Patent ID: 8776999
Filing Date: 2014-07-15
Classification: B65B,B65G

Abstract:
1. An articulating frame for supporting a continuous belt comprising: a plurality of fasteners each having an axis that is substantially parallel with each other; a first link of a plurality of first links, the first link having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to rotatably receive a fastener of the plurality of fasteners and the first end having an engagement feature formed therein, the second end configured to rotatably receive a fastener of the plurality of fasteners that is adjacent to the fastener rotatably received by the first end, and the second end having an engagement feature formed therein, the second end of a first link of the plurality of first links being engaged with a first end of an adjacent first link of the plurality of first links; a second link of a plurality of second links, the second link having a third end and a fourth end, the third end configured to rotatably receive a fastener of the plurality of fasteners and the third end having an engagement feature formed therein, the fourth end configured to rotatably receive a fastener of the plurality of fasteners that is adjacent to the fastener rotatably received by the third end, and the fourth end having an engagement feature formed therein, the fourth end of a second link of the plurality of second links being engaged with a third end of an adjacent second link of the plurality of second links; the plurality of first links overlapping the plurality of second links such that an overlapping second end of a first link of the plurality of first links rotatably receiving the same fastener of the plurality of fasteners as a corresponding third end of a second link of the plurality of second links, and an overlapping first end of a first link of the plurality of first links rotatably receiving the same fastener of the plurality of fasteners as a corresponding fourth end of a second link of the plurality of second links; and wherein the first link of the plurality of first links has a first surface and an opposed second surface, and the second link of the plurality of the second links has a third surface and an opposed fourth surface, the fourth surface facing away from the first surface of the plurality of first links; wherein at least a portion of the first surface of the first link of the plurality of first links and the fourth surface of the second link of the plurality of second links secures a conveyor retainer for supporting the continuous belt.