Modular chute for the transport of articles

An improved modular chute comprising a stanchion comprising a plurality of rib connection points; a plurality of rib assemblies extending from the stanchion, each of the rib assemblies comprising at least a first rib, a second rib, and a tie rod connecting the first rib to the second rib; and a lining disposed within one or more of the rib assemblies, wherein the lining comprises a plurality of lining sections.

BACKGROUND

Chutes are well-known devices for the transport of articles from a first location to another location. Commonly, articles in the chute move from an upper location to a lower location by sliding down the chute via the force of gravity. Some chutes may also provide for mechanical or human assistance in applying the necessary force to transport articles down the chute. It is further common for spiral type chutes to rotate downwardly to a selected rotational degree.

Chutes known to the art are commonly constructed of metal, fiberglass, wood, polymer, or any combination thereof. However, chutes known to the art suffer a number of disadvantages. Fiberglass and polymer chutes often must be created from molds. Such molds are expensive and can only be used to create exact duplicates of the mold. Additionally, molds cannot be readily adapted to accommodate desired changes in the chute structure.

Metal chutes are typically constructed from steel components that must be prefabricated by welding each component together. When a component fails or is damaged, repairs are expensive and time consuming. Repairs commonly require cutting or removal of one or more of the components. In many cases, the entire chute must be removed to make repairs. The chute must also be re-welded after repairs are finished. While metal chutes may often accommodate heavier articles, such chutes are often heavy and, therefore, expensive and difficult to install, remove, or modify in any manner. Further, prefabricated metal chutes are difficult and expensive to ship to a desired location.

It would be advantageous for an improved chute to be readily assembled and disassembled for timely and cost-efficient transportation and installation of the chute. It would also be advantageous for the chute to be readily repairable and to accommodate easy replacement of any portion or component of the chute. Further, it would be advantageous for an improved chute to be readily adaptable to a desired size, slope, and rotational degree.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to an improved modular chute for the transportation of articles. Embodiments of the present invention offer greater modularity and will provide substantially cheaper and faster assembly, disassembly, repairs, and modification than devices known to the prior art.

