Abstract:
A conveyer assembly for loading and unloading objects from vehicle, the assembly including a platform having at least one slot extending across at least a portion of the platform, at least one conveyor extending at least partially into the slot, wherein the conveyor linearly translates inside the slot and at least one support plate, wherein the support plate is releaseably associable with the conveyor via at least one connector member configured to engage the at least one conveyor in such a way that when the conveyor linearly translates the support plate translates therewith and when the conveyor stops the support plate is secured in place.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/227,824, filed Jul. 23, 2009, entitled “Conveyor Assembly,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including all references cited therein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates in general to a conveyor assembly and, more particularly, to a vehicular conveyor assembly which facilitates horizontal displacement of loaded pallets into and/or out of a vehicle, such as a delivery van. 
         [0004]    2. Background Art 
         [0005]    The utilization of pallets for product (e.g., raw materials, consumer goods, foods, etcetera) storage and transportation has been known in the art for years. In particular, a plurality of pallets loaded with product are normally transported from a first facility (e.g., manufacturing facility, warehouse, etcetera) to a second facility (e.g., distribution center, retail store, etcetera) via vehicular means. However, the plurality of pallets must first be loaded into the vehicle prior to being transported. Often times a first pallet is loaded into, for example, the back of a delivery vehicle using a forklift or hi-lo, and a second pallet is subsequently loaded into the back of the delivery vehicle which horizontally displaces the first pallet toward the front of the delivery vehicle. Frequently, a third pallet is subsequently loaded into the back of the delivery vehicle, which then horizontally displaces the first and second pallets toward the front of the delivery vehicle. 
         [0006]    This process is repeated until the delivery vehicle is sufficiently loaded. To be sure, such a loading technique is replete with drawbacks including excess wear-and-tear and/or damage to the vehicle, pallets, and/or loaded product, as well as injury, amputation, and/or death to the user from, for example, unnecessarily hazardous exposure to pulleys, ropes, chains, etcetera. Moreover, precise, efficient, and accurate pallet placement within the delivery vehicle is extremely difficult to achieve using the traditional load-and-displace forklift methodology. 
         [0007]    Once the plurality of pallets have been loaded and transported to a predetermined location/second facility, they are traditionally unloaded with the assistance of, for example, pallet pullers, ropes, and/or chains, which, similarly to loading the plurality of pallets, is replete with drawbacks including excess wear-and-tear and/or damage to the vehicle, pallets, and/or loaded product, as well as possible injury to the user. 
         [0008]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a conveyor assembly for use with a vehicle which remedies one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks and/or complications associated with traditional assemblies and their associated methodologies used for loading and unloading palletized products. 
         [0009]    These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to a conveyer assembly comprising a platform having at least one slot extending across at least a portion of the platform, at least one conveyor extending at least partially into the slot, wherein the conveyor linearly translates inside the slot and at least one support plate, and wherein the support plate is releaseably associable with the conveyor, the support plate having at least one connector member configured to engage the at least one conveyor in such a way that when the conveyor linearly translates the support plate translates therewith and when the conveyor stops the support plate is secured in place. 
         [0011]    In an additional embodiment, the platform includes a plurality of planks arranged side-by-side in a substantially co-planar relationship to one another, wherein adjacent planks are spaced apart from one another to form a plurality of slots. 
         [0012]    In accordance with the present disclosure the platform includes sidewalls extending downwardly from the edges of the platform. 
         [0013]    According to other exemplary embodiments, the conveyor includes a continuous chain, one continuous chain for each of the slots. 
         [0014]    In an alternative embodiment, the conveyor assembly further includes an elongated tubular enclosure disposed below each of the slots, the elongated enclosure sized to receive at least a portion of the continuous chain therein. 
         [0015]    In accordance with the present disclosure, the elongated tubular enclosure includes a guide rail extending normally to a top surface of the elongated tubular member for supporting a portion of the continuous chain extending from the elongated tubular enclosure. 
         [0016]    In yet another embodiment, the conveyor assembly further includes a drive assembly having: (a) a first sub-assembly comprising a first plurality of gears, wherein each of the first plurality of gears is linearly aligned with and engages one of the continuous chains, the first plurality of gears operatively coupled to a first drive shaft, wherein the first drive shaft is rotatably supported by the platform; (b) a second sub-assembly comprising a second plurality of gears corresponding in number to and linearly aligned with the first plurality of gears, each of the second plurality of gears engaging one of the continuous chains, the second plurality of gears operatively coupled to a second drive shaft, wherein the second drive shaft is rotatably supported by the platform; and (c) wherein the first and second sub-assemblies are spaced apart from one another on opposing ends of the platform. 
         [0017]    In an additional embodiment, the first drive shaft is operatively coupled to a motive source. 
