Abstract:
An idler system for conveyors, the system providing an idler which is released or propelled downwardly away from the conveyor belt, when a pre-determined condition is present, such as the tripping of an idler guard or the presence of a pre-determined amount of pressure on the idler. The idler itself may be releasably attached to a conveyor framework, or it may be provided with an idler bracket which is partially or wholly released with the idler.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/285,628 which was filed on Apr. 23, 2001, titled GUARD ACTUATED QUICK RELEASE IDLER FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR CONVEYORS, naming Robert A. Horne as inventor, and which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to an idler system for conveyors in which the idler is released from or propelled away from the conveyor when a predetermined condition occurs. A predetermined condition may be a predetermined amount of pressure on the idler from something or someone becoming jammed between the idler and the conveyor belt, or a guard or trigger being activated for example. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conveyors have been used for many years, and it has been recognized there is a potential for human hands and other objects to become lodged between an idler and the conveyor belt which is in contact with the idler. In prior art attempts to reduce the propensity for an accident or for a jam condition, idler guards have been placed near the idler and the conveyor belt to prevent or obstruct a hand or other object from getting pinched between the idler and conveyor belt. 
     In prior art which utilizes a guard, there is still a pinch point between the idler and the conveyor belt and potentially a pinch point between the guard and the conveyor belt. Furthermore, persons and objects can still jam between the guard and the idler and then become lodged between the idler and the conveyor belt. 
     It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved idler system for conveyors which, upon a predetermined condition occurring, provides distance between the idler and the conveyor belt. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings. 
     FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a conveyor assembly with an idler applied on the return conveyor belt; 
     FIG. 2 is an elevation view of one embodiment of this invention wherein a releasable bracket retains the return idler against the bottom surface of the conveyor belt and is released when the trigger mechanism is engaged; 
     FIG. 3 is an elevation view of another embodiment of this invention wherein the idler is typically held in place by a support bracket and the idler is released downward when a predetermined pinch condition occurs, or when the trigger or guard mechanism is tripped; 
     FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3 after a predetermined condition has occurred and the bracket and the idler have been released; 
     FIG. 5 is view  5 — 5  from FIG.  3  and illustrates a longitudinal elevation view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 6 is an elevation view of another embodiment of this invention wherein the bracket retaining the idler in its normal position has been released and pivots downward to create a distance between the idler surface and the bottom surface of the conveyor; 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction showing an increase in the pinch distance between the idler surface and the bottom surface of the conveyor belt; 
     FIG. 8 is an elevation view of another embodiment of the invention wherein the idler is mounted to the conveyor framework and released upon a predetermined condition occurring; 
     FIG. 9 is an elevation view of an idler support mechanism utilizing a bracket, once the mechanism has released the idler; 
     FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the invention in which the idler is released and limit switch attached to the framework shuts down the conveyor upon a predetermined condition occurring; 
     FIG. 12 is an elevation view of another embodiment of this invention, showing the return idler and a support or trough idler arrangement for the conveyor belt; 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the invention in which an electric solenoid interconnects the idler bracket with the framework and releases it when a predetermined condition exists; 
     FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 13, after the electric solenoid has disengaged the idler bracket; 
     FIG. 15 is another embodiment of the invention in which the idler is released upon triggering a guard or trigger mechanism; 
     FIG. 16 is yet another embodiment of the invention in which no bracket is required and a predetermined pressure on the idler causes the idler to release from the framework; and 
     FIG. 17 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 16 after a predetermined pressure on the idler has caused the idler to move away from the conveyor belt. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Many of the fastening, connection, manufacturing and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art or science; therefore, they will not be discussed in significant detail. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application or embodiment of any element may already be widely known or used in the art or by persons skilled in the art or science; therefore, each will not be discussed in significant detail. 
     The terms “a”, “an”, and “the” as used in the claims herein are used in conformance with long-standing claim drafting practice and not in a limiting way. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” are not limited to one of such elements, but instead mean “at least one”. 
