Patent ID: 8051976
Filing Date: 2011-11-08
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A track frame assembly compatible with a conveyor chain, having chain elements, to guide the conveyor chain stably, the assembly comprising: an elongated frame member having a predetermined surface; at least a pair of elongated track rail members each fixed in place on the predetermined surface of the frame member; and a plurality of rail fixtures, having central axes, with which the pair of track rail members can removably be fixed to the frame member, each of the track rail members including a retaining projection having a retaining recess formed therein; the pair of track rail members being arranged such that the retaining recesses are opposite to each other with respect to a central axis of a corresponding rail fixture; and each chain element of the conveyor chain having a pair of engaging projections which are formed to slide in contact within corresponding retaining recesses of the pair of track rail members such that the conveyor chain is smoothly movable without disengagement from the pair of track rail members; the frame member including a frame body portion, at least a pair of outer projections formed on the frame body portion, and a pair of inner projections formed between the pair of outer projections; each track rail member including a track rail body portion, a base portion having a base end, a wedging projection formed inside the base end of the base portion and having a slanted face, an engaging projection formed outside the base end of the base portion, and the retaining projection formed outside an outer end of the base portion to have a generally C-shaped cross-section; and each of the rail fixtures is provided between a corresponding pair of track rail members to prevent the pair of track rail members from moving toward each other, and each of the rail fixtures including a fixing plate having a pair of slanted faces which are in close contact with corresponding slanted faces of the wedging projections of the track rail members; a bolt having an end inserted in a bolt hole formed in the fixing plate; and a nut received in a nut receiving recess defined between the pair of inner projections and in which the end portion of the bolt is driven, when the fixing plate is moved to the frame body portion by tightening the bolt, the pair of slanted faces of the fixing plate presses the corresponding slanted faces of the wedging projections of the track rail members, and the track rail members being pressed to the frame body portion and the pair of outer projections of the frame member.