         [0018]    In accordance with the present disclosure, the first sub-assembly includes at least one guide disposed proximate a gear, wherein the at least one guide is spaced apart from the gear so as to prevent the continuous chain from disassociating with the gear. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, the at least one guide extends from a partition extending from a bottom surface of the platform, wherein the partition includes an aperture for receiving the first drive shaft. 
         [0020]    In an additional embodiment, the second sub-assembly includes tensioners positioned on opposing sides of one or more of the gears to selectively vary the amount of tension applied to the continuous chain by the gear. 
         [0021]    According to exemplary embodiments, a tensioner includes a collar surrounding the drive shaft and a rod having a selectively adjustable length, the rod extending from the collar, wherein an end of the rod is secured to a sidewall extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the platform. 
         [0022]    In an alternative embodiment, the support plate includes a plurality of connector members corresponding to one or more of the slots of the platform. 
         [0023]    In accordance with the present disclosure, each of the plurality of connector members extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the support plate, each connector member including a channel having a top plate, two sidewalls, and at least one protrusion extending downwardly into the channel from the top plate, wherein the at least one protrusion contacts the continuous chain when the connector member engages the continuous chain. 
         [0024]    In yet another embodiment, the at least one protrusion includes the head of a fastener utilized to secure the channel to the support plate. 
         [0025]    In some embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a conveyer assembly having: (a) a platform including a plurality of planks arranged side-by-side in a substantially co-planar relationship to one another, wherein adjacent planks are spaced apart from one another to form a plurality of slots; (b) a continuous chain for each of the plurality of slots, the continuous chains extending at least partially into the slots, wherein the continuous chains linearly translate inside the slots; and (c) at least one support plate, wherein the support plate is releaseably associable with the continuous chains, the support plate having a plurality of connector members, each connector member configured to engage one of the continuous chains in such a way that when the continuous chains translate the support plate translates therewith and when the continuous chains stop the support plate is secured in place. 
         [0026]    In a further embodiment, the conveyor assembly further comprises a drive assembly having: (a) a first sub-assembly comprising a first plurality of gears, wherein each of the first plurality of gears is linearly aligned with and engages one of the continuous chains, the first plurality of gears operatively coupled to a first drive shaft, wherein the first drive shaft is rotatably supported by the platform; (b) a second sub-assembly comprising a second plurality of gears corresponding in number to and linearly aligned with the first plurality of gears, each of the second plurality of gears engaging one of the continuous chains, the second plurality of gears operatively coupled to a second drive shaft, wherein the second drive shaft is rotatably supported by the platform; and (c) wherein the first and second sub-assemblies are spaced apart from one another on opposing ends of the platform. 
         [0027]    In accordance with the present disclosure, the first drive shaft is operatively coupled to a motive source. 
         [0028]    In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a conveyer assembly in combination with a vehicle, the vehicle having a cargo space, the combination comprising: (a) a platform including a plurality of slats arranged side-by-side in a substantially co-planar relationship to one another to form at least a portion of the floor of the cargo space, wherein adjacent slats are spaced apart from one another to form a plurality of slots; (b) a continuous chain for each of the plurality of slots, the continuous chains extending at least partially into the slots, wherein the continuous chains linearly translate inside the slots; and (c) at least one support plate, wherein the support plate is releaseably associable with the continuous chains, the support plate having a plurality of connector members, each connector member configured to engage one of the continuous chains in such a way that when the continuous chains translate the support plate translates therewith and when the continuous chains stop the support plate is secured in place. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    Certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by the accompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may be omitted. It will be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  of the drawings is a perspective view of an exemplary environment for utilizing the present invention showing a conveyor assembly disposed within a vehicle; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  of the drawings is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary conveyor assembly; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  of the drawings is an exploded view of the conveyor assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  of the drawings is a perspective view of an elongated tubular member in combination with a continuous chain; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  of the drawings is a perspective view of a first sub-assembly of a drive assembly of the conveyor assembly; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  and Section View A-A of the drawings is a perspective view of a second sub-assembly of the drive assembly of the conveyor assembly; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  and Section View B-B of the drawings is a perspective view of a support plate in combination with a platform. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0037]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
         [0038]    It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters. 