     There are numerous embodiments of this invention, some which preferably apply or are to be used in connection with return idlers and others which are preferably used with support or trough idlers on a conveyor system, and some both. This invention is not limited to any one particular application of an idler system for a conveyor, but as will be seen and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, it has application in several different applications. 
     Applicant hereby incorporates by reference the priority document, a provisional application, Serial No. 60/285,628 filed Apr. 23, 2001, by inventor Robert A. Horne, which is attached hereto as Appendix A, and which is incorporated herein by this reference. 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a conveyor assembly with idler  104  (a return idler) rotatably mounted about idler axis  105  on idler mount bracket  106 . Idler bracket  103  is mounted to conveyor framework  101 , and conveyor belt  102  is against idler  104 . An object such as a person&#39;s hand  108  may become trapped between conveyor belt  102  and idler  104  as idler rotates in the direction of arrow  107 . 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a system  100  which comprises an embodiment of this invention and shows conveyor framework  101 , conveyor belt  102 , idler bracket  121  mounted to conveyor framework  101 , second or removable idler bracket portion  122  removably attached to first portion or idler bracket framework  121  such that when guard or trigger  124  may be engaged in the direction of arrow  120  by hand  108 , the removable idler bracket portion  122  will be released and the idler  104  along with removable idler bracket portion  122  will drop downward and create additional space between the top of idler  104  and the bottom surface of conveyor belt  102 . 
     The movement of trigger  124  in the direction of arrow  120  mechanically causes pin  119  to move in the direction of the arrow shown, with pin  119  being attached to the linkage more fully shown in other figures, such as FIG. 4 for example. The release of one or both of the areas of support between the first bracket section and the second bracket section, allows the idler  104  to fall away from the conveyor belt  102 . 
     It will be noted that support  123  is attached to idler bracket  121  and is a second point or area of support holding removable idler bracket portion  122  to idler bracket  121 . The other point or area of support for holding removable idler bracket portion  122  to idler bracket  121  is shown in FIG. 4 as an example. When one or both of the areas of support are removed, the removable idler bracket section  122  may drop downward. In one embodiment of the invention, a bias force such as a spring may be placed between the first idler bracket section and the second idler bracket section, to assist in the separation of the two and the speed at which the idler  104  is moved away from the conveyor belt  102 . 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the invention and illustrates another of the many mechanisms which may be utilized to practice this invention. FIG. 3 illustrates idler conveyor system  100 , conveyor framework  101 , idler bracket  103 , conveyor belt  102 , idler  104 , removable idler bracket portion  131  and trigger  124  or guard. The trigger and link mechanism which is activated by trigger  124  is more clearly shown in FIG. 4 on the specific release mechanism, means and ways. FIG. 3 illustrates the idler system for conveyor when the idler is held in its normal operating position and in which the idler  104  is abutting the bottom surface of conveyor belt  102 . 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, only showing the idler and removable idler bracket portion  131  after it has been released from idler bracket  103  and has fallen in the direction of arrow  136 . FIG. 4 illustrates the idler system  100 , conveyor framework  101 , idler bracket  103 , conveyor belt  102  and removable idler bracket portion  131 . Trigger  124  is attached to first link  141  by bolt  140  such that first link  141  rotates with trigger  124  when the trigger or guard is activated. Second link  142  is attached to first link  141  via bolt  143  and when the trigger  124  is activated and first link  141  rotates downward, the second link  142  moves downward at a first end. 
     When the trigger is activated and  124  is moved, engagement surface  144  of first link  141  disengages from engagement surface  146  of idler bracket  103 , thereby removing a point or area of support or engagement for the removable idler bracket portion  131  and also causing it to be preferably pushed downward. The movement of trigger  124  also causes the downward movement of second link  142  on its first side, which thereby causes engagement surface  145  of second link  142  to disengage from the engagement surface  147  of idler bracket  103 . This again removes a point or area of support of removable idler bracket portion  131  and also may preferably serve to push the removable idler bracket portion  131  downward and away from idler bracket  103 . Arrow  135  shows the direction which trigger  124  was pushed or moved to cause the disengagement as shown. 
