Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a conveyor frame assembly that includes a pair of spaced side rafts joined by one or more cross supports. Each of the cross supports includes an attachment clamp such that the first and second ends of the cross support can be securely attached to an inner surface of the side rails. The attachment clamp includes a pair of attachment jaws that are joined to each other by an adjustment member. Rotation of the adjustment member causes the attachment jaws to move toward each other. As the attachment jaws move toward each other, an engagement surface fanned on each of the attachment jaws causes the side rails and cross support to move toward each other to securely attach the cross support between the side rails to allow for easy and convenient construction and field modification of the conveyor frame assembly.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure generally relates to modular conveyor frame assemblies. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a conveyor frame assembly that includes configurable cross supports that can be securely positioned at desired locations along the length of spaced side rails utilizing attachment clamps mounted within the cross supports. 
         [0002]    In many applications of conveyor systems, the user of the conveyor assembly desires to change the length of the conveyor frame based upon the needs of the current application. Typically, the length of the conveyor assembly is adjusted by removing portions of the side rail and shortening the conveyor belt. During this process, the cross supports that provide rigidity to the conveyor frame are typically moved and reinstalled at the desired location along the modified length of the conveyor frame. In many conveyor frame assemblies, the reattachment of the cross support requires personnel to add holes to the conveyor side frame, which is oftentimes not practical in the operating environment. 
         [0003]    Therefore, a need exists for a conveyor frame assembly that includes side rails and cross supports that allow the conveyor length to be modified without requiring holes to be added to the conveyor side rails and without requiring complete disassembly. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present disclosure relates to a conveyor frame assembly that can be assembled without any modification to the side rails of the conveyor frame assembly. The conveyor frame assembly includes a pair of spaced side rails and a plurality of cross supports that are selectively positionable along the length of the side rails. 
         [0005]    Each of the side rails of the modular conveyor assembly includes a pair of attachment lips, In one embodiment of the disclosure, the attachment lips form part of a pair of spaced attachment cavities. In an alternate embodiment, each of the attachment lips is positioned along the interior side of the side rail. 
         [0006]    The modular conveyor assembly includes a plurality of cross supports that can each be selectively positioned along the length of the side rails. The cross supports each include a first end connected to one of the side rails and a second end that is connected to an opposite side rail. When the cross supports are connected between the pair of spaced side rails, the cross supports provide strength and rigidity for the conveyor frame assembly. 
         [0007]    Each of the cross supports includes an attachment clamp located at both the first end and the second end of the cross support. The attachments clamp securely connect the respective end of the cross support to the side rail while being releasable to allow the cross support to slide along the length of the side rails. The attachment clamps contained on each end of the cross supports include a pair of attachment jaws that are vertically spaced from each other. The attachment jaws each include an engagement end that includes an angled engagement surface that contacts and engages one of the attachment lips formed on the side rail to which the cross support is attached. 
         [0008]    The attachment jaws are each coupled to an adjustment member that is operable to adjust the distance between the pair of attachment jaws. When the adjustment member is moved in a first direction, the attachment jaws are moved toward each other. The movement of the attachment jaws toward each other causes the angled engagement surface to move the cross support and side rail into contact with each other to create a secure attachment. Movement of the adjustment member in a second, opposite direction separates the attachment jaws, thereby releasing the cross support and allowing the cross support to slide along the length of the side rails. 
         [0009]    Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out disclosure. In the drawings: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating as conveyor frame assembly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a section view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an exploded, perspective view showing the configuration of the side rail and the components of the cross support; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the conveyor frame assembly of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a section view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is an exploded, perspective view of the side frame and cross support of the second embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one of the attachment jaws; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the attachment jaw shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a second attachment jaw; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a section view showing the movement of the attachment jaws toward each other. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates a conveyor frame assembly  10  constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The conveyor frame assembly  10  generally includes a pair of side rails  12  spaced from each other by the width of the conveyor belt (not shown) to be utilized with the conveyor frame assembly  10 . The pair of side rails  12  are supported in a spaced relationship by a series of spaced cross supports  14 . Although the conveyor frame assembly  10  shown in  FIG. 1  includes four spaced cross supports  14 , it should be understood that additional cross supports  14  could be utilized in a conveyor frame assembly having a significantly greater length. Likewise, if the conveyor frame assembly  10  has a significantly shorter length, fewer cross supports  14  could be utilized while operating within the scope of the present disclosure. The cross supports  14  provide structural integrity for the conveyor frame assembly  10  and, as such, additional cross. supports  14  may be needed for longer lengths of the conveyor frame assembly  10 . 
