Interlocked conveyor frame

Details Interlocked conveyor frame Interlocked conveyor frame

1999-11-09

2001-01-09

Bidwell, James R. (Department: 3651)

Conveyors: power-driven

Conveyor frame or casing

Reexamination Certificate

active

06170649

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a conveyor frame assembly, and more particularly to a conveyor frame assembly that is put together without using conventional tools and mounting hardware.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conveyors are routinely used in most manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers to transport products, or articles of production, from one location to another. The conveyors include endless conveyor belt which is supported by a frame. The conveyor belt is typically driven by a motor that is mounted to the frame. A conveyor frame needs to be solidly constructed so that it provides adequate support to the conveyor belt.
A typical conveyor frame includes side supports, cross-members and either bed channels or a platform depending on the design of the frame and the type of conveyor belt supported by the frame. Conveyors having modular conveyor belts often include frames that have cross-members extending transverse to the conveyor path and bed channels extending along the conveyor path. Another known type of conveyor includes a unit link chain belt that travels along and is supported by wear strips engaging the underside of the belt. The wear strips are mounted on wear strip support brackets that are usually mounted on a platform or other supporting member that is part of the frame. The cross-members, side supports, bed channels and wear strip brackets are commonly connected together using a combination of conventional fasteners (e.g., threaded nuts and bolts) and welded joints. The physical configuration of an individual conveyor frame is determined by such factors as conveyor size, the type of belt required, floor space and the size of the articles being transported.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Conventional conveyor frames include a number of structural members that are interconnected by conventional mounting hardware and/or welded joints. One of the problems associated with known conveyor frame assembly constructions is that the frame assemblies are somewhat difficult to assemble. The various components of the frame are often heavy and cumbersome making them difficult to hold in place as they are fastened together. In addition, the fasteners and welded joints are often located in positions that are difficult to access (e.g., under a frame member, or between two closely-spaced components) with assembly tools.
These aspects of known conveyor frame assemblies present problems which arise when the frame assemblies require repair or maintenance, or if the frame assembly needs to be modified or disassembled. Also, using conventional fasteners to interconnect a frame assembly creates the need for closely-held tolerances during manufacture of the frame assembly components thereby increasing the cost of manufacturing the conveyor and the likelihood of difficulties arising during assembly of the conveyor frame.
The present invention is embodied in a conveyor frame assembly that does not use conventional fasteners and/or welded joints to interconnect the frame members. The frame assembly includes a base having a slot and a support having a tab extending through the slot. The tab is plastically deformed toward the base in order to couple the support to the base. The tab and slot configuration provides for simple and accurate location and support of the frame components during assembly of the frame because once the tabs and slots are aligned, the frame components properly positioned. Moreover, once the tab is deformed, the base and support are securely interconnected.
In another aspect, the present invention is embodied in a method of assembling a conveyor frame assembly. The method includes the step of inserting a tab on a support into a slot on a base. The method further includes the step of coupling the support to the base by plastically deforming the tab toward the base. The tab and slot configuration is an easily assembled and disassembled connection, especially when compared to welded joints.
The present invention is also embodied in a tool for assembling a conveyor frame that includes a base and a support. The tool includes a head that is adapted to be inserted into a slot in the base after a tab on the support has been inserted through the slot. The base and the support are coupled together by impacting the tool further through the slot until an angled surface on the tool plastically deforms the tab toward the base.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is embodied in a tool for assembling a conveyor frame that includes a base and a support. The tool includes a head that is adapted to engage a tab that is located on the support and extends through a slot in the base. The tool further includes a handle that is positioned adjacent to the head. The tool plastically deforms the tab toward the base by maneuvering the handle of the tool transverse to the tab after the head is positioned about the tab.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings.


REFERENCES:
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patent: 5137145 (1992-08-01), Clopton
patent: 5562202 (1996-10-01), Newcomb et al.
patent: 5601180 (1997-02-01), Steeber et al.
patent: 5971137 (1999-10-01), Grant et al.
patent: 409379 (1991-01-01), None
patent: 562544 (1993-09-01), None

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