     FIG. 5 is view  5 — 5  from FIG.  3  and illustrates a front elevation view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.  3 . FIG. 5 shows conveyor framework  101 , idler bracket  103 , conveyor belt  102 , idler  104 , return idler, and idler guard or trigger  124 . 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of an idler system  180  contemplated by this invention, in which a moveable idler support bracket  183  is utilized such that the idler  185  does not completely disengage but instead pivots downward to create additional space between the idler  185  and the conveyor belt which it is normally abutted against. FIG. 6 illustrates idler bracket  182  which may be bolted or otherwise attached to a conveyor framework, engagement/support pin  184 , idler moveable bracket portion  183 , guard or trigger  186 , idler  185 . The second point or area of support for moveable idler bracket portion  183  is engagement area  182   a , which supports engagement surface  311  of link  312  (shown in FIG. 11 for example). The movement or triggering of the guard or trigger  186  causes disengagement from the idler bracket support area  182   a.    
     In situations in which there may be a danger from the idler  186  falling downwardly, or when it is not desirable to allow it to fall, the arrangement shown in FIG. 6 provides for the support of the idler  185  by engagement pin  184  so that it will not fall to the ground or to whatever is below the idler. Other cables, ropes, straps or restraining devices may be used. 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the creation of idler spacing between the bottom surface of the conveyor belt  201  and the top of the outer idler surface  204   b . Distance  205  is the distance created by the triggering of the idler system and creates a predetermined distance to minimize or eliminate the safety hazard or other predetermined condition for which the idler system is in place, and may also be referred to as a pinch distance. The distance  205  will depend on the application and the embodiment of the invention the distance  205  for a particular application. In some situations the distance may be a very small distance and be less than an inch, and in other embodiments or applications the distance may be several feet as the idler will be falling downward. The idler system  200  shown in FIG. 7 also illustrates a second idler  202  which rotates about axis  203 , but which has not been activated by a predetermined condition. 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevation schematic view of an embodiment of this invention and illustrates the dropping of idler  224  from its normal operating position to a lower position, which creates a safety or pinch distance  227  between the top of the outer surface  224   b  and the bottom surface of conveyor belt  222 . Conveyor framework  221  includes idler mount  223  (considered in this embodiment, part of the conveyor framework) and FIG. 8 also shows idler axis  225 . In this embodiment, a separate bracket is not required, but instead the idler is removably mounted to the framework via framework piece or section  223 , which is an idler mount. No additional bracket or mounting is required, and item  223  may be considered part of the framework. 
     An embodiment of the invention which causes the release of the idler  224  as shown in FIG. 8 may be that shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, although others may be possible. Creating the distance between the top of outer idler surface  224   b  and the bottom surface of conveyor belt  222  is a material part or functino, whether the idler is removably mounted directly to the conveyor framework  221  or whether the idler is mounted to an idler support bracket which is released and causes the downward movement of the idler  224  and the creation of safety distance  227  or pinch distance  227 . 
     FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an idler system  250  contemplated by this invention wherein the idler  253  is mounted on removable idler bracket portion  252  which is mounted to idler bracket  251  at engagement pin  257  and engagement surface  258  of idler bracket  251 . The movement of trigger/guard  255  causes the movement of linkage as reflected by engagement pin  254 , and the linkage then disengages from engagement surface  258  of idler bracket  251 , thereby releasing the first engagement point or area of removable idler bracket portion  252 . The removal of the first engagement point then causes the removable idler bracket portion  252  to rotate downward at the trigger side and the rotation then causes engagement surface  256  to become disengaged from engagement pin  257  and the idler falls downwardly. 
     It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that this embodiment further contemplates the insertion or addition of bias and/or spring mechanisms between the two respective bracket portions to accelerate the movement of idler  253  away from the conveyor, i.e. to increase the pinch distance. 
     FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of this invention of an idler system  270  contemplated by this invention, showing conveyor belt  271 , idler  272 , trigger  273 , idler bracket  274  and guard mount bracket  276 . Please note that the idler  272  need not be mounted symmetrically within the conveyor framework but instead may be offset to allow for the mechanisms of the idler system to be located there-between. 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of this invention showing an idler system  300  in which a limit switch  313  is included in the idler system  300  and which is operatively connected to the conveyor such that when idler  304  drops away, the limit switch is activated and the conveyor is shut down. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates limit switch  313  attached to idler bracket  301  via attachment fastener  314 , a strap in this case. Limit switches and their connection to the operation of the conveyor are known in the art and will not therefore be described in greater detail here. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates the movement of guard  305  in the direction of arrow  306  which via square bolt  310  rotates first link  312  such that the engagement surface  311  of first link  312  disengages from the first engagement surface  315  of idler bracket  301 . Second link  309  is pivotally connected to first link  312  as shown, and the engagement surface  307  of second link  309  disengages from engagement surface  308  from second engagement surface  308  of idler bracket  301  when guard  305  is moved in the direction of arrow  306 . The movement of the mechanism as shown removes the engagement or support surface such that removable idler bracket portion  302  is no longer supported and drops downwardly to create an increased distance between a bottom surface of a conveyor belt and a top of the outer surface of idler  304 . 
     FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a section of an exemplary conveyor system  330 , illustrating return idler  334 , trough idlers  332  or support idlers, conveyor belt  331 , conveyor framework sections  333  and  335 , and idler mount bracket  336 . It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that each of the idlers shown herein, whether they are a support idler or return idler, may be provided with the idler system disclosed by this invention. Each of the support idlers  332  are rotatably mounted to the conveyor framework and the nature and type of a conveyor for which this idler system may be used is not limited to this or any others shown herein but may be applied to any conveyor systems. 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of this invention, showing an idler system  350  with idler  351  being mounted to conveyor framework  356  via idler bracket  354 . Idler bracket  354  is supported and operatively attached to conveyor framework  356  as shown, wherein support  357  provides a first point of engagement or support between idler bracket  354  and conveyor framework  356 . The second point of engagement or support is the solenoid shown, which has a first solenoid portion  352  which is attached to conveyor framework  356  and a second solenoid portion  358  which is attached to idler bracket  354 . The interconnection  353  of the solenoid configuration shown provides the points of support or engagement when the idler  351  is in its normal operating position. When a predetermined condition arises which is desirable to resolve by the movement of the idler  351  away from a bottom surface of conveyor belt  355 , then solenoid will operate and the item  353  retracts into either first solenoid portion  352  or second solenoid portion  358  to remove the points of support or engagement between the two and the second point of engagement is removed. Once this point of support or engagement is removed, bracket  354  falls downwardly on the solenoid side, thereby rotating the bracket and causing the first point of engagement to likewise allow the idler  351  to fall downwardly and become disengaged, as shown more fully in FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 14 illustrates conveyor framework  356 , first solenoid portion  352 , second solenoid portion  358 , idler  351 , point or area of engagement  357  and idler bracket  354 . The solenoid may be electric. The movement shown in FIG. 14 will create distance between a top of the outer surface of idler  351  and a lower surface of conveyor belt  355  (shown in FIG.  13 ). This illustrates another means, an electromechanical means, to provide another embodiment of an idler system contemplated by the invention disclosed herein. 
     It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disengagement mechanism or trigger may by any one of a number of different types which are know in the art, such as a electric eye  358  (electronically connected to the solenoid), or a motion detector direct to the pinch area, such that the detection of an object in an area such as the pinch area, would trigger or initiate the disengagement of the idler. 
     FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of a mechanism which may be utilized to increase the distance between an idler and the bottom surface of a conveyor belt. FIG. 15 illustrates an idler system  380  with fixed idler bracket  381 , removable idler bracket  382 , guard  385  or trigger, arrow  386  representing the direction of movement of trigger, square bolt  389  providing a connecting point between guard  385  and engagement member  388 , and point or area of engagement  384  of removable idler bracket  382  and area of engagement  383  for fixed idler bracket  381 . Engagement element  388  moves in the direction of arrow  387  and thereby disengages with engagement pin  379  to remove a first point of engagement between removable idler bracket  382  and fixed idler bracket  381 . Once this first point of engagement is removed, the removable idler bracket portion  382  rotates downwardly in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 15, and area of engagement  384  disengages from area of engagement  383  of fixed idler bracket portion  381 . The idler (not shown) in FIG. 15 would be mounted to removable idler bracket portion  382  and drop when guard  385  is rotated in the direction of arrow  386 . 
     FIG. 16 is a front elevation and cutaway view of yet another embodiment contemplated by this invention, showing an embodiment in which pressure applied to the idler causes the idler to become disengaged from the conveyor framework. The idler system  400  illustrated in FIG. 16 shows pressure applied in the direction of arrow  408  to idler  401 . Idler  401  is shown mounted to idler mount  403  on conveyor framework  402  via mount peg  404 . Mount peg  404  is bias mounted within peg aperture  410  in idler  401 , and the pressure imposed by spring  406  on mount peg  404  holds mount peg within an aperture or indent in idler mount  403 , thereby holding the idler  401  in its normal position during operation. Once the pressure indicated by arrow  408  reaches a predetermined level, the downward force will cause the force of spring  406  to be overcome by the inward force indicated by arrow  405  on mount peg  404  and thereby move idler  401  downward in the direction of arrow  411 . The movement of a first side of idler  401  downward will thereby cause the idler to be disengaged from the idler mount  403  and conveyor framework  402  and thereby increase the distance between a bottom surface of a conveyor belt and a top of idler outer surface  401 . This increase in distance will increase the safety and the idler  401  may be allowed to drop to the ground or a lower level, or it may by suspended by cable or other suspending device to prevent it from dropping downwardly when that is a design or safety concern. 
     FIG. 17 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 16 after a predetermined pressure on the idler has caused the idler to move away from the conveyor belt. FIG. 17 the idler system  400  illustrated in FIG.  16  and shows pressure or force applied in the direction of arrow  408  to idler  401 . Idler  401  is shown forced or moved away from idler mount  403  on conveyor framework  402  via mount peg  404 . Mount peg  404  is bias mounted within peg aperture  410  in idler  401 , and the pressure imposed by spring  406  on mount peg  404  holds mount peg within an aperture or indent in idler mount  403 , thereby holding the idler  401  in its normal position during operation. Once the pressure indicated by arrow  408  reaches a predetermined level, the downward force will cause the force of spring  406  to be overcome by the inward force indicated by arrow  405  on mount peg  404  and thereby move idler  401  downward in the direction of arrow  411 , as shown in FIG.  17 . The movement of a first side of idler  401  downward will thereby cause the idler to be disengaged from the idler mount  403  and conveyor framework  402  and thereby increase the distance between a bottom surface of a conveyor belt and a top of idler outer surface  401 . This increase in distance will increase the safety and the idler  401  may be allowed to drop to the ground or a lower level, or it may by suspended by cable or other suspending device to prevent it from dropping downwardly when that is a design or safety concern. 
     As will be appreciated by those of reasonable skill in the art, there are numerous embodiments to this invention, and variations of elements and components which may be used, all within the scope of this invention. 
     One embodiment of this invention, for example, is a conveyor apparatus comprising: a conveyor framework; an idler rotatably and releasably mounted to the conveyor framework via a quick release means which dismounts the idler in response to a pre-determined condition. Further embodiments of the foregoing may be: further wherein the idler is rotatably mounted directly to the conveyor framework; further wherein the idler is rotatably mounted to the conveyor framework at two engagement areas; wherein the predetermined condition is a force of a pre-determined magnitude applied to the idler; wherein the predetermined condition is a detection of an object near the idler; and/or wherein the predetermined condition is movement of an idler guard. 