Generally, embodiments of the present invention comprise a modular chute for the transportation of articles from a first location to a desired second location. The modular chute generally comprises a stanchion comprising a plurality of rib connection points; a plurality of rib assemblies extending from the stanchion, each of the rib assemblies comprising at least a first rib, a second rib, and a tie rod connecting the first rib to the second rib; and a lining disposed within one or more of the rib assemblies, wherein the lining comprises a plurality of lining sections. Further, each of the ribs generally comprises a first end portion comprising a tie rod mounting point and a second end portion comprising a connection member.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention generally comprise a modular chute for the transportation of articles from a first location to a desired second location wherein the modular chute comprises an infeed mounting portion and a discharge mounting portion to provide structural support to the chute. The modular chute generally comprises a plurality of rib assemblies disposed between the infeed mounting portion and the discharge mounting portion, each of the rib assemblies comprising at least a first rib, a second rib, and a tie rod connecting the first rib to the second rib; a lining disposed within one or more of the rib assemblies, wherein the lining comprises a plurality of lining sections; and an inner radius guard and an inner radius support, wherein the inner radius support comprises a plurality of support sections and the inner radius guard comprises a plurality of guard sections. Each of the ribs generally comprises a first end portion comprising a tie rod mounting point and a second end portion comprising a connection member. Further, each of the support sections is removably coupled to at least one connection member, and each of the guard sections is removably coupled to at least one of the support sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved modular chute for the transportation of articles. The chute may be used to transport such articles from a first location to a desired second location. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first location is positioned at a selected height above the desired second location and the chute extends from the selected first location to the desired second location. The present invention provides a number of advantages compared to devices known to the prior art. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a chute that is readily assembled and disassembled for timely and cost-efficient shipping and installation of the chute. The chute is also readily repairable and can accommodate easy replacement of any portion or component of the chute. Further, embodiments of the present invention provide an improved modular chute that is readily adaptable to a desired size, slope, shape, and rotational degree.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a modular chute comprising a stanchion1and a plurality of rib assemblies5extending outwardly from the stanchion1. The stanchion1comprises a plurality of rib connection points3, by which the rib assemblies5are removably connectable to the stanchion1. Each of the rib assemblies5comprises at least a first rib7, a second rib9, and a tie rod11, and the tie rod11connects the first rib7to the second rib9. Preferred embodiments further comprise a lining21disposed within one or more of the rib assemblies5, wherein the lining21comprises a plurality of lining sections23.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the stanchion1of the present invention may comprise a number of selected shapes, sizes, and materials suitable to support the plurality of rib assemblies5. In a preferred embodiment, the stanchion1is tubular and substantially comprises ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. In alternative embodiments, the stanchion1may be cylindrical or polygonal. In further alternative embodiment, the stanchion1may comprise other desired polymers or plastics, fiberglass, wood, or metals such as steel or aluminum. The stanchion1preferably extends vertically at least as high as a selected first location where articles may be inserted into the chute and further extends at least as low as a desired second location where articles may be discharged from the chute. In alternative embodiments, the stanchion1further comprises a base portion. The base portion may optionally comprise a base support member extending outwardly from the base portion and providing structural support and stability to the stanchion1. In alternative embodiments, the base portion comprises a plurality of base support members extending outwardly from the base portion and providing additional structural support and stability to the stanchion1.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of rib connection points3comprise apertures35in the stanchion1. The apertures35optionally comprise a slot in which a portion of the ribs may be removably inserted. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, apertures35may be formed in the stanchion1in a number of ways. Preferably, the apertures35are formed by laser cutting. Alternatively, the apertures35may be formed by hand drilling or hand cutting.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the ribs comprises a first end portion13comprising a tie rod mounting point and a second end portion17comprising a connection member19. The tie rods11are removably coupled to each of the first rib7and the second rib9at the tie rod mounting points15. In preferred embodiments, the tie rod mounting points15are located at a distal end of the rib first end portions13. In alternative embodiments, the tie rod mounting points15may be located at any selected location on the rib first end portions13. In further alternative embodiments, the rib second end portions17may also comprise tie rod mounting points15at any selected location. Additional tie rods11may be used in certain embodiments to removably couple rib second end portions17at the tie rod mounting points15. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the tie rods11may be coupled to the tie rod mounting points15by any suitable mechanical means. In preferred embodiments, the tie rods11are coupled to the tie rod mounting points15by brackets and self-tapping screws. In alternative embodiments, the tie rods11may be coupled to the tie rod mounting points15by screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof. The ribs may comprise any size, shape, and material suitable to support the structure of the chute. In a preferred embodiment, the ribs are tubular and substantially comprise ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. In alternative embodiments, the ribs may be cylindrical or polygonal in shape and may optionally comprise such suitable materials as other desired polymers or plastics, wood, fiberglass, or metals such as steel or aluminum.

In preferred embodiments, the rib connection members19comprise an inner end31and an outer end. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the connection members19may comprise a number of selected shapes, sizes, and materials. In a preferred embodiment, the connection members19comprise a vertical panel disposed over the rib second portions and, further, substantially comprise ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. In alternative embodiments, the connection members19may optionally comprise such suitable materials as other selected polymers or plastics, wood, fiberglass, or metals such as steel or aluminum. The inner ends31may be removably inserted into and secured to the apertures35in the stanchion1. Optionally, the inner ends31may further comprise a flange member that is removably inserted into a corresponding slot in the stanchion1. In certain embodiments, the outer ends33provide support to the lining21when it is disposed within one or more of the rib assemblies5.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the ribs extend outwardly from the stanchion1at a length and configuration suitable to support the full width and height of the lining21. In alternative embodiments, the ribs may support only a selected portion of the lining21. In preferred embodiments, the rib first end portions13extend substantially vertically to accommodate upwardly bent or curved lining sections23. Likewise, the rib second portions extend substantially horizontally to support the bottom surface of the lining21. In alternative embodiments, the rib first end portions13may extend substantially horizontally to accommodate uniplanar or substantially horizontal lining sections23.