         [0022]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , both the side rails  12  and the cross supports  14  are formed from extruded aluminum, although other materials are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure. In accordance with the present disclosure, the location of the cross supports  14  along the length of the side rails  12  between a first end  16  and a second end  18  can be adjusted. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , each of the side rails  12  includes an exterior side  20  and an interior side  22 . The interior sides  22  of each of the pair of spaced side rails  12  face each other and define a width of the conveyor frame between the pair of spaced side rails  12 . Each of the cross supports  14  extends across the width between the side rails  12  and acts to provide strength and rigidity for the assembled conveyor frame. 
         [0024]    The aluminum extrusion that forms each of the side rails  12  includes a pair of external channels  24  that extend along the entire length of each of the side rails  12 . The channels  24  allow for the attachment of various accessories to the side rail  12  through a conventional T-slot connector. In addition to the channels  24 , each of the side rails  12  also includes a center channel  26  that can receive other types of mounting connectors to secure devices along the length of the conveyor frame. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the interior side  22  of the side rail  12  includes a flat contact surface  28  that is defined at an upper end by a first attachment lip  30  and at a lower end by a second attachment lip  32 . The first attachment lip  30  extends vertically above the horizontal wall  34  while the second attachment lip  32  extends below the horizontal wall  36 . The horizontal wall  34 , along with a spaced horizontal wall  38  defines an upper attachment slot  40 . The horizontal wall  36  combines with the horizontal walls  42  to define a lower attachment slot  44 . The attachment slots  40 ,  44  each extend along the entire length of the side rail  12  and are open at both the first end  16  and the second end  18 . 
         [0026]    As discussed above, the conveyor frame assembly  10  further includes the series of cross supports  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each of the cross supports  14  has a length that extends from a first end  46  to a second end  48 . The cross support  14  includes a pair of receiving cavities  50  that are spaced from each other within the cross support  14 . Each of the receiving cavities  50  extend along the length of the cross support  14  from the first end  46  to the second end  48 . The cross support  14  includes a first surface  52  that includes an open center slot  54 . In the embodiment shown, the first surface  52  is positioned upward, although it is contemplated that the orientation of the cross support  14  could be inverted depending on the application of the conveyor frame assembly  10 . The open center slot  54  includes a pair of access openings  56 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the surface  52  also includes a series of longitudinal slots  58  that also extend into an outer wall  60 . The longitudinal slots  58  allow for the insertion of additional longitudinal supports (not shown) that extend between the spaced cross supports  14  to support the upper run of the conveyor belt. 
         [0027]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each of the cross supports  14  includes an attachment clamp  62  that extends from one of its first or second ends  46 ,  48 . The attachment clamps  62  allow the cross support  14  to be securely connected between the interior sides  22  of the spaced side rails  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the cross support  14  is shown having the second end  48  securely connected to the side rail  12  such that the second end  48  is in physical contact with the contact surface  28 . The opposite, first end  46  is connected to the opposite side rail (not shown) such that the cross support  14  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0028]    Referring back to  FIG. 3 , each of the attachment clamps  62  includes a pair of attachment jaws  64  and  65 . The attachment jaws  64 ,  65  are each positioned within one of the receiving cavities  50  such that an engagement end  66  of each of the jaws  64 ,  65  extends past the outermost end of the cross support  14 . 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7-9 , each of the attachment jaws  64 ,  65  includes a main body  68 . The main body  68  defines an inner face support surface  70  that extends from an inner end  72 . The support surface  70  terminates at shoulder  74 . The shoulder  74  defines the transition between the support surface  70  and the intermediate portion  76 . The intermediate portion  76  of the main body  68  is defined by the inner surface  78  that is recessed from the support surface  70  by the shoulder  74 . 