     A still further embodiment of the above reference system may be one which further comprises an idler support means to which the idler is rotatably mounted, the idler support means being configured to releasably attach to the conveyor framework, and to detach in response to a predetermined condition; or further wherein the quick release means is an electric connecting solenoid with a first side attached to the conveyor framework, a second side integral with the idler and an interconnecting link removably attaching the first side and the second side of the connecting solenoid. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a conveyor apparatus is provided, which comprises: a conveyor framework; an idler rotatably mounted to the conveyor framework and supported at two engagement areas by the conveyor framework; and a disengagement trigger mounted to the conveyor framework and operatively attached to at least one of the two engagement areas and disposed to disengage at least one of the two engagement areas when a pre-determined condition occurs. Further embodiments of the foregoing may be: further wherein the idler is rotatably mounted directly to the conveyor framework; further wherein the predetermined condition is a force of a pre-determined magnitude applied to the idler; wherein the predetermined condition is a detection of an object near the idler; and/or wherein the predetermined condition is movement of an idler guard. 
     A still further embodiment of the above reference system may be one which further: wherein the disengagement trigger is an idler guard operatively attached to at least one of the two engagement areas and disposed to disengage at least one of the two engagement areas when moved; and/or wherein the disengagement trigger is an electric connecting solenoid with a first side attached to the conveyor framework, a second side integral with the idler and an interconnecting link removably attaching the first side and the second side of the connecting solenoid. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, an idler system for conveyors is provided, which comprises: a idler bracket with a first bracket section and a second bracket section, the first bracket section configured to attach to a conveyor framework; an idler rotatably mounted to the second bracket section; and wherein the second bracket section is supported by the first bracket section at a first support area and a second support area, and wherein at least one of the first support area and the second support area are disengageable to allow the second bracket section to move away from the first. 
     In a further embodiment from the one recited in the preceding paragraph, such a system may further: comprise a spring between the first bracket section and the second bracket section, the spring configured to force the second bracket section away from the first bracket section when at least one of the first support area and the second support area are disengaged; and/or further comprise a disengagement trigger operatively attached to at least one of the two support areas and disposed to disengage at least one of the two support areas. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, an idler system for mounting to a conveyor framework is provided, the idler system comprising: an idler body with an outer surface and rotatably mounted on an idler axis, wherein the idler axis is configured for mounting to a conveyor framework; an idler disengagement system which disengages the idler from the conveyor framework upon a predetermined condition occurring. A further embodiment of the preceding embodiment may be further wherein the idler disengagement system includes a bias idler axis member against a corresponding fixed idler support on the conveyor framework; and/or further wherein the predetermined condition is movement of a disengagement trigger; and/or further wherein the predetermined condition is a sensing of an object near the idler. 
     Another embodiment of the invention, a method embodimnet, may be a method for providing a conveyor idler disengagement system, comprising the following: providing an idler configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis; mounting the idler to a conveyor framework to interact with a conveyor belt, the idler being mounted at a first support section and a second support section, the second support section being configured to disengage upon the occurrence of a pre-determined condition; disengaging the second support section upon the occurrence of the pre-determined condition; and thereby causing the idler to move away from the conveyor belt. A further embodiment of this may be wherein the system further comprises providing an idler guard operative connected to the second support section such that the movement of the idler guard disengages the second support section. 
     In another method embodiment of the invention, a method for providing a conveyor idler disengagement system is provided, comprising the following: providing an idler bracket with a first bracket section and a second bracket section, the second bracket having an idler rotatably mounted thereto; attaching the first bracket section to a conveyor framework; detachably mounting the second bracket section to the first bracket section at wherein the second bracket section is supported by the first bracket section at a first support area and a second support area, and wherein at least one of the first support area and the second support area are disengageable to remove an area of support of the second bracket; and providing a disengagement trigger disposed to remove an area of support of the second bracket, which allows the idler to move away from the first support bracket portion. A further embodiment of this may be further wherein the disengagement trigger is an idler guard movably mounted to also act as a disengagement trigger. 
     In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proer scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.