. As such, lateral tooth
and a drive-side flank 114, and non-drive-side surface 120 of tip chamfer 236 reduces a width of and provides a taper to
first teeth 100 includes and/or is formed or defined by a 30 second teeth 200 in a radial direction from lateral surface 208
non-drive-side face 122 and a non-drive-side flank 124. In one of intermediate portion 206 to top land 230 of tip portion 202.
example, drive-side face 112 extends between a top land 130 Thus, width W21 (FIG. 6) oftop land 230 of second teeth 200
of tip portion 102 and drive-side flank 114, and drive-side is less than width W2 (FIG. 6) of intermediate portion 206 of
flank 114 extends between drive-side face 112 and a bottom second teeth 200 as defined by lateral surface 208.
land 150 formed and/or defined between adjacent teeth. In 35 In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, width W21 of top
addition, non-drive-side face 122 extends between top land land 230 of second teeth 200 is greater than width W11 (FIG.
130 of tip portion 102 and non-drive-side flank 124, and 6) of top land 130 of first teeth 100. Width W21 of top land
non-drive-side flank 124 extends between non-drive-side 230, however, may be less than width W11 oftop land 130. In
face 122 and bottom land 150 formed and/or defined between addition, width W21 of top land 230 and width W11 of top
adjacent teeth. 40 land 130 may be substantially the same (substantially equal).
In one example, tooth tip radii 132 and 134 provide a In one example, second teeth 200 each include a lateral
transition between top land 130 and drive-side face 112 of tooth root chamfer 238 formed and/or defined between inter
drive-side surface 110 and non-drive-side face 122 of non mediate portion 206 and root portion 204. As such, lateral
drive-side surface 120, respectively. In addition, in one tooth root chamfer 238 reduces a width of and provides a
example, a width W11 (FIG. 6) oftop land 130 is substantially 45 taper to second teeth 200 along a radial direction from lateral
uniformand coincides with and/or is substantially the same as surface 208 to root portion 204. Thus, a width of root portion
a width oftooth tip radii 132 and 134 at the transition between 204 of second teeth 200 is less than width W2 (FIG. 4B) of
top land 130 and drive-side face 112 of drive-side surface 110 intermediate portion 206 of second teeth 200 as defined by
and non-drive-side face 122 of non-drive-side surface 120. lateral surface 208.
In one example, first teeth 100 each include a lateral tooth 50 In one example, second teeth 200 each include a drive-side
tip chamfer 136 formed and/or defined between intermediate relief 240 and a non-drive-side relief 250. In one example,
portion 106 and tip portion 102. As such, lateral tooth tip drive-side relief 240 extends between drive-side surface 210
chamfer 136 reduces a width of and provides a taper to first and lateral surface 208, and extends between drive-side Sur
teeth 100 in a radial direction from lateral surface 108 of face 210 and lateral tooth tip chamfer 236 and lateral tooth
intermediate portion 106 to top land 130 of tip portion 102. 55 root chamfer 238. In addition, non-drive-side relief 250
Thus, width W11 (FIG. 6) oftop land 130 of first teeth 100 is extends between non-drive-side surface 220 and lateral Sur
less than width W1 (FIG. 6) of intermediate portion 106 of face 208, and extends between non-drive-side surface 220
first teeth 100 as defined by lateral surface 108. and lateral tooth tip chamfer 236 and lateral tooth root cham
In one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, second fer 238. As such, drive-side relief 240 extends between drive
teeth 200 each terminate with a tip portion 202, and include a 60 side surface 210, lateral surface 208, lateral tooth tip chamfer
base or root portion 204 extended from body 12 of sprocket 236, and lateral tooth root chamfer 238, and non-drive-side
10 and a intermediate portion 206 formed or defined between relief 250 extends between non-drive-side surface 220, lateral
root portion 204 and tip portion 202. Intermediate portion 206 surface 208, lateral tooth tip chamfer 236, and lateral tooth
provides a lateral surface 208 of second teeth 200 such that root chamfer 238.