In a preferred embodiment, the rib assemblies5are arranged downwardly in a helical manner to support a helical chute that rotates downwardly around the stanchion1to a selected rotational degree. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any rotational degree may be selected for the helically arranged rib assemblies5and helical chute to accommodate for the displacement between an article's first location and selected second location. In a preferred embodiment, the ribs and chute rotate approximately 90 degrees around the stanchion1. In alternative embodiments, the ribs and chute rotate at any selected degree around the stanchion1. By way of non-limiting example only, the ribs and chute may rotate around the stanchion1to a total of approximately 30 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, approximately 180 degrees, approximately 270 degrees, or approximately 360 degrees. Optionally, the ribs and chute may rotate around the stanchion1to a total of greater than 360 degrees. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any rotational degree may be selected that is suitable to accommodate a selected size and shape of the chute.

In certain embodiments, the chute optionally comprises a substantially straight linear chute that rotates approximately zero degrees or slightly greater than zero degrees around the stanchion1. In further additional embodiments, the chute may comprise a helical chute, a linear chute, a u-shaped chute, a v-shaped chute, an outwardly flared chute, a winged chute, an angled chute, or any desired combination thereof. A number of sizes and shapes may be selected for the chute by providing rib assemblies5arranged in a manner to support the desired size and shape of the chute.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the chute further comprises an inner radius guard47arranged around the stanchion1and corresponding to the rib assemblies5and chute lining21. The inner radius guard47comprises a plurality of guard sections49. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the guard sections49may comprise a number of selected shapes, sizes, and materials. In a preferred embodiment, the guard sections49are substantially rectangular in shape and substantially comprise ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. The ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene of preferred guard sections49comprises DuraSurf™ Silicon Treated Surface. In alternative embodiments, the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene of guard sections49comprises Tivar® 1000 ESD, Tivar® Dry Slide, SIMONA® Low Friction PE, or King Hy-Pact®. In further alternative embodiments, the guard sections49may comprise such suitable materials as other selected polymers or plastics, wood, fiberglass, or metals such as steel or aluminum.

Each of the guard sections49is removably coupled to at least one of the connection member outer ends33. Further, each of the plurality of lining sections23is removably coupled to at least one of the guard sections49. In certain embodiments, the guard sections49may comprise an opening, such as a slot. The lining sections23may further comprise a flange member that is removably inserted into the guard section opening. Preferably, the guard sections49are removably coupled to the connection member outer ends33by at least a hinge member. In alternative embodiments, the guard sections49may be removably coupled to the connection member outer ends33by a plurality of hinge members51. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the hinge members51may be removably coupled to the guard section by any suitable mechanical means. In preferred embodiments, the hinge members51are removably coupled to the guard section by screws. In alternative embodiments, the hinge members51are removably coupled to the guard section by screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof. Connecting the guard sections49to the connection member outer ends33with hinge members51allows for adjustments in the selected total degree of rotation for the inner radius guard47and the corresponding lining sections23, thus providing a chute that is readily adaptable to a desired size and shape. In alternative embodiments, the guard sections49are removably coupled to the connection member outer ends33by a hinge, bracket, strap, screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, or any combination thereof.

In alternative embodiments, the modular chute of the present invention is not supported by a stanchion1. Such alternative embodiments comprise an infeed mounting portion53and a discharge mounting portion55to provide structural support to the chute. Optionally, embodiments may comprise one or more stanchions for structural support, in addition to an infeed mounting portion53and a discharge mounting portion55. The infeed mounting portion53is removably coupled to an infeed unit61, such as a conveying surface, which is used to feed articles into the chute for transportation. The discharge mounting portion55is removably coupled to a discharge unit63, such as a conveying surface, table, or bin, which is the desired discharge location for articles exiting the chute. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the infeed mounting portion53may be removably coupled to the infeed unit61by any suitable mechanical means, such as by screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof. Likewise, the discharge mounting portion55may be removably coupled to the discharge unit63by any such suitable mechanical means. When assembled, the chute is structurally supported by both the infeed unit61and the discharge unit63.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention further comprise the inner radius guard47removably coupled to an inner radius support57, which provides additional structural support to the chute. In order to structurally support the chute, the inner radius support57is removably coupled to the infeed mounting portion53at the inner radius upper end and further removably coupled to the discharge mounting portion55at the inner radius lower end. The inner radius support57comprises a plurality of support sections59corresponding to the plurality of guard sections49. Further, each of the support sections59is removably coupled to at least one rib connection member19, and each of the guard sections49is removably coupled to at least one of the support sections59. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the guard sections49may be removably coupled to the support sections59by any suitable mechanical means, such as by screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof.

