Patent ID: 6244417
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: B60B,B60P,B65G

Abstract:
A material handling unit comprising:a substantially planar platform having a longitudinal direction on which pallets and cargo containers are transported; anda plurality of multidirectional helical roller assemblies positioned transverse across and longitudinally along the planar platform, each of said multidirectional helical roller assemblies comprising:an outer ring member having an inner bearing race;an inner ring member having an outer bearing race cooperating with the inner bearing race such that said inner ring member is freely rotatable relative to said outer ring member, said inner ring member defining a generally circularly-shaped central opening extending completely through the helical roller assembly; anda roller rotatably mounted on a shaft which is supported on the inner ring member along a chord of the central opening that is parallel to but offset from the centerline of the central openingwherein the roller comprises a con cave outer surface extending between two end surfaces which are spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the length of the chord;wherein said inner ring member supporting said roller is free to turn in the direction of an applied force as pallets and cargo containers are fed along the platform.