         [0039]    Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an exemplary environment for practicing the present invention is shown which includes conveyor assembly  10  disposed within vehicle  11 . More specifically, conveyor assembly  10  is shown disposed within cargo space  15  of vehicle  11 . Conveyor assembly  10  is utilized to easily load and unload pallets  13  from cargo space  15  of vehicle  11 . It will be understood that conveyor assembly  10  may be installed on the floor of cargo space  15  or integrally combined into vehicle  11  as a portion the floor of cargo space  15 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of conveyor assembly  10  is shown. Conveyor assembly  10  preferably includes platform  12  and support plates  14 . In one embodiment of the invention, support plates  14  slidably translate along platform  12  and supportingly receive objects such as pallets. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of conveyor assembly  10 . Platform  12  preferably comprises frame  18  that includes two outer L-shaped brackets  20  spaced apart from one another by a plurality of struts  22  extending between L-shaped brackets  20 . Each of struts  22  includes a plurality of notches for receiving a plurality of elongated tubular members  24  which are described in greater detail below. In one embodiment, struts  22  are fabricated from steel bent into a Z-shaped configuration having an upper flange  26  and lower flange  28  extending oppositely from upper flange  26 . It will be understood that the upper and lower flanges are substantially parallel to one another. Lower flanges  28  of struts  22  may be utilized to connect platform  12  to the floor of a vehicle. 
         [0042]    Referring briefly to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, elongated tubular members  24  include square tubular members. Moreover, elongated tubular members  24  may be fabricated from one and one-half inch square tubing with a fourteen-gauge wall. Each elongated tubular member  24  extends along the length of frame  18  and is sized to enclose at least a portion of a conveyor  30 . Non-limiting examples of conveyors  30  include belts, chains, cords, and the like. Elongated tubular members  24  each include guide track  32  extending normally from an upper surface of elongated tubular members  24 . Guide track  32  is configured to slidably support the portion of conveyor  30  that extends circularly around the outside of elongated tubular member  24 . In one embodiment, guide track  32  is preferably fabricated from one-quarter inch by one half-inch cold rolled flat stock welded to the top surface of elongated tubular member  24 . 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, conveyor assembly  10  includes three elongated tubular members  24  in combination with three conveyors  30 , which in this embodiment includes continuous chains. Each of the continuous chains extends at least partially through a corresponding elongated tubular member  24  and along the top of guide track  32  of elongated tubular member  24  in a circular configuration. Moreover, in one embodiment, the continuous chains include number forty chains. 
         [0044]    Referring once again to  FIG. 3 , frame  18  also includes first and second U-shaped channels  34  and  36  disposed at opposing ends of frame  18 . Each of U-shaped channels  34  and  36  is attached to the ends of L-shaped brackets  20 . Each inner sidewall  38  of U-shaped channels  34  and  36  includes a plurality of notches  40  for receiving and supporting the ends of elongated tubular members  24 . Additionally, U-shaped channels  34  and  36  include a plurality of partitions  42  that divide U-shaped channels  34  and  36  into a plurality of compartments. Each partition  42  includes an aperture  46  for receiving a drive shaft therethrough. 
         [0045]    Frame  18  also includes two caps  48  cooperating with U-shaped channels  34  and  36  to form first enclosure  50  ( FIG. 5 ) and second enclosure  52  ( FIG. 6 ). Enclosures  50  and  52  house separate portions of a drive assembly that in one embodiment includes first sub-assembly  54  and second sub-assembly  56 . 
         [0046]    In accordance with the present disclosure, platform  12  may be constructed from a plurality of slats  58  arranged side-by-side in co-planar relation to one another. Slats  58  are attached to upper flanges  26  of struts  22  via fasteners. Adjacent slats  58  are spaced apart from one another to form slots  60 . It will be understood that each slot  60  is capable of receiving at least a portion of conveyor  30 . 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , first sub-assembly  54  generally includes first drive shaft  62  and a plurality of gears  64  or sprockets corresponding to the number of conveyors  30 . Gears  64  are slidably disposed on first drive shaft  62  and may be welded into place on first drive shaft  62 . Gears  64  are spaced apart along first drive shaft  62  such that gears  64  are disposed proximate partitions  42  of first enclosure  50 . Moreover, each partition  42  of first enclosure  50  may include two guides  66  disposed above and below each gear  64 . Guides  66  are spaced apart from gears  64  and ensure conveyors  30  remain operatively connected to gears  64 . Guides  66  may be fabricated from a resilient material such as a plastic and in one particular embodiment, nylon. It will be understood that apertures  46  ( FIG. 3 ) of partitions  42  of first enclosure  50  are substantially circular and prevent first drive shaft  62  from unwanted longitudinal movement. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 6  and section view A-A collectively, similarly to first sub-assembly  54 , second sub-assembly  56  generally includes second drive shaft  70  and a plurality of gears  64  or sprockets corresponding to the number of conveyors  30 . Gears  64  are slidably disposed on second drive shaft  70  and may be welded into place on second drive shaft  70 . Gears  64  are disposed along second drive shaft  70  such that gears  64  are located proximate partitions  42  of second enclosure  52 . It will be understood that apertures  46  of partitions  42  of second enclosure  52  are elongated and allow second drive shaft  70  to move longitudinally to vary the tension applied to conveyors  30 . 