second width W2 (FIG. 9B) is formed by or defined as a 65 More specifically, in one example, drive-side relief 240
maximum width between lateral surface 208 as provided on extends between drive-side face 212, lateral tooth tip chamfer
opposite sides 22 of second teeth 200. In addition, second 236, and lateral surface 208, and extends between drive-side
 US 9,394.987 B2
5 6
flank 214, lateral surface 208, and lateral tooth root chamfer 258 meet or intersect such that non-drive-side relief 250 pro
238. More specifically, drive-side relief 240 extends from vides an angled (non-linear) relief or notch (corner notch)
drive-side face 212 to lateral tooth tip chamfer 236 and lateral between non-drive-side surface 220 and lateral surface 208
surface 208, and extends from drive-side flank 214 to lateral (and lateral tooth tip chamfer 236 and lateral tooth root cham
surface 208 and lateral tooth root chamfer 238. In addition, 5 fer 238). In one example, in cross-sectional view, the angled
non-drive-side relief 250 extends between non-drive-side (non-linear) relief of drive-side relief 250 is an (substantially)
face 222, lateral tooth tip chamfer 236, and lateral surface orthogonal relief between non-drive-side surface 220 and
208, and extends between non-drive-side flank 224, lateral lateral surface 208 (and lateral tooth tip chamfer 236 and
surface 208, and lateral tooth root chamfer 238. More spe lateral tooth root chamfer 238). As such, in one example,
cifically, non-drive-side relief 250 extends from non-drive 10 asymmetry of second teeth 200 includes a distance D1
side face 222 to lateral tooth tip chamfer 236 and lateral between drive-side surface 210 and surface 248 of drive-side
surface 208, and extends from non-drive-side flank 224 to relief 240 (i.e., from drive-side surface 210 to surface 248)
lateral surface 208 and lateral tooth root chamfer 238. being greater than a distance D2 between non-drive-side Sur
In one example, second teeth 200 are asymmetrical about a face 220 and surface 258 of non-drive-side relief 250 (i.e.,
plane P (FIGS. 9, 9B) extended radially from rotational axis 15 from non-drive-side surface 220 to surface 258).
R (FIG. 5) through a tooth root center and tooth tip center of FIGS. 10-15 illustrate one example of sprocket 10 engaged
a respective tooth. More specifically, in one example, asym with a section of a roller chain 50. Sprocket 10 engages roller
metry of second teeth 200 includes lateral surface 208 being chain 50 such that rotation of sprocket 10 about rotational axis
offset in a direction opposite drive direction D relative to R (FIG. 5) in drive direction D imparts movement to roller
plane P. More specifically, in one example, a midline M of chain 50. In one example, roller chain 50 includes and/or is
lateral surface 208 is offset (“shifted') in a direction opposite formed by alternating, overlapping pairs of laterally spaced
drive direction D relative to plane P. apart outer link plates 52 and laterally spaced apart inner link
In one example, second teeth 200 are symmetrical about a plates 54.
tooth centerline CT (FIG. 9B) extended through drive-side In one example, cylindrical rollers 56 are provided
surface 210 and non-drive-side surface 220. More specifi 25 between inner link plates 54 at opposite ends of inner link
cally, in one example, tooth centerline CT intersects (bisects) plates 54, and outer link plates 52 and inner link plates 54 are
drive-side surface 210 and non-drive-side surface 220, and is pivotally interconnected by link pins 58 extended through
oriented substantially perpendicular to plane P. Thus, in one rollers 56 and overlapping, opposite ends of outer link plates
example, second teeth 200 are asymmetrical about plane P 52 and inner link plates 54. As such, inner link plates 54 are
(FIGS. 9, 9B) and symmetrical about tooth centerline CT 30 interleaved with outer link plates 52, and outer link plates 52
(FIG. 9B). In one example, tooth centerline CT coincides and innerlink plates 54 form alternating teeth receiving open
with centerline C of sprocket 10 (FIGS. 5, 6). ings or spacings of different width. More specifically, in one
In one example, drive-side relief 240 includes and/or is example, outer link plates 52 and inner link plates 54 form
formed or defined by a surface 246 communicated with or alternating wide and narrow teeth receiving openings 60 and
extended from drive-side surface 210 (including drive-side 35 62, respectively.