In alternative embodiments, the support sections59are removably coupled to the rib connection members19by at least a hinge member. Optionally, the support sections59may be removably coupled to the connection members19by a plurality of hinge members51. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the hinge members51may be removably coupled to the support section by any suitable mechanical means. In preferred embodiments, the hinge members51are removably coupled to the support section by screws. In alternative embodiments, the hinge members51are removably coupled to the support section by screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof. Connecting the support sections59to the connection members19with hinge members51allows for adjustments in the selected total degree of rotation for the inner radius support57and the corresponding inner radius guard47, as well as the corresponding lining sections23, thus providing a chute that is readily adaptable to a desired size and shape. Optionally, the support sections59are removably coupled to the connection members19by a hinge, bracket, strap, screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, or any combination thereof.

In further alternative embodiments, the support sections59are coupled to each other by at least a hinge member, further allowing for adjustments in the selected total degree of rotation for the inner radius support57and corresponding inner radius guard47, thus providing a chute that is readily adaptable to a desired size and shape. In such embodiments, the rib connection points3may be removably coupled to the hinge members51by any suitable mechanical means, such as by screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the support members25may comprise apertures35or slots, into which the rib connection members19may be removably inserted. Such embodiments may optionally further comprise a locking member, such as a pin, to secure the rib connection members19to the support members25.

The support sections59may comprise a number of selected shapes, sizes, and materials. In certain embodiment, the support sections59are substantially rectangular in shape and substantially comprise ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Preferably, the support sections59are substantially the same size and shape as the corresponding guard sections49. The ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene of preferred support sections59comprises DuraSurf™ Silicon Treated Surface. In other embodiments, the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene of support sections59comprises Tivar® 1000 ESD, Tivar® Dry Slide, SIMONA® Low Friction PE, or King Hy-Pact®. In further alternative embodiments, the support sections59may comprise such suitable materials as other selected polymers or plastics, wood, fiberglass, or metals such as steel or aluminum.

In preferred embodiments, each of the lining sections23comprises an inner edge, an outer edge, an upper edge, and a lower edge. Each of these edges defines a shape for each lining section. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the lining sections23may comprise a number of selected shapes, sizes, and materials. In a preferred embodiment, the lining sections23substantially comprise ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. The ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene of preferred lining sections23comprises DuraSurf™ Silicon Treated Surface. In alternative embodiments, the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene of lining sections23comprises Tivar® 1000 ESD, Tivar® Dry Slide, SIMONA® Low Friction PE, or King Hy-Pact®. Further, in preferred embodiments, the shape defined by the lining section edges is trapezoidal, whereby the inner edge37is substantially equidistant from the outer edge39and the upper edge41and the lower edge43diverge from each other in a direction from the inner edge37to the outer edge. In alternative embodiments, shape defined by the lining section edges may comprise any number of selected sizes and shapes suitable to form the chute lining21such as circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, or any selected polygonal shape.

In preferred embodiments, each of the lining section inner edges37extends substantially horizontally from at least one of the guard sections49. Further, each of the outer edges39extends substantially vertically, thereby forming an outer radius wall45. Alternatively, the outer edges39may extend upwardly at any selected angle. In further alternative embodiments, the outer edges39may extend substantially horizontally to provide uniplanar or substantially horizontal lining sections23. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the outer radius wall45and the inner radius guard47decrease the risk of an article falling off either side of the chute as it is being transported down the chute.