         [0049]    As such, second sub-assembly  56  may include tensioners  74  disposed on each side of gears  64 . Tensioners  74  include collar  76  and adjustable rod  78 . Collar  76  surrounds second drive shaft  70  while allowing for free rotation of second drive shaft  70 . The end of adjustable rod  78  is securely connected to a portion of second enclosure  52 . It will be understood that as the length of adjustable rod  78  is extended, greater tensional force is applied to conveyor  30 . Conversely, as the length of adjustable rod  78  is shortened, a lesser amount of tensional force is applied to conveyor  30 . 
         [0050]    It will be understood that both first and second drive shafts  62  and  70  are inserted through bushings (not shown). The bushings are pressed in place within enclosures  50  and  52 . The bushings rotatably support drive shafts  62  and  70 . Additionally, shaft collars (not shown) may be utilized to hold first and second drive shafts  62  and  70  in place. 
         [0051]    Conveyor assembly  10  may include motive source  80 , which in one embodiment includes an electric motor. In greater detail, motive source  80  may include a conventional ATV winch that is readily available from a variety of commercial sources. The cable is removed from the winch and the drum is modified to couple to first drive shaft  62 . Functionally, the motor and gearbox of the ATV winch operate on an electrical current of approximately 12 volts, draw approximately 50 amps, and rotate about 20 rpm via a 152 to 1 planetary gear reduction. With such a configuration motive source  80  is capable of acting as a brake when the electrical potential is removed or in an open circuit state. Motive source  80  may be operatively coupled to control mechanism  82  ( FIG. 1 ) such as a control pad. It will be understood that control mechanism  82  may be wirelessly coupled to motive source  80 . 
         [0052]    In an additional embodiment, control mechanism  82  may be mounted to the back door of the vehicle. Control mechanism  82  is a 2-button control with momentary contacts that enable bi-directional translation of conveyors  30 . 
         [0053]    Battery connection wiring runs from the vehicle&#39;s 12-volt battery through an inline fuse mounted proximate the battery of the vehicle and then to control mechanism  82 . Control mechanism  82  is in electrical communication with motive source  80 . The negative wire is bonded to the vehicle&#39;s body to utilize its grounding system. All wiring is secured and housed in accordance with traditional automotive electrical code. 
         [0054]    An inline-style fuse with a watertight holder may be used with the conveyor assembly, or, alternatively, the vehicle&#39;s terminal bus may be utilized. A 60-amp fuse within 12″ of the battery is preferred. 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  and section view B-B collectively show support plates  14 . Each support plate  14  includes body  84  having a plurality of connector members  86  that may correspond in number to slots  60  of platform  12 . Connector members  86  include a U-shaped channel extending the width of support plate  14  such that when support plates  14  are joined to platform  12 , support plates  14  are disposed perpendicularly to slats  58  of platform  12 . Connector members  86  are securely connected to the bottom surface of support plate  14  via one or more fasteners. It will be understood that heads  88  of the fasteners extend at least partially into the U-shaped channel. It will further be understood that heads  88  of the fasteners act as a mechanical engagement point between support plates  14  and conveyor  30  when connector members  86  are disposed within slots  60 . Moreover, connector members  86  suspend support plates  14  at a predetermined distance above platform  12  to permit slidable translation of support plates  14  along platform  12 . 
         [0056]    In operation, support plates  14  are joined to platform  12  by inserting connector members  86  into slots  60  engaging heads  88  of the fasteners with conveyors  30 . After heads  88  of the fasteners are engaged with conveyors  30 , engagement of motive source  80  causes conveyors  30  to translate support plates  14  along platform  12 . Objects may be translated along the length of platform  12  by placing the objects onto one or more support plates  14 . 
         [0057]    Generally, the user will preferably back up the associated vehicle to a delivery area so a forklift can approach its back door. The user places two support plates  14  crossway on conveyors  30  to accommodate the pallet size, usually about 36″ apart. It will be understood that properly spacing the pallet on the support plates  14  evenly distributes the weight of the pallet onto each of conveyors  30 . The forklift driver then sets the pallet down onto support plates  14 , and then removes the forks and retreats from the back of the vehicle. The user utilizes control mechanism  82  to move the pallet forward to make room for the next pallet. The process can now be repeated with the second set of support plates  14 . It will be understood that a 10′ long vehicle can usually haul three pallets. The last pallet can be set in without support plates  14  because the pallet does not need to move. The user then preferably straps down each pallet with 2″ wide ratchet straps to the side of the van on the provided hook rails. The user may go to the next stop to unload the pallets in the reverse manner. 
         [0058]    The foregoing drawings and description merely explain and illustrate the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.