face 212 and drive-side flank 214), and includes and/or is In one example, alternating wide and narrow teeth receiv
formed or defined by a surface (or one or more surfaces) 248 ing openings 60 and 62 of roller chain 50 are engaged by
communicated with or extended from surface 246 to lateral respective alternating wide and narrow teeth 14 of sprocket
surface 208. In one example, surface (or surfaces) 248 of 10. More specifically, second (wide) teeth 200 of sprocket 10
drive-side relief 240 (closely or generally) follows a shape of 40 engage wide teeth receiving openings 60, and first (narrow)
second teeth 200 at (or follows a profile of) drive-side surface teeth 100 of sprocket 10 engage narrow teeth receiving open
210 (including drive-side face 212 and drive-side flank 214). ings 62. As such, in one example, width W2 (FIG. 4B) of
In addition, in one example, non-drive-side relief 250 second teeth 200 and width W1 (FIG. 4A) of first teeth 100
includes and/or is formed or defined by a surface 256 com correspondingly cooperate with wide teeth receiving open
municated with or extended from non-drive-side surface 220 45 ings 60 and narrow teeth receiving openings 62, respectively,
(including non-drive-side face 222 and non-drive-side flank of roller chain 50.
224), and includes and/or is formed or defined by a surface (or In one example, a relief 152 is provided in bottom land 150
one or more surfaces) 258 communicated with or extended between adjacent teeth 100 and 200. In one example, relief
from surface 256 to lateral surface 208. In one example, 152 extends between drive-side 18 of one tooth and non
surface (or surfaces) 258 of non-drive-side relief 250 (closely 50 drive-side 20 of an adjacent tooth (or between non-drive-side
or generally) follows a shape of second teeth 200 at (or 20 of one tooth and drive-side 18 of an adjacent tooth). In one
follows a profile of) non-drive-side surface 220 (including example, separate reliefs 152 are provided in bottom land 150
non-drive-side face 222 and non-drive-side flank 224). on outboard side 24 and inboard side 26 of sprocket 10.
More specifically, in one example, in cross-sectional view, In one example, relief 152 includes and/or is formed or
surface 246 is a (substantially) linear surface and surface 248 55 defined by an arcuate chamfer formed between bottom land
is a (Substantially) linear Surface, and Surface 246 and Surface 150 and body 12 of sprocket 10, and between the drive-side
248 meet or intersect such that drive-side relief 240 provides flank of one tooth and the non-drive-side flank of an adjacent
an angled (non-linear) relief or notch (corner notch) between tooth. More specifically, in one example, one relief 152
drive-side surface 210 and lateral surface 208 (and lateral extends from drive-side flank 114 of first teeth 100 to non
tooth tip chamfer 236 and lateral tooth root chamfer 238). In 60 drive-side flank 224 (and non-drive-side relief 250) of an
one example, in cross-sectional view, the angled (non-linear) adjacent second tooth 200, and another relief 152 extends
relief of drive-side relief 240 is an (substantially) orthogonal from drive-side-flank 214 (and drive-side relief 240) of sec
relief between drive-side surface 210 and lateral surface 208 ond teeth 200 to non-drive-side flank 124 of an adjacent first
(and lateral tooth tip chamfer 236 and lateral tooth root cham tooth 100. Providing relief 152 in bottom land 150 between
fer 238). In addition, in one example, in cross-sectional view, 65 adjacent teeth 100 and 200 helps to clear debris (e.g., mud)
surface 256 is a (substantially) linear surface and surface 258 from bottom land 150 so as to clear an area for rollers 56 of
is a (substantially) linear surface, and surface 256 and surface roller chain 50.