Except for the uppermost lining section, each of the lining section upper edges41is disposed under and removably coupled to an adjacent lining section's lower edge. This configuration of lining sections23accommodates a downward slope for any selected size and shape of chute as described herein. In certain embodiments, the upper edge41of the uppermost lining section further comprises a lip portion. The lip portion may comprise any selected size and shape suitable to facilitate the insertion of articles into the chute. In preferred embodiments, the lip portion corresponds to a conveying surface, wherein the conveying surface inserts articles into the chute via the lip portion. In alternative embodiments, the lip portion may facilitate the insertion of articles into the chute by hand or by any other selected suitable mechanical means.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the lining sections23may be removably coupled by any suitable mechanical means. In preferred embodiments, the lining section upper edges41and lower edges43are removably coupled by a strap coupled to any selected rib portion and further coupled to both lining section edges by a self-tapping screw. In alternative embodiments, the lining section upper edges41and lower edges43may be removably coupled by screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof. Further, the downward slope of the lining sections23may be adjusted by altering the rib assemblies5, whereby a greater height displacement between the first rib7and the second rib9of each rib assembly results in a steeper slope for the lining21. The displacement of the rib assemblies5may be readily adjusted by moving the rib connection points3to any desired heights on the stanchion1. Any desired downward slope between zero and ninety degrees may be selected for the chute lining21. By way of non-limiting example only, a selected lining21slope may be approximately 15 degrees, approximately 30 degrees, or approximately 45 degrees. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a steeper lining21slope would result in faster transportation of an article down the chute, whereas a shallower lining21slope would result in slower transportation of an article down the chute.

In certain embodiments, the chute further comprises a support member25that connects the rib first end portions13to the second end portions17. The support member25may comprise a number of mechanical connection means, such as screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, brackets, straps, and the like. Optionally, the support member25further comprises at least a first guidewire receiving member27, such as a hook or a loop. An embodiment of the present invention may comprise a support wire29attached to each of the first guidewire receiving members27. Preferably, the support wire29is arranged along the entire length of the chute lining21and tightened to provide additional structural support and stability to the chute. In alternative embodiments, the support wire29may be arranged along any selected length of the chute lining21and tightened to provide additional structural support and stability to the chute. In further alternative embodiments, the chute may comprise a plurality of guidewire receiving members27on the ribs and further comprise a support wire29attached to each of the plurality of guidewire receiving members27. Each of the support wires29may optionally be arranged along the entire length of the chute lining21or arranged along any selected length of the chute lining21, as desired to provide additional structural support and stability to the chute. Preferably, support wires29comprise steel cables. Alternatively, support wires29may comprise ropes, cords, or cables, or any combination thereof, comprising steel, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or fibrous materials that are suitable to provide additional structural support and stability to the chute.

In use, embodiments of the present invention are readily adaptable for the transportation of a variety of sizes and shapes articles. The chute may is used to transport such articles from a first location to a desired second location, wherein the first location is positioned at a height above the desired second location. The speed with which the articles are transported may vary by altering the slope of the chute lining21as described herein. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a chute that is readily assembled and disassembled for timely and cost-efficient shipping and installation of the chute. Each of the ribs, lining sections23, guard sections49, and tie rods11may be readily disassembled and assembled. As such, in use, the entire chute may be transported and shipped completely disassembled. The complete chute may then be readily assembled at the desired destination in any number of sizes and configurations. The chute is readily modifiable to any number of selected sizes and shapes by adding, removing, or adjusting components, as described herein, such as ribs, lining sections23, guard sections49, and guidewires. Additionally, the chute is readily repairable and can accommodate easy replacement of any portion of the chute, such as the stanchion1, ribs, lining sections23, guard sections49, tie rods11, and guidewires. Further, in use, embodiments of the present invention provide a modular chute that is readily adaptable to a desired overall size and readily configured to any desired shape and rotational degree, as described herein.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example, materials, shapes, sized, or configurations other than those described in detail herein may be used for the versions of this invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions described herein.