         [0030]    As previously described, the attachment jaws  64 ,  65  each include an engagement end  66 . The engagement end  66  includes the inner surface  80 . The transition between the inner surface  78  of the intermediate portion  76  and the inner surface  80  of the engagement end  66  is defined by an angled engagement surface  82 . As best shown in  FIG. 8 , the engagement surface  82  extends at an angle  84  relative to a vertical axis  86 . The angle  84  of the engagement surface  82  helps to create movement between the side rail  12  and the cross support, as will be described in much greater detail below. In the embodiment shown, the angle  84  is 10°, although other angles are contemplated. 
         [0031]    Referring back to  FIG. 7 , the upper attachment jaw  64  includes an attachment opening  88  that extends through the entire thickness of the attachment jaw  64  from the outer surface  90  to the inner surface  78  of the intermediate portion  76 . In the embodiment illustrated, the attachment opening  88  is a through hole haying a smooth inner surface  89 . 
         [0032]    The second attachment jaw  65  shown in  FIG. 9  has a similar profile to the attachment jaw  64  and includes a similar attachment opening  88 . However, inner surface  91  of the attachment opening  88  of the attachment jaw  65  includes a series of internal threads  93  haying a defined pitch extending from the outer surface  90  to the inner surface  78 . 
         [0033]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , when the pair of attachment jaws  64 ,  65  are installed within the cross support  14 , the inner surfaces  78  of the jaws are positioned to face each other. When the attachment jaws  64 ,  65  are positioned within the receiving cavities  50 , the support surface  70  on each of the jaws  64 ,  65  contacts one of the horizontal support walls  92 . The interaction between the support surface  70  and the support wall  92  can clearly be seen in  FIG. 2 . The interaction between the support wall  92 . and the support surface  70  limits the vertical movement of the attachment jaws  64 ,  65  toward each other. 
         [0034]    Each of the attachment clamps  62  shown in  FIG. 3  further includes an adjustment member  94 . The adjustment member  94  passes through the attachment opening  88  of the attachment jaw  64  and is received by the threads formed along the attachment opening  88  of the lower attachment jaw  65  such that the adjustment member  94  can be used to modify the distance between the pair of adjustment jaws  64 ,  65 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the adjustment member  94  includes an externally threaded shaft  96  that extends from a head  98  including a cavity  100  that can receive an adjustment tool (not shown). As can be understood in  FIG. 2 , the threaded shaft  96  is received within the attachment opening  88  formed in the adjustment jaw  65  and passes through the attachment opening  88  in the attachment jaw  64 . When the adjustment member is coupled to the pair of spaced attachment jaws  64 ,  65 , the head  98  contacts the outer surface  90  of the attachment jaw  64  and is accessible through the access opening  56  formed in the surface  52 . In this manner, a user can access the cavity  100  formed in the head  98  with the required tool to rotate the adjustment member and thus modify the spacing between the pair of attachment jaws  64 ,  65 . 
         [0035]    As can be understood by the above description, when the attachment clamp  62  is assembled as shown in  FIG. 2 , when the head  98  and associated threaded shaft  96  are rotated in a clockwise direction when viewed from above, the distance between the two attachment jaws  64 ,  65  decreases. Likewise, when the head  98  and associated shaft  96  are rotated in the opposite, counterclockwise direction, the distance between the pair of attachment jaws  64 ,  65  increases. Rotation of the head  98  in the clockwise direction thus tightens the attachment between the cross support  14  and the side rail  12  while rotation in the opposite, counterclockwise direction loosens the engagement between these two components. 