 US 9,394.987 B2
7 8
In one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 14A and What is claimed is:
FIGS. 15 and 15A, when sprocket 10 is engaged with roller 1. A sprocket, comprising:
chain 50 and rotated (driven) in drive direction D, contact teeth radially projecting from a body,
between teeth 14 of sprocket 10 and roller chain 50 includes the teeth including first teeth having a first maximum width
contact between drive side 18 of teeth 14 and roller chain 50 and second teeth having a second maximum width
and between lateral sides 22 of teeth 14 and roller chain 50. greater than the first maximum width alternately
More specifically, when sprocket 10 is engaged with roller arranged with the first teeth,
chain 50 and rotated (driven) in drive direction D, contact the sprocket to rotate in a drive direction about a rotational
between second teeth 200 of sprocket 10 and roller chain 50 axis, and the second teeth being asymmetrical about a
includes contact (direct contact) between drive-side surface
10 plane extended radially from the rotational axis,
210 and rollers 56, and contact (incidental contact) between the second teeth having a drive-side surface relative to the
lateral surface 208 and outer link plates 52. drive direction, a lateral Surface at the second maximum
width, and a drive-side relief between the drive-side
In addition, in one example, when sprocket 10 is engaged surface and the lateral surface, the drive-side relief com
with roller chain 50 and rotated (driven) in drive direction D. 15 prising a first Substantially linear Surface and a second
tension is generated on roller chain 50 in a direction of drive Substantially linear Surface,
direction D Such that, in one example, any stretch or "play' in the second teeth having a non-drive-side Surface relative to
roller chain 50 results in reduced (minimal) contact between the drive direction, and a non-drive-side relief between
non-drive-side surface 220 and rollers 56 of roller chain 50 (as the non-drive-side surface and the lateral surface, the
compared to contact between drive-side surface 210 and roll non-drive-side relief comprising a first Substantially lin
ers 56). As such, in one example, distance D2 at non-drive ear Surface and a second substantially linear Surface,
side surface 220 is reduced (relative to distance D1 at drive wherein a distance from the drive-side surface to a point of
intersection of the drive-side relief at the lateral surface
side surface 210), and lateral surface 208 is extended toward
non-drive-side Surface 220 to increase (maximize) a Surface is greater than a distance from the non-drive-side Surface
area of lateral surface 208, as manifested in the asymmetry of 25 to a point of intersection of the non-drive-side relief at
the lateral surface.
Second teeth 200.
2. The sprocket of claim 1, wherein the first and second
By including drive-side relief 240 at drive side 18 of second teeth comprise a series of alternating wide and narrow teeth
teeth 200, as illustrated and described herein, contact between relative to each other.
drive-side Surface 210 of Second teeth 200 and rollers 56 of 30 3. The sprocket of claim 1, further comprising:
roller chain 50 may be maintained (maximized) while main the second teeth being Substantially symmetrical about a
taining clearance between second teeth 200 and inner link centerline oriented substantially perpendicular to the
plates 54 of roller chain 50. In addition, with the asymmetry plane extended radially from the rotational axis.
of second teeth 200, as illustrated and described herein, con 4. The sprocket of claim 1, wherein the drive-side relief
tact between lateral surface 208 of second teeth 200 and outer 35 comprises a corner notch between the drive-side Surface and
link plates 52 of roller chain 50 may be maintained (maxi the lateral surface.
mized) while maintaining clearance between second teeth 5. The sprocket of claim 1, wherein the non-drive-side
200 and inner link plates 54 of roller chain 50. More specifi relief comprises a corner notch between the non-drive-side
Surface and the lateral Surface.
cally, with a relief area formed by drive-side relief 240 being 40 6. The sprocket of claim 1, further comprising:
greater than a relief area formed by non-drive side relief 250, the second teeth having a lateral tooth tip chamfer between
drive-side surface 210 may fit more deeply within an area the lateral Surface and a tip portion thereof, and a lateral
(“pocket') formed between inner link plates 54 and rollers 56, tooth root chamfer between the lateral surface and a root
So as to maximize (increase) contact between drive-side Sur portion thereof,
face 210 and rollers 56 of roller chain 50. 45 wherein the drive-side relief extends between the drive
Thus, by maintaining (maximizing) contact between drive side surface, the lateral surface, the lateral tooth tip
side Surface 210 of Second teeth 200 and rollers 56 of roller chamfer, and the lateral tooth root chamfer.
chain 50, and/or by maintaining (maximizing) contact 7. The sprocket of claim 1, wherein the sprocket comprises
between lateral surface 208 of second teeth 200 and outer link a chainring.
