Patent ID: 8061511
Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A belt guide apparatus adapted for attachment to a belt conveyor comprising an endless belt with a conveying run and a return run, the apparatus comprising: right and left flat top plates; right and left flat bottom plates oriented substantially parallel to the right and left flat top plates and oriented such that the right top and bottom plates are located in substantially the same plane, and such that the left top and bottom plates are located in substantially the same plane; a right wall extending between the right top plate and the right bottom plate; and a left wall extending between the left top plate and the left bottom plate; wherein the right and left top plates, right and left bottom plates, and right and left walls form a belt envelope that defines a belt opening that substantially corresponds to a cross-section of the endless belt such that the endless belt can slide freely through the belt opening; wherein a front entrance of the belt envelope is configured to funnel the return run of the endless belt into the belt opening in a flat orientation; wherein the belt envelope, when attached to the belt conveyor, is configured and oriented such that the belt opening is aligned with a desired flat path of the return run of the endless belt, and the walls are in proximity to edges of the return run of the endless belt to prevent the return run of the endless belt from moving laterally and the right and left top and bottom plates are in proximity to corresponding right and left upper and lower surfaces of the return run of the endless belt to prevent at least outer portions of the return run of the endless belt from moving vertically while passing through the belt opening, and wherein the conveying run is located above the top plates of the belt envelope.