Lug chain apparatus, a lug for use therein and a method of securing lugs at desired locations along a moving endless chain

摘要

A lug chain apparatus having lugs (22), an endless chain (30) and a positioning mechanism (20). The lugs (22) are releasably engageable with the chain (30). The positioning wheel (20) engages the lugs (22) and moves them along the chain (30), to predetermined locations along the chain respectively. Each lug (22) includes locking mechanism (24, 26, 31) that holds that lug (22) in a predetermined location along the chain (30) when in a locking state, and allows movement of that lug (22) along said chain (30) when in a releasing state, such that repositioning of the lugs (22) along the chain (30) is effected without removal of the lugs (22) from the chain (30).