plates 52 of roller chain 50, retention of roller chain 50 on 50 8. A sprocket, comprising:
sprocket 10 may be maintained (improved). In addition, by first teeth having a first maximum width; and
maintaining (maximizing) contact between drive-side Sur second teeth having a second maximum width greater than
face 210 of second teeth 200 and rollers 56 of roller chain 50, the first maximum width, the second teeth alternately
and/or by maintaining (maximizing) contact between lateral arranged with the first teeth,
surface 208 of second teeth 200 and outer link plates 52 of
55 the second teeth having a leading Surface relative to a drive
roller chain 50, wear of sprocket 10 may be minimized (im direction of the sprocket, a lateral Surface at the second
proved). maximum width, and a Substantially orthogonal relief
between the leading Surface and the lateral Surface, a
Although specific examples have been illustrated and midline of the lateral surface being offset relative to a
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary 60 plane extended radially through a center of a respective
skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent tooth,
implementations may be substituted for the specific examples the second teeth having a trailing Surface relative to the
shown and described without departing from the scope of the drive direction of the sprocket, and a substantially
present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any orthogonal relief between the trailing surface and the
adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed 65 lateral Surface,
herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure belimited wherein a distance from the leading Surface to a point of
only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. intersection at the lateral surface of the substantially
 US 9,394.987 B2
10
orthogonal relief of the leading Surface is greater than a greater than a distance from the non-drive-side Surface
distance from the trailing Surface to a point of intersec to intersection of the non-drive-side relief with the lat
tion at the lateral surface of the substantially orthogonal eral Surface.
relief of the trailing surface. 18. The sprocket of claim 17, wherein the first and second
9. The sprocket of claim 8, wherein the midline of the 5 teeth comprise a series of alternating wide and narrow teeth
lateral surface is offset relative to the plane extended radially relative to each other.
through the center of the respective tooth in a direction oppo 19. The sprocket of claim 17, further comprising:
site the drive direction of the sprocket. the second teeth being asymmetrical about a plane
10. The sprocket of claim 8, wherein the substantially extended radially from the rotational axis.
orthogonal relief comprises a first Substantially linear Surface 10 20. The sprocket of claim 19, further comprising:
intersected with a second Substantially linear Surface. the second teeth being Substantially symmetrical about a
11. The sprocket of claim 8, wherein the second teeth are centerline oriented substantially perpendicular to the
Substantially symmetrical about a centerline extended plane extended radially from the rotational axis.
through the leading Surface. 15 21. The sprocket of claim 17, the drive-side relief compris
12. A sprocket, comprising: ing a first Substantially linear Surface and a second Substan
alternating first and second teeth, tially linear surface.
the first teeth having a first maximum width, and the second 22. The sprocket of claim 17, wherein the drive-side relief
teeth having a second maximum width greater than the comprises a corner notch between the drive-side Surface and
first maximum width, 2O the lateral surface.
the second teeth having a drive side and a non-drive side 23. The sprocket of claim 17, the non-drive-side relief
relative to a drive direction of the sprocket, a drive-side comprising a first Substantially linear Surface and a second
surface at the drive side, a non-drive-side surface at the Substantially linear Surface.
non-drive side, a drive-side relief at the drive side, and a 24. The sprocket of claim 17, wherein the non-drive-side
non-drive-side relief at the non-drive side, 25 relief comprises a corner notch between the non-drive-side
a distance from the drive-side surface to a surface of the Surface and the lateral Surface.
drive-side relief being greater than a distance from the 25. The sprocket of claim 17, further comprising:
non-drive-side surface to a surface of the non-drive-side the second teeth having a lateral tooth tip chamfer between
relief, and the drive-side relief comprising a corner the lateral Surface and a tip portion thereof, and a lateral
notch. 30 tooth root chamfer between the lateral surface and a root
13. The sprocket of claim 12, further comprising: portion thereof,
the second teeth being asymmetrical about a plane wherein the drive-side relief extends between the drive
extended radially from a rotational axis of the sprocket, side surface, the lateral surface, the lateral tooth tip
and chamfer, and the lateral tooth root chamfer.
the second teeth being Substantially symmetrical about a 35 26. The sprocket of claim 17, wherein the sprocket com
centerline oriented substantially perpendicular to the prises a chainring.
plane. 27. A sprocket, comprising:
14. The sprocket of claim 12, further comprising: first teeth having a first maximum width; and
the second teeth having a lateral Surface at the second second teeth having a second maximum width greater than
maximum width, 40 the first maximum width, the second teeth alternately
the drive-side relief extended between the drive-side Sur arranged with the first teeth,
face and the lateral surface, and the non-drive-side relief the second teeth having a leading Surface relative to a drive
extended between the non-drive-side surface and the direction of the sprocket, a lateral Surface at the second
lateral Surface. maximum width, and a relief between the leading Sur
15. The sprocket of claim 14, further comprising: 45 face and the lateral Surface,
the lateral surface having a midline offset relative to a plane the second teeth having a trailing Surface relative to the
extended radially from a rotational axis of the sprocket drive direction of the sprocket, and a relief between the
in a direction opposite the drive direction of the sprocket. trailing Surface and the lateral Surface,
16. The sprocket of claim 12, further comprising: wherein a distance from the leading Surface to intersection
the non-drive-side relief comprising a corner notch. 50 of the lateral surface with the relief of the leading surface
17. A sprocket, comprising: is greater than a distance from the trailing Surface to
teeth radially projecting from a body, intersection of the lateral surface with the relief of the
the teeth including first teeth having a first maximum width trailing Surface.
and second teeth having a second maximum width 28. The sprocket of claim 27, further comprising:
greater than the first maximum width alternately 55 a midline of the lateral surface being offset relative to a
arranged with the first teeth, plane extended radially through a center of a respective
the sprocket to rotate in a drive direction about a rotational tooth.
axis, 29. The sprocket of claim 28, wherein the midline of the
the second teeth having a drive-side surface relative to the lateral surface is offset relative to the plane extended radially
drive direction, a lateral Surface at the second maximum 60 through the center of the respective tooth in a direction oppo
width, and a drive-side relief between the drive-side site the drive direction of the sprocket.
Surface and the lateral Surface, 30. The sprocket of claim 27, wherein the second teeth are
the second teeth having a non-drive-side Surface relative to Substantially symmetrical about a centerline extended
the drive direction, and a non-drive-side relief between through the leading Surface.
the non-drive-side surface and the lateral surface, 65 31. The sprocket of claim 27, wherein the relief between
wherein a distance from the drive-side surface to intersec the leading Surface and the lateral Surface comprises a Sub
tion of the drive-side relief with the lateral surface is stantially orthogonal relief.
 US 9,394.987 B2
11 12
32. The sprocket of claim 31, wherein the substantially 36. The sprocket of claim 35, further comprising:
orthogonal relief comprises a first substantially linear surface the second teeth being asymmetrical about a plane
intersected with a second substantially linear surface. extended radially from a rotational axis of the sprocket,
33. The sprocket of claim 27, wherein the relief between and
the trailing surface and the lateral surface comprises a sub 5 the second teeth being substantially symmetrical about a
stantially orthogonal relief. centerline oriented substantially perpendicular to the
34. The sprocket of claim 33, wherein the substantially plane.
orthogonal relief comprises a first substantially linear surface 37. The sprocket of claim 35, further comprising:
intersected with a second substantially linear surface. the second teeth having a lateral surface at the second
35. A sprocket, comprising: 10 maximum width,
alternating first and second teeth, the drive-side relief extended between the drive-side sur
the first teeth having a first maximum width, and the second face and the lateral surface, and the non-drive-side relief
extended between the non-drive-side surface and the
teeth having a second maximum width greater than the lateral surface.
first maximum width, 15 38. The sprocket of claim 37, further comprising:
the second teeth having a drive side and a non-drive side the lateral surface having a midline offset relative to a plane
relative to a drive direction of the sprocket, a drive-side extended radially from a rotational axis of the sprocket
Surface at the drive side, a non-drive-side surface at the
non-drive side, a drive-side relief at the drive side, and a in a direction opposite the drive direction of the sprocket.
non-drive-side relief at the non-drive side, 39. The sprocket of claim 35, further comprising:
a distance from the drive-side surface to a surface of the the drive-side relief comprising a corner notch.
drive-side relief being greater than a distance from the 40. The sprocket of claim 35, further comprising:
non-drive-side surface to a surface of the non-drive-side the non-drive-side relief comprising a corner notch.
relief.