         [0036]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the engagement end  66  of each attachment jaw  64 ,  65  is received within one of the attachment slots  40 ,  44  such that the engagement end  66  contacts one of the attachment lips  30 ,  32 . In the initial attachment condition, the adjustment member  94  is retracted such that the attachment jaws  64 ,  65  are loose and moveable within the respective receiving cavity  50 . In this condition, the pair of attachment jaws  64 ,  65  can be slid into the open ends of the attachment slots  40 ,  44  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0037]    Once the attachment laws  64 ,  65  are received Within the attachment slots  40 ,  11 , the entire cross support  14  can be slid along the length of the pair of side rails  12  to the desired location, such as shown in  FIG. 1 . Once the cross support  14  is in the desired location, the user inserts a tool into the cavity  100  formed in tile head  98  of the adjustment member  94 . Once the tool is inserted, the tool can be rotated, which causes the threaded shaft  96  to rotate and engage the threads formed along the threaded attachment opening  88  formed in the lower attachment jaw  65 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , when the attachment jaws  64 ,  65  are initially positioned, the engagement surface  82  formed on the engagement end  66  contacts one of the attachment lips  30 ,  32 . When the adjustment member is rotated to pull the jaws  64 ,  65  together, the movement of each of the jaws  64 ,  65  in the direction of arrows  102  causes each of the jaws  64 ,  65  to also move in the direction shown by arrows  105  due to the interaction between the respective attachment lip  30 ,  32  and the angled engagement surface  82 . Since each of the jaws  64 ,  65  is contained within one of the ends of the cross support, the movement of the jaws in the direction shown by arrow  105  causes the cross support to move into contact with the side rail. In this manner, the movement of the jaws  64 ,  65  toward each other, as shown by arrow  102 , causes the cross support to move toward the side rail and to be securely attached to one of the side rails. This process is repeated for the opposite side of the side rail. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 4-6  illustrate a second embodiment of a conveyor frame assembly. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the reference numerals of  FIGS. 1-3  are utilized for similar parts  103 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , a series of cross supports  104  are spaced along the length of the side rails  106 . The cross supports  104  and the side rails  106  are both extruded aluminum components that have a different cross-sectional shape as compared to the similar components in the first embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , each of the cross supports  104  includes a similar attachment clamp  62  that consists of a pair of attachment jaws.  64 ,  65  and an adjustment member  94  having a threaded shaft  96  and a head  98  including a tool cavity  100 . 
         [0040]    Unlike the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the cross support  104  does not include the enclosed receiving cavities. Instead, both the top and bottom of the cross support  104  are open. The cross support  104  includes spaced support walls  108  that each contact and support the support surface  70  thrilled on the attachment jaws  64 .  65 . The support walls  108  each include an opening  110  that allows the threaded shaft  96  to pass through the pair of spaced support walls  108 . As in the first embodiment, rotation of the adjustment member  94  causes the attachment jaws  64 ,  65  to move toward or away from each other based upon the threaded interaction between the threaded shaft  96  and the threaded attachment openings  88  formed in the attachment jaws  64 . 
         [0041]    Referring back to  FIG. 6 , the side rail  106  includes a contact surface  112  that is defined at one end by the first attachment lip  114  and a second attachment lip  116 . Unlike the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the side rail does not include the continuous attachment slots. Instead, the attachment lips  114 ,  116  are formed as a portion of the side rail that extends outward and is configured to receive the attachment jaws  64 ,  65 . Like the first embodiment described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the second embodiment also allows the cross support  104  to be slid along the length of the side rail  106  and securely attached in a desired location based upon the rotation of the threaded shaft  96  within the pair of spaced attachment jaws  64 . 
         [0042]    As can be understood in the drawing figures, the length of a conveyor can be easily adjusted and modified by adjusting the position of the cross supports  14  along the length of the side rails  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . If the length of the conveyor frame assembly  10  is to be shortened, the user simply loosens the attachment clamps such that the cross supports  14  can be slid along the length of the side rails  12 . If the side rails are to be shortened a significant amount, one or more of the cross supports could be eliminated. 
         [0043]    After the cross supports have been removed, the length of the side rails  12  can be adjusted by cutting the desired portion of the side rail. Once the side rails have taken their final length, the cross supports are slid along the length of the side rails until they are in the desired position. Once in the desired position, the adjustment member is rotated to clamp the first and second ends of the cross support to the side rails in the manner previously described. In accordance with the present disclosure, the conveyor frame assembly can he easily modified and adjusted without the need for drilling any holes into the side frames or without requiring any additional components other than those already included in the cross supports. 
         [0044]    This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.