Conveyors: power-driven – Conveyor section – Endless conveyor
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-22
2001-06-26
Bidwell, James R. (Department: 3651)
Conveyors: power-driven
Conveyor section
Endless conveyor
Reexamination Certificate
active
06250459
ABSTRACT:
DESCRIPTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a conveyor chain for conveying products, of the type that comprises a plurality of links, each link having a body defining a supporting surface for the products that are to be conveyed, two adjacent links in the plurality of links being hinged to each other by a spindle of predetermined axis parallel to the supporting surface and extending between side projections of a first link of the two links and a central projection of a second link of the two links, these two links being articulated together by a hinge pin on a predetermined axis intersecting the axis of the spindle and perpendicular to the supporting surface, the spindle passing through this hinge pin which is rotatable in a seat formed in the central projection of the second link.
2. Background of the Invention
As is known, with such chains it is possible to follow twisting paths because of the fact that the links are hinged together. This feature of known chains of this type does however create a discontinuity in the supporting surface. What is more, gaps open up on either side of the chain and simultaneously and alternatively close and open when the chain changes direction. When these gaps close any object or, worse still, any finger which happens to be in the open gap can unfortunately be trapped. This of course leads to the drawback of undesirable jamming or, worse, injury.
Conveyor chains have been suggested in which these gaps are permanently occupied by plates mounted on the first link and projecting from the side projections. These plates fit into slots formed in the body of the second link. Such chains, though satisfactory, do not altogether solve the problem because it is still possible for an object or a finger to be squeezed between the links, even if not completely inserted into the gap, which is partially occupied by the plate, when the remaining gap closes; and besides, the continuity of the supporting surface is compromised.
The problem addressed by the present invention is how to devise a conveyor chain of the type specified that will have the structure and functional characteristics to overcome the abovementioned problem cited with reference to the conveyor chains of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This problem is solved by a conveyor chain of the type specified that is characterized in that it comprises a flat part which is housed in a depression in the body of the second link, is rotatable about the axis of the hinge pin and is fastened axially to the body of the second link by retention means, the said flat part having a semicircular portion that rotates in the depression and a rectangular portion continuing from the second link and held between the side projections of the first link.
Other features and the advantages of the conveyor chain of the present invention will become clear in the course of the description given below of a preferred embodiment, presented by way of non-restrictive illustration, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
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Coen Daniele
Mondello Piero
Bidwell James R.
Quarles & Brady LLP
Rexnord Marbett S